Better Bromsgrove Together Summer 2019

Summer

Better Bromsgrove Together 2019

Summer Events Pull Out Calendar Inside!

Message from the Leader As a stalwart Bromsgrovian I am delighted to have been elected as Leader of the district where I have lived for most of my life.

I am passionate about seeing Bromsgrove continue to thrive and this is why I have also taken responsibility for Economic Development including the Town Centre.

It’s events and projects such as those highlighted in this magazine that will see Bromsgrove flourish. Working with partners, we have a packed calendar of events, an historic market to be proud of, a range of independent businesses who all add to the eclectic mix of our shopping experience and a buzzing night time economy.

Of course we have other areas which I want to focus on. These include looking at our housing strategy and utilising our land and assets to benefit the district. But most of all to build a Better Bromsgrove which offers the opportunity for everyone to live and work in. I hope you enjoy this summer edition.

Councillor Karen May, Leader of Bromsgrove District Council

Here's just some of what's on offer in this magazine...

Election Results: Page 4

Get in touch Visit us / Write to us

Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B61 8DA Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Call us

Park Improvements: Page 7

Customer Services: 01527 881288 Out of Hours emergency: 01527 871565

Click on

www.bromsgrove.gov.uk Bromsgrove District Council

Space Week: Page 11 Pull Out and Keep Events Calendar: Pages 12 & 13 Bromsgrove Festival: Pages 16 & 17 2

Front cover image: Ravji Vaya

@BromsgroveDC

If you want this magazine in a different format, e.g. audio CD, or language, call 01527 881651.

The council does not endorse any of the products or services advertised in this magazine by external customers.

To advertise in this magazine call 01527 881651.

All information was correct at time of going to press.

What’s on the menu?

The district council serves up two kinds of local services for its 12% of your Council Tax bill.

There’s the statutory services, which the council has to provide by law, like collecting your bin. And then there’s the discretionary services, which the council chooses to provide to improve the district, like your parks and play areas.

On top of that set menu, there are plenty of optional extras available too, which you can buy if you want to.

Set Menu

£4.60 per household per week

Selection of statutory main courses Mix of collected bins Freshly picked litter Street of housed families

Processed planning applications Medley of counted votes Collected local taxes

Selection of discretionary side dishes Parks on a bed of mown summer grass Community transport a la BURT Cleaned graffiti mess | Chilled events

Optional extras a la carte

Lifeline £4/wk Sofa au van £8.50 Parked car 80p/hr Garden waste £2/bin

Swim £5.20 (register for 20% off & free under 8s) Function rooms £13 - £339

Seasonal specials - ask your waiter 3

Elections for Bromsgrove District Council and parish councils were held on Thursday May 2, as 36% of eligible voters turned out to the polls. The votes were counted the following day, in the sports halls on School Drive, Bromsgrove. Here’s who was elected to the district council.

For the complete results in full including parishes, contact details for your councillor, and lots of other information, go to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/council Conservative

Aston Fields Philip Thomas Avoncroft Malcolm Glass Belbroughton & Romsley Karen May & Margaret Sherrey Catshill North Jo-Anne Till

Catshill South Shirley Webb Cofton Richard Deeming Hollywood Adam Kent Lowes Hill Rod Laight

Marlbrook Helen Jones Perryfields Drew Beaumont Rubery South Adrian Kriss Sanders Park Maria Middleton

Slideslow Caroline Spencer Tardebigge Peter Whittaker Wythall East Sarah Hession Wythall West Geoff Denaro

Indpendent

Alvechurch South Annette English Alvechurch Village Kate Van Der Plank

Hagley East Rachel Jenkins Hagley West Steven Colella

Barnt Green & Hopwood Charles Hotham

Labour

Charford Michael Thompson Hill Top Luke Mallett Rock Hill Harrison Rone-Clarke Rubery North Peter McDonald Sidemoor Sue Douglas

Wythall Residents Association 4

Drakes Cross Sue Baxter

Liberal Democrat

Bromsgrove Lickey Hills Central Janet King Siobhan Hughes

Norton Rob Hunter

An education and exercise programme for people living with Osteoarthritis of the hip or knee

CLASS DETAILS

Venue: Health Promotion

Room (ground floor) BHI Parkside, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 0AZ Day: Tuesdays & Thursdays Time: 2.45pm to 3.45pm Starting: Tuesday 11th June (12 sessions over 6 weeks) Cost: £3.30 per 1hr session Testimonial:

Joan Chandler • I was originally interested in this project as I was looking for some help with a painful hip.

• I really enjoyed the regularity of the sessions and the camaraderie of the group.

• Having completed the course I have got less pain and more inclination to exercise.

• I intend to continue exercising and walking more.

Do you have knee or hip pain?

Testimonial:

Veronica Ashley • I was originally interested in this project as I had just finished physio and then had the injection in the knee joint. It was to help with the horrible pain I was having and perhaps gain a bit of information about osteoarthritis.

• I really enjoyed the company, the laughs, understanding that you are not alone and mainly the exercises I have of the 6 weeks of being there, and the explanations about joint pain.

• I feel a lot more confident now then when I joined the course. I can walk further and know when to either stop or slow the pace down. I know I shall not ever be able to walk a marathon again but to walk 2 miles instead of 100 yards is fabulous.

• I intend to continue to exercise and join a Walks for Health group.

• You have given me back the confidence that having osteoarthritis had taken away - Thank you.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Contact Hayley Gwilliam - Bromsgrove District Council Tel: 01527 881404 Email: hayley.gwilliam@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk 5

Funeral costs have risen 3x faster than house prices † Beat tomorrow’s prices today 75-year burial plot reservations now available in Bromsgrove District

To find out more call 01527 62174 †UK average, 2008-2018, Cost of Dying Report (SunLife) Ten charge points, for taxi drivers to use, will be installed in Bromsgrove after a successful bid by the District Council for £300,000 of Government cash.

The District already has two ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV) as part of its licensed taxi fleet and now hopes that these chargers will help more drivers make the change to the electric vehicles technology.

The bid for part of the £6m pot was made after consultation with drivers and operators who highlighted the lack of rapid charging is a major consideration.

Council officers worked with partners including Worcestershire County Council, NWedR and neighbouring authorities to cover cross boundary issues including Birmingham, and Solihull.

Environment officers Kath Manning and Anna Wardell with taxi drivers Manos Passaris and Pete Butcher.

Sites for charge points include the town centre, Rubery and Wythall areas and are set to be put in place at the end of April 2020.

6 The Council is looking to get extra funding to install more points for public use.

A walk and a cycle ride in the park Work has started to create and improve cycling and walking routes in Sanders Park.

Not only will the changes mean it’s easier to transition through the park but there will be an inclusive route through the more natural areas so the whole park can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

This follows Worcestershire County Council’s successful bid for £3.4 million ‘National Productivity Infrastructure Funding’ (NPIF) to improve the routes.

The district council is working in collaboration with the county council to support the design and connectivity of pedestrian and cycle routes through park.

Following early consultation and promotion of these proposals in Sanders Park late last year at the 50th Anniversary celebrations, they are now becoming a reality.

The works will be phased throughout the year to ensure minimal disruption during the school holidays and busy events.

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Right waste,

Too big for your bin? Visit the tip or book a bulky collection on 01527 881188

Aerosol cans Drinks cans Food cans

Packaging not accepted in recycling bin such as soft plastic

Food waste

Glass bottles & jars (all colours)

Paper

(i.e. cling film)

Animal litter Sanitar y waste & nappies

No thanks Chemicals | Paint Building waste | Business waste LPG/gas cylinders | Soil & rubble 8

No Electricals | Glitter Plastic bags | Food

For more details & how to recycle

, Right place Plastic: (all colours except black)

Bins out by 7am

Or get discounted home compost bins at letswasteless below

pots, tubs & trays (from food packaging) bottles (tops on)

Branches up to 10cm in diameter

Cartons

Clippings & leaves

ÂŽ

(e.g. Tetra Paks)

Grass cuttings

Weeds, plants

Card

thanks Batteries | Foil Polystyrene | Clothes

No thanks Kitchen waste | Turf, soil & rubble Animal waste & bedding | Wood Plastic bags & liners

more items, visit letswasteless.com

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Sat 17th August 11am - 4pm

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This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Space Chase, an out-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing. It encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six library books during the long summer holiday.

Space week!

Rocket Building Workshop, Bromsgrove Library Parkside Hall, Wednesday 7 August, 10am – 1pm By the University of Birmingham Physics and Astronomy Department.

Kids benefit even more when the whole family engages with the wonders of physics and astronomy! £5.50 per family. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay, book now at Bromsgrove Library. Look out for other events at your local library too!

And in honour of that other space-themed events are running in Bromsgrove for the week starting Saturday August 3!

Artrix Apollo 11, Friday 9 August ,11am Crafted from a newly discovered trove of footage, Apollo 11 has gathered rave reviews as it takes us straight to the heart of NASA’s most celebrated mission that first put men on the moon. Vividly experience humankind’s giant leap into the future and Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin’s entrance to legend.

Alien, Friday 9 August, 7.30pm In Artrix no-one can hear you scream.

A special 40th anniversary screening of the gripping modern classic that spawned the Xenomorph and revolutionised scary movies. A masterpiece.

Presented in glorious Sony 4K. For tickets, prices, and more info see www.artrix.co.uk. Box Office: 01527 577330 DON’T MISS: Urban Astronaut, Saturday 3 August, Bromsgrove (venue TBC) A space-suited traveller arrives from a polluted and inhospitable future Earth and meets a girl. Can the human race still change, and avoid that poisoned future? Witness the Urban Astronaut defy gravity, spinning and turning high in the air with no strings attached thanks to a unique hip harness. An intriguing, enchanting, thought-provoking spectacle on air pollution from Highly Sprung Performance. (same day as Digbeth Bromsgrove Dining Club: see page 18) 11

16 18 20 21 21 22 23 28 29 29 30 4 5 6 7 9 - 11 12 12 &13 Charity Yoga in the Park Sanders Park, 10am For tickets search for ‘Yoga in the Park Bromsgrove’ on www.eventbrite.co.uk

EnjoyRubery Bromsgrove Festival From 10am, www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk

EnjoyRubery - Bromsgrove Festival From 10am.

Bandstand Music EnjoyRubery in the Park Bromsgrove Choirs Event Festival Sanders Park, From 10am.

1.30 - 4.30pm.

Armed Forces Day Tea Dance Bromsgrove Festival Parkside Suite, 2 - 5pm.

For info on tickets see www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk

July

Bandstand Schools in the Park Sidemoor First School Sanders Park, 1pm.

BARN Volunteer Fair Bromsgrove Market.

Bromsgrove Court Leet Town Centre, 10.30am.

Bandstand Schools in the Park - Millfields First School Sanders Park, 10am.

EnjoyRubery: Summer Jam & Skateboarding Competition Bromsgrove Festival St Chad’s Park, Rubery, 2 - 5pm.

Bromsgrove Society History Walk Catshill, 1.30pm.

For tickets see www.bsoc.co.uk

Bromsgrove Society History Walk & Orchestra of St John Bite Sized Classics FREE Concert Christ Church Catshill, 1.30pm walk, 3pm concert.

For walk tickets see www.bsoc.co.uk

Bandstand Schools in the Park - Chadsgrove Special School Sanders Park, 11am.

Bandstand Schools in the Park - Fairfield First School Sanders Park, 1pm.

Orchestra of St John Bite Sized Classics FREE Concert St Chad’s Rubery, 4pm.

Free Family Fun on the High Street Bromsgrove Festival Bromsgrove High Street, from 10.30am.

Bromsgrove Festival Day of Dance Bromsgrove High Street, from 10am.

Bandstand Music in the Park Worcestershire Youth Jazz Orchestra Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Bromsgrove Carnival & Tommy Wilson’s Fair Bromsgrove Town Centre. http://bromsgrovecarnival.org

13 13 &14 14 20 21 24 25 28 30 31

Bromsgrove Society History Walk & Orchestra of St John Bite Sized Classics Tommy Wilson’s Fair FREE Concert St Andrew’s Charford, 1.30pm Bromsgrove Town Centre. walk, 3pm concert. For walk tickets see www.bsoc.co.uk Free Family Fun on the High Street Bromsgrove Festival Bromsgrove High Street, from 10.30am.

Bandstand Music in the Park - Alcester Victoria Silver Band Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Orchestra of St John Children’s Opera MusicFest Gala Concert St John’s Church, 5pm.

St John’s Church, 7.30pm. See For tickets see www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk www.osjbromsgrove.org for tickets and details.

Street Theatre Street Theatre Bandstand Music in the Bromsgrove Wythall Park, Park - Royal Spa Brass Recreation Ground, 11am - 3pm.

Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

11am - 3pm.

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Bromsgrove Festival until July 21st See previous box for website.

Bandstand Music in the Park - Celebration Reed & Brass Band Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Bandstand Schools in the Park - Rigby Hall Special School Sanders Park, 12pm.

Stoke Prior First School Sanders Park, 1pm.

Bromsgrove Society Summer School See www.bsoc.co.uk for details.

‘Strings on a Summer Evening’ Concert Bromsgrove Festival Avoncroft Museum, 7.30pm For tickets see www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk

Bandstand Music in the Park - Arrow Valley Brass Band Sanders Park, 2.30 4.30pm.

Street Theatre Catshill Village Meadow, 11am - 3pm.

Street Theatre Sanders Park, 11am - 3pm.

Aug

1

Summer Fun in Bromsgrove - The Owl Man Sanders Park, 11am - 4pm

4

Bandstand Music in the Park Bedworth Brass Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Street Theatre Hagley Park, 11am - 3pm

3

Digbeth Dining Club Bromsgrove Recreation Ground, time TBC. See www.bromsgrove.gov.uk for details.

6

Summer Fun in Street Theatre Bromsgrove - Circus St Chad’s Park, Kaos Workshops Rubery, Sanders Park, 11am - 3pm.

12pm - 4pm.

Urban Astronaut Time/location TBC. See www.bromsgrove.gov.uk for details.

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Space Week - Rocket Building Workshop Parkside Library, 10am - 1pm.

Book at Bromsgrove Library.

8 9 11 13 15 17 18 20 22 25 2729 1 8 15 Summer Fun in Bromsgrove - Professor Chandler’s Punch and Judy Show Sanders Park, 1.30pm & 3pm.

Bandstand Music in the Park Sovereign Brass Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Summer Fun in Bromsgrove - Circus Kaos Workshops Sanders Park, 12pm - 4pm.

Sept

Summer Fun in Bromsgrove - Circus Kaos Workshops Sanders Park, 12pm - 4pm.

Summer Fun in Bromsgrove The Owl Man Sanders Park, 11am - 4pm.

Summer Fun in Bromsgrove Professor Chandler’s Punch and Judy Show Sanders Park, 1.30pm & 3pm.

Bandstand Music in the Park - Avonbank Brass Band Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Alien 40th Apollo 11 Documentary Screening Anniversary Screening Artrix, 7.30pm Artrix, 11am For tickets see www.artrix.co.uk or box office BMX & Skate Event Bromsgrove High Street, outside Argos, 11am - 4pm.

Bandstand Music in the Park Teme Valley Band Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Bandstand Music in the Park - Stourport on Severn Brass Band Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Bandstand Music in the Park Chase Jazz Men Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Summer Fun in Bromsgrove - Circus Kaos Workshops Sanders Park, 12pm - 4pm.

Summer Fun in Bromsgrove - Wolly the Clown Sanders Park, 12pm - 4pm.

Bandstand Music in the Park Worcester Concert Brass Sanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Nov Please visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/events or www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk for further details and information.

(Information correct at time of going to press, all events subject to change)

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Bromsgrove Street Theatre 2019 Rec Ground 24th July Wythall 25th July Catshill 30th July Sanders Park 31st July Hagley 1st August Rubery 6th August Rec Ground next to Asda, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA Wythall Park, Silver Street, Bromsgrove, B47 6LZ Catshill Village Meadow, Meadow Road, Catshill, Bromsgrove, B61 0JL Sanders Park, Bromsgrove, B61 7JP Hagley Park, Worcester Road, Hagley, DY9 0NW St Chad’s Park, Leach Heath Lane, Rubery, B45 9JW For more info please call 01527 534030 or visit

11am - 3pm

www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/events

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This summer the wonderful Orchestra of St John have teamed up with like minded local organisations to bring music and history together for the town. In partnership with the Bromsgrove Society local history walks combine with “Bite Sized Classic Concerts” - they’re FREE, informal and fun!

See centre page calendar for dates and visit www.bsoc.co.uk for walk details.

In partnership with The Bromsgrove Festival & Friends of St John’s the OSJ 2019 MusicFest will conclude the Festival with two uplifting concerts in St John’s Church.

Saturday 20th July at 5pm A Children’s Opera - Sabrina, Spirit of the Severn Written

by Worcester Composer Claire Prewer the tale of the legend of Sabrina will be told by the Orchestra and a choir of local children.

Sunday 21st July at 7.30pm Music Fest Gala Concert A symphony of love, sunshine and blue sky! An uplifting orchestral evening with Wagner, Grieg & Sibelius to stir your emotions.

Visit www.osjbromsgrove.org for full details or Decanter Spirit on Bromsgrove High Street to buy tickets. Proceeds from all OSJ concerts support the Heritage Future Appeal at St John’s Church to raise £1million.

Visit www.facebook.com/FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove

Bromsgrove Court Leet’s Annual Fair Day

The Annual Court Leet Parade, reading of the Royal Charter and Street Market takes place in Bromsgrove on Saturday 22nd June 2019 celebrating 820 years of history in our town. Members of the Court Leet and guests will process from Housman Hall on Kidderminster Road to the Housman Statue on the High Street. The parade be led by the Shirley Pipe Band with Court Leet members in full robes and regalia, creating a colourful and jolly display!

The parade sets off at 10.30am and concludes around 11am, with a brief stop at the Red Lion Pub on the High Street to taste the ale!

Traditional assizes of Ale, Bread, Meat, Leather and a report on the town’s brooks will be conducted by members of the Court Leet Jury in traditional roles which reflect those of a modern day trading standards officer. Dr Bill Tucker, Bailiff and head of the Court, will proclaim the Charter of 1199 granted to the town by King John to those gathered at the Housman Statue.

All are welcome to witness this centuries old tradition and support the market in the High Street. Running alongside the regular Saturday market local charities, craft sellers and producers will be selling locally made items and raising funds for their chosen causes, many will dress in traditional costumes as a prize is awarded to the best dressed stall. Further information www.facebook.com/CourtLeetBromsgrove

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Great line up for the 2019 Bromsgrove Festival 2019 will be another great year for the arts and culture in Bromsgrove.

In its 59th year of existence, the 2019 Bromsgrove Festival programme will once again take on a wide ranging community based style with a focus on providing high quality, local arts and cultural activity. This year, the trustees have sought to continue the emphasis on free community arts events, for example by supporting the EnjoyRubery programme over the weekend of Friday 21st June to Sunday 23rd June, and by promoting additional Free Bite Sized Classics concerts in Catshill and Rubery. We hope that this will encourage greater participation in Festival activities.

The programme runs for just over four weeks and will be kicked off on the evening of Thursday 20th June with ‘Strings on a Summer Evening’ – the opening concert at the Guesten Hall, Avoncroft Museum featuring the wellknown Astaria String Quartet. It will then close with a final Gala concert on Sunday, 21st July, given by the Orchestra of St John at St. John’s Church.

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During the four week Festival period, there will be an arts or cultural event on virtually every day at venues right across the Bromsgrove District!

These range from theatre productions, both inside and outside, jazz, folk and blues concerts as well as a number of classical orchestral and choral performances. There are also dance events, art exhibitions, comedy and the spoken word. Many of these events are designed for children and younger people, with participation encouraged.

Similar to last year, there will be a range of free community events on Saturday mornings on Bromsgrove High Street and New Road Rubery, as well as a Summer Jam and skateboarding competition in Rubery Park on the afternoon of Saturday 22nd June. The Festival is grateful for financial support from Bromsgrove District Council for these free community events.

The 2019 Bromsgrove Festival is once again offering an exciting programme. We know that you will find something that you will enjoy and we encourage you to try something new right here on your doorstep in Bromsgrove District.

The full programme and details of ticket purchase arrangements for each event are available on the Bromsgrove Festival website at www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk. Alternatively, free programme brochures can be picked up at libraries, community centres, Artrix, Avoncroft Museum and many cafĂŠs, churches and shops.

www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk 17

Digbeth Dining Club

Digbeth Dining Club bring their travelling street food event to Bromsgrove’s Recreation Ground for the first time in August.

With 10 different food traders, including Birmingham burger legends Original Patty Men, Only Jerkin, Beef On The Block and Bournville Waffle Company, the event will showcase flavours from across the globe plus a fine selection of drinks. DDC resident DJ’s will be creating atmosphere with awesome sounds at an event that will have a little something for everyone. www.digbethdiningclub.com

SATURDAY AUGUST 3RD, RECREATION GROUND

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Parenting and Community Team

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Local support for you & your family

n renti g and Pa

a m u n i t y Te

Worried about a child?

Search and like: Parenting and Community Team

www.parentingandcommunityteam.com

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CCTV investment

Thanks to everyone who had their say in the recent consultation over the latest proposed investment in CCTV infrastructure in Bromsgrove District.

At the time Better Bromsgrove Together went to press, dozens of residents across Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Hagley, Hollywood, Rubery and Wythall had responded to the short surveys, which ran for six weeks up to Monday June 10. The surveys asked people’s local priorities for CCTV, and what they thought about current camera locations.

The consultation came ahead of potential work to upgrade CCTV infrastructure to newer digital standards, and to add new movable CCTV cameras that can be deployed to areas of concern.

The money that could pay for the works has been granted to the North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner and matched by Bromsgrove District Council.

Judith Willis, the district council’s Head of Community Services, said: “Understanding how CCTV is perceived locally will help us direct resources to where they’re needed most, so thank you to everyone that responded to the consultation.”

Community Panel

Do you live in Bromsgrove?

Do you want to be asked your opinion on the decisions that help shape your community and drive the future of Bromsgrove?

As a member of the Community Panel it’s easy to have your say.

For residents of Bromsgrove only Regular surveys on local issues Invites to discussion meetings You can do as little or as much as you like by registering your email address.

Register for the Community Panel at: www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/communitypanel Your views can make a difference.

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A venue for all occasions...

Parkside Suite

For Weddings, Parties, Exhibitions, Conferences and more!

For enquiries please contact roombookings@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or call 01527 881478 Parkside Suite, Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 8DA

Tackling loneliness

Loneliness is a deeply personal experience unique to every individual. It can have different causes and different consequences for each and every one of us. No one should have no one and yet 1.4 million older people feel cut off from society. It’s important to know that you’re not alone.

What you can do to help If you suspect someone you know may be lonely, you can help by: • Being there: Having someone who is willing to listen could be a great comfort.

• Encourage and support them to get help.

• Be patient. You may need to offer gentle assurance.

Do you, or someone you know feel lonely?

Then we could help by offering friendly, practical and emotional support to reconnect you with activities and interests you enjoy. Contact us to bring the fun back into your life.

Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest provides a range of services and activities aimed at reducing loneliness and isolation including: Our Befriending Service and Bromsgrove Men In Sheds Find out more about our services and/or how you can help tackle loneliness by becoming a volunteer call 01527 570490 www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf

Telecare Service

Providing peace of mind

NEW Lifeline is a telecare service available 24 hours, 365 days a year to any vulnerable people living within the Bromsgrove, Redditch and Cannock Chase districts as well as surrounding areas. It allows residents such as the elderly, disabled or those with serious health problems to continue to live independently in their own homes.

A Lifeline unit installed in the home and a portable pendant allow the user to call for help in an emergency at any time of day or night. Our Monitoring Centre Operators will receive the call and assist the user with their emergency.

Would you like to upgrade? We can now offer you an upgrade for a small additional cost to the next generation of digital technology. The new Lifeline units use GSM technology, similar to mobile phones, so you can put them wherever you want as long as there is a power supply.

Need help away from home? You can now have all the comfort

of Lifeline away from home. For your security and peace of mind, the new GPS Tracker Pendant allows you to call for help wherever you are. In an emergency, it can even tell us your exact location.

For more info please call 01527 534060 or email: contact@newlifeline.org.uk 21

Bromsgrove Indie Club The Bromsgrove Indie Club is made up of independent local businesses and enthusiastic residents, who want to see Bromsgrove flourish.

We are not only passionate about what we do, but also what we sell, from coffee shops to fine dining restaurants, photographers, and tattoo artists.

Our aim is to come together and make Bromsgrove community like no other, through events and pop ups we want everyone to re connect with the town and with each other.

Follow us on our journey via all social media channels just search The Bromsgrove Indie club and stay up to date with our website: www.thebromsgroveindieclub.com Image © Anthony Hall Photography

Markets

Bromsgrove town centre is an historical market town so why not pop along to our outdoor market for a unique mix or fresh produce and handmade items every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday 8am - 4pm.

It’s been at the heart of the town since 1200, although the Tuesday market is a newcomer, having only been run since 1317.

Start a market stall today With great footfall and low costs, if you’re thinking of starting a retail enterprise or branching out, why not try a stall at Bromsgrove Market for 1 day or all 3 days. Covered, powered stalls run the length of the High Street, with extra areas set aside for your special events. Call 01527 881288 or email market@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

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Christmas

So, after reading about all that summer fun, it’s time to look forward to Christmas! But first remember what a host of festive fun there was in 2018.

We had the first ever ‘Indie’ party down Worcester Road after the Christmas Lights Switch-on Entertainment that weekend, which also saw free parking, included the Friends of St John’s Christmas Market, music from Redditch Operatic Society, stilt-walkers and fire jugglers!

The following weekend the Festival of Light sparkled in the town. Our centres also joined in the fun with light switch-ons and Christmassy capers in Barnt Green, Rubery, Hagley, Catshill and Alvechurch.

This year the Bromsgrove Christmas Market starts on Friday November 22 and runs til the following day when the Christmas Lights Switch-on is set to happen.

The Festival of Light is due to take place on Sunday 8th December.

Other dates from across the district and more details on 2019 Winter wonders will be in the next edition of Better Bromsgrove Together.

In the meantime check us out on Facebook, Twitter or our website.

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Try Something New!

20th June to 21st July

2019

Pick up a brochure at Artrix, Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove Library and other community venues. Or visit our website.

www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk