Here's just some of what's on offer in this magazine... Page 4: Bromsgrove Sports and Leisure Centre
Pages 7-20: Christmas events across the district
Events
Parkside Customer Service Hub Xmas Hours Date
Open/Closed
Friday 22nd Dec
Open as normal 9am - 5pm
Saturday 23rd
CLOSED
Sun 24th Christmas Eve
CLOSED
Mon 25th Christmas Day
CLOSED
Tues 26th Boxing Day
CLOSED
Wednesday 27th
CLOSED
Thursday 28th
Open 9am - 5pm
Friday 29th
Open 9am - 5pm
Saturday 30th
CLOSED
Sunday 31st
CLOSED
Mon 1st January New Year’s Day
CLOSED
Normal Services resume from Tues 2nd Jan 2018 Pages 12-13: Key dates pull out calendar
Get in touch Visit us / Write to us
Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, Worcs, B61 8DA Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
Call us
Customer Services: 01527 881288 Out of Hours emergency: 01527 871565
Click on Page 23: Christmas waste and recycling dates
www.bromsgrove.gov.uk Bromsgrove District Council
@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.
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Cover photos by Geoff Hawkesworth
Message from the Leader, Councillor Geoff Denaro Well our Christmas celebrations are certainly getting bigger and better every year! This year there is even more happening across the whole of the district, including some first time switch on events in our centres, Christmas Markets, entertainers, lantern parades and so much more... It makes me very proud that so many businesses, organisations and residents have come together to create some fabulous festivities for everyone to enjoy. And with all this going on, it seemed only fair to give our residents and visitors one place to find out everything they need to know, so here it is, your Better Bromsgrove Together Magazine. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Community events to support Bromsgrove’s ancient church building FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove @FriendsStJohns friends.stjohns.church@gmail.com
Tai Chi for Dementia
Amphlett Hall Fridays 10am - 10.45am £3 per session
Contact Hayley on 01527 881404
Carers can come along for FREE!
Blogs | Social Media | Websites | Brochures Visit www.skcopyco.com for more details. To discuss your content or PR requirements, contact 07810 636 748 or sanina@skcopyco.com Leaflets | Media relations | Plus, more
Admission
£4 At Parkside Suite, Parkside, Market St, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA (Please use the entrance on Stourbridge Road)
A venue for all occasions... Parkside Suite
28th Nov, 19th Dec (Christmas Special), 23rd Jan & throughout 2018 on the last Tuesday of the month
For Weddings, Parties, Exhibitions, Conferences and more!
Tuesdays, 2 - 4pm
Please call Jan Woolley on 01527 881478
Active Bromsgrove
For enquiries please contact roombookings@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or call 01527 881478
Parkside Suite, Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B61 8DA
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Bromsgrove Sports & Leisure Centre The finishing touches are now being put on Bromsgrove District’s new leisure centre and swimming pools ahead of an autumn unveiling, so keep an eye out in your local press and online for more details! It’ll have two swimming pools including one with a movable floor, a climbing centre, full gym and fitness services, treatment rooms, a health suite with spa and sauna, and more. It’s been built by contractors Morgan Sindall next to the 1970s Dolphin Centre that it will replace on School Drive in Bromsgrove town centre.
The Leisure Centre under construction
Jayne Pickering, Director of Finance and Resources at Bromsgrove District Council, said: “We’re excited to be able to replace the old Dolphin Centre and bring another generation of active leisure opportunities to people across the district. We’ve seen so many planned projects coming to fruition across the town recently as we continue to work towards a better Bromsgrove, and we’re looking forward to the new Bromsgrove Sports and Leisure Centre as the latest piece of that puzzle.” The new centre has been supported by a £1.5million Sport England grant, and it will be run by leisure provider Everyone Active who won a 21-year contract from Bromsgrove District Council.
An artist's impression of how the Centre will look.
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Everyone Active works in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council
Battlefield Brook works
Work to improve the brook running through a Bromsgrove park and create a better home for wildlife - including cute little water voles like this one - are now in full swing. The large scale works aim to remove sections of the crumbling concrete channel along Battlefield Brook, in Sanders Park, and replace it with a naturalised channel. This work started just after Bonfire night and is expected to continue through to March in various stages to limit disruption. Phase two will start in February 2019 and last for eight weeks. This phase will see minor habitat alterations such as adding ripples and pooling sections to the upstream and downstream reaches. During this time different areas of the park will be fenced off as the works take place there and at times some sections of footpaths will be temporarily closed. This work is one of many National Environment Programmes taking place across the UK by various water companies. The Environment Agency have identified these schemes to ensure water companies meet European and national water quality targets. Battlefield Brook was selected as an area in which habitat improvements would be required to enable the watercourse to achieve “good” river quality status. Heather McCready, from Severn Trent, who are carrying out the work in Bromsgrove, said: “We’re committed to protecting and improving the environment right across our region. This work aims to improve local habitat and provide an environment in which wildlife, such as the water voles, can populate and traverse between the natural upstream and downstream sections of the brook.”
Universal Credit
Residents in postcodes starting with B90 1, B62 0, DY8 2, DY9 0, and DY9 9 should be aware that they now come fully under the new Universal Credit service.
Universal Credit applies to these specific areas of Bromsgrove District because of slight differences in the boundaries with Dudley and Solihull, where the full Universal Credit service was rolled out in July. Universal Credit is the new working age benefit from the government that replaces six income based benefits: 1. Job Seekers Allowance 4. Child Tax Credit 2. Housing Benefit 5. Employment and Support Allowance, and 3. Working Tax Credit 6. Income Support If you live in the affected postcodes, if you find yourself out of work or on reduced hours you will be able to apply for Universal Credit or find out more from the government at www.gov.uk/uc It is paid once a month into a bank or building society account. Some people are exempt from Universal Credit, for example if you have more than two children or live in certain types of supported accommodation. Please note that to apply you will need: 1. An active email address 2. A mobile phone number 3. Details of your bank account, building society or credit union account 4. Your rent or mortgage costs
5. Your wages 6. Details of any children and/or your partner 7. Photo ID (exceptions apply)
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The year gone by... This is our second edition of ‘Better Bromsgrove Christmas' which has seen us pulling together all the work by organisations and partners across the district, to bring you a real extravaganza. Many of our centres have something festive going on for the first time. But Better Bromsgrove is not just for Christmas, it’s all year round, and there’s been lots going on in 2017. In the town centre we launched the Valentine’s Better Bromsgrove Love competition that saw traders put up romantic gifts for residents to win, the first ever Youth Market, the highly successful food and drink festival, a pro-skater and bmx event and Italian themed market. There was also lots going on in the other centres. Barnt Green had a fantastic classic car show and first ever Barnt Green Buskers, and Catshill, Alvechurch, Hagley & Barnt Green are busy planning this year’s Christmas Light Switch On events with tremendous support from local businesses! July saw the launch of the Best Bar None Bromsgrove scheme to support and grow our night-time offer and ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night out in Bromsgrove town centre. Plans are already underway for next year including two exciting new events for Bromsgrove town centre and building on this year’s success to make 2018 a year to remember for all our centres! Click on www.betterbromsgrove.com to keep up to date.
Cheryl Welsh, Centres Manager
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Saturday 25th November
3.30pm - 5.30pm, outside Village Hall
s a m t s i r h C s t Li g h
Sw On itch 2 017
l l i h s Cat Join us for our first Christmas Lights Switch On Event with a visit from Santa, festive food & drink & new lights display. Lights Switch on at 5pm. For more information please contact Catshill & North Marlbrook Parish Council on 01527 873266
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Friday 1st December 4.30pm - 5.30pm in the Square
Carols around the tree
Find the Reindeer Competition
Best Dressed Window Competition
Alvechurch Community Choir
Christmas Lights Switch On at 5pm by Midlands Today and BBC Hereford & Worcester presenter Joanne Malin Kindly supported by Thomas Brothers Funeral Directors For more information please contact Alvechurch Parish Council on 0121 4478016
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Christmas services in Bromsgrove churches
Churches Together in Bromsgrove wish you happiness & God’s Blessing this Christmas time.
Community Christmas Carol Service in St John's Church on Wednesday December 13th Doors open 6pm for the Service at 6:30pm
Methodist Church: Lickey End
All Saints Church: Burcot Lane
NewSong Community Church: Broad Street
Sunday 17th Dec: 6:30pm, Service of Nine lessons & Carols Christmas Eve: 3:30pm, Christingle Service 11pm, First Communion of Christmas Christmas Day: 10:15am Christmas Day Communion with St Godwald's
Bromsgrove Baptist Church: New Road / Ednall Lane
Sunday 17th Dec, 3pm, Carol Service Christmas Eve: 10:30am, Morning Worship Christmas Day: 10am, Christmas Service Christmas Eve: 10:30am, Family Service 6:30pm, Carol Service Christmas Day: 10am, Christmas Celebration Service
St. Andrew’s: Lyttleton Ave, Charford
Sunday 17th Dec: 4pm, Scratch Nativity & Christingle
Sunday 17th Dec: 10:30am, Morning Worship Christmas Eve: 3pm, Christingle Service with Children’s Nativity & Carols 11:30pm, Communion Service Christmas Day: 10am, All Age Celebration
St. Godwald’s Church: Finstall Road, Aston Fields
Bromsgrove Methodist Church: Stratford Road
St. John’s Church: Bromsgrove
Sunday 17th Dec: 6pm, Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve: 4pm, Crib Service 11:30pm, Late Night Communion Christmas Day: 10am, All Age Celebration with Gracechurch
Catshill Baptist Church: Milton Road
Sunday 17th Dec: 10:30am, Family Nativity Service Thursday 21st Dec: 7:30pm, Village Community Carol Service, Catshill Social Club Christmas Eve: 6pm, Carols by Candlelight Service 11:30pm, Midnight Communion Service Christmas Day: 10am, Christmas Morning Celebration
Catshill Methodist Church:
Sunday 17th Dec: 10:30am, Children’s Nativity 6pm, Candlelight Carol Service Christmas Eve: 10:30am, Christmas Worship 4:30pm, Christingle Service 11:30pm, Midnight Communion Christmas Day: 11am, Christmas Day Service
Sunday 10th Dec: 5pm, Carols by Candlelight Christmas Eve: 3pm, Christingle Service 11pm, First Communion of Christmas
Sunday 10th Dec: 5pm, Christingle Service Sunday 17th Dec: 6pm, Nine Lessons & Carols Christmas Eve: 5pm, Scratch Nativity 11.30pm, Midnight Service Christmas Day: 10:45am, Family Holy Communion
St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church: Rock Hill
Monday 18th Dec: 7:30pm, Service of Readings & Carols Christmas Eve: 6pm, First Mass of Christmas 10pm, Night Mass Christmas Day: 8:30am, Mass of the Dawn 10:30am, Mass of the Day
The Salvation Army: Carlyle Road
Christmas Eve: 5:30pm, Carol Service Christmas Day: 10am, Christmas Celebration
Christ Church: Stourbridge Road, Catshill Sunday 17th Dec: 4pm, Carol Service Christmas Eve: 4pm, Christingle Service 11pm, Communion Service
Gracechurch: The Methodist Centre, Stratford Road Sunday 17th Dec: 3:30pm - 5:30pm, Christmas Party at Grafton Manor, call 07877 477341 for more details Christmas Day: 10am, All Age Celebration
Holy Trinity and St. Mary: Dodford
Sunday 17th Dec: 6pm, Carol Service Christmas Eve: 5pm, Crib Service Christmas Day: 10:15am, Holy Communion with Christ Church
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Bottle
Bromsgrove Christmas Markets
Light, Crisp & Fresh
175ml
Wide River Chenin Blanc - South Africa 18.00 5.00 Clean and bright Chenin Blanc, peppery and aromatic, with tropical fruit flavours of ripe fig and melon back with crisp, refreshing acidity Bromsgrove High Street on
Christmas Markets return to Friday 17th & Saturday 18th November for the third year! - France Les Vignerons Vermentino Colombard 20.00 5.50 Craft stalls hosted by local tradersFresh selling lovely gifts and crisp and floral nose with pleasant white flower and pear Vermentino notes decorations, festive food & drinks, entertainment throughout Louis Eschenauer Sauvignon Blanc - France 17.00 4.50 the day. Come along and join in the fun! Brimming with grassy fruit flavours, a very expressive nose, with notes of orchard flowers, pineapple and e exotic fruits
Traders include: Panache Gifts Sarah's Feisty Flavours Little Red Robin Crafts The Ugly House
Sildil Stained Glass Fundraisers'R'Us St Johns Church Silver Strand Deverry Jewellery
Friday from 9am til 4pm: THE ST JOHN’S WINE ROOMS BRAND Entertainment from Bromsgrove Blue Grass, Chadsgrove Singers & official market opening with Bromgrove's Town Crier at noon.
FREE town centre parking Fri 17th Nov!
The Den Series Chenin Blanc - South Africa 27.00 A St lively,Basils medium to full-bodied wine, with zippy flavours of creamy pineapple, pink lady apples and melon. Denim Up-cycler
Izzy Wizzy Sweetiz Usborne Books Vibrant, TropicalGems & Zesty Romsley Blueberry Button Topuku Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc - New Zealand 25.00 Rose's Wreaths Charming Classic Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, grassy, aromatic nose, the palate isCreations zingy with fresh gooseberry, ap tropical fruit flavours
Saturday from 10.30am til 8pm: 4.50 Singers16.00 & Stagecoach; Stilt walker Steve Chaos, Magician Pouilly Fume Domaine Pabiot -Party Loire with the AC30s 40.00 Lukey & face painting. in Pale crystalline hue, green tints. Nicely focused expressive nose of citrus fruits with a touch of boxwood the Slug & Lettuce from 6pm. Baron D’Arignac Colombard - France Class Entertainment from Vintage Ripe citrus flavours with notes of white flowers and a crisp finish.
Riesling Alsace Dorff & Irion - Alsace
29.00
Festive food & drinks both days from The SlugA& Lettuce, Little House superb Riesling from Alsace with Ale zesty aromas of limes& andButcher's lychee, coupled withBlock the oily, lush finish of c LOGO COLOURS Alsace Riesling.
B L AC K & W H IT E V ER S IO NS
"A Winter Fantasy" Saturday 25th November, St John's Church 7pm
SO
LD
OU
T
Please ensure the logo is only reproduced in the Delightfully Floral & Fruity colours:Bagordi Rioja Blanco - Spain 23.00 Travel into a Russian forest to build following "A Winter Bonfire", then take a Intense on the nose, fine ripe fruits, flowers, and citrus. Fresh, lively, with citrus hints and ready to be enjo magical flight with "The Snowman".Black, Richard Jenkinson conducts the White or Pantone 432 CP. Pinot Grigio Amori - Italy 18.00 5.00 Orchestra of St John, with soloist Daniel Munn (Worcester Cathedral) Delicate as , limes and green apples with refreshing citrus flavours and zesty acidity. TheDoors logo may be for used anof pears and Alvechurch Middle School Choir. 6pm a aromas selfie with The overlay to an image. The area Snowman, a hot chocolate & a treat. The perfect prelude to Christmas. Gavi La Luciana - Italy 35.00 around the logo may beand clean Gavi with lovely lemony citrus fruit flavours and a crisp and elegant finish. Dry, fresh Tickets £5 for adults, accompanied children gotoFREE. Tickets darkened slightly assist the logoHigh in terms of legibility Louis 20.00 5.50 available from Foto Factory at 123 Street or Eschenauer online atChardonnay - France rich bouquet expressing notes of acaciaPflowers, freshS IO butter, 4 32 V ER NS pineapple and tropical fruit with a fleshy a a-winter-fantasy.eventbrite.co.ukand standout. Aharmonious ©Snowman Enterprises Limited lemony, citric finish.
www.osjbromsgrove.org
Supported by:
A Charity Partnership Friends of St John's are delighted to have been selected by St John's Wine Room as their chosen charity partner. Friends and the Wine Rooms share a keen interest in the heritage of the town and its beautiful buildings. The partnership will help Friends to further promote our town's ancient church as a building for the community.
Join us for Christmas at the Wine Rooms
Christmas Menu from £25 www.stjohnswinerooms.co.uk or call 01527 877727
Selfie Snaps Christmas
Snaps The Bromsgrove Society & Friends of St John's bring the Photo Booth to Bromsgrove on Saturday 18th November and Sunday 10th December. Come along and be snapped! Follow us on Instagram @selfiesnapbromsgrove
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FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove
@FriendsStJohns friends.stjohns.church@gmail.com
See page 14 for the event timetable
e v o r g s Brom
NEW FOR 2017!
Juggling, Mystic Ball & Light Fantastic Glow Show Look out for Rob on his walkabouts throughout the event!
Hosted by Malcolm Boyden from BBC Hereford & Worcester Lights Switch On 5.30pm For more information please visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/ events or call 01527 534030
Meet the 10ft Snowman, All & Sundry Panto Characters & Santa Claus Primrose Hospice Tree of Light Switch On at 5pm PLUS Music from the Artrix Songstars Showchoir both outside Asda Music from Bobby’s Girls 11
November 17th & 18th
Pull-out dates
Friday, 9am - 4pm & Saturday, 10.30am - 8pm
Bromsgrove Christmas Markets High Street, outside the Slug & Lettuce, Bromsgrove FREE Bromsgrove Town Centre Parking 17th Nov
Saturday, 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Bromsgrove Christmas Lights Switch On Town Centre, outside the Golden Cross Pub (Primrose Hospice Tree of Light Switch On 5pm, Main Lights Switch On 5.30pm)
Friday, 5pm - 8pm (Switch On 7pm) Hagley Christmas Lights Switch On Village Centre, Hagley
Saturday
Winter Fantasy ft The Snowman, St John’s Church, Bromsgrove Town Centre, doors 6pm, concert 7pm Rubery Christmas Lights Switch On New Road, Rubery, 3.30pm - 5.30pm (Primrose Hospice Tree of Light Switch On 5pm, Main Lights Switch On 5.30pm)
Catshill Christmas Lights Switch On Outside Village Hall, Catshill 3.30pm - 5.30pm (Switch On 5pm)
December
Friday, 4.30pm - 5.30pm (Switch On 5pm) Alvechurch Christmas Lights Switch On The Square, Alvechurch
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for your diary Saturday
December
Artrix Christmas Happening Town Centre, Bromsgrove, 11am - 1pm FREE Bromsgrove Town Centre Parking 2nd Dec Artrix Lantern Making Workshop (See page 15) Parkside, Bromsgrove, 10am - 4pm Also running on 3rd December Barnt Green Christmas Lights Switch On Village Centre, Barnt Green, 3.30pm - 6pm (Switch On 5pm)
Small Business Saturday throughout the District
Saturday
9th
Blackwell Concert Band High Street, Bromsgrove, 10am - 12pm
Artrix Lantern Making Workshop (See page 15) Parkside, Bromsgrove, 10am - 4pm Also running on 10th December
Sunday, 10am - 5pm
CJ’s Events Christmas Festival High Street, Bromsgrove FREE Bromsgrove Town Centre Parking 10th Dec
Sunday, 5pm
Artrix Festival of Light, High Street, Bromsgrove FREE Bromsgrove Town Centre Parking 17th Dec
19th 23rd
Tuesday to Saturday
CJ’s Events Extended Market High Street, Bromsgrove
(Please note all info correct at time of going to press, all events subject to change)
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Bromsgrove Switch On timetable 3.30pm
Chadsgrove School Choir
4.50pm
Light Fantastic, Juggling & Glow Show
3.50pm
Artrix Songstars Choir
5.10pm
Bobby's Girls
4.10pm
All & Sundry Panto
5.30pm
Lights Switch On
4.20pm
Bobby's Girls
5.35 - 5.45pm Bobby's Girls
Bromsgrove extra Artrix Christmas Happening Saturday 2nd December, 11am - 1pm Come and enjoy a non-traditional Christmas happening in Bromsgrove Town Centre.
Blackwell Concert Band, Saturday 9th December, 10am - 12noon Blackwell Concert Band will be performing on the High Street in Bromsgrove on the 9th of December between 10am and 12noon to bring some festive music to Saturday morning shoppers. Since its humble beginnings, the Band has gone onto to reach its current strength of around 75 players with a repertoire that covers marches, pop, rock, film scores, classical pieces and more. This year they have performed at various local events and continue to entertain residents and visitors from across the district.
Christmas events survey Are you attending our Christmas Lights Switch On in Bromsgrove or Rubery this year and the other Christmas events in Bromsgrove High Street? Or perhaps you have chosen not to? We would like to keep improving these events to make sure we're giving our residents what they want. So help us out by filling in our online survey with your thoughts and ideas. We are interested to know what you enjoy (or don't) and will take any ideas for future events. The survey should take about 5 minutes to complete but will really help us understand your views and opinions. Go to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/consultations
Wishing everyone in the Bromsgrove District a happy & peaceful Christmas & New Year
Perpetual Wellbeing Fitness Centre
SMALL GROUP FREE TASTER SESSION* PERSONAL TRAINING • Personally Tailored Workshops • Expert Advice and Support • Fun and Laughter Guaranteed! Body Toning Abs and Core
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www.bsoc.co.uk @bromsgrovesoc
High Intensity Interval Training Overall Fitness
Dedicated Over 60’s Workshops helping with mobility and flexibility
Tone Up • Lose Weight • Feel Great
Call Now 01527 877622
Book Online
www.perpetualwellbeing.co.uk LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE
The Conservatory, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove B61 9DU
* Valid 2017
Festival of Light Bromsgrove 2017 17th December at 5pm Join in, or just admire and soak up the atmosphere as the candle lit procession travels from Poundland to Argos.
This is a FREE family event (No booking required) Everybody welcome.
An accessible, large-scale, multi-faith lantern procession guided through the town’s centre, engaging local schools, families and community groups. The Festival of Light will bring the people of Bromsgrove together in a community focused celebration of togetherness, light and the Winter season. Artrix will be collaborating with associate artist, Kristoffer Huball and outdoor arts company Beautiful Creatures to add to the visual spectacle, bringing their 20ft giant puppet through the town centre as he searches for the community spirit of Bromsgrove. The event will be hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester’s Tammy Gooding and the procession will be led by Someone at the Door Samba Band and culminate with The Destroyers, a Balkan Gypsy Band for the finale.
Lantern making workshops Join our professional lantern making team to create your very own lantern to take part in your procession. Drop in with your family to make a lantern in one of our FREE workshops. Please allow an hour to create your lantern. 2 & 3 December, 10am - 4pm Venue: Parkside, Market St, B61 8DA Book your FREE hour slot artrix.co.uk Box Office: 01527 577330 All children must be accompanied by an adult.
Lantern making for the brave We know that for some people your standard pyramid lantern isn’t enough! Join our team and perfect your masterpieces, be they Pokémon, Millennium Falcons or penguins! 9 & 10 December, 10am - 4pm Venue: Parkside, Market St, B61 8DA
Book your FREE morning/afternoon slot artrix.co.uk Box Office: 01527 577330. All children must be accompanied by an adult.
FREE Town Centre parking for this event!
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Sunday 10th December 10am - 5pm
C
e v o r g s m o r B
l a v i t s e F hristmas
High Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8ES Come & enter into the Christmas spirit Festive stalls, Entertainment, Delicious food & Delightful drinks. You can visit Father Christmas & tell him your Christmas wishes. Each child will receive a small gift.
www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk www.cjseventswarwickshire.co.uk 16
FREE Town Centre parking for this event!
Friday 24th November 5pm - 8pm, Hagley Village Centre
s a m t s i r h C s t Li g h
Santa & his Sleigh arrive at 5.30pm
Blackwell Concert Band
y e l g a H
Festive Food Santa arrives Drink in&his Sleigh
5.30pm
Sw On itch 2 017
Children’s Blackwell Competition Concert Band
Singing around the tree with pupils from Hagley Primary School
Hagley Free Church Open the Book
Friends of Hagley Free Church present ‘An Unexpected Christmas’ performances 6.15 & 7.30pm performances at 6.15pm & 7.30pm (Ticket only)
Lights Switch On 7.00pm Christmas Lights Switch On 7pm For more information please contact Hagley Parish Council on 01562 886239
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y r e b Ru
Meet the 10ft Snowman & Santa Claus
Primrose Hospice Tree lit 5pm Lights Switch On 5.30pm For more information please visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/events or call 01527 534030
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Primrose Hospice Tree of Light Switch On at 5pm Live music from Bobby’s Girls, Issi Young & Local Choirs Juggling, Mystic Ball, & Light Fantastic Glow Show
Rubery
NEW FOR 2017! Juggling, Mystic Ball & Light Fantastic Glow Show
Look out for Rob on his walkabouts throughout the Switch On Event with performances from 3.30pm.
Keep an eye on www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/events for more details of the Rubery Christmas Lights Switch On Event. Father's Barn Craft Fair Saturday 25th November, 10am - 4pm Exciting handmade craft stalls from across the Midlands. Father's Barn, New Road, Rubery, B45 9JA
St Chad's Church Christmas Craft Fair Saturday 25th November, 10am - 3pm Lots of stalls full of handmade goodness, presents, decorations and edible treats. FREE entry. St Chad's Church, New Road, Rubery, B45 9JA
Beacon Church Centre Christmas Cracker Saturday 25th November, 10am - 1pm
Lots on offer including cake and gift stalls, brunch (last orders 12.30pm) and Father Christmas. FREE entry. Beacon Church Centre, Whetty Lane, Rubery, B45 9DL
Beacon Church Centre Christmas Events
Sun 26th Nov 4pm, Lights of Love Service in partnership with Primrose Hospice Sun 3rd Dec 6pm, CafĂŠ Church
Sun 10th Dec 11am, Nativity & Gift Service
Sun 17th Dec 6.30pm, Carols by Candlelight with Rubery Youth Marching Band Sun 24th Dec 11.30pm, Christmas Communion
St Chad's Christmas 2017
Sun 10th Dec 4pm, Christingle
Fri 22nd Dec 10.30am, New Road/St Chad's, New Road Nativity Sun 24th Dec 4pm, Children's Crib Service Sun 24th Dec 11pm, Midnight Eucharist
Bromsgrove Festival The 2017 Bromsgrove Festival again proved a great success. During June and July over eighty arts and cultural events, ranging from theatre to folk music, were held in the Bromsgrove District and were attended by over five thousand people. Particular highlights were the free community events on Bromsgrove High Street and in Rubery Village. Planning has now started for the 2018 Bromsgrove Festival, which will run from Thursday 21st June to Sunday 22nd July 2018. It will comprise a wide range of artistic and cultural events to suit all tastes. The full programme will be finalised early in the New Year. You can follow progress on the Festival website: www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk and on Facebook.
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Saturday 2nd December 3.30pm - 6pm, Village Centre
s a m t s i r h C s t Li g h
Sw On itch 2 017
n e e r G Barnt
Come & enjoy our wonderful Christmas event with the Lights Switch On at 5pm outside Millennium Park Blackwell Concert Band | Sweet treats | Festive food & drink Unveiling of Christmas Light competition winner from St Andrew’s CE First School For more information please contact Barnt Green Parish Council on 0121 447 9893
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North East Worcestershire Telecare Service
Give peace of mind this Christmas NEW Lifeline is a telecare service available 24 hours, 365 days a year to any vulnerable people living within Bromsgrove District 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 resident’s home and a portable pendant allows 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.
Give peace of mind this Christmas to a loved one and your family by subscribing them to the NEW Lifeline telecare service.
For more information on this and our other services please call 01527 534060 or email: lifeline@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk
12 Days of Christmas Competition Saturday 2nd December
WIN!
Small independent businesses bring vibrancy and unique offers to town and village centres. So in line with Small Business Saturday and to help residents show their support for small businesses in the district, we are running a great competition with over 12 brilliant prizes up for grabs. The 12 Days of Christmas Competition is an exciting new campaign for Bromsgrove District Centres to promote shop local and support our unique, independent businesses. The competition will launch on Saturday 2nd December as part of Small Business Saturday and offer the chance to win a variety of prizes every day until 13th December.
To enter simply tweet the council with the hashtag #BetterBromsgrove12
Small Business Saturday is a national non-commercial campaign that highlights small business success. Bromsgrove District boasts independent traders and market stalls, making it the perfect place to pick up a unique Christmas present.
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They're pups, not presents
A Christmas wish from Worcestershire Dog Wardens
Christmas is nearly upon us but unfortunately ‘the season to be jolly’ causes concern for Worcestershire Regulatory Services’ dog wardens. The dog warden service work tirelessly all year round to try and combat animal welfare cases, push responsible dog ownership and try to educate people to neuter their pets. Sadly the post-Christmas period often sees more unwanted animals dumped after that cute kitten or puppy present turns out to be a lot more hard work than expected. It also sees a rise in illegal pet sales. So please, please, please do not buy online and be extra vigilant for the signs of illegal sales. Always request to see the puppy with its mother to reduce the risk of purchasing from a seller who may be dealing with farmed puppies and all pups should be microchipped – so if it is, do some research to make sure it wasn’t implanted abroad and imported illegally. We would like to remind everyone at this time of the year that, as cliché as it may be, a dog really is for life – not just for Christmas. If you can’t take care of a dog or any other pet in the long term, please be responsible and don’t get one. If you are struggling to look after an animal or suspect someone you know is abusing their pet, please contact the dog wardens so that we can save them before it is too late.
Thank you
Eat safe this Christmas The festive period normally means that most of us eat out more,
whether it’s for a works Christmas lunch or celebrating New Year with our families. We know that pubs and restaurants often get booked up quick but just because you might have to go somewhere that isn’t your preferred choice doesn’t mean you have to accept lower standards of food hygiene. The local Food Hygiene Rating Scheme listings can help you make an informed decision of where to eat safely at Christmas and the listings can be seen by going to www.food.gov.uk/ratings and carrying out a search to see how local businesses are rated. Businesses are rated on a scale of 5 (very good) down to 0 (in need of major improvement). The website is updated monthly and mobile apps are also available for you to plan where to eat.
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Worcestershire Regulatory Services delivers services including Environmental Health and Licensing services throughout the county, hosted by Bromsgrove District Council.
Bromsgrove District Council
Christmas Waste and Recycling Collections 2017 Normal collection day
Revised collection day
Tuesday 26th December
Saturday 23rd December
There are no more planned changes to collections throughout the festive season. PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL BINS ARE OUT & READY FOR COLLECTION BY 7AM AT THE LATEST We will not return where residents have not presented their bin for this time. We will continue to collect your grey and green bins on alternate weeks throughout the Christmas period. However, if we experience snow and icy weather and cannot get to you on collection day, please leave your bin out and we will return as soon as we can.
Let it snow!
During the wintry weather we strive to keep residents up to date with any changes to our services, particularly bin collections. Where possible we try to keep our collections as normal but every morning and throughout the day we monitor the weather and road conditions. Because our collection vehicles are so heavy, we need to make sure the roads are safe enough to drive on. Rural roads can be quite tricky in the ice and snow so we may choose not to send our crews out if it poses a risk to them and others. We update our website regularly during snowfall, alert the media and post updates on our Facebook and Twitter Streams. So sign up today for alerts and other news updates – winter is just around the corner. Just in case the weather takes a turn for the worst this winter, advice on flooding and gritting is available from Worcestershire County Council at www.worcestershire.gov.uk
To keep up to date with affected County Council services during bad weather, such as school, library and museum closures and bus service disruptions, view the emergency alerts section on the County Council website or follow them on twitter:
@worcscc
@WorcsTravel 23
EVERYONE IS EXCITED to meet you!
* e e f g in in o j 1 £ y a p d Join now an
HEY Bromsgrove! YOUR NEW Sports and Leisure Centre is coming soon... • • • •
25m 6-lane swimming pool and a 10m x 15m small pool Three group exercise studios offering 80+ classes 100+ gym stations with the latest Technogym® equipment Clip ‘n Climb
BECOME A FOUNDER MEMBER TODAY www.everyoneactive.com/NowHere
* Offer valid until 30 November 2017. UK bank holders only, 16+. Direct debit membership. Must pay one month in advance, this will be used to cover your final month. Participating centres only. Must cancel by 20th of month in order for the DD payment to stop on the 1st of the following month. A joining fee of £1 applies. See www.everyoneactive.com/joinfor1 for full terms.
Everyone Active works in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council