Completely Bromsgrove

Issue 6

February 2019

Completely

Bromsgrove

BURCOT GRANGE & THE LODGE � car� hom� wit� � differe��

Burcot Grange & The Lodge offer a unique blend of luxury country house living combined with expert 24-hour residential, dementia and respite care

• Large en-suite rooms including suites ideal for couples • Friendly compassionate care teams

• Relaxing lounges with open fires and views of the grounds • 5 acres of landscaped grounds Rated 9.7/10 on independent website carehome.co.uk • www.cinnamoncc.com/burcot

The Lodge Dementia Café Join our free club every second Thursday of the month, starting at 10.30am.

To reserve your place, please call 0121 392 6995 or email burcot.haa@cinnamoncc.com

23 Greenhill, Burcot, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 1BJ t: 0121 392 6995 e: burcot.haa2@cinnamoncc.com

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Welcome Welcome to the first edition of Completely Bromsgrove 2019.

It seems such a long time ago since the end of November when we were in the midst of the festive season. I trust you all had a wonderful Christmas and here’s to a great 2019!

So, what have we in store in the February edition?

To kick start the year off with …

Wendy Carter is calling out to you, to help our bugs and wildlife find new homes in our gardens’.

We give a shout out to the next event on the calendar ‘Valentines’! Rosie Hamilton has written a lovely piece on the history of Valentines. I wonder how many of our readers will propose to their other half this year? Is marriage on your agenda for 2019?

6

One lucky reader, will be winning £300 worth of glasses from the very generous VIP Eye Wear based at Tardebigge Court, turn to page 24 and get that entry form filled in and back to me for your chance of winning, you know the old saying, ‘If you’re not in it, you can’t win it!’

Good luck everyone.

And finishing on a happy note, turn to page 30 for a list of Comedians who will be entertaining folk at the Artrix this February, we all like a good laugh, so checkout who’s coming.

Well, hopefully we won’t be delivering this in the snow, so as the nights start to draw out and the spring flowers poke

18

WWF - Pledges for wildlife Burcot Grange - Vickys return History - The robber prince Gardening - February flowers Broad Street DIY - 40 years on KSH - The finest flooring Avoncroft Cricket Club Recipe - Chocolate honey tart

Completely

Bromsgrove Tel: 07948 086870 Email: michelebromsgrove@outlook.com

4 Completely Bromsgrove

Best Wishes

Michele Ford

23 30

Contents

6 8 10 12 14 17 18 20

up their pretty heads, I look forward to speaking to you for the March issue.

21 22 23 24 26 27 28 30

Health and wellbeing Valentines - Love is in the air Valentines - Style inspiration VIP Eyewear competition Helping out on our waterways Primrose Hospice - Lantern walk OSJ - Spread their wings Artrix - Comedy month

Congratulations to last issue’s Competition winners: The Dire Straits Tribute Band Money for Nothing ticket winners are: Judy Banner & Brian Hilson - both from Bromsgrove

Sales: Michele Ford Tel: 07948 086870

Design: Matt Walton Design

The contents of Completely Bromsgrove magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Completely Bromsgrove magazine.

Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Completely Bromsgrove magazine cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Bromsgrove’s Pledges for Wildlife I

t’s been an odd winter weather-wise. As I write this in January my hellebores and rosemary are in full bloom but by the time you read this, things may be very different. Either way, it won’t be long until we’re pottering in our gardens, welcoming in spring..

Last year the Trust launched Pledge a Patch in the hope that, together, we can turn Worcestershire wild. Our nature reserves make up less than 1% of the county’s landscape but what if we could start to join the dots? What if individuals, communities, schools and businesses were to connect these hotspots and help wildlife to thrive?

I’m delighted to say that we’ve had more than 250 people Pledge a Patch for wildlife and more than a dozen of these are in Bromsgrove. Will you pledge your patch for wildlife and help to join them up?

One Bromsgrove Patch, for example, has a raised flower bed that is being left to go wild. Another has bird houses, a bug house and the Pledgers are sowing flower seeds for pollinators. Mi-Ke’s Stumpery is in a small Bromsgrove garden and consists of mature shrubs, ferns, bulbs and tree stumps. Leaves and twigs are left on the ground for nature’s recyclers and to provide cover for insects and, if they’re lucky, hedgehogs. Bird feeders provide food for blackbirds, dunnocks, wrens, house sparrows and more.

It’s not just individuals. The team at the Forget me Not Café have a small garden with raised beds where they’ve made a herb garden and pond, are making a fairy garden and bug hotel with their group for disabilities and also make their own bird food. Just up the road, the gang at Clent Hills Vets have been sowing wildflower seeds and adding bird feeders

6 Completely Bromsgrove

and bug hotels to their pet memorial pathway and garden. Not only that – they’ve given members of staff packets of wildflower seeds to use at home and are helping to spread the wild word to their customers.

What could you pledge? You may have window boxes, patio tubs, flower beds, areas of lawn that you could leave unmown, community spaces that you can plant for pollinators, school grounds with space for nest boxes and hedges, businesses with room for pollinator-friendly hanging baskets…the list goes on.

You could create butterfly havens, hedgehog highways, bird paradises. Do away with chemicals and invite the predators in – ladybirds will munch your aphids, slow-worms will chomp on your slugs.

Take a look at www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/pledgeapatch for ideas on how you can help; you can sign up to receive seasonal tips and we’ll add your patch to our map so you can see how connected Worcestershire is becoming.

Keep up to date with us:

www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk Find us on Facebook

www.facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust Follow us on Twitter@WorcsWTtwitter.com/WorcsWT Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/c/WorcswildlifetrustUK1 Photos - Bee hotel used by leaf-cutter bees - Rosemary Winnall Ben’s Patch, Elephant hawk-moth in garden & Gardening - Tom Marshall Great tit at nest box - Nigel Bell Robin - Jon Hawkins SurreyHillsPhotography

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Completely Bromsgrove

7

Advertisement Feature

Welcome Back Vicky!

B

urcot Grange and The Lodge Care Home were delighted to recently welcome back their general manager, Vicky Osborne, from maternity leave. Vicky went on maternity leave in April 2017 to have her second child, Nancy Elizabeth, who is now 9 months old. Vicky also has her boy, Charlie, who is now 3 years of age. Nancy will be looked after by family when Vicky returns to Burcot.

Vicky has been connected to Burcot for nearly 17 years. She was first introduced to Burcot Grange when completing her Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at the age of 16. She then started working with the kitchen team as a waitress, and then worked part-time as a carer whilst going through sixth form. Once she finished sixth form, Vicky took a gap year and worked in admin which helped Vicky realise she wanted a career in nursing.

She carried out her nurse training at Birmingham University whilst still doing some care shifts at Burcot. In 2007, after successfully completing her degree in adult nursing, Vicky came back to Burcot Grange full time as Head of Care and progressed her career to become the Deputy and then the General Manager.

Although Vicky herself has been involved for nearly 17 years, her family connection with Burcot Grange goes back many years.

Her grandfather worked as a gardener when the Grange was a private estate and her grandmother worked as a nurse when it developed to the Birmingham Eye Hospital, so the home has been a big part of Vicky’s life.

When asked if she was looking forward to returning to work, Vicky commented “It’s been lovely spending time with Nancy

8 Completely Bromsgrove

- the time has flown by. But returning to Burcot Grange isn’t like coming to work, it’s like being at home with your family. The family that all have the same goal which is to do the best for our residents as well as each other.”

When asked what makes Burcot Grange and the newly built Burcot Lodge so special, Vicky’s passion and enthusiasm for this care home was clear to see, “Burcot Grange is set in its traditional black and white Victorian façade, matched by the luxurious country interior, with wooden panelled reception area, stained glass windows and open log fires for the winter months, all within 5 acres of beautiful gardens. It really is a care home with a difference. The newly built Burcot Lodge which is adjacent to Burcot Grange is a state-of-the-art care home designed to be in keeping and to compliment the older building. It means we can support residents looking for both residential and dementia care either on a permanent, respite or even day care basis. But the most special thing about Burcot Grange and the Lodge are the team. Like me, most have been here for many years and their daily dedication and love towards our residents makes me feel honoured and proud to be working with them.”

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9

Bromsgrove and the Robber Prince T

he next time you pass the Tudor House (formerly the Hop Pole Inn) in New Road, you may like to reflect on its connections to the English Civil War, and to one of its most notorious figures: Prince Rupert of the Rhine.

The English Civil War broke out around 1642 between forces loyal to Parliament (‘Roundheads’) and Royalists (also called ‘Cavaliers’) who followed the King. Charles I was highly unpopular and showed little regard for the rights and authority of Parliament. By the mid1640s tensions between the two sides had erupted into outright hostilities, with much of the fighting being across the Midlands.

Although no major battles were fought around Bromsgrove, people were acutely aware of what was going on. And for one short period, in May 1645, the town became the headquarters for the whole of the Royalist forces.

The decision to station the king’s troops in Bromsgrove was taken by Prince Rupert of the Rhine, commander-in-chief of the Royalist army. On Sunday, 11th May 1645, Rupert and many of his officers and cavalry quartered themselves at the Hop Pole Inn, an Elizabethan hostelry on Bromsgrove’s High Street. From there he masterminded the army’s redeployment from Oxford to Leicester.

The King stayed in Droitwich while much of his army of 8,000 men moved northward through Bromsgrove, Kidderminster and Stourbridge.

Although only 22 years old, Rupert was an accomplished soldier with a fearsome reputation. He had fought on the continent and was a master of the lightning cavalry charge. Two years earlier, in 1643, he had sacked Birmingham after the populace refused to supply arms to the Royalists and had plundered one of the king’s wagon trains.

On 12th May, Rupert led his cavalry from Bromsgrove to Frankley, where he burned down the house of Sir Thomas Lyttelton (a supporter of the King) to prevent it being occupied by Roundhead forces. From there he pressed on to Hawkesley House, which had already been fortified by the Parliamentarians. After a short siege the Roundhead garrison surrendered. Rupert’s troops then pillaged the house and set it on fire. Beoley Hall was also plundered and set ablaze to prevent it being fortified. Watchers on the Lickey Hills were able to witness columns of smoke rising from these three Worcestershire stately homes and Rupert acquired a new title: ‘the Waster of Worcestershire’.

After the monarchy was restored in 1660, Prince Rupert became Charles II’s admiral and supported the arts and sciences. But ‘the Robber Prince’ left only a negative mark in the Midlands, where many people condemned him as the most diabolical of the Cavaliers.

The English Civil War in Worcestershire, in particular Charles II’s escape from Parliamentary forces in 1651, will be explored at the Bromsgrove Society’s local history meeting on 19th February, when the speaker will be Roger Pendrill. Details at: www.bsoc.co.uk

10 Completely Bromsgrove

by Mike Sharpe

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11 

February, the month of bursting into life.

February can seem like a month that nothing is happening or going on in the garden, certainly in the first few weeks, but actually that is not the case and in fact much has been going on, Snowdrops that have been sleeping over the summer months are now bursting into life with their delicate nodding bells of winter beauty. Tete a tete daffodils…one of the earliest of spring bulbs are putting up their showy display of vibrant spring yellow, Crocus opening up widely to soak up the warm spring rays of sunshine to attract pollination and the Eranthis or winter aconite with it’s rich green leaves and a delicate yellow cup shaped almost Buttercup like yellow flower, that can form massed carpets and are often seen in churchyards when they are left undisturbed. So a lot has happened over winter, new roots have formed, bulbs nourished and swollen and now in February it’s all about to burst into life.

There are numerous spring bulbs to give us a colourful display but one of the most showy of all plants for heralding the spring garden is the delightful Hellebore. They are so easy to grow and care for and although some do like a moist dappled shady spot many will grow quite happily in full sunshine and as for clay soils well the Hellebore will love it. Totally hardy your Hellebore will not be harmed with any harsh weather that may be thrown at it and although they can droop in the severe frost they quickly recover with a bit of warmth. Hellebores cover a wide spectrum of colour with shades from pink, cream, yellow, black and red with many colour shades in between they have both single and double flowers, although I refer to them as flowers they are in fact technically a bract. The Christmas rose a white variety is one of the earliest to flower as the name suggests flowering around Christmas time. When February comes the hellebore puts up it’s stunning show and unlike many other spring flowers that have a relatively short flowering season the hellebore can go on for a long while easily flowering for a month or more, they just gradually fade as the seed head develops. Hellebores are not partial to being dug up and divided but they can be teased into smaller clumps and replanted, this way you know what you have for although they are vigorous in the production of seeds and plant-lets the resulting plant could be of any colour shade and depending upon which colour pollinated they are often all a pale dull pink so it’s not the ideal way of growing hellebores.

There has over the years been much work done in developing new varieties and colours by specialist growers and they are definitely a very fashionable plant to have in the garden. Recent developments have resulted in a much more upright flowerhead so that the speckled flowers are much more visible.Wagon house gardens at the Jinney Ring craft centre will be holding a special Hellebore event showcasing these upright varieties from February 14th, this has become a popular annual event in the calendar and choosing one of these newer varieties would make a good investment in the garden. Easy to look after your hellebore will benefit from a liquid feed of fertiliser such as a tomato feed, this will encourage more flowers, remove last years leaves prior to flowering as they can become blackened and speckled but this is quite normal and will benefit helping the flowers become much more visible.

Perfect planted into a pot or container your hellebore will give years of pleasure and have the added advantage of you being able to move it to brighten up any dull corner.

They truly are one of my favourite plants of the season and I think that they may become yours to.

Karl Strawbridge Wagon House Gardens The Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury, B60 4BU Tel: 01527 821421

Garden Tips for February 1. Prune back Winter flowering shrubs and Cornus. Cut back Buddleja to about 2 feet from ground.

2. Cut back any perennials such as Penstemons to the ground or to newer low growth and generally tidy up the border removing leaves etc. Sprinkle a little top dress fertiliser to give a boost.

3. Cut back summer flowering Clematis before new active growth starts.

4. Prepare vegetable seed beds by lightly forking in plenty of compost and cover with polythene to warm up the soil.

5. Sow tomato plant seed under cover and if you did not do Sweetpeas in October do them now.

12 Completely Bromsgrove

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13

Keeping it local for 40 years Family business Broad Street DIY, in Bromsgrove, proudly celebrated its 40th anniversary in January.

T

he shop was first opened by Tony and Linda Warren on January 8 1979, on Broad Street in the Sidemoor district of the town. Since then the business has grown from humble beginnings and today three generations of the Warren family work there. Whilst Tony remains the ‘Boss’ his son Paul was appointed managing director in 2002. The business is also managed by Paul’s brother Brian, Paul’s wife Hayley and his sister Lisa. Paul’s son Liam represents the third generation working for the family business.

The turning point for Broad Street DIY came in 2001 when the shop moved to its current Worcester Road location. Larger premises meant a wider range of products could be stocked and an outside yard allowed for greater expansion into landscaping and building materials. A firstfloor kitchen and bathroom showroom opened in 2009.

A business at the heart of the local community, Broad Street DIY has raised thousands of pounds for charities over the years and taken part in numerous communitybased projects; supporting Age UK Men in Sheds, The Royal British Legion, The Basement Project, Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm, Primrose Hospice and Libby Mae’s Little Angels, to name a few. The shop has also won a variety of local and national awards, including DIY Retailer of the Year in 2017.

Anniversary celebrations were run in store from Tuesday January 8 till Sunday 13. Throughout this time the shop was decorated with hundreds of green balloons and there was a special visitor’s book for customers to leave comments.

The main events took place on the Saturday – when the first forty customers through the door were given a free goody bag. Customers also enjoyed some special offers A family affair (left to right) Brian, Liam and Tim Warren, Lisa Childs, Paul, Hayley and Tony Warren

14 Completely Bromsgrove

with 40 per cent off key cutting and 10 per cent off goods throughout the store.

Speaking of the anniversary Carl Bancroft, a customer since the original Broad Street DIY Sidemoor premises opened, said: “When the Warrens took over back in 1979 there was nowhere quite like it in the area at that time.

They realised very quickly what their customers required and the key to their success has always been having the right products at the right price.”

He continued: “It’s been wonderful seeing Tony’s children, and their children join the business. They are a hardworking family deserving of all their success and long may it continue.”

Paul Warren, managing director, said: “Over the years Broad Street DIY has experienced some very challenging trading conditions, we have survived three recessions in the past forty years! We are immensely proud to be celebrating four decades of serving the local community.

We work very hard to maintain high standards of customer service because without the support of our customers we wouldn’t be here today.”

Right: Paul and Tony Warren with customer Chris, claimant of the 40th goody bag Top: The original shop on Broad Street circa early 1980s Main: Broad Street DIY on Worcester Road as it is today.

www.broadstreetdiy.co.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

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Avoncroft Cricket Club W

hilst the cricket square can feel quiet and isolated over the deep winter months, behind the scenes this is a key time for any cricket club to plan for the new season.

At Avoncroft CC, preparations are underway for the club’s Annual General Meeting in February where, amongst other things, the captains will be appointed for the 2019 season. Sunday captain Christopher Pitt has already indicated his intention to stand down from the role after 5 years and the club are very thankful for his hard work and commitment to the positive culture and focus of youth development in the Sunday side.

On the financial side, small village sports clubs are always reliant on grants, donations and fundraising to fund the improvements needed to develop and grow. To that note, Avoncroft CC are very grateful for the support from the Bromsgrove Small Grants scheme to part-fund a new roll-on practice net which will enhance the coaching opportunities to the 100 junior players currently enrolled at the Stoke Heath club.

Fundraising work is continuing to enable the replacement of the club’s aging permanent practice nets and anyone interested in supporting these efforts is encourage to contact the club through our website at www.avoncroftcc.co.uk

by Paul Athey

Steve Evans 26th July 1960 - 23rd November 2018

S

adly, Avoncroft Cricket Club recently lost one of its most popular and gifted players when Steve Evans passed away suddenly at home.

Steve joined the Club 12 years ago, after playing in the Oxfordshire League.

Following a number of successful seasons with ACC, Steve unfortunately had to retire from active cricket three years ago after several recurrent injuries. He then became a voluble and often very amusing one-man supporter’s club based at his solitary seat at the top corner of the ground. He would then make the occasional foray across to the pavilion for some light refreshment and deliver his views on the day’s proceedings!

He was a talented hard-hitting batsman who scored several centuries for ‘Croft including a majestic 154 not out at Himbleton. He also bowled medium-paced off cutters and took many wickets for the Club. In combination with the stirring and enthusiastic assistance of his wife Dawn, Steve made excellent contributions to the Club off the field, particularly the regular post-match barbecues.

His dedication, determination and competitiveness were a fine example to younger players, and his unique brand of humour and repartee will be greatly missed in and around the pavilion.

18 Completely Bromsgrove

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19

Chocolate Honey Tart

Method To make the pastry put the butter, icing sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl and cream together with an electric whisk for about 5 minutes, or until a pale cream colour.

Gradually whisk in the eggs then gently mix in the flour and cocoa powder. Roll the pastry into a ball, wrap in clingfilm and chill in the fridge for 2 hours.

Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 2 mm on a lightly floured surface. Line the tart pan with the pastry and trim off any excess from around the edges with a small, sharp knife. Prick the base with a fork and chill in the fridge for further 20 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line the pastry case with baking parchment, fill with baking beans and bake on a baking sheet in the middle of the oven for 20 minutes.

Remove from the oven and discard the parchment and beans. Return the pastry case to the oven and continue to cook for a further 5 minutes, or until crisp. Set aside to cool.

Add the honey, butter and double cream to a small saucepan. Gradually bring to the boil and simmer for 45 minutes until golden. Stir in the salt then pour the butterscotch over the chilled pastry layer. Return the tart to the fridge and chill for 30 minutes.

Bring the cream, butter and salt to boil in a saucepan.

As soon as it has reached boiling point, take off the heat and pour the boiled cream into a heatproof bowl and sprinkle in the chocolate. Using a silicone spatula, start to mix the ingredients in a circular motion, just in the centre of the bowl. Keep mixing until the chocolate starts to melt you have a shiny, smooth ganache.

Spoon the topping evenly over the cooled honey layer.

Allow to set overnight at room temperature before serving.

20 Completely Bromsgrove

Ingredients • 100g unsalted butter, softened • 50g icing sugar, plus extra for dusting • a pinch of salt • 1 egg, lightly beaten • 95g plain flour, plus extra for dusting • 35g cocoa powder

• 140g set honey • 140g butter • 150 ml double cream • knob of butter • 1/2 tsp flaky sea salt • 150ml whipping cream • 90g butter • A large pinch of salt • 250g dark chocolate, chopped

Recipe created for Love British Food

by Seasoned Cookery Courses www.lovebritishfood.co.uk

Are we losing the war on health?

Health and Wellbeing

C

hristmas has been and gone and now is the time for New Year resolutions. If you are anything like myself, I make the resolution and carry it through for about two weeks, and then the old habits creep back in and the resolution goes out of the window. Whatever your resolution may be if you don’t carry it through don’t beat yourself up about it. Just take little steps to make those changes in your life that you want. This New Year I would love to know what you would like to know about in regard to health and wellness for the coming year.

Drop me a line at info@need4change.com The Buzz Word for Health this year is going to be the Microbiome.

What is Microbiome?

The Micro Biome is our gut flora (bacteria) that we get through our diet. I have written before about how important our gut is in relationship to our health and these bacteria are extremely important in keeping our gut healthy. We have about 100 trillion microorganisms living in our gastrointestinal tract and this microbiome is now being thought of as a virtual organ of the body. The bacteria in our gut can be one of our strongest allies in getting healthy…or it can be one of our worst enemies.

Not all bacteria are created equal. Gut bacteria can number more than 100 trillion cells, and this has more impact on our health, more than medical experts previously realised. Good bacteria help to strengthen the immune system and help to manufacture our body’s needs such as vitamins. On the other hand, “bad” gut bacteria can cause digestion nightmares and all kinds of other problems such as bad digestion and mental disorders. A healthy gut isn’t made by trying to rid our body of gut bacteria altogether. It’s made by balancing the bacteria-limiting the bad guys and encouraging the good guys to grow. There are 7 signs of an unhealthy gut: Digestive issues 1. Mental issues 2. Lack of vitamins 3. Chronic unmanaged stress

by Colette Garside

4. Skin Conditions 5. Auto immune disease 6. Over usage of Antibiotics colette@need4change.com

What are prebiotics and probiotics?

Probiotics - these are live bacteria and yeasts. When they are taken in adequate amounts they are beneficial to our health. These can be found in live yogurt and supplements.

Prebiotics - This is the food for the probiotics that are found in carbohydrates and fermentable dietary fibre.

Synbiotics - This is a combination of both pre and probiotics in one supplement. If you want to have a really good one I have one which contains 16 Probiotics and 3 Prebiotics and a phytonutrient - slippery elm. Just drop me a line if you want to know more.

Completely Bromsgrove

21

Love is in the air T

he romantics among us love St Valentine’s Day. February is one of our coldest months, yet the restaurant windows glow with warmth as couples cosy up over a candlelit dinner and the shops are overflowing with red roses, cards and chocolates.

There are several theories as to who St Valentine actually was. According to the most popular legend, Valentine was a priest in Rome during the third century. Emperor Claudius II decreed that marriage was to be outlawed for young men, as he thought that single men made better soldiers than those who were married.Valentine felt the decree was unjust, and defied the Emperor by performing secret marriages for young lovers. When his actions were discovered, Claudius ordered Valentine be executed on 14th February.

Valentine’s Day was set at February 14th by Pope Gelasius, at around 500 AD. During the Middle Ages, the practice of love lotteries took the form of ‘Chance Boxes’. In France, couples who drew lots from the boxes were given one year to get married or part company. In England, it was a common practice for men to wear the name of the girl they drew from the chance boxes on their sleeve, encircled with a heart.

St.Valentine’s Day became a popular celebration during the early 1600s with verses making their debut later in the 17th century. By the 1850s, it was common for lovers to give their loved ones small gifts or Valentine’s cards which grew more popular as the postal service expanded.

Not only is it a popular day for romance, it’s one of the biggest days for spending, with an estimated £620 million pounds being spent on Valentine’s gifts in 2017 according to market research firm

22 Completely Bromsgrove

Mintel. At least some of those gifts take the form of jewellery because apart from Christmas Day, Valentine’s Day is the most popular day of the year for men to pop THE question. There are some pretty creative proposals about too. One prospective groom liaised with an air crew so that he could propose during an in-flight announcement and another hired his local cinema to screen a film of himself singing in his underpants before going down on one knee. Luckily both ladies said yes!

As we all know, getting married is an expensive business. Respondents to a recent survey carried out by Bridebook, said that they were engaged for 20 months before walking up the aisle. This gives the couple plenty of time to save up and choose their wedding outfits, book their dream venue, decide on the guest list and organise the honeymoon. While the number of opposite sex marriages has dropped, the number of same sex marriages, which have only been possible since 2014, has gone up.

Regardless of whether you’re single or in a relationship,Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love.

So make it the day you tell your parents, your kids, your best friend and of course your partner how much you love them. Those of us who have sadly lost family members, friends will tell you that you can never say “ I love you” enough.

by Rosie Hamilton

Style inspiration for

Valentine’s Day

1. Be authentic - Maybe you are edgy and love to rock your look with an urban cool zipped biker jacket with a gorgeous vintage dress. Perhaps you love an opulent trouser suit to bring some class to the table. Alternatively, maybe a perfectly proportioned tea dress makes you dazzle. Whatever your style, you want to feel fabulous on Valentine’s Day. Be bespoke - we all want to be liked for who we are.

7. Beauty Queen - The perfect date night happens when you feel, look and are being yourself. Choose makeup that is really you but do draw attention to your best features. Make sure you have moisturised (all over!) and have chosen a gorgeous lipstick to draw attention but avoid gloss. No one wants to kiss glossy but sticky lips!

2. Casual date - For those of you going to a venue which warrants more of a smart-casual vibe, putting together the right style trousers with a pair of heels is a match made in heaven.

When done right this look is effortlessly chic. Whether you are fusing classic jeans and patent heels, or cigarette trousers with a chunky-heeled short boot, you can never go wrong with the trouser & heel combo as long as you are wearing the right length and style of trousers with shoes that look and feel fabulous on you.

1. Dressy date - If you’re going to a venue where a bit of panache is the order of the day and a suit is preferred, then make sure the colours you wear complement your skin tone. Separate your work clothes from your going out clothes. Don’t wear a work shirt on your date. Shirts patterned with checks or wearing a block colour shirt in one of your wow colours will keep your outfit interesting.

3. Touch of rouge - When we think of Valentines, the first colour which springs to mind is of course red. Primary red is the only colour which suits everyone’s skin tone, but all other reds need to be carefully considered as some of us suit warm reds whilst others suit cool tones. Whether it’s a little red dress, a red coat complimented by a neutral outfit underneath, or red accessories, Valentine’s Day and red will always go hand in hand.

4. Lacy can be racy - If your style personality favours textures such as lace, try wearing a lacy number on Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget that colour is also important, so choose a lace garment which is in line with your colour palette. Alternatively make a statement in a silky top made even more romantic with ruffled sleeves, a must touch velvet or a fake fur in a rich colour.

5. Accessories - Consider every detail of your Valentines outfit down to the accessories. If you like a bit of drama wear bigger and bolder necklaces, bracelets or earrings, but a smaller pendant may be right on the money to draw attention to your finest assets. Be fun and flirty but always be colour savvy.

AND FOR THE MEN…

2. Casual date - If the venue chosen needs more of a smartcasual look, bring your best stylish swag to the date by pairing jeans or chinos with a blazer, but make sure they are both wellfitting. Suave is the way to go. Even if you are going for a more casual look, good grooming is still essential.

3. Coats & Jackets - Seeing as it is still winter, if you don’t have one invest in a smart coat that you only wear out at night to complete your look. There are so many sartorial choices so try a few on and make sure the colour is on point!

4. Accessories - It is easy (for men – sorry!) to overlook accessories when putting outfits together. If you are wearing a neutral coloured coat, then jazz it up with a scarf in one of your wow colours. Attention to detail is to own your style. Even wearing a nice watch means you care about your appearance on your date.

6. Love/ Hate - Many of us have a love hate relationship with Valentine’s Day. Some of us like to get dressed up but only to please ourselves, whilst some can’t bear any reference to candy colours or heart motifs. If this is you, you may like to try throwing together some leather and stud detailing with a shift dress, or try colour blocking in your favourite non-pink or non-red outfit with a fabulous belt. Leopard print is also all over the shops still.

by Jane Brook

www.houseofcolour/janebrook Completely Bromsgrove

23

Welcome to VIP Eye Wear O

ur beautiful shop is in Tardebigge Court near Redditch and Bromsgrove.

We feel we offer a more personal alternative to some of the larger, more well known organisations.

Do you struggle to choose glasses?

We are trained to know what suits you.Your complexion, shape, personality and fit are all really important choosing new frames.

Please feel free to browse our website and Facebook page and don’t hesitate to drop in for a chat.

We Offer Spectacle dispensing – One to one help and advice on getting the right frame and lens. With free refreshments, we encourage you to take your time and be guided by us.

We stock unusual hand made Italian frames in plastic, metal and wood. Yes wood!

Honest advice! If it looks great we will tell you. If not – we will also tell you!

Repairs and adjustments, petite ladies frames and large mens frames.

Opening Times Friday 10am till 4pm Wednesday 10am till 4pm Thursday 10am till 4pm Saturday 10am till 4pm We are closed all other days, however you can call us to make an appointment on other days or evenings.

Bring your prescription to us and choose your frames from our extensive collection of prescription glasses and sunglasses.

VIP Eye Wear is all about quality, service and value.

Everything we do is geared towards making the experience of buying your glasses as easy, and as enjoyable, as possible. You can be assured of the highest levels of customer service, best choice of frames with the best prices.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

WIN A PAIR OF PRESCRIPTION GLASSES TO THE VALUE OF £300 Question: Where will you find VIP Eye Wear?

Answer ........................................................ Court Name......................................................................................................................

Address..................................................................................................................

Tel.............................................................................................................................

Email........................................................................................................................

Please tick if you don’t want to hear about promotional offers from VIP Eye Wear.

Send your entry to Completely Bromsgrove, 11 West Road Bromsgrove B60 2NG Closing date for entries 18th Feb. 2019

24 Completely Bromsgrove

Owners Julie and Lisa

VIP Day Care Centre is an award winning centre specialising in supporting people to live well with all types of dementia, sensory Valuing impairments and disabilities in Individual Redditch & Bromsgrove.

People Are you or a loved one living with dementia, sensory impairment or disability?

Are you becoming socially isolated?

Would you like to meet others in the same situation?

Come and join us to meet others, make friendships and for a whole range of fun activities including art and craft work, pool, beauty therapy, games, gardening, cooking, reminiscence sessions and much more.

Ask your social worker about funding or get in touch with us to book your place on 07733 749 531 or 01527 758070 or email us vipdaycentre@gmail.com We are open 9am - 5pm Monday - Friday www.vipdaycentre.co.uk

NEED NEW GLASSES? BIG NAMES AT LOW PRICES We only stock Independent Brands, so you will find something different!

PRESCRIPTION BRANDED LENSES IN SINGLE VISION, VARIFOCAL, THIN LENSES, PHOTOCHRONIC & MORE

prices from just

39

£

for complete glasses

OPENING TIMES: WED - SAT 10am - 4pm

Tel: 01527 757343 1 Tardebigge Court, Hewell Lane, Redditch B97 6QW

www.vipeyewear.co.uk Completely Bromsgrove

25

Help a good causeway the Daves’ urges waterways and well-being ‘Join charity, the Canal & River Trust, as it launches a new campaign to recruit more volunteers to take on the iconic role of lock keeper across Worcestershire.

‘Dave’ is the most common name among the Trust’s thousands of volunteers and the charity is appealing for men and women from all backgrounds to join the army of Dave’s performing this important task on the county’s waterways.

Britain’s canals are more popular than ever before, with more boats using them than at the height of the Industrial Revolution.

Last year over 1,000 people volunteered to be lock keepers, a task which involves helping boaters on their journeys and providing information and advice to visitors on the towpath.

Of the many people volunteering for the charity in a range of roles, 130 ‘Daves’ give up their time to carry out tasks, such as helping boats through locks, clearing vegetation, maintaining towpaths and teaching children via the charity’s education programme. Hot on their heels are the ‘Johns’, with ‘Barbaras’ and ‘Karens’ leading the way among female volunteers.

Adnan Saif, regional director of the Canal & River Trust, said: “Worcestershire’s canals go through such a diversity of cities, towns and villages and this is reflected in our volunteers.

“Of course we’d love to continue to welcome dedicated ‘Dave’s and brilliant ‘Barbara’s to our volunteering team. But we would really like them to be joined by new names and faces so that we can do even more in 2019 to ensure canals across the county are havens for people and wildlife.

“In particular we’re looking for people to sign up as volunteer lock keepers and help bring their local canal to life for everyone who visits. It’s an iconic role, with volunteer lock keepers often known as the ‘face of the canals’, and great for anyone who likes spending time outside and talking to people.

“We value each and every one of our volunteers and appreciate everything they do to help look after our historic waterways.

In return we do all we can to ensure they have opportunities to learn new skills and meet new people in a friendly and supportive environment.

“We believe that anything you do to spend more time by water is good for your mental and physical wellbeing, so that’s an extra benefit for everyone.”

The Trust needs volunteer lock keepers at locks across Worcestershire including: • Bilford Locks • Diglis Basin

• Hanbury Junction

• Stoke Prior • Tardebigge

To find out more about volunteering opportunities on your local canal, visit: www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/volunteer

26 Completely Bromsgrove

Shine bright in memory of a loved one this New Year

P

rimrose Hospice in Bromsgrove are inviting the local community to join them for a one mile dusk lit walk around the grounds of The National Trust property Hanbury Hall on Saturday 2nd February taking place from 4pm.

Whether you will be joining to remember a loved one or just to enjoy the picturesque setting of Hanbury Hall, the evening is set to be magical ending with a performance from the Primrose Choir.

Participants over the age of 12 will receive a lantern and a battery operated tea light to carry along the route and the under 12’s will all receive a glow stick to help them light the way.

The lantern walk is supported by CLT Electrical and Data who are based in Bromsgrove. Chris Towler, Director of CLT Electrical and Data, said “We are proud to support our local charity with the wonderful work they do providing people with a ray of sunshine in their days of need.”

The walk is unique and is a special opportunity for our community to come together to remember those we love who are no longer with us. Primrose Hospice is inviting everyone, not just those touched by hospice care, to take part in this walk.

Fundraiser, Anna Wilson said: “We are delighted to be able to offer our supporters a Lantern walk event. It is an opportunity for family, friends and colleagues to remember a loved one by taking part. Not only will the evening be tranquil it will also be magical with fairy lights illuminating parts of the walk”.

Anna went on to say; “Money raised from the walk will allow Primrose Hospice to continue its vital work in our local community. We support patients living with lifelimiting illnesses, and their families. Every year, we must raise over £1.75 million, in order to continue to provide our essential services free of charge”.

To sign up, please visit: www.primroselanternwalk.eventbrite.co.uk For further information about the event or to volunteer to help please contact Anna Wilson on 01527 889796 or e-mail: annaw@primrosehospice.org

Completely Bromsgrove

27

Bromsgrove’s much loved Orchestra spreads their wings!

Photos: Phil Harrison

Completely Bromsgrove talks to the orchestra’s manager Alastair Moseley about his ambitions for 2019 “The Orchestra of St John has exciting plans for 2019 and is looking forward to entertaining the music lovers of Bromsgrove with some of the greatest music ever written, spanning over 300 years!

On Saturday 27th April we will be playing one of Franz Schubert’s greatest works - his last Symphony Number 9, ‘The Great’ written when he was just 28 and only 3 years before his untimely death. Our Principal Bassoonist Richard Tattam, a much loved teacher working in Worcestershire will also be put through his paces playing Weber’s jolly concerto for Bassoon and Orchestra.

In May we take part in the Hagley Music Festival and will be performing all six of J S Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos in St John’s Church in Hagley on Saturday 12th May. The concertos are rarely all performed together and make for a wonderful experience, and the odd glass of wine in each of the two intervals will help the music flow all the more!

In July we will be staging our annual MusicFest in our home venue St John’s Church in Bromsgrove, featuring two Children’s Operas on Saturday 20th July - Richard Rodney Bennett’s ‘All the King’s Men’ and then a brand new work for the same forces by Claire Prewer - ‘Sabrina, Spirit of the Severn’. This will be a workshop featuring talented youngsters from in and

28 Completely Bromsgrove

around Worcestershire, accompanied by players from the Orchestra of St John. In the weeks leading up to the MusicFest, some of our players will be performing chamber music in venues in Rubery, Catshill and Charford, introducing music lovers, young and old to the joys of classical music.

We will once again be closing the Bromsgrove Festival with our Gala Concert in St John’s, Bromsgrove on Sunday 21st July – and boy what a programme this will be including Jean Sibelius’ wonderful Second Symphony, and music from Edvard Grieg’s evergreen incidental music to Peer Gynt. Do come along and enjoy this wonderful, uplifting concert.

All this is of course not possible without the guidance of our Music Director, Richard Jenkinson, and the support of our audiences, which are growing year by year, and our supporters including MFG, Bromsgrove School, James Giles, Bromsgrove Strings and the Friends of St John’s to whom we are most grateful.

Take a peek at our website - www.osjbromsgrove.org or www.facebook.com/osjbromsgrove to see all the details and we do hope that we might see you at one or more of our concerts this year. Remember, our aim is to play great music on your doorstep here in Bromsgrove - Live, Local, Love it!!”

Back to school - the reunion L to R Beatrice (nee) Jefferies, Jean, Rosemary (nee) Sidaway, Marie from S.A , Sandra from USA, Tony Harris

Lorraine (nee) Turner on far right with The Head of St Johns, Head of Finance with Mike Latcham Lorraine’s husband.

T

he year of 1964 school reunion was held on 15th September ‘18 at the old School that was known as Watt Close secondary modern.

It is now called St John’s Church of England middle school. During the day many memories were told and lots of laughs were enjoyed.

The reunion was a huge success with former students coming from as far away as South Africa, the USA, Tenerife and all corners of the UK including Weston Super Mare and Manchester.

Also on the day the Head from St John’s shool together with the head of finance attended and gave everyone a conducted tour of the school, this was enjoyed by all.

v

L to R Trevor Griffiths, Janet (nee) Lammas and Richard Gould

L to R Jean (nee) Perkins, Molly (nee) Park, Marie (nee) Lowe who came over from South Africa. Janet (nee) Prosser and Sandra (nee) Cooper, who arrived from Austin Texas USA

Forthcoming Attractions Box Office 01527 65203

Online booking www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Completely Bromsgrove

29

Fu nn y Fe br ua ry February at Artrix is packed full of top-name comedians February is set to be full of giggles at the Artrix, as the Arts Centre, well known for attracting top name comedians, welcomes nearly a dozen comics to its stages.

Funny February kicks off with the “fantastically funny” (GQ) Andrew Doyle, one of the UK’s foremost political satirists on Friday 1 February (recommended age 16+). Andrew Doyle’s gig will take place in The Studio at Artrix and from February on wards, in keeping with the comedy club vibe, there will be a bar in The Studio serving bottled beverages throughout the evening.

Next up, comic Darren Harriott, who hails from Oldbury, performs in The Studio on Saturday 2 February (recommended age 16+). The Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominee returns to the circuit with a brand new show, following his recent appearance on Live at the Apollo.

On Wednesday 6 and Thursday 7 February one of the UK’s most beloved acts, Mark Watson, comes to Artrix’s Main Stage for two shows that have very nearly sold out already. As scrawny and impassioned as ever, Mark returns to Artrix with his usual notoriously high joke-and-rant-per-minute rate (recommended age 14+).

DIY Chef George Egg returns to Artrix on Saturday 9 February with his latest show demonstrating more live cooking and laugh-out-loud comedy (recommended age 16+) and on Friday 15 February Mandy Muden, direct from her sensational appearances on Britain’s Got Talent takes to the stage in The Studio with her brand new hilarious show Cunning Stunt.

Darren Harriott

On Saturday 16 February affairs comedy, Andrew Maxwell comes to The Studio with his show Showtime (recommended ages 14+). Known for his eagle-eyed, passionate current-affairs comedy, Andrew features regularly on BBC Radio 4 and shows such as Mock The Week.

Andrew Maxwell

Based on the hit BBC Radio 4 series, Rob Newman brings his show Total Eclipse of Descartes to Artrix on Thursday 21 February (recommended ages 14+), followed by Barnstormers Comedy on Saturday 23 February. This month’s Barnstormers will feature three more top acts from the UK Comedy Circuit - top Northern gagster Lewis ‘Big Lou’ Jones, visual dynamo Steve Royle and superb comic savant Michael Fabbri (recommended ages 18+).

Finally for February Gary Delaney returns to Artrix with the extra date that was added to his tour last year. This sold out performance takes place on the Main Stage on Thursday 28 February.

Details of all events can be found at www.artrix.co.uk or by calling Box Office on 01527 577330

30 Completely Bromsgrove

Monthly Meat Boxes

Available starting at ÂŁ20 with FREE delivery Suppliers of fresh British meat to the catering industry and direct to you door 6 days a week!

A wide selection of homemade free range sausages available!

Why not visit us at our shop: 9 RyeďŹ elds Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4NA

Tel: 01527 435669 or 07496 632 010 www.thebutcheressltd.com

Follow us on Facebook @ thebutcheress

Tel: 01527 435669 or 07496 632 010