The Connection Magazine - November/December 2021

the

connection

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages November-December 2021 No. 152

magazine

ISLAND BREAKS

Where to get winter sun

GIFTS FOR BOOK LOVERS COMPETITION

Win a Heart of England Farms Christmas Cockerel

PLUS

Alcester Town Council Bidford Parish Council Neighbourhood Watch Community updates WEB DESIGN & DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY www.onefoursix.co.uk

Retired Inspired Ready for life’s greatest reward?

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Visit safely today!

Call 01789 867 233 or visit greatalnepark.co.uk

Independent Optometrist friendly personal service Call to book an appointment on 01789 549409

See the Wonders of Winter

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Our 100% vegan products for men and women are packed with essential botanical oils, giving beautiful results.

Gift ideas & vouchers available in store, online, or click and collect.

Wishing you peace on Earth h this Christmas Appointments & Opening Times:

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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

Can anyone explain where on earth 2021 has disappeared to please? It can’t possibly be the impact of a global pandemic 01789 763060 that has made it speed by, because I distinctly recall how 01789 763293 slowly the homeschooling months dragged. I’m not entirely 01789 773372 comfortable with the imminence of Christmas time. Yet here we are, on the cusp of another season of festivity, with 111 November’s own events too.

116 123 It has been such a delight, this past month, to welcome back a steadier stream of emails confirming that many local community groups and societies are back to meeting in 01527 503030 person. Our community pages (40 & 42) have details of some 01789 205831 fantastic groups you could join if you’re looking to explore 01926 495321 new hobbies and interests.

I’ve said it before... Alcester and Bidford really do excel at bringing their communities together at this time of year.

Remembrance Sunday falls on 14th November this year and 999 or 112 01789 444816 churches across the area will be offering services to honour the sacrifice made by service men and women to protect and 08008 00151 defend our freedoms.

08004 04090 The end of November sees the return of Bidford Christmas 08001 11999 Lights ‘switch on’. Details can be found on page 39. It’s always a great start to advent and a fantastic way of supporting the local businesses that provide refreshments to revellers.

0300 555 8171 Many of us have begun our Christmas shopping already, with 01789 773239 stock shortages in mind. If you’ve a book worm to buy for, 0844 855 2322 there’s some great ideas for purchases on page 8. For those 07771 616189 wanting to splash out, why not treat your loved one to some 01789 766750 time in the sun. If anyone would like to direct my husband’s 01789 762450 attention to the travel article on pages 32-33, I would be most grateful!

01789 766200 01789 270744 For the carnivores among you, we have a gorgeous roast beef 01386 871777 recipe for you this edition (p. 10) and our competition to win a 5kg cockerel from Heart of England Farms may also be of 01789 262889 interest (p.46).

Football fans flick through to ‘Back of the Net’ on page 30 for your latest opinion on the beautiful (or not so, sometimes) 01789 762285 game.

01789 762494 We’ll next drop on your doormat at the start of January, so we 01789 762888 hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Until 2022!

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Amy

January/February Copy Deadline: Monday 6th December

Facebook.com/theconnectionmag Twitter.com/connection_mag Connection circulation: 11,300 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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Sudoku

(answers on page 42)

Each row, column & 3x3 box must contain the numbers 1 to 9

Easy grid

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Not so easy grid

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YEW TREE FARM COURTYARD SHOPPING

A stylish a and contemporary shopping village made up of sixteen beautiful utiful barns and coffee shop in a courtyard setting, offering a wide range a e of unique quality products from around the world.

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WEST MERCIA POLICE BRASS BAND PLAYING IN THE COURTYARD ON SATURDAY 4TH DEC 11AM TO 2PM. The Garden Furniture Centre Garden & Conservatory Furniture 01564 793652 Sims Vintage Antiques Centre Collectables, Antiques and Vintage 01564 898200 Giftivity Home Accessories & Gifts 01564 793030 Le Grenier English and French Antique Furniture 01564 795401

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Books make great presents, especially when you can borrow them back in January…

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon – James Norbury Fans of The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse, and other illustrated books will love this new offering by James Norbury. Each of the handdrawn illustrations is accompanied by a short conversation between a panda and a dragon, offering words of wisdom we can all learn from. A book to treasure and to dip into time and time again.

Freckles – Cecilia Ahern Allegra has made a life for herself in Dublin, working as a trafc warden with a sideline as an artist’s model. She enjoys the routine and the rules, but she’s in Dublin for a reason and needs to pluck up the courage to see her mission through. A chance encounter with an angry driver makes Allegra re-evaluate her life and gives her a new purpose. A light-hearted, humorous tale with some darker undertones, Freckles is sure to appeal to a range of readers.

The Exiles – Christina Baker Kline Buying for a fan of historical ction? Exiles is a solid choice. Several characters’ lives become entwined when pregnant Evangeline is sentenced to hard labour in Australia in 1840. On the ship, she meets teenage Hazel. Meanwhile, Mathinna is faced with losing her family and indigenous community when the governor and his wife decide she needs ‘rening’. A rich, multi-layered story with some shocking plot twists, The Exiles is the perfect book for curling up with on Boxing Day. All In – Billy Jean King Former tennis pro Billy Jean King famously defeated Bobby Riggs in what would become known as the ‘Battle of the Sexes’. Since then, King has fought many more battles, from striving to be taken seriously as a female athlete to campaigning for LGBTQ+ rights. Her long-awaited autobiography also reveals the more personal challenges King has overcome, from an eating disorder to near-bankruptcy. A must for tennis fans and autobiography lovers.

Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Shelf Love – Yotam Ottolenghi and Noor Murad If you’re buying for someone who loves poring over recipe books, you can’t go wrong with Ottolenghi. For his latest book, Ottolenghi has partnered with head chef Noor Murad. The result is a book packed with recipes to help home cooks to impress with less stress. The recipes are also adaptable, so the reader can bring their own twist to a dish or use up leftovers. Just make sure the person you’re buying for promises to make you the Upside-Down Lemon, Maple and Vanilla Pudding…

The Replacement – Melanie Golding A delicious thriller for a reader to sink their teeth into on a cold winter’s night, The Replacement centres on Ruby and her sister, Joanna. The book starts as Ruby claims a seemingly abandoned child as her own. Soon after, police detective Joanna is called to investigate the attempted murder of Ruby’s neighbour. Elements of folk lore and mythology are woven into the story, adding a unique twist to a familiar genre.

By Kate Duggan

8

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Succulent beef served with a delicious rich and tangy garlic and herb sauce makes a sensational feast. Any leftover meat can be served cold with salad the following day.

Serves: 4 Preparation time: 15 minutes Marinate: 2-3 hours or overnight Cooking time: 65 minutes Ingredients • 500g beef llet (one piece) • 1 tbsp oil, for searing

Roast Beef Fillet with Roasted Garlic, Tomato and Herb Sauce 1. Mix all the marinade ingredients together and rub all over the llet. Leave to marinate for 2-3 hours or overnight.

2. Preheat the oven to 180C/fan 160C/gas mark 4.

3. Slice off the top quarter of the garlic bulb. Put the bulb on a piece of foil, drizzle over a little oil and season. Wrap up in the foil and roast for 40 minutes. Cool slightly then squeeze out the garlic bulb into a food processor.

4. For the sauce, heat the oil and sauté the shallot, tomatoes, anchovy llets with the caster sugar and vinegar. Cook for 5 minutes. Add to the food processor with the remaining sauce ingredients except the herbs and blend to form a thick sauce. Add a little water, if needed, to thin the sauce slightly. Place in a pan and add the parsley.

5. Preheat the oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas mark 6.

6. Remove the beef from the marinade. Heat the oil in a heavy based frying pan and sear the beef on all sides. Place in an ovenproof roasting tin and roast for 20 minutes until cooked through. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before carving.

7. Heat the sauce and spoon over the beef to serve.

Accompany with spinach and basil leaves.

Marinade • 1 tsp ground cumin • 1 tbsp oil • 2 garlic cloves, crushed Herb Sauce • 1 bulb garlic • 1 tbsp olive oil and a little for drizzling • 1 shallot, diced • 250g cherry tomatoes, halved • 4 anchovy llets • 1 tsp caster sugar • 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar • 25g sultanas • 1 tbsp capers, drained and rinsed • 50g blanched almonds • 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 100ml passata • Sea salt and black pepper to taste • Small bunch of parsley, chopped • Small bunch basil, leaves picked, to garnish • Bag of baby spinach leaves, to serve Nutrition per serving: 442kcal, fat 31g (of which saturates 6.4g), carbohydrate 9.6g (of which sugars 8.6g), protein 31.3g.

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Heart of England Farms

Festive flavour to savour Locally reared, free range Christmas Bronze and White turkeys, Cockerels, Geese and Ducks.

Heart of England Farms have been rearing Christmas poultry for over 30 years.

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After spending so long apart during 2020, Christmas is a time to be together.

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Our bronze turkeys have free range in open fields, the perimeter fence is to keep the wily fox out rather than the birds in! The geese wander at will being allowed acres of space for grazing, and our cockerels and ducks are allowed the time to reach maturity resulting in the tastiest birds ever.

For prices and ordering please visit out website, however for any individual questions do not hesitate to give us a call.

Collection days are the 23rd and 24th December or delivery can be arranged as required.

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DISCOVER

local

treasures

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

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

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

Bonners Jewellers, Alcester B49 5AP | 01789 763715

Finishing Touch, Bidford-on-Avon B50 4AD | 01789 773828

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

Bidford’s Pharmacy Champion L

ess than 9 months since her fantastic accolade of ‘Pharmacy Assistant of the Year’ at the Pharmacy Business Awards, Bidford Pharmacy’s Heidi Norton has been given the ‘Pharmacy Champion’ award at the Training Matters’ Recognition of Excellence Awards.

Heidi is a well known friendly face for patients visiting Bidford Pharmacy (found on the High Street) and, with the support of the pharmacy team, encourage healthy living within the local community with informative health promotion campaigns.

Her friendly and customerfocused attitude have earned her the respect and trust from patients who perhaps haven’t felt able to discuss issues with other medical professionals.

The recent Recognition of Excellence Awards were held in London and Heidi was commended for her campaign on oral hygiene, a collaborative effort with Bidford Dental Practice. Heidi attended various community events and locations around Bidford to distribute informative leaflets and to engage with members of the community.

The Guest speaker at the award ceremony was award-winning

14 connectionmags.co.uk

mental health campaigner, Jonny Benjamin MBE,who talked openly about his own personal experiences with mental health and the subject of suicide.

Jonny has campaigned for mental health awareness, writing articles and books, giving interviews, and appearing in documentaries too. His own YouTube videos and blogs chart his experiences with schizoaffective disorder, and he has published 2 books, the most recent ‘The Book of Hope’, which aims to inspire with poetry, quotes and stories.

Heidi was particularly inspired

by Jonny’s charity Beyond, set up in 2018, that aims to provide better mental health support to young people. As we know, and particularly since the pandemic and lockdowns started, mental health issues are on the increase.

Jonny is working hard to break the stigma for all those sufferering with mental illness as there is not enough support available, and waiting lists are too long. Beyond exists in a grant-giving capacity to support other organisations who are trying to make a difference to the mental health of young people across the UK.

/theconnectionmag

Heidi Norton meets Jonny Benjamin MBE

The Bidford Pharmacy team have decided to support Beyond after Heidi was inspired

by Jonny. On her return she commented, “He was such an inspiration, what can we do to help?”

So please visit Bidford Pharmacy to find out how you can donate to Beyond. £400 pays for a whole day mental health workshop. £50 pays for one counselling session for a young person. £10 pays for a wellbeing guidebook for a young person.

You can also find out more information and donate online at the charity’s website: wearebeyond.org.uk

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Bidford Pharmacy Season’s greetings rs to all our customer

Street, Bidford on Avon, B50 4BQ 17 High H bidford.pharmacy@numarknet.com b bidfordpharmacy.co.uk  01789 772433

Cold weather can make you more likely to catch a winter illness that could become very serious.

If you start to feel unwell, even if it is just a cough or cold, seek advice from your pharmacist before it gets more serious.

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Stratford Beekeepers

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

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

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01789 764874 or email: hopkinspharmacy@hotmail.com

Alcester Primary Care Centre

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Inside outside decor

Seize the opportunity for planting

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

As winter begins to wrap its chilly ngers around the garden, it’s hardly surprising that many people turn inwards and gardening activities gradually slow down or even cease. But there’s plenty of opportunity to create a visual feast that will carry you through the colder months of the year. The garden can be enjoyed from both indoors and out, and November is the perfect planting time while there is still warmth in the soil. What’s more, bare-rooted plants are often available at this time of year, making them much easier to transport – and less expensive too.

Consider planting shrubs that will give you colourful berries, trees for ery autumn foliage, those that provide winter stem colour and structural plants that will make your garden look appealing throughout every season. Aim to have a few plants that give you something beautiful every month, so that your garden is set alight during dull days.

There are more steps to take this month in order to create a garden for all seasons. You can still plant tulip bulbs right up until the end of December, for example. Planting late helps guard against viral and fungal diseases such as tulip re. Each bulb represents a little powerhouse promise of spring joy, to keep hope alive all through the winter.

If you have a lawn, this is the time to reshape it. You’ll be delighted by the difference that crisp edges make when the green carpet is neatened up. What’s more, this should now

18 connectionmags.co.uk

last you right around to the new year, so it’s a task well worth the effort. Prune back overgrown roses this month, take away damaged or crossing twigs and gently neaten up the borders. But be sure to leave seed heads for the birds to enjoy and provide enough undergrowth and leaf litter to offer shelter and feeding opportunities for wildlife.

Invite birds to bring life into the autumn and winter garden Caring for wildlife brings benets for all. Birds, especially, will give you daily interest, introducing colour and vitality to the garden at a time of year when most plants are dormant. They will also scratch around your borders in their search for grubs and insects, enjoying the covering of leaf litter and mulch that also provides warmth for the dormant plant roots.

Your bird feeders themselves can be a thing of beauty. Choose architecturally pleasing designs that will last for many years, so that even when there are no birds they give you pleasure.

Consider using a tree as a feeding station from which you can hang multiple feeders containing different types of food.

Five shrubs to provide reworks for the season Callicarpa bodinieri var. giraldii ‘Profusion’ looks fairly inconspicuous for most of the year, but then comes its awe-inspiring bead-like berries that are violet-purple in colour. They stay on the shrub after the leaves have dropped, when the display of pom-pom berries is as vibrant as any

/theconnectionmag

Continued on page 20

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Gates & Railings

by Phil

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19

rework in the sky. It’s easy to see why this plant is known as the beautyberry.

The spindle tree, Euonymus europaeus, is a great little shrub at any time of year. But autumn is when it excels. Choose the variety E. ‘Red Cascade’ for maximum impact. The autumn leaf colour is wonderful, then the generous display of fruits needs to be seen in order to be believed.

Each one is a vibrant red but when it splits open it reveals delightfully clashing colours from bright orange seeds.

Viburnum opulus, the guelder rose, is a shrub that provides interest during three seasons.

There are clusters of creamy white owers in spring, then it is smothered in hanging bunches of luscious red berries in autumn that are loved by birds. The rich red autumn foliage colour is also a sight to behold.

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to autumn leaf colour. Acers are well known for their incredible display of red, yellow and orange leaves. But it’s Amelanchier that wins the autumn show. Also known as snowy mespilus, this small tree sets the borders alight with scarlet, orange and crimson leaves.

Euonymus spindle tree berries

Shrubs really do steal the show at this time of year, but not only because of their leaves and berries. Cornus, or dogwood, has vibrant stem colour once the leaves have dropped. There are varieties with lime-green stems, some with aming orange and red stems and others with dark purple tones. Plant en masse for maximum effect and cut the stems down each year in late winter, so that next year’s show is equally as vibrant.

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21

Answers on page 46

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.

In 2019, 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.

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From the end of October, families

can prepare for advent in plenty of time by paying a visit to the shop, where children can help choose the perfect baubles for the family tree.

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.

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27

First Drive: Vauxhall Crossland Vauxhall has tweaked its popular crossover, but is it any better?

Ted Welford nds out.

What is it?

The Crossland X is the most affordable highriding Vauxhall crossover model, but despite the impressive sales, a poor driving experience and low-quality cabin let the side down. Can this facelift improve it?

What’s new?

It’s now just called the Crossland and most notable is the updated design, with the front end getting Vauxhall’s new ‘Vizor’ design that wraps the badge and headlights behind one main panel. Steering and damping changes aim to improve the way the Crossland drives.

What’s under the bonnet?

The engine choice remains the same as before, with an option of naturally-aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines, plus a turbo diesel.

Our test car uses a turbocharged three-cylinder 1.2-litre petrol engine that produces 128bhp and 230Nm of torque. Front wheel drive via a sixspeed manual gearbox gives a 0-60mph time of 9.5 seconds and a top speed of 125mph.

This model still offers decent efciency – Vauxhall claiming almost 50mpg, with CO2 emissions of 132g/km.

What’s it like to drive?

The driving experience over the previous Crossland X is improved, with a more comfortable ride and more rened driving manners at speed, while around town it has good visibility and light steering. This turbocharged petrol engine delivers decent acceleration.

However, despite some improvements, the Crossland’s steering is lifeless and handling is poor.

How does it look?

The appealing Vizor gives a more bold, modern design, and new LED headlights and a silver-

effect front bumper give a more rugged look.

At the rear, the ‘Crossland’ name across the boot and gloss-black panel around the badge and lights gives a more stylish look.

What’s it like inside?

Inside, Vauxhall has added extra air with new trim; however, nothing else has really changed, with the same familiar layout and displays as before.

Ultimately it continues to lag behind rivals.

The Crossland is practical - adults can sit comfortably in the rear and the rear seat slides.

The boot measures up to 520 litres.

What’s the spec like?

All Crosslands have decent equipment levels – entry-level SE models have a seven-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the mid-spec SRi Nav adds a larger eightinch touchscreen with satellite navigation, rear parking sensors and dual-zone climate control, along with styling changes.

There are notable safety omissions, with even autonomous emergency braking being optional across the range.

The Crossland starts from £19,355, or £21,705 for the SRi Nav. However, avoid the lethargic 83bhp engine – our test car being available from £24,040.

Verdict This Crossland looks better and is improved behind the wheel. A relatively low starting price and plenty of cabin space will appeal, especially to families.

But despite these changes, it still doesn’t excel in any real area and remains a middle-of-theroad choice, with far better options out there – the Ford Puma and Skoda Kamiq being two far more accomplished choices.

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29

BACK OF THE NET And so we go again after another international break, during which time an England ‘B’ team walloped Andorra and the ‘A’ team drew with Hungary in a fairly uninspiring match against a side that we beat 4-0 away only a few weeks ago. Ah well, we all have bad days and with games against Albania and San Marino to come, there won’t be many people backing against England winning their group.

However, the game had its unsavoury moments when some away supporters showed what they thought of the England team taking the knee.

I often like to imagine ‘walking (or running) a mile in their shoes’ when I hear of someone being persecuted for something that I may not understand. But I can’t really imagine having to suffer racist comments and abuse all my

life. All i can do is admire their decision to kneel. It can’t be easy, but I imagine that the support of the rest of their team must be a help. What would also help is if the rest of us supported them.

Only eight games in to a new season and we have the usual protaganists. Chelsea at the top (as i write) with Liverpool, Man City and Brighton hot on their heels. WHAT!! What are Brighton doing up there??

Graham Potter, Brighton’s head coach, has been a rising star since becoming head coach at Östersund in Sweden’s fourth division, taking them to the top flight over the next four years. Three years later he moved to Swansea before taking over at Brighton the following year. And a flipping good job he’s doing there.

He’s a localish man, born in Solihull, and I can’t help thinking that a few bigger teams will be watching his progress. Brighton’s next three games will test his coaching skills. Man City, Leicester and Liverpool are as tough as they come. I’ll be shouting for the local lad.

Till next time...

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With summer well and truly behind us, many of us will already be missing the feeling of sun on our skin and sand between our toes. Sigh.

You don’t need to wait until summer to get your x of sun, sea and sand. Now that the world’s starting to open up again, there are destinations

The Canary Islands, Spain If you’re searching for guaranteed winter sun close to home, the Canary Islands should be on your radar. This cluster of islands off the coast of northern Africa are famous for their volcanic landscape and year-round sunshine. Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Gran Canaria are the archipelago’s most popular islands, but the tiny isles of La Palma, La Gomera and El Hierro are also packed full of charm.

A favourite amongst British tourists, and for good reason, Lanzarote is so much more than a beach holiday. Although it doesn’t fall short on its selection of pristine, white and The Greek Islands, Greece A cocktail of history, sun-bleached beaches and aquamarine shores, Greece’s islands are nothing short of paradise. From the gorgeous whitewashed houses of Santorini to Corfus’s historic remains, there’s a Greek Island for everyone.

Summer can be busy in Greece but you can expect a quieter vibe in the winter. Bars and restaurants will still be lively in the more popular

32 connectionmags.co.uk

across Europe that are welcoming British tourists with open arms.

From the Mediterranean paradise of Greece’s sparkling shores to the sun-drenched Canaries, here are some of the best islands to escape to this winter.

black-sand beaches, the island’s otherworldly landscape is signposted with walking and cycling trails to guide the more adventurous visitor. Head to Timanfaya National Park and feel the heat of the island’s most famous volcano, or simply relax on the beach and soak up the spectacular scenery: the choice is yours!

Just a few miles south of here lies Fuertenventura, the archipelago’s second largest island. Like Lanzarote, the island was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009, and has some of the biggest and best beaches in the Canaries.

islands but you’ll have more personal space to explore safely and at your own pace.

With over 200 islands to choose from, you’re spoilt for choice. Santorini is one of the most popular, thanks to its spectacular scenery and glamorous hotels. Then there’s Crete with its tapestry of ancient treasures, dreamy villages and splendid beaches. Crete also has some of the warmest temperatures during the winter months due to its southerly position.

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The Balearic Islands, Spain Made up of Mallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera, Spain’s Balearic Islands are synonymous with sun, sea and sand. In the winter months you can still expect averages of around 14-16°C and plenty of sunshine.

Mallorca is by far the largest of the four, and also the most popular. With its postcard-worthy beaches washed by turquoise sea and strewn with hidden coves, it’s easy to see why! Its capital and historical heart, Palma, is worth a visit; lled with markets, pretty churches and galleries, it’s also known for its upand-coming drinking and dining scene.

Menorca, Mallorca’s teeny neighbour, is perfect if you’re looking to escape the crowds. Its beaches are some of the loveliest in the Mediterranean and the beautiful green countryside makes it perfect for cool afternoon strolls in the sunshine.

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33

NEIGHBOURHOOD N EIGHBOURHOOD W WATCH ATCH A ALCESTER LCESTER Rise in burglaries and thefts from motor vehicles in Stratford district.

Warwickshire Police are warning people in Stratford district to be vigilant after a rise in burglary and theft from motor vehicle incidents in the past few months. As part of our ongoing investigation we have been carrying out multiple lines of enquiry across the district. If you see anyone acting suspiciously or are a victim of crime, please get in touch by contacting us online, calling 101 or 999 if a crime is in progress. Please ensure windows and doors are locked, all valuables remain out of sight, alarms are set and lights are left on if leaving the house.

Vehicles too, should be locked, windows up and no valuables in sight. Park vehicles in a garage where possible, use a steering wheel lock and never leave the keys in the ignition - particularly on cold mornings. Police are committed to locate those who are responsible and are currently looking into a number of lines of enquiry. Many

people have commented about this issue on social media. However, Police would ask you to get in touch with them direct if you spot something that doesn’t seem right.

NHS COVID Pass. Criminals are sending imitation text messages, emails and making phone calls pretending to be from the NHS, and offering fake vaccine certificates for sale online and through social media. If you are contacted about your NHS COVID Pass be alert to links and attachments in unexpected text messages or emails, never respond to requests for money, passwords or financial details. Only use the official NHS COVID Pass website: www.nhs. uk/nhscovidpass The NHS COVID Pass is available to demonstrate your COVID-19 status either in a digital or paper format via the NHS App, the NHS website or by calling 119. For information on how to get your free NHS COVID Pass, visit www.nhs.uk/nhscovidpass.

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.

Non-emergency calls on 101. Online reporting services are also available on our website: https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/ Facebook - Alcester Police Twitter - @AlcesterCops Instagram - southwarwickshiresnts Call Crimestoppers anonymously with information about crime on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is a charity that will pass on information to police without revealing any details of the caller.

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

You can 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 34 connectionmags.co.uk

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35

Alcester Town Council NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2021

Alcester welcomes a new Town Councillor

Coffee and a selection of beautiful cakes showcasing the Alcester Town Council logo were served in church after the service.

Town Council Meetings

Congratulations to Wendy Mills who was co-opted at the October Full Council meeting as a new Town Councillor for the Alcester Oversley ward.

Wendy was formerly Chair of the Alcester Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) Steering Group and successfully worked with a team of councillors and residents through the many stages of the process to the successful adoption of the NDP by Stratford on Avon District Council earlier this year.

Mayor of Alcester’s Civic Service

The Mayor of Alcester, Cllr Kathryn Cargill held her Civic Service on Sunday 26 September at St Nicholas Church. The event was attended by civic heads from across the county, chairs of local town and parish councils and regular members of the congregation. We were also delighted to welcome Mayors from Solihull and Redditch MBC.

36 connectionmags.co.uk

Following removal of COVID restrictions, Council meetings are now being held in person at Globe House with the exception of Planning Committee meetings which will continue as an advisory committee using Zoom.

Please note Community Care and Community Facilities Committees meet bimonthly. All meetings commence at 7pm.

Full Council Meetings: Tuesdays 2 November & 7 December Community Facilities: Tuesday 16 November Presidium: Tuesdays 30 November & 14 December Community Care: Tuesday 14 December Planning Committee: Mondays 15 November and 6 & 20 December.

All Town Council meetings remain open to the public.

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.

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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37

Bidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire

BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA As advised, we are monitoring the current COVID situation which is, currently, not brilliant.

In view of this, and as there are no ‘early release’ films on offer, we have decided to postpone this until the new year.

RECREATION SURVEY Thank you to all the residents who completed the survey and offered to volunteer in future rolls. The Parish Council will be considering this project regularly at its Parish Council Meetings (last Monday of the month) so attending the meetings and/or reading the minutes is an excellent way of being informed of what is happening. Attending the meeting when this is being considered will also give you the opportunity of offering your views. However, to make things easier, the PC will be posting the interim reports on the dedicated site Recreation Strategy which you can find at: bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/recreation-strategy/ WARM HUB Due to the popularity of this community service, which was initiated as the Mobile Warm Hub

by Warwickshire Rural Community Council (WRCC) supported by Voluntary Action Stratford upon Avon (VASA) and was coming to an end in August, the Parish Council decided to take it up so that it could continue to offer a safe place for residents to meet old friend and make new ones. The Council depends on the goodwill of local volunteers and it is eternally grateful to them for making this important service possible.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact the Clerk 01789778653/07718628925 or email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk.

THE JOLLY TEAPOT This has restarted every Thursday at the usual time and with the same format: however, there has been a change of venue. As many are aware, the Church Room remain closed, to The Jolly Teapot has moved to the Crawford Memorial Hall, Salford Road. Do continue to support this long standing service offered by Bidford Community Group.

DEMENTIA CAFE has restarted every Monday morning at Westholme Court.

TREE PLANTING The Parish Council is delighted to advise that it has responded to the call of tree planting as part of the Queens Platinum Jubilee and has planted 10 trees at Dugdale Sportsfield (hedges

38 connectionmags.co.uk

to follow) and 31 trees at Millers Bank, Broom to be called “Queens Jubilee Copse”.

EVENTS Bidford Rubbish Friends are back! Next “pick up” is on Saturday 20th November 1.00 – 3.00 pm. Meet at Bidford Fire Station. bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/rubbish-friendsrestarting-monthly-collections.

Christmas Craft Event 27th November at the Crawford Memorial Hall.

Christmas Lights Switch on 28th November – Village Centre.

Annual Christmas Tree Festival at St Laurence on 11/12 December – full details at: bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/22nd-annualchristmas-tree-festival-11th-12th-december.

MEETINGS • Planning Consultative Committee Meeting: Monday 9 November & 13 December, 7.30pm.

• Parish Council Meeting: Monday 29 November (Broom Village Hall) & 20 December at 7.30pm.

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 in the village every week? Sign up by emailing the Clerk at info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk and your name will be added to the Weekly email Information list and you will receive an email regarding upcoming events and notices.

SOCIAL MEDIA Facebook - Bidford on Avon Twitter - @Bidford_PC).

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

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

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

Elisabeth Uggerlose - Clerk to the Parish Council

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Bidford Christmas Lights

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his year the Bidford Christmas Lights Switch On event is being held on Sunday 28th November from 5pm in the Bank Square, High Street, Bidford on Avon.

The event and display have grown and gone from strength to strength over the years.

There are various stalls including a Tombola and Grand Draw, with fabulous prizes donated by local businesses, including a hamper and large turkey valued at £150 from Annie’s Market Garden; a voucher for a free glider flight donated by Bidford Glider Club; a voucher for The Bridge Eaterie; plus many more.

Refreshments include hot food

by Annie’s Market Garden; mulled wine & homemade

mince pies; and The Village Cafe will also be open.

As per previous years, we have a fantastic fireworks display, which commences at 6pm.

Entertainment in the arena includes The Bretforton Silver Band, who will be playing festive music, carol singing with Bidford Area Community Choir, morris dancers, and our ever popular Fire Eater.

Please observe COVID safety measures. Please DO NOT attend if you have any COVID symptoms. Mask wearing is advised in crowded areas to protect yourself and others, and to ensure everyone can have an enjoyable and safe evening.

To advertise please call 01789 453130 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

39

community events & what’s on...

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

Alcester u3a We welcome new members to our monthly meetings

on the first Tuesday of the month at the Eric Payne Community Centre off St Faith's Road, Alcester.

Meetings start at 2.30pm. Members also have the option of joining a number of interest groups. For more information see our website https://u3asites.org.uk/ alcester/home or contact our Membership secretary, Lyn Pickering (membership.u3a.alcester@gmail.com or 01527 453628).

Broom WI

4th November: Annual Meeting (members only).

2nd December: Christmas Craft Evening make a Crystal Art Festive Hanging Bauble followed by mince pies and mulled wine.

Both meetings will be held in Broom Village Hall commencing at 7.30 pm.

Cookhill Garden Club

Our AGM at 7.30pm on 17th November will be followed by a presentation by Jane Segar, 'My visit to Great Dixter Gardens'. All are welcome. Details from 01527 894317 or website www.Cookhillgarden.club.

Alcester WI

It seems very strange to be back to normal and long may it last for W.I.s everywhere. In October Jenny Biggs spoke on "Getting to the Point", which was not what it appeared so that was unusual, like many things over the past 18 months! We have made our plans until the end of the year. In November there will be the annual Harvest Supper, plus a quiz, and in December we shall celebrate Christmas. If you are looking for some company and friendship after the strange times we have been living through do come along and join members. We will be meeting at 7.30 pm on the 2nd Thursday of the month at Malt Mill Lane Community Centre. You will be made very welcome.

Bidford on Avon WI At long last we are able to hold monthly meetings on the second Thursday of the month at 7.30pm in the Parish Council rooms, Bramley Way, B50 4QG. We have an interesting programme ahead of us, including on Thursday 11th November.

Members are invited to bring along any items to be auctioned, the money raised going to charity. If you are interested in joining us, come along to one of our meetings and give it a try and make new friends.

For more information phone Anne on 01789 772409 or Pauline on 017897 73390.

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Alcester Civic Society

The next meeting of Alcester Civic Society will be held in the Town Hall at 7.30 pm on Tuesday 16th November when Ian Greig, Professional Archeologist, will give an illustrated talk: 'Roman Alcester'. Members £1.50. Nonmembers £3. New members welcome. Subscription £5 (£8 double). Info. Diane King, mossdiane@btinternet. com

Bidford Gardening Society

Details of our next three meetings are: Thursday 18thNovember, AGM and Social Evening.

Thursday 16thDecember, ‘Mistletoe Matters’ by Jonathan Briggs. Thursday 20thJanuary, ‘Bees! solitary, bumble and honeybee life cycles and needs’by Jo Worthy-Jones. All meetings are held in The Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford, 7.45pm for 8.00pm start.

Further details on www.Bidfordgardens.com.

Alcester St Nicholas Church - Christmas Market

This will be held in St Nicholas Church and Church House on Saturday 20th November from 10am to 12.30pm. Stalls include Christmas cards and decorations, produce, preserves and cakes, crafts, gifts, children’s books and activities, tombola, raffle and refreshments. Come along to enjoy this seasonal event and bring your family, friends and neighbours.

Alcester & District Men's Probus

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

Alcester Singers

Our Christmas Concert is at 4pm on Saturday 4th December at St Nicholas Church, Alcester. The choir will perform Britten’s‘Ceremony of Carols’, accompanied by harp with Katie Leaver singing solo soprano and a selection of other carols. Tickets £10 (under 14‘s free) available from Humphries Shoes on High Street.

For more information www.alcestersingers.co.uk.

Bidford Christmas Tree Festival

This year's Festival will be held on Saturday & Sunday 11 & 12 December, from 12 Noon to 6pm at St Laurence’s Church, B50 4DA. Entertainment will include the Bidford Community Choir, Refreshments, Raffle. Adults £3, 12-17 £1, under 12 free.

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Thank You

What a fantastic turnout to our Big Breakfasts at Bidford and Alcester With eighteen months gone since we were last able to stage these events, we did not know whether people would come as they have in the past. We were delighted to see so many of you and the comments and feedback were truly awesome.

“Great welcome” “Delicious breakfast” “Such friendly service” “Fabulous sausages” “Room looks lovely” “Great event for all the community” were just a few.

Thanks go to all our members, friends and volunteers who helped with preparations and on the day, and thanks to the st 1 Alcester Maclean’s scouts for their help at the Town Hall.

Special thanks to all our suppliers Bidford Co-op - Clayhall Farm Eggs- Evesham Vale Growers Waitrose – Freemans - Simply Fresh

Their generosity helped us make a great profit for local charities

For more information please email alcesterbidfordrotary@gmail.com

To advertise please call 01789 453130 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

41

community events & what’s on...

Evesham u3a Open Day

Bidford History Society

Bingo at Bidford Bowling Club

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

Bidford Darby & Joan

Open Day will be at All Saints Church, Evesham, on Wednesday 3 November, from 12.30 - 3.30. This will be a showcase for members of the public of all ages to see the wide range of interests and activities that u3a offers.

Come and join us on Friday nights. Eyes down 7 pm.

Licensed bar at popular prices.

Alcester Flower Club

We are planning to start meeting again on the Monday 7th February, which will be our AGM. For information please contact Marian Buchanan 01789 400868 or Wendy Beesley 01789 762865.

Salford Priors Ladies Group

Contact Barbara McIlwaine on 01789 778392 for details.

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.

Sudoku solutions (see page 6)

Easy grid

www.bidfordhistory.org.uk

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

Bidford Community Group - Jolly Teapot

Bidford on Avon Community Group hold a get together each Thursday 9.30 to 11.30 am. You are welcome to join us at Crawford memorial Hall.

Details of more events can be found as they are updated on alcester-tc.gov.uk and bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk websites.

JAN 2022

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R e g is t e r y o u r i n te r e s t v i a em a i l Register your interest via email l a d i e s @a r p c c .o r g . u k

ladies@arpcc.org.uk

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Trusted to care Award winning care homes Our dementia specialists take a gentle yet proactive approach to care, supporting each resident to be as independent as possible. We champion innovation through our partnership with the Association for Dementia Studies at the University of Worcester.

We’re here to help you and your family at every step of the journey.

If you’re considering care for yourself or a loved one, call 01789 868641 or email julia.joy@careuk.com Rated

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Ambleside care home Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire careuk.com/ambleside To advertise please call 01789 453130 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

43

Puzzle Page Answers on page 46.

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.

Each of these pictures represent a well-known phrase

Target: Excellent: 35 or more words Good: 28 words Fair: 21 words

3 Words

TONFIBNE

E A

5 Words

E

A

P

GENERAL

I

4 Words

eye P i

T U

T

D

Quick Crossword 1

2

3

5

4

8

7

9

10

12

6

11

13

14

15

16 17

18

19

22

23

24

25

44 connectionmags.co.uk

20

21

/theconnectionmag

Across 1 Nearest (7) 5 Inexpensive (5) 8 Type of cattle (7) 9 A slight fever (5) 10 Sweet, thick liquid (5) 11 Flat area of high land (7) 12 Form of dance (6) 14 In good condition (6) 17 Family member (7) 19 Trimmed (5) 22 Enclosed within (5) 23 Non-professional (7) 24 Dizzy (5) 25 Painters (7) Down 1 3D squares (5) 2 To give or volunteer (5) 3 Prototype (7) 4 Soldiers (6) 5 Bedtime drink (5) 6 Obvious (7) 7 Contaminate (7) 12 Imploring (7) 13 Highly intelligent (7) 15 Graceful (7) 16 Type of fruit (6) 18 Unclean (5) 20 Conjecture (5) 21 Risks (5)

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Puzzle Answers

Pictograms

WIN!

A 5kg cockerel fo or Christmas from Heart of England Farms

1. Lie In Wait 2. Attorney General 3. Right Between The Eyes

Wordwheel

ANSWER: APTITUDE

Simple Crossword

ACROSS: 1 Closest, 5 Cheap, 8 Buffalo, 9 Chill, 10 Syrup, 11 Plateau, 12 Ballet, 14 Fettle, 17 Grandma, 19 Edged, 22 Inner, 23 Amateur, 24 Giddy, 25 Artists.

DOWN: 1 Cubes, 2 Offer, 3 Example, 4 Troops, 5 Cocoa, 6 Evident, 7 Pollute, 12 Begging, 13 Learned, 15 Elegant, 16 Banana, 18 Dirty, 20 Guess, 21 Dares.

Kids Puzzle Answer:

6 x 3 letter words that you can create out of the word ‘Neptune’ are: put, ten, nut, nun, pet, net.

The planet order is... Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune & Pluto.

On which dates can you collect your Heart of England Farm Christmas orders?

Clue: see page 12.

Email your answer

(Subject line: Connection Competition)

with your name, address and phone number to: info@heartofenglandfarms.com

Terms & Conditions: No entries after 11:59am on Tuesday 30th November 2021. One entry per household. The winner will be drawn at random. Winner must collect the prize on the dates specified and agreed with Heart of England Farms.

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