Sedgeberrow Post

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

Photo by Bob Cooper

At last the “Post” is here!

A Very Merry Christmas to all December 2011 and January 2012 A SeSaME Production. No 1

Editorial

Not to be Missed

01386 881863

Sedgeberrow Locality Village Store Xmas Fayre - page 14

Mel Wilson

Ordering Oil - page 5

Editors Mike Parker energy@sesame.me.uk

Advertising

How to have your Sedgeberrow Post emailed to you every two months - page 10

Guy Redmond 01386 882889 guyredmond@leavesofgreen.co.uk

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

St Richards Hospice Christmas Fair - page 19

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

Go carol singing at the Queen’s Head - page 11 Visit SeSaME’s new website and see the Post there also. www.sesame.me.uk

Funding The cost of the first years publication of 6 newsletters, including purchase of our own printer, ink and stapling equipment has been funded as follows SeSaME (£100), Flood Group (£100), Parish Council (£100). A successful application to Liz Eyre, our local Worcestershire CC Councillor, for £400 from her share of the County Councillors Divisional Fund Scheme.

Sedgeberrow School Christmas Fayre - page 23 Cutting your Costs on LPG Gas - page 27

The chance to Advertise Your business Contact Guy Redmond

In future years we expect to be mainly self-funded from advertising.

Think and give us feedback, plus or minus, about our first effort at your newsletter.

This publication is printed on recycled paper.

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Welcome from the Team It’s going to take six of us enthusiastic souls to resurrect a brand new Sedgeberrow Newsletter, with six copies a year. This is a testament to how much hard work the Chris Trewicks have put in, over the past years, editing the Grapevine whilst producing ten copies a year.

Hopefully we will ease the burden by spreading the load and maintain even greater longevity for your new Sedgeberrow Post. Congratulations and many thanks to Chris, Chris and their helpers of course, for all the hard work we have benefited from over the years.

Meanwhile you can help too by submitting articles, recording your events and most importantly, hitting our deadlines.

Happy Xmas to all our readers and don’t forget, support your shop for great local Xmas Fayre.

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 estimates of how many words you will need for each size. These are approximate 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 360 words (No 12 font) A Single A5 page.

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

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

- Approx 60 words (No12 font)

Remember: if it`s in too late you`ve two months to wait!

It’s all free to villagers and with colour available.

Talk to Mike, who will help you estimate how much space you will need. (01386 881863) Editors Note: This is a big, action packed issue, due to Xmas and being so long without a village newsletter. Please don’t be disappointed if the next one is a little smaller and even with a little less colour.

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From: The Sedge Warbler.

The old Booth Hall.

Evesham A postcard, dated 1903, with a Birmingham postcode and a green halfpenny stamp featuring the portrait of King Edward V11

I am always on the look-out for old postcards of the area, so was quick to suss out the Worcester section of a postcard stall at this year’s Cirencester bottle show. I already have four Sedgeberrow cards, bought from “the bottom shop” when Eric and Sylvia ran it. Up came this gem, spoiled I thought at first by writing on the front. It read: “I am coming I am coming!!!” PTO. Then I read the back, which said: “It will be a case of. Thou with eyes so soft & fawn like. If thou only lookest at me, I am happy. I am happy!”

——————————— “Will you write on Friday night re trains etc. Should you like me to bring Country Girl or any other music. Best love. Yours ever. E.” It was addressed to Miss M L Brettell, 3 Charmwoood St, Derby.

I hope that they had a great rendezvous and that you enjoyed my warblings about those two long-gone lovebirds.

Sedge Warbler 4

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 their heating oil from Evesons, which recently produced a cheque for £183.85 from them, which we can use to support village initiatives - £100 has already gone to pay for the new Sedgeberrow post - Lets beat that over the next 12 months.

For a monthly email reminder - contact Mike 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 9th December Make sure that you buy regularly as a member of Sedgeberrow Oil Buying Group, as come the crunch in Winter, because of supply and weather conditions, loyal members will be prioritized.

Better than that, fill your tank up as early as possible..

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. The price isn’t fixed until the day before delivery, as market prices change every day.

Delivery Dates for 2012 Friday 6th January - Friday 3rd February - Friday 2nd March Friday 6th April - Friday 4th May - Friday 1st June Sedgeberrow Sustainable and Manageable Energy SeSaME – Email: energy@sesame.me.uk Contact: Mike Parker (Chair) Tel: 01386 881863 Website: www.sesame.co.uk

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SEDGEBERROW PARISH COUNCIL ‘Sedgeberrow Post’ The Parish Council is pleased to welcome the first edition of Sedgeberrow’s new village newsletter ‘Sedgeberrow Post’ and wish Mike and the team at SeSaMe every success for the future.

Parish Council Elections At the Parish Council Elections in May there were four candidates for the seven available seats, so the election was uncontested, and John De Paris, Richard Hunt, Maureen Pratt and Alan Stow were duly elected as Parish Councillors for Sedgeberrow. Public notice of the vacancies was given and one application was received.

The Council has agreed to co-opt Darren Farmer to fill one of the vacancies.

There are still two vacant seats on the Parish Council and if anyone is interested in being considered as a candidate please contact me for an Application Form.

South Worcestershire Development Plan.

Earlier in the year Wychavon District Council published an update of the Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment, which provided background evidence on the potential supply of land for housing in South Worcestershire. This is a technical report, not a decision or policy-making document, to be used, along with other evidence, for the South Worcestershire Development Plan until 2030. Several sites were identified in Sedgeberrow, but for various reasons all the sites have now been ruled out and will only be put back if the reasons can be overcome. The Preferred Options for the SW Development Plan have gone out for public consultation until 18th November. Information relating to the Preferred Options can be viewed at Evesham Community Contact Centre and Evesham Library, and downloaded from the website www.swdevelopmentplan.org.

Litter pick.

On Saturday 24th September the Flood Group and SeSaMe undertook a litter pick of the village and will share the bursary of £300 put forward by the Parish Council.

Thanks go to all who took part for a job well done.

Roadside litterbins You may have noticed that the litterbins in the lay-by on the road leading out of the village towards Evesham have been removed. Wychavon District Council will not provide new bins as it considers that they add to fly tipping and it will only replace them if the Parish Council purchases the bins and pays for emptying. As the lay-by is in Hinton Parish it should be for that Parish Council to cover the costs. Wychavon District Council has however stated that the verges will be regularly litter picked. )

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The Road Sweeper Service Wychavon District Council has cut the road sweeper service and the vehicle will only visit the village every 13 weeks (quarterly). The next scheduled visit will be on Wednesday 18th January 2012. Please try to park your vehicle off the road that morning so that the gutters and drain covers can be properly cleansed.

Anna Mackison Memorial Seat The Parish Council has received an oak bench seat in memory of Anna Mackison, former District Councillor for Sedgeberrow. The bench has been sited at the top of Main Street on the new route of the Wychavon Way. This long distance footpath has been re-routed through Sedgeberrow, so that it runs completely within Wychavon, starting in Droitwich and finishing in Broadway.

Main Street Play Area The Parish Council has received the offer of a grant from Wychavon District Council’s Community Grant Scheme to update the Main Street Play Area and to provide a ramped access from the road. Quotes for providing the ramped access are currently being sought.

Telephone Kiosk The decommissioned Telephone Kiosk in Main Street is now the property of the Parish Council and has been repainted. The Parish Council is considering possible future uses for the kiosk and would welcome suggestions from villagers.

The 540 Bus Service Following the County Council’s review of subsidised bus services, the 540 Service from Evesham to Cheltenham and vice versa has not been withdrawn. A new timetable came into force from 4th September and it would seem that there is now a better service to Cheltenham. Copies of the timetable are in the bus shelter and on the village notice board and can also be viewed on the County Council website www.worcestershire.gov.uk.

(Also see Elvie Lewis’s take on the service, here on page 37 : Editor) Road Salting When there is a forecast of snow or ice forming on the roads, the B4078 Winchcombe Road, which is on the Primary Network, will be salted by the County Council. Main Street and Sedgeberrow Hill are on the Secondary Network and will only be treated in severe weather conditions after the Primary Network has been successfully treated. The Parish Council is to purchase three additional green salt/grit bins to be installed in Main Street at points of known difficulty. The salt/grit bins are provided to help road users and pedestrians and are provided for use on the public highway and footway only. Empty salt/grit bins should be reported to the County Council on 0845 607 2005. It is permissible to clear snow and ice from the footway outside your own property or from public spaces, provided it is cleared in a sensible manner. People walking on snow and ice have a responsibility to be careful themselves.

Maureen Pratt: Chair. Tel: 01386 881637. Email: maureenpratt@btinternet.com

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Doorstep Crime Doorstep crime can take a number of forms but is carried out by criminals who deliberately target the most vulnerable members of our communities. Distraction burglaries involve criminals posing as genuine callers – they often claim to be from "the water board"– to gain entry into a person's home . Once inside, one of the callers distracts the homeowner, while another searches for money and valuable items to steal.

A variation of distraction burglary involves criminals posing as reputable trades-people who offer to undertake repair work on a person's property. They do the work badly - if at all - and put people under extreme pressure to pay.

Who Are The Victims?

Anyone can be the victim of a distraction crime but older, vulnerable people are at most risk. Research shows that: 77% of victims are female 74% of victims live alone The average victim is 78 years old Fortunately the majority of people, after the initial shock of the crime, make a full recovery. For a small minority, the most vulnerable, the consequences can be very serious and long term.

101 almost 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, goes live in West Mercia early in November.

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Keep an eye out for your neighbours to help cut doorstep crime.

What Are the Police Doing?

To help combat doorstep crime — and in particular distraction burglaries — West Mercia Police has launched the Knock Knock campaign. This aims to provide simple advice to householders and encourages neighbours to look out for each other to help make life difficult for doorstep criminals.

West Mercia Police is committed to reducing the number of distraction burglaries and rogue callers. We work closely with trading standards officers from local authorities and utility companies to bring offenders to justice with joint enforcement and crime prevention initiatives.

For further information on the ‘knock knock’ campaign you can either: a) Call 0300 3333000 to speak to your local police team CSO Simon Williams or PC Gary Shepherd. b) Email your local police team on: pershoreruralsouth.lpt@westmercia.pnn.police.uk d) Or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 to report information anonymously.

Christmas Wassail Sunday 11th December 6.00 to 7.30 pm.

Carols & Festive Songs. Mince Pies and Refreshments from the Church Ladies. Donations as before from the Adults please. Your Children free. For enquiries ring Brian or Wendy Palmer on 01386 830745

At Sedgeberrow Village Hall 9

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

36 No 256. Mr G Hayes 36 No 88. Mrs W-Cotham 36 No 185. Mrs A Driver 37 No 151. Ms S DeParis 38 No 33. Jack Banks 39 No 215. Mr R Pearson 40 No 121. Mrs Klaiber 40 No 70. Mrs P Tillier 40 No 235. Mrs Welch

£20 £10 £5 £10 £10 £10 £20 £10 £5

Drawn by Mr R Hunt

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 - Dates for your Diary This year we thought we would do something different. We will be doing a “who done it” written by Sally Tebbutt called "Ghostly Encounters At Sedgeberrow Hall" on Friday 10th & Saturday 11th February 2012.

More information in the next edition.

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Chris Trewick ( S.O.A.P ) Sec

jxÄvÉÅx àÉg{x dâxxÇá [xtw At Sedgeberrow 01386 882643 Please call for enquires and table bookings!

What’s on!

Saturday 19th November 2011 – Singles Pool Knockout Competition 8pm Friday 16th December 2011 – Pub Quiz Night In aid of NSPCC. 8pm, £1per person max of 6 people per team Friday 23rd December Christmas Carol Singing 7pm -8pm Saturday 31st December – 60’s ,70’s, 80’s Fancy dress New Year’s Eve Party with the Galaxy Roadshow Disco 8pm – 2am

Food Traditional Pub Grub Served Monday – Saturday 5.30pm till 9pm All your favourites including fish and chips, sausage and chips and many more!!

Main courses from £4.95 Why not come and try our Traditional Sunday Lunch £8.95 with complimentary glass of wine (Terms and conditions apply)

We look forward to seeing you soon!!

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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

December/January Services December th

Dec 4 9am Holy Communion Dec 11th 11am Family Service Dec 18th 9am Holy Communion Dec 18th 3pm Carol Service Dec 24th 6pm Crib Service Dec 24th 10pm Christmas Eve Holy Communion Dec 25th 9am Holy Communion

January st

Jan 1 9am Holy Communion Jan 8th 11am Family Service Jan 15th 9am Holy Communion Jan 22nd 11am Holy Communion Jan 29th 10am United Benefice at Hampton

St Mary the Virgin Church News We enjoyed a fine Harvest Festival and Supper which was well supported.

We took the gifts from the Church Harvest Festival into the Christian Centre who are always grateful for donations of food etc,. The proceeds from the Auction at the Supper (ÂŁ134-50p) we sent to Noah's Ark Trust which helps to support bereaved children and their families.

Our Coffee Mornings continue to be a success .

Monthly Bingo's for Church funds are in the Village Hall always at 8pm. The next ones are on December 3rd and January 14th when the ÂŁ100 prize for the 200 club will be drawn.

Our Churchyard was voted second place in the Biannual Best Kept Churchyard competition organised by the Campaign to protect Rural England together with the Worcestershire Federation of Women's Institutes.

We are looking for entries for our Christmas Tree Festival which we will stage the week beginning the 12th December. Please contact Ann Banks on 881623 or Ella Hardman on 881088 for more details.

The Church will be open on 19th 20th and 21st of December 10am -12noon. Refreshments will be available.

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CASH IN THE ATTIC?

DO YOU HAVE AN OLD UNWANTED PRAM IN THE ATTIC OR SHED? I RESTORE 1950’S AND 1960’S COACH PRAMS AND AM LOOKING TO BUY MAKES SUCH AS WILSON SILVERCROSS, MARMET, OSNATH, MILLSONS AND ROYALE, ALSO OLD PRAM SUN CANOPIES OR PARASOLS

PLEASE CALL CAROLYN LOWERSON 01386 765921.

.

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

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Locality Village Store 12 Main Street Sedgeberrow 01386 882938

Christmas Opening Hours See the notice in the shop Or pick up a leaflet there

Last Day for Turkey Orders 6th December Barn Reared white Turkey £8.60Kg Barn Reared Boneless Turkey Crown £10.40Kg Organic White Turkey £11.40Kg Free Range White Turkey £9.25Kg Free Range Bronze Turkey £10.50Kg Free Range Boneless Crown £13.70Kg Chipolatas, Sausage-meat and Pigs-in-blankets also available

£20-00 Deposit required at time of Order Note the last order date of 6th December 2011 to Guarantee your Christmas 2011Orders Orders of Veg Boxes, Bread and Cake also being taken as usual

Thank You, Bridget and Stephen 14

WOODYS GARDEN SERVICES

Tony Johnson

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

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

Fully insured, friendly service, no job too small

All external and internal renovations

Call Tony on 881745 or Mobile 07966 246862

Martin Woodhouse Telephone 882497 Mobile 07766 113 671

..as featured in Which magazine...

mcnwoody@aol.com Worcestershire County Council approved contractor

Ohm Pride Electric

CRYSTAL VIEW WINDOW CLEANING SERVICE

For a great service and sparkling windows

All electrical work expertly fitted and guaranteed

Roger Andrews

Serving Sedgeberrow for many years

Telephone 881255 Mobile 07541 990 871

Call Pete on 882212

enquiries@crystal-view.co.uk

07899 778 725

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News from Sedgeberrow CE First School 01386 561818

A very busy half-term finished with a day of celebration for Mrs Sue Beasley who retired on her birthday. We gave her a lovely send off with each class performing their favourite song she had taught them in Reception. Many past staff and governors were able to join us for the party and it was a lovely day throughout.

We wish Sue a very happy retirement.

Here are Year 4 learning about circuits and conductors in Science. They started the unit by seeing what different circuits they could make using buzzers, motors and light bulbs and some managed to make enormous circuits which took up the whole table! Next they moved on to investigating which materials conduct electricity and which are insulators.

As you can see they were absorbed in this work and very proud of their end results.

Our next event will be the annual Sedgeberrow Talent Show which is always very popular and often uncovers a side of the children we haven’t seen before! We will also be having a ‘Spotty Day” to raise funds for Children in Need with all sorts of activities taking place. After this we will be busily practising for Christmas performances which take place in December. Do check for further details later. (contd next page)

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School News continued Our Christmas Fair takes place on Friday 25th November from 3.30 – 5.00 pm so do please come along if you can.

Just a reminder that the closing date for applications for Reception in 2012 is 17th January. Visits are welcome by appointment and forms can be collected from school. Alternatively you may apply online.

Sedgeberrow CE First School wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Peaceful New Year Mrs M M Humphreys Headteacher www.sedgeberrowfirstschool.ik.org

Candles of Light and Love To dedicate a candle to a loved one please complete the coupon and hand to Ann Banks with a £5.00 donation.

Candles will be lit in the Church until the New Year. The candle label will say.

In Fondest Memory of …………………………………………….

From………………………………………………………………..

Name & Address ——————————————————————————— ——————————————————————————— ——————————————————————————— Tel No ______________________

Name of person to be remembered ______________________

________________________

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Remember to Feed the Birds This Winter That way you will be helping species at risk survive cold weather and scarcity of food.

If you are unsure what to do consult the RSPB online www.rspb.org.uk/advice/ helpingbirds/feeding/ index.aspx

Teas &

Coffee

16 Vine Mews Evesham

A warm welcome awaits Light bites & Main Meals Toasted Sandwiches & Salads Jacket Potatoes & Sandwiches

Opening Times 10am - 4pm Monday to Saturday Tel: 0779 033 9051

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Fabulous Food and Gift Fair At Dumbleton Hall In Aid of St Richards Hospice Wednesday 23rd November 2011. 7 - 9pm For more information about the event and about a stall Contact Chrissy Styles 01386 882677 Hana Reid 01386 443029

www.strichards.org.uk Tel 01905 763963 Charity Number 515668

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Sedgeberrow Women’s Institute

How good it will be to read once again what is happening in the village. I can tell you what the W.I. have been getting up to in the last couple of months. We have had a pottery demonstration by a Winchcombe potter and several of our members had a 'go' on the wheel. Their pots have now been fired and glazed and very nice they are too. We have had an interesting talk on 'The History of Lamps' and we are now looking forward to a talk about Hungary and a Hungarian Wedding. In December we shall hear about, and hopefully take part in, a Tudor Christmas. We have been to the 'Arts Centre' to a show and our monthly coffee mornings continue to be enjoyable.

Events still to come:Christmas icing class- making decorations for our Christmas cakes.

Shopping trip to the Touchwood Centre.

Christmas dinner at Dumbleton.

We shall be putting a tree in the Christmas Tree display in church but this year there will be no biscuits for the mice to eat !!

In January we shall be hearing about the Sea Cadets.

We look forward to our Scrabble Evening and hopefully the start of our 'Book Club'. We have welcomed two new members to our W.I. and would love to see more. Visitors are always welcome. Ella Hardman. 01386 881088.

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Village Litter Picking Morning

Out on the Streets

Emptying the Trailer

What it’s all about

Here you can see the products of the parish litter pickers, perfect picking performance. Organised by Richard Hunt, with equipment loaned by the Wychavon District Council and their efforts rewarded by a payment from the Parish Council towards their groups activities. 15 members of the Flood Group and SeSaME, with one helpful child, turned out on a Saturday morning in September to get their village squeaky clean. Well done folks.

Beauty by Lindsey SELF ASSESSMENT

Sedgeberrow 01386 881 841 LINDSEY IS A FULLY QUALIFIED VTCT BEAUTY THERAPIST, HAS WORKED IN THE BEAUTY INDUSTRY SINCE 2003. THE HOME BASED SALON IS PEACEFUL, PROFESSIONAL, PRIVATE AND WELL EQUIPPED.

15% OFF your first visit FOR A FULL PRICE LIST OR TO BOOK A TREATMENT CALL: 01386 881 841 OR 07801 629756

Treatments Include: Brow shape £6 Half leg £12 Bikini £7 Facials from £16 Lash & Brow Tint £14 Manicure Classic ... 45min £17 Back Neck & Shoulder £18 Nailtiques, Jessica, Geleration, Guinot, AnneBorlind

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 4 a quote

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

www.beautybylindsey.co.uk

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WALKING AROUND SEDGEBERROW Dec2011/Jan2012

This year has seen a few improvements to our rural footpaths. Most notably the two new kissing gates on the route leading out from Mill bridge, which give better access across the fields than the stile and fence that were there before. If the positive comments that have been made are anything to go by, these gates have been most welcome in making walking in the area just that little extra bit easier for everyone. Over June, July and August three circular walks were organised to give villagers an idea of the footpath routes available around Sedgeberrow. The first of these was out towards Hinton, whilst the second took in Dumbleton and Wormington. The final walk included a visit to Sandfield Farm, where Emma Harrison gave us a tour of the farm’s ecological projects. If sufficient interest is shown next summer further introductory walks will be planned.

On some of the footpath posts some new blue and green signs can be seen, and these indicate the route of the Wychavon Way. This long distance recreational path now passes through Sedgeberrow, on its way from Droitwich to Broadway. It is to be officially opened shortly, when it is hoped information leaflets will become available too.

Although winter will soon be here, there will still be plenty of opportunity to get out onto our lovely local paths. Please just respect the basic principles which enable the countryside to be a place we can all enjoy, such as taking litter home and keeping the paths free from dog muck. Finally many thanks to the local farmers and landowners for their co-operation in helping to maintain our rights of way and keeping them freely accessible to us all.

Dave May - Sedgeberrow footpath warden 22

SEDGEBERROW SCHOOL CHRISTMAS FAYRE HOSTED BY FRIENDS OF SEDGEBERROW SCHOOL (F.O.S.S) THE PARENTS TEACHERS ASSOCIATION

2011 FRIDAY 25TH NOVEMBER 2011 3.30PM TO 5PM

SEDGEBERROW VILLAGE HALL TOMBOLA KID’S TOMBOLA CAKES REFRESHMENTS PICK & MIX SWEETS CRAFT STALL TREASURE BOARD RAFFLE PING PONG GAME GUESS WEIGHT OF THE CAKE

AND MORE….

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Retirement of Sue Beasley

Sue Beasley our much loved Teaching Assistant at Sedgeberrow First School retired on Friday 21st October on her 60th birthday.

Now in her 15th year of working in the Reception Class she was almost the longest serving member of staff. She will have taught every child presently studying in the school.

The picture shows Sue receiving a book of memories from one of her pupils.

There was a special good-bye assembly for her that afternoon. It was a happy occasion that showed how true was our Headteacher Mrs Humphreys comment that “Sue has given so much to the school in every way that she will be very much missed.” “I don’t know what we will do without her, as she is the person who knows everything,” she said.

The School had invited back colleagues and governors that Sue had worked with for the occasion.

There was a relaxed party atmosphere with old friends and children reminiscing about happy memories.

Each class sang their favourite song that Sue had taught them in the Reception class and recounted their memories on stage. Sue was presented with leaving gifts after a very generous collection, a reflection of everyone thinking so highly of her.

The School hasn’t lost Sue completely as she will continue as clerk to the Governors and after Xmas will come back to visit and maybe hear readers.

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This is the successful, First Place, winning picture of a bee collecting nectar from her sedum flowers, taken

by Marion McMillan of Sedgeberrow Rooftop Housing Group, who ran the competition, also want any of their residents, who are amateur photographers, to take seasonal or topical photos of local interest and send the pictures to them.

Call them on 0800 0421 800 or visit their website on www.rooftopgroup.org Evesham Central Indoor Market. High St, Opposite the Co-op Vale Fresh Fruit & Veg

Steves Stationery

We offer a wide range of locally sourced fruit and vegetables.

Potatoes loose or by the bag. Cauliflower, cabbage, sprouts, calibrase, purple sprouting.

Plus: a wide range of other items including free range eggs.

Orders now being taken for Xmas vegetables. If you would like your order made up ready to collect at Xmas come in and see us.

Supplier of affordable stationery.

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

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

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

Opening Hours

We also supply a wide range of bags from rucksacks to travel bags in a wide range of sizes, with purses and wallets at affordable prices.

Monda y to Friday 9am - 4.30pm Saturday 9am - 5pm

Ring me on 07747 327033 25

Staunch Sedgeberrow-ite’s “Mohair Bears” creation Have you ever wondered what Jean Grogan has been up to after she moved to Evesham with husband Mike, when they finished running “The Village Stores” at the Top Shop.

She is the creator of Little Scruffs. These tiny mohair bears have been thriving over the last few years with collectors buying from all over the world.

They are on page one in the search engines, out of millions of bear makers, and many of her collectors have adopted more than 50 bears each. Jean says that the name Little Scruffs suits the bears as she rarely makes modern pristine looking bears.

“To me the most important thing is character: I

love ageing them and giving them their own individuality. Apart from bears I also occasionally make other characters including dogs and have made quite a few to look like some of my customers’ own pets.”

“One of the nicest things about my profession is my wonderful collectors, some of whom have been with me from the start. Their letters and emails mean so much to me and some have become great friends. I also have some very talented artists amongst them who have painted some of my Little Scruffs (You can see them on my About Us page).”

“One of the bears that have been really popular recently is my version of a ‘Soldier Bear. These bears, often given by sweethearts, were carried

by British Soldiers in their breast pocket during World War 1 and now fetch many hundreds of pounds.”

Dot Taig is one of her collectors. So Jean was thrilled when Dot said she wanted to write a story about them. Dot also has ideas for a complete book on the Little Scruffs next year. If anyone is interested in buying a copy of the book which will be signed by the author please contact Jean on her website www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk

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Let’s cut our costs by group buying LPG Gas You can help by filling in the form below What Gas do you use?

Bulk Gas

Bottled Gas

Main supplier?

Monthly Rent

Your 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 worthwhile offer 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 email us at energy@sesame.me.uk The more buyers that we have on board the more buying clout the village will have so please, don’t delay, make your mark now.

When we are young we don’t always get our test questions right, which brings us, now “wiser folk,” a bonus of laughter.

Q. What does the word 'benign' mean?

A. Benign is what you will be after you be eight 27

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SEASON GREETINGS from SEDGEBERROW PLAYGROUP Christmas term is a busy time at playgroup. We are busy practising for our eagerly-awaited nativity show, with favourite Christmas songs and costumes, and a few less traditional ones chosen by the children! We are also looking forward to a trip to the village church to decorate our Playgroup Christmas tree with special decorations that the children have made themselves as part of the village Trees of Light celebrations.

A morning out is planned for children and parents to the Snow Trees event near Bishampton where the children will get to see reindeer and meet Father Christmas on a special flying visit from the North Pole!

We will also be having a Christmas party for all the playgroup children to enjoy, not forgetting the staff .

We have been busy preparing the playgroup garden for the winter and the children have enjoyed planting bulbs ready for flowering in the spring. The garden has been a huge success and the children love the chance to have a dig and look for worms and other mini-beasts, and have enjoyed seeing the flowers and vegetables growing this summer.

If you would like any further information about Sedgeberrow Playgroup please call Colette Malin on 0797 4557098

Happy Christmas!

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SEDGEBERROW FLOOD GROUP www.sedgeberrow.info Flood Warden - Richard Hunt 01386 88207 Secretary – Annette.dawson@btinternet.com

….helping hands….

Whilst there may have been an interruption in the production of a newsletter for the village, the Flood Group has continued meeting and working towards our goals for the village. Our website has been up and running for a while now, which provides information and full details on the activities of the group which can be found at www.sedgeberrow.info Below is a brief overview of some of the Group’s activities:As previously reported, we have been successful in obtaining an early warning siren for the village. We are investigating a number of options for the siting of the siren; Hook Norton Brewery has kindly agreed to the siren being erected on the Queens Head Pub if required. The possibility of it being erected at Portway Farm is also being explored. Both options are being pursued at the moment with installation costs expected shortly. Full and comprehensive details regarding the use and testing of the siren will be provided in a further newsletter for all, once the installation is completed.

Regarding Insurance issues, we are aware that there is a growing concern that Insurers may be able to drop an obligation to provide cover for premises with a history of flooding. At the moment some protection for policy holders is provided by the Association of British Insurers through the Statement of Principles agreed with the Labour Government in 1998. However, this is due to expire in 2013. Dave May has been in discussion with the National Flood Forum in order to co-ordinate a response.

Sue Morris has recently begun a dialogue with our MP Harriet Baldwin, who has agreed to raise the issue of flood insurance through a parliamentary question we have drafted on the Secretary of State (DEFRA) Caroline Spelman. Harriet Baldwin will keep us informed of any reaction and has also agreed to visit the village sometime in November in order to discuss a range of flood related issues with the group.

Finally, we are looking to update our “Flood Buddies” list, which can be found on our website, www.sedgeberrow.info and would appreciate confirmation from the good and kind volunteers on the list that they are still willing and able to help. An e-mail to Annette Dawson or a telephone call would be welcomed.

All our contact details are on the web site, or alternatively call Richard Hunt on 882079 if you have any questions for the group.

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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 9 a.m.-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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Cheese, Wine & Mince Pie Evening In aid of Sedgeberrow Playgroup Friday 9th December, 8pm Sedgeberrow Village Hall ÂŁ10 per person

Join us for a fun and festive evening of delicious cheeses, wines and mince pies

Raffle and Prize Draw For tickets, contact Sarah on 07887 488313

A Call for Volunteers Participation Mentors are required. Adults prepared to make a difference to a young person's life are wanted, to spare a few hours a week to help a young person re-engage with learning or training? These Volunteer buddies could support disabled children and help young people access mainstream education and training. Expenses and support are provided.

If you are the one, you can make contact with: Kath Jackson, Project Co-ordinator, Worcestershire Council for Voluntary Youth Services.

01905 795098 or 07702930643 From Liz Eyre - Worcestershire County Councillor

33

News from your local County Council representative - Liz Eyre The Parish Council has a full report from Liz every month. It is available from the Parish Council but she would like villagers to especially note three key areas of action she has picked out from her October report 1) Budget Reductions: these were originally 45m over three years, but became around 6-70m over 4 years after announcements in Dec 2010. Year one savings of 30.8m are to be delivered in 2011/12. 25m has actually been delivered leaving only 5.8m classified as at risk.

2) Councillors' Divisional Fund. A Worcestershire Councillors' Divisional Fund (WCDF) has been created to enable local members to access money to help local initiatives and support 'good works' which play an important role in promoting the economic, social and environmental well-being of communities within Worcestershire.. Liz Eyre’s allocation of £10.000 is for the whole of her area, so applications will need to show practical and immediate benefit to the community.

She has received bids to date of, Pegs for Cropthorne Village Hall, Start-up funds for Sedgeberrow Newsletter.

If you have a pet project that you believe meets the criteria, contact Liz Eyre directly for an application form.

3) Upcoming Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Papers Options for the future of delivery of Outdoor Education Council's position on Academies Voluntary and Community Sector Infrastructure Investment Health watch-operating Model and Implementation.

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.

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

34

Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) Invading the River Isbourne There has been concern this year, from several quarters in the Village regarding the spread of Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) on the banks of the river Isbourne. The plant, a native of the western Himalayas, was introduced to Britain in 1839. It escaped from gardens and rapidly colonised river banks and areas of damp ground. It has been designated as a threat to our native species under the Invasive Non-Native Species Framework Strategy for Great Britain launched in May 2008.

The Environment Agency has published an Information sheet, from which this information comes, including guidance for its removal, as part of its contribution to the conservation of wildlife along the waterways and fresh waters in England Whilst Himalayan balsam is colourful and attractive, it often becomes so prolific that it displaces native plants. It is the tallest annual plant in Britain, growing up to 3m high. The characteristic purplish-pink slipper shaped flowers appear in June. When the seed pods mature, they explode when touched, scattering the seed up to 7m away. Seeds are also spread by water and they may remain viable for up to two years.

There was insufficient time this year to organize its effective removal before the seeds ripened. Next year however it is hoped to mobilize action against their spread alongside our river.

Please keep an eye out in your 2012 Sedgeberrow Post for details of proposed action. You could be of help.

35

The Royal British Legion Women's section, Worcestershire county, lay up the old County Standard at St Mary the Virgin Church in Sedgeberrow Sedgeberrow church was chosen to receive the standard at the 2nd of October Sunday parade, as the County Standard Bearer for the last 20 years, our Emma Kearsy, had come from Sedgeberrow.

Many villagers lined the main street of Sedgeberrow to see the parade pass as the village had seen nothing similar in 20 years. The parade was led by St Andrews pipes and drums band from Cheltenham and consisted of the old standard, carried by Sheila Boyd, escorted by Badsey branch members and ex county committee members, Valerie Taylor and Bet Westmancot with Women's section standards from Offenham and as far away as Claines.

Royal British legion women's section members from across the county also took part The parish vicar, Mark Binney gave an insightful address about the Standard and it's meaning to the ex service community that the Royal British Legion Women's Section represents, especially in this the Royal British Legion's 90th anniversary. There was a full congregation.

The salute was taken by Lord and Lady Sandys, county presidents, with Patricia Kearsey branch chairman alongside Anne Crowther branch vice president.

Tea was served at the end of the parade in the village hall where Lady Sandys cut a beautiful cake which had been made by county committee member Elaine Taylor.

All members present enjoyed a wonderful afternoon to send off the old standard and look forward to the next 90 years of fundraising and help for the women and dependants of the serving and ex service community.

Thanks were due to everyone who made the day such a success especially Ann Banks, for church liaison and the Womens Section branch members, who provided refreshments and Emma Kearsey county parade marshal.

36

A local view of the challenges of Bus Travel To and from Sedgeberrow Featuring the Famous 540

By Aston Coaches Or How to make confusing travel decisions.

First Bus To Evesham. 8.15 from Churchill Rd then 8.18 from Queens Head.

Following Buses Times 10.02, 12.02, 14.02, 15.02, 17.02, 18.42. from Churchill Rd. You can reckon on about 3 minutes later for the Queens Head. Also stops at the telephone box, and at the T junction by the bridge.

There are no buses on a Sunday Buses back to Sedgeberrow. From the middle Bus Stop opposite the Amber Café.

These Buses will also take you to Tewksbury and Cheltenham, if you wish.

Into the village. 8.48, 10.48, 12.48, 14.48, 16.15, 16.48, from Evesham. The times to pick them up in the Village are: Queens Head. 9.05, 11.05, 13.05, 15.05, 16.32, 17.05. and onwards with pickup opposite the telephone box and Churchill Rd. By-passsing the village centre and up the old A46 after stopping by the bridge 9.48, 11.48, 13.48, from Evesham Footnotes: The route to Evesham takes you through Hinton-on-the Green, which is a total waste of time as no one gets on or off the bus. The bus then goes down the Cheltenham Rd to Evesham.

The 540 no longer goes up the by-pass to Davis Rd, so the Shopping complex is now out of reach for people with no other mode of transport. “What clever head thought of that one I wonder?”

Perils of the 14.05 from Cheltenham back home. If you do venture into Cheltenham, then beware of the 14.05 back home from the Royal Wells Bus Station. There are two of them. One goes through the Village. The other goes straight down the new by-pass, missing Sedgeberrow altogether. It’s best to check with the driver first.

Watch out for the “School dates only/Not on Saturdays Buses.” Not all of which come through the village. Your best bets are the 16.05 and 17.45 both of which drop-of in the village.

You can phone 01905 820201 with any queries. Copies of the timetable are in the bus shelter and on the village notice board Do let Sedgeberrow Post know how you get on and whether this has been helpful.

Elvie Lewis, from my travel experiences.

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The beautiful oak bench pictured here has been placed at the top of Main St in memory of our District Councillor Anna Mackison, who died in March.

The bench was provided by the local community and environmental charity, Welcome to Our Future (WTOF) and the Severn Waste Environmental Fund, with funding from the Misses Barrie Charitable Trust.

Her husband George Mackison, operations director and company secretary for WTOF, and the Directors of WTOF were all keen to site it as a memorial to her in Sedgeberrow, a ward with particular significance to Anna.

Our Parish Council and villagers, who knew Anna for her hard work and dedication to local issues during the eight years that she represented Sedgeberrow, were pleased to be offered the bench and to find a site for it.

Anna was particularly supportive to residents after the 2007 floods, visiting victims and ensuring that they were well informed about the support that Wychavon could offer.

You will also be pleased it is there if you have tackled Sedgeberrow hill, on foot, on a round trip of the village. Think of her when you sit there enjoying the view. She will be missed for many things, not least for her interest and practical action regarding sustainability issues.

Our own Sedgeberrow Oil Buying group came about as a direct result of her sharing with us the details of an existing Emley Castle buying system, introduced there by Anna and her husband.

Big Sing Winter Wassail Good company, mulled wine and mince pies at harmony singing workshop.

Sunday December 11th 2011 2.00pm till 5.00pm at Toddington Village Hall, Glos.GL54 5DU ÂŁ10.00 pre booked, ÂŁ12.00 on the door. Children free.

Contacts: Alice 01386 882889, Hilary Davies 01386 751206 www.bigsing.org.uk 38

What’s on in December

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

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday 1 BR Playgp

Friday

2

Hoots BR Playgp 3.15pm MH Hoots MH Drama 3.15pm 8pm MH

Saturday 3 Church Bingo 8pm

MH

.

5

4

BR Playgp

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

11

12

MH Wassail

6.00 pm

18

BR Playgp

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

19

6 BR Playgp

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

7 BR Playgp MH Hoots

3.15pm

Zumba 6.30 pm

MH Zumba 7.00 pm BR RBLWS 7..30pm

13 BR Playgp

14 BR Playgp

MH

8 BR Playgp

9 BR Playgp

Hoots 3.15pm MH Drama 8pm

MH

15 BR Playgp

16

MH

10

Hoots 3.15pm MH Festive cheese,wine& mince p 8pm

17

Hoots MH Hoots 3.15pm 3.15pm MH MH Zumba Zumba 6.30 pm 7.00 pm

Hoots BR Playgp MH Hoots 3.15pm 3.15pm MH Drama 8pm

MH

20

22

23

24

30

31

MH

Zumba 6.30 pm

MH

21

Zumba 7.00 pm

MH

MH

MH

28

29

RBLWS Bingo 8pm

Drama 8pm

BR WI

7.30pm 25

26

Merry Xmas

27

Zumba 6.30 pm

MH

Zumba 7.00 pm

MH

Happy New Year

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

39

What’s on in January

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

Sunday 1

Monday 2

Tuesday 3

Wednesday Thursday

5

4

Friday

6

Saturday 7

BR Playgp

Hoots BR Playgp MH Hoots 3.15pm BR RBLWS MH Drama 3.15pm 7.30pm 8pm MH Drama

9

8

10

BR Playgp

On Folks 15

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

16 BR Playgp

Book

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

BR Playgp

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

17 BR Playgp

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

BR WI

7.30pm 22

23 BR Playgp

For a

29

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

30

Sunday This Year

MH

8.15pm

Come

BR Playgp

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

24 BR Playgp

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

11

12

BR Playgp

13

Hoots MH Hoots BR Playgp MH Hoots 3.15pm 3.15pm 3.15pm MH Drama MH Drama 8pm 8pm MH

18 BR Playgp

14

BR Playgp

19 BR Playgp

20

26 BR Playgp

27

Church Bingo 8pm

MH

21

Hoots MH Hoots BR Playgp MH Hoots 3.15pm 3.15pm 3.15pm MH Drama MH Drama 8pm 8pm MH

25 BR Playgp

Hoots MH Hoots BR Playgp MH Hoots 3.15pm 3.15pm 3.15pm MH Drama MH Drama 8pm 8pm MH

28 RBLWS Bingo 8pm

MH

31 BR Playgp

Hoots 3.15pm

MH

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

40