A private funeral for Jack Eades will take place at St. Mark’s on Friday 21st August, 11.30am
To comply with government guidelines only the family can enter Church Grounds during the service.
General Public are asked to remain on the footpath away from the gate, Socially Distanced.
The Village Hall car park will be open for people attending the service.
Here are eight reasons why you should support Fairfield Cafe, Post Office, Salon & Belbroughton Deli:
Shopping at local businesses pumps money into the local economy, and by spending money in their local shop, restaurant, café or pub, shoppers can do their bit to aid our national recovery across the country.
Supporting our high streets creates jobs in local communities, supporting often young and disadvantaged people to find employment. Helping to grow the number of jobs in our local areas makes for a better place to live and work, which then creates a healthy economy for the community.
People might be surprised to see just how competitive the prices are in your local shops. Independent retailers often reward regular customers, while others often provide great deals that can’t be found in major outlets – meaning people save money as they spend. Consumers can also save money eating out – the Eat Out to Help Out discount scheme is being provided by the government, saving diners up to £10 per head on eat-in meals on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays in one of the 73,000 participating businesses.
Businesses across the country have been following government guidance and implementing a range of measures to ensure people are safe while they shop, such as customer limits inside the store, plastic partitions at tills and hand sanitizing stations.
A thriving high street is key to boosting the potential of a village or town where people can socialise as well as shop. Local businesses also generate revenue to support council services such as libraries, parks and roads that benefit communities across the UK.
Small and local businesses often stock items which are made locally and aren’t available elsewhere else, providing a great range of choice and unique products that bring much-needed originality and variety into communities – including rare finds and items that aren’t mass produced.
Small businesses are often run by people who live nearby. As the UK continues to recover from the pandemic, the experience of buying locally from a friendly face offers a dose of normality that many people may have missed.
Local shops often source their goods locally, helping to reduce their carbon footprint. When shopping local, people are also more likely to walk or cycle to get there – doing their bit to reduce air pollution, reduce traffic and improve the quality of the nation’s high streets.
Action Fraud have seen a significant increase in romance fraud during 2020 compared with 2019. A romance fraud is when a criminal creates a fake profile on an online dating or social media platform and targets individuals in an attempt to gain their trust. This eventually leads to requests of money for medical bills, investments, legal fees, travel, or other reasons. The Coronavirus outbreak in the UK has led to more and more people trying to find love online. This is a great way of finding people to share experiences with, so we are spreading awareness of the potential dangers to keep an eye out for. If you are new to this type of social interaction, there are some standard checks and red flags that you should be aware with.
Please share these with your family, friends and neighbours:
If you think that you have been contacted by someone like this, please report it directly to the website that you are using. If you think that you have been scammed by this type of fraud, report it straight to your bank and Action Fraud. These crimes not only cause financial loss but can have a devastating effect on the individual. The internet is a great tool during these strange times but please remain vigilant, if you see anything suspicious please talk to a someone you trust for help.
Fairfield Flicks will restart in September, with some great films in the Autumn schedule.
For the time being there will be some changes:
• There will be no refreshments or popcorn on sale.
• Chairs will be spaced 2 metres apart.
• Face coverings are to be worn by everyone in the Hall – it will be a legal requirement for face coverings to be worn in Community Centres, Cinemas and other buildings from 8th August.
• People wishing to see the films we are screening are encouraged to pre-book to avoid disappointment. Door sales will be possible for any unsold tickets. To reduce cash handling, payment by card will be accepted.
• The price of afternoon tickets will rises to £4.00 per person. Evening screening will remain at £5.00 per person.
For details of the films that will be screened this autumn, plus full revised Booking & Visitor information CLICK HERE
Do you know someone who is vulnerable and struggling at home with fire safety?
Why not see if they can book a free home Safe and Well Check with Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service. Please go to their website for more details and information about social distancing: CLICK HERE
Full Fibre – Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) – is on its ways to properties that are connected to the Mount Road junction.
Over the past few months, contractors on behalf of BT Openreach have been unblocking and preparing underground pipes. Firm dates are unknown, we understand that BT Openreach will be laying the fibre this Autumn. Initially the fibre will be laid from the Mount Road junction, through the underground pipes to telegraph poles near peoples’ properties. Eventually, the fibre will continue to properties, so there will be no need for the currently copper wiring. At this stage we do not know what the arrangements will be to get fibre between the telegraph pole and property.
It is hoped that the annual act of remembrance will take place on Sunday 8th November.
The current plan is to hold a short service outside the Village Hall, starting at 10.45am, with family groups maintaining social distancing.
This year’s event will be coordinated by the Community Association, liaising with St. Mark’s church. We will be following Government guidance that is applicable at the time of the service.
To comply with current guidance; as we are highly likely to have more than 30 people attending this act of remembrance, we are unable to hold an indoors service and provide refreshments after the service, please wear suitable clothing. The Village Hall will be open for the purpose of using the toilets (follow displayed instructions).
Of course, if further lockdown restrictions are imposed, the service may have to be cancelled. Updates will be provided via the FVCA e-Circular, website, Facebook and Twitter.
The monthly Lunch Group will not meet (in view of the present Covid restrictions) for the rest of this year but we will look at the situation again in January 2021. We are hoping that the situation will have improved by then (who knows!!).
As lockdown eases, Neighbourhood Watch & the Home Office are expecting a rise in burglaries across the country.
Life’s safer when you know your neighbours. With more people looking out for unusual behaviour on your street, burglaries can be prevented. If you see suspicious activity REPORT IT, online via https://www.westmercia.police.uk or telephone 101. If safe to do so, share your observations with us admin@fvca.org.uk so that we can make others aware. Get practical tips to burglar-proof your home at https://www.ourwatch.org.uk/crimeprevention/crime-prevention-toolkits/burglaries
Bromsgrove District Council and the Community Association have received several complaints regarding residents dumping garden waste in the hedge along Wood Lane.
Bromsgrove District Council placed “No Tipping” signage along Swan Lane in late July, two days later more grass & hedge cuttings had dumped in the hedge.
Residents are reminded that dumping garden waste is fly tipping and, apart from being illegal, can be harmful to wildlife and, if blown into neighbouring fields, livestock.
Please use a home composter or the Brown Wheelie Bin service from Bromsgrove District Council.