Offenham Church & Village Magazine February 2024

OFFENHAM MAGAZINE

CHURCH AND VILLAGE

Febuary 2024

Happy Valentine’s Day! Parish and Church news Local groups and events

How Do I Get Something In The Magazine?

This magazine is produced by the Offenham PCC supported by the Parish Council to communicate local church and village events and news to the Offenham community. If you have a local event or news please send to pwoffenham@gmail.com, including how long you would like your advertisement to run for, by the 15th of the month prior to the issue you would like your content included. For inclusion in the MARCH issue please send your content by 15th FEBRUARY. Advertising rates are as follows: • Full Page £22.00, Half Page £12.00, Quarter Page £8.00, Separate Flyer £28.00 The 10% discount for advertising for a calendar year will continue. Changes to your advert during that year are at the discretion of the editor.

• Discounts may be available for adverts.

We reserve the right to adjust the design of any advertisement to fit the size constraints of the magazine.

Church website: www.eastvaleavon.com Editor: Phil Williams, pwoffenham@gmail.com

PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC) CONTACTS: PCC SECRETARY Debbie Harrison, dh1971@hotmail.co.uk

52 Myatt Road, Offenham WR11 8SD. 07933 212680 TREASURER Claire Penny, 49411 clairepenny99@btinternet.com

Mock Morris, Boat Lane, Offenham, WR11 8QZ. PCC MEMBERS: Amanda Taylor; Angela Guoite; Lisa Farmer;

Debbie Newman; Claire Penny; Debbie Harrison Kathryn Kerr PARISH ADMINISTRATOR: Faith Quin, eastvaleavon.churches@gmail.com Offenham CofE First School Headteacher: Jayne Nicol Benefice Safeguarding Officer: Lisa Farmer 01386 40401

Safeguarding Advocate:

Elizabeth Spencer 01789 720078

Useful phone numbers

Offenham CE First School 01386 442038 Bengeworth CE Academy 01386 442047 Prince Henry’s High School 01386 765588 The De Montfort School 01386 442060 Evesham Community Hospital 01386 502430 Worcestershire Trading Standards 01905 922799 Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 www.actionfraud.police.uk Police (emegency only) 999 Police (non emergency) 101

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Cover Image by diller on Freepik

Letter of the Month for February At this time of year as a child I remember hearing many times, the first line of an old country rhyme, which said, “February fill the dyke”.

Of course, it referred to the fact that the month was known for its rainfall.

It was also the title of a famous painting

by Benjamin Williams Leader which he produced in 1881, showing a flooded landscape.

So far this year with all the excessive rainfall, sadly there have been many dykes and rivers filled to overflowing, causing floods and devastation.

But the month of February is also a time of celebration in two special ways.

On February 14th we celebrate Valentines Day which originally honoured a martyr named Valentine and it also became a celebration of romance and love in many regions of the world.

Today it has become a time when we can express our love and adoration for those we love, by sending cards and flowers.

The 14th of February 2024 is also the day to celebrate Ash Wednesday which is the beginning of Lent in the Christian Church.

Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter and is the period of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter.

It replicates Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days.

This time allows us to stop and think and consider what Christ’s life and death really do mean to us in our daily lives now in this troubled world.

Jesus came to show God’s love for each one of us.

Revd Ralph Bolland

From the Parish Registers:

Baptism: 7th January, 2024: Amelia Mae Wilkinson.

Time for Tea... all are welcome to join us for refreshments in Offenham church on 4th February at 2.30pm. Please note that the Christingle service will start at 4pm on 4th February, so Time for Tea will finish at 3.30pm to ensure that we have time to clear away before the church service begins at 4pm. All are welcome to join in the Christingle service.

A Christingle is a symbolic object used in Christian services and symbolises the birth of Christ as the Light of the World. A modern Christingle is made from a candle in an orange, representing the light and the world, which is typically decorated with a red ribbon and sweets or dried fruit. A red ribbon is wrapped around the orange or a paper frill around the candle, representing the blood of Christ, and dried fruits and/or sweets on cocktail sticks pushed into the orange, representing the fruits of the earth and the four seasons. In the 1960’s, John Pensom adopted it as a fundraising tool for The Children’s Society of the Church of England.

St Milburgh’s feast day. St Milburgh has given her name to our church in Offenham. As one of the Christian saints, Milburgh (d.715) was a Mercian princess and the abbess of Wenlock Priory. In the eleventh century, her reputation as a miracle worker turned Much Wenlock into a place of pilgrimage. Milburgh’s feast day falls on 23rd February.

The church will be open EVERY DAY from 10am until 4pm. Please follow current COVID-19 guidance while in the building.

For more details please go to https://eastvaleavon.com

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THE BENEFICE OF THE EAST VALE & AVON CHURCHES SERVICES FOR February 2024 eastvaleavon.com Please do take the opportunity to share fellowship and enjoy worship in any of the parish churches in our benefice

Date

9.30am Morning Praise/ Family Service

11.00 Eucharist

Other Services

4th February 2nd Sunday before Lent

Badsey

Offenham, Eucharist by extension

4pm Offenham Christingle

11th February Sunday before Lent

Bretforton

Cleeve Prior Eucharist South Littleton Eucharist Cleeve Prior (Morning Praise)

14th February Ash Wednesday

7pm Offenham Ash Wednesday Eucharist

18th February 1st Sunday of Lent

Offenham

25th February 2nd Sunday of Lent

South Littleton

Badsey Eucharist Cleeve Prior (Matins) Bretforton Eucharist Cleeve Prior (Morning Praise)

Breast Cancer Support Group

Penny and Victoria run a small branch of Worcestershire Breast unit Support Group who can offer advice and support for ladies affected by Breast Cancer in and around the Evesham area.

We meet up at Apple Barn Restaurant at Evesham Garden area on FEB 9th at 11am. After that it will be the Second Friday in the month.

For further information and currant activities, please email vickiyndon@gmail.com or call on 07852413570. Or pennyanne68@gmail.com

Offenham Church 100 Club - CONGRATULATIONS!

The following people won a prize in the 100 Club draw on 7th January, 2024: 1. Fiona Hall (6) 2. Anita Cook (47) 3. Erin Nightingale (8) The next draw will be during Time for Tea in the Church on Sunday 4th February. The final draw for this run will be in February. Application forms for the draws starting in May 2024 will be in the magazine and are available in the church or from a member of the PCC.

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OFFENHAM PARISH COUNCIL

Chairman: Marc Farmer Members: Sheila Briers, Ian Graham, Kathleen Henderson, James Moclair, Marcus Taylor, Matthew Rea, Samantha Muxworthy.

Clerk: Diane Cox 07714 869946 also street light faults.

District Councillor: Aaron Powell 07404 065311, aaron.powell@wychavon.net.

County Councillor: Alistair Adams 01789 721227, adams.pebworth@gmail.com.

Highways Issues: Worcestershire Hub 01905 765765.

Public Footpaths Warden: Roy Betts metro.roy100@gmail.com. (NOT pavements)

Next Parish Council Meeting:

Monday 5th February, 7.30pm in Offenham Village Hall. Any organisation or individual wishing to attend, please contact the Clerk on 07714 869946.

Monthly report from Offenham Parish Council

• Offenham Parish Council will not be increasing the precept charge again this year.

• The Community Speedwatch scheme should be up and running once the volunteers have received police training.

• The planning application for the MUGA in the recreation ground is still awaiting a decision from Wychavon District Council.

• New vehicle activated signage has been installed in Newtown, please ensure that you do not exceed 40mph.

You may not be aware that Wychavon District Council provides a bulky waste collection, it costs £20 for 2 items and can be arranged online from this link: https://selfservice.wychavon.gov.uk/bulkywastewdc/ PLANNING: Full details at www.wychavon.gov.uk/planning

Offenham Cricket Club presents

QUIZ NIGHT

Saturday 9 March 2024 Venue: Offenham Royal British Legion Club Time: 7:30pm until 10:30pm (bar opens at 7pm)

Trophy, Bar, Fun, Raffle £5 per head

To book a team (max 6 people per team) Call Debbie or Andrew on 01386 442844 / 07598 794917 OR EMAIL akharrison63@gmail.com 6

OFFENHAM VILLAGE HALL The perfect venue for all your 2024 family celebration and events Customise the hall and make your party special to you.

Perfect for business meetings, exercise classes & many other group activities Terrace with lighting, Large Village Hall Car Park Fully licensed bar available on request at affordable rates Plug your mobile device Into our music system , complete with party lights Low level stage, dance floor, kitchen, comfortable seating & projector all included.

Wheelchair entrances (no steps) Baby changing & disabled facilities Contact 07519 033287 or email bookings@offenhamvillagehall.org.uk Arrange a viewing to plan and discuss your special event requirements Check www.offenhamvillagehall.org.uk for a booking form & details We are here to help you.

General Hall enquires email contact@offenhamvillagehall.org.uk

Community Coffee Morning Every Thursday

10 am Ͳ Midday Come and join our regular friends for a bacon sandwich & coffee or tea Where strangers become friends.

Borrow a book or a puzzle Come And Feel Free To Browse, Everyone welcome

Friday Night With Friends & Family

Free Entry 6pm Ͳ 9pm

Dates 27 January & 24 February

End the week with a drink with friends & family at our fully licensed bar.

A safe place for the kids to let off steam Table tennis and other games . All welcome

OFFENHAM VILLAGE HALL TABLE TOP SALE SUNDAY 10 March 2024

9am — Midday

Tables £5 each To book your table

Chance to declutter your home & shed Call 0798625579 or email contact@offenhamvillagehall.org.uk

Weekly Activities at the Hall Monday Pulsefit Cardiac Fitness Class Tuesday Gentle Yoga with Wendy, Silver Swans Dance Zumba with Kerry.

Thursday Coffee Morning, Jump Dance Academy, Zumba With Tracey, Aikido Martial Arts Friday NCT Mothers & Toddlers. Pulsefit, Tai Chi for better health Monthly Activities include Offenham Flower Club, Offenham Parish Council , Family & Friends Friday Night, Dress making classes, Offenham Youth Club CHECK www.Offenhamvillagehall.org.uk/whatson for details

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St Mary & St Milburgh Church, Offenham 100Club The Offenham PCC 100Club returns in May 2024 to raise money for your church. There will be ten draws a year from May to February and half of the subscription will be used as the prize fund. There will be three prizes each month and a super-draw with larger prizes in December. The draw is open to anyone 16 years old and above, they don’t have to live in Offenham.

To enter the draw please complete an application form and return it by 30th April, 2024.

Payment can be made by cheque or internet banking but must be received by 30th April 2024. The first draw will be on Sunday 5th May at the church during ‘Time for Tea’, and the winners will be notified as soon as possible afterwards.

If you have any questions please contact Claire Penny or ask any member of the PCC. Good Luck!

Rules 1. The ‘Offenham Church 100 Club’ (100Club) operates under the rules of the Gambling Act 2005 for a Small Society Lottery, licence number 23/00752/LOTLIC. 2. The promoter is the Treasurer of the Parochial Church Council (PCC).

3. The PCC reserves the right to alter the rules of the 100Club as may be necessary.

4. All profits of the 100Club will be used to support St Mary & St Milburgh Church, Offenham.

5. Membership is open to anyone 16 years old or over.

6. 50% of the subscription will make up the prize fund.

7. The membership year runs from May to February. There will be one draw per month taking place at ‘Time for Tea’ in Offenham Church on the first Sunday of each month.

If there is no ‘Time for Tea’ then the draw will take place on, or as soon as possible after the first Sunday.

8. The membership fee is payable annually and must be received by 30th April for entry into the draw.

9. Membership is £20 per year per number, members may have multiple numbers.

10. Numbers will be allocated by the administrator.

11. Prize winners will be published in the Parish Magazine.

12. There will be three prizes each month. December will be a SuperDraw.

13. The value of the prizes will be announced on 1st May each year.

14. Prizes will be paid by cheque. Every effort will be made to pay out the prizes within one week of the draw.

15. If the prize winner cannot be located or the cheque is not banked withing six months the prize will revert to the PCC.

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St Mary & St Milburgh, Offenham 100 Club Offenham Church 100Club Application Form St Mary & St Milburgh, Offenham 100 Club

Offenham Church 100Club Application Form

Name____________________________________________________________ Telephone/Email____________________________________________________ If you win a prize: Name (as it should be on a cheque)______________________________________ Postal Address (to which cheques will be sent)______________________________

___________________________________________________________________ I would like to purchase _______ numbers in the 100Club from May 2024 to February 2025 at £20 per number.

I enclose a cheque for £_______ payable to ‘Offenham PCC’.

OR I have made payment of £_______ by bank transfer (reference 100Club24) Details for payment: • • •

Account Name: Offenham PCC Sort Code: 09-01-51 Account Number: 64169407

I have read, understood and agree to the rules of the Offenham Church 100Club. I authorise my name to be displayed in the Parish Magazine and in Church advertising in the event that I am winner.

Signature________________________________________ Date__________________

Please return the form to Claire Penny, Mock Morris, Boat Lane, Offenham, WR11 8QZ or email them to clairepenny99@btinternet.com

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the Rural North patch. These Neighbourhood around sessions are a great way for us to engage with people that may struggle to see us Alert normally.

Who are your local Neighbourhood Officers for the ‘Rural North’ area?

PC Alex Prentice and PCSO Bradley Sansom. They can be contacted by emailing eveshamrn.snt@westmercia.police.uk.

We are actively involved with social media accounts, please follow them for updates on our work, and local events/news. These are @EveshamCops (Twitter) and @EveshamSNT (Facebook).

Neighbourhood Matters We are encouraging people to sign up to this service as it’s a great way of finding out what we are up to and where we will be. Please ensure you sign up to this free service.

Take a look at the website for further information: https://neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk/

What have we been up to?

With regards to speeding complaints, we ask that you direct your speeding concerns to your Parish Council who will direct the issue to our Road Safety Team. Data boxes can then be distributed to areas of concern that will give us an accurate measure of the speed of vehicles. Once this has been collated, the Road Safety Team will be able to address the area of concern and action appropriately.

Your local officers have been working very closely with our local housing associations and meetings are had regularly to share information regarding ongoing cases that are relevant to both partner agencies.

Weekend drop in sessions/engagement sessions are attended throughout the month on the weekends to try and see people that might not be around in the week. If there is something you wish to discuss please feel free to contact the team on the above email address.

We were again invited to a local care home in the area for coffee and cake and have been invited to some further coffee mornings

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All of the above is sent through Neighbourhood Matters as well as any engagement sessions we run. We are encouraging people to sign up to this service as it’s a great way of finding out what we are up to and where we will be. Please ensure you sign up to this free service.

Take a look at the website for further information: https://neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk/ ‘Ask for Angela’ Although this was included in the magazine before Christmas, it remains relevant.

‘Angela’ is a codeword for people to use if you start to feel unsafe while out in pubs or nightclubs. If you approach a member of staff and ‘Ask for Angela’ the staff will know that you are in need of some help in getting out of the situation and call you a taxi or help you out of the venue discreetly without fuss.

For further information you can log onto www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk.

Holiday Scams

This is that time of year when the media is full of tempting offers of holidays at home and abroad.

But remember this is also a marketplace exploited by the fraudsters and scammers.

These offers are many and various, and range from fake caravan or motorhome listings to those “too good to be true” offers for holidays, villa rentals and holiday lets, criminals use a variety of methods to trick the public into handing over their money and personal information.

STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.

LITTER PICK (Offenham Wombles) Sunday 11th FEBRUARY.

Meet on the corner of Mill Lane/Main Street at 10am. Equipment provided.

ALL ARE WELCOME! Julie Day

Offenham Wake Dates

Wednesday 1st May, May Day Celebrations.

Sunday 2nd June, Art Competition & Sports.

Thursday 6th June, Rounders.

Saturday 8th June, Wake Day. Sunday 9th June, Treasure Hunt, Duck Race & Bellboats.

A fantastic amaount of just over £400 was collected for County Air Ambulance at the Christmas Carols around the Maypole in December. Thank you to everyone who donated, it is very much appreciated.

Offenham Royal British Legion See our Facebook page.

Offenham Church/Village Calendars

The calendars are available now at the Village Shop, Brewery and Pub, £6 each.

Dressmaking

Do you have a sewing machine sitting at home collecting dust? Whether you are new to dress making or have experience you would be welcome to join us.

We will be meeting on the 1st Thursday of Maypole Club (Now in the Legion Club) each month, starting on the 4th January, Meetings: between 1.30 and 4pm at the Village Hall Wed 28th February, Local police, Comp ‘T’. in Offenham. Numbers will be limited to 12, Wed 27th March, TBA. (You must be member of U3a in order to Outings: attend.)

Mon 11th March, First outing of the year, For the past year I have undertaken a TBA. Contact Edith on 45247. diploma in dressmaking, learning many new skills.

Hello!

If you are happy to work from a commercial We are a group of ladies (although we pattern, I will guide you how to get the best would love to welcome some men!) who fit from your pattern, and examples being meet fortnightly to knit, sew, make cards, insert zips and adding pockets. etc. We meet 7 - 9pm on Wednesday If this is of interest to you please contact evenings at the British Legion and would me, Denise.crossman@hotmail.co.uk welcome new members. We know it’s sometimes hard to walk in somewhere on Continuation of Offenham your own but we really are a friendly bunch. Re-hedging Project Come and join us!

Regrettably we had to postpone planting of our 2nd hedge (Evesham Road) on Toddler Group - Village Hall Sunday 21st January because our plant Every Friday during term time, supplier was unable to supply the plants 10am - 1.30pm. due to frozen ground. It was rescheduled for £2.50, card payment only please.

Sunday 28th January 2024.

Our third and final hedge will be planted Offenham Coffee Club Every Tuesday, from 10am at Royal British at Valefresco on Sunday February 25th 2024. We hope for continued support from Legion from 10am. volunteers. Please meet at 9 am at the Tea * Coffee * Raffle entrance to Valefresco in Laurels Road. We EVERYONE WELCOME. hope to see you then.

Offenham Flower Club Marc Farmer, Sheila Briers, Kathleen See our Facebook page.

Henderson, offenhamflowerclub@gmail.com.

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