Warwickshire Now - JUNE 2022

Warwickshire

Now

Transform Your Existing Conservatory With Ensign Conservatory Roof Solutions

Visit www.ensignroof.co.uk and see page 9 for more information TAKE THE STRESS OUT OF MOVING THE STATE OF AGEING IN 2022 WHAT’S ON AND WHERE JUNE 2022 | ISSUE 64 t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 1 n

NEWS • HOMES • GARDENS • HEALTH & BEAUTY • GOLDEN YEARS • PUZZLES • WHAT’S ON

n 2 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

08

Warwickshire

Now

12

JUNE 2022

18

HOME & GARDEN 08

Take the Stress out of Moving

12

Are You Fed Up with Clutter?

14

A Quick Guide to House Hunting

GOLDEN YEARS 18

The State of Ageing 2022 and Ageism

20

Quality Care You Can Trust

EDUCATION 24

Warning over shrinking school meals as prices rise

WHAT’S ON 28

Puzzles

30

What’s On

WARWICKSHIRE

NOW 01905 723011

nowmagazines.co.uk PW Media & Publishing Ltd

24

30

EDITOR

ADVERTISING

Dawn Pardoe PW Media & Publishing Ltd dawn@pw-media.co.uk

Kate Gilmartin 01905 727904 kate@pw-media.co.uk

DESIGN Paul Blyth paul@pw-media.co.uk

Rachel Seabright 01905 727900 rachel@pw-media.co.uk

CONTRIBUTORS Access 4 Lofts Ageism Network Care UK Diamond Buses Home-Start South Warwickshire Stratford Butterfly Farm Uplifting Removals

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without permission. Colour transparencies, prints or any pictoral media for this publication are sent at owner’s risk and whilst every care is taken, neither PW Media & Publishing Ltd or its agents accept liability for loss or damage. No editorial submissions will be returned unless accompanied by a Self Addressed Envelope. DISCLAIMER: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that adverts and articles appear correctly, PW Media & Publishing Ltd cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. Please note that if you enter a competition in the Worcestershire Now magazine t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 3 n your name and address may be forwarded to the host of said competition.

THE LATEST NEWS FROM YOUR AREA NEW BUSINESS ACQUISITION SEES DIAMOND BUS NETWORK GROW Johnsons Excelbus’ services are being welcomed into the growing Diamond Bus business.

Warwickshire based operator, Johnsons recently made the decision to sell the Excelbus part of their business to Diamond Bus parent company Rotala Plc, with the exchange expected to be concluded on 29th May. Johnsons will cease operating local bus services, however their coaching and private hire operations will remain unchanged.

faces onboard as Diamond are employing Johnsons Drivers, some operating staff and will be taking on 18 Johnsons vehicles, which will be rebranded into Diamond livery soon after the change over date.

This new acquisition further strengthens Diamond’s business in the West Midlands, Worcestershire and Warwickshire region as the deal will include taking over operation of all Excelbus local bus services and the X20 Stratford to Solihull and Stratford Park & Rise services.

Diamond have already started operating some services early, such as 150 Redditch to Kings Heath and 149 Redditch to Worcester to help alleviate some of the operational issues Johnsons have recently suffered.

Diamond Bus spokesperson said “We are very much looking forward to welcoming customers from Johnsons onboard with us and for those locals who haven’t used the network for a while, we would encourage them to check our new extended network coverage and support your local bus network by moving more journeys to bus services”.

Customers who will be joining the Diamond network from Johnsons will see some familiar

n 4 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

There will be some minor timetable changes from 29th May and more information is available at their website. Diamond Bus will be working to release extended network information leaflets very soon.

Like for many businesses, the last couple of years have been a tough time for local bus services.

Diamond Bus, like many operators have been very grateful for financial support from the Government and Local Authorities to help with the costs of keeping vital bus services running during

the pandemic, but that funding assistance is now coming to an end. At this time, communities need to support their local network and rebuild bus patronage to back to pre-Covid levels to ensure operators and local authorities can continues to operate bus services without cuts in the future.

Diamond Bus added “We are committed to growing our services to keep communities moving. As we move forward from a very difficult period during Covid we want to encourage passengers back to the network. We are investing in our business to provide a strong local network, but in order to maintain that long term we need passenger levels to return to how they were before the pandemic.” ”As well as more routes, we also offer superb value travel options across our network. Did you know that many of our fares are much cheaper than the cost of filling up an average size car with petrol! With the cost of living rising significantly recently, we are fully committed to providing great value, high quality local travel, accessible to all.” n www.diamondbuses.com

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HERE & NOW

Stunning Frogs & Finches released at Stratford Butterfly Farm!

Jane

Kendrick,

Marketing

Manager

at

Stratford Butterfly Farm has released 22 Phantasmal Poison Frogs and several Parrot Finches to add to their display in the Flight Area in time for the May half term. The Frogs, also known as Epipedodates tricolour are a species of Poison Dart Frog which has a current International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) classification of vulnerable and decreasing. They originate from Ecuador and are vibrantly coloured with stripes of green or yellow. In their native environment they are extremely toxic which is created by their diet. However, at the Butterfly Farm they are fed a special diet, so they do not create toxins and are completely harmless to visitors.

close look at the resident Rhinoceros rat snake or Mexican black kingsnake and to find out all about these fascinating animals. Please note the sessions are subject to availability and are not available on bank holidays.

conserve and protect them.”

From 28 May – 1 June, the Butterfly Farm will host its popular Meet the Mini-Beast handling sessions as well as Snake demonstrations and Butterfly & Beetle Life Cycle demonstrations daily in the Discovery Zone. Visitors can take part in the sessions with the Education Team and hold creatures such as an African Land snail, Madagascan Hissing Cockroach, and a variety of Stick Insects. The Beetle demonstrations will also show visitors the complete life cycle of a beetle, whilst the snake demonstrations will allow visitors to have a

Stratford Butterfly Farm will also be involved in National Insect Week which runs from 20 -26 June and is organised by The Royal Entomological Society to encourage people of all ages to learn more about insects. During Insect Week visitors can take part in daily demonstrations on insects, their lifecycle, and their habitats. Demonstrations will take place each afternoon in the Discovery Zone between 1:30pm and 2:30pm from 20 - 25 June. More information can be found on the website. Normal admission applies.

section of the website to help plan a visit.

n 6 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

Stratford Butterfly Farm said, “We have so much to see and do over the May half term.

The Frogs and Finches are both striking in colour and really add to our display. The Frogs make a beautiful chirping sound and call to each other, listen carefully and you will hear them. National Insect Week is also a great opportunity to discover how amazing and important insects are and why we need to

To guarantee entry during the half term it is recommended to book tickets in advance from the online booking system. The Butterfly Farm recommends reading the ‘Information’ For more details on timings, please visit the events page of the website.

To see hundreds of spectacular butterflies, insects, reptiles, and spiders visit the Butterfly Farm from 10am to 6:00pm, last entry 5:30pm.

Open every day of the week except Christmas Day.

For

more

information

including

admission prices and group rates, please visit the website at www.butterflyfarm.co.uk or telephone on 01789 299288. n

PASSIONATE ABOUT FLOORING SOLUTIONS

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Also find us at Gatteridge Street, Banbury, OX16 5DH or visit www.thekarpetkingdom.co.uk

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 7 n

HOME & GARDEN

Take the Stress out of Moving Moving home is one of the most exciting yet stressful tasks we have to undertake. This daunting prospect can be navigated more successfully by taking on board the following advice and tips.

Get organised and plan early

Let someone else pack...

Make a list to help you prioritise

Ask

the actions and make a note

their professional packing services. Whether

of the timeline for when those actions need

you opt for full packing to save you the

completing. You will then be able to check that

hassle or part packing just for valuables like

you remain on schedule to avoid the need for

antiques and china, you can relax knowing

urgent last minute activity. So get organised and

that everything has been packed safely and

plan early, essential for as successful move…

correctly into the appropriate boxes with the

Consider using a professional moving firm Using professional and experienced movers is one of the best ways to make moving house

your

removal

company

about

right labels. Allowing the professionals to pack is likely to mean you are fully covered by their insurance arrangements also.

less stressful. This will save you much time,

Obtain comprehensive removals insurance

headspace and things will be loaded correctly,

This is essential. It’s highly likely that nothing

lowering the risk of breakages in transit.

will get broken, but it’s always the way that

Select a professional removal company that

if you don’t have insurance, something will.

offers dedicated move managers also has the

Always speak to your move manager about

added benefit of someone who helps people

your insurance options and check the detail of

move house every day guiding you through

what is and isn’t covered.

your move to make sure everything’s on track and that nothing is overlooked.

n 8 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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www.ensignroof.co.uk t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 9 n

HOME & GARDEN as straightforward as possible. Do you have a shared drive? If so warn the neighbours and put our cones to prevent visitors taking the space you need. Do you have a refuse collection that day, are there any road works planned that will affect access areas, do you need a permit from the local authorities etc. Last minute problems cause the stress levels to go sky high so minimise the risk by preparing your access in advance.

Ensure you have an overnight bag

about the first things you will need in your

and essentials box

new home in addition to the kettle - bedding,

The kettle, tea bags, milk, sugar, snacks,

food items, cutlery etc, and ensure these are

phone chargers - these are just some of the

‘last in first out’ of the van, or kept in your car.

items you’ll want to keep on you on the day

You also need to consider who will look after

of the move. Other things to consider include

the pets and children on the day.

freezer boxes for moving frozen goods, pen and paper for taking meter readings and

Easy access?

towels and toiletries for a quick-post move

Make sure you have sorted out any access

shower along with a change of clothes. Think

problems to make loading and unloading

Advise people early that you are moving – make a list One of the best tips for a stress-free move (and one that people often forget in the rush to get packed and moved) is to start contacting people about your change of address before you go. Make a list of people and companies you must tell about your move? Friends, relatives, schools, utility companies, etc. Get new address cards printed and put together an email distribution list to simplify the process by only needing to send the email once. n Max Edwards Uplifting Removals Suite 146, 79 Friar Street, Worcester, WR1 2NT Tel. 07717 509613 www.upliftingremovals.co.uk

TCI ROOFING & GUTTERING SERVING WARWICKSHIRE & SURROUNDING AREAS

Roofing services ranging from minor roof repairs to complete roof renewals.

We offer a priority service for emergency roofing repairs and we provide digital photographs of roofing damage if necessary.

Contact us today for a FREE no obligation quote.

Tel: 0800 191 0398

WWW.TCI-ROOFING-AND-GUTTERING.BUSINESS.SITE n 10 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

HOME & GARDEN

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 11 n

HOME & GARDEN

Are You Fed Up With Clutter?

Do you need more storage space? Well the answer could literally be under your own roof! supply and install a new loft hatch and a safe, sturdy aluminium loft ladder in your home in just one day! That means that your dark and dismal roof space suddenly becomes a useful storage area for all that family clutter. “My experience enables fitting the ladder and converting the access hatch, in double-quick time the space is accessible and I leave no mess behind” explains Wayne Reid, Access4Lofts Warwick.

For extra peace of mind, Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been assessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, they also have full public liability insurance , are DBS checked, and all work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee. n

For many home owners, the loft

Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote

is an underutilised area because

service so you can find out what is achievable

To find out how Access4Lofts can create

it can be difficult and dangerous

with your loft area.

more space for you and your family or to book a free survey and quote visit

to reach. Warwick based loft ladder installer Access4Lofts (whose slogan is ‘creating space

The majority of properties have an access hatch

www.access4lofts.co.uk/warwick

the easy way’) can change all that, often in

to the space in the loft. Access4Lofts create

01926 679591. You can also find them on

less than a day!

space the easy and affordable way. They can

Facebook @Access4LoftsWarwick.

n 12 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

or

call

HOME & GARDEN

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t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 13 n VIEW OUR FULL RANGE OF BOSCH PRODUCTS AT WWW.CHAPMANSRETAIL.CO.UK

HOME & GARDEN

A Quick Guide to House Hunting Stipendium, has compiled a

Initial preparation - finance first

Get on the market

guide on what to expect when

Before doing anything, it’s vital to precisely

If you’re funding your purchase with the sale

it comes to finding the right

calculate what budget you’re working with. This

of an existing property, it’s definitely a good

property to buy, as well as running through

means figuring out how much you have for a

idea to get your house on the market as

some of the most common mistakes house

deposit, how much you can borrow and how

soon as you can, and well before you start

hunters make when searching for their

much you are going to be able to afford for the

searching for your own. This will help avoid

perfect home.

monthly repayments you’ll be required to make.

delays later down the line.

They have broken down the homebuying

On top of this, it’s important to budget for other

process into 12 essential steps via their

Begin the search

costs like house moving, conveyancing fees,

first product release, Merge, and will be

There are a number of ways to search and it’s

stamp duty, and furniture for the new home.

best to do all of them at once. Under your

releasing a series of essential guides to help the nation’s homebuyers based on

Wants and needs

these 12 steps.

With your budget in place, it’s time to separate your wants from your needs. Start by making

• Get mortgage ready

a list of everything you want in a new home -

• Book mortgage appointment

garden, garage, number of bedrooms, location,

• Find a property

and so on. From this, extract the things you

• Make an offer and get accepted • Instruct a conveyancer • Understand property surveys

actually need. You might want a fourth room, but you only need three, for example.

• Offer and exchange

Doing this will make it easier to identify potential

• Get new home ready

properties and will also reduce the risk of you

• Get utility ready

getting in over your head with a home that is

• Exchange contracts

out of your price range and unnecessary to

• Moving day checklist

your requirements. The help of an experienced

• Completion day

estate agent can make this process much easier.

AINS BARG W NO LE AB AVAIL

n 14 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

own steam, you can utilise all of the popular property portals while also speaking to estate agents in the area you are hoping to buy.

When speaking to them, be as specific as you can about your needs and wants, timeframe, and budget. It’s also important to consider the local neighbourhood, from the road itself to the surrounding area. Can you see yourself being

happy

living

inthis

community?

Location, location and life stages While your initial view of an area is the primary indicator of whether or not you’ll want to live CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

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HOME & GARDEN there, it’s also vital to consider what may be important to you going forward.

For example, those with plans to start a family further down the line may not be considering school catchment areas when it comes to their current purchase, but this could be a vital factor in a year or two, so it’s well worth thinking about when looking to buy.

You may find a nice property to downsize to later in life, but if that town is earmarked for considerable regeneration, it may not provide the peace and quiet you value once this regeneration begins and more buyers are attracted to the area.

Future regeneration may also be a positive, allowing you to buy at a lower price point in an area that’s due to benefit, with the value of your property also likely to rise as the years go by.

Buying a property is often a long-term commitment and so it’s as important to think about where you will be in five years, as it is to think about where you currently are and what it is you value the most.

Viewings and follow ups Viewings are all about you. Not the agent. Not the seller. This is potentially your new home so you need to make sure you’re looking at it carefully and thoroughly.

Take notes, including on how you feel, not just what you see. Always turn up on time, and be polite to the seller. If you end up in a competition with another buyer, it can often come down to which buyer the seller prefers.

If you fall in love with a home on your first viewing, go back for a second time, preferably at a different time of day. Make this visit much more thorough - turn on the taps, check the oven works, flick on all the lights, and so on. If the seller is present during the viewing, DO NOT be tempted to make an offer on the spot.

8 common house hunting mistakes • Not taking time to calculate the budget • Missing out the vital step of getting a mortgage agreement in principle • Not shopping around and therefore missing potentially ideal homes • Lacking vision and thus allowing unimportant issues disguise potential • Overlooking important flaws • Forgetting to consider the surrounding area • Either rushing an offer, or dragging feet - both are equally bad • Getting desperate and making rash decisions Christina Melling, CEO of Stipendium, commented: “For some people, the search for a new home is the most exciting part. All of that preparation, from budgeting to mortgage approvals, is finally paying off and now you actually get to explore real world options.

For others, this is when it all starts to feel very real and, therefore, overwhelming. This is a huge decision you’re making and not one that can be made lightly. But, if you’ve prepared well and you’ve budgeted accurately, by prioritising your needs and keeping fingers crossed for your wants, it can be a more relaxed experience.

Remember, this is your search, nobody else’s. Use these simple steps as your guide and you won’t go far wrong in finding the right home for you. But this is just one step of the buying process, there’s plenty more to come before you can move in. That’s why our concise 12-step programme is such a valuable tool, turning something daunting into something very manageable.” n n 16 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

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GOLDEN YEARS

The State of Ageing 2022 and Ageism Our population is ageing rapidly, and the number of people at risk is growing at an alarming rate.

Across England today – depending on where we live and how well-off we are – there are differences of up to ten years in how long we can expect to live and more than 17 years in the time we get in good health without a disabling illness.

The latest data also shows a sharp increase in pensioner poverty, meaning that almost 1 in 5 people of pension age, are now living in poverty. The State of Ageing 2022 looks at data from a wide range of sources such as the English Housing Survey, the GP Patient survey, the Health Survey for England and the Community Life Survey, as well as a host of official statistics like the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Ultimately it shows that the experience of being older in England is getting considerably worse for many. The data demonstrates the huge challenges facing the government’s levelling up ambitions to reduce inequalities across England as well as its stated commitment to increase healthy life expectancy by five years. The Centre of Aging Better’s overall recommendation is that government appoints an Older People’s Commissioner for England to protect and promote the rights of older people and to help make England a better place to grow old in.

The Centre’s Niall Ryan highlights the consequences of ageism, and what we can do to tackle it in his latest Blog it makes a challenging read for all of us.

“My friends say I should act my age.

What’s my age again?

The iconic MTV reality comedy show Jackass shows no sign of slowing down, returning this year with a fourth film in its franchise.

The film features a cast of characters carrying out dangerous stunts and pranks on each other. Its lead performer, Johnny Knoxville, is now 50. Perhaps this is simply a form of so-called male ‘arrested development’. Or maybe these individuals mark a change – a n 18 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

refusal to grow up and ‘act’ as society thinks they should, simply based on their age.

What is ageism?

Ageism is when people are unfairly treated based on their age. It affects everyone.

A-list Hollywood actor Maggie Gyllenhall was told at 37 she was ‘too old’ to play a role opposite a 55-year-old man – suffering from the all too common double whammy of sexism and ageism.

Ageism will impact us all at some point, particularly as we get older. And we don’t have to look across the pond to see glaring examples of it: it’s the most widespread form of discrimination here in the UK.

Age old problem Ageism is everywhere. From our workplaces, where as we get older we are treated as less able or given fewer opportunities for progression, to our healthcare system where older people are often described as ‘bed blockers’. Surely the real bed blockers are those in charge who failed to plan ahead.

Think about it: we don’t call people who get Glastonbury tickets ‘gig blockers’. The demand simply outweighs the supply.

The media often portray older people as rich baby boomers, but age does not equal wealth and millions of people in their 60s, 70s and beyond are living in poverty.

In fact, the Independent Press Standards

For example, eight years ago Newcastle manager Alan Pardew was forced to apologise for calling Manchester City’s manager, Manuel Pellegrini, something ageist, insulting and unpublishable. Pellegrini was 60 then. Pardew is 60 now. It turns out discrimination, like life, comes at you fast.

Organisation doesn’t even set standards in

This highlights just how absurd ageist attitudes can be. Simply put, it’s a prejudice against our future selves.

ableism are still all too acceptable in certain

regards to age discrimination, despite age being a protected characteristic under the Equality Act 2010.

I’ve heard people refer to ageism as the last acceptable form of discrimination. I don’t agree. Unfortunately, racism, sexism and

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

GOLDEN YEARS

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GOLDEN YEARS

circles. But perhaps ageism is the most normalised? So much so that older people will freely describe themselves in negative ways such as ‘past it’ or ‘over the hill’.

We need to avoid ‘othering’ language that positions people in different age groups as ‘them’ and not ‘us’. I accept this can sometimes be difficult.

We tend to group with the people closest to our age – those we grew up with.

Sometimes I look at the generations coming after me with their Tik Tok and think ‘that’s weird’. But these snap judgements aren’t helpful to anyone. To avoid lazy stereotypes and prejudice, I must think to ensure everything I say or do is not ageist.

To age or not to age?

That is not the question.

Ageing is living. Yesterday we were all a day younger and tomorrow we’ll all be a day older. The point being, we are on this one-way flight together. Also, age is not just a number – it’s a clear indication of how old you are.

It just isn’t anything to defy or fight. Making small changes to how we speak and write about ageing can have a big impact.

Age problem.

isn’t Ageism

the is.

Let’s end it.” n Niall Ryan Communications Officer Ageism – Centre for Aging Better ageing-better.org.uk/blogs/ what-does-ageism-look ageing-better.org.uk/ publications/summaryreport-state-ageing-2022

Quality care in Warwickshire you can trust When a family is thinking about care for a loved one, they want the best - they want to know that the care home they choose will put their loved one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first.

Care UK’s Ambleside and Priors House

care

home

provide

residential and dementia care, with nursing care offered at Priors House care home, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones can stay living at the home should their needs change.

The team at Priors House are proud to have achieved 83% in the recent relative survey, in fact 92% of families feel their loved ones are treated with kindness, respect and dignity^.

The team at Ambleside achieved 91% in the recent relative survey, with 98% of families feeling their loved ones are treated with kindness, respect and dignity^. Once their relative has settled into Ambleside or Priors House, they are able to focus on spending quality time with them again just enjoying each other’s company.

With the extra support that our care homes offer, new residents are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able n 20 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

to continue with an activity they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even discovering new hobbies with our daily activities.

Whether your loved one enjoys a quiet cup of tea in bed before starting the day, loves going for strolls in the landscaped grounds, or enjoys a chat over a beer, the teams at Ambleside and Priors House will spend time to enable them to continue living life the way they want to.

Ambleside and Priors House are part of award-winning provider, Care UK – one of the UK’s most successful care home operators*

with over 40 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to older people. n Ambleside care home Evesham Rd, Dodwell, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9TG julia.joy@careuk.com Careuk.com/ambleside Priors House care home Old Milverton Lane, Leamington Spa CV32 6RN maria.cridge@careuk.com Careuk.com/priors-house

GOLDEN YEARS

Warwickshire

Now

If you would like to advertise in our next issue please contact our sales team.

Kate Gilmartin

Rachel Seabright

Tel: 01905 727904 Email: kate@pw-media.co.uk

Tel: 01905 727900 Email: rachel@pw-media.co.uk

t @NowWarwickshire | G Warwickshire Now | w www.nowmagazines.co.uk 21 n

n 22 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

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EDUCATION

Warning over shrinking school meals as prices rise The BBC published a stark warning that school caterers could be forced to serve smaller portions or use cheaper ingredients due to rising prices.

This information came from a major food wholesaler.

Andrew Selley, boss of Bidfood, said

caterers

would

face

“difficult decisions” as inflation soars. The warning comes after Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said food price rises were a “major worry”. However, Marks & Spencer chairman said he expected the sharp rate at which prices were rising to be temporary.

“I do think it’s important to say before we get too panicked, most of this inflation is probably transitory,” Archie Norman told the BBC’s Today programme.

Food prices have surged in recent months as the pandemic and war in Ukraine have driven up the costs of energy, shipping and raw materials. Mr Norman said it “wouldn’t be surprising” see food price inflation over the course of the year “running towards 8 to 10%”. n 24 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

Bidfood’s Mr Selley said “all of the inputs into the food supply chain” had increased over the past nine months, putting pressure on the firm, which caters to organisations such as schools, hospitals and NHS trusts.

“We are seeing things like sunflower oil is double the price it was a year ago, which has pushed into other oils like vegetable oil, rape seed oil, even palm oil. Bakery items are up 20-30%.”

Mr Selley called on the government to ensure funding for free school meals kept pace with rising prices, saying they were “vital” for children’s “education and attainment”.

“Over the last 10 years the amount of money the government provides for free school meals has only gone up by 1.7%, which obviously was well behind inflation even before this last 12 months,” Mr Selley said.

“We can see that is going to leave some difficult decisions for school caterers [in the months ahead]. Either they are going to potentially serve smaller portions or cheaper ingredients which isn’t going to be good for the children.”

The government said it recognised the pressures some schools could face, adding it had “given them the autonomy to agree

A total of 1.7 million children currently qualify for free school meals in England.

individual contracts with suppliers and

There are one in 6 in our Warwickshire Schools eligible for free meals in published statistics in 2021.

23 alone - a 7% increase in cash terms

caterers, using their increased core funding”.

“This funding has gone up by £4bn in 2022-

CONTINUED OVER THE PAGE

EDUCATION

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EDUCATION

per pupil from last year,” a statement added.

“Schools also have flexibility in the food they offer, under the School Food Standards. If a particular product is not readily available for any reason, the standards give schools and caterers the freedom to substitute in similar foods that are available.”

Marks & Spencer’s Mr Norman told the BBC that he would not call the situation “apocalyptic.” “Do you think oil prices are going to be higher or lower is a year’s time? I don’t know, but there’s a good chance they’ll be lower. Freight rates are going to come down, Wheat production in 2023 will probably be higher than 2022,” he said.

“Before we do anything too drastic we need to recognise the nature of the problem we are dealing with is a serious one, but it is probably a 12-month problem not a 36 month problem.” Mr Norman said although higher prices were “very negative for consumer discretionary income”, wages had been rising “quite well” in the UK and that M&S had given its staff a 5% increase. The former Conservative MP said UK spending was “pretty good” due to customers having “a lot of stored up savings”.

However, he admitted things would get worse before they get better, with the energy price cap expected to rise sharply again in October. n

ANSWERS

Warwickshire

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n 26 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

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Puzzles

SUDOKU - FIENDISH

If you get stuck, the answers can be found on page 26.

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EDUCATION What's On

JUNE

Side Splitting Comedy and Powerhouse Vocals! 8pm-11pm.

Show and Tell: Warwickshire Hats Market Hall Museum, Market Place, Warwick.

CV34 4SA. Commercial hat manufacture was a significant industry in Warwickshire until the mid-twentieth century. The museum collection contains several fine examples of hats and this talk will use items from the collection and some of our dressing up hats to explore the history of hat making from homemade to the work of local milliners and hat makers. Free event, donations welcome.

The Coughton Court Duck Race Coughton Cort Coughton, Alcester B49 5JA. The Coughton Court Duck Race is a firm favourite for families and is back this year by popular demand. This is the perfect opportunity to celebrate Father’s Day on 19 June and the summer holidays as the races will take place every Tuesday from 26 July - 30 August. Get all the family together, pick a numbered duck and watch its quest down the river with fantastic prizes to be won. Plus traditional games for families to enjoy and a delicious BBQ.

Thursday 9th

Sunday 12th Pretty Woman Outdoor Cinema Coughton Court, Coughton, Alcester B49 5JA. A fantastic outdoor cinema experience in the stunning grounds of Coughton Court with a showing of the classic Pretty Woman!

Friday 17th OLRFC Rugby4Heroes Beer & Gin Festival 2022 Old Leamingtonians Rugby Football Club, Blackdown, Royal Leamington Spa. CV32 6QPLive rugby. Live music. Beer. Gin. Street food. Family attractions. All in aid of Armed Forces and Veteran charities - this year we are again supporting the 353 Charitable Trust.

Come on down and join us - festival tickets are FREE and camping/campervan/motorhome/ caravan pitches are available!

Absolutely Dragulouse - 2022 Tour Drag Duo Marilyn Fockhard and Amanda Fockhard are so privileged to bring this amazing new show to you!! The Fabulous Duo have already embarked on a quarter of their U.K. Tour dates for 2021 stopping in the some of the landmark towns and cities such as London, Blackpool , Brighton and Newcastle just to name a few! With Rave Reviews our leading ladies are in high demand! The Show features over 12 Dazzling Costume changes,

Sunday 19th

Wednesday 22nd Understanding Children’s Behaviour Stratford Children and Family Centre, Drayton Avenue, Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 9PB. Being a parent is exciting and rewarding but there are also times when children behave in ways that are challenge us. This 2-hour in person interactive workshop looks at some of the reasons children behave the way they do and offers insight and strategies to help guide their behaviour. This workshop is for parent’s with children aged from 2 yrs - 12 yrs

Saturday 25th The Little Children’s Market of Warwickshire Stratford upon Avon School, Studley. We bring you 1000’s of incredible baby & children’s bargains! We will have an amazing selection of toys, clothing, books, baby essentials, plus so much more! Entry is £2 and kids go free! Need a clear out? Table hire from only £15, we provide the table and you keep 100% of your profits! www.thelittlechildrensmarket.com/warwickshire

Wednesday 29th - Thursday 30th The Cultural Cantata Butterworth Hall – Warwick Arts Centre. The Cultural Cantata is a musical journey in time and across Coventry, celebrating famous

people and places in recognition of our City of Culture status. Come and explore a musical tour around our City of Culture. Come and find out about the Jet Man - Sir Frank Whittle, the history of clocks and bikes, and who James Starley was. Come and muse with Lady Godiva while travelling in Coventry cars around the city walls and celebrating Coventry’s rich historical past. This cantata of songs written for the school children of Coventry is full of musical fun taking you on an exciting adventure. 6:30pm

JULY Saturday 2nd

Hanbury Countryside Show Park Hall Farm, Hanbury, Redditch B96 6RD, B96 6RD. Enjoy a day out in the countryside! With food & drink, a main arena and so much more..

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary this year, the Hanbury Countryside Show returns on Saturday 2nd July 2022 and will celebrate the very best of Worcestershire with a great day out for all the family! The ETG Civil Engineering Main Arena is packed with exciting acts and displays including the spectacular Broke FMX motorcycle display, the impressive parade of livestock, steam engines, show jumping and, to celebrate its inclusion in the very first show held in 1947, a mounted games display from local pony clubs.

To celebrate British agriculture and rural life, there are over 1000 competitions across the show in horses, sheep, cattle, pigs, poultry, goats, crafts, cookery, floral art and gardening. The Fun Dog Show also returns with extra classes due to its popularity and there’s lots of opportunity to get close to the animals in The Farmyard.

In the new Carter Jonas Theatre, join special guests including Trevor Harrison who plays Eddie Grundy in The Archers and ‘Gardeners Question Time’ will provide an opportunity for visitors to ask those burning questions to expert Reg Moule from BBC Hereford & Worcester’s Sunday Gardening Show. See www.hanburyshow.co.uk for further details.

The Big Summer Play Date

picnics, craft afternoons, obstacle courses to quizzes and sweepstakes, you are able to organise a simple fundraising event to suit you and your peers.

This June, Home-Start South Warwickshire are asking you, your friends, your colleagues, or your local community to come together and organise your own ‘Play Date’ over the week of the 13th – 19th June to enable them to support more vulnerable families across the county.

The week also coincides with Loneliness Awareness Week (13th – 17th June), International Picnic Day (18th June) and Father’s Day (19th June).

Play is one of the main ways in which children learn and develop. It helps to build self-worth by giving a child a sense of his or her own abilities and to feel good about themselves. We know the earliest years make the biggest impact to a child’s life. Children who are raised in a stable, loving, family environment are more likely to have a positive and healthy future. By raising money for ‘The Big Summer Play Date’ you can help us support children under 5 to access play and give them the best possible start in life.

Home-Start South Warwickshire have some great of ideas to inspire your fundraising, whether you want to get together with a group of friends, work colleagues or as part of an existing community group. From teddy bear’s n 30 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022

Registered in 2019, Home-Start South Warwickshire supports vulnerable and isolated families throughout South Warwickshire – including those living in extreme poverty, dealing with mental ill-health, living with disability, or experiencing domestic violence.

Every day, through small acts of kindness and understanding, our volunteers support struggling parents to help them cope with stresses and strains of life, ensuring they have the skills, confidence and strength they need to nurture their children. All the families we support have at least one child under the age of five; whether parents need practical support, expert advice on child development or simply a friend to talk to, our volunteers, all parents themselves, make the world of difference. n

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n 32 | Warwickshire Now | Issue 64 | June 2022