As the year draws to a close it is a good time to reflect on the challenges and losses that our communities have faced once again during 2021, and be thankful for the many that have supported our neighbours, friends and loved ones throughout this difficult period.
We hope that you and yours have a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
We were so pleased to be able to hold our annual Christmas Community Lunch on Sunday 19th December.
Numbers restricted, table service and an inventive seating plan meant that we were able to stay socially distanced and feel safe – while still socialising with our neighbours. Many thanks to Hanks’ Meat & Game for the turkey which was delicious – and the volunteers who cooked the dinner, waited on tables and supplied the superb desserts.
After a short but very successful fundraising campaign, there is now an Automated External Defibrillator installed at Bishopswood Village Hall. It is on an outside wall in a locked, heated cabinet – accessible to the public by calling 999 in a cardiac emergency and getting the access code.
The Trustees of the Village Hall are very grateful for the many donations from members of the community, some through the ‘Just Giving’ page set up specifically for the campaign. We would also like to thank The Paddle at the Kerne Bridge Canoe Launch and Ross Jive and Swing – who use the hall regularly – for their very generous donations, and Walford Parish Council for awarding Bishopswood Village Hall a grant towards the purchase and installation.
Thanks to James of Save Electrical Ltd for rapid installation as soon as the equipment arrived.
To help someone who is in cardiac arrest effectively, a defibrillator needs to be found as quickly as possible. For every minute it takes to get a defibrillator to someone and deliver a shock, their chances of survival reduce. We hope that by installing this at the Village Hall we can help, and the local community can rest assured knowing if it’s needed then they have the facilities to deal with a medical emergency.
We also hope, though – that it never has to be used!
Parishioners can now keep up to date with local policing news following the July launch of a community messaging service for residents living in the West Mercia Police area. The new system, called Neighbourhood Matters, enables residents, businesses and community groups across Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Shropshire and Telford to find out more about what is happening in their local community. It also gives them the opportunity to contact police officers and local policing teams directly so they can raise any concerns and provide feedback. It is a free service and those who sign up can choose to receive news and appeals, local crime information and crime prevention advice via a number of different channels. To sign up and receive alerts visit the Neighbourhood Matters website at: www.neighbourhoodmatters.co.uk
We will be adding a direct link for new service onto the Bishopswood Village website once available to enable quick access to the latest alert messages from the service.
It was great to see so many people enjoying the last Big Breakfast of 2021 on Sunday 5th December at Bishopswood Village Hall. The breakfast is run to raise funds for All Saints Church, Bishopswood so thanks to everyone for their support and to the volunteers that make it all happen.
Don’t forget the Christmas Carol Service at All Saints Church on Sunday 12th December.
Please note there is no Big Breakfast in January so we will see you for breakfast again in February.