Following our update last month we have continued to chase the expected emails from the Department of Culture, Media and Sport so that we can all formally sign up to the FIBRE TO THE PROPERTY (FTTP) scheme. As we have previously mentioned, the volume of applications for the scheme has slowed everything up but we have been advised that we should all receive these emails by the end of next month at the latest. 

We are also aware that AirBand have been forwarding leaflets to many of us in the village. Despite their leaflet stating that they “are working closely with the communities” including ours this is NOT the case. We have our own separate scheme through Openreach so please ignore their mailing.  

Thank you for your continued patience. If you know of any new residents to the village or those wishing to still be involved , please advise them to send their request to join to broadband@charlton-worcestershire.org.uk

Charlton Broadband Team

Sue, Richard, Roger and Ted

 Following a further review, the ecologist employed by Network Rail has agreed that the remaining work on the railway bridge can go ahead. The ecologist will continue to monitor the position to ensure there is no risk of damage or destruction of nesting birds in line with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. 

During week commencing 5^th July scaffolding will start to be erected. This is later than the date of 21st June mentioned in the recent letter from Network Rail, delivered to all homes in the Village, due to the need for representatives of the Avon Navigation Trust to be present while the work is carried out in order to manage any river traffic. The work will take place from both sides of the bridge over the river and is expected to take 2 weeks. As far as Charlton is concerned, lorries will use the Whitehouse Farm entrance to deliver materials. The precise access route on the Fladbury side is to be clarified and a map supplied by Network Rail. It will probably be via an access track but the playing field  car park will be used for vehicles and pedestrians subsequently accessing the site across the field on foot. 

The next stage will comprise shot blasting and repainting of the river spans. The shot blasting will be noisy and is expected to take approximately 3 weeks. The noisy work will be limited to daytime and during the working week. 

Finally, another 2 weeks will then be allowed for dismantling and removal of the scaffolding.

The footpath running alongside the river will continue to be closed for the duration of these works.

(with apologies for late posting)

LUNCHES DELIVERED

Tomorrow Friday 11 June – Homemade steak and ale pie served with fresh vegetables and potatoes – £9

Sunday 13 June – Roast Turkey breast served with cranberry sauce OR Roast loin of Pork served with apple sauce, both served with fresh vegetables and potatoes – £9 per meal + Sunday desserts – Homemade Bakewell tart OR chocolate and orange torte OR  biscoff cheesecake, all served with cream – £4 each

FATHERS DAY – Sunday 20 June – LUNCH AND AFTERNOON TEA BOOKINGS NOW BEING TAKEN

TO ORDER any of the above, please contact Carol-Anne and Nigel on 07866 670472

CHURCH NEWS

Sunday 13 June –  9.30am at St James’ Church, Bishampton – Service of Holy Communion 

                                   11.00am at St John the Baptist’ Church, Fladbury – A Morning Service 

Sunday 20 June –  9.30am at St James’Church, Bishampton – A Morning Service 

                                11.00am at St John the Baptist’ Church, Fladbury – Service of Holy Communion 

A Service of Thanksgiving for Pru Jeffrey will take place at St John the Baptist’ Church, Fladbury on Monday 14^th June at 12.30pm. Pru will be received into church with prayer at 12 noon. The service is required by Covid guidance to be private. 

Wedding of Carly-Mae Turpitt and Scott Boulton at St John the Baptist’ Church, Fladbury on Thursday 17^th June at 2.00pm.

Sarah, Parish Wardens, and Wardens

FLADBURY VILLAGE HALL…..

is now open. Bookings can be made in line with the government guidelines – please contact Andy and Jane Davies on 01386 861158 or email fladburyvh@outlook.com

FLADBURY PARISH COUNCIL

Ultrafast Fibre Broadband

To register, visit the village website www.fladburyvillage.co.uk/ultrafast/register.html . It will cost you NOTHING but we need to demonstrate that we have a majority of the local residents and businesses behind the scheme to move to the next stage. Neighbouring villages are already well down this road, let’s not get left behind!

Ian Southcott – Chair, tel: 861061, email: iandjsouthcott@aol.com

FLADBURY CRICKET CLUB

Last Saturday’s League match at Welford saw Fladbury battling bravely, with several first team players missing, to secure 4 bonus points. Dave Prudden top scored with 38 and young Josh Purfield impressed again with 2 wickets in only his second league game.

Sunday’s game at Corse Lawn was a much closer run contest with Fladbury losing narrowly by 15 runs, despite an excellent 71 from James Turner who continues in fine form with the bat. Earlier John Behan, making his Fladbury debut, stood out with bowling figures of 1 for 8.

This coming weekend there is a 40 over Cotswold Hills League match taking place at Fladbury on Saturday 12th beginning at 1.30 while the Sunday fixture involves a visit to Christchurch CC.

Anyone interested in playing will be made welcome and can contact the number below or introduce themselves at the ground on a match day.

Pete Sudlow, tel 860335

Information Provided Centre Using V-Base Page 2

FLADBURY TENNIS CLUB

After the restrictions in play allowed over the last year due to the Covid pandemic, it is great for players to be enjoying the good weather and playing tennis again. Normal club sessions have resumed and match play has also begun. The Men’s team played their first match of the season away against Barnet Green. Unfortunately they lost by 5-1 rubbers, however the match was both friendly and enjoyable and finished with some thirst quenching post -match beers. The Ladies first match of the season was against Stourport away and Captain Annie Ingram led her team to a 4-2 victory, in what again was a friendly and enjoyable match. The Men have introduced 2 ladder leagues involving 8 players in each league, so players will play a total of 7 matches in their respective league. We also have a thriving Ladies group playing on a Monday morning, a mixed group on Monday evenings, Men’s tennis on Wednesday evenings and Ladies’ tennis on Thursday evenings, so plenty of tennis is being played at the club.

With the ‘French Open’ underway in Paris, it may be that if you haven’t picked up a racket for some time and you may feel inspired to play again! We would gladly welcome anyone who would like to give it a go! We are a small friendly village club and anyone new to the village may find it a good way to meet new friends. One of our groups are all going out to lunch together this week! 

Please contact me if you would like to come and give us a try, we would love to meet you. 

Michele Protherough  – 01386 860123   mobile: 07974387670 email: mprotherough@gmail.com           

LOST WALLET

If you find a wallet belonging to “Hawkins”, following a walk near the allotments, orchard, nature reserve, railway line, Coach Drive, please let me know – Jane on 860531

GARDENING

Do you need a part-time gardener? Or are you a part-time gardener with hours to spare? Or do you know of anyone who needs some part-time gardening work? People are asking! Please let me know and I will put you in touch – email me, Jane, or ring 8960531.

JAMS AND CHUTNEYS 

I have jars of jams and chutneys to give away – some well after the best before date but fine – I just don’t eat that much jam and chutney! Again, please email me, Jane, or ring 860531.

FLADBURY (RE)CONNECTS 

SATURDAY, JULY 3rd, SUNDAY July 4th

An event for Fladbury to celebrate as we emerge from lockdown!

Saturday – Live music, food, open gardens, table top sales 

Sunday at 11.00am on the Green – an Event with our school and for everyone, led by Revd Sarah to Reflect, say Thank You, and Hope for the Future, on the national day of Thank You.

Let us know if you would like to…..

v  have a table-top to sell your own bric-a-brac, either at your home or on the Green – please contact Christine Farrell 861689 or email farrell.christine@rocketmail.com

v  display what you have done during lockdown – please contact Sue Hildesley 861237 or email sue.hildez93@icloud.com

v  open your garden on the Saturday –  please contact Jan Southcott 861061 or email iandjsouthcott@aol.com

Look out for more information soon!!

FLADBURY KNIT & NATTER

Everyone welcome to Fladbury Knit & Natter on Tuesday 22 June at 7pm at the Chequers Inn, Fladbury. Just bring yourself, your knitting/crochet and your conversation. For more information, please contact Amy McGann on 07850 075459 – and there will be conversation about…..

               The Fladbury Flow

               Celebrating 100 years

                                  Raising funds for the

                           Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 1921 – 2021

The Mission……

To create 10 knitted or crochet poppies for every name listed for the 1^st WW and 2^nd WW in honour of the 100^th anniversary of the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal 1921 – 2021 

These Poppies will be displayed as a River in the centre of Fladbury, draped from the War Memorial within the churchyard, across the grass and all along the front wall. The Poppies will be on display from 6^th November to 21^st November 2021. The target is to create approximately 2,340 Knitted and Crochet Poppies and to raise £1 for every Poppy created

For £1 for a pack containing a knitting and crochet pattern – enough yarn to complete Three Poppies.

We are planning a few dates where you can learn to knit or crochet. FREE OF CHARGE.

Not able to contribute crafting skills? We still need volunteers to help make this happen

If you would like to take part or contribute, please email me, Angela (Please put ‘The Fladbury Flow’ in the subject box)

            angelafowler555@gmail.com           or      message me on Facebook Messenger

100 Years of supporting the Armed Forces Community

(or, if you don’t do email or facebook, please ring Jane on 860531)

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!

ANOTHER WORD PUZZLE….

 sent in by John Prichard – see how many words you can create from  R – EUILDHRY

 Rules – the first letter has to be used in each word, minimum of 3 letters per word, each letter can only be used only once in a word, no plurals allowed. 

Target (in 3 minutes) – Fair 12, Good 19, Very Good 26, Excellent 34 

SOME DATES TO NOTE…..

Saturday 12 June – Home Cricket Match 1.30pm

Sunday 20 June – Father’s Day

Tuesday 22 June – Fladbury Knit & Natter

Saturday 3 July – Fladbury (Re) Connects and enrolment for Fladbury Flow

Sunday 4 July – National “Thank you” day and Fladbury (Re)Connects

Every Sunday – see Church news

Community Transport drivers urgently required    

Are you a car owner? Do you have a few hours to spare – flexible times/days? 

We are looking for additional volunteer drivers for our community transport scheme which provides a service for local people who cannot travel to hospital, medical or other appointments. Expenses are paid.

Interested then drop in for a chat, we are near to the market in Pershore, phone us on 01386 554299 or email – volunteering@pershorevolunteers.org.uk

Contact Information:

Pershore and District Volunteer Centre, 1 Billing House, Pershore WR10 1EY.

Email: volunteering@pershorevolunteers.org.uk, phone: 01386 554299, 

Website : pershorevolunteers.org.uk

Like us on Facebook – Pershore Volunteer Centre – find us on Twitter – Pershore VC
Support us through easyfundraising.org.uk when you shop online.

KIT….

is read by some people who don’t do facebook  so, if facebook folk want a wider readership, please let me know. And if anyone is willing to print off KIT for folk who don’t do facebook or don’t do emails, please let me know and I will send you a more friendly printable copy so that they can keep in touch!

Love Jane X

tel: 860531, email: pjbugg@btinternet.com

at 6 Woodward Parks

On going…..

PLANTS FOR A DONATION….

I have climbing beans, sprout plants, mini cucumbers for a donation, please, for kidney transplant research – thinking of a  member of the family who has had his new kidney since 1990.  

Brenda Marsh, tel:  860341.

HOLLAND HOUSE, CROPTHORNE

·         Quiet Garden Days at Holland House in Cropthorne, on Thursdays 17 June, 14 July, 19 August and 16 September, 10am-4pm 

·         “Reflecting on Lockdown” – an opportunity to share, reflect and learn with Marianne Rankin, an experienced retreat leader, onFriday 18 June from 10am to 4pm. Cost £30 including lunch and refreshments

For more information and to book, please see www.hollandhouse.org or call 01386 860330 

CAFE and PUBS

·         Cafe Craycombe is open for meals inside and out from Tuesday to Saturday. Covid restrictions are maintained and booking is advisable – telephone 01386 860732. For other enquiries, please email cafecraycombe@aol.com

·         The Anchor is open every day from 11.30am for drinking inside and outside – tel: 860391

·         The Chequers is now open for drinking and eating inside and outside, table service – food Monday-Saturday 12noon-8pm, Sunday 12noon-5pm  – tel: 861854

·         The Bell at Cropthorne is open on Weekdays, except on Tuesdays, 12-3, dinner from 5pm. Open all day at weekends and bank holidays and roasts on Sundays. Children welcome. Book your lunch and early supper – telephone 01386 861860 or email cropthornebell@yahoo.com

ROWLINGS GARDEN CENTRE in Cropthorne, tel: 860793, open Tuesday – Saturday, 10.30am-3pm – from Fladbury, go through Cropthorne, turn left to Evesham and it is very soon on the left

OXTON ORGANICS At the side of the rough track, beyond the bottom of Broadway Lane, the Cauli Trolley is stocked up with more beautiful produce. 

FLADBURY FOOTBALL CLUB – If anyone wants to know more about the Club or is interested in joining, please ring Peter and Mary on 861494

WHEELCHAIR OFFER – a good wheelchair is available for a voluntary donation to charity. If interested, please contact Margaret Carter on 860247

OAKLANDS FRUIT FARM (tel: 861503) is open for strawberries Monday to Saturday 8am-4.30pm. For newcomers, go through Cropthorne and turn right at the main road for Pershore. Oaklands is WR10 3JT, on the righthandside, a way past Clives.

OCEAN BLUE on Church Street – now open Tuesday to Saturday, tel: 860110 or contact Katie on 07077181001 or www.oceanbluebeautytherapy.co.uk

 HOUSES STILL SOUGHT 

·         We are a young family of 4 who have lived in the village for the past 5 years (renting a property on Paynes Lane). Our children attend Fladbury first school and we are now in the position to buy our first home, which would be the dream to stay in the village. Any support in achieving our dream would be greatly received. Kindest regards, Gemma & Phil Ryder – phone 07973 843852

·         I am hoping to downsize – if anyone has a smaller 2-bedroomed property in Fladbury they are thinking of selling, please let me know Jane, tel: 860531 or email pjbugg@btinternet.com

TAKE A WALK through the Fladbury Community Orchard & Nature Reserve and see the blossom – but please avoid walking on the wildflower meadow or in the pond 

FLADBURY PLAYERS are seeking new members to join the committee. If you are interested in joining us please contact me, Helen Jones, Fladbury Players Secretary on 07891443428/01386 860352 or email helenjones1956@outlook.com.  

ROUNDABOUT – the charity for furniture donations – needs household items in good condition – staff will collect suitable items. For further information, go to www.roundaboutevesham.org.uk or email manager@roundaboutevesham.org.uk.

FACEMASKS – Vanessa has a huge variety of facemasks. To order, please email vanessatofield@hotmail.co.uk or ring Vanessa on 01386 860576.

PERSHORE FOODBANK is still in need of donations which can be left in Fladbury and Charlton Church porches. For further information, please contact Christine Farrell 861689 for Fladbury and Julian Hawley 860420 for Charlton.

SCRAP METAL – Will, the scrap metal man, collects metal, including old washing machines and dish washers, pans and microwaves, etc, etc  but not fridges, freezers or gas bottles. Requests for free pick-up – mobile 07935478231 

BOOKS – now that lockdown is easing, the telephone box library is open again, mainly for paperbacks. If you have any queries, please contact Parish Councillor Sandy Insall on 860909. 

At present, the bookstand in the church cannot be used – but watch this space

GREETING CARDS – If you get stuck for a greeting card, I have quite a variety of new cards with envelopes, and some recycled, for 50p each or less – Jane 860531.

Pictures of the extent of the work being carried out on the rail bridge over the River Avon during the recent Bank Holiday weekend, which has necessitated a large number of Heavy Goods and Light Vehicles passing through our villages. The crane has now been dismantled and removed from the site.

In Wychavon DC’s latest email for Businesses, you can read about the deadline for applications for the Additional Restrictions Grant, details of the Worcestershire and the Marches Green Supplier and Installer event, office space available in Pershore and other resources available to help businesses out of lockdown. You can read the full article here:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWYCHAVON/bulletins/2df3340

LUNCHES DELIVERED

Tomorrow Friday 21 May – Chicken fillet served in an asparagus sauce with vegetables and potatoes – £9

Sunday 23 May – Roast leg of Lamb and mint sauce OR Roast Turkey breast and cranberry sauce, both served with fresh vegetables and potatoes – £9 per meal + Sunday desserts – Homemade apple pie OR Forest fruit and vanilla cheesecake OR Chocolate and orange torte, all served with fresh cream – £4 each

Fathers’ Day Sunday 20 June – we are starting to take orders for our Afternoon Tea delivery service – £12 per person.

TO ORDER any of the above, please contact Carol-Anne and Nigel on 07866 670472

CAFE and PUBS

·         Cafe Craycombe – We are pleased to say that we are now open for indoor service. We are still required to maintain the restrictions as previously such as distancing, masks and log in, etc. We would again advise booking as fewer tables are in place, unless of course the weather is fine and outside can be used – telephone 01386 860732. For other enquiries, please email cafecraycombe@aol.com

·         The Anchor is open every day from 11.30am for drinking inside and outside – tel: 860391

·         The Chequers is now open for drinking and eating inside and outside, table service – food Monday-Saturday 12noon-8pm, Sunday 12noon-5pm  – tel: 861854

NEXT FISH & CHIPS

StarChip enterprise will be selling fish and chips outside the Anchor on Tuesday 1 June – 4.30pm to 7.30pm last orders. 

CHURCH NEWS

Sunday 23^rd May – Pentecost

11.00am – Service of Holy Communion at St John the Baptist’ Church, Fladbury

Sunday 30^th May – Trinity Sunday

9.30am – Service of Holy Communion at St James’ Bishampton 

11.00am – Morning Service at Fladbury

Fladbury Church is open daily. We hope you shall find comfort in your visit. 

Christian Aid – Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this year’s Christian Aid Week. On-line giving has raised £1,925 (includes Gift Aid) and there are still envelopes to count. Thank you to Jane Bugg who organised the whole fund-raising effort and to Sally Hutchinson for all her support. We’ll advise the total amount raised by the Five Alive parish, with Bishampton and Throckmorton, in next week’s KIT.

Sarah, Parish Wardens and Wardens

Although the highlighted Christian Aid Week has finished, the need is still there so, if you just didn’t get round to donating, please do so on-line https://envelope.christianaid.org.uk/envelope/sally-hutchinson?channel=status or contact us for giving envelopes. We are counting on Monday! 

Sally Hutchinson 861206, Christian Aid Week Five Alive Treasurer, email: sallyatbadgers@aol.com Jane Bugg 860531, Christian Aid Week Five Alive Administrator, email pjbugg@btinternet.com

As in previous years, I have RED geranium plants for sale – £2 each for Christian Aid.  

They are ready now so do please contact me if you would like to buy some – email or telephone 860531. 

FLADBURY PARISH COUNCIL

We met in person on May 17th for the first time in over 12 months in a Covid secure, sanitised, socially distanced, highly ventilated and rather cool environment – by 9.00 pm it certainly was! We are not allowed to meet using Zoom by government edict so we made the best of the situation. Having said that, it was good to meet together once more.

Annual Report -We hope you had a chance to see this publication that was delivered last weekend to most if not all homes in the village – any questions, please email me. It will be on the website as well.

Ultrafast Broadband -It is critical that you indicate your desire for Fladbury to get a faster, more reliable and future-proofed broadband service. Please sign up to show your support in principle – it will cost you nothing but we do need to know how many residents and businesses wish to be involved. Every household and business that signs up will get a voucher from the government to pay for the scheme so we do need ‘bums on seats!’ Go to 

     www.fladburyvillage.co.uk/ultrafast/register.html

to put your name down and to get more information. It is VITAL that you do this if we are to move this project forward.

Ian Southcott – Chair, tel: 861061, email: iandjsouthcott@aol.com

   (Clerk – Lynne Yapp, tel: 01386 552233,  email: clerkfladburypc@mail.com)

FLADBURY VILLAGE HALL…..

will reopen on Tuesday 1st June 2021. Bookings can be made in line with the government guidelines – please contact Andy and Jane Davies on 01386 861158 or email fladburyvh@outlook.com

FLADBURY CRICKET CLUB

Against all the odds the incessant rain finally relented, allowing a cricket match to take place last Sunday at Fladbury. Fladbury batted first and managed to post what turned out be a below par total of 173 for 6 from their 40 drizzly overs. The weather improved somewhat for the second innings with Poppyfields CC reaching their target of 174 for the loss of 4 wickets from 36.1 overs.

It’s hopefully business as usual this coming weekend with a league fixture on Saturday away to Henley in Arden followed by a Sunday game against Hockley Heath at Fladbury starting at 1.30pm. Anyone interested in playing can contact me on the number below or turn up at the ground on match day and make themselves known.

Pete Sudlow, tel 860335

GARDENING

·         FREE DAHLIAS! – Alan Boyes of Weston Orchard emailed “I have been splitting my dahlia tubers ready for this year’s planting and have over 80 (yes, eighty!) spare dahlia plants. Believed to be all of the variety “Edinburgh” – a prolific decorative that grows to a height of up to four feet – see attached photo. I have bagged up ready for collection at least 3 plants per bag; simply phone me on 01386 861787 to collect a bag.  Whilst FREE, it is hoped that next time you make a contribution to a charity you add a little something.”

·         ROWLINGS – tel: 860793 – our local friendly garden centre in Cropthorne, telephone 01386 860793, is open every week in the spring and summer from Tuesday to Saturday, 10.30am to 3pm, closed Sunday and Monday. For those who haven’t found it yet, from Fladbury, go all the way through Cropthorne and then turn left on to the main road to Evesham and Rowlings is very soon on the left. 

·         NO MOW MAY – dare you! If you leave the grass on your lawn to grow, wildflowers and weeds will grow too which are essential for our pollinating insects to keep us all alive! Even leaving a small circle or a couple of triangles is good, providing colour and variety and beauty. 

·         Monty Don’s TIPS FOR MAY – https://www.montydon.com/tips-and-advice/may-2021

ROOFER WANTED 

Craig Marshall emailed “We have some roof re-pointing that needs doing and wonder if anyone in the village would recommend a good roofer to come and take a look” – email cdmarshall83@yahoo.com

A BUS SERVICE?

I have been sent some information about a sort-of voluntary bus service for Pershore and local villages. Despite local efforts, we have been unable to retrieve our bus service. If there was a possibility of having a small bus service to say Pershore or Evesham, would you

(1)  Use it on a regular basis

(2)  Use it once in a while

(3)  Be prepared to campaign for it

Please let me, Jane, know – email or telephone 860531. If there is a big response, I will put you in touch with each other! Just to say, there is a bus every Tuesday morning at 10am from the bus shelter to Tesco in Evesham and back before lunch. 

FLADBURY VILLAGE EVENT

next planning meeting – this Tuesday 25 May – please contact…..

Ian 861061, email iandjsouthcott@aol.com or 

Steve 860432, email steve.curtis@AvonReflections.co.uk or

Pete 860233, email peter@lacy123.plus.com or

Dan 861305, email dan_j_barker@hotmail.com

THANKS AGAIN….

for the generous response to the “shopping list” of Sue and Rob Hiscocks after their house fire. Most of the list is ticked off, for the time being, and Sue and Rob are extremely grateful – thank you. 

SOME DATES TO NOTE…..

Sunday 23 May – Home Cricket Match at 1.30pm

Tuesday 25 May –Fladbury Village Event planning meeting

Wednesday 26 May –Annual Parochial Church Meeting 

Tuesday 1 June – fish & chips outside the Anchor

                                    Fladbury Village Hall opens                      

Saturday 3 July – Fladbury Village event 

Sunday 4 July – National “Thank you” day and Fladbury Village Event

Every Sunday – see Church news

NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR KIT…. 

is welcome. Deadline is early evening on Wednesdays for circulation around noon on Thursdays – the circulation list is growing! Hope we are all managing to keep in touch as we creep out of lockdown. If you want to be in touch with others, please let me know. 

Love Jane X

tel: 860531, email: pjbugg@btinternet.com

at 6 Woodward Parks

On going…..

KARATE CLASSES

“My name is Tony Johnson. I have taught and established clubs all over the U.K. and I’m really excited to be hopefully starting adding another in Fladbury in June. My art – Tang Soo Do – can be practiced by people of all ages. The emphasis is on building self confidence, self defence, fitness and good health”. Tony will be in Fladbury Village Hall on Tuesday 1 June from 6pm to 7pm – his phone number is 07961 853552

BIRDWATCHER SOUGHT – was it you? a woman who was bird watching near the holiday park between Fladbury and Wyre Piddle and lives in Fladbury. If it was, the couple you met would like to be put in touch with you. If you agree, please do let me know – Jane on 860531 or email pjbugg@btinternet.com

WHEELCHAIR OFFER – a good wheelchair is available for a voluntary donation to charity. If interested, please contact Margaret Carter on 860247

OXTON ORGANICS is the fruit and vegetable shop beyond the bottom of Broadway Lane. If you would like to know more, please email jayne@oxtonorganics.co.uk

OAKLANDS FRUIT FARM (tel: 861503) is open for strawberries Monday to Saturday 8am-4.30pm. For newcomers, go through Cropthorne and turn right at the main road for Pershore. Oaklands is WR10 3JT, on the righthandside, a way past Clives.

OCEAN BLUE on Church Street – now open Tuesday to Saturday, tel: 860110 or contact Katie on 07077181001 or www.oceanbluebeautytherapy.co.uk

 HOUSES STILL SOUGHT 

·         We are a young family of 4 who have lived in the village for the past 5 years (renting a property on Paynes Lane). Our children attend Fladbury first school and we are now in the position to buy our first home, which would be the dream to stay in the village. Any support in achieving our dream would be greatly received. Kindest regards, Gemma & Phil Ryder – phone 07973 843852

·         I am hoping to downsize – if anyone has a smaller 2-bedroomed property in Fladbury they are thinking of selling, please let me know Jane, tel: 860531 or email pjbugg@btinternet.com

TAKE A WALK through the Fladbury Community Orchard & Nature Reserve and see the blossom – but please avoid walking on the wildflower meadow or in the pond 

FLADBURY PLAYERS are seeking new members to join the committee. If you are interested in joining us please contact me, Helen Jones, Fladbury Players Secretary on 07891443428/01386 860352 or email helenjones1956@outlook.com.  

ROUNDABOUT – the charity for furniture donations –needs household items in good condition – staff will collect suitable items. For further information, go to www.roundaboutevesham.org.uk or email manager@roundaboutevesham.org.uk.

FACEMASKS – Vanessa has a huge variety of facemasks. To order, please email vanessatofield@hotmail.co.uk or ring Vanessa on 01386 860576.

PERSHORE FOODBANK is still in need of donations which can be left in Fladbury and Charlton Church porches. For further information, please contact Christine Farrell 861689 for Fladbury and Julian Hawley 860420 for Charlton.

SCRAP METAL – Will, the scrap metal man, collects metal, including old washing machines and dish washers, pans and microwaves, etc, etc  but not fridges, freezers or gas bottles. Requests for free pick-up – mobile 07935478231 

BOOKS – now that lockdown is easing, the telephone box library is open again, mainly for paperbacks. If you have any queries, please contact Parish Councillor Sandy Insall on 860909. 

At present, the bookstand in the church cannot be used – but watch this space.

HOLLAND HOUSE, Main Street, Cropthorne WR10 3NB, tel: 01386 860330

– www.hollandhouse.org/programme/list-of-events
Quiet Garden Days are being held 10am-4pm on Thursdays 17 June and 15 July
GREETING CARDS – If you get stuck for a greeting card, I have quite a variety of new cards with envelopes, and some recycled, for 50p each or less for good causes – Jane 860531.

Attachments area

Below is an email just received from Robert Stepniewski who is managing the Ultrafast Broadband project at Worcestershire County Council:

“During the run-up to the launch of the UK Gigabit Voucher and closure of the Rural Voucher scheme BDUK (DCMS) received over 1,300 project proposals from suppliers by the 19 February deadline – a 10 fold increase in comparison to previous months. Some projects are still being processed and 700 or so are being transferred to the new scheme and will be processed over the next 6-8 weeks.

So, a huge influx of projects, resulting in the current delay.

Of my 40 projects – 15 have been contracted, a couple are on hold but just over 20 are awaiting DCMS (Department of Culture, Media and Sport) approval. These (including yours) are simply delayed due to the influx of projects.

I am raising this with DCMS directly.“

In addition, we have asked our County Councillor, Elizabeth Eyre, to take up the delay directly with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, and try to expedite our project.

Anyone not signed up for the project to date but interested in participating should send an email to:

broadband@charlton-worcestershire.org.uk

including your name, address, email address & telephone number. Also those with businesses can apply. You just need to include the business name, whether a sole trader with unique Tax Reference, or if a limited company, company name & company number.

The new website for Cropthorne and Charlton Village Hall is now up and running.

You can find details of the facilities offered, contact details for various classes and charges and conditions for bookings allowed under the current Government Covid-19 rules at: https://ccvh.co.uk

Wychavon DC’s latest Coronavirus updates can be read here:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKWYCHAVON/bulletins/2d91ea2

As you will have probably noticed, scaffolding has been erected around the Lychgate at the cemetery. Snape Construction will be starting work to take down the damaged Lychgate structure w/c Monday 17^th May. Materials for re-use will be removed and stored safely off site, and any remaining debris will be removed and disposed of. Following completion of this activity, there will be a safe interim access to the cemetery for people wishing to tend graves and memorials. 

The replacement wooden structure will be fabricated off-site in Snape’s joinery shop and the intention will be that the rebuild will commence some 12 to 15 weeks later, i.e. around mid-late August.

During the demolition and subsequent rebuilding of the Lychgate, we ask that people delay tending graves and memorials until the site is safe again. During the period between the lychgate being taken down and reconstructed, please take extra care and comply with any site rules put in place by Snape Construction.