The Connection Magazine - September/October 2020

the

connection

Around Alcester, Bidford & the Villages

Back to School Tips for Parents Inspiring books for children Kids’ puzzle page Plus local grant information

My Team

The tale of a lifelong Villan

magazine

September/October 2020 No. 145

Shop Local 5 reasons to support your local businesses

NEXT DELIV DAY AVAIL ERY ABLE

Pens & Pencils Writing Pads Notebooks Folders & Folios Pencil Cases & Bags Rulers & Rubbers

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Useful phone numbers

Welcome

... to the September/October 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

At the time of writing, mid-August, it almost feels like summer is drawing to a close. There certainly seems to be a whiff of autumn in the air, and that ‘back to school’ feeling. For some, it’s a feeling of dread, particularly with virus anxieties still at large. For others, it’s of excitement and joy at being able to clutch some semblance of normality once again. If you have a family affected by the start of a new term, we hope it goes well for you and your children.

We’ve included some parenting tips (p.12) to help your little (and not-so-little!) children settle back in, along with a lovely reading 01527 503030 list (p.14) and our usual puzzles (p.22) for little ones. There’s puzzles for grown ups too (p.6 & 43). After all, it wouldn’t be 205831 01926 495321 fair for the children to be the only ones exercising their brains in September.

If you’ve students in your household about to go/return to university, don’t forget to apply for the Bidford Parochial 999 or 112 Charities Grant by the end of October (see page 39 for details) 444816 for a little extra help.

08008 00151 As we approach the season of “mists and mellow fruitfulness”, 08004 04090 you might need ideas for using up the abundance of local apples.

08001 11999 Well, you’re in luck! We’ve a wonderful apple pie recipe to try on page 10.

If you prefer cultivating over cookery, our gardening page (p.18) 0300 555 8171 has advice on making your borders colourful again now that the 01789 773239 summer blossoms have come to an end.

0844 855 2322 Local football fans may want to have a read of ‘My Team’ (p.26), 07771 616189 where we hear more about the claret and blue blood flowing 01789 766750 through former editor, Phil Williams’ veins. And cricket fans can 01789 762450 catch up on what’s been happening locally on page 34.

01789 766200 There’s still not a lot going on with the local community groups 01789 270744 “due to coronavirus” (anybody else fed up of uttering those three 01386 871777 words now?) but we still have our local newsletters and a few updates between pages 36 and 41.

262889 And finally, if you need any encouragement to shop locally, hopefully you’ll find it on page 32. Despite the easing of lockdown, many businesses are still struggling with the effects of 762285 not being able to trade for so long and it’s absolutely vital that we 762494 do our best to support local businesses where possible, on our 762888 high streets and trading estates.

773201 Until next time...

762444 772200 488247 488211 September/October Copy Deadline: 762555 Friday 16th October Facebook.com/theconnectionmag 772497 Twitter.com/connection_mag 762578 Connection circulation: 10,000 772384 Editor: Amy James Phone 01789 491005 763060 763293 773372 111 08457 909090

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.

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Serves 8 Ready in 1 hour 40 mins, plus chilling and cooling Ingredients for the pastry case and filling • 500g ready-made shortcrust pastry, thawed if frozen • Flour, for dusting • 1kg eating apples, peeled, cored and diced • 100g caster sugar • 2 tsp ground cinnamon • 1 tbsp lemon juice • 1 egg, beaten Ingredients for the crispy topping • 40g unsalted butter • 40g light soft brown sugar • 50g toasted flaked almonds TIP Replace the apples with diced pears if liked, or try a mix of both.

10 connectionmags.co.uk

Make the most of the abundance of home-grown apples at this time of year with this delicious deep-dish apple pie. Serve with cream, custard or ice cream.

Method 1. For the pastry case, roll out two-thirds of the pastry on a lightly floured surface and use to line a greased 23cm round spring-form cake tin (the pastry needs to come right up the sides of the tin). Chill in the fridge. Preheat the oven to 190C, 170C fan, gas mark 5. Place a baking sheet in the oven to heat up.

2. For the filling, place the diced apples in a bowl and stir in the caster sugar, cinnamon and lemon juice. Spoon the mixture into the pastry case. Brush the rim of the pastry case with beaten egg. Roll out the rest of the pastry to a circle large enough to cover the filling, and drape over the filling. Pinch the edges together to seal then trim off any excess pastry. Brush the top with beaten egg.

3. Bake the pie on the preheated baking sheet for 40-45 minutes until the pastry is pale golden.

4. For the crispy topping, heat all the ingredients in a medium pan and let bubble for 2-3 minutes. Remove the pie from the oven and gently spread the hot mixture over the top of the pie. Return the pie to the oven for a further 10-15 minutes until the topping is crunchy. Serve warm or cold.

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By Kate Duggan Many children are going back to school in eptember, some for the first time in months, and it’s natural for them to feel a bit anxious about starting a new school year.

Prepare your child f your child hasn t gone back to school yet, find out what will be different compared to before the pandemic. Explain to your child what to expect. ounger children may benefit from acting out some things at home, such as keeping their distance when queueing. Clinical psychologist Dr Emma Millar recommends asking if the school can “take pictures or videos of the changes so your child knows what to expect, as that will aid the transition process.”

Talk to your child It’s important children know they can talk to you about their concerns. Some like to have your full attention while others prefer it when they don’t need to make eye contact, such as when you’re driving or cooking. Recognise that you can’t ‘solve’ their concerns, but you can discuss coping strategies.

Get back into a routine Most children prefer some level of routine. Your child may have been going to bed later recently, not showering as often and having more screen time. Help them adjust to a more structured routine over a couple of weeks.

Make sure they get enough sleep Work towards returning children to an earlier bedtime, including at weekends. Children need more sleep than adults – six to thirteen year olds can need up to eleven hours of sleep a night.

Mindfulness and meditation Mindfulness and meditation can help children and adults to feel calmer and more in control. Older children might benefit from eadspace s guided meditations. For younger children, try the ‘Sitting Still Like a Frog’ book and CD by Eline Snel.

More information ‘Helping your Child with Fears and Worries’ by Cathy Creswell and Lucy Willetts is worth reading. he book is packed with practical advice on helping children to deal with fears, worries and anxiety, and isn’t written like a medical textbook!

The following websites have useful resources and in r ati n

If your child doesn’t want to talk, try reading together and talking about how the character feels in different situations.

www.camhs-resources.co.uk www.youngminds.org.uk/blog/supporting-a-childreturning-to-school-after-lockdown

Encourage excitement Don’t forget to talk about the positives of returning to school, such as seeing friends and playtime.

Extra support All children feel anxious and worried sometimes.

However, up to 15% of children experience anxiety disorders, which can stop them enjoying day-today life and lead to more long-term issues. So don’t be afraid to ask for help: your child’s school may be able to offer advice, or your GP may be able to refer them for extra support.

Dr Emma Millar says, “Discuss what they’re excited about. Children pick up on how we’re feeling, so if you remain calm and positive about them returning back to school, then that will really help them to feel reassured.”

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By Kate Duggan

Boy at the Back of the Class – Onjali Rauf here s a new boy in class. hmet is shy, scared and doesn t speak much nglish, but the nine-year-old narrator is determined to make friends with him. nd when it turns out that hmet could be forever separated from his family due to changes to the refugee laws, the narrator hatches a plan to help. great book for both children and adults, The Boy at the Back of the Class gently introduces readers to subjects such as refugees, bullying, racism and fairness. y eleven-year-old and loved it.

Spy Toys – Mark Powers and Tim Wesson he Raggy olls meets oy tory in this action packed adventure. hen three toys are re ected as not being fit for purpose, they re soon recruited for a new mission protecting the prime minister s son. From a short-tempered doll to a less-than-cuddly teddy bear, these characters help to prove that differences can be strengths. y eight-year-old will find any e cuse not to read, but he happily devoured all three books in the series.

Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Immigrant Women Who Changed the World he latest instalment in the popular Rebel irls series reveals the stories of athletes, entertainers, business women, activists, creators, scientists, politicians and other inspiring women. ach one is an immigrant and many of them have had to overcome significant challenges to succeed. he mini-biographies only take a few minutes to read and each one is accompanied by an illustration, so it s a good book for dipping in and out of.

Wonder – R. J. Palacio While some children want to be the centre of attention, Auggie is desperate ust to fit in. ut his facial disfigurement attracts stares, taunts and even screams. e meet uggie as he s about to start school for the first time, after years of being home-schooled. bove anything, onder is about friendship, families and acceptance.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! – Dr Seuss h, he Places ou ll o is a rousing, rhyming call to the reader to follow their ambitions, forge their own destiny and do it all with a spring in their step. hile it s very optimistic and upbeat, there are also a few reminders that life doesn t always go according to plan and that sometimes you have to pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try another path.

Matilda – Roald Dahl atilda has been pushed around and kept down her whole life. er parents openly dislike her. er headteacher is a sadistic bully. ut what they don t know is that atilda is a genius, and has unlocked a part of her brain that allows her to do some pretty miraculous things. Roald ahl s much-loved tale has been entertaining and inspiring children for generations.

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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.

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Now that autumn is upon us, leaves, shrubs and climbers grab our attention with their change of colours, transforming to scarlets, reds and golds. So why not include some in your garden?

Climbing plants with spectacular autumn colour include Parthenocissus quniquefolia, or Virginia creeper, a sizeable climber that can be used to clothe walls without a support system. n autumn the leaves are numerous shades of scarlet, orange and red.

For less e tensive covering, consider Parthenocissus henryana. ts divided leaves are a dark green to bronzy colour with pretty silvery white veins that turn to rich red in autumn.

Another autumn climber, Vitis coignetiae, grows rapidly and has huge heart-shaped leaves with splendid scarlet and crimson colours come the autumn. t can be grown through large trees and over sturdier supports, and the colours often improve in poor soil!

Amelanchier lamarckii (snowy mespilus or serviceberry) is a large shrub covered with lovely whitish blossom in spring. The emerging leaves change from a coppery colour to bright green, but in autumn the entire shrub almost appears to be on fire.

The small-scale blueberry is an acid-loving, boggy-soil-needing plant that turns into a miniature ball of fire once it takes on its autumn colour, and two or more plants will provide a crop of delicious fruit.

Fothergilla ma or or itch lder is a smallish to medium-sized shrub whose bare stems will be covered with scented creamy-white spiky flower clusters early in the year. The foliage changes from pale green to shades of yellow and orange in the autumn. t needs a lime-free or acidic soil and does not do so well in a tub.

Cotinus or smoke bush also has fantastic autumn colours, and is a shrub with attractively rounded leaves in shades of green, pinkish-

orange or purple. he fluffy seed heads look ust like little clouds or plumes of smoke.

For smaller gardens it’s hard to beat one of the Japanese maples with their stunning divided leaves turning rich purples, reds, oranges and yellows, depending on which one you have planted. They do well in large tubs and are perfect for a sheltered back yard or patio, and look great in a bed or border.

Making the Best of Autumn Colour Potential • To help choose plants for autumn colour, why not visit local garden centres or an arboretum f possible, buy autumn colour plants now so you can see the precise shades that the various plants have to offer.

• Check the ultimate height and spread of trees or shrubs you’re considering – there’s no use planting something that will outgrow its space in a couple of years’ time.

• Planting at this time of year works well but wait for better conditions if your garden soil is very wet. n dry soil plants still need watering well, and the soil around the roots must be kept moist once the plants are in the ground.

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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My Team

Phil Williams continues our series of sporting articles with an account of his life-long support for Aston Villa.

Captain Dennis Mortimer, manager Tony Barton and scorer Peter Withe with the European Cup in 1982.

On Saturday, the 7th of March, 1959 my grandad took me to watch my first professional football match. We didn’t have a car so the journey, with him living five miles away from me in south Birmingham, would have been somewhat more arduous than it would be today. From home there would be a bus ride into Birmingham, a walk across the city, then another bus to Villa Park. It was all part of the build up to the match and, over the years, I always felt the excitement mounting as we boarded the Villa Park bus.

I don’t remember anything about the match, other than it was against Leeds United and when I was old enough to take in its importance, I came to realise that Villa had needed to win to stay out of the relegation zone in the First Division, today’s Premiership. Sound familiar?

What I do remember is that we left the ground about five minutes before the end of the match so that we would miss the crowds at the final whistle. When we left the score was 1-1. As we walked along Witton Lane towards the bus stop there was an almighty roar which we later discovered, courtesy of the Sports Argus (anyone remember the pink paper?), followed Villa’s winning goal scored by Gerry Hitchens.

That was the last time I ever left a match before the final whistle.

Hitchen’s goals couldn’t stop Villa’s relegation that season but

26 connectionmags.co.uk

his 23 goals the following season helped their promotion back to Divison One. He went on to sign for Inter Milan the following year.

From that day I could never follow another team, although I did go to matches at Birmingham City (against Villa) and West Bromwich Albion - one particular game in December 1966, won by United 4-3, was the only time I managed to see Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and George Best play together.

I had wondered why my grandad took me to watch Villa and not one of the other West Midland teams. Wolves, Blues and Albion were all in the top ten in the league at the time, well above the Villa. It was only more recently, after checking my ancestry, that I realised he had been born in Aston and his father was buried in the grounds of Aston Parish Church in Witton Lane, just a couple of hundred yards from Villa Park.

Years of ups and downs in Villa’s fortunes followed but, as all true football fans will tell you, you never change your allegiance. So it was that I became a member of the claret and blue army, albeit not a frequent attendee and now more of an armchair fan. The childhood dream of playing for Villa was ended when I had a trial in the summer of 1966 and didn’t make the grade. Oh well...

Of course, while the downs were never forgotten - relegations to the second division in 1967 and

/theconnectionmag

the third division in 1970 - it was the ups that were committed to the forefont of memory. And even finishing fourth in their first season in the third tier, they still managed a semi-final win in the League Cup against the mighty Manchester United, only to lose against Spurs in the Final. Signs that Villa were on the way back.

Apart from winning their seventh Cup Final, against Manchester United in 1957, Villa’s most memorable period was winning the league title in 1980/81 then going on to beat Bayern Munich in the European Cup Final (now the Champions League) the following season, still one of only five English clubs to lift that trophy.

Along the way I have watched some great players, including Stanley Matthews in the ‘60s, and some not so great players - I remember watching Villa in the old Third Division and thinking that one or two of the opposition looked like they had come straight from the pub.

Now back in the Premiership, Villa are hoping for better times following last season’s take over.

Football, like many sports, has become big business and has seen many changes because of the enormous amounts of money now in the game. Some changes have been good, some not so good. But once you pick your team you don’t change it. #My Team #UTV.

@connection_mag

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29

NEIGHBOURHOOD N EIGHBOURHOOD W WATCH ATCH A ALCESTER LCESTER Warwickshire Police Supports “Safety In Neighbours Campaign” This campaign seeks to encourage communities to work together to keep their homes and neighbourhoods safe. It highlights how life is safer when you know your neighbours, and if more people are keeping an eye out for unusual behaviour or activity in their street, more burglaries can be prevented.

Neighbourhood Watch members believe that everyone has a right to feel safe where they live and they promote that right by building strong, friendly, active communities where crime and anti-social behaviour are less likely to happen. In the last financial year there was a 20% drop in house burglaries in Warwickshire compared to the previous year and the Police are keen to continue to reduce this even further. The Police rely on information received from local residents to help build a picture of what is happening in your area. The Police urge the public to report any concerns they

may have or suspicious activity they may have seen to us by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency. Residents are encouraged to join their local Neighbourhood Watch group.

Cold Callers. Recently, Warwickshire Police have received reports of cold callers knocking on doors and offering to sell dusters and other household items. These cold callers are known to the Police as Nottingham Knockers and are usually ex offenders and they get dropped off in an area for a day and try to sell their goods.

In each case the caller shows a card but on checking these are found to be bogus. These doorstep sellers can be persistent and won’t take no for an answer. This is totally illegal and must be reported to the Police on 101 with a description and direction of travel. Do not fall for their tactics. Shut your door. Please avoid answering the door or buying from cold callers.You can also report any concerns to Warwickshire Police online at www. warwickshire.police.uk.

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 South Safer Neighbourhood Team dial 101 or 01789 444816. Please feel free to contact the team direct: Team email: alcestersouth.snt@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk SGT 1284 Angus Eagles angus.eagles@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk PC 1672 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 Always report an active crime on 999.

Facebook - Alcester Police

Facebook - Alcester Police Twitter - @AlcesterCops Instagram - southwarwickshiresnts Website - www.warwickshire.police.uk Call Crimestoppers anonymously with information about crime on 0800 555 111.

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

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

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

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

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

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 /theconnectionmag @connection_mag 30 connectionmags.co.uk

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31

5 Reasons

to Shop Local

One unexpected and welcome outcome from the Coronovirus lockdown is the way in which many small businesses have been able to adapt so that they can keep trading. We’ve seen cafés become grocers, restaurants develop collection and take-away services almost overnight, shops develop online e-commerce stores, and salon owners becoming YouTube stars as they share their skills and expertise with ever widening and appreciative audiences.

Even during times of crisis, the demand to shop can open up new opportunities in many industries. At The Connection Magazine we’ve always believed that shopping local plays a vital role, and no matter what our world will look like in the future we should all carry on supporting local enterprise.

So here are 5 reasons why shopping local matters, now more than ever.

1. It builds local communities & strengthens local economies.

When you support a local business, you are supporting your friends, family, and neighbours.

The availability of local shops is especially important for the elderly, vulnerable, young people and those without access to private transport. Plus the more money that local councils make in rent and rates, the more they can spend on supporting local infrastructure and public services.

2. Local small businesses add character to towns and villages.

A small business or boutique shop adds character to the city or town when you walk or drive by. In a world that has become increasingly dominated by chain stores, a local business’s branding is unique and often quirky, adding something different to your High Street, offering an alternative experience, and bringing a much needed breath of fresh air into areas populated by generic stores and companies.

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local population. Plus their success will encourage other local businesses to open up to take advantage of the footfall, encouraging other people to take the plunge and become entrepreneurs too!

4. You get a more personalised service.

Local business owners are friendly and engaging, they get to know their customers at a personal level and can provide better advice about their products and services. Local traders value your business more since their survival depends on their good reputation and repeat business. They can often adapt their products to suit your personal requirements, or source something bespoke for you, which big chains won’t do.

5. It’s better for the environment.

Shopping local means less mileage and petrol costs for you, which helps reduce CO2 emissions. Plus local shops often stock locally sourced goods which not only supports the local economy but also reduces transport times and costs of the goods, which impacts positively on their carbon footprint.

We know its tempting to default to the big chains or to buy online. But shopping locally is usually just as cost-effective and convenient, plus you are supporting your local community, rather than putting money in nameless and faceless shareholders’ pockets

3. Shopping locally creates more job opportunities and encourages entrepreneurship.

A local business that becomes a success will grow, and as they grow they’ll recruit more staff from the

32 connectionmags.co.uk

A

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33

View From The Boundary

A

fter a delay of four months, we finally got the all clear from the to resume cricket on uly th. Some brief concerns about vectors of diseases and the safety of cricket teas from the powers that be threatened to curtail the game, but thankfully the were able to provide a safe framework for a return to the field. iven the timing of the announcement and the date for the restart, local league cricket was an unfortunate casualty - not enough time left in the season to fulfil even half of the scheduled fixtures, but thankfully there was a huge appetite locally for the game still an inevitable outcome given the restrictions imposed since arch.

The otswold ills League were able to schedule a two-tier localised competition for those sides still able to play and this proved to be a success sides took part with the two finals due to be played on August th. From our local onnection catchment sides, both xhall Wixford and Welford on Avon are still in with

34 connectionmags.co.uk

a chance of silverware xhall play Lapworth in the L up semi-final, whilst Welford travel to roadway in the L Shield semi. ood luck to both sides.

Temple rafton have made some regional news following theeir participation in the ational illage up co ompetition. The national knockout competition has been running since with the showpiecce final being held annually at Lords. It attraacts the cream of village cricket sides from ngland, Scotland and Wales Temple rafton, makking their debut, were beaten comprehensively by Astwood ank (who had beaten xhall Wixford a week earlier) in front of a bumper crowd. Fantastic experience for rafton despite the result. opefully lifee and sport will return to something resembling normality for the season and that our local sides can benefit from a full summer of acction. Until then, international cricket in emp pty stadiums await.

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

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Alcester Town Council

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020

Holiday Lunch Club for children hailed a success This free take away service for children during the school holidays was warmly welcomed by both parents and children, whilst they enjoyed the lovely weather in Jubilee Fields over the summer.

Food was served from the Eric Payne Community Centre every Wednesday and Friday from 12:30-1:30pm on a first come, first served basis.

Alcester Community Allotment has its first full year of harvest

meetings will resume in September also using Zoom. All meetings commence at 7pm.

Full Council Meetings: Tuesdays 1 September & 6 October Community Care: Tuesdays 8 September & 13 October Community Facilities: Tuesdays 15 September & 20 October Presidium: Tuesday 22 September Planning Committee: Mondays 7, 28 September & 19 October 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 have reopened Monday to Friday, 9am-1pm, with staff attending on a rota basis in accordance with government guildelines. 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 The idea behind the Community Allotment was to soon as we can. bring people together to grow and harvest fresh Alcester Town Council offices: and delicious produce, be active, make friends, Globe House, Priory Road, Alcester B49 5DZ connect with nature and feel part of a ‘growing’ Tel: 01789 766084 community. Unfortunately, during lockdown, it Town Clerk - Vanessa Lowe: wasn’t possible for everyone to tend to their beds clerk@alcester-tc.gov.uk at the same time. However, lots of produce has Planning & Communication - Sarah Duran: been grown and people have helped each other administration@alcester-tc.gov.uk in a coordinated way.

Community Care - Jenny Theobald: Would you like to be involved? If so, please office@alcester-tc.gov.uk get in touch with Wendy Sherwood, Health and Facilities - Jan Rowlatt: Wellbeing Coordinator at Alcester Town Council. reception@alcester-tc.gov.uk Email: info@alcester-tc.gov.uk or phone 01789 Health & Wellbeing - Wendy Sherwood: 766084. info@alcester-tc.gov.uk Town Council Meetings Further information can be found on our social In line with government legislation, Full Council media pages: www.facebook.com/alcester meetings will be held remotely by video conference using Zoom software. Committee www.twitter.com/AlcesterTown

36 connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

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37

Bidford on Avon Parish Council in the County of Warwickshire

COVID-19 e can confidently say that the s ring su er of has een li e no other and its effects ill e felt for a long long ti e. s su er ends things ill start getting ac to nor al or as close to it as it can e under the current circu stances T e still need to ta e care. t is i ortant e continue to e a are of our neigh ours and friends and anyone e no to e vulnera le.

Children ill e going ac to school though still uncertain of the anner in hich this ill occur arents ill ro a ly no ore. idford Co unity i rary ho es to o en in a li ited anner in early cto er read ore a out this in the a er . idford ural Cine a is still una le to re o en. t ill do so as soon as it eco es via le so atch this s ace.

The Cler ill continue to or fro ho e going to the office once a ee or y a oint ent contact her on .

LITTER AND PARKING ON PAVEMENTS ne of the do nsides of C has een the a ount of litter throughout the village. erha s it has al ays een there and regularly ic ed u y al ers li e yself and thro n in the ins rovided. o ever during the ande ic e do not ic u so hatever anyone has thro n on the ground re ains on the ground and accu ulates as ti e goes y. s it really so difficult to ait until you see a in and dis ose of your ru ish safely t as great seeing a s all girl on the ig Meado the other day ta ing her a er ra er and thro in the in ood for her and her arents and an e a le to us all. lso ar ing on the ave ents so eti es ta ing over the hole idth a ing it i ossi le for edestrians to use hat is a foot not tyre ath is eco ing a real ro le . e have any elderly residents in the village and any use o ility scooters having to go onto the road is dangerous for the . lease thin ne t ti e you ar ar ing on the road has the added enefit of

38 connectionmags.co.uk

acting as a very effective and chea traffic cal ing easure.

MEETINGS – it is still uncertain when council meetings will return to normal.

Guidelines still strongly recommend they continue to be virtual. Please note that you are still able to join and details are published on the Agenda and on social media.

Monday th e te er and th cto er . lanning Consultative Co ittee Meeting.

Monday th e te er and th cto er . arish Council Meeting.

BIDFORD EMAIL INFORMATION ant to no hat is ha ening on the village every ee othing easier si ly sign u y e ailing the Cler at info@ bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk and your na e ill e added to the ee ly e ail infor ation list and you ill receive an e ail regarding u co ing events and notices. s The Connection Magazine is no i onthly this is a good o ortunity to sign u and ensure you are u to date ith everything C .

SOCIAL MEDIA ou can also ee u to date y follo ing the arish Council on social edia via ace oo idford on von and T itter idford C as a lot of infor ation and u dates are u lished through ocial Media.

PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS Cler to the arish Council Mrs. lisa eth ggerl se.

Tel o. 07718 628 925 e ail info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk e site www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk. arish Councillors a list of arish Councillors can e found online www. bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/councillors.htm

lisa eth ggerlose Cler to the arish Council

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

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are you about to enter the realms of

higher education?

or do you know someone who is? then you should read this!

The Trustees ill again e a ing financial grants to eo le living ithin the oundaries of the arish of idford on von hich includes arton roo and Marlcliff ho ill e furthering their education at university or college for the acade ic year co encing in e te er . f you ould li e to e considered for a grant lease rite a letter of a lication there are no for s to The Cler Mrs oy eeley c nield Close idford on von ar ic shire . s ell as your na e and address and ho long you have lived in the arish lease give full details of your course ie na e of university college nature of ualifications su ects and year of study.

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39

community events & what’s on...

To publicise any community events, email info@connectionmags.co.uk by 16th of October.

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

Local WI Groups

We had a lovely email from Margaret at Alcester WI with the following, which I would suggest applies to all the WI and ladies groups: The committee hopes that all our members are well and receiving the regular emails with news of everyone and their various activities.

Do let us have anything you think would be of interest: books, walks, recipes and humorous stories would all be welcome. We will keep in touch and let you know as soon as we can meet again.

Alcester & District Local History Society

www.alcesterhistory.org.uk Contact Alan Godfrey 01789 765385.

Bidford Gardening Society

www. bidfordgardens.com

Bidford History Society www.bidfordhistory.org.uk

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.

From all at The Connection Magazine, please stay safe and we hope we can bring you more news soon.

Cookhill Garden Club

www.cookhillgarden.club

Alcester Flower Club

Our usual meetings should be on the first Monday in the month at Alcester Methodist Church at 7.30pm. Regretfully, due to Covid19, our September 7th meeting is cancelled as, due to the size of the hall where we meet and our membership numbers, it is not possible to follow Government rules.

Your Committee is meeting in September to consider the way forward for the rest of the year and will contact each member by email or telephone before October. Your committee send their best wishes to all Members and hope you are keeping well and safe.

Contact: Marian Buchanan 01789 400868.

Alcester Ladies Probus Club

Due to Coronavirus and its restrictions, regretfully, our meeting on September 8th is cancelled. Your committee will be meeting in September to consider the next few months, depending on whether Government rules are further relaxed, but rest assured we will be meeting as soon as we can and will let you know. Best Wishes to all Members, keep well and safe.

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

40 connectionmags.co.uk

Sudoku solutions (see page 6)

Easy grid

Not so easy grid

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

Like everyone, we’re adapting! Lots of chat, photos & videos amongst members on WhatsApp & outdoor, distanced meet ups. It was not possible to run the ‘Youth Speaks’ competition this year.

Instead, we are looking for talented, local, young photographers. The theme for the competition is WILD NATURE

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.

ALCESTER REMEMBERS VE75 EXHIBITION Still closely involved with our community, we are proud to join other local organisations in promoting and supporting the ‘VE75’ exhibition, showing Alcester through the war years. This was planned to form part of the VE75 commemoration cancelled in May, & it is now hoped to show this during Remembrance weekend (6 – 8 November) at Alcester Town Hall, subject to Covid guidelines at that time. If you are interested in being involved please contact: John Bunting – T: 01789 766 753 E: jandbbunting@btinternet.com 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

SOCIAL

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42 connectionmags.co.uk

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@connection_mag

Puzzle Page Answers on page 45.

PICTOGRAMS

5 words WATER TEA BUNGALOW

Wordwheel

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.

Target: Excellent: 35 or more words Good: 26 words Fair: 20 words

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2 words JOE KING JOE KING JOE KING

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2 words BRUNETTE MACBETH AUBURN OTHELLO BLONDE HAMLET

Quick Crossword

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Across 1 Fog (4) 3 Travellers (8) 9 Table support (7) 10 Entrance (5) larifications 2 14 Epoch (3) 16 Sphere (5) 17 To drink (3) ses camera 2 2 arge sea 5 22 awn game 23 i ing 2 teak Down umbled 2 noo e 5 4 Poem (3) 5 ce-bo 2 6 Proverbs (7) 7 Painful (4) ntangled 2 2 mid 5 3 lcoholic appetiser 5 ccomplish welling 5 20 rave 22 in 3

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

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D R I V E W AY & L A N D S C A P E S O L U T I O N S Henley in Arden: 01564 330 616 Solihull: 0121 607 8834 Stratford: 01789 508 660 Mobile: 07785 507 103

Email: Drivecoltd@gmail.com

Contact us today for a FREE DESIGN & FREE QUOTATION

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE

• • • • • • •

Block Paving • Lift & Relay Drives Fencing • Patios • Tarmacing Brickwork • Slabbing • Gravel Driveway Repairs Clean & Seal Drives Driveway Maintenance • Garden Design Roofing Repairs • UPVC Fascias & Downpipes

ALL WORK FULLY GUARANTEED FOR 5 YEARS No deposits taken - No subcontractors used

Check out samples of our work on our website www.DriveCoLtd.com Branches throughout the Midlands

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Head Office: Forward House, 17 High Street, Henley in Arden, Warwickshire B95 5AA

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connectionmags.co.uk

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Company Reg. No: 10560471 Registered in England & Wales

@connection_mag

Puzzle Answers Pictograms

1. Drinks are on the house 2. Joking Apart 3. Fair Play

Wordwheel TREMBLE

Simple Crossword

8QLW :HVWRQ ,QG (VW +RQH\ERXUQH :5 4%

RIILFH#EURDGPDUN FR XN

ZZZ EURDGPDUN FR XN

Across: 1 Mist, 3 Tourists, 9 Trestle, 10 Foyer, 11 Explanations, 14 Era, 16 Globe, 17 Sup, 18 Photographer, 21 Ocean, 22 Croquet, 23 Blending, 24 Beef.

Down: 1 Muttered, 2 Sleep, 4 Ode, 5 Refrigerator, 6 Sayings, 7 Sore, 8 Straightened, 12 Among, 13 Aperitif, 15 Achieve, 19 House, 20 Tomb, 22 Can.

the

connection More than a magazine

Gloss or Matt Leaflets

5,000 A5 135gsm Full Colour, Double Sided Printing

£125

Afternoon Tea at Hillers Open Daily 9.00am - 5.00

pm

Using the finest Contact

freshest ingredients

The Garde

n Restau

rant on:

01789 49195 0

Tel: 01789 Dunnington Heath Farm 772771 • Email : info@ • Alcester • B49 hillers.co.uk 5PD • www.h illers.co.uk

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Other specifications also catered for. Prices subject to change.

Contact us for a FREE quotation tailored to your requirements.

Bespoke Design Services

Flyer & Leaflet Design. Get in touch for your FREE quotation. connectionmags.co.uk | 01789 491005 | info@connectionmags.co.uk To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

45

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10%

Eric Williams Electrician 07974 228835

No job too small Estimates free eric@whippletreecottage.co.uk

OFF FLAT

P &

ROOFS

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Whipple Tree Cottage Coughton Fields Lane Alcester, B49 6BX 01789 564767

Specialists in all types of Roofing, Complete Roofs, Ridge Tiles, Lead Work, Chimneys, Fascias, Soffits, Guttering, Gutter Cleaning

No job too big or too small Fully guaranteed and insured Written quotes available

Based locally in Inkberrow Phone: 01386 793248 Mobile: 07789 721303 www.inkberrowservices.co.uk

Phone Andy on 07795 958 245 Office 01789 868506

info@weatherguardservices.co.uk www.weatherguardservices.co.uk The Barn, Croft Lane, Temple Grafton B49 6PA

For all your heating and plumbing needs...

•0% finance options •Up to 12 year guarantee •Worcester Bosch approved installers

...Call our office on

01789 766200

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

46 connectionmags.co.uk

/theconnectionmag

@connection_mag

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CPM

• Landscaping • Building Work • Patios PROPERTY • Brickwork &GARDEN MAINTENANCE • Fencing • Carpentry • Turfing • Flooring • Hedge cutting • Painting & Decorating • Tree Care • General Property Maintenance FULLY QUALIFIED & INSURED

• FREE QUOTES

Call us now on:

07544 330103 To advertise please call 01789 491005 or email info@connectionmags.co.uk

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