& Volume 1 | Issue 2 June/July 2020 Parish News

Please forward the newsletter to others in the Parish and [email protected] ask them to email the Editor to be added to the mailing list.

View from the Vicarage Rev’d Allison Davies

July has always been a special month in our family – several family birthdays, my wedding anniversary and normally the end of the academic year which gives way to the long summer holiday. Yes, it is also usually the time when many school examinations take place, but this is quite soon forgotten by the prospect of much anticipated summer holidays. The weather is also usually warm, or even hot, at least in part of the month, and friends of mine always used to joke that it was always sunny on my birthday, when we would have the opportunity to enjoy an annual summer’s barbeque.

This year, however, July will be different, and although birthdays and wedding anniversaries will still happen as dates marked on our calendars, celebrations will take place in other ways. Whether we can still have our annual barbeque in the vicarage in Eckington, will not only be dependent on whether the government lifts its’ restrictions in relation to how we can socialise together, but on whether the weather is fair or not.

15th July as many of you will know is St. Swithin’s Day, a day on which people watch the weather, because as tradition says whatever the weather is like on St. Swithin’s Day, will be the weather pattern for the next 40 days. In fact, there is even a weather rhyme, dating back to Elizabethan times, which says:

'St. Swithin's day if thou dost rain For forty days it will remain St. Swithin's day if thou be fair For forty days 'twill rain nae mair.'

St. Swithin was a Saxon Bishop of Winchester, who became famous for his charitable gifts and the building of churches. However, legend has it, that as the bishop lay on his deathbed, he asked to be buried out of doors, where he could be trodden and rained on. I have to say that I’m not sure as to what the purpose of this was, but for nine years his wishes were followed. After this time, however, the monks of Winchester attempted to remove his remains to a splendid shrine inside the cathedral on 15 July 971; But, according to legend, there was a heavy rain storm either during the ceremony or on its anniversary, and this led to the old wives' tale about whether it rained on St Swithin’s Day.

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Data from the Met Office is said to have proven, by testing on 55 occasions, that this old wives' tale is nothing other than a myth; However, I’m sure that in spite of this many of us will still be watching what the weather is like on 15th July. But, we are told in the Bible that God is creator of the world, and in Deuteronomy 28:12, it says “the Lord will open to you his good treasury, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hands.” God will therefore continue to bless His people and all that we do. This surely is the hope of all farmers and gardeners, especially after such a lovely dry Spring, and we give thanks for all they do in producing the food we rely on. But this is also a tremendous encouragement to all of us, when so much of our world seems uncertain and fragile; whatever the weather, whatever the circumstances we are facing in life, God will continue to watch over and bless His children and all that they do. This is not some light weight and half-hearted promise, said to make people feel better in that moment of time, but then to be forgotten; No, God’s words are true and eternal – they will not waver dependent on the colour of our skin, our age, gender or academic ability, because God is faithful, and His mercy endues for ever. This was proved when He sent His Son to die on a cross and to rise to life again for all people, a sacrifice borne out of love and care for His children. We need to hold onto this promise and that when the sunshine seems to have disappeared from our lives, and all we seem to see are the storm clouds and threatening rain, then we must seek the rainbow, that expression of hope, which assures us when the rain has passed, there will be sunshine once again.

So, perhaps we can all hope for sunshine on 15th July, but if not, let’s not be too disappointed, but instead, as we gaze on the rain, let us remember this is a sign that God is still with us and that He will continue to bless His children for ever.

May you all enjoy a wonderful summer everyone, whatever you will be doing.

A Church Near You Rev’d Allison Davies

As we face up to the current challenges of the Corona virus; the Clergy and non-ordained ministers across the Hill Group will continue to pray for and worship as recommended in the Archbishops' guidance and we will provide resources for worship at home.

Please visit is at A Church Near You: https://www.achurchnearyou.com/church/7963/ for information and links to online services during this period of lockdown.

John Bolton Margaret Mallet on behalf of Anne Bolton

John passed away peacefully at Worcester Royal Hospital, on May 25th 2020.

A devoted husband of Anne and much-loved dad to Andrew. He will be greatly missed. John was aged 84 years. He had lived in Defford for over 80 years, man and boy. A gentle, kind and generous man, he was highly regarded by everyone who knew him.

Anne and Andrew would like to thank everyone for their kind wishes, cards, letters of condolence and kind thoughts. May he rest in peace.

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For Information and Awareness

Defford cum Besford CE First School Elaine Mather: Headteacher

I don’t think any of us were quite prepared for the year we have had at school! Our Spring Term was going really well, with preparations in hand for our Easter Service and Mother’s Day assembly, when suddenly we found ourselves in the unprecedented situation of opening only for the children of critical workers and organising home-schooling for the rest of our pupils.

Our parents have been amazing – becoming teachers overnight and taking on a role which no one had prepared them for. The staff have been brilliant too, setting up Zoom meetings with the children and organising lessons and activities which can be accessed remotely. We even had a whole school V.E. Day Zoom celebration! As I write this, we have begun welcoming back some of our younger children, whilst continuing to teach the critical worker children in other year groups as well as home-school the rest.

It has been so wonderful to see our pupils back and we look forward to the day when we can welcome everyone back to school. We miss them all very much.

Stay safe everyone.

Pershore Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team Local Policing Number: 101; in an emergency call 999 Email: [email protected] Rural Safer Neighbourhood Website

Our local team cover the villages and hamlets surrounding PC 3509 Daz Riley PCSO 6427 Julie Pardoe PCSO 40422 Faye Allen-Carter

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Defford & Besford Parish Council Lynne Yapp: Parish Clerk

MINUTES FROM MEETING 19th MAY 2020 (Abridged)

1. COVID-19 - Cllr Clarke wished to have his grateful thanks recorded to all those involved (Cllrs and residents) in volunteering support and help to those parishioners self-isolating or vulnerable. A number of residents had volunteered time and help with shopping, collection of prescriptions and the making of face masks. 2. FINANCE - Year End accounts 2019/20 had been circulated for approval. There were no issues raised. The clerk would make the necessary arrangements for the accounts to be internally audited. VAT (£776.44) had been claimed and received. Community Infrastructure Levy Grant (£9658.80) has also been received. Discussion to take place as to how best to spend this fund would be investigated. Current Account Balance: £31,566.66. Deposit Account Balance: £4,084.27 3. FOOTPATHS/RIGHTS OF WAY - a number of issues had been raised regarding the poor condition of some of the paths and lack of way marking. These would be looked at by the parish council and raised with WCC. 4. SPEEDING - It was suggested that the parish council should be looking at traffic calming measures, i.e. VAS signs, white ‘village gates’ or road markings. A meeting with WCC would be arranged once the Covid-19 crisis is over so that we can discuss the best options for each ‘hot spot’ before any financial commitment is made 5. DRAINAGE / FLOODING - Cllrs met with WCC and WDC drainage and flood alleviation officers just before Christmas and a number of issues were identified. The majority have been rectified with help from both authorities, landowners and the lengthsman. There is still some work that needs investigating and a further meeting will be arranged once the Covid-19 crisis is over. 6. CHURCH WALL - further quotes are being sought and investigation in any possible grant funding. 7. PHONE BOXES - The phone box in Besford has been re-furbished with the Defford box to follow. 8. DOG POO - This is an ongoing problem and the parish council are looking at some small signs to remind walkers to clear up after their dog. 9. NEXT MEETING: Wednesday 22nd July in Defford at 7pm (Zoom Meeting)

10. FULL MINUTES CAN BE READ ON PARISH NOTICE BOARDS OR ON THE WEBSITE: www.deffordbesfordpc.org

Please Clean up after your Dogs There has been an increase in the number of reports regarding dog fouling over the past few months, especially in and around the villages.

Please clean up after your dogs, it is an offence not to do so and carries a fine of up to £1000.

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Walking at Croft Farm Please be mindful of Private Property: Clive Porter

After the longest, wettest winter during the 50 years we have been in this farm, it has at last, quickly dried and now we are having to irrigate!

Thanks to all who respected the signs and kept off during the mud season. Unfortunately, a few seem to regard the whole farm as open access. Actually, it is private property, but we allow visitors to enjoy the permissive paths as displayed. Please remember to read signs and in particular keep dogs under control and keep well clear of the Airstrip.

Pershore Rotary Club Richard Lees

‘Thank you Rotary’

The Midlands Air Ambulance and St Richard’s Hospice have now received donations of £1,500 each from Pershore Rotary’s 2019 ‘Tree of Lights Appeal’. The Appeal, which takes place each year, asks members of the public to make a donation in memory of their loved ones at Christmas. The 2019 Appeal raised over £5,000 for its two main charities and a number of smaller projects in the area.

Jo Bailey, Events and Area Fundraising Manager, for Midlands Air Ambulance said. “It’s thanks to the generosity of local groups like Pershore Rotary who are in the communities we serve, that this kind donation means that we able to continue funding our rapid response, pre-hospital emergency service. We really do appreciate this support in helping us to keep our helicopters in the sky.”

It’s worth remembering that keeping the air ambulance in the skies is a very expensive operation. To put it into perspective, each air ambulance mission costs around £2,500, an air crew helmet costs in excess of £2,200 and a clinician’s flight suit costs over £500. Rotary’s £1,500 will be enough to buy a pair of aircrew response bags.

Kelly Johns, Fundraiser for St Richard’s Hospice, said that Pershore Rotary’s donation of £1,500 was very much appreciated and could cover the cost of a Healthcare Assistant, delivering individual, compassionate care in their In-patient Unit, for a month.

Ken Rowe, President of Pershore Rotary, said;” We are immensely grateful to the Air Ambulance and the Hospice for the support they give throughout our community. We are very much aware of the enormous costs involved in looking after us. We have to continue to do what we can to keep the helicopters flying and the Hospice properly staffed to deal with end of life care.”

Rotary is one of the world’s largest and most successful humanitarian service organisations. As Rotarians, we take pride in our local community and do what we can to help improve the lives of others. To find out more about Rotary in Pershore, contact Bob Marchant at [email protected] (07850 996732).

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Coronavirus Community Champions

The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the local community has been instant and overwhelming. The vast majority of Pershore’s businesses have been closed since 23 March leaving many in the community worried and uncertain about the future.

Despite that, a number of small, local businesses and individuals have adapted to the conditions and have found ways of keeping themselves in business and meeting the needs of local people. Pershore Rotary in conjunction with the Pershore Times want to find those champions of our community and recognise their contribution to keeping us safe and well.

Can you help us do this by nominating your local Coronavirus Community Champions?

We want to hear about the contributions being made by our local businesses, our butchers, our bakers, our fruit and veg shops, farm shops, corner shops, pharmacies, takeaways, DIYs, garden nurseries etc, as well as many individuals, who have adjusted their trading styles to suit and supply our needs through home deliveries, extended opening hours etc.

If you have someone you would like to nominate, please complete the nomination form circulated with this newsletter and submit to Hughes & Company, 8 Church Street, Pershore WR10 1DT by the 31st July 2020. The form will also be circulated separately with this newsletter.

Pershore Rotary and the Pershore Times will publish the names of those nominated.

Defford & Besford Village Hall Roger Atter: Chairman

All Users of the Village Hall will be aware that owing to Covid-19, the doors to the Hall were temporarily closed on the 20th March 2020. Government Advice had to be adhered to.

Please be assured that the Village Hall Trustees are committed to reopening the Hall at the earliest, reasonable and practical opportunity, however the reopening must be in accordance with Government Advice and Directive. Clarity is awaited.

The Trustees have preparations to reopen underway, but at this time there is no specific proposed opening date. When the Hall is reasonably able to reopen, procedures will necessarily be different and the Trustees ask for patience please.

The Trustees thank all users for their support and understand that it is everyone’s wish for the Hall to reopen and to return to normal, as soon as reasonably, practicably possible.

Thank you for your forbearance. http://www.deffordvillagehall.org/index.html

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People of Pershore Rise to the Challenge John Rees: Trustee, Pershore and District Volunteer Centre

Last month, we published a letter from the Chairman of Pershore Volunteer centre, thanking our volunteers and workers for their efforts in Pershore and the surrounding villages during the present crisis. This is a little more on the work of the Centre.

VOLUNTEERING AND WELL-BEING IS AT THE HEART OF OUR COMMUNITY WHAT SORT OF COMMUNITY CAN WE CREATE TOGETHER?

CAN YOU HELP? WE NEED … • DRIVERS - Particularly Minibus drivers • LUNCH CLUB VOLUNTEERS • OFFICE RECEPTION WORKERS

OTHER ORGANISATIONS IN OUR AREA NEED …. YOU TO!

WE HAVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR SKILLS WHATEVER THEY ARE. PUT THEM TO WORK- DON’T HIDE YOUR TALENTS. WE CAN CONNECT YOU WITH A RANGE OF OTHER ORGANISATIONS.

THERE ARE OPPORTUNITIES TO SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCES. YOU CAN INCREASE THE SKILLS OF OTHERS, WHILE BENEFITTING YOU AND OTHERS.

WHAT CAN YOU DO? When the Centre re-opens:

• JOIN OUR TEAM OF DRIVERS. • JOIN OUR OFFICE SUPPORT TEAM

• REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER FOR OTHER ORGANISATIONS You can contact us now PERSHORE & DISTRICT VOLUNTEER CENTRE 1 Billing House Cherry Orchard Pershore WR10 1EY

01386 554299 Email: [email protected] REGISTERD CHARITY NO 1166141

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Worcestershire National Garden Scheme Pamela Thompson: Publicity Officer

HELP SUPPORT OUR NURSES

We are delighted to announce that some of our gardens in Worcestershire are gradually reopening.

For those opening on the owners' chosen specific dates and, for the time being, all visitors must pre-purchase tickets on the NGS website - https://ngs.org.uk/ for a timed slot at their garden of choice. All funds raised will go to the Help Support Our Nurses campaign.

In these difficult times, visitors are asked to check the NGS website for the very latest updates.

However, it's really worth noting that many gardens are open by arrangement enabling visitors to phone and make a personal appointment to visit a beautiful garden at a time and date convenient for them. Often owners leave out a box in which donations/entrance fees can be placed. Again, check the NGS website for contact details of these gardens and make a call! Some encourage you to take along your own picnic - what could be better?

HRH The Prince of Wales has also shared a new video about the work of the National Garden Scheme: https://youtu.be/vcB967881VQ.

Defford & Besford’s Support Group Sally Hunt: Group Co-ordinator

The Support group volunteers: Caroline Evans, Debby Fox, Lorraine Hunt, Tara Forland-Wyatt, Paul Wyatt, Jane Thompson, Richard Swann, Tina Davies, Diane Small, Sue Rees, Emma Holmes, Ben Holmes, Terry Andrews, Jemma Jones, Margaret Mallett, Debbie Johnson, Laura Wootton, Lesley James, Sue Knight, Andrew Smith, Stephanie Fogwill, Julian Clarke, Sally Hunt, Iain Stephens, Olwen Taylor.

Huge apologies for missing: Julian Clarke, Iain Stephens and Olwen Taylor off the list last month.

The Support Group are here to help anyone who is struggling to cope with the Covid-19 situation, please let us know if you need support with your shopping, walking your dog or picking up prescriptions. We can also provide support with horses and vet appointments.

If you or someone you know needs help and support during the lockdown, please email [email protected]

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News from Groups and Clubs

POSH Club Margaret Mallett

Well here we are into another month of Covid-19 restrictions. We have no idea when we will be allowed to hold meetings inside, but as soon as we get the "green light" we will be there with tea, coffee and cake on the first Thursday of the month.

I do wonder if we might be allowed outdoor get togethers, subject to social distancing, I'll watch with interest to see if we can perhaps meet outside somewhere before resuming "normal service".

I hope you are all staying safe and getting help whenever needed (don't hesitate to ask if you need help). It is a difficult time for everyone, but I think we are luckier than many, living in such a lovely area, and being too old (well most of us  !!!) to have to worry about work.

Calling all Clubs & Groups Sally Hunt

If you would like to include any news about your community club or group please email your news story to the Editor by the 15th of the Month for inclusion in the next edition.

Village Contact List

Vicar of Eckington, Defford with Besford and Associate Priest for the Bredon Hill Group of Churches Reverend Allison Davies Tel: 01386 750203 Email: [email protected]

Parish Administrator (Tuesday 10am-12pm) Churchwardens Rachel Richard Clements: 750839 Tel: 01386 750203 Pearl Winchester: 750260 Email: [email protected] Patty White: 556390

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Honorary Treasurer Debby Fox 750974 Honorary Secretary Olwen Taylor 561522 Electoral Roll Officer Hazel Wakefield 750256 Organist Linda Gilman 750766 Parish News Editor Sally Hunt 750735 Advertising Secretary Debby Fox 750954 Parish Clerk Linda Yapp [email protected]

Clubs & Groups Contact List

Defford Bowling Club Chairman: Paul Dent 01684 592764 Secretary: Carol English 07909536776 Treasurer: David Yendole 01386 751548

Defford Garden Club Chairman: John Taylor 01386 750863 Treasurer: Barbara Owens 01386 750633 Secretary: Michael Pegg 07929862521

Defford Hummingbirds President: Gill Aston 01386 751480 Treasurer: Tori Richardson 07561470843

Defford Pathfinders Sue & Mike Slater 01386 750520

Defford Village Hall Chairman: Roger Atter [email protected] Secretary: Doreen Rowley [email protected] Treasurer: Samantha Hart [email protected] Bookings: David Wakefield [email protected]

Eckington Bridge Club Chairman: Ian Driver 01386 860270 Treasurer: David Wakefield 01386 750256

K-Fit Karen Harris 07954544595

Kung Fu (ZJK) Tori Richardson 07561 470843

POSH Club Margaret Mallett 01386 750785

Spring Bank Quilters President: Hazel Wakefield 01386 750256 Secretary: Diana Edmundson 01684 833347

U3A Art Group Dr Christine Dodd 01386 550338

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Local Businesses A-Z

Aerial Erection Service Aerial Erection Service

Stuart Huntley Digital TV, Freesat & Radio Systems supplied, installed & repaired 01386 553151 07976 606967 Multiple Outlets, Sky Links, Equipment Installation

Barthorpe Interiors Ltd Barthorpe Interiors Ltd

Marc Barthorpe Kitchen & Bathroom Installations 01386 861983 Plumbing, Carpentry, 07866 589746 Tiling & Flooring

Carpentry, Repairs & Painting CARPENTRY, REPAIRS & PAINTING Gary 01386 422775

Cottage Kennels We pride ourselves on providing top quality dog boarding and training with a personal service. Douglas Winton 07725 708925 We have over 24 years’ experience and specialise in trained working dogs which require careful handling; all of our do g’s needs are catered for individually. All dogs are personally exercised 3 times per day on grass fields.

Lovely country setting near , within an old Victorian walled style garden provides fantastic secure facilities at all times.

Fully insured & full veterinary backup. www.cottagekennels.net

Motor Vehicle Service & Repair Specialists Defford Motors MOT Testing on both Petrol and Diesels

Mike Daley All Makes; Collect Service Available 01386 750220 Trade Enquiries Welcome MOT Testing Upton Road, Defford, Worcs. WR8 9BD. Station ‘YOUR LOCAL GARAGE’

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Denning Tree Services Denning Tree Services • Tree Pruning • Tree Removal Paul Denning • Site Clearance 07850 665067 • Hedge Trimming • Stump Grinding • Logs • NPTC trained staff, Fully Insured; Free Quotes

[email protected]

E Hill & Son E Hill & Son Funeral Directors Funeral Directors Serving the community since 1960 Local people helping local people Qualified Funeral Directors Richard Hill Private Homely Premises 01386 552141 Service Guaranteed by Reputation

Fairfield House, Defford Road, Pershore WR10 1HZ

www.ehillandson.co.uk Golden Charter Privately Owned by Beverley Funerals Limited Prepayment Plans Available

Gerald Willis GERALD WILLIS

01684 561804 ARISTON HOTPOINT Domestic Repairs 07831 433892 All leading makes; No call out charge

Factory trained engineer with over 30 years’ experience

Hinton Pest Control Ltd Preferred Contractor for Worcestershire 01386 41762 Regulatory Services 07775 168666 Speedy Response to Domestic Calls Fully Insured, BSPC/RSPH II Qualified Staff

Commercial Quotes Available Very Competitive Rates

Wasps, Flies, Bed Bugs, Fleas, Ants, Carpet Moths/Beetles, Cockroaches, Rats, Mice, Rabbits, Squirrels, Birds, Moles, Foxes, Mink

www.hintonpestcontrol.co.uk

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One to One Swim

Alison 07811551909

Newlands Cleaning Ltd Newlands Cleaning

Jenny A Discrete and Superior Cleaning Service 01386 556493 07887 621857 Discover house cleaning that’s affordable, reliable and convenient.

Call us today for a free estimate!

“Come Home to a Clean House”

Revills Farm Shop & Revills Farm Shop & Farmhouse Café Farmhouse Café Try your local farm shop

Darren Hedges Fresh local and seasonal produce; wide selection grown on the farm 01386 750466 Best local breakfast Daily Newspapers Milk and Dairy produce, Meats, Breads, Cakes etc

Open Mon-Sat 09:00 to 17:00 & Sunday 10:00 to 16:00

www.revillsfarmshop.co.uk

The Chiropractic Clinic, 39 High Street (Ground Floor, Rear), Pershore McTimoney Chiropractor Chiropractic therapy, for neck pain relief and back pain relief

Rowena Bertram The Clinic is currently open on a restricted basis but available for telephone 01386 554209 advise.

The restrictions are under review and the answer machine greeting message will updated regularly with the current position.

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Simon Williams

01386 750919 Property Repairs & Maintenance 07866 930199

SixChimnies Dog Not Just for Gundogs … Training Lisa has over 25 years’ experience in obedience and Lisa-Jane Allen gundog training and can provide tailored advice and 07515745029 guidance to help you train your dog.

She holds Puppy Classes, Intermediate and Advanced Dog Training locally at Strensham Village Hall.

Due to the current Coronavirus situation only 1:1 sessions are available at present. Please contact Lisa for further information.

Thomson Bancks Solicitors

Tewkesbury office 01684 299633

Pershore office 01386 562000

Cheltenham office 01242 235250

Stratford-upon-Avon office

01789 295544 For more information please visit www.tbsolicitors.co.uk

TC Executive Travel Prompt and Reliable Local Transport to All Airports

Transport to corporate & sporting events, chauffeur & business travel, seaports & airports. We also provide a driver only service. Call for a quote. Town & Country Private Hire / Chauffeur & Driving Service

Email: [email protected]

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Electrician Vic Hopkins: Electrician

Vic Hopkins • For all Electrical Work 01386 710224 • Free Estimates 07818091023 • No Call Out Charges in Normal Hours

Wards Gardening Service The knowledge and skills to enhance your garden • Garden Maintenance 07825286136 • Fencing: Erection & Maintenance [email protected] • Trees: Pruned or Removal • Construction: Cold Frames, Compost Bins • Slabbing: Patios & Paths and Lawn Laying & Maintenance

www.landscapingpershore.co.uk

Other Village information:

Defford Village Hall: http://www.deffordvillagehall.org

Chairman Roger Atter [email protected] Bookings Manager David Wakefield [email protected]

Defford Parish Council: http://www.deffordbesfordpc.org/about.html

Our Parish Councillors:

Julian Clarke Chairman (Besford Ward) [email protected] Ron Davis Vice Chairman (Defford Ward) [email protected] Ian Spiers Parish Councillor (Defford Ward) [email protected] James Harrington Parish Councillor (Defford Ward) [email protected] Sue Rees Parish Councillor (Defford Ward) [email protected] Lee Revell Parish Councillor (Defford Ward) [email protected] Chris Wicksteed Parish Councillor (Besford Ward) [email protected] Stanley Hornsey Parish Councillor (Defford Ward) Simon Harris Parish Councillor (Besford Ward) [email protected]

Parish Clerk: [email protected]

Wychavon District Council: http://www.deffordbesfordpc.org/about.html

Our District Councillor: Ron Davis. [email protected] Our County Councillor: Adrian Hardman [email protected]