The Connection Magazine - November/December 2022

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

Welcome to the November/December Connection

What an eventful couple of months. Since our last edition was published, it would be safe to say that millions of words have been shared about Her Majesty the Queen’s life. Obituaries and tributes have commemorated her 70 years of service, and millions have been mourning her passing at a time that already feels tumultuous due to significant global events.

We’ve got a new prime minister. Well, at the time of printing we had one new one. There could be two by now... who knows?!

And there’s a real sense of worry for many due to the rising costs of living.

Goodness, it all feels a bit heavy going, doesn’t it? Thank goodness that we live in such great communities that rally around to offer support and friendship. So many groups, clubs, societies and meet ups such as the Bidford Warm Hub, or Dementia Cafes. I feel as though it’s at times like this that we see the very best in people. This time of year is always somewhat chaotic, particularly for those with school children. We’ve done the harvest festivals over the past month, and are now gearing up to hear little ones practising their carols on loop for at least a month prior to nativity performances (give me strength). But, before the lead up to Christmas, there’s plenty of other dates for the diary. ‘Remember, remember the 5th of November?’ Of course, the links between Guy Fawkes and Coughton Court mean nobody educated around the Alcester area can forget Bonfire Night.

11th November is Armistice Day, which will be commemorated across local communities, along with Remembrance Sunday, which falls on 13th November this year.

Christmas lights will have offical switch ons on the first Sunday of Advent, 27th November. There’s always great celebrations in Bidford (p.10) and Alcester each year.

The last dates for domestic Christmas post are 19th December (2nd class) or 21st (1st class), but do check online for more detail on dates and rates.

If you’re looking for goodies for your Christmas table, we’ve a competition to win a Christmas cockerel on page 5, and a recipe for a delicious bundt cake (p.8). And also, some lovely gift ideas for book lovers on page 14.

And on that note, I wish all of our advertisers and readers a very Merry Christmas. Until next year...

Council

The ultimate cake to celebrate Christmas –add a little sprinkle of glitter or edible lustre before serving if you wish to make it twinkly!

Makes 1 large bundt cake

Preparation time 20 minutes

Cooking time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 250g soft butter at room temperature, plus a little extra melted to brush the cake tin

• 250g light muscovado sugar

• 5 medium free-range eggs

• 250g self-raising flour, plus a little extra for dusting

• 1 tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp ground ginger

• 2 tsp ground cinnamon

• 75g buttermilk

• 50ml Camp Coffee

For the sugar glaze

• 150g icing sugar, sifted

• 3-4 tbsp water or milk

• 2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)

To decorate

• Icing sugar

Our recipe was created by celebrity baker and TV presenter Juliet Sear exclusively for Camp Coffee. For more recipe inspiration, visit www.campcoffeeclub.co.uk.

Method

1. Brush a little melted butter inside the bundt tin, making sure to get in all the nooks and crannies, then dust with flour, shaking the tin to ensure the whole tin is buttered and floured to help the cake turn out without sticking.

2. Preheat the oven to 180°C / fan 160°C / gas mark 4 and place a large baking sheet in the centre of the oven to place the bundt tin onto whilst baking.

3. In a stand mixer, with an electric whisk or by hand with a bowl and wooden spoon, cream the butter and sugar together well until pale and creamy. Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, beating until incorporated.

4. Add the baking powder and spices to the flour and mix to distribute, then mix into the wet batter.

5. Mix in the buttermilk and Camp Coffee then spoon the mixture into the tin, smoothing over with a spoon to ensure it is all pushed into the points of the tin, pushing the batter up the sides of the tin a little.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-45 minutes until cooked through – the sponge should be light and springy, and when a knife or skewer is inserted into the centre of the cake it should come out clean.

7. Once cooked, leave the cake in the tin for 5 minutes, then invert onto a plate or cake stand and carefully release the cake.

8. While the cake is cooling, make the sugar glaze. Place the icing sugar in a bowl and slowly stir in the liquid and vanilla (if using) a little at a time to make a pourable glaze. Drizzle over the cooled cake and dust with icing sugar for a snowy effect. Slice and serve slightly warm. The cake will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days or can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

9. Once set, cut into fingers using a sharp knife.

Bidford Christmas Lights

This year the Bidford Christmas Lights Switch On event is being held on Sunday 27th 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 Grand Draw, with fabulous prizes donated by local businesses. 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 some fantastic entertainment, including The Bretforton Silver Band, who will be playing festive music, and our ever popular stilt walker.

The stars of the autumn garden are not only spectacular leaves, turning shades of crimson, orange and yellow before they fall from deciduous trees, but ornamental grasses that send spirits soaring.

The secret of successful planting lies in repeating forms and patterns throughout the space. One or two specimen grasses are certainly worth having, but it’s not until you repeat the theme across the garden that you create an unforgettable sea of beauty.

Top tips for using ornamental grasses in the garden

• Aim for contrast. Think about the backdrop against which your grasses will be seen. An evergreen yew hedge, for example, will make your golden autumn grasses look brighter as will a black wall or fence.

• Place taller grasses at the back of the border, such as Miscanthus sinensis ‘Ferner Osten’ (Chinese silver grass) and mounded forms of slightly lower grasses in the middle.

Pennisetum alopecuroides ‘Hameln’ (fountain grass) is a rather beautiful smaller grass, and Anemanthele lessoniana (pheasant’s tail grass) looks magnificent when placed towards the front of the border.

• Topiary such as tall cones of evergreens, pillars of hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), cloudpruned trees or multi-stemmed trees can provide a structural anchor amongst grasses..

• Some grasses tend to seed themselves around and the parent plant might eventually fade away. Aim for an informal look that allows this natural transition to take place.

• Research your grasses so that you know how to care for them.

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Verbena bonariensis, planting partner for grasses

By Kate Duggan

Demon Copperhead – Barbara Kingsolver

Demon Copperhead looks set to cement Barbara Kingsolver’s reputation as one of the best authors of our time. In this modern-day reimaging of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield, the ‘Demon’ of the title is born to a single, drug-addicted mother in poverty-stricken Virginia. At every turn, the odds are stacked against him, from the broken care system to the lack of job opportunities and his own sense of worth. Raw, angry, starkly beautiful, this book is an absolute masterpiece.

David Copperfield, the ‘Demon’ of the title is born to a single, drug-addicted

Good Comfort – Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall

Healthy recipes tend to focus on what to leave out – whether the focus is on cutting carbs, ditching meat or reducing fat. With Good Comfort, the focus is on what to add to make a meal or snack more nutritious (and more delicious). Think lamb tagine with apricots and chickpeas, pork ribs with fennel slaw, and hot chocolate with raw cacao powder, oak milk, brown sugar and cardamom pods.

The Paper Palace – Miranda Cowley Heller

Not a new one this, but if you haven’t read it yet, The Paper Palace is definitely worth adding to your wish list. An unexpected passionate liaison with a childhood friend sees Elle looking back over her life and the decisions she made along the way. Tragedy, romance and family dynamics all combine to make this a cracking story. Perfect for curling up with on Boxing Day.

Woman of Light – Kali Fajardo-Anstine

In 1930s Denver, Luz and her brother Diego are battling poverty in a city that needs but doesn’t want them. The pair are expected to keep their heads down and comply, while the Ku Klux Klan has free reign to march against them. When Diego is forced to fl ee the city, Luz’s visions recall the family history that brought them to Denver. Rich, evocative, with characters that leap out of the page, Woman of Light is a short but highly satisfying read.

The Big Christmas Bake – Fiona Barker and Pippa Curnick

This sweet little children’s book takes inspiration from the Twelve Days of Christmas song. On each day, animals (from the traditional partridge to dancing hippos) bring one ingredient to make a very special cake. Colourful illustrations and amusing rhymes mean this book could well turn into a new Christmas favourite. Plus, there’s a recipe at the end so families can make their own twelfth night cake.

Queen of Our Times: The Life of Elizabeth II – Robert Hardman

Published before her death, Queen of Our Times provides a fascinating insight into our longest-reigning monarch. Incredibly detailed and impeccably researched, this book is a must for biography fans, history lovers and royalists alike. You’ll read insights from people who knew the Queen well, including former world leaders, and be treated to a range of black and white and colour photographs from throughout the Queen’s life.

Ahidden gem lies tucked away in Bidfordon-Avon. As you follow the road out of the village, towards Stratford, there’s a turn down Grafton Lane and, just before you go over the bridge towards Ardens Grafton, a track on the left takes you to The Farm Shop.

The farm itself isn’t new. Three generations of Smiths have farmed here, and they’ve been doing so within Bidford for over 90 years. It’s only been within the past few months that Kate Smith has thrown open the doors to the public who are now able to buy reasonably priced produce here. In the summer, customers could pick their own sunflowers, in addition to being able to purchase locally grown fruit and vegetables. Last month, there was a festive pumpkin field, and there’s also been ‘pick your own’ sweetcorn. Everything in the charming shop is either homegrown on the farm or has been sourced from within a 10-mile radius, except for the more exotic citrus fruits of course. Honey, free-range eggs, cakes and biscuits are also available to buy, and there’s plans afoot to source locally-reared meat too.

Kate is keen to ensure that, at a time of economic difficulty for many, great value, quality, locallysourced produce is easy to come by within our community. Follow the map to pay them a visit between 10am-5pm Wednesday to Saturday, or 10am-2pm on Sundays.

Follow ‘The Farm Shop, Bidford on Avon’ on Facebook for seasonal updates.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALCESTER

Stay one Step Ahead of Scammers

You might think you’d never fall for one, but scammers are constantly coming up with smarter and more believable scams.

Things to look out for:

1. Scammers might contact you pretending to represent energy companies, claiming you’re owed money and they need your bank details. If anyone tells you this, hang up the phone, ignore any links in emails and don’t give your details. Energy companies will never call or email asking you for this information.

2. Sharing your one-time passcode can lead to card fraud. Fraudsters are calling customers, pretending to be your bank or a trusted third party and claiming that, to identify the customer, they need a one-time passcode. They’re asking for this passcode because they’re using stolen card details to make a card transaction online. If you share your passcode in this situation, you could end up unknowingly help a criminal commit fraud. Your bank will never contact you unexpectedly and ask for your one-time passcode.

3. Fraudsters have figured out ways to access bank accounts that aren’t theirs, often by stealing cards or finding out a person’s account details. Set up payment alerts, check bills to make sure they’re the right amount, and review your balance for unusual transactions to protect yourself from card fraud. Beware using a cash machine. If it looks like it’s been tampered with, don’t use it.

4. Money Mules Fraudsters are taking advantage of the recent cost-of-living increases by approaching people and offering quick and easy money – just for letting their account be used to move money. This could be tempting if you’re feeling short of funds. Fraudsters will ask for access to your bank account so they can move funds in and out of it, and tell you it’s ‘safe’, ‘risk-free’, ‘bank approved’ or that you won’t get caught. This is a serious crime and makes you a money mule. They’re the criminal, but it’s you who’ll

be caught money laundering and at risk of going to prison, your bank accounts being closed and difficulty getting loans or other credit.

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 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 Town Council

Medieval Murder Mystery

The Friends of the Greig Hall welcomed people to the first fundraising event on 24 September. The Hall isn’t completely finished yet and there is still work to do, but it was great to be back! The very successful Medieval Murder Mystery evening started with the murder and an earsplitting scream. The actors were excellent and there were lots of compliments about the event and the Hall- testament to all the hard work so far.

Next event: Syncopated Rhythms Jazz Quartet on 19 November. Tickets will be available shortly.

If you’d like to get involved, as a volunteer, a user or to book space for events, get in touch: Friends of the Greig Facebook page or website for volunteering. Call 07807 894635 for booking/hiring.

Town Council Meetings

All Town Council meetings are held in person at Globe House with the exception of the Planning Committee which generally meets using Zoom.

All meetings commence at 7pm:

Full Council - Tues 1 November & 6 December Finance & General Purposes CommitteeTues 29 November & 13 December Planning Committee - Mon 21 November & 19 December

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

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

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

Remembrance

Remembrance Sunday Parade and Service will be held on Sunday 13 November. The Parade will muster at Centenary Field, as last year, and process up High Street and onto Church Green where a short outdoor service will be held at 10.50am.

St Nicholas Night

The town of Alcester has many wonderful traditions, and one of these is St Nicholas Night. The church is dedicated to St Nicholas and his feast day is celebrated each year on 6 December. This community event involves a range of fund-raising stalls hosted by local organisations, Santa’s Grotto, musicians, entertainment and a parade featuring a child Bishop, chosen from the local Primary school. The evening ends with a firework display.

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

Alcester Town Council offices: Globe House, Priory Road, Alcester B49 5DZ Tel: 01789 766084

Town Clerk - Vanessa Lowe: clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk

Planning & Communication - Sarah Duran: administration@alcester-tc.gov.uk Health & Wellbeing - Wendy Sherwood: info@alcester-tc.gov.uk

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

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

Fulfilling lifestyles, designed around you

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

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

Enjoy each day, your way

Our Lifestyle team is passionate about enhancing your loved one’s quality of life and there’s always plenty of activities to get involved in.

Reminiscence-themed activities such as music therapy and baking help to spark happy memories, whilst gentle exercise classes and yoga help your loved one to stay fit and active. Our team are also trained in holistic Namasté care, involving physical, sensory and emotional approaches to care to help with the management of stress and anxiety.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire

YOUR VILLAGE, YOUR VOICE

Walking & Cycling Group have created some great walks, which are available on the Parish Countil website. As the days cool down in the Autumn, why not take some gentle exercise and enjoy the beautiful countryside we live in. Arts & Crafts Group Details can be found at: https://bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/your-village-yourvoice/arts-crafts/

• Arty Avon which meets every Monday 1.00 - 2.30 at the Church Rooms offering different “tasters” each week.

• Art Base currently offering a 6 week in person art classes at the Church Rooms Tuesday 10.00 –11.30 Climate Change This is a brand new group, yet to meet, but certain to attract lots of attention. If you are interested in Climate Change/Environmental issues and would like to join this group please contact the clerk (info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk) giving your contact details and which aspect of Climate Change/Environment most interests you.

MONTHLY POLICE SURGERIES at the school car park on Bramley Way on 30th November 9.30 – 10.30 This is a great opportunity of talking to our local police about any issue that may concern you and it is important it is used of we want this to continue.

STORYTOTS Every Monday 10.30 – 11.30 at Bidford Community Library. A lovely way of introducing our toddlers to wonderful world of stories https://bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/storytots-atbidford-community-library/

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

WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays 10.30 – 11.30 STORYTOTS Bidford Community Library Mondays 10.30 – 12.30 DEMENTIA CAFÉ Westholme Court Wednesdays 10.00 – 12.00 WARM HUB at the Crawford Memorial Hall Thursdays 10.00 - 11.30 THE JOLLY TEAPOT at St Laurence Church rooms MEETINGS

• Monday 14th November and 12th December 2022 @ 7.30 pm Planning Consultative Committee Meeting

• Monday 28th November (at Broom Village Hall) and 19th December 2022 @ 7.30 pm Parish

Council Meeting

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

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

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

PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS

Clerk to the Parish Council: Mrs. Elisabeth Uggerløse

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

Tel No: 01789 778653 / 07718 628 925 Email: info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk Web: www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk Parish Councillors: a list of Parish Councillors can be found online: www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/councillors.htm PS Keep an eye on the Whats On site (https:// bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/whats-on/) of the website for Events, including those at Christmas. They will also be advertised on Social Media

I can’t believe the time has come to wish you all a VERY JOYFUL CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR – see you in 2023!

Elisabeth Uggerløse Clerk to the Parish Council

Heart of England Farms have been rearing Christmas poultry for over 30 years. Specialising in free range bronze turkeys, cockerels, white turkeys and geese, we offer something to keep every tastebud happy. Sizes range from smaller 3kg cockerels to beautiful 11kg+ turkeys, so whatever the size of your gathering, we have the ideal solution. After spending so long apart during recent Christmas periods, it is now time to be together. An ideal opportunity to put those new found cooking skills to the test perhaps!

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

For prices and ordering, pleae visit our website, or for individual questions, please do not hesitate to call. Collection days are 23 & 24 December, or delivery can be arranged as required.

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.

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

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 9th of December.

Salford Priors Gardening Club

We meet at 7.30pm on the first Friday of the month at Salford Priors Memorial Hall, School Road, WR11 8XD. Friday 4th November, ‘Winter in Bloom’ presented by Samantha Hopes. Friday 2nd December ‘A Garden for all Seasons’ presented by Diane Clement. Visitors always welcome, £4 for non-members. Contact salfordpriorsgc@aol.com or 07961 377506 for information.

Alcester Flower Club Meeting at Alcester Catholic Church Hall, Priory Road, Alcester, B49 5DY at 7.30pm on the first Monday in the month. Monday 7th November, 'Simply Flowers', a demonstration of flower arranging by Alison Suffolk. Competition is 'Flower of the Month'. Visitors and new members are very welcome. Contact Marian Buchanan 01789 400868.

Alcester WI

We meet at Malt Mill Lane Community Centre at 7.30 pm on the second Thursday evening of each month. On November 10th, we are so pleased to welcome Ruth Lowe back with Mary Quant Fashions, Part 2. We loved Part 1 for taking us back to when we were wearing mini-skirts so are really looking forward to a return visit. If you wore Mary Quant then this is a must. Do join us and bring a friend. You don't have to wear a mini-skirt! December 8th is our Christmas meeting with good food, festive spirit and a quiz run by Colin Sheldon. Clue - the answer to any football question will be Coventry City! All members, guests and friends are welcome.

Bidford on Avon WI

Our meetings are on the second Thursday of the month at The Church Hall, Church Street, Bidford, starting at 7.30pm. 10th November will be our AGM and then on 8th December we will have what promises to be another interesting evening when Kath Ryan, you may have seen her on the television, comes to talk about 'Cakes for Casualties'. Please come along to any meeting and discover what we are about. Call Pauline 01789 773390 or Elizabeth 01789 778887.

Christmas Fair

Saturday 12th November, 10am - 2pm, The Greig Hall, Alcester. Craft stalls, Live Music, Refreshments. Free Entry Broom WI

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

Alcester Civic Society Meeting at 7.30pm on Tuesday 15th November at the Catholic Church Hall, Priory Road. Illustrated talk: 'A Friendly Line in the Cotswolds'. The restored railway

line from Broadway to Winchcombe. Speaker: David Hall. Members £1.50, Non-members £3.

Harvington Phoenix Ladies Group

We have a visit to Suffolk's Christmas Market in November and a Christmas meal in December. If you are interested in finding out more about Harvington Phoenix, or coming along to our meetings (first Wednesday of month, 7.45pm at the Village Hall) please contact Lesley on 07768 130641.

Bidford Gardening Society

Thursday 17th November, Social Evening and AGM.Thursday 15th December, ‘Vintage Garden Tools’ presented by Carole and John Matthews. All meetings are held in The Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Further details on www.Bidfordgardens.com.

Alcester St Nicholas Church Christmas Market Saturday 19th November in St Nicholas Church and Church House 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.

Cookhill Garden Club

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

Bidford Christmas Lights Switch On Sunday 27th November from 5pm. Morris Dancers, Fire Eater, Bretforton Silver Band, mulled wine, mince pies, hot food supplied by Annie's Market Garden. The Village Cafe will also be open.

St Nicholas Night

Alcester High Street, Tuesday 6th December, Times TBC. Stalls, Parade, Entertainment and Carol Singing. Contact stnic.night@outlook.co.uk

Bidford Christmas Tree Festival

Saturday & Sunday 10 & 11 December, 12 Noon to 6pm at St Laurence’s Church, B50 4DA. Entertainment including Community Choir, Refreshments, Raffle. Adults £4, 12-16 £1, under 12 free.

Arty Avon

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

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

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 9th of December

Alcester Cafe

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

Bidford Dementia Cafe

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

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

Alcester Bridge Club

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

Broom Bridge Club

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

Temple Grafton WI

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

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

Bidford Community Group - Jolly Teapot

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

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

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

Bidford History Society www.bidfordhistory.org.uk

Alcester Town Hall alcestertownhall.org.uk

Warwickshire Vision Support

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

Alcester u3a

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

Single Boots

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

Bidford Community Library

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

Salford Priors Ladies Group

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

Alcester Ladies Probus Club

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

Alcester & District Men’s Probus

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

Relax and let us do the hard work.