The Connection Magazine - September/October 2022

Doctors / Health

Alcester Health Centre

The Arrow Surgery

Bidford Health Centre NHS Direct Samaritans

Hospitals

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Alcester

Councils

to the September/October Connection

Hello to those of you who have managed to escape dessication over the course of the summer heatwaves. At the time of writing, most of us are breathing a collective sigh of relief at forecasted rain showers after a very hot week. Gardens are looking a little toasted. Grass has turned to straw (thank heavens it grows back relatively easily), and pot plants are gasping for hydration. For the green-fingered amongst you, there are ways of injecting some colour into your gardens, just like our cover demonstrates, to carry you through to early autumn. Read our autumn gardening tips on page 10.

If the extreme weather has got you considering your impact on the environment and you’re thinking about a car change, we’ve some used hybrid car suggestions in the Motoring article (p.18).

For those who have over-indulged at summer BBQ’s, why not give this month’s recipe a try (p.8)? It’s a delicious, warm, proteinpacked salad, inspired by Middle Eastern flavourings. Salads don’t have to be boring and certainly don’t just belong in the summertime.

What a fantastic summer it has been for sport, and with so much on our doorstep! We were fortunate to visit some of the Commonwealth Games events, T20 at Edgbaston and of course we cheered the Lionesses on, although from the comfort of our sofa. As the cricket season draws to a close, we sum up how it’s gone for local teams in ‘View from the Boundary’ (p.29), and ‘Back of the Net’ (p.13) makes a welcome return for the 2022/23 football season.

Huge congratulations to Alcester Town Council, who have deservedly been named a ‘Council of the Year’ finalist. Read more about their work on page 22

A vast array of community groups and event listings can be found on pages 26 and 28, along with the Bidford Parish Council newsletter on page 24 and a Neighbourhood Watch update on page 20.

And that’s it for another edition! I hope autumn begins on a high for you. And for families with children... good luck with the start of the new school year. Until next time...

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Serves 2 Takes about 15 mins

Ingredients

• 1 red onion, peeled and cut into 8 wedges

• 150g baby carrots, trimmed and rinsed

• 1 x 280g packet GoodLife Falafel

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 250g cooked Puy lentils

• Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper

• 1 red chilli, finely chopped

• ½ small bunch fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

• ½ small bunch fresh mint, finely chopped

• ½ small bunch fresh chives, finely chopped

• 50g feta

For the dressing

• 1 tbsp rose harissa

• 4 tbsp plain yoghurt, plant-based if you prefer

• ½ tsp easy garlic

• ½ tbsp red wine vinegar

Super-scrumptious Middle Eastern street food falafels take the starring role in this warm autumnal salad

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 220°C / 200°C fan / gas mark 7.

2. Place the onion wedges and baby carrots on a baking tray along with the falafels, drizzle over the olive oil and cook in the oven for 15 minutes.

3. Meanwhile, mix the dressing ingredients together and set aside.

4. In a small saucepan, heat the lentils with the lemon zest and a good squeeze of lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper, and then stir the chopped chilli and herbs through the warm lentils.

5. Spoon the lentils onto a serving platter with the roasted onions, carrots and falafel. Crumble over the feta and a drizzle of the dressing with the rest served on the side.

Cooked from frozen, 280g boxes of GoodLife Foods’ falafels are available from Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Ocado, RRP £1.80. Visit www.goodlife.co.uk.

It’s not all over in September. Indeed, many people choose this month as their favourite when it comes to drama in the garden. If your outdoor space is looking past its best, this is an opportunity to add to your plant palette. After all, wise gardeners plant today if they believe in tomorrow.

Looking good in September

Top marks go to ornamental grasses as they are reaching their peak in terms of beauty. There’s a grass to suit just about every type of space and the effect at this time of year is stunning. Swathes of gently swaying grasses lighten the soul. Some measure just a few centimetres high whilst others tower to three metres and more. The seed heads can be pink, purple, cream and white. A few grasses look like lambs’ tails and several resemble giant plumes on a circus horse’s head.

For something completely reliable in freedraining soil and a sunny position, try Anemanthele lessoniana, or pheasant’s tail grass. It’s a semi-evergreen mound of golden and green loveliness that is steaked with red at this time of year. Use some of the larger grasses, including Miscanthus, as specimen plants amongst your borders. They will add froth and glory that improves throughout the year. When most plants are fading, these grasses will be stealing the show with their clump-forming habit and spectacular autumn flowers.

Contrast and drama

Pay attention to foliage if you want to create some astonishing contrast. Acers, in particular, are now working their way to a crescendo. Their colour takes on a vibrancy that will improve over the next few weeks as the leaves turn gradually crimson, purple, bronze and brilliant yellow, according to variety.

Make the most of ground cover plants such as heuchera, sometimes known as coral bells. There are red, yellow, lime green and orangeleafed varieties. Plant them in groups, next to others with contrasting foliage, to brighten up the autumn understorey.

The same applies to heathers, with late-summer and autumn flowers in pinks, purples and white. Erica varieties like free-draining soil in light shade and they can look stunning when planted amongst rocks and boulders, or towards the front of borders. Calluna, or ling heathers, like full sun in acid soil, so there is a heather suitable for almost any location except full shade or bog. More shrubs and perennials for September

The sunny flowers of rudbeckia ‘Goldsturm’ create a splash of yellow during September. This award-winning beauty ensures that sunshine will stay in your garden right through to October and beyond. It works well with ornamental grasses and other daisy types including heleniums. The crimson red flower of helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ is one of the best.

Asters, with their astonishing display of daisy-like purple, lilac and pink blooms, are often covered in bees and butterflies in September. They set the garden alight with vibrant colour just when you think the show is almost over. Asters are known as a symbol of love and wisdom – let’s all have some of these!

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

By Caroline Knight: Gardendesignideas.co.uk

Rudbeckia

Aster with bee

BACK OF THE NET

Well there we have it, football has finally come home, and it took the ladies to do it for us. Of course, it wasn’t the World Cup, that will be next year in Australia and New Zealand, but one step at a time. Congratulations Lionesses, you were brilliant!

Now it’s over to the men in Qatar in November and December. Yes, I know how daft that is, and of course envelopes haven’t changed hands anywhere down the line.

So it’s on to the 22/23 men’s season at home (there will be more to come on the ladies through the season), and although there have only been two games at the time of going to print, Citeh have started as expected and are looking ever more imperious, having picked up a new striker. It will be a different approach for them, having sold Jesus and Sterling, but

Haaland is looking strong and he’s huge. Liverpool will chase them all the way again, of course. Arsenal are also looking good and then there’s Chelsea and Tottenham, who seem to be enjoying themselves a little more under Conte. I’m sure no other team will get close, so the other fifteen will be hoping they can stay up.

It was refreshing to see a few results go ‘the other way’, with Forest winning at home against West Ham, and Brentford dispatching ManU by four goals. I hope Forest can stay up this season.

Of course, it’s much too early for any more speculation regarding winners and losers, with players being bought and sold over the summer, so I will reserve more judgment until my next piece at the start of November, when we should have much more of a handle on the season. Although I’m sure the World Cup will make an impact for some teams, with a long break interrupting the season. Whichever team you follow, I hope you enjoy this season.

‘Til next time...

Back of the net!

Students in South Korea are expected to stay and help clean and tidy the class room when lessons are over.

One of these sums is wrong. Which one?

are

pictured to fit into the grid below.

There 9 – 2 + 13 = 20 Answers on page 28

How did the music teacher get locked in the classroom?

His keys were inside the piano!

A book never written: “When Does School Start?” by Wendy Belrings

Though there’s a real push toward full-electric vehicles, for many people a hybrid vehicle is a great fit. Combining an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and battery means a traditional engine to fall back on, but with the opportunity to benefit from the lower running costs that electrification brings.

Fortunately, hybrids have been on sale for a little while now, so there is a reasonable number available in the used market. Let’s take a look.

Lexus CT

Lexus has been using electrical assistance in its cars for quite some time now and has the technology down to a fine art. The CT, a slightly elongated hatchback with a typically sharp Lexus design, is a ‘regular ’ hybrid with a 1.8-litre engine and an electric motor and battery.

It’s exempt from London’s Ultra Low Emissions Zone charge, too. Early, high-mileage examples can be had for around £5,500, but reasonable-mileage versions with plenty of equipment are around the £10,000 mark.

Toyota Prius

There are few better-known names in the hybrid world than Prius and it’s now a very tried-and-tested option. There are plenty of used examples, too, with prices starting from around £2,000 – though these will be earlier models with seriously high mileage.

Later models use a 1.8-litre engine – compared with the older 1.5-litre version – but you’ll still get a very respectable 70.6mpg combined, so it’s ideal for reducing fuel bills.

Volkswagen Golf GTE

Fancy something a little sportier? The Golf GTE aimed to combine Golf GTi driver involvement with the efficient running of a hybrid. With a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor with a battery, this plug-in hybrid can slot into everyday life easily.

First-generation cars – built around 2015 – can be had for as little as £12,000, though expect to pay slightly more for lower-mileage, higherspec versions.

BMW 530e

The BMW 530e could be a great more-refined option. It’s as comfortable and spacious as the regular 5, but has that efficient petrol-electric hybrid setup to help reduce fuel bills.

Early 2018 models of the spacious 530e can be had for under £20,000, so it’s definitely at the top end of our price list. Push that budget higher and you’ll find lower-mileage versions, of course.

Mitsubishi Outlander

The Outlander was one of the groundbreaking hybrid models, and the plug-in hybrid is the go-to choice as it offers super-efficient motoring and the chance of seeing up to 156mpg providing you keep it topped up with electricity.

Prices are competitive, with second-generation cars built around 2015 standing at around £17,000. It’s a big, practical car for the money.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH ALCESTER

Warwickshire Community Speed Watch

PCSO Liam Allen has been working hard in South Warwickshire conducting laser training courses. Community Speed Watch is trying to change attitudes to speed. Of 2000 people surveyed in 2021,10% admitted to speeding in towns and cities, whereas 5 years ago the percentage was 17%. This is a positive change, and it is hoped the trend will continue. Councillor Andrew Foster,( afoster.atc@ gmail.com ) is always looking for volunteers to operate the laser gun in Alcester. People should be made aware that average speed cameras are now being introduced onto roads around Alcester and have replaced the original roadside cameras. Everyone is welcome.

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

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.

Our dementia specialists support each resident to live life independently. At Ambleside care home we offer exceptional care and we’re here to help you and your family at every step of the journey.

Alcester Town Council

SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2022

Star Council Awards

We are delighted to have been named as a Council of the Year finalist in the National Association of Local Councils Star Council awards. This is pretty amazing, given that there are 10,000 parish and town councils!

Alcester Town Council provides so much more than its mandatory services. It funds, supports and organises a vast range of activities of benefit to residents to develop a resilient community and build social networks.

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 6 September & 4 October Finance & General Purposes CommitteeTues 27 September & 25 October Planning Committee - Mon 19 September & 17 October

Examples include:

• Repair Café

• Holiday Lunch Clubs

• Cook and Eat Your Tea

• Well Connected Computer Group

• Crafty Lunch Club

• Get a Move On!

The winner has been decided by a public vote, which has now closed. We will be sure to let you know how we get on.

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.

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

Repair Café, The Depot, Eric Payne Community Centre, meets monthly on the fourth Thursday.

Bidford on Avon Parish Council in

the County of Warwickshire

BIDFORD RURAL CINEMA

Things are moving so keep an eye on the website.

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.

Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) Consultation You can read the Parish Council’s response to this consultation on our website.

Arts & Crafts Group Minutes of their meeting in June available on the Parish Council website. Interested in Arts & Crafts? Are you able to assist providing sessions on some craft? Please join the next meeting – details will be posted on the Your Village Your Voice/Arts & Crafts section of the website.

MONTHLY POLICE SURGERIES at the school car park on Bramley Way on 21st September and 26th October https://bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/ police-surgeries-at-bramley-way/ This is a great opportunity to talk to our local police about any issue that may concern you and it is important it is used if we want this to continue.

WELCOME TO CLLR RICHARDSON

The Parish Council welcomed its new Parish Councillor, Cllr Richardson at its Planning Committee Meeting on 8th August. You can find her contact details at https://bidfordonavon-pc.gov. uk/parish-council/#councillors

WEEKLY EVENTS

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 12th September and 10th October 2022@ 7.30 pm Planning Consultative Committee Meeting Monday 26th September and 31st October 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

Elisabeth Uggerløse

Clerk to the Parish Council

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

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

Bidford Health Centre, Information Evening Wednesday 7th September at 7pm, to explain the new health Primary Care System and how it operates with the roles of clinical and non clinical staff., in addition to how it is integrated with hospitals and other support organisations, to provide care at all levels. There will be opportunity for questions. To book a place please contact the Bidford Health Centre on 01789 773372 after 2pm.

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.

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.

Broom WI

Meetings are held in Broom Village Hall on the first Thursday of the month, commencing at 7.30 pm. September 1st, Seated Strength and Balance (gentle exercises) with Juanita. October 6th, ‘My Investiture as an MBE’. A talk by Marilyn Payne MBE.

Alcester WI

We meet at Malt Mill Lane Community Centre at 7.30 pm on the second Thursday evening of each month. On September 18th, Cath Tomlinson will speak on a subject dear to her heart. 'Know Your Local Hospice' is a highly recommended introduction to all that the Shakespeare Hospice can provide, for those in need of its services. Come and join us and support the hospice. October 13th brings a chance for some pre-Christmas retail therapy. Dawn from 'Dawn's Little Shop' in Alcester will be bringing goodies! Dawn will update us on what's been happening with the shop post-Covid and try to tempt us with some new stock. What's not to enjoy? Don't forget your purse or your friends!

Harvington Phoenix Ladies Group

We are a group of ladies who meet on the first Wednesday of the month, usually in the Village Hall, at 7.45pm. Coming up we have an evening Paddleboarding session and a bus trip to Eastnor

Castle and Ledbury. Our normal monthly meetings recommence in September with a talk about "Behind the Scenes at Waitrose". Anyone interested in coming along please contact Lesley on 07768 130641.

Bidford Gardening Society

Thursday 15th September, 'Garden Jobs for September', presented by Aaron Pleciak. Thursday 20th October, ‘Toxic Weeds, Poisonous Perennials and Wicked Weeds’ presented by Alison Foster.’ All meetings are held in The Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford, 7.15pm for 7.30pm start. Further details on www.Bidfordgardens.com.

Cookhill Garden Club

Our meetings are at 7.30pm on Wednesdays at Cookhill Village Hall. On 21st September we have an evening with Chris Beardshaw. The TV personality and garden designer will give a presentation on 'The English Garden'. This is re-arranged from 20th April. Tickets only, those sold before the evening remain valid. Information from David Claydon 01527 894317. 19th October, Alun and Jill Whitehead will give a presentation on 'The Hidden Gardens of Herefordshire'. Visitors welcome, £5 for non-members. www.cookhillgarden.club.

Alcester Flower Club Meeting at Alcester Catholic Church Hall, Priory Road, Alcester, B49 5DY at 7.30pm on the first Monday in the month. Contact Marian Buchanan 01789 400868.

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. For more information please phone Pauline 01789 773390 or Elizabeth 01789 778887.

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.

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 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

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

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

Alcester St Nicholas Church

Advance notice - Christmas Market 2022 will be held in St Nicholas Church and Church House on Saturday 19th November from 10am to 12.30pm. Please make a note in your diaries and come along to enjuoy this seasonal event. All are welcome.

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.

View From The Boundary

Imposing, divisive, unnecessary, extraneous, gimmicky. Just a few of the key words you’ll find from detractors of the ECB’s colourful family ‘rebrand’ of cricket, The Hundred,

For those of you unaware, The Hundred is a recent innovation, brainchild of the England Cricket Board; comprising twenty five ball ‘overs’, eight regionalised franchise sides, all played out over the backdrop of the school holidays to maximise attendance...and capped off with a return to the BBC.

All sounds great. Anything to enhance the exposure of cricket is a welcome bonus.

Except it has stamped a huge footprint in the midst of an already congested summer calendar. Traditionalists are concerned about the impact on the established county games. The franchise element of the game is impacting on international cricket due to the financial possibilities presented to the players, who are understandably tempted by the cash over all else. I’ve said before that it’s good cricket, played by good cricketers, but the concern has to be that if it is to continue — and it will due to the investment in it — at what cost?

No signs of franchising the village game at the moment however, though we’d all welcome some of the money and marketing pizazz. The season is coming to a head, and in the Cotswold Hills League it looks as though Exhall & Wixford will have to wait another season for a crack at the Premier Division title. They sit a credible fourth in the table.

In Division One, Alcester & Ragley are a win away from securing promotion, whilst Temple Grafton look to have done enough to avoid the drop. Bidford on Avon will remain in Division Two for 2023 after a tough season, and Great Alne are battling to finish third in Division Three.

Alcester’s second string should claim the Division Four South title to cap off an excellent year for the club, with Welford on Avon in the mix to join them in promotion. Finally, in Division Five South, Temple Grafton’s second eleven look set to be crowned winners, whilst Bidford’s reserves are in with a chance of finishing second. Unfortunately, Exhall seconds have struggled for players and find themselves rock bottom despite some outstanding individual performances. Until next summer, go well everyone!