Community news

Bidford couple raise the banner in celebration of village move

- 13 May 19

A university lecturer who moved to a new-build house in Bidford-on-Avon, is helping to attract visitors to the village by painting banners that have been supported by a local housebuilder.

Richard Maksymowicz moved into a four-bedroom property with his wife Tracey at Bovis Homes’ Bidford Leys location, off Salford Road, and has become an active member of the community since joining the Bidford Banner Group.

The group meet at St Laurence church hall every Friday morning and they have now received a £200 donation from Bovis Homes.

Richard, who moved with Tracey from Solihull, said: “We are very grateful for Bovis Homes’ donation, which will go a long way.

"We ask for small contributions from local businesses who want to be included in the banners, which aim to attract people to the village and inspire people in it.

“We paint designs that try to reflect the community and its identity, including the village’s annual duck race, Shakespeare’s links and the shops and restaurants we have here.”

As well as painting, Richard has also been constructing the banners, while Tracey sews and also helps put them together. The 18 banners, which include refreshed ones from last year, will be erected next month.

For Richard, a university lecturer on financial management, and Tracey, who graduated from the University of Warwick last year in Sociology and volunteers at Citizens Advice, the banner group sums up the positive spirit in the Bidford community.

Tracey painting banners at St Laurence church hall in Bidford-on-Avon
“We have great neighbours and use all the local amenities in the community including the supermarket, pub and butchers,” said Richard.

“Bidford-on-Avon is a lovely setting in a rural location. We wanted a slower pace of life and the Warwickshire countryside is wonderful, while close to road, rail and airport links.

“We chose a new-build as we didn’t want any hassle with repairs and renovations. The three things we wanted were a large lounge, kitchen/diner and master bedroom.

"Our home has delivered on all three fronts and the Bovis Homes sales and build teams have been very accommodating – we have a great relationship.”

Richard and Tracey used the Smooth Move scheme, which sees Bovis Homes take on the job of valuing and selling the customer’s old property. Once a buyer is found, the home owner can then reserve their Bovis Home, saving thousands on estate agent fees.