Weston, , and NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2018

CONTENTS CONTACTS Village News …………………..….……3,5,8 Weston Village Website: Neighbourhood watch ………………....6 www.westonunderwetherley.org The Pilgrim Puppets ………………...……9 Weston Village Hall bookings: Church Services ……………….………....13 [email protected] Hugh’s Pastoral Letter .…………..……14 Eathorpe Village Website: Eathorpe allotments …………………...16 www.eathorpe.org.uk The Bee Report …………………………...17 Eathorpe Village Hall bookings: [email protected] This issue was kindly sponsored by Hunningham Parish Room: Dixon Alderton Law—see pages 10- 01926 632428 11 for details. Hunningham Parish Room bookings: [email protected]

Editor: David Wray 632830 [email protected] Advertising manager: Moira Rawlings 634766 [email protected]

PeterBrooke

Plans drawn for Planning and Building Regulations for New Houses, House Remodelling, Extensions, Loft Conversions, Renovations. Free, no obligation, first meeting.

Tel 01926 633691 Mob 07740213572 email [email protected]

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VILLAGE NEWS HUNNINGHAM CAROL SINGING Our annual jaunt around the village will take place on Tuesday 18th Decem- ber. We will meet at the church at 6.00pm and carol sheets will be provided. If you want to join us please wear bright clothing and bring a torch. I shall hopefully arrange a few “pitstops” en route. Are there any volunteers out there who would like to host us? Half of all proceeds will go to Hunningham Church and the other half to a nominated charity. Does anyone have any ideas for a charity? For further details call Mark on 01926 632197 or on e-mail mwhan- [email protected] MONDAY CLUB. We welcomed Jo King to our October meeting who gave us an interesting display, and talk, on her hand crafted jewellery, explaining the significance of all our birthday stones. Jean Smith was the lucky raffle prize winner of ame- thyst earrings, her February birthday stone, kindly donated by Jo King. Our next meeting is on 12th November, when we visit Afternoon Club. MACMILLAN FUND RAISING Very many thanks to everyone who came and supported the Macmillan Fund Raising afternoon in Eathorpe, on 7th October. To those who baked for us, donated, gave raffle prizes and helped on the day. The amount raised was almost £400. Once again thank you to all.

MANY CONGRATULATIONS to Jan and John Chamberlain of Eathorpe on the occasion of their wedding on 4th October. We wish them every happiness in the future. Eddie Croxall Painter & Decorator

1 Ellerton Grove , CV31 1YN Tel: 01926 882 420 Mobile: 07778 283 244

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VILLAGE NEWS WELCOME TO HUNNINGHAM: to Anna and Cian who have moved to Wil- low Barn. We look forward to welcoming them to village events. We hope they enjoy their life here in Hunningham.

HUNNINGHAM’S TRIBUTE TO THOSE WHO DIED IN WORLD WAR 1: Please visit Hunningham Church over the next few weeks to see the display that has been put up in honour of the 4 men from Hunningham who were killed in WW1. They were: Frederick George Agutter; Ernest Hancox; Charles Gawain Raleigh Hunter and Harold Robert Ward. Also mentioned are the 25 other men who fought and came back home. A big thank you to Kathy Sharma who not only crocheted all the poppies, but also put together the display, and Len Knightley who did all the research. THANK YOU to everyone who gave so generously to our Hunningham HAR- VEST FESTIVAL produce collection. THE PEACE HOUSE NIGHT SHELTER who care for refugees were very grateful. For a little village we were able to take a car full of produce. It is so appreciated that we can do just a little thing for those in such need. DATES FOR THE DIARY: OFFCHURCH GROUP CHRISTMAS PARTY: is being held at Offchurch Village Hall on Saturday afternoon 15th December. All children from our villages are welcome. CAROL SINGING round HUNNINGHAM: will be on Tuesday 18th December. Please come and join us. Meeting up at 6.00pm outside the church. HUNNINGHAM CAROL SERVICE: is being held on Sunday 16th at 6.30pm fol- lowed by Mulled Wine and Mince Pies! A great way to start Christmas! Reiki Practitioner Linda Blunsom Hunningham Hill, Fosse Way * Private Therapy Room* Mobile: 07787458578 - [email protected] Harmonizing body, mind and spirit

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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH Just a couple of incidents to report from the Police Newsletter last month, one of which is somewhat late, but it wasn’t reported to me earlier!

“Hunningham Burglary Between 00:15hrs and 00:45hrs Friday 21-SEP-2018 offenders forced entry into a commercial property situated along the Fosse Way, Hunningham. Offenders were disturbed and left in an unknown direction. Money was sto- len.”

“Weston-under-Wetherley - Burglary - Incident 238 of 10-OCT-2018 At approximately 13:00hrs Wednesday 10-OCT-2018 unknown offender(s) forced entry into a residential property on Rugby Road, Weston-under- Wetherley. Offender(s) gained entry via a rear ground floor door. Offender(s) stole vehicle keys from inside the property. Offender(s) subsequently stole a blue '16' plate Volkswagen Golf R from the drive. If you have information relating to the above offence, please call - shire Police on 101 and quote crime reference 23/42230/18. Alternatively call CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555 111”

Unfortunately, there have been a number of burglaries committed in neigh- bouring villages similar to the one reported in , so we all need to take care to make our property as safe as possible. You will note that this was a lunchtime burglary, so in broad daylight!

Paddy Taylor - 632428

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To celebrate the beginning of Eathorpe Christmas lights:

You are invited to

Christmas @ Eathorpe

A fabulous celebration of lights, songs and merriment. Led by the wonderful Spa Opera

Eathorpe Village Hall Saturday December 8th 7.30 pm

Tickets £10 (adult), £5 (child)

On sale from David Wray 01926 632830 or [email protected]

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VILLAGE NEWS CHRISTMAS GET TOGETHER AND CAROL SINGING EVENT IN WESTON. This will take place at Weston village hall 5.30 - 7pm on Friday 21st Decem- ber. There will be free mince pies and mulled wine and the recently formed Weston Choir will be performing some Christmas songs and carols and en- couraging everyone to join in. Everyone in the four villages is encouraged to attend to kick of the Christmas celebrations.

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THE PILGRIM PUPPETS NOVEMBER 2018 Fri- Sat 2nd-3rd Nov: EUROPEAN FESTIVAL at Rugby Sun 4th Nov: COME 2 WORSHIP, Hunningham Church 11.00am Mon 5th Nov: HOMEWOOD CARE HOME Leamington Spa 2.00pm Sat 24th Nov: SALTISFORD CHURCH Teddy Bears Picnic, Warwick 4.30pm Sun 25th Nov: COME 2 WORSHIP Hunningham Church 11.00am The Big Family Christmas Party Presented by

and The Offchurch Group of Churches

Saturday 15 December 2018 from 2.45pm to 5pm in Offchurch Village Hall

Including: craft activities, the Pilgrim Puppets, the Christmas Story, games, tea.

For more information or to let us know you can come email [email protected] or ring 338704 or text 07850 444316

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THIS MONTH’S SPONSOR:

Dixon Alderton Law is a Private Client Solicitors practice based in the heart of Leamington Spa, covering Leamington, and beyond. We can help you and your family with:

 Wills  Trusts  Inheritance Tax  Probate and the administration of estates including post death Inheritance Tax planning  Lasting Powers of Attorney and Court of Protection applica- tions  Advising the elderly client

We place our clients’ needs at the heart of everything we do, tai- loring our solutions to your family’s requirements.

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S SPONSOR: DIXON ALDERTON LAW

Gina Dixon

Having lived in Hunningham and Wappenbury for the last 7 years I am delighted to be launching Dixon Alderton Law offering legal services to the local community. With 20 years’ experience I am well versed in the complexities and challenges of this area of the law. Prior to the establishment of Dixon Alderton Law, I was a Director and Head of the Private Client Department at a highly respected, long established firm in Coventry and Leamington and decided that it was the right time to create a business specialising purely in this area of law. This al- lows me the time to focus on my clients’ needs and long term ob- jectives whilst providing an efficient, proactive and cost-effective service. As a new business keen to develop in the local area I am offering a no obligation free of charge consultation either face to face or over the telephone. This is an opportunity for you to perhaps con- sider estate planning for the first time or review your existing es- tate planning (particularly in line with recent Inheritance Tax changes). For more information please contact Gina Dixon at Dix- on Alderton Law on 01926 563080. Dixon Alderton Law, Prospero House, 4A Dormer Place, Leaming- ton Spa, CV32 5AE.

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Church wardens: Mrs Jane Inman, 01926 338704, [email protected] David Ellis, 07985 004353, [email protected]

WORLD WAR I COMMEMORATIVE CONCERT

Offchurch are organising the refreshments for the World War I Commemora- tive Concert, but if you would like to help by donating a plate with a cake or traybake, cup cakes, flap-jack, biscuits etc., they can be left in the porch at Glebe Cottage (opposite St Michael’s Church Weston) on Saturday afternoon, 10th November.

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HUGH’S PASTORAL LETTER Geordie went to the doctor, not feeling ‘varryweell’. The doctor greeted him and said, “What’s the matter with you, Geordie?” “Ah divventknaa,” was the swift reply, “You’re the doctor!”

But we are not like that, are we? We take responsibility for who we are, how we are and how it is for each other. We look out for each other and for the wellbeing of our community.

There is a story in the Old Testament, where the Israelites are emerging from the wilderness to take possession of The Promised Land. Three tribes are to settle the east side of the Jordan, while the rest are to cross over and con- quer the west. But Joshua tells the leaders of the 3 tribes (Reuben, Gad and Manasseh) “your strong warriors, fully armed, must lead the other tribes across the Jordan to help them conquer their territory. You are to help your brothers ….” (Joshua 1.14-15)

And I am delighted to find that approach to life is apparent here in our villag- es. One shining example of that spirit was evident at the Annual Meeting of the Friends of St Margaret’s Hunningham in October. Not only was it report- ed how much financial support had been generated to look after the fabric of that ancient Church, but even more significant was the fun and sense of pur- pose that people shared while working together. And we have the opportuni- ty to build on that.

Your local church, by which I mean the congregation not the stonework, is also taking on a renewed sense of purpose, to bring more quality into our shared lives. After the SWOT analysis that I reported last month, we are ac- tively engaging in looking at how we might do things differently, building partnerships and living by the maxim that says, “Your problem is my prob- lem!”

My friend Simon, based in the Hospital in Coventry, has brought into being a partnership under the heading Compassionate Communities Coventry. We

14 have a head start here, but if these few words inspire you to new thoughts and actions, I’d love to hear from you. And it doesn’t have to be ‘church’ to qualify.

Hugh Priestner Tel. 01926 257845 [email protected] Mob. 07568 166 910

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EATHORPE ALLOTMENT GARDENS ASSOCIATION What a year this year has been! It started with an almost bearable winter un- til the 'Beast from the East' visited! So cold! Then the weather became milder and beneficial with few bad frosts which resulted in an excellent blossom season. All was good and busy, but then we were faced with the drought and scorching hot weather and with that, the endless watering sessions to try and combat the desperately dry soil conditions. Crops started well but inevitably the heat caused them to race to maturity, only for their growth to be checked, either by the drought or a rush to flower and finish early. I now have more dried beans in store than I ever managed to eat!

The real bonus however, has been the best ever orchard season, with almost every tree fully laden with fruit, so much so, that some lost branches through the sheer weight of the fruit.

We have had the longest season yet and the sweetest, tastiest and best look- ing apples, pears and plums I have seen so far in the orchard. For next year, we will need to be quite thorough and attentive to the pruning and care for the trees and hopefully, if warm Springs and hot Summers are to become the norm, then we will again be enjoying not only the sight of bumper crops, but also a very healthy diet regime.

For now the main tasks are to prepare the plots for any Winter planting and for next Spring and I am pleased to be able to say that we are now full, with all plots taken. It has been a good year after all, and fingers are crossed for next year!

Maurice Wood EAGA

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THE BEE REPORT There are a surprising number of beekeepers in our four parishes - I know at least five. That means there are probably 10 million bees in the area in the summer. So I thought I would share a bit of information about the bees I keep in Eathorpe. What are local honeybees like? Eathorpe bees were originally raised from a colony given to us in 1999 and we have bred from these bees to produce a dark brown bee with a good tem- per and moderate productivity - they look quite different from wasps or bum- ble bees. The queen in the hive is the most important bee. All the others are her offspring. We select queens who produce good tempered daughters (all the worker bees are female). As the temper of bees is largely genetic, bad-tempered queens get...squished, before they can breed bad-tempered daughters. What about the boys? Well, a few hundred male bees (drones) hatch out in May each year. They don’t work and exist in case they are needed to mate with a queen – most aren’t. At the end of the season (by September) they are excluded by their sisters and left to perish. So there are no male bees in our hives right now. Where are our bees? Our beehives are in fields and wasteland with the kind permission of the landowners. Land- owners all over the UK support beekeepers so that the supply of pollinators can be main- tained. You probably don’t notice the rectangu- lar hives tucked into so many hedges, but the bees in them are doing an important job. The bees fly up to 3 miles from the hive to col- lect nectar, pollen, water and propolis (tree sap). They convert nectar into honey, so by

17 having our hives in the Warwickshire countryside, the bees have access to the fields in our area (for oil-seed rape, beans, brambles, etc) and the allot- ments and gardens of Eathorpe, Wappenbury, Marton and Princethorpe. Some Eathorpe bees may even go as far as Weston under Wetherly! Very oc- casionally, we move a few of our hives to a particular crop, like lavender or heather. However, bees do not really thrive on "foreign travel"- however good the food - so we don’t stress them by doing it often. Until the cold snap, our bees were collecting nectar from ivy and pollen from phacelia- which fills their combs with purple-black pollen. It looks odd but feeds all those baby bees that hatch out in the spring. What are the bees doing now? It is definitely winter for them, so the bees stay in their hives most of the time. They don’t exactly hibernate- they sort of huddle! They form a cluster (ball) in the centre of the hive and vibrate their wings to stay warm. They are feeding on the honey or sugar stored in the combs for the winter, so all the local beekeepers have made sure the bees have plenty of stores to last until March. Bees need a temperature of around 14 degrees to really venture out- side. So bee-spring starts when the hellebores, hazel, crocuses and snow- drops come out. Support your local pollinators The most important role of honeybees is as pollinators of crops for humans and animals. Next summer you could help maintain bee species and pollina- tor diversity in simple ways. Cut the lawn less often- even two week old grass has small flowering weeds in it. Neglect a little bit of your garden - common weeds are lovely for polli- nators and many wild bee species see a pile of rotting sticks as the per- fect home. Sow wildflower mix if you have a little space. Choose sim- ple single flowers over sophisticated double varieties- bees thrive on simple plants. Avoid spraying pesticides and herbicides- or do it late in the evening. Jane Medwell, Master Beekeeper, Eathorpe

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