The Littleton Link

October 2018

Editors letter

Dear All Welcome to the October edition of the Link. The season seems to be changing with cooler mornings and the evenings starting to draw in. This months cover picture was taken on a crisp sunny morning in September. October sees half-term holidays, harvest festivals and the clocks going back on Sunday 28 October, not forgetting Halloween at the end of the month. Please remember that pumpkins are not just for carving – you can make delicious soups, pies, risottos, traybakes, etc with leftover pumpkin. Perhaps you’d like to submit a recipe or a photo of your carved pumpkin for inclusion in another edition? This month we’ve a ‘thank you’ from the Littletons School, a plea to help the Brownies continue and a walk from Paul, along with all the usual contributors. If you think that you’d like to submit an item anytime please do send it in. Kind regards, Mary

Cover picture: St Michael’s Church,

Page 1 of 32

Dates for your diary

Day & Event Time Location Date Weds 3 Wednesday Club 2:30 pm Village Hall Oct Tues 9 Littletons WI 7 pm Village Hall Oct Sun 14 Parish Litter Picks 10 am South Meadow Oct & Scout Hut Weds 17 N&M parish council 7 pm Village Hall Oct meeting Thurs 18 South parish council 7:30 pm Scout Hut Oct meeting Tues 23 Mobile Library 10:40 to various Oct 12:00 Sat 27 Churchyard tidy-up 9:30 to St Michaels, Oct 12:00 South Sat 27 Tea, Cake & Chat 2:30 to St Michaels, Oct 4:30 pm South Sun 11 Remembrance Service 9:30 am St Michaels, Nov South Sun 11 Remembrance Service 10:50 am St Nicholas, Nov N&M Sat 15 Littleton FC Prize 8 pm Village Hall Dec Bingo Details of all events can be found in this or past editions of the Link which are also available online at: http://www.southlittleton.org.uk/The_Littleton_Link_6377.aspx

Page 2 of 32

THE LITTLETONS SCHOOL

From The Littletons School Staff and Pupils: We would like to thank Mrs Jane Lawrence for 26 years of service as a Teaching Assistant at the Littletons School. Mrs Lawrence is retiring at the end of September. We will miss her hugely, and there may be quite a few residents of the Littletons that will have attended the school while Mrs Lawrence has been working here.

The Littletons School would like to say a big thank you to everyone who made our 50th celebration in July so special.

We were blessed with good weather and enjoyed a lovely Birthday Tea. About 60 visitors came from far and wide as well as those who live locally. We also enjoyed Country Dancing.

We had a very good response to our request for photographs and we would like to thank everyone who sent photos for us to display.

Here's to the next 50 years!!

The Littletons CE First School 01386 830695

Page 3 of 32

THE LITTLETONS BROWNIE GROUP

I wanted to tell you about Littleton Brownies which meets Mondays in the village, my daughter has gone and moves on shortly as she will be 10.

The numbers for the first time have dropped to a point whereby it might have to close which is a real shame, if it happens then it is unlikely to open again. Where else can the girls get the chance to play with their school friends after school and even better make new friends, you as parents get an hour off at minimal cost.

She has had a brilliant time, camp weekends and she has loved roasting marshmallows over a campfire, watching a film with friends, tried doing camp cooking. She has done lots of arts and crafts and had great fun doing it and has bought many of her achievements home, they have had a go at cooking, painting, building bits and pieces. Each summer there is a water sports event and it is only through the Brownies whereby she has built a raft, had water fights and generally been free to mess around in a safe environment.

Can I encourage any parents to give it a go and see if it is for their child. She has loved it and it has been excellent to build up social contacts and for her to have fun on a Monday evening.

Bev who runs it is keen to encourage anyone who might be interested to come along one night and she can be emailed on [email protected]

Tim Ward

Page 4 of 32

Perfect Paws Dog Walking

Local reliable and fully insured dog walker offering group and individual walks, either on a regular basis or for the occasional countryside adventures. Also available for pet and house sitting. Please call to discuss requirements.

www.perfectpawsdogwalking.com

Fiona: 07814 311853

Page 5 of 32

LITTLETONS WI Our September meeting was attended by twenty-nine members and two guests. President June Lloyd welcomed everyone and following the singing of Jerusalem lead by Mary Hilton, June gave a brief summary of business matters including a report on our August Cruise on the River Severn on the MV Conway Castle from Upton on Severn which she thanked Rosie McCotter for organising. The two-hour journey included afternoon tea accompanied by a vocalist who encouraged us to dance and join in with the songs. A great afternoon was had by all. Our speaker for the evening was Meg Farmer who brought along some “Jumping Clay”. Meg explained that jumping clay is a pliable air-dry clay which can be moulded into any shape and which sticks together with little pressure and we proceeded to have an enjoyable evening under her tutorage making an ornamental penguin.

She also brought along samples of items she had made with it including brooches, mats etc. Supper followed and the competition, “A Favourite Item of Jewellery” was then judged by Meg. This was won by Hazel Hunter. Our October meeting is on Tuesday, 9th October, and is our sixty-eighth anniversary. Dr Gillian White will give a talk entitled Queen Victoria – A Life in Portraits. The competition will be a portrait photograph. Guests and new members are welcome. For further information including fund raising events contact June Lloyd on 01386 830844 or view our website on www.littletonswi.moonfruit.com Page 6 of 32

LITTLETONS’ WEDNESDAY CLUB

The Fundraiser on September 5th was a busy, social and successful afternoon. The stalls were Bric-a-Brac, Cakes & Provisions and Tombola. A few members were on holiday and we also have some who are not well but a total amount of £200 was made for Club funds. After the sale there was the usual tea and coffee with a good selection of biscuits.

September 19th was the very windy day when a group of us waiting for our coach at the Littletons’ school witnessed a large section of a tree opposite fall with a horrendous crash in the road blocking the traffic from both directions. A man who was working in a near-by field and a driver of a flat backed truck were on the scene very quickly. They cleared the fallen tree onto either side of the road in 2 large sections. Well done and your speed was much appreciated. Our group boarded the coach after having an exciting start to our Mystery afternoon. Our last pick up was at the Village Hall giving a total of 26 members. Where were we going?

The places we drove through included, , of course, Welford-on-Avon, Shipston on Stour, Moreton-in-Marsh, Stow on the Wold, we even headed for Bourton on the Water but didn’t quite make it. Ah! yes, Broadway but no, wrong again, Snowshill? No. By this time I was thinking we’re heading home again, but then we made a turn for Childswickham and we came to rest at The House of the Open Door. I had heard this mentioned once or twice at the Methodist church, and it was a lovely area of buildings with a quiet peaceful garden. We were welcomed by a young lady and went into the restaurant which was laid out for our afternoon tea.

We were served tea or coffee accompanied by plates of prepared scones with jam & cream (not cream & jam) and plates of chocolate tray bake. Certainly no complaints and 1 or 2 members accepted the Page 7 of 32 offer of more scones. A very pleasant ending to our mysterious afternoon. Of course it didn’t take us long to get back and luckily we missed most of the expected traffic on the by-pass.

Future Programme: October 3rd - Harvest Festival at 2:30 pm in the village hall. We welcome all visitors to our Service. October 17th - In house entertainment. October 31st - A.G.M. followed by filling Teams4U shoeboxes. November 14th - Birthday/Christmas dinner. Members £6 Non- members £8. Coach from 11:45 am. November 28th - T.B.A. December 5th - Shopping at Banbury. December 19th - Carol Service in the Village Hall at 2:30 pm. Please come and join us.

Further Information: Marion Brighton: 01905 909125 Mary Hilton: 01386 830763. Eileen Meads

******************************

Snippet from Lee

This was the village police station in South Littleton [now a private residence]. In the 1930's a different Rose family, who had moved to the village, had a family member called Hedley Rose, he was Policeman for the Littleton's. Mr Lee James Gibson, (Historical Contributor) Email: [email protected] Tel: 07805 129813

Correction to Sept-18 issue: the cottage in Roberts Lane was occupied by Mrs Halse, not Mrs Holst

Page 8 of 32

SOUTH LITTLETON PARISH COUNCIL

Planters The planters around the village are going to be refreshed with seasonal flowers in preparation for the Autumn/Winter period.

HGV’s / Traffic We are awaiting a change to the signage into the HGV zone. This will remove the wording from ‘except for access’. We believe that persistent offenders are interpreting this wording incorrectly.

Due to road closures between 27th September and 3rd October, we will see an increase in HGV traffic using Blacksmiths Lane as this will be a temporary diversion route.

Allotments We have vacancies on the allotments. Get planting now to ensure an early harvest! Please contact [email protected] if you would like to take on a plot.

Events We have a few events coming up between now and the end of the year:

 Sunday 14 October, Village Litter Pick. 10 am to 12 noon. Starting at two locations - Scout Hut and on South Meadows.  Sunday 11 November, Armed Forces and Armistice event. South Littleton Church at 9:30 am for a commemorative service and then cake/refreshments served afterwards.

Page 9 of 32

 Sunday 16 December, Christmas event. 6 pm start on South Meadows.

For full minutes of the latest meeting, please refer to the website at: www.southlittleton.org.uk Minutes are drafted and then must be signed off at the next meeting as a true reflection of what was discussed so they will always be a month in arrears on the website.

The date of the next meeting is Thursday 18 October, starting at 7:30 pm in the Scout Hut.

Please contact [email protected] with any feedback, questions or concerns.

********************************************** MOBILE LIBRARY

The mobile library visits The Littletons on the 4th Tuesday of the month (23 October) at the following times:

 10:40 to 10:55 – North Littleton, The Ivy  11:00 to 11:15 – Middle Littleton, Village Hall  11:45 to 12:00 – South Littleton, Shinehill Lane (near the junction with Clevedon Green)

Enquiries about this service should be made by contacting: TEL: 01905 822722 or emailing mobilelibraries@.gov.uk

Page 10 of 32

JAMES GLOVER Garden Maintenance Hedge Clipping / Pruning Weeding Planting & Removing Shrubs Preparing Vegetable Plots

Lawn Mowing FULLY INSURED Telephone: 01386 830409

Page 11 of 32

A walk offering some outstanding views of 3 counties

Start in the nearby village of Mickleton. Parking next to The Church, opposite The Village Stores or by agreement with two of the local pubs.

Pass the Church on your left, take the footpath on your right. Follow the worn path across the open field (there may be sheep grazing), head for the top right hand corner of the field. Go through the kissing gate and follow the tree lined path. Depending on the weather this can be muddy under foot. You then reach another open field which is used to graze sheep. Follow the path up a gentle winding incline, make your way again into the top right hand corner of the sloping field. At this point turn around and admire the views of Mickleton.

Carefully cross over the road and follow the way marker up a short slope to a field. Keeping the tree line on your right walk around the edge of the field. Join the well walked path through the small wooded area, in the Spring Time this is covered with a carpet of Bluebells. Be careful as on your right there is sharp steep drop. After leaving the woods pass through a field keeping the hedge on your left. You then reach a lane, (at this point if you turn right it will take you to Chipping Campden), turn left and immediately right, following the hedge line, ensure it is on your right. In the bottom corner you go over a wooden bridge, then follow the hedge line around the field (in Spring time you will hear and see the Cuckoo).

When you reach the way marker, turn left through the 5-bar gate and walk straight up, passing the orchard of Holly trees. When you reach the road, go across and pass through the pretty hamlet of Hidcote Bartrim. You will then reach a bend in the road, go straight on. You can

Page 12 of 32 stop here, on your left there is a water trough which contains fresh water and goldfish (yes). You then pass through a gate. At this point you can shorten your walk and turn left, across two fields to Hidcote Boyce and Gardens where there is a cafe and toilets.

Proceed, up the path, through two gates, were you come to an open field. Follow the path keeping the hedge line on your right. You will then reach an old grass quarry with a barn in it. The views here are magnificent and worth stopping, here you can see across to the Vale of Evesham. Follow the path around the quarry, keeping the wall on your left. Through the gate and walk up to the road. At this point turn left and along the class D road. On your right, you may catch the sight of grazing Deer. When you reach the TV mast turn left. At this point you are at the highest point in Warwickshire (Upper Lark Stoke). Follow the well-worn path, all downhill until you reach Hidcote Gardens car park. You can use the cafe and toilets here if you wish. Follow the drive way down to the road, here you will reach Kiftsgate Gardens. Go through the blur gate and follow the path downhill, across a grazing meadow. It is worth taking a sneaky look at the Gardens over to your right.

Continue to follow the worn path, follow the path keeping the hedge line on your left, you will eventually reach a metal kissing gate, pass through here and you will reach the Church.

The walk is about six and a half miles. If you take your dog carry water with you, although there are places to give them water.

Hidcote Gardens are beautiful this time of the year, if you are a National Trust member, have a walk around the gardens. You can also park your car here free of charge and base your walk from here.

Good luck. Paul and the dogs.

Page 13 of 32

NORTH AND MIDDLE LITTLETON PARISH COUNCIL September Meeting

Open Forum: Footpaths, condition of roads. New Homes Bonus: The parish council have been successful in obtaining the financial assistance requested to purchase an outside table tennis table.

Dog Bin: A new dog waste bin is now in place on Cleeve Road.

Overgrown hedges: There are still some overgrown hedges that require cutting back. Could landowners please deal with hedges in their ownership.

Bus Shelter: (North Littleton) Costings for repair work is being obtained. Play Area: Annual safety inspection has been carried out. Report awaited. Purchase of Telephone Kiosk (North Littleton) This is now in the ownership of the parish council. New Seats: Two new seats are to be purchased to replace one opposite the church and one on The Green, North Littleton. HGV advisory route: Concern was expressed regarding information signs that have been placed in the village. Also the maps on the Worcester County Council website. Councillor Haywood to liaise with Worcestershire County Council regarding this issue. Elections 2019: May 2019 local council elections will take place. Parish Councils are requested to encourage parishioners to stand as

Page 14 of 32 candidates. Anyone interested in becoming a councillor please contact the clerk or chairman of the parish council (Colin Emms 01386 832084) for more information. Parish website: Should any parishioners have any items they wish to be placed on the website would they please submit to [email protected] Street lights: If you notice a light not working please report to the clerk stating location and number on lamp.

Clerk: Marion Brighton, Telephone: 01905 909125

Next meeting scheduled for Wednesday 17 October, 2018 at 7 pm in the village hall.

NOTICE BOARD

CREAM TEAS AT “THE HAVEN”

After 29 years of holding this event, we have agreed to “call it a day”. During this time we raised a considerable amount of money for “Action for Children”, the charity which provides security and homes for vulnerable children. I wanted to thank those of you from the villages who came along to add your support on these afternoons. It was always lovely to see you all. Thank you all so much. Yours thankfully, Lorna Howarth.

Page 15 of 32

Benefice of East Vale and Avon Villages

The parishes of North & Middle Littleton and South Littleton are both members of the United Benefice of East Vale and Avon Villages. The priest in charge is Revd Fr Philip Morton (01386 832599) email: [email protected] For weddings, baptisms and funerals contact Wendy Stafford Parish Administrator 01386 424728 or [email protected]

For any other matters relating to St Nicholas Church, please contact Roy Powell (01386 832058) or Peter Brown (01386 831529) Hon Treasurer.

For general enquires relating to St Michaels Church, please contact the Churchwardens Robert Johnson 01386 831504 or Sue Jinks 01386 831553.

Church services are as follows:

Date Service Time Location St Michael's, 07-Oct Family Service 9:30 AM South Harvest Festival, St Nicholas, 07-Oct Holy Eucharist 4:30 PM N&M St Michael's, 14-Oct Morning Praise 9:30 AM South St Nicholas, 14-Oct Evensong 4:30 PM N&M St Michael's, 21-Oct Eucharist 9:30 AM South St Nicholas, 21-Oct Holy Eucharist 4:30 PM N&M St Michael's, 28-Oct Morning Praise 9:30 AM South

Page 16 of 32

Date Service Time Location St Nicholas, 28-Oct Evensong 4:30 PM N&M St Michael's, 04-Nov Family Service 9:30 AM South All Saints Day, St Nicholas, 04-Nov Holy Eucharist 4:30 PM N&M St Michael's, 11-Nov Remembrance 9:30 AM South St Nicholas, 11-Nov Remembrance 10:50 AM N&M

Family Services are short non-Eucharist service especially for families with coffee and drinks.

Other information from St Michaels Church at South AFTERNOON TEA, Cakes and Chat in Church, Saturday 27th October, 2:30 to 4:30. All welcome.

News! World War 1 Remembered – “Silhouettes in the Vale” In conjunction with South Littleton Parish Council, and the Armistice & Armed Forces Communities Programme we are holding a special service this year at 9:30 am on Sunday 11 November. Please come and share any stories of family and friends involved from South Littleton. If

Page 17 of 32 you would like to contribute stories etc please contact us in advance - Rob Johnson [email protected] or 01386 831504.

Your Church is now open for visitors on Wednesdays and Sundays from around 10:30 am to 4 pm during school term. Look out for the “Church Open” sign, and please call in.

Churchyard tidy up Have fun and help tidy up the Churchyard ready for winter? Saturday 27th October from 9:30 till 12 noon. Refreshments provided. Please come equipped for gardening with your own tools. A warm welcome awaits you!

100 Club Winners August - Number 52 J Rimell

For information on St Michael’s please visit our website: www.southlittletonchurch.co.uk

Other information from St Nicholas Church at North & Middle SILVER BAND CONCERT held on 20-SEPT-18 in aid of St Nicholas Church Thank you to everyone who supported the above event, full report and total raised next month! Jean Bayliss

Page 18 of 32

From the Parish Registers September 2018 Weddings

18-AUG Andrew Mark Halliday & Anna Marisha Pokorski 25-AUG S Littleton Matthew John Hible & Sophie Joy Richards

Baptisms

12-AUG Offenham Henry Logan Hughes 12-AUG Reegan Benjamin Townsend 15-AUG Bretforton Sofia Rose Green 02-SEP Bretforton Harper Shirley Lee-Ann James-Carter 02-SEP Badsey Sian Pamela Margaret Robertson

Funerals

14-AUG N&M Jessie Webb 85 Littleton 21-AUG N&M Gordon Brian Burgoyne 85 Littleton 30-AUG Redditch Florence Julia Margetts 95 Crem (known as Julia) 31-AUG Worcester Elizabeth Patterson 86 Crem

Page 19 of 32

Science and the Church

Sitting down to write this, the school term has just begun, and I am conscious of all the children who are starting school, meeting new people and making new friends. I've also heard recently from other friends who have just started new jobs or are about to start a new university year with a new mix of students. All of this reminds me of something that often comes up in conversation when I meet new people - how I see the relationship between science and religion.

I went to university to study Natural Sciences and expected to be a research chemist for life, discovering and developing new medicines. The idea that some years later I would have been back to university to study theology and then be ordained would have seemed ridiculous. I didn't attend church at that point and had passively accepted the view that you had to make a choice - science OR religion. I’d never questioned the message I'd received that you can't have both - that they aren't compatible. It was only when I started going to church that I began to think about how true that is. (Or, to be honest, I didn't think about it that much because I never really found anything in my new-found faith that conflicted with my scientific understanding of the world.)

The Big Bang theory. Evolution. I believe in them both. I also believe that God created the universe, and that miracles can happen.

There is a long tradition of religious scientists (perhaps not surprisingly, given theology’s history as ‘the queen of sciences’). For example, the so called ‘father of genetics’, Gregor Mendel, was a monk; George Lemaitre, the first to suggest the idea of the Big Bang, was a professor of physics and a priest. Science and religion can sit side by side quite happily. Some view this as the two asking very different questions about the world, and so they can't possibly come into conflict. Others see them as being overlapping but complementary. Either way, having both Page 20 of 32 together, I think, provides a richer description of the world than either one alone can.

I wonder how many of us haven't really considered, just like I hadn't, how science and religion can complement each other. As Francis Collins, former director of the Human Genome Project, once said, ‘One of the greatest tragedies of our time is this impression that has been created that science and religion have to be at war.’

Rev’d Timothy Hupfield (Assistant curate)

*****************************

RECIPE CORNER

Jill’s Shrewsbury Biscuits 4 oz butter (makes them taste nicer and they keep longer); 4 oz sugar (granulated or caster, whatever is available); 8 oz Plain flour; 1 egg (doesn’t matter what size); 2 oz each of sultanas & mixed peel (or 4 oz of whatever dried fruit you’ve got available) Put sugar, flour and butter in food processor and whizz until very fine. Add egg and whizz again until just starting to come together. Add dried fruit, then whizz again until mix comes together. Roll out, using cutter make approximately 12 (depending how thick you like your biscuits). Cook in oven (Gas Mark 4) for 15-20 minutes until very softly light brown – if you cook them too long they go too crispy and aren’t quite as good. Ideal stand-by recipe if unexpected guests arrive!

Page 21 of 32

RWH Accountancy Limited Personal Tax Returns … … … … from £95 Sole Trade Accounts .... … … … from £295 Company Accounts .. … … … … from £495 Other services: VAT Returns, Book-keeping, Payroll Contact Richard: 07823 889711 [email protected]

John Betts Property maintenance Over 25 years’ experience

Extensions & Alterations / Brick Work / Stone Work Patios / Repointing / Painting No job too small / All your property needs

For a free quote phone John on 01386 761379 or 07415 144926

Page 22 of 32

LITTLETON FOOTBALL CLUB OCTOBER FIXTURES Oct 3 (Wed) (Cup) Studley Home 7:45 pm Oct 6 Atherstone Away 3 pm Oct 13 No Fixture Oct 20 Uttoxeter Home 3 pm Oct 27 NKF Burbage Home 3 pm

Nov 3 RC Warwick Away 3 pm Nov 7 (Wed) (Cup) Fairfield Villa Home 7:45 pm

All home games are played at Five Acres, Road, North Littleton. Hot and cold drinks available. Please come and Support your local team Volunteers are always welcome to join existing ones who continue to carry out the everyday tasks involved with running the club. Help is always appreciated especially on match days. Should you wish to support the club you can sponsor a game for £50 or a match ball £25. Please contact the secretary. We would be pleased to see you at Five Acres to give your support to our local players and management. Looking forward to seeing you at Five Acres

Marion Brighton Secretary Telephone: 01905 909125

Page 23 of 32

LITTLETON FOOTBALL CLUB

A date for your diary LITTLETON FOOTBALL CLUB PRIZE BINGO LITTLETON VILLAGE HALL

SATURDAY 15 DECEMBER 2018

EYES DOWN 8 pm

Page 24 of 32

TH FRIDAY 16

NOVEMBER From 7:30pm

JAZZ LUNCH SUNDAY 7TH OCTOBER £22.00 per person

3 course lunch with entertainment from

“The Cocktail Hour”

Monday 29th October 6:00pm – 10:30pm £12 ADULTS DJ and buffet £6 CHILDREN COMPETITION for best dressed!! SALFORD HALL HOTEL

Abbots Salford, Evesham, WR11 8UT Page 25 of 32 01386 871 300 [email protected] LOOK OUT FOR HEDGEHOGS

It’s coming to the time of year when the nights are starting to draw in, gardens get tidied up for the winter and bonfires take place. Please, before you start gathering up your bonfire materials can you spare a thought for the humble hedgehog? The gardener’s friend will have been busy during the year, eating slugs, beetles, caterpillars, etc and with the weather starting to change will be on the lookout for a cosy place to spend the winter. They may have decided that pile of old leaves left in the corner of your garden is just the place for a nap. So before setting it alight could you move it to another spot for a while to allow the hog to move on. Hedgehogs normally hibernate between November and March. In order to hibernate successfully they need to be a good weight. You can help them by providing a nightly dish of food and a bowl of water, especially during dry weather. Hogs are lactose intolerant, so don’t put out milk or bread. A tasty dish of meat based pet food, ready prepared hedgehog food or mealworms are very welcome.

For more information about them and how you can help hedgehogs head over to these websites: https://www.britishhedgehogs.org.uk/ or http://www.valewildlife.org.uk/

Page 26 of 32

S.W ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE

LOCAL, FRIENDLY AND RELIABLE ELECTRICIAN

ALL TYPES OF DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL WORKS CARRIED OUT

TESTING AND INSPECTION

FULL AND PARTIAL REWIRES

FUSE BOARD UPDATES

ADDITIONAL LIGHTING AND SOCKETS

SECURITY LIGHTING

GARAGE AND SHED SUPPLY

PAT TESTING

PART P REGISTERED NAPIT APPROVED

CALL STEVE ON: 01386 833380 or MOBILE 07923 672572 [email protected] Page 27 of 32

BIRD WATCHING – HOUSE MARTINS

Under the eaves of our house the House Martins are still chirping in their nests. Now that the autumnal equinox has taken place any time now they’ll be leaving us for their long migration back to Africa. It’s been great to see them again this year. In early April we started seeing them in local skies, but our ‘lodgers’ didn’t come back home until 21 April. At that time we only had 3 nests left over from last year and 1 broken one, but within a few days of their return the broken nest was repaired and occupied. The breeding season runs from May to August when insects are abundant. Occasionally we’ll see a broken shell in the garden, twice sometimes three times during the season. The speeds with which they return to the nest are amazing. When sitting outside eating our dinner of an evening they swoop in seemingly narrowly missing us. And when the time comes to leave us, there they are lining up on the overhead wires as if to say goodbye.

HAVE YOU GOT A FAVOURITE BIRD? OR A FAVOURITE SUBJECT? PERHAPS YOU’RE INTO BUTTERFLIES OR STEAM ENGINES? WOULD YOU CONSIDER WRITING A SHORT ARTICLE FOR THE LINK? PLEASE SEND YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS IN TO THE EDITOR

Page 28 of 32

JCS Motors Cleeve Prior Garage Hoden Lane, Cleeve Prior, WR11 8LH

We offer a full range of garage services at competitive prices.

A regular car service ensures that your car is safe and is running at optimum performance. We provide different levels of servicing from a general check-over to a major service.

Brakes * Clutches * Diagnostics * Exhausts * Timing Belts * MOT Preparation * MOT Repairs * Servicing * Suspension We also offer a free collection and return service if required.

Over 35 years’ experience!

Contact John Stanley: 01789 773795 or 07977 333719 Email: [email protected] Free bus service to Tesco (run by Henshaw’s Coaches) Route runs: Offenham, The Littletons, , Bretforton & Badsey Every Thursday, picking up at: 09:48 The Ivy, North Littleton 09:50 Village Hall, Middle Littleton 09:52 Shinehill Lane, South Littleton ETA at Tesco 10:30; departs Tesco 11:45

Page 29 of 32

Policy Statement for advertisements and articles

As a local brand we want to promote local businesses, local news stories and information from relevant elements of the community, including a monthly update from our parish councils. The Link currently goes to over 930 residential properties throughout the Littletons.

 Content of articles and advertisements are the responsibility of their authors not the Editor or Parish councils, so care should be taken to see that all information is legal and correct before posting to the editor.  Please note text and images should be appropriate for young readers. If content is judged to be inappropriate it will be refused.  Advertisements are welcomed but due to limited space, your ad may not be placed immediately you will be informed if this is the case.  Current rates for advertising are: Number of editions ½ page Full page 1 £10 £20 5 £25 £50 10 £40 £80  All payments are to be made to South Littleton Parish Council.  The Link is produced on a volunteer basis and all funds raised from advertising or donations go directly into producing the Link.  Cut off dates are printed on the back of every Link and are strictly adhered to, to prevent delays in printing and delivery.

Page 30 of 32

Editor information: Entries and enquiries for the next Link should be sent to: -

Mary Keeling Email: [email protected]

Entries to be in by 12 Midnight on Friday 19 October 2018

 All entries should be spell checked beforehand, I do not accept responsibility for any incorrect information or spelling errors.  When emailing information please use word A5 format (not PDF) or paste information directly into the email.  Please mark all emails with the word LINK in the subject line.  The editor reserves the right to amend contents of articles for length.

For information regarding advertising please contact the editor for details.

Don’t forget to put your clocks back 1 hour on Sunday 28 October

Page 31 of 32