BIG MEADOW
The Parish Council has been working with Leaves of Green and SGB Architectural Design (local company) to see what improvements can be made on the Big Meadow to make it more attractive to both residents and visitors:

Toilets are being refurbished – regrettably, this has taken longer than envisaged, and it has been agreed to postpone the opening of the Big Meadow until 18^thApril, Good Friday, weather permitting.

Car fobs will start being distributed to residents from Monday 31^st March.  Please note current fobs continue to be valid: if you have changed your vehicle, please email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk giving your fob number and the new car registration so your records can be updated. Damaged fobs can be replaced free of charge but lost fobs may incur a charge pf £5.

The use of BBQs and Open Fires were banned last summer, and this ban continues. Plaques will be placed on the picnic benches reminding users of this ban.

The Big Meadow will remain open until 9pm. The Entrance Gate will close at 8pm and although the Exit Gate will remain open, any vehicle leaving after 9pm, whether a resident (with a car fob) or a paying visitor, will incur a fine of £100.

Parking will be restricted to approx. 200, with sustainable logs being placed parallel to the access road as guidance. The building of a potential turning point at the end of the parking area has had to be postponed due to permission having to be sought from the landowners and the Environment Agency (EA). Permission has only recently been received from the landowners and the EA require information before considering any application.

The Avon Navigation Trust (ANT) has written to the Parish Council advising of the high risk posed to canoeists, paddlers and swimmers accessing the river from the “beach” area close to the bridge.  Narrowboats coming through the arch are unable to “brake” in time if they see canoes, paddlers and/or swimmers, which could result in serious injuries or event fatalities. In view of this, with the guidance of the ANT, the Parish Council has installed a fence along this area to reduce the risk of anyone entering the river and endangering their lives. An alternative launching site is being considered for canoes and paddles.

PARISH COUNCIL SURGERY
This is now taking place as part of the Bidford Village Market which takes place in the village centre the first Saturday of the month. Two Councillors will be there from 10am – 12pm so please ensure you pay them a visit. February and March were very successful and Council hopes that by making itself more available, residents will take the opportunity of getting to know their Councillors and what the Parish Council does for its local community – as well as what it is not responsible for, though it can signpost to the appropriate party. Next Bidford Village Markets are on Saturday 5^th April and 3^rd May – make sure you visit both the many stalls of local businesses and the Parish Council.

BIDFORD COMMUNITY FRIDGE – HELP REDUCE FOOD WASTE
This excellent community service is available at the Methodist Church Mondays and Tuesdays: 9.30am – 10.30am, Wednesdays 5.30pm - 6.30pm, Thursdays and Fridays - 10.30am – 11.30am.

A new service, Community Café, will be open Mondays and Tuesdays 9.30am – 12.30pm. The Community Fridge is open to everyone, not just those in need.  It is about stopping good food from being thrown away. Want to volunteer for this essential local service? Please contact Hilary at admin@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk.

ANNUAL PARISH ASSEMBLY
Taking place on Monday 14^th April at 6pm at the Parish Council Meeting Room. This is an opportunity for the local community to hear what the Parish Council has done over the year as well as to meet Councillors and raise concerns. Look out for the Chairman’s invitation to this annual event.

INTEGRATED CARE SYSTEM (ICS) 
Parish Council is working with Warwickshire Association of Local Councils and Warwickshire Community & Voluntary Action to help decision makers understand specific needs and challenges of our community on health and care. All households will be receiving a survey and Council will be attending local community meetings to hear your views – so, watch this space!

WARWICKSHIRE ROAD SAFETY PARTNERSHIP (WRSP) CENTRAL REPORTING SYSTEM (CRS)
Speeding has always been a big concern for local communities which is recognised by the members of the WRSP, which includes County Council Highways, Warwickshire Police, and Warwickshire Fire & Rescue Service.

To address this concern, and to make it easier to report and manage, WRSP has set up a Central Reporting System and would encourage any concerned resident to report any speeding issue via this system, available on the website at warksspeedconcerns.org/.  This ensures all concerns are centralised and available to all parties for the appropriate action to be taken. Concerned about speeding in the village? Please use the Central Reporting System.

CITIZENS ADVICE - BIDFORD OUTREACH
The First Thursday of the month in the Parish Council Room (in the library) 10am–1pm. Please note you must pre-book.  This provides essential advice in these difficult times and is carried out in complete confidence. Please note the library is closed on Thursdays. To book a slot, please call 0808 250 5715.

WARM HUB
This excellent community service takes place at the Crawford Memorial Hall every Wednesday from 10am – 12pm, run by a team of hardworking volunteers dedicated to ensuring the wellbeing of residents. Now in its fourth year, a new service has been added; hot food is now available. So, if you are feeling lonely, need company and a bite to eat, go to the WARM HUB.

CONCERNS/ISSUES
If you have a concern or issue about anything within the Parish, please use the Love Clean Street App and send by email info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk. Alternatively, you can contact the Clerk on 07718 628925 or by email as above. Please don’t post on Social Media (Bidford Forum) as this is not monitored by the Parish Council and, therefore, may be missed and remain unanswered or unsolved.

WEEKLY EVENTS

• Mondays 9.30am-10.30am BIDFORD COMMUNITY FRIDGE Methodist Church
• Mondays 9.30am-12.30pm BIDFORD COMMUNITY CAFÉ Methodist Church
• Mondays 10.30am–11.30am STORYTOTS Bidford Community Library
• Mondays 10.30am–12.30pm DEMENTIA CAFÉ Westholme Court
• Mondays 1pm–2.30pm ARTY AVON Church Hall
• Tuesdays 9.30am-10.30am BIDFORD COMMUNITY FRIDGE Methodist Church
• Tuesdays 9.30am-12.30pm BIDFORD COMMUNITY CAFÉ Methodist Church
• Tuesdays 10am-11.30am ARTBASE IN PERSON ART CLASSES Church Hall
• Wednesdays 10am–12pm WARM HUB Crawford Memorial Hall
• Wednesdays 5.30pm-6.30pm BIDFORD COMMUNITY FRIDGE Methodist Church
• Thursdays 10am-11.30am THE JOLLY TEAPOT Church Hall
• Thursdays 10.30am-11.30pm BIDFORD COMMUNITY FRIDGE Methodist Church
• Fridays 10.30am-11.30am BIDFORD COMMUNITY FRIDGE Methodist Church
• Fridays 6.30pm for 7.15pm BINGO EVENING Bidford Bowling Club – all welcome

MEETINGS

• 12^th May at 7.30pm Planning Consultative Committee Meetings – please note the scheduled meeting for 14^th April has been superseded by the Annual Parish Assembly
• 28^th April and 19^th May at 7.30pm (Annual Meeting of the Parish Council) Parish Council Meetings

All meetings, which are open to the public, are held at the Parish Council Meeting Room, Bramley Way, B50 4QG. It is at these meetings that decisions that directly affect our village and our local community are made – so be part of it and come and see it happen.

BIDFORD EMAIL INFORMATION
Want to know what is happening in the village every week? Nothing easier, simply sign up by emailing the Clerk at info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk and your name will be added to the Weekly Email Information list to receive an email regarding upcoming Events and Notices. As Your Call Magazine is bi-monthly, this is a good way to ensure you are up to date with everything local.

SOCIAL MEDIA
Another way the Parish Council is trying to keep the local community informed is by the use of Social Media. Please follow us via Facebook (Bidford on Avon) Twitter (@Bidford_PC) and Instagram (bidfordpc). A lot of information and updates are published through social media, so do make sure you follow us to stay informed.

PARISH COUNCIL CONTACTS

• Clerk to the Parish Council – Mrs Elisabeth Uggerløese
• Administrative Assistant (Part time) – Hilary Wren
• Parish Council Office is located in Bramley Way and is open to the public 10am-1pm. If you are unable to attend during this time, please contact the office to make an appointment
• Tel:  01789 778653/07718 628925 Email: info@bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk Website: www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk
• Parish Councillors – a list of Parish Councillors can be found online at www.bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/councillors.htm

Elisabeth Uggerløese – Clerk to the Parish Council

PS. Keep an eye on the What’s On page of the website (bidfordonavon-pc.gov.uk/whats-on/) for events. They will also be advertised on Social Media.