Author: FVCA

The Community Garage Sale on Saturday 19th September has been CANCELLED

Mark Jackson OBE, Worcestershire’s High Sheriff, thanking our emergency services on 999 Day (9th September 2020)

Here are eight reasons why you should support Fairfield Cafe, Post Office, Salon & Belbroughton Deli:

1. Help local retailers and support the local economy

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.

2. Save jobs – and create even more

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.

3. Great deals

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.

4. A safe way to shop

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.

5. Preserving the heart of the community

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.

6. Spoilt for choice

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.

7. A better shopping experience

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.

8. Help the environment

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.

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 8^th 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.