Sedgeberrow Post Feb-March-2012

Produced by : Mick & Kim Workman, Mike Parker, Chris & Mel Wilson, Guy Redmond, Marilyn Butt, with watercolour above by Julian Crawford

Photo by Chris Marshal

Spring will soon be here February and March 2012 A SeSaME Production.

No 2

Not to be Missed

Editorial

Visit SeSaME’s new website and see the Post there also www.sesame.me.uk Click on the kingfisher

Editors Mike Parker 01386 881863

Mel Wilson energy@sesame.me.uk

Ordering Oil - page 5

Advertising – see page 14

Ideas for Fundraising See page 6

Copy Deadlines 2012 April/May June/July August/September October/November December/January

How to contact your local Elected Members - page 13

18th March 13th May 15th July 16th Sept 18th Nov

The chance to Advertise your business See page 14

Welcome to our Advertisers

Village Hall AGM - page 16

You will see that a good mix of people have responded to our offer of advertising space in the new Sedgeberrow Post, showing us the services that they offer.

Without them we could not afford to produce this newsletter, with its splash of colour and information for the village.

Thanks to them all.

So please do your bit. Consider what they are offering very seriously and when you respond make sure that you let them know that you heard about them here, between the pages of our new village newsletter.

Diary Dates - page 25

All paper used in the Sedgeberrow Post has been sponsored by Kim & Mike Workman, courtesy of Dunn & Dusted .

This publication is printed on recycled paper

Drama Group News –page 26 How to have your Sedgeberrow Post emailed to you every two months - page 26 Cutting your Costs on LPG Gas - page 27 FOSS May Fayre - page 31 For Sedgeberrow School Flood Group News – pages 29 & 32 Seed Sharing - page 32 Sedgeberrow Allotments - page 33

2

Welcome from the Team It’s taken six of us enthusiastic souls to resurrect your own, brand new Sedgeberrow Post, with six copies a year. Hopefully we will ease the burden by spreading the load and maintain even greater longevity for your new newsletter. We also mustn't forget those stalwarts who brave the elements, pound our streets and give up their time to deliver your Post.

Your Village needs You Have you any experiences you wish to share, a skill that could please our villagers? Do please us all by submitting articles, recording your events and most importantly, hitting our deadlines.

Submitting material for publication If you are a local villager you will have a choice of a double A5 page spread, a single A5 page, A half page and a quarter page. We have some estimates of how many words you will need for each size. These are just approximations and will vary according to logos that you may also want to feature and the number of large headlines that you want. By working to these parameters when you are emailing your piece, you will help the editorial process immensely. Some of you will have a basic template that you can modify accordingly for each new issue. Email is best for us.

A Double A5 page spread.

- Approx 560 words (No 12 font) A Single A5 page.

- Approx 280 words (No 12 font) A half A5 page.

- Approx 140 words (No 12 font) A quarter A5 page.

- Approx 60 words (No 12 font)

Talk to Mike, who will help you estimate how much space you will need. (01386 881863)

Remember. If it’s in too late you've two months to wait!

It’s all free to villagers and with colour also available. Though our recent experience with the Christmas edition has taught us that next Christmas we will have to ask for an affordable donation from village groups who want a page full of intense colour. That’s if they think it’s worth the extra expense.

Editor’s Note: Calling all village under 18s. Have you ever penned a poem, drafted a drawing, crafted a cartoon, juggled jokes, or just have tales to tell?

If so, share them with us in the Sedgeberrow Post and hit the small time!

3

From: The Sedge Warbler.

Blue skies, bright sun Presented for our deception.

Beguiled crocii, Lured into flower, Colours boldly celebrating A new Season, Flaunt themselves.

Oblivious as newlyweds, To life’s cruel Februarys.

Innocent dreamers, Behold us they call.

We are Spring!

A Skylark sings, Stops, Slips deftly earthwards Chastened by the wind.

Informed, insistent toes confirm Cold reality.

Frozen fingers indicate Spring’s illusion gone!

Undaunted, the deceitful sun Warms my back, Shamelessly exploiting A sheltered garden’s Collusive cocoon.

Mockingly peddles again The hopeless dream, Feigning ignorance That Spring remains A month away.

4

False Spring On the left is the story of my flight of fancy to Long Marston Airfield.

My garden was abloom on a cold, bright Sunday the 1st February 1988. A journey that ended in a friend’s garden under bright sunlight, whilst I waited for a welcome cup of tea. The task in hand was a search for some bargains, not to seek out my thoughts on life.They seem to have an element of “hope lost” when I look back on it, as I suspect my bold skylark friend soon found out.

Sedge Warbler

Sedgeberrow Oil Buying Group.

SeSaME Oil Buying Group, in association with Evesons of Worcestershire, started on Thursday 15th July 2010.

Advantages for the village: Consistently competitive prices, whether you order 500 or 1000 litres. A known, fixed delivery date each month.

Emergency oil orders accepted, outside the named date, though at a higher rate. Lower heating costs. Fewer HGVs in village. Less infrastructure damage. Less noise. Price includes a 0.25ppl levy, on village yearly usage.

Over the last 12 months our households bought 73,542 litres of heating oil from Evesons, which recently produced a cheque for £183.85 from them, which we can use to support village initiatives. Let’s beat that with more members over the next 12 months.

For a monthly email reminder - contact Mike Parker Advantages for Evesons: More customers. Reduced tanker mileage. Lower costs. Reduced fuel consumption. Lower carbon footprint.

Don’t miss out! Next Delivery Date is Friday 3rd February 2012.

Make sure that you buy regularly as a member of Sedgeberrow Oil Buying Group, as come the crunch at any time, because of supply and weather conditions, loyal members will be prioritised.

1. Check the year’s dates. – See below 2. Phone on 01905 775920 or by email to droitwich@evesons.co.uk.

3. No orders taken after midday of the day before delivery.

4. You must say you are part of the Sedgeberrow Oil Buying Group.

5. Give full delivery name and address.

6. Payment can be made either at time of ordering but certainly within TEN days of delivery, either by cheque or by phoning in with debit card details.

7. Sign up with SeSaME for an “email - order date reminder” if you lead a busy life.

8.The price is not fixed until two days before delivery, as market prices change every day.

Delivery Dates for 2012 Friday 2nd March. Thursday 5th April - Friday 4th May - Friday 1st June Note a change to Thursday, just for the 5th April, at Easter weekend.

Sedgeberrow Sustainable and Manageable Energy SeSaME – Email: energy@sesame.me.uk Contact: Mike Parker (Chair) Tel: 01386 881863 Website: www.sesame.co.uk

5

Thinking of doing some Fundraising?

SHORT of IDEAS?

Tombola Barrel

Darts Board

Shove Ha’penny

Borrow one of these three beauties and help fund village action.

Once you know your date, contact Mike Parker on 01386 881863 to book your item of choice (Original Ha’pennies provided, but not darts, Yet!).

Charges dependent on success. If you have flopped, all that is needed is their safe return. If you have done well, a donation to Sedgeberrow Post finances would be most welcome. Your call though! Better still, borrow one of them to fundraise just for the Post and make our day.

6

Sedgeberrow Mobile Library Visiting Times 2012 WARNING READING BOOKS MAY CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

1. Churchill Road. 9.20 – 9.40am 2. School.

9.45 - 10.05am 3. Phone Box. 10.10 – 10.25am 4. Church.

10.30 – 10.45am The Mobile Library will be visiting the above stops on the dates listed below:20th February -12th March - 2nd April - 23rd April 14th May - 25th June -16th July - 6th August 17th September - 8th October - 19th November 10th December - 31st December.

Enquiries about this service should be made to: Evesham Library, Oat St, Evesham, WR11 4PJ eveshammobile@worcestershire.gov.uk Tel 01905 822722.

.

WINCHCOMBE BARBER SHOP

Loyalty scheme available.

Opening Hours Monday to Friday - 9am to 6pm Saturday - 9am to 5pm Tel: 01242 609330 9 North St, Winchcombe Gloucestershire GL54 5LH

Portrait Commissions Undertaken In Watercolour or Pastels By local artist - Carolyn Email: info@carolynart.co.uk

7

Keeping safe this winter While crime remains relatively low across West Mercia, we must stay vigilant over the winter months.

Here are a few simple tips to help keep yourself, and your home, safe and secure.

Don’t give criminals an easy ride!

Although vehicle crime is low, cars are stolen from driveways every winter because owners leave them unattended, with the keys in the ignition, while they warm up and the windscreens defrost. You might only be in the house for a few minutes to finish your coffee or collect your bag, but this is all it takes for an opportunist thief to jump into your car and drive off.

Lighten up this winter!

As the nights get longer, don’t let your unlit home be a target for thieves. A well-lit home gives the impression that someone is in so leave a light on or use timer switches to turn lights on while you are out.

Suspicious? Report it!

We firmly believe in the thought that ‘if you think something is suspicious, it probably is’ and reporting incidents at the time they occur may help us to catch people in the act and save victims undue distress. Useful details that you could provide us with include the vehicle registration number of the suspicious vehicles, make / model / colour, where / when it was seen, description of offender, etc.

If you see or hear anything suspicious – no matter how insignificant it may seem – please call the police immediately on 101 (nonemergency). Remember, in an emergency (for example, if a crime is in progress) dial 999.

Pershore Rural South Local Policing Team: LPO Sean Woods and CSO Simon Williams

8

101 now fully here.

The new national non-emergency phone number 101 the public can use to report crime or antisocial behaviour that does not require an emergency response, is now live in West Mercia.

Royal British Legion Womans Section Monthly meeting in the Betteridge room. Wednesday 1st Feb at 7.30pm Hostesses; J. Lampitt. E.Lewis S.Mcguiness Speaker to be arranged Monthly prize: S.Andrews Monthly meeting in the Betteridge room. Wednesday 7th March at 7.30 p.m.

Hostesses: P.Mills, D.Pinchin, P.Petri Speaker to be arranged Monthly prize. P. Barr.

Programmes to be issued as soon as possible

Tony Johnson

S.M.Brown Secretary.

WOODY’S GARDEN SERVICES

From a tap to a bathroom‌ from a fence to a patio

For all your garden requirements, your local parish lengthsman...

All external and internal renovations

fully insured, friendly service, no job too small

Call Tony on 881745 or Mobile 07966 246862

Martin Woodhouse Telephone 882497 Mobile 07766 113 671

..as featured in Which magazine...

Worcestershire County Council approved contractor

mcnwoody@aol.com 9

200 Club Winners Weeks 36 to 40 Thank you for your continued support Week Week Week Week Week Week Week

46 No 47 No 48 No 48 No 48 No 49 No 50 No

102 206 247 93 130 247 31

Mrs M. Sinclair Mrs Hornblow Mr T Staight Mrs C Lamb Mr J Morris Mr T Staight Mrs Jakeman

£10 £10 £20 £10 £5 £10 £10

Drawn by Mr A Cook

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Week Week Week Week Week

51 No 66 52 No 85 52 No 198 52 No 227 52 No 1

Mrs Coombe Mr P Sollis Mrs Styles Mrs Kemp Miss G Smith

£10 £100 £20 £10 £5

Drawn by Mr G Pullin

We are just starting our 23rd year since the Church was re-roofed which the 200 Club was originally started for. Since then it has become our Church’s largest annual fund raiser.

We are always looking for new members. It only costs 20p per week the same as it did 23 years ago.

Each week there is a £10 prize, every 4th week £20, £10 and £5 prizes, and in week 52 there is a £100 prize Anyone wishing to join please ring me, Cyril Banks on 881623

Fed up with paying top landline phone rates when phoning your Bank or a Utility number?

Have a look on www.saynoto0870.com You will see alternatives there to many 08 Numbers.

10

Update on The Queens Head The disappointing news is that our current tenants, Catherine and David Pym have chosen to leave the Queens Head at short notice. A spokeswoman for Hook Norton Brewery has reported that the Pub will be closed for the foreseeable future until a new tenant is found. They have nobody in mind for the moment but are definitely seeking new tenants and are actively advertising.

Fishing for Funding Fair, March 5th in Droitwich.

Need some funding contacts for you pet project?

Book now for this event: www.droitwichcvs.org.uk

Abbey Cleaning Services Traditional Window Cleaners Family Run Business Established 1993 Domestic and Commercial

01386 446098 11

Sedgeberrow Parish Church News Benefice of Hampton, Sedgeberrow & Hinton on the Green.

Priest in Charge: Revd. Mark Binney as at Hampton Vicarage on 01386 446381.

Churchwardens: Ann Banks 881623 and Doreen Hayes 881965 Drawing by John Livingstone

February/March Services th

Feb 5 Feb 12th Feb 19th Feb 26th

February 9am Holy Communion 11am Family Service 9am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion

th

March 4 March 11th March 18th March 25th

March 9am Holy Communion 11am Family Service 9am Holy Communion 11am Holy Communion

St Mary the Virgin Church News All of our services over Christmas have been very well attended. The Crib Service was lovely with about 40 children helping to create the Nativity Candles in memory of loved ones were again a special feature in Church.

The Christmas Tree Festival was a great success. We opened the Church 3 mornings before Christmas. The mulled wine and mince pies were much appreciated on these cold days.

Thank you to all who decorated a tree. (I have already started a list for next Christmas).

Bingo dates are:

February 18th. March 17th. April 21st.

All at 8pm in the Village Hall.

The proposed dates for this year’s Coffee mornings are: March 22nd April 26th May 24th June 28th July 26th Aug 23rd Sept 27th Oct 25th Nov 22nd Thursdays 10am -12 noon All welcome to come along and have a cup of coffee and chat.

Found in Church after the Crib Service two pairs of ladies gloves.

If these are yours please ring Ann Banks 881623 to be re-united with them.

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Contact details of your key elected members.

Maureen Pratt – Chairman of Sedgeberrow Parish Council Tel: 01386 881637. Email maureenpratt@btinternet.com Clerk: Jacqueline Shields. Sedgeberrowpc@hotmail.co.uk Parish Councillors: John de Paris, Darren Farmer, Richard Hunt, Alan Stow.

Awaiting Photo

Roma Kirke – District Councillor Woodpeckers, 9 Hands Orchard, Great Comberton.

Pershore. WR10 3DZ. Tel 01386 710514 Liz Eyre – County Councillor 150 High Street, Broadway, WR12 7AJ Tel: 01386 854807. Mobile: 07801816755 County Hall: 01905 766880

Harriett Baldwin – Member of Parliament. The House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA. (For Caseworkers).Tel: 01684 585165. Email:harriett.baldwin.mp@parliament.uk.Website: www.harriettbaldwin.com. Advice Surgery: Call Malvern Office to make an appointment on 01684 585165

Parkers Paraffinalia “keeping old lamps aflame”

CASH IN THE ATTIC?

Do you have an Unwanted Pram in the attic or shed?

I restore 1950s and 1960s Coach Prams and am looking to buy makes such as the: Wilson Silver Cross, Marmet, Osnath, Millsons and Royale. I’m also seeking Old Pram Sun Canopies or Parasols.

Please call Carolyn Lowerson on 01386 765921

Want to know more about your paraffin lamp? Do you . like complete, old lamps of your own for a kind mellow light and help in power cuts?

Then call on Mike. 01386 881863 or 07949 200207 I collect and restore all kinds of old oil lamps, like Tilley, Hinks and Wells Unbreakable lamps. I am also quite happy to help you with queries about ways to restore or find parts for your lamps and give talks about early lighting.

Email: mike@parkers-paraffinalia.co.uk Website: www.parkers-paraffinalia.co.uk

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Locality Village Store 01386 882938 We wish to emphasise again that we are not planning just to close the shop. We want to sell it as a going concern.

This was a new venture for us, and we are disappointed that it hasn’t worked out as we hoped, not just for us but for the village. We needed and sought reinstatement of the Post Office. This hasn’t happened. We needed the support of villagers and have failed to gain enough of that. If villagers aren’t that confident that the shop will sell and want to improve it themselves by setting up one elsewhere, please come and talk to us about possible solutions using these premises, and working with us. Bridget & Stephen Ford.

Editors Note: The village still has a shop. We really should be thinking.

“How can we help the shop continue?” Not. “Let’s put it somewhere else?”

Here’s a thought for us to ponder. What’s my weekly spend in our shop?

Sedgeberrow Post Advertisements To discuss your needs, format your advert, ring 01386 881863 (Mike) or 01386 882889 (Guy)

Single Issue

For 2012 - 5 Issues

1/4 page ……£7.50 1/2 page…...£15.00 Full page…..£25.00

1/4 page ……£25.00 1/2 page…….£50.00 Full page…..£100.00

Sponsorship: Double page spread = full page advert and full page editorial. Plus mention in editors copy on page three.

One Issue…….£60.00

Please email advert material to: energy@sesame.me.uk We can afford to include some colour in your advert for a logo or small section. If however you wish to have full colour throughout we will need to negotiate with you on the price

14

Regain Your Natural Poise

Chimney Pots Chimney Services

ALEXANDER

Chris Hurley

TECHNIQUE Can help with:

-Woodburners and Liners fitted -Bird Guards and Pots fitted -Pointing and Repairs -Gutters cleaned -Broken roof tiles replaced 01386 841808 07969 423020

 

Stress.

Poor posture: back, neck and joint pain.  Improved performance in sport.  Music and other activities.  General health & well being.

.

Philippa Rands MSTAT 01386 881633

cjhurley@wseg.wanadoo.co.uk

Ohmpride Electrics All electrical work undertaken:

Extra sockets, downlighters, security lighting.

New consumer units to current specification.

Testing and certification.

Free estimates.

Part P and 17th edition qualified.

Beauty by lindsey Sedgeberrow 01386 881 841 Lindsey is a fully qualified vtct beauty therapist and has worked in the beauty industry since 2003.

The home based salon is peaceful, professional, private and well equip.

Offers for Feb & Mar Free Back neck & Shoulder Massage with every any Anne Borlind intensive facial

Free brow shape with every lash tint

Please call Pete on 01386 882212, 07899 778725.

Only one voucher per customer. Patch test required 24hrs before tinting. Voucher cannot be use in conjunction with any other offer.

FOR A FULL PRICE LIST OR TO BOOK A TREATMENT CALL: 01386 881 841 OR 07801 629756 Nailtiques, Jessica, Geleration, Guinot, Anne Borlind Gift Vouchers, Pamper Parties www.beautybylindsey.co.uk

15

News from Sedgeberrow CE First School 01386 881391

Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the whole school visit to The Roses Theatre in Tewkesbury at the start of term to see ‘Sleeping Beauty’. Each class had done some preparatory work on pantomimes and it is such a rewarding experience to take children to see live performances. They were engrossed in the performance from start to finish and it was a lovely beginning to 2012 for us.

All year groups are now immersed in their new topics for this term.

Reception are following on from the pantomime with their work on ‘Make Believe’. They are looking at a wide variety of fairy tales and nursery rhymes with some very exciting practical activities linked in. Year 1 have named their topic ‘Around the World with Animals’ and Year 2 ‘Safari’.

Year 3 are studying the Romans and are going on a trip to Caerleon in South Wales where they will be able to visit the amphitheatre, Roman baths, Roman Barrack building and national Roman Legion Museum. This will be a very rewarding day that will bring history to life for them. ‘Rule Brittania’ is the title of Year 4 current topic and Year 5 are studying ‘Film’ and ‘Space’ this term. They hope to make visits to a cinema and Think tank Science Museum in Birmingham to enhance their work and are looking forward to this very much. Do look at the class blogs on our website to follow the progress of all these activities.

Following on from the success of introducing our new, distinctive, purple uniform last September we are delighted with a new school football kit which looks very smart. A big thank you goes to Martin Woodhouse and F.O.S.S. for their donations towards this.

Mrs M M Humphreys Headteacher

www.sedgeberrowfirstschool.ik.org

Sedgeberrow Village Hall AGM on Monday 5th March 2012 In the Betteridge Room at 8.00pm This meeting is open to anyone in the village to attend and ask questions.

FOR SALE - Pint Beer Mugs 50p & Half Pint Beer Mugs 25p To find out more just call Chris Trewick on 881876

16

Do you suffer from TINNITUS ?

Tinnitus is a noise in the ears and is an annoyance for many people.

‘Detinnitising’ is a new method and can offer a simple and effective solution.

Try before you buy! (Vale of Evesham area only).

Full information is on the web site at www.detinnitiser.com

Make SECRET Valentines Cards !

Invented in Sedgeberrow. Make your own secret message at www.prismpanels.com Then place this amazing panel on top of the mysterious encrypted pattern to instantly decipher the message.

‘Secret Agent’ kits for children are also available at www.copycoder.com .

Based in Sedgeberrow, I have been restoring antique radios and televisions for 25 years.

Lifetime Guarantee. Full details online at www.radiocraft.co.uk .

STEPHEN OSTLER, MAIN STREET, SEDGEBERROW, WR11 7UF. Tel: 01386 882280.

VISITORS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

17

Yew Tree Garage Conderton

Est. 1928

Quality Service and mechanical repairs for all makes and models of cars and light commercial vehicles

Sedgeberrow Based Driving Instructor SHIRLEY BUTCHER

Specialist in Classic Cars

Preferential Rates for Sedgeberrow Residents

MOTs arranged

Mon– Fri: 9 – 5.30. Sat: 9 – 12

Telephone: Home 01386 881505 Mobile 07808 476412 Email: Shirley@progressive-uk.net

Arthur Turbefield Tel: 01386 725223

Dumbleton Village Club Entertainment 2012 Sat Jan 28 Sat Feb 4 Sat Feb 11 Sat Feb 18 Sat Feb 28

Longsville Uploaded Stubby Nancy Ann Lee Smokey Mountain Boys

Sat Mar 10 Ace High Trio 8:15-11.30pm Sat Mar 17 Chrissy Byrne Entrance Fee £5.00 Sat Mar 24 Dave Inglis

Contact : 01386 881462

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Lower cost electric heating.

A Sedgeberrow Pump in the Raw

A Sedgeberrow Pump Beautified

What you see inside the House

Sedgeberrow Air Source Heat Pumps: (Pictures by Bob Cooper) We had an “Air to air heat pump” installed last December and are extremely pleased with it. It takes cold air from outside and heats it up (like a fridge in reverse) and produces 3-5kw of heat for every 1kw of power consumed, depending on outside temperature, (works down to -20C). It can also be used as an air conditioner in summer to cool the area. Heat pumps have some impact on the environment as they need electricity to run, but the heat they extract from the ground, air, or water is constantly being renewed naturally.

The cost of the “Worcester Bosch pump” plus installation was £1958.00.

Installed by “Cotswold Efficient Energy Centre “of Tetbury who have a fantastic show room of all things connected with Energy efficiency and environmental protection.

Energy from renewable sources: We also changed to “Good Energy “last year for our electricity supply.

They are the only suppliers who have a 100% renewable fuel mix (no nuclear). They are an ethical, reasonable cost, company. You both receive a discount of £25 when you sign up through an existing customer.

For further details ring Chris Marshall on 881347.

Editor’s note: To find out more about Air Source Heat Pumps you can visit the SeSaME website and search under Sustainable Energy. www.sesame.me.uk

Himalayan balsam invading the River Isbourne Don’t forget. Dust off your wellies and prepare for a mass assault on these pernicious usurpers of our local flora. Watch out for a call for volunteers in the next Sedgeberrow Post.

19

SEDGEBERROW PARISH COUNCIL Accounts.

The Parish Council’s accounts to 31 st March 2011 have been audited by Clement Keys, who was appointed by the Audit Commission, and an unqualified audit opinion has been given. The Parish Council has agreed to raise a precept of £9,500 for 2012/13.

This sum has been maintained for the fifth year and will result in no change to the Parish Council portion of the Council Tax charge.

Councillor Vacancies.

There are two vacant seats on the Parish Council to be filled by co-option. Notices will be displayed and the closing date for applications is Friday 2nd March. If you are interested in being considered as a candidate, please contact me for an Application Form.

Police Matters.

Some time ago, our Local Police Officer, PC Gary Shepheard, was moved to Worcester City for operational reasons for an initial period of six months. The Parish Council has written to the Chief Inspector, West Mercia Police, to enquire when PC Shepheard will be returning to the Pershore Rural South Local Policing Area. Unfortunately a definite date cannot be given but he will return as soon as a replacement can be found to continue the work he has been doing in Worcester. In the meantime, CSO Simon Williams will provide cover as required. Between 1 st October 2011 and 1st January 2012 there were two reported crimes in the village, one detected theft, and a motoring offence.

Parish Games.

The 2011 Wychavon Parish Games resulted in Sedgeberrow finishing in 14 th place out of 37 parishes with a total of 56 points. The winning parish was Wyre Piddle with a total of 136 points. Sedgeberrow entered 7 out of the 15 events.

Energy Advice.

Wychavon District Council is organising an Energy Advice and Fuel Debt Surgery at Evesham Library on Friday 23 rd March from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Free advice will be available to people who are finding it difficult to heat their homes or are concerned about the rising costs of their energy bills.

Annual Public Parish Meeting. The Annual Parish Assembly will take place on Thursday 1st March at 7.30pm in the Village Hall. This is an open meeting and all residents are welcome to attend to hear the Council’s Annual Report, to meet Local Councillors, and to raise matters concerning the village.

Dog fouling. This has become a problem on the footpaths once again. Dog owners should be aware that Dog Control Orders are in force. Failure to remove dog mess and dogs not on leads on the footpaths, public pavement or verge carries a penalty of a fine up to £1,000. If you witness any offences taking place, please notify Worcestershire Regulatory Services on: 01905 822799. All complaints will be treated in confidence.

The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee takes place at the beginning of June and the Parish Council welcomes suggestions of ways in which this event could be commemorated in the village.

Maureen Pratt – Chairman. Tel: 881637 - Email: maureenpratt@btinternet.com

20

CRYSTAL VIEW WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE

For a great service and sparkling windows

Roger Andrews Telephone 881255 Mobile 07541 990 871 enquiries@crystal-view.co.uk

21

Sedgeberrow Women’s Institute

I hope that it is not too late to wish everyone a "Happy New Year". Christmas seems ages ago but I hope that you all had a very merry Christmas.

We enjoyed our varied activities which included our shopping trip, our visit from the "Tudor Maydes", which was both amusing and enlightening. The dinner at Dumbleton Hall was great fun and very enjoyable. At the dinner we raffled a piece of pottery which had been donated by Neil Alcott one of our speakers. A further piece will be raffled later in the year.

The programme for 2012 is now complete and our first speaker will be Richard Gaffrey. He will give a talk to us then on "The role of the Sea Cadets" In February our speaker will be Gordon Forrest from the "Worcestershire Wild Life Trust" and in March we look forward to a talk on " Gardening" by Andy Pedrick.

So come along and learn something new.

Our coffee mornings continue to be a great success and we have a few more things up our sleeve for the coming months.

You can always be sure of a friendly welcome and we look forward to meeting more visitors and new members.

Again have a Happy and Peaceful 2012 Ella Hardman. 01386 881088.

22

Local I.T Domestic & Business Support

Server & Network Installations WiFi & Mobile Advice Virus/Spyware Removal Custom Office Support Scenarios

Horse Rugs

Dog Bedding & Coats

Stable Rug Wash from £7 Turnout Wash from £8 Turnout Wash & Reproof from £14

Dog Coat Wash £5 Dog Bed Wash from £5 Dog Coat Wash & Reproof from £6

Competitive Rates Maintenance Contracts

*** Free Local Collection ***

Tel: 01684 273118 Mob: 07788 922534

Call Natasha: 01684 273118 or 0776 6141994

Your IT Solution Services.co.uk

Equine & Canine Laundry Service

SELF ASSESSMENT I CALCULATE THE TAX LIABILITY FOR YOU MY SERVICE INCLUDES: COMPLETION OF YOUR SELF ASSESSMENT RETURN, ACCOUNTS PREPARATION FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, ADVICE GIVEN ON WHEN TO PAY YOUR TAXES

Please feel free to contact me for a quote

Catherine Newman, 01386 882248 CATHERINE NEWMAN IS A MEMBER OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF TAXATION

23

My Brother

Hello, my name is Muppet and my brother Doofuss and I have come to live in Sedgeberrow.

We’re both Bearded Collies, I’m brown and white and my brother is black and white (‘though he reckons he’s Slate and white ‘coz he thinks that sounds posh – I don’t think so!). We’ve got two ‘two-legs’, one who answers to the name of Marilyn and the other who comes when she calls out Brian. They look after us which is pretty cool coz it means we’ve got loads of hands and feet (I think that’s what they’re called) to bite – we like chewing stuff and sometimes it’s nice to chew something soft!

My brother is getting cleverer by the day – he now understands the meaning of the word NO, but I’m cleverer than him coz whilst I understand the meaning of the word NO I also understand the meaning of the word ignore!

We’ve taken to helping out in the garden and have, so far, emptied three pots that had brown and green stuff in them. The stuff looked well good spread out instead of just in one place and then my brother had the idea that with the addition of the socks (well that’s what the two-legs called them) it would look even better! It did, a great success we thought, but the two-legs didn’t agree and took them in so we had the idea to take some of the green and brown stuff and some of the ‘sticks’ we found indoors as well. The two-legs weren’t happy which we don’t understand, but hey-ho there’s no pleasing some two-legs.

Every day the two-legs get the, it’s a broom you idiot, out if its lair and tries to train it. She’s not very good at it coz when it tries to escape she has to bring it back, it goes forwards and she drags it back to her. We give her a hand by barking at it and chasing it back but I reckon that even with our help it’s going to take some time to get it under control. We’ll see!

Editor’s note: I believe that these were Muppet’s own pawses for thought.

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Diary Dates Spring Fayre Saturday 24th March 2012 Tables available @ £5.00 Contact Marilyn Butt 881764 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Village Fete A right royal bit of a do To mark Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee Sunday 3rd June 2012 Glebe Meadow Helpers needed – Please contact Marilyn Butt 881764 Watch out for the posters coming to a telegraph pole near you

Vine Mews Evesham Vine St, Opposite the Church

Evesham Central Indoor Market.

High St, Opposite the Co-op

Steve’s Stationery

Teas &

Coffee

Supplier of affordable stationery.

For both home and office. Books, envelopes, photo copier paper, word searches, children’s colouring materials, craft materials. Writing pads, pencils pens, and a wide range of other goods.

16 Vine Mews Evesham

A warm welcome awaits

I supply and fit watch batteries and straps, sell watches and clocks.

Light bites & Main Meals Toasted Sandwiches & Salads Jacket Potatoes & Sandwiches

We have a wide range of tobacco supplies, rolling papers, filters, lighters, rolling machines, pipes and much more.

Opening Hours

Opening Times 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday

Monday to Friday 9am - 4.30pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

Tel: 0779 033 9051

Ring me on 07747 327033 25

www.sesame.me.uk Sedgeberrow Post is now available online.

Some of us like our reading material in hand, and then stored on the shelf for easy access. Some of us have no regular access to a computer. Some of us don’t want paper clutter and like to catch up with the news on the Internet. If you are one of those, contact the editor via energy@sesame.me.uk .We won’t deliver but send you a link to its place on our SeSaME website.

S.O.A.P - Progress Report Please note our play scheduled for 10th and 11th February has been postponed. It will be re-scheduled for the summer and new dates will be published shortly. Many thanks. Sally Tebbutt. Sedgeberrow Drama Group

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Who's unhappy with the Cost of buying LPG Gas? It looks like it’s not as many as you might expect, if keenness to fill-in forms is anything to go by. We now have the details of just 12 interested householders after we asked people to fill in this form in the Dec/Jan Post. We do however know that at least more than 30 customers have bulk gas delivered in the village.

So please join in and help reduce costs by filling in the form below, or ring Mike Parker on 01386 881863 What Gas do you use?

Bulk Gas

Main supplier?

Bottled Gas Monthly Rent

Name

Phone

Address

Email Mike Parker of SeSaME, supported by the Parish Council, is talking to suppliers about setting up a system similar to the Oil Buying Group. Once there is a suitable scheme we will meet to let people know what is on offer and talk about how it will work, as bulk buying gas will be more complicated than oil.

Please cut out your completed form and hand it in at our Village Shop, or contact Mike at 01386 881863 The more buyers that we have on board the more buying clout the village will have so please act now and don’t put your actions off till another day.

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SEDGEBERROW PLAYGROUP Would like to welcome New children and parents All About Us Successful village playgroup, operating for 22 years, in the Betteridge Room.

Located right next to Sedgeberrow First School. OFSTED registered * Fully qualified and experienced staff. Competitive rates.

Open Monday-Friday 9am.-12 noon with lunch club available from 12-1pm We take children aged from 2 to 5 years. We promote learning through play and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

We offer a happy safe and secure environment where parents and children are valued. Activities are planned around the children’s interests.

For further information, or to arrange an informal visit to see the playgroup, call Colette Malin on 0797 4557098 FUNDRAISING Any unwanted toys, children’s clothes, books, DVDs etc?

We would love to have them (in good condition) to help us raise funds for Sedgeberrow Playgroup at a forthcoming car boot sale. Any donations gratefully received! Call Colette Malin on 0797 4557098 to arrange drop-off/collection.

Shop Online and Raise Money for Playgroup!

We have just opened a fundraising account for Playgroup at: http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/sedgeberrowplaygroup.

If you already shop online with retailers such as Amazon, M&S, Argos, John Lewis, Comet, Vodafone, eBay, Boden and Play.com, then Easyfundraising.org.uk is a very simple way to help raise money for Playgroup while you shop!

How does it work?

You shop directly with the retailer as you would normally, but if you sign up to http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/causes/sedgeberrowplaygroup for free and use the links on the easy fundraising site to take you to any of over 2000 well known retailers, then a percentage of whatever you spend comes directly to us as a donation, at no extra cost to yourself.

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SEDGEBERROW FLOOD GROUP www.sedgeberrow.info Flood Warden - Richard Hunt 01386 882079 Secretary – Annette.dawson@btinternet.com

….helping hands….

As reported in the last edition, work is continuing at the Queens Head Pub and a suitable location has now been found for the emergency warning siren.

Our electrician is on standby and installation should start as we go to press.

Please rest assured this will be used as a last resort and only activated when severe flooding is about to happen, details regarding the use and testing of the siren will be provided in a further newsletter for all, once the installation is completed.

As we reported last time, the Flood Group has highlighted the potential insurance problems likely to arise in 2013 for those properties with a history of flooding. With this in mind we have continued to maintain the pressure on Defra through our local MP, Harriett Baldwin. She has done a pretty good job in representing constituency concerns to both the Insurance Industry and to Government Departments - for those interested you can keep up to date by reading her website, we have put the link on www.sedgeberrow.info for you.

What we have to recognise is, however, that we are heading towards a potential stalemate between Government and the Insurance companies where each blames the other for: a. Insufficient funding of Flood Prevention schemes and b. Failure to acknowledge what the EA has already achieved and reflect this in insurance premiums.

In order to keep Mrs Baldwin onside we invited her and her team to join members of the Flood Group on a riverbank walk on 20 January 2012, to examine work underway by the EA. Unfortunately she couldn’t make it.

Sedgeberrow flood group meeting with Anthony Perry of the Environmental Agency, afterwards taking the morning out to walk along the river Isbourne, checking both the river and the bank.

Do revisit our website, which is now being revamped and improved. www.sedgeberrow.info

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News from your local County Council representative Councillor Liz Eyre. Lead Member for Children's Services with responsibility for Worcestershire's Children's Social Care Lead for Development of the Health and Wellbeing Board, Children's Trust developments, Early Help strategy, Looked after Children Strategy including Placement budget.

The Parish Council has a full report from Liz every month. It is available from the Parish Council. What follows are some extracts from her 14th December report most likely to be of relevance to Sedgeberrow Villagers. £20m plan to speed up the county: The County Council broadband programme aims by 2015 that 90 per cent of businesses across Worcestershire have access to superfast broadband of at least 24Mbps and everyone benefits from download speeds of at least 2Mbps.

Energy: A solar photo voltaic array is to be installed at County Hall to reduce emissions (payback 8 years).

Free Nursery education: the number of free nursery education places for disadvantaged children in Worcestershire looks set to increase from 250 to 1,100.

Blue Badge scheme changes: increase in cost to £10 from £1, as from January 2012. Changes to eligibility and issue arrangements.

Flooding - Badsey Brook Scheme Community Funding Committee. In Nov/Dec I worked with local solicitors, Anthony Homer, to set up a Broadway/ Childswickham - Murcot Community Charitable Trust for the respective Council’s community funding group. This charity could facilitate gift aiding contributions made by residents towards a £312,000 shortfall for the Environment Agency’s £3m Badsey Brook Flood protection scheme.

The scheme has been shown to be technically and environmentally feasible.

Early January an EA newsletter setting out where we are with the Badsey Brook scheme, a funding request letter and a gift aid form will be distributed to all households in the two villages.

Contact Details: Mrs Liz Eyre. Broadway Electoral Division.

Address: Holmwood, 150 High Street, Broadway, Worcs, WR12 7AJ Phone: Home 01386 854807, Mobile 07801 816755, Office 01905 766880 Email eeyre@worcestershire.gov.uk

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F.O.S.S SEDGEBERROW SCHOOL MAY FAYRE SATURDAY 19TH MAY 2012 2PM TO 4PM ON THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND & FIELDS

RAFFLE

ADMISSION £1.00 PER FAMILY

CAKES

PICK & MIX

REFRESHMENTS BBQ

TOMBOLA’S

TOYS & NEARLY NEW STALL JEWELLERY AND MUCH MORE …………..

Event Organised by Friends of Sedgeberrow School (FOSS)

31

MP’s Press Release addresses Flood Insurance difficulties.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today called on insurance companies to improve their systems to take flood defences into account when fixing annual premiums, following a series of meetings in Westminster and the county discussing the continuing problem of flood insurance.

She has also joined a group discussion in Sedgeberrow to air concerns about proposals which threaten to dramatically change insurance cover arrangements over the coming years. “As flood schemes are completed across the county, more and more properties will be protected and their flood risks will reduce,” she said. Her view was that premiums should properly reflect that the Government has invested many millions of pounds in infrastructure improvements was her view. Home-owners have complained to her that they are still being left with huge premiums or even without cover and the insurance industry is not behaving at all fairly. There is to be a Government statement on flood insurance policy in the Spring and she hoped that this will lead to fairer insurance for local people.

Editor’s Note: We hope that the Association of British Insurers and Dept for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs soon reconcile their differences about what constitutes a massive enough investment in flood protection schemes.

Hand tied Bouquets, Contemporary Floral Arrangements, Country Main St, GL20 7AD Posies and 01386 881248 Vase filling.

Beckford Stores Speciality Foods & Delicatessan Post Office & PayPoint Dry Cleaning Email: info@beckford-stores.co.uk Tel: 01386 881248

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What’s on in February

[MH = Main Hall BR = Betteridge Room RBLWS = Royal British Legion Women’s Section] . Playgp = Playgroup.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR RBLWS BR 7.30pm

5

6 7 8 9 10 11 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Zumba 6.30 Pilates 7.30 MH

12

13

19

20 21 22 23 24 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR WI 7.30pm BR Zumba 6.30 Pilates 7.30

26

27 28 29 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Zumba 6.30 Pilates 7.30 MH

14 15 Zumba 6.30 Pilates 7.30 MH

16

17

18 Church Bingo 8pm MH

25 RBLWS Bingo 8pm MH

To Hire the Betteridge Room or Main Hall please phone Colette on 881014

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What’s on in March [MH = Main Hall BR = Betteridge Room RBLWS = Royal British Legion Women’s Section] . Playgp = Playgroup.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wedneasda Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR

4

5 Playgrp BR Village Hall AGM 8pm BR

6 Playgrp BR Zumba 6.30 Pilates 7.30 MH

7 8 9 10 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR RBLWS BR 7.30pm

11

12 13 14 15 16 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Zumba 6.30 Pilates 7.30 MH

17 Church Bingo 8pm MH

18

19 20 21 22 23 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Playgrp BR WI 7.30pm BR Zumba 6.30 Pilates 7.30

24 Spring Fayre 2 – 4pm BR&MH

25

26 27 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Privte booking 6pm MH

31 RBLWS Bingo 8pm MH

28 Playgrp BR Privte booking 6pm MH

29 30 Playgrp BR Playgrp BR Privte booking 6pm MH

To Hire the Betteridge Room or Main Hall please phone Colette on 881014

36