1. education
2. school

Three Counties
Chimney Sweep
Richard M Foxen
Gardening for You
Certified Chimney Sweep
Sweep & Vacuum
Insurance Certificates Issued
Chimney & Stove
Maintenance & Repairs
Bird Guards & Cowls
Call Ian on:
01684 891005
Reliable,
thorough and
trustworthy
07847 236735
01684 773203
E. HILL & SON
Funeral Directors
Dip.F.D.
BREDON HILL STORAGE
Incorporating
PERKS BROS.
Eckington
Pre-payment
Plans
Available
Secure barn storage
at competitive rates
A caring service given by an
independent family business
cars ~ motorbikes ~
trailers etc.
FAIRFIELD HOUSE,
DEFFORD ROAD
Tel:
01386 751674
07710 493103
PERSHORE 01386 552141
a comprehensive
range of
Help with
English
22 High Street
Tewkesbury
Glos GL20 5AL
01684 298479
[email protected]
Digital & Film Photo Processing in
1/2, 1 or 24 hours
Wedding & Portrait
Photography
Classes in English for
For further details please visit
www.photostudio-tewkesbury.co.uk
non-native business
Print from print/transparency service
and professional
people
We also print images onto
mugs, coasters, placements
and mouse mats
27years experience
I can also help:
Proof read, copy edit and
reformulate non-native
English texts & documents,
Prepare presentations,
meetings, interviews, Check
grammar, punctuation,
spelling and syntax for native
English speakers who struggle
to express their purpose in
writing.
Call - Jill Edkins
01386750082
07528659828
Passport & ID photographs
PRO ELECTRICAL SERVICES
All Aspects of Electrical Work.
Free Quotes.
Guaranteed, Insured and
Certified.
Fully Qualified, Part P Electrician
Dave McAspurn
24 Queensmead, Bredon
Tel 01684 772261
Mobile 07957 585790
KEVIN WARD
Ward’s Landscapes
Kevin has the knowledge and skills to enhance your garden
Garden maintenance.
Slabbing – patios, paths.
Fencing – erection, maintenance.
Trees – pruning or removal.
Lawns – laying, maintenance.
Construction – cold frames, compost bins.
Contact Kevin to carry out that job you’ve been waiting to get done.
References available if required.
Kevin Ward 07825 286136
3 Fulbert Rd, Pershore, WR10 1LN
[email protected]
www.landscapingpershore.co.uk
Need help with the
gardening?
Let Rachel and Karen give
your garden a
RAEKOVER!
Call RAEK
On
GARDENING SERVICES
750401 or 07815175922
to discuss all your gardening needs
Stuart Huntley
Aerial Erection Service
Pershore
DIGITAL TV, FREESAT & RADIO SYSTEMS
SUPPLIED, INSTALLED & REPAIRED
MULTIPLE OUTLETS
SKY LINKS
EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION
CALL FOR ADVICE & YOUR FREE QUOTE
01386 553151
07976606967
Family Business Established 1973
READYHEDGE
MATURE HEDGING &
SCREENING
COURT GATE NURSERY
ECKINGTON
WR10 3BB
TEL: 01386 750585
THE HATTERY
A Superb collection
of beautiful
HATS FOR HIRE
For details please
telephone
01386 751051
HM Garden &
Landscape Services
David Haynes


Curtain Designer

Fabrics by Clarke & Clarke, Warwick,

Richard Barrie, Swaffer, Seamoor

and many more.

Poles & Tracks

Curtains - Roman Blinds - Cushions
CAROLE SMITH
FREE ADVICE AND MEASURING
Tel: 01684 772965
email: [email protected]
Garden Maintenance
Turfing
Patio Cleaning
Hedge Cutting
Fencing
Paving
01684 773834
07909 948284
MASSAGE THERAPY
For the treatment of muscle and joint pain, overuse
injuries, postural imbalances, stress
Sally Allen (MFHT, CNHC)
Tel: 07776 142427 www.bredonhillbodywork.co.uk
Eckington Stores
Shop locally and
save money on petrol
We always stock







Cold lager and beer, wines and spirits
Sandwiches, cold drinks, crisps, sausage rolls
Bread, cheese, bacon, ham, fruit and veg
Grocery, confectionary, household products
Newspapers and magazines
Frozen foods and ice cream
Genuine offers on branded products changing
every 4 weeks. See our leaflet for details.
All our offers and products
are subject to availability
Opening hours
0600 to 1830 Monday to Friday
0600 to 1800 Saturday
0600 to 1300 Sunday
John, Sue and Mark
Tel: 01386 750266
Eckington Stores
Shop locally
Look out for genuine offers on
branded products.
We have offers throughout the year.
Promotions usually include:
· Beers, lager, wines and spirits
· Cold drinks
· Crisps and confectionary
· Grocery usually including a
range of biscuits, tea or
coffee, pet food and
domestic items
· Occasional range of frozen
food and ice cream
Full details are available in a
colour leaflet at the shop.
John, Sue and Mark
Tel 01386 750266
www.im2web.co.uk
Experienced
Cleaner
Laptops & Computers
Thorough and
Reliable
from £299.00 inc VAT
Excellent References
Provided
Broadband, Repairs &
Please Phone
Louise
on
01386
556803
im2
Upgrades, Networks,
Printers, Web Design
Bredon (01684) 773632
Mob: 07595 218736
Email: [email protected]
An ad this size will cost you just £2.50
a month or £30 a year to go in the
paper version, and just £5 per year
extra to go online. If you are
interested in advertising every month,
or just select months of the year,
please call Liz on 07794336696 or
email [email protected]
PICTURE FRAMERS
Paintings, prints, photographs, needlework, memorabilia
Gill & Kevin
PICTURE SCENE 01386 750 547
Rose Cottage, Church Street, Birlingham
(on the way to The Swan Inn)
[email protected]
www.picturescene.co.uk
Professional and friendly podiatrist
chiropodist offering a mobile/visiting
service.
All your foot care needs in the comfort
of your own home.
Experienced and insured female
practitioner.
High risk/Diabetic, palliative and routine
foot care available.
www.treatmyfeet.co.uk
or call 07971664984 - 01905841454
HINTON PEST CONTROL LTD
Preferred Contractor for Wychavon District Council
Speedy Response to Domestic Calls
Commercial Quotes Available
Wasps, Flies, Bed Bugs, Fleas, Carpet Moths, Textile Beetles, Ants,
Cockroaches, Rats, Mice, Rabbits, Squirrels, Birds, Moles, Foxes
Fully Insured, BPCA/RSPH II Qualified Staff
Very Competitive Rates
Telephone: 01386 41762 / 07775 168666
Website: www.hintonpestcontrol.co.uk
Photo: Shutterstock
What is it?
Michael Pocock, CEH
The National Plant Monitoring Scheme (NPMS) is organised
and funded by BSBI, CEH, JNCC and Plantlife. The aim is to
collect data to provide an annual indication of changes in
plant abundance and diversity.
Why is it needed?
Michael Pocock, CEH
Thanks to volunteers, we have a very good understanding
of changes in the populations of birds, butterflies and bats.
Plants are the foundations of ecosystems, but currently we do
not have a good measure of changes in plant populations.
How will it work?
Michael Pocock, CEH
This is a scientific survey, so you will be randomly allocated
a convenient 1km square to visit. The visit involves
recording plant ‘indicator species’ in plots. Within your
1km square you will record around 5 plots.
Who can take part?
For more information visit: www.npms.org.uk
Michael Pocock, CEH
Anyone interested in nature who can identify plants, or who
is keen to learn. Different levels of participation ensure that
all who are keen can participate: you do not have to be an
experienced botanist. There will be training materials provided
and the opportunity to attend workshops throughout the year.
A classic thatched holiday cottage….
Rookwood Cottage is a
beautiful cottage sleeping four
in an attractive row by
churchyard in Drewsteignton, a
very pretty village with
marvellous scenery and lots of
footpaths along a picturesque
stretch of the River Teign
valley.
An inglenook fireplace, open
fire with logs provided, a
generous welcome basket,
White Company bed linen and
soft fluffy towels are all
included in the rental of this
comfortable holiday cottage on
the northern edge of Dartmoor.
www.rookwoodcottage.com
Call Ian & Jackie Pickford
on 01386 750678
-
20% Eckington
Discount
… in an exceptionally pretty village
ECKINGTON VILLAGE NEWS ONLINE AND ECKINGTON VILLAGE WEBSITE
Now that the statistics are available for 2014, we thought readers might
be interested to see a summary.
Eckington Village News Online
The online version of the Eckington Village News was downloaded a
total of 3,395 times during 2014.
That is an average of 283 downloads for each month's edition.
Some advertisers have taken advantage of the use of colour and
improved graphics available online.
This is very encouraging and many thanks are due to Liz for the extra
work involved. We will continue to include photos of our village fashion
model, Arthur Ore, wearing his variety of hats and any village event we
can get to.
Eckington Village Website
During 2014, there were a total of 18,424 visits. The highest annual
figure to date. This is double the number just five years ago.
The Village Website continues to come at or near the top of search
results, using a number of search engines, including Google.
Apart from the homepage, the most visited page was the Local Events,
News and Public Information page.
Other pages with high numbers of visits were the Local Businesses and
Trades page, Flower Festival and Open Gardens page, Eckington
First School and Pre-School page, Local Services page and Village
Contacts page.
As usual, we would be grateful to receive any feedback or suggestions
for changes and new material.
Please send an email to [email protected] or phone
751698.
David and Lorraine Bainbridge
Magazine Deadline
Please make sure everything is with Liz Crumpton by
April 20th
6 Furlongs Road, Pershore, Worcs WR10 1NY  07794336696
[email protected] (all emails will be acknowledged so
please re-send any that you do not receive a reply to in 2-3 days)
Items can also be left for me at Eckington School Office
Page 1
ECKINGTON DIRECTORY
Vicar
Church Wardens
Parish News
Editor
Village Website
Rev Susan Renshaw (Day off - Friday)
The Vicarage, Drakesbridge Road
Mrs Angela Lancelot
Mr Derek Potter
750203
[email protected]
751138
750628
Mrs Liz Crumpton
561010
6 Furlongs Rd, Pershore
[email protected]
Lorraine & David Bainbridge (www.eckington.info)
751698
Parish Council
Chairman
Clerk
District Council
Mr George Glaze
751924
Mrs Louise Gerber, 2 Gibbs Close, Lower Moor
860782
Ron Davies, Blenheim, Upper Street, Defford
750627
Worcs, WR8 9BG
County Council
Adrian Hardman, Dormers, Oak Lane, Bredon,
Nr Tewkesbury, Glos. GL20 7LR
01684 773172
Eckington Church of England First School (www.eckingtonfirst.worcs.sch.uk) 750666
Headteacher
Mrs Gail Whiting
Secretaries
Mrs Nicky Peebles (mornings) & Mrs Lisa Wallace (afternoons)
Caretaker
Mrs Liz Crumpton
07794336696
Chair of Governors Rev Susan Renshaw
750203
Friends of Eckington School (FOES) www.friendsofeckingtonschool.co.uk
Chairman
Mrs Sara Bennett ([email protected]) 07772462947
Eckington Under Fives (07582 452024 )
Chair
Mrs Jenny Doyle
07582452024
Admin Manager
Mrs Julie Mason
07582452024
Admissions
Mrs Nikki Hubbard
07582452024
Church Youth Group Becki Bickerton
07799 148664
Village Hall
Bookings
Mrs Cynthia Norton
750860
Chairman
Mr Tony Smith
751617
(WI, Thursday Club, Whist Drive, Old Tyme Dancing, Jumble Sales, Parties etc)
W I President
Mrs Cynthia Mortimer
750548
Thursday Group
Secretary
Mrs Mollie Smith
750874
Whist Drive
Scouts & Guides
Chairman
Recreation Ground
Cricket Club
Junior Football Club
Bell Ringers
RBL
Mrs Betty Hodges
(Monday - Scouts, Thursday - Guides)
Mr John Jones
Bookings - Mrs Sarah Fincher
Mr Ian Fincher
Mr John Oliver (www.eckingtonjuniors.co.uk)
Mr Tony Cocks ([email protected])
Eckington & District Representative, Dewi Blythin
750449
Page 2
750492
751692
751692
751618
750654
750074
From the Vicarage …. at Eckington!
As I write there is a definite feeling of spring in the air. The sun is shining,
bulbs are beginning to flower and our gardens and roadsides are decorated
with daffodils and crocuses. The buds on the trees are beginning to open out
and soon our world will be green again, after the drabness of the winter. It’s
wonderful that Easter comes in this season of Spring, nature mirroring in
creation the new life which we celebrate in Christ. Spring and Easter…both
promises of something new, of hope, of warmth after the cold, of celebration
after a penitential Lent, of life after death. We are moved into a new cycle of
growth, a new beginning.
As Easter approaches, we look forward to celebrating our Lord’s resurrection.
Easter is indeed a joyous time, even more so when we have kept a holy Lent.
The liturgy of Holy Week is some of the most profound and moving that
Christians experience. On Palm Sunday we celebrate Jesus riding into
Jerusalem on a donkey, with the crowds cheering him on, waving their palm
branches, but the services on following days are not quite so upbeat, though
no less meaningful. On the Monday of Holy Week Maundy at the Cathedral,
there is the Chrism Mass, where the oils, to be used in the coming year for
baptism, confirmation, ordination and healing, are blessed. This is also the
service at which priests renew their ordination vows…reminding them once
again of who it is they serve….a very humbling experience. On the evening of
Maundy Thursday we have a Eucharist which often involves the priest washing
the feet of some members of the congregation, once again reminding us that
Jesus came to serve and not to be served. During this service all the altar
cloths and decorations in the church are removed as we remember that this
was the day on which our Lord was betrayed. A bare church reminds us of the
solemn-ness of the season. On Good Friday we climb Bredon Hill with three
crosses, symbolising the scene on Calvary. On Holy Saturday, at the Easter
Vigil service (this year to be held at St. John’s, Beckford) we hear the story of
God’s redemptive work; stories from the Old Testament when God rescued his
people. We light the Easter candle from a fire outside and bring the light into
church, proclaiming that Christ is the light of the world. A priest or deacon
sings the Exultet, the great hymn of praise to God and we proclaim that Christ
is risen! Finally, on Easter Sunday morning, we celebrate the empty tomb,
Christ having risen from the dead. We celebrate God’s power to conquer
death. We rejoice in God’s love for us. And we go out to pass that love on to
other people. It is only when we have walked the road with Christ in his
Passion that we can truly celebrate his Resurrection.
I wish you all a very happy and blessed Easter.
Alleluia! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
Every blessing
Susan
Page 3
Church Services for April 2015
Parish of Eckington and Parish of Defford cum Besford
30th March - 5th April
Holy Week
Please see last month’s magazine for full details
or online at www.eckington.info
12th April
9.00 am
10.30 am
The Second Sunday of Easter
Holy Communion (BCP)
PARISH COMMUNION (CW)
Besford
Eckington
19th April
9.00 am
10.30 am
The Third Sunday of Easter
Holy Communion (BCP)
Parish Communion (CW)
Eckington
Besford
26th April
9.00 am
10.30 am
The Fourth Sunday of Easter
Holy Communion (BCP)
PARISH COMMUNION (CW)
Defford
Eckington
3rd May
9.00 am
10.30 am
3.00 pm
The Fifth Sunday of Easter
Holy Communion (BCP)
Parish Communion (CW)
Kids United
Eckington
Defford
Eckington
Eckington Babies and Toddler group is looking for regular
volunteer helpers.
Our group has grown in numbers and we are thriving but we require extra help
with making the children's snacks, refreshments, craft and help with tidying.
If you enjoy the company of young children, are fit, healthy and enthusiastic
then we would love to hear from you!
Please contact Julie Mason at Eckington Under Fives playgroup on
07582 452024 or [email protected]
Help is required Tuesdays between 9.30am and 12 noon
at Eckington village hall. Term time only.
Page 4
BREDON BOWLING CLUB - 2015
The Bowling Season starts on Saturday 18th April with our traditional
“Opening Day” friendly game.
This year the Bowling club has arranged free coaching for interested
newcomers on two days weekly:
Monday evenings (Club night) starting at 6 p.m. and Tuesday afternoons
(General roll-up) at 2 p.m.
There will be coaches in attendance on both these dates,
throughout the season.
Potential bowlers wishing to “Have a Go” may sign up for FREE coaching
for 4 weeks.
After that, coaching can be continued based on a “Social membership” at £10
for the next two months.
These coaching sessions will commence on Monday May 4th and Tuesday
5th May.
It is a Friendly and Social game for all ages.
Bowls will be provided but flat soled shoes are required
Please contact Secretary Pete Dempsey for further information
on 01684 773849 or just turn up!
S.O.S (Social on Saturdays) youth group 7-9pm
for 11-14 year olds every Saturday.
Held at Holy Trinity Church during term time.
Kids United Service. There is no Kids United in April as
there will be a special Easter Service instead at Holy Trinity
Church, Eckington at 10.30am
07799148664
Page 5
Eckington Cricket Club
Sponsored by Readyhedge Ltd
The new 200 Club year starts with a double draw in
April.
The numbers are still only £5 each and if anybody
would like a number this would be greatly
appreciated .
Please ring Ian Fincher on 751692 if you would like
to join the 200 club.
Next meeting is on Thursday April 9th - 8.30 @ The Anchor
Book Club
Our future plans are as follows:
WEDNESDAY 22nd April at Michael and Jay’s
Romesh Gunesekera’s Noontide Toll
Friday 15th May at Marion Ta’s
Hermann Kock’s The Dinner
Friday 19th June at Marion Th’s
David Mitchell’s Cloud Atlas
****************
Spring has sprung etc. so if you are spring cleaning, tidying
and so on, Michael and Jay will be happy to receive
contributions to the Flower Festival book shop, 750686
Page 6
Tel: 01386
750033
www.thebelleckington.com
Pie & Pudding
Sunday & Tuesday Evenings
Steak, Ale & Mushroom Pie
Chicken & Ham Hock Pie
Wild Mushroom, Puy Lentil & Spinach Pie
All Served With Mash, New Potatoes or Homemade Chips
&
Fresh Vegetables
Followed By
Rich Chocolate Torte, Chocolate Sauce
Citrus Tart, Raspberry Coulis
Only £11.95
Now Available
Two/Three Course Specials Board
Monday – Thursday
£14.95/£17.95
Fish Market Friday Specials
Page 7
NEW for 2015....every first Tuesday of the month head chefs Sue Ellis & Mark Stinchcombe will be
hosting our cookery demonstrations
7pm - 9pm £28 pp including tasting supper & e-recipe pack
Easter – Chocolate Inspiration
7 April
Melting down those extra Easter eggs, making easy treats and snacks for friends and
family
Knife Skills Mini Masterclass
20 April
NEW – hands on session with Paul Bough our resident knife expert, Learn which
knifes are best for which task, how to handle and hold knifes, you will be chopping and
slicing like a pro in no time – Great value! Please note tasting supper not included in
practical cookery sessions
Local Hero Ingredients - Asparagus
11 May
Vale of Evesham Super food – Sue and Mark will showcase some fantastic recipes
using this star ingredient
Eat Healthy
2 June
We show you how to rustle up tasty, healthy snacks and meals ready for
the summer breaks
It’s BBQ Time!
7 July
Learn how to cook our favourite, easy dishes and sides for al fresco dining
Local Hero Ingredients - Plums
4 August
Getting ready for the famous Plum Festival
Book early .... Limited places
A fun, entertaining evening out for friends & family
Our gift vouchers make great presents
Hammock Road, Eckington, WR10 3BJ 01386 751600
www.eckingtonmanorcookeryschool.co.uk
Page 8
S.O.S has had a great few terms and we have a great group of
teenagers attending on a regular basis.
We would love to do more with them but we are in danger of
not being able to run for much longer. This youth group is one
of the few things available for teenagers on a regular basis in
Eckington, so it would be a shame for this group to close.
We are looking for willing volunteers who are able to help
out, once a term at the most, to support Becki.
You wouldn’t need to provide or plan anything.
All you need to do is turn up and get to know the
amazing young people we have.
If you are able to help us in any way please can you contact
Becki Bickerton on 07799148664.
TO THE MOON & BACK
Worcester University are planning a mission to
the moon and back either by walking, swimming, pushing or running a distance of 477,714
miles in total to inspire people to get healthy.
Eckington WI have decided to assist in this quest and, in doing so, also raise money for our annual charity, The Acorns Hospice. The route we are planning
involves a walk around the village of 2.2 miles to be carried
out once a week for 5 weeks in April, making a total of 11
miles per person. If you would like to join us or sponsor us
please contact Jeanne Levy on 01386 750756.
Page 9
Newtown sports
Cerebral palsy
Football club
5 - 11
Every Sunday morning, 10am to 11am
£2.50 per week
Malvern St James Sports & Fitness Centre,
33 Barnards Green, Malvern, WR14 3LH
Contact Scott Tranmer on 07703384731,
01684 566717, [email protected]
URGENTLY WANTED!!!
Young family urgently seeking min 2 bed property to rent
preferably in Eckington or surrounding local villages
(Non smoking/ no pets)
Please email [email protected]
or phone/text 07896 496953 with any information
Page 10
Grand Jumble Sale
in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance
and Village Hall Funds
at Eckington Village Hall
Saturday 18th April
1pm
Grand RaffleTombola
Homemade Pies and Cakes
For further information please call
Cynthia on 750860 or Betty on 750449
Have you ever thought of becoming a
Parish Councillor?
Would you like to get involved and make a difference in your
community?
Do you have the time and the skills to represent the views of the
residents within your parish and give your community a voice?
If so, you may wish to consider standing for election on 7 th May,
when residents will have the opportunity to decide who they want
to represent them by voting in local elections.
Nomination packs are now available from the Parish Clerk
([email protected])
Page 11
ECKINGTON
GARAGE SALES
ARE BACK!
Monday 4th May
10am – 2pm
Register your interest NOW
The Village Garage Sale event is being held this
year on Monday 4th May
between 10am & 2pm.
To register your interest, contact Cynthia on 750548:
Registration fee £5.00 per ‘garage’ covers publicity and preparation costs of the Sale Map of the Village Garages.
Monies you raise from the sale are YOURS to keep or donate
to charity – your choice!
Join forces with your neighbour(s) or local group to make
best use of one ‘garage’.
Following last year’s success, we are taking steps to
assist with car parking and refreshments.
We do require help & so please let us know if you can help
particularly with:
Putting out & collecting signs
Car park stewards
Page 12
Friends of Eckington School news:
Plans are now currently under way for "eckstock" our fantastic
music festival that is held to raise funds for the school and this
year we are hoping to support the school to buy and upgrade the
school grounds in order to give the children more choice of play
and to help with resources for outdoor learning.
Although we raise money for the school the event is for the whole
community. We are extremely lucky that we have a small team of
dedicated villagers that work tirelessly to help foes put this event
on.
However it is a costly event to put on and we are actively seeking
anyone that would like to sponsor it regardless of how big or
small, so if you would like to be involved please get in touch.
Email: [email protected]
Page 13
The Eckington Village Hall
Management Committee
AGM
is to be held on
Tuesday 5th May 2015
at 7:00pm
in the Village Hall
Representatives from groups
using the Hall and members of
the public are cordially invited
to attend
Page 14
Eckington Flower Festival presents the
Great British Bible
Bake Off
June 13th
To enter: £3 per adult, £1 per child
This year the Flower Festival team is hosting a bake off.
Our very own guest Judges will judge under the following
categories; Children, and 18 years and above.
Anyone can enter providing they haven’t had professional
baking experience/training.
Our theme for our Bake Off is favourite Bible stories.
It can either be a cake or a minimum of 12 cupcakes.
All entries must arrive at the latest at 10am at Holy Trinity
Church, Eckington on the 13th June to be judged.
Any entries received after this time will not be judged.
For further information or a booking form please contact
Becki Bickerton on 07799148664
Page 15
WANTED!
Items needed for stalls for the Flower Festival
and Open gardens weekend 13th & 14th June
Any books that you don’t want any
more please
Toys, Jigsaws and Tombola items etc. can be given to
any committee member.
Plants, cuttings, seeds etc. - please label & deliver to
the plant stall on Saturday 13th June
Anyone willing to make a pudding
for the pudding parlour?
Thank you
Page 16
Eckington Flower Festival & Open Gardens Weekend
Sat 13th June, 10am - 6pm
and Sun 14th June, 10am - 6pm
If you feel that you would like to help even if it is only for one hour, we
would be so pleased to hear from you. Please complete and return this
page with your name, address and phone number on reverse as it helps
us working out the
rotas.
Thank you.
(Please tick as many boxes as you would like)
Sat am
Sat pm
Sun am
Sun pm
Open your garden
Offer your garden as a
refreshment venue
Help with stewarding
in….
Church
Village Hall
In some gardens
In car park entrance
selling programmes
Helping on stalls…….
Tombola
Toys
Jigsaw puzzles
Plants
Books
Please return this page with your name and address on reverse
to the corner shop or any committee member by Friday 8th
May –Thank you
Page 17
If you have volunteered on the previous page or you are a cake baker
please complete your name and address and telephone number before
handing in this page.
Name:
Address:
Telephone number:
Cakes and more cakes needed……….
We have some wonderful cake bakers in the village and once again we
should like to call upon you to provide cakes for this village event.
Homemade cakes are always popular so we are asking for some of you
to start baking cakes that are suitable to freeze before the event. Please
do let us know if you can help out in any way. Thank you.
so, just another reminder
for wanted items....




Books
Children’s toys, games and puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles
Tombola items …..anything new …..bottles, tins soap etc.
Please have a sort out for these stalls and they can be given
to any committee member. Thank you.
Just a reminder of the Committee Members:Jackie Pickford 750678
Clare Day 750501
Bobby Whatley 750407
Caroline Barrett 751892
Sandie Roskelly 751928
Lorraine Bainbridge 751698
Rev Susan Renshaw 750203
Page 18
Vicky Nuttall 751756
Karen Sagar 750401
Sarah Fincher 751692
Beverley Jones 751205
Kirsty Yarnold 751596
Jenny Sheppard 751598
Becki Bickerton 07799 148664
NEW Advice Service from the Citizens Advice Bureau
As part of a county-wide lottery-funded project, South
Worcestershire Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), in partnership
with Worcestershire Advice Network (WAN), is working to increase
access to advice services within our rural communities through the new
Community Champions project.
The aim of the project is to increase awareness of, and access to, the
many different services provided by the CAB which include advice
about housing, debt, benefits, employment, finance, relationships,
health and consumer advice.
As part of this project we're launching a new drop-in service for people
living in Eckington and the surrounding rural areas including Bredon’s
North, Birlingham, Defford and Strensham.
Carole Kingston is the Community Champion volunteer for this
area and she’ll be available to chat with people on Thursday
mornings from 10am-12pm at Holy Trinity Church,
Eckington. Carole’s role is to guide people to the information they
may require and explain how they can obtain the help they need. She
can also make direct appointments and referrals to local Pershore and
Evesham CAB offices and, when necessary, Carole can arrange for
CAB advisers to visit in the
community. No appointment is necessary to come and see Carole,
people can drop-in at any time.
This new advice service will be particularly useful for people in our rural
communities who may not have their own transport, or who are unable
to travel to their local CAB office. And as well as helping people to
access CAB advice services Carole will also be able to signpost people
to other relevant organisations i.e. DIAL, Age UK etc.
The CAB is the UK's largest advice charity and offers free, confidential,
impartial advice to everyone who needs help.
For further information about this service please contact
Jacqueline Smith,
South Worcestershire Citizens Advice Bureau
07935 407190 / 01386 712100.
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS - LET US POINT YOU
IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
Page 19
Eckington Parish Council
Two residents attended the Open Public Forum. Following planning approval
from Wychavon District Council in relation to 14/01794 & 001617 (Manor
Farm, Manor Road), it was requested that the Parish Council consider further
action /objection relating to the planning process in this case. The matter was
considered during the Meeting where it was agreed that further
correspondence, highlighting concerns would be sent to WDC. An objection
letter on the grounds of public nuisance and safety, would also be sent to
WRS (relating to licencing of the premises)
The Meeting was informed that Superfast Broadband is now available within
the village. The Parish Council thanked Mr Kerrigan and his team for all
their efforts in pursuing this matter and achieving this pleasing result for the
residents of Eckington.
Neighbourhood Plan – The following was reported:
 The response rate to the household survey was 66%;
 Housing needs surveys are currently being distributed to the relevant
households;
 It is expected that a consultation meeting will be held in the Village Hall
during May;
The Plan remains on target, the aim is to submit the Plan by the end of 2015.
Following concerns raised by a resident regarding the state of the grass verge
at Tewkesbury Road (bus turning area), and subsequent correspondence sent
to Astons Bus Company, it was reported that the bus company are currently in
the process of looking to replace the current buses to smaller, shorter vehicles.
It was therefore agreed that the PC would request to be kept updated by the
bus company, in relation to this matter.
The Meeting considered the request received by a local resident for the
re-siting of the 30mph sign on Nafford Road. It was agreed that moving the
sign further back (towards Clennage), may encourage drivers to decrease
speed before entering this part of village. It was therefore agreed that the
Parish Council would make the request to Worcestershire Highways.
The next Meeting will be the Annual Parish Meeting. This will be held
th
on Tuesday 14 April 2015 at 7.00pm in the Recreation Hall.
The Parish Council Meeting will follow directly after. All are most
welcome to attend. If anyone wishes to raise any issues direct with the
Council, you may do so during the public open forum which is at
7.30pm prompt.
Page 20
Garden Notes for April
Lawns - It’s time to feed the lawn and make repairs. A high nitrogen
fertilizer will promote healthy growth. To repair patches of lawn, rake
seed into the surface, cover with soil and water. The birds will have a feast
so it’s probably better to use more seed than you think you need. Any
grass cuttings should be spread over the compost heap rather than left in a
heap to grow slimy and smelly.
The Borders – If perennials are staked now, before they need to be, they
will not flop over the lawn and into each other as they grow. Scatter
‘growmore’ over the soil. It is a very useful pelleted fertilizer, available in
most garden centres. Keep an eye out for greenfly as the spring warms up.
Sow hardy annuals such as cornflowers and marigolds. Keep deadheading
the bulbs to ensure that all their energy goes into building up the bulb for
next year.
Containers – It is easy to pay attention to pots and baskets that are
planted up each season, but sometimes we overlook the box, bay trees,
olives and maples that live in containers. They need a little TLC. Freshen
up the permanent plantings by scraping off the top layer of soil and
replacing with fresh compost mixed with a slow-release fertilizer. If they
have been planted for a long time it is worth looking to see if their roots
have filled the space. They may need to be moved up to a bigger pot.
Shrubs – Some shrubs such as elder (sambucus) and smokebush (cotinus)
can be encouraged to produce bigger and more colourful leaves by cutting
all the stems right back to the base. It takes courage but they will survive!
Prune hydrangeas by removing old mophead flowerheads and cutting to
just above a healthy set of buds. Take one or two stems right down to the
ground to encourage new, healthy stems.
PLANT SALE! - Plant a new border. The soil is warming up and is still
moist. New plants should be set in at the same depth they were in their
pots and they will grow away and give you years of pleasure.
Cathy is having a clearance SALE so now is exactly
the right time to make plans and pay a visit to Blue
Gecko Plants.
Marion at Blue Gecko Plants,
01386 750 982
Page 21
The Brain of
Eckington
The Quiz Event of the Year!
Village Hall
th
Saturday 25 April
7.30pm
£25 per team (4 persons max)
Includes Chilli supper
Bring your own drinks & nibbles
Advance Booking Essential
Phone Julie on 07582 452 024
[email protected]
Page 22
Eckington Neighbourhood Plan
Your village….your Plan….your future
Over 40,000 fields of data entered from the
recent survey
The data from the survey has been input and is currently
being analysed by the steering group.
Another big “Thank You” to the small team of volunteers
who have spent many hours entering the data into the
SurveyMonkey system.
96% of people use the
village shop
92% of people think that potential
development sites should be identified by the Neighbourhood Plan
If you would like to see all of the data analysed so far you
can view or download it from www.eckingtonplan.co.uk,
paper copies will be available, or you can wait until the
consultation event to be held later in the spring.
Watch this space for details of the consultation
event
After all, it is: Your village…your Plan…your future.
Eckington Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group
www.eckingtonplan.co.uk
Tel: 751335
Page 23
National Plant Monitoring Scheme
The
was
launched at the beginning of March. The scheme is the first of its kind
and asks for volunteers across the United Kingdom to visit a kilometre
square local to them and record the plants they find there in several
different plots. The scheme will enable us to explore how plants in
different habitats are responding to changes in the environment.
It may be that there are people within your parish / community who
would like to be involved in this government backed scheme which is
being delivered by a partnership comprising Botanical Society of
Britain and Ireland; Centre for Ecology; Joint Nature Conservation
Committee and Plantlife.
What support will volunteers get?
All volunteers registering for a square on www.npms.org.uk will
receive a survey pack (survey guidance; species list; species guidebook)
 All volunteers will be able to access telephone and email support
provided by the volunteer coordinator
 All volunteers will be able to access free training courses

Additional information
 Squares have been randomly selected across the UK and it is possible to see if there is a square in your area by visiting the website above.
 Volunteers are asked to record up to 30 plant species in any one
square or linear plot as long as it fits into 1 of the 28 NPMS habitats
 Volunteers carry out the survey of their plots 2 times per year
Volunteers may be individuals or small groups
JOAN'S “CATCH UP” AFTERNOON
TUESDAY 7th April
TUESDAY 21st April
We are a group of Village people who meet up every other Tuesday
from 2.00pm till 4.00pm to have a chat over a cup of tea and biscuits.
You would be very welcome to join us and perhaps make new friends.
This is held at Joan Greens House.
Page 24
Eckington Stores
Deals to 14th April 2015
Beers and Lagers
Carling, Carlsberg, Strongbow Foster’s 15 x 440ml
only £10 each
Coors Light, Carling, Strongbow, Fosters 568ml any 4 pint pack for £5 each
Fosters Gold, Kronenbourg Coors Light, NRB any 12 pack for £8 each
Wine, Cider and Spirits
Prosecco Spumante DOC Extra Dry 75cl
Distant Vines PM £4
Teachers, Smirnoff, Gordons, Baileys, 70cl
Echo Falls Fruit Fusion, Red White or Rose 75cl
only £7
any 3 for £10
only £12.99 each
only £4 each
Drinks, Crisps and Confectionary
Schweppes Lemonade PM £1.49
Walkers Variety, Quavers Cheese 6 pack
only £1 each
only £1 each
Grocery
Kelloggs Fruit and Fibre, Crunchy Nut Cornflakes, Variety only £1.75 each
Hellmans Real Mayonnaise PM £1.99
only £1.50 each
Ambrosia Rice Pudding, Devon Custard PM £1.05
only 59p each
Tetley Teabags PM £2.45
only £1.99
Maryland Gooeys PM £1.29
only £1 each
Felix, 4 x 12 x 100g pouches
only £2.99 each
Other facilities
My Hermes Parcels collection point - sent Monday to Saturday
Western Union Money Transfer linking most parts of the world
National Lottery Scratchcards – There are lots of prizes to be won for
players 16+
Health Lottery agent - £1 per line for players 16+ - draws every
Wednesday and Saturday. 50p per line, draws Tuesday and Friday.
Call at the shop to see our full range of products and deals or ring 01386
750266. We open from 0600 to 1830 Monday to Friday, 0600 to 1800
Saturday and 0600 to 1300 Sunday. All items are subject to availability.
John, Sue and Mark
Page 25
ECKINGTON VILLAGE COACH OUTINGS
THURSDAY APRIL 16th
VISIT TO CANNOCK FOR SHOPPING AND LUNCH WITH AN
AFTERNOON TEA VISIT TO BOUNDARY MILLS.
9.30 AM START FROM ECKINGTON.
RETURN COACH TRAVEL..........£14.00.
....................................
THURSDAY 30th APRIL - AFTERNOON TRIP
AFTERNOON DRIVE AROUND NORTH COTSWOLDS
FOLLOWED WITH “FISH AND CHIP TEA” STOP AT THE
“HOBNAILS INN” , LITTLE WASHBOURNE
3.00pm. start from Eckington.
Return coach cost...... £10.00
Fish and chips...£ £6.00
TOTAL COST £16.00
FOR INFORMATION AND BOOKING PLEASE CONTACT
Margaret on 750316 or Janet on 750066
Eckington Scout
& Guide Group
March 200 Club Winners
£20 K Stevens
£10 K Aldis
£5 Rev. Godfrey
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the Jumble sale. Its
that time of the year again the 200 club subs are due in April.
Thank you to all the members for your support.
Page 26
Volunteering Opportunities for April 2015
EDMHSS
Trainee Counsellors
Evesham and District Mental Health Support Service are currently offering
volunteering opportunities for trainee counsellors to work on placement and gain
practical hours experience required in order to complete their qualifications.
MINIBUS DRIVERS
Rooftop Housing are looking for experienced minibus drivers to transport clients
throughout the local area.
ASHMOLEAN MUSEUM
Museum assistants
Situated in Broadway the museum is looking for volunteers to support in a number of
duties from welcoming visitors to the museum, giving information, selling entrance
tickets and gift shop items. Supporting us with volunteer events in the evening.
KIDS RUN FREE
Charity Running Event Assistant
Kids Run Free provide free running events for children, so our volunteer roles range
from overall race director, registration volunteer, getting active and encouraging the
children, post-race admin tasks and running the children through warm up routines.
For full details of these and other opportunities, please see www.do-it.org.uk,
or contact:
Laura Synnuck, Volunteer Development Officer, Pershore Volunteer Centre,
1 Billing House, Pershore WR10 1EY Tel: 01386 554299
Email: [email protected]; Website: www.pershorevolunteers.org
Your Safer Neighbourhood Team
is working with partners to tackle
issues causing most concern in
your neighbourhood.
Come along to your next PACT surgery to let us know what you would like us
to deal with.
The surgery will be held at Eckington Stores on the 3rd Thursday of every month at
10.30 – 11:30 All dates and times are pending operational demands.
16th April, 21st May, 18th June, 16th July, 20th August
For more information contact Pershore Rural North and South Safer
Neighbourhood Team on 101 or email
[email protected]
Twitter @PershoreCops
Page 27
Eckington W I
Our meeting in March was a more sombre affair than
our recent previous meetings. Our guest speaker was
Ann Travarez who talked about becoming a ‘Dementia
Friend’. Being aware that dementia is likely to affect 1 in
3 people over the age of 65, she advised on how it is important to consider
what help we can give and what actions we can take to lessen the impact of
this progressive illness. Ann gave examples of how we can demonstrate being
a dementia friend, not just to those suffering within our immediate family, but
also within the wider community. Furthermore, we were reminded of the
need to support the family and carers of those suffering from dementia, who
have to deal with the impact this progressive disease has on all their daily
lives.
During the business section of the meeting, members were reminded of the
various activities to look forward to, including: a practice walk for our ‘Walk
to the Moon Challenge’; lunch club at the Bluebell, Ryall March 16th; WI Fayre
at Harrogate in September. Volunteers were requested for several events: tea
hostesses at 3 Counties Show in June; gate stewards for Eckstock; tea
hostesses at the Village Hall for the Village Garage Sale; and finally assistance
for marshalling the school’s ‘Walk to the Moon’ challenge.
We have developed a good working link with Eckington School. Throughout
the year, we organise 3-4 cookery sessions with different classes of the
school. Just after half term, we organised the cooking of pancakes which is
always very popular and there is another session that will take place later in
the school year. As mentioned previously, we are also marshalling their ‘Walk
to the Moon’.
I am pleased to report that we have also just completed our final match of the
annual WI Skittles Competition. We have to compete in about 4-5 skittle
matches against our local group of WIs; the winners of each local group then
go forward into the next round. Unfortunately, we did not win enough of our
matches to get to the top of the group. In fact we lost all our matches (or as
we like to think, we were always second!). However, in an attempt to improve
our chances next time, we are hoping to organise a few social skittle evenings
for ourselves and get some early practice in.
st
Finally, our next meeting will be on Wednesday April 1 . Our guest
speaker will be Yvonne Cocks, Hereford & Worcestershire’s first female paramedic. Meeting starts at 7.30pm, Village Hall. Visitors welcome £4.00.
Page 28
The Anchor Inn at Eckington
Dates For Your Diary
Saturday 4th April
Family Easter Egg Hunt from
12.30pm
£2.00 to enter
Friday 17th April
Live Music
Crisis Blues Band from 9pm
Tuesday 21st April
Village Night & Pub Quiz
from 7pm
Homemade dish of the day
available for £5.00
Celebrate Good Friday with our Fish Night
on the 3rd April
Three Courses for £21.95
Starters
Crab and salmon fishcakes
Devilled whitebait, tartare sauce & baby leaf salad
King prawn, courgette and cherry tomato skewers
Bloody mary seafood platter
Main Courses
Haddock and Prawn Mornay, crushed new potatoes &
fresh seasonal vegetables
Poached fillet of cod, parsley sauce & crisp bacon
Fishermans pie with leek mash and fresh vegetables
Grilled mackerel with tapenade, carrot salad and a
horseradish cream
Desserts
Rhubarb, apple & strawberry crumble
Chocolate orange mousse with shortbread biscuit
Lemon and lime cheesecake
Baked mango and cinnamon with whipped cream
Cotheridge Lane, Eckington, Worcestershire WR10 3BA
01386 750356 [email protected] www.anchoreckington.co.uk
www.facebook.com/theanchoreckington
@anchoreckington
Pershore Sea Cadets
What do we do? With us you can do a wide range of
activities such as sail, windsurf, climb, drill, camp, paddle,
D of E, explore and much, much more!
Aged 10-18? Meet every Friday and every other
Monday 19.15 – 21.30.
Only £1.50 per night
(Plus watersports from April – Sept).
Where? Pershore Riverside Youth Centre, King George
Way, Pershore WR10 1QU.
Contact: 07786243758
WWW.sea-cadets.org/pershore
Page 29
Superfast Broadband is
here and connected!
We are delighted that following the village campaign Superfast
Broadband is now connected to Eckington.
We have asked BT to come and talk to us all about the benefits of
having Superfast Broadband and we have organised an open evening/
launch meeting in the village hall on Monday April 27 th at 7:30pm.
What is the benefit of superfast broadband?
How do I connect?
Will it cost more?
Is my house suitable for superfast?
Do I have to sign up with BT as I now use another supplier?
All these and other questions could be answered at the event.
No need to book, just come along for an hour and ask any questions
you may have.
Village Hall…..Monday 27 th April….7:30 to 8:30pm
Eckington Superfast Broadband Champions, 01386 751335
Community Speed Watch
Your Parish needs YOU!
The Parish Council are extremely keen to pursue this Scheme, however
in order to do so more
volunteers are needed.
If you are concerned about speeding within the village and are able to
give up approximately 3 hours per month for roadside monitoring, why
not consider
becoming involved in this community scheme?
The Scheme is coordinated by the Police but managed and run by volunteers within the community.
Full training on procedure and use of equipment will be given.
If you think you could serve your community in this way, please contact
the Parish Clerk at [email protected]
Page 30
In association with Majestic Wines we are hosting a ...
Wine Tasting Evening
INCLUDING
FOOD MATCHING
AT THE VILLAGE HALL
FRIDAY 22ND MAY
@ 6:30pm
Wine
Plus
Auction to complete the evening
ENTRY BY TICKETS IN ADVANCE ONLY
£15
Price includes seven wines and food
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW FROM:Tony 751617; Cynthia 750860;
Betty 750449
or the Village Shop
Over 18’s only
Proceeds are for the
Village Hall Alterations
Bottles donated for the wine auction will be gratefully received
The County Council have given notice that the B4080
Pershore Road, Eckington is to be closed on Monday
20th April for up to four days.
This is so that carriageway repairs can be carried out.
Therefore traffic will be diverted along Hollands Road
and through the Combertons.
Page 31
Page 32
In association with Majestic Wines we are hosting a ...
Wine Tasting Evening
INCLUDING
FOOD MATCHING
AT THE VILLAGE HALL
FRIDAY 22
ND
@ 6:30pm
Plus
Wine Auction
MAY
to complete the
evening
ENTRY BY TICKETS
IN ADVANCE ONLY
£15
Price includes seven
wines and food
TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE NOW FROM:Tony 751617; Cynthia 750860; Betty 750449
or the Village Shop
Over 18’s only
Proceeds are for the
Village Hall Alterations
Bottles donated for the wine auction will be gratefully received
Invite you to meet
“Hereford & Worcs 1st
Female Paramedic”
Yvonne Cocks
An opportunity to find out more.
Join us at the Village Hall
Wednesday 1st April 7.30pm
VISITORS WELCOME £4.00
Monday May 4th 2015
10am to 2pm
COME & JOIN THE BARGAIN HUNTERS
At various sites around the village, people are joining in with the
Village Garage Sales. A free map will be available to help you locate
the ‘official’ garage sale sites on the day, so you can wander around and
take advantage of the bargains on offer!
*** Refreshments will be on sale ***
Parking will also be available at designated sites.
(PS - it’s not too late to join the group of ‘garages’; see
the separate poster for details)
Free Kickstart event with CP Sport England on Sunday 18th January 2015 from 12 noon – 3pm @ MSJ,
33 Barnards Green Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3LH. Contact Scott Tranmer for details.
A new, exciting
opportunity!
Newtown Sports
Cerebral palsy
Football Club
5-11
Every Sunday morning 10am – 11am from Sunday 25th January 2015
First week free, then £2.50 per week.
Malvern St James Sports and Fitness Centre, 33 Barnards Green Road, Malvern,
Worcestershire, WR14 3LH
Newtown Sports CP Football Club,
Affiliated To Newtown Sports Junior FC.
Contact: Scott Tranmer.
Mob: 07703384731
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 01684 566717
For children with cerebral palsy, hemiplegia, diplegia and other physical disabilities. Contact Scott
Tranmer to register interest and find out more information or just come along on a Sunday morning.
Sports kit, trainers, shin pads and water bottle required.