Completely Bromsgrove issue 8

Issue 8 April 2019

Completely

Bromsgrove

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Open House Celebrations Come along to meet our team and see our beautiful home.

Saturday 27th April 2019, 10.00am-4.00pm. Includes Care Fees Planning Seminar at 2.00pm. Gain valuable FREE advice from Joanne Hill, SOLLA IFA from St James’s Place, and Sobea Irfan from Bank Solicitors.

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Welcome

Welcome to the April edition of Completely Bromsgrove

Spring has certainly sprung, and the daffodils have been greeting me as I’ve been out and about over the last few weeks. In this edition, you can read all about the delicious lunch Completely Bromsgrove attended; organised by the brilliant Jo Slade in support of Friends of St John’s and hosted by our fabulous local, St John’s Wine Rooms. In attendance was Bromsgrove MP and Home Secretary, Sajid Javid.Turn to page 24 to read all about it. If you are like me, you’ll have been getting out again into the garden. So, keep a look out on page 10, where our very own Karl Strawbridge talks about one of my personal favourite flowers, sweet peas. I actually have a patch in the garden that grows out of the

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With the days getting longer, and the temperature rising, Wendy Carter is encouraging everyone to get out and see the wonderful bluebell carpets, especially at Beaconwood and the Winsel nature reserve near Rubery, such a spectacular sight.You can read more on this on page 12. Finally, I would like to wish you all a very happy Easter, for those of you who are going out to local easter egg hunts enjoy! Until next month. Best Wishes

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Contents

6 8 10 12 16 19 20 23 24 26

edge of the lawn, and I noticed a shoot appearing only last week.

Academy Bikeworks The Road to War Gardening - Sweet Peas Bluebells at Beaconwood Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful Green for the Gras Recipe page Easter Sunday Lunch with Sajid Javid Contemporary Weddings

Completely

26 28 29 30 31 32 34 36 37 38

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

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Michele Ford

38 48 Grafton Manor Occassions by Design Tailorations Colour & Style Tips Win a gym membership Health & Wellbeing Education Bromsgrove School Genie Tutors Dodderhill School

42 Bromsgrove Jobs Fair 44 Avoncroft Cricket Club/ Bromsgrove Sporting F.C. 45 Bournheath - What’s On 44 Burcot Manor & The Hub 47 Canals & Waterways 48 Award-winning Artrix/ Bromsgrove Concerts 50 Step Back in Time

Congratulations to last issue’s Competition winners: The winners of the RHS Malvern Spring Festival tickets were: Sue Gill from Wychbold, Nicola Reynolds from Dodford, Lesley Oliver & Maria Garside 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.

Our next event at Chandler Court

Parkinson’s awareness

Thursday 11th April 2019 2pm - 4pm Join us to hear local Parkinson’s expert, Betty Whittaker, share helpful advice and practical information for those living with or caring for a loved one living with Parkinson’s. There will also be a chance to ask questions and learn more about the condition at our Redditch & Bromsgrove Parkinson’s UK pop up stand. To find out more or to book your free place call us on 01527 907828 or email shelley.hufton@careuk.com

Fulfilling lives Chandler Court care home Recreation Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court

Starting a new workshop F

ollowing the closure of Speeds in 2017, Hannah and Owen decided to return to Worcestershire in 2018 to open their own bicycle repair workshop. Academy Bikeworks is here to offer local cyclists and riders a professional bicycle repair service. We can provide full services and repairs or we can perform single and specific jobs. Owen is an experienced cycle mechanic, with more than 5 years history of working as a mechanic. He is currently Cytech level 2 certified and the business is fully insured. When did your passion for bikes start? Hannah - I fell in love with cycling in my late twenties, following a health scare. I decided it was time to quit some bad habits, but to ensure I could deal with day to day stresses, I needed to find new coping mechanisms, so I took up cycling. The first two weeks were really hard. I could barely ride a mile before having to stop and catch my breath, I persevered, and before long I was riding to Worcester and back on my hybrid. Then I purchased a road bike; then I found myself constantly spending time in Speeds Cycles, learning about bikes, the sport, and the culture. I joined a club, entered TT’s, even entered a fixed wheel no brakes crit race in London. I love being in the industry, seeing other people fall in love with the sport and where that journey takes them. Owen - Owen has grown up around bicycles and classic cars as a result of his dad’s interests, and is himself passionate about both. But Owen decided bicycles were his primary passion. Owen used to ride his dad’s bikes with a local club, and in his teenage years built his own road bike. Owen would ride ‘old school’ road frames, such as his dad’s Rourke. These bikes would be fitted with retro Campagnolo groupsets and would include traditional technology such as downtube shifters. He learnt to appreciate the bike and has a deep sense of mechanical sympathy. Later on, Owen became fascinated with fixed wheel frames and fixed wheel crit racing. All of his bikes have been built from the frame up and each serve a different purpose.

Was working with bikes something you both always wanted to do as a career? Hannah - Not at all! Until my late twenties I was very much an indoor creature. I had worked in retail, in office jobs, and even as a freelance writer. But once I found cycling I was hooked, and wanted to spend as much time as possible learning more about the sport. I was very lucky to have a great local bike shop, Speeds, who had a great team of people willing and patient enough to indulge my many questions. In 2014 then manager Phil advised that there was an opportunity to support business owner Sue with the bookkeeping and admin. I jumped at the chance and I haven’t looked back. I have continued to work in the industry in one form or another, and absolutely love being in a bike workshop. Owen - Owen was keen to work in the cycling industry and was delighted when Speeds decided to take him on and train him up as a mechanic. It’s actually difficult to picture Owen doing anything else to be quite honest! How did you both meet and how long ago? Hannah -Owen and I met about 6 years ago, and we got to know each other once he started working at Speeds. I would pop in regularly and chat with Owen, Kevin, Phil, Ross and Martin about bikes. I was always curious about what they were working on. At the time Speeds was undergoing a renovation and an extension, so I’d often take in treats and stay for a cup of tea while getting the latest news. Then, a few months after I started working there, we became a couple. And we’ve been together ever since! How long were you both at Speeds? Owen -Owen joined Speeds in 2013 and I joined the team part time in February 2014, and later became the full time manager. We both left in October 2016 as I had accepted a job with one of the biggest cycling parts and accessories companies in the UK, ZyroFisher. When we heard Speeds had closed in September 2017 we had lots of customers get in touch with us directly, asking where they could take their bikes. Owen and I decided if we were ever going to run our own bike shop now was the time. So we moved back to Bromsgrove in March 2018 and started looking for the right commercial premises.

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was just like riding a bike!

Did you ever think you would own your business? Or did you always have your eye on this opportunity?

constantly looking at ways we can engage with the local cycling community, as well as work with both clubs and individual riders to support their goals.

Owen -Owen’s dad and his grandad had both run the family business, a removals company. With my managerial/ financial experience and Owen’s mechanical experience we both knew that there was potential for us to run our own business, as we thoroughly enjoy working together. But we agreed it would be unethical to setup in competition of Speeds, especially as it was the business that had given us both the skills, qualifications and experience we had acquired. This is why we relocated, as we wanted to further our careers within the industry.

Are there any specific bikes you prefer to deal with?

But once Speeds had closed, we identified a huge gap in the market for servicing in the local area. And it’s true, there’s no place like home! We knew local cyclists would be looking for somewhere to get their bikes serviced, somewhere to get mechanical expertise; however, both independent retailers and high street stores were struggling in the current economic climate. So we focused on setting up a business which focuses more on fulfilling the role as a service centre than a retail outlet. How long has your business been going now?

Hannah - Owen and I are always saying how much we love running our own workshop because of the variety of bikes we get to work on. For example, right now we have a Felt TT bike in which needs new cables throughout. We’re liaising with a third party to make repairs to a damaged carbon frame. We have a handful of road bikes and MTBs that need servicing. We’re in the middle of a couple of tubeless setups and getting ready to glue some tubs on. Finally there’s a tandem that requires some TLC! We genuinely enjoy the mix of bikes and jobs that we book in each day and there’s very little we can’t do - and if there is something we can’t help with we usually know exactly where to point someone to get the help that they need.

Academy Bikeworks Ltd Unit 73, Basepoint Business Centre, Isidore Road, Bromsgrove, B60 3ET www.academybikeworks.co.uk

Hannah -We opened doors to the public in September 2018, and it’s been an incredible 6 months so far! The support from the local cycling community has been fantastic. In 6 months we’ve established ourselves within the local community, established relationships with a number of businesses that recycle and repurpose waste generated by the cycling industry, we’ve developed a website that acts as a hub for sales of pre-owned bikes and parts, for local rides as well as lots of useful advice. We’ve also become stockists of Hunt Wheels and Frog Bikes. What are your long term plans? Our long term plans include shop rides in the summer months, workshops in the winter months to teach people about bike maintenance and cleaning, and extending our services to cover other areas within the sport. We’re Completely Bromsgrove

7

The Road to War B

y the spring of 1939 many in Britain realised that war with Germany was inevitable. The Nazi regime had already annexed Austria and par t of Czechoslovakia and it was obvious that its territorial ambitions would not end there. The siren calls of hawks such as Winston Churchill proved correct: the countr y needed to be put on a war footing. In Bromsgrove, preparations had been underway for several months. Everyone in Britain was issued with a gas mask which people had to carry at all times in case of gas attack. At school, children practised putting them on quickly, but they smelt of rubber and disinfectant and were uncomfortable to wear. Self-build air raid shelters were also distributed, which people built in their gardens. Once war was declared, on 3rd September, evacuees soon started arriving in Bromsgrove from neighbouring cities and towns, such as Birmingham. Children – in some cases as young as five years old – arrived by train or coach, with whatever possessions they could carry (including their gas masks). Around their necks were strung placards with their names on. They would be picked up by ‘adopting families’ and taken to people’s homes, which in some cases involved siblings being split up. Bromsgrove was still very much a rural market town at this time. The rolling countryside and agricultural scenes around their new homes must have seemed strange to children from the busy cities. As soon as war broke out the Council met in the newlybuilt Council House in Market Street. It discussed urgent matters such as blackout times (which were published in the Messenger newspaper), evacuees’ accommodation and facilities, and air raid precautions. The latter were the responsibility of Bromsgrove’s A.R.P. wardens, who staged

realistic dummy air raids and rescue missions in the town. Meanwhile, the local hospitals, such as Barnsley Hall and Bromsgrove Cottage Hospital, were put on standby to receive both civilian and military casualties. Being so close to Birmingham, Bromsgrove itself could hardly be considered ‘safe’. In particular, the nearby Austin Works at Longbridge would be a key target of enemy bombing. Bromsgrove School decided to evacuate its children and teachers to Wales as a precaution. The headmaster, Rev. D.J. Walters, accompanied the children to their new home in Llanwrtyd Wells. We will return to many of these issues in future editions, as relevant anniversaries come round. In the meantime, the town’s war preparations will be the focus of the Bromsgrove Society’s annual lecture, “Bromsgrove on the Eve of War: Our Town and District in 1939”. Local historian Pat Tansell will look at aspects of life in Bromsgrove during the late 1930s and how people were preparing for the days to come. The Orchestra of St John will also be playing music from the period. The event will be held in Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School on Tuesday, 16th April 2019. Doors open at 7.00 p.m. Tickets, priced £6, are available from Foto Factory in Bromsgrove High Street or online from the Bromsgrove School Box Office www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/ boxoffice.aspx. Further details at www.bsoc.co.uk or via @BromsgroveSoc on Facebook and Twitter.

by Mike Sharpe

A Bromsgrove ARP Reporting centre with telephonist (from Evergreen Scouts archive at Bromsgrove Library)

Bromsgrove School Children trying on gas masks (From The Birmingham Mail Sept 1939)

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Above: Cubs collecting paper for the war effort (from the Evergreen Scouts archive at the Library)

Top: Guns at Whitford (From Bromsgrove Messenger April 1939)

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Sweet Peas...

…the more you pick - the more you get!

Lathyrus odoratus or more commonly known as Sweet Peas are probably one of the most popular of all annual flowers specially prized for their colour and gorgeous scent. Originating in the Mediterranean area they are native to Sicily, southern Italy and Cyprus.They have been cultivated commercially since the 17th century and are grown by gardeners for enjoyment and for exhibition at flower shows. Sweet Peas make an excellent cut flower and they are very popular with florists for use in old English bridal bouquets. Sweet Peas come in all shades from pastels through to the dark blue and maroons, even black, they cover all colour spectrums, the only colour still illusive to growers is yellow. Best grown up canes or wigwams but equally they will scramble up any frame or pergola usually for up to 2 metres. Grow them near to where you sit outside on those long summer evenings if possible because that’s when their fragrance is at its highest. Sweet Peas are annuals, so they only last one season, they will flower right up till November but there are some everlasting or perennial Lathyrus varieties. Sow the seeds in October and overwinter in a cool greenhouse or on a windowcill, this way you have stronger plants in the spring which seem to flower earlier and stronger however you can sow seeds direct into the soil in April with three seeds to each cane. Alternatively you can buy pots of ready sown sweet peas from garden centres for direct planting.

Wagon House Gardens at The Jinney Ring Craft Centre will have a good selection of ready grown Sweet Peas for you to choose from. When your plants have three sets of leaves pinch out the tips to the second set of leaves, this will encourage side shoots to develop, these will carry even more flowering stems. They like plenty of moist rich damp cool soil with their heads in the sun or partial shade. Easy to grow and pretty trouble free, just tie them into the supports as they grow. Protect young plants from Slugs and Snails, Aphids can also be a problem around the newer younger shoots and flower tips. Water frequently and pick them regularly, for the more you pick the more the Sweet Peas flower, even if you have to give bunches away. Never let them set seed as they will stop flowering so pick pick pick. Sweet Peas are a firm favourite of the English summer cottage garden and I hope you are inspired to grow some Sweet Peas this year, you will be rewarded with some delightful blooms for months on end and who knows you may find a new interest in Sweet Pea exhibiting at the local flower shows.

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

Top tips for April 1. Sow annual seeds and prick out seedlings into modules or cells, keep them protected from frost. 2. Plant Lily bulbs into pots for summer flowering. 3. Direct sow seeds into the vegetable beds. 4. Sow Sunflower seeds. 5. Prune those early flowering shrubs.

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Beautiful Bluebells at Beaconwood A

s I write this in early March I’m amazed at just how much of our natural world has already woken up…and the mild weather doesn’t look like it’s going away. The question is - will we have carpets of bluebells in our woodlands in April rather than May?

Working out when wildflowers will look their best is often a guessing game as it depends on many things, our unpredictable weather being top of the list. Many of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s woodlands are carpeted with bluebells and our Beaconwood and the Winsel nature reserve near Rubery is no different. Lying on the northwest spur of the Lickey Hills, these beautiful woods are renowned for their stunning shows of bluebells each year. There are two distinct areas – Beaconwood was planted with oaks in the 1880s whereas The Winsel was planted c1930. The Great Oak, which sits as a marker at the junction of three forestry compartments, is estimated to be around 250 years old; the stories it could tell! You can park on the roadside near the entrance (nearest postcode is B61 0QD) and then find the public footpath that goes through a metal gate in a hedge – follow it up the short hill. There are plenty of beech trees so look out for beech mast; you won’t find the nuts themselves at this time of year but look for the empty cases. As well as admiring the bluebells, wood anemones, lesser celandines and other spring flowers, it’s also worth looking up and gazing through the canopy of oak, whitebeam, cherry and sweet chestnut.

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We often don’t just sit still and listen; nature reserves give you the perfect excuse to do this. If you have a noisy walk through a nature reserve, the wildlife won’t thank you and you won’t appreciate it quite as much as you could. Take a few moments to just sit or stand still, however, and you’ll soon see that the place is alive; from tree creepers working their way up tree branches looking for small insects to eat to majestic buzzards mewling to each other as they fly above the trees. Take time to watch the flowers and perhaps you’ll see a variety of insects moving between them – some will be looking for nectar to drink whilst others may be looking for smaller insects to eat. Wherever you go for a walk this spring, there’s a world that might be going un-noticed – take a moment to spot it! Visit our website for more information about Worcestershire’s wildlife, events and nature reserves www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk

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 - Beaconwood & the Winsel – Mar tin Wells Beaconwood – Andy Harris | Bluebell close up – Stephanie Franklin Lesser celandine – Rosemary Winnall | Tree creeper – Graham Wilkes Wood anemone – Tessa Carrick

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Completely Bromsgrove

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Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful joins National Campaign

L

ocal community group ‘Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful’ aims to carry out or support a clean-up activity every day for the duration of the Great British Spring Clean organised by Keep Britain Tidy. The national campaign runs from 22 March to 23 April 2019 and the local group are determined to play their part to help improve the environment on their doorstep. Mostly the activity will be litter picking, and the group is keen to hear from anyone in the district who wants to get involved. Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful founder and Keep Britain Tidy #LitterHeroes Ambassador Sarah Milburn said, “I’m so excited that our group will be contributing to the Great British Spring Clean. We’re working in partnership with so many fabulous local groups and with everyone pulling together I’m sure we can reach our target to have some activity happen in Bromsgrove every day of the campaign.” KBB group members will be out on various days during the campaign, litter picking in groups or as individuals, with KBB’s own regular litter pick taking place on Saturday March 30th. KBB will also be suppor ting and promoting activities being carried out by other local groups during the Spring Clean event, such as the litter

picks by Catshill First and Middle Schools, Oakhills and Parklands, Lickey Hills, Bromsgrove Street Pastors, Rigby Hall School, Chadsgrove School, Finstall Cubs, Fairfield, Hunters Hill College…and the list goes on! Sarah continued, “We’d love to hear from anyone who wants to contribute to this fantastic community event. Our group was set up to give people a sense of pride in their area and the Great British Spring Clean is aiming to inspire people across the country to join forces – we want to be a part of this! Alongside the litter picking I am planning a personal challenge and I am looking for nominations for grubby road name signs as I hope to clean one on each day.” Anyone wanting to join these #LitterHeroes can sign up via the Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful Facebook group or email kbb@itstar tswithus.co.uk Fur ther information kbb@itstartswithus.co.uk www.facebook.com/groups/170143497017683

by Sarah Milburn

16  16  Completely CompletelyBromsgrove Bromsgrove

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sparamadness is about to occupy the Vale of Evesham between 23rd April and 21st June.The Vale of Evesham continues to celebrate its horticultural heritage and delights in showing off its famous product. Part of the elite group of PGI protected foods Vale of Evesham Asparagus has now achieved a level of culinary prestige and superiority. St George’s Day sees the launch of the British Asparagus Festival in the Vale of Evesham – from then until 21st June the whole area will be going asparamad and turning “Green for the Gras” with a profusion of events, that will provide numerous opportunities to taste, buy, cook and learn about this most sought after delicacy. For further information call 01386 565373 or visit www.britishasparagusfestival.org Facebook- @thebritishasparagusfestival Twitter- @AsparagusFest

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19

RECIPE

Salmon, prawn and asparagus tart This is like a really posh quiche, packed full of salmon, king prawns and asparagus. I think tarts like these should have more filling than egg mixture and this is a great example of that. Try to use sustainable fish – a lovely alternative to salmon is rainbow trout or even smoked haddock. Just be careful of the seasoning if you use smoked fish. Method First start the filling. Make a foil pouch and put in the salmon, prawns, fresh dill, chilli, garlic, lemon zest and a seasoning of salt and pepper. Drizzle over some olive oil and seal the parcel. Place on a baking tray and bake for 12–15 minutes until the salmon will flake when nudged with a fork and the prawns are pink. Remove from the oven, fold open the parcel and leave to cool. Leave the oven on. To make the pastry, put the flour, dried parsley and a pinch each of salt and pepper into a large bowl and mix together. Add the cubed butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Drop in the egg yolks and mix in with your hands, then slowly add enough of the cold water to bring together into a dough (you might not need all of the water). Knead lightly just until smooth – do not handle too much – then wrap and chill for about 15 minutes. Bend each asparagus spear and snap off the woody end. Blanch the asparagus in a pan of boiling salted

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water for 1 minute. Drain, then slice in half lengthways. Set aside. Mix together the eggs, double cream and some salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the Gruyère and most of the Parmesan and mix through. Roll out the pastry on a lightly floured work surface to 3mm thick and use to line a 20 x 24cm rectangular fluted tin with a loose bottom. Crumple up a piece of greaseproof paper, then smooth it out and use to line the pastry case. Fill with baking beans. Bake blind for 15 minutes. Remove the beans and paper. Brush the pastry case with egg wash, then bake for a further 5 minutes until golden brown. Gently flake the salmon into chunks and spread in the pastry case. Arrange the prawns on the salmon followed by the asparagus. Pour over the egg mix. Sprinkle with the reserved Parmesan. Bake for 15–20 minutes until the filling is golden and just set with a slight wobble on top. Leave to cool before trimming off the pastry edges. Finish by snipping some fresh chives over the surface.

Serves 6 Filling Ingredients: 2 x 150g pieces skinless salmon fillet 180g peeled raw king prawns, thawed if frozen 1 tbsp fresh dill ½ tsp chilli flakes 1 tsp finely chopped garlic (jarred or fresh) grated zest of 1 lemon olive oil 200g fresh asparagus spears 4 eggs 80ml double cream 50g Gruyère, grated 100g Parmesan, freshly grated beaten egg, for egg wash salt and freshly ground black pepper fresh chives, to garnish Pastry Ingredients: 250g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 1 tsp dried parsley 125g cold unsalted butter, cubed 2 medium egg yolks 50ml ice-cold water Preheat the oven to 160°C fan (180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4)

www.lovebritishfood.co.uk

FREE Home delivery available 6 days a week Catering & retail butchers Visit our shop at 9 Ryefields Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4NA

FREE pack of sausages

when you visit the shop with this voucher

follow us on facebook and instagram www.thebutcheressltd.com

Tel: 01527 435669 or 07496 632 010

Stockist of award winning Lashford sausages Treat your mother this Mother’s Day, with a tasty british, rack of lamb. Sunday survival kits including, Lashford sausages, bacon, free range eggs, black pudding & a choice of pork or beef joint or a whole free roaming chicken Lils’ Baps @ Butchers Block are available every Saturday at Bromsgrove Market, so why not come down and give her freshly cooked hot baps a try. Follow us: www.facebook.com/ButchersBlock/

53 High Street, Bromsgrove B61 8AJ Tel 01527 570241

Completely Bromsgrove

21

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22  Completely Bromsgrove

Easter Sunday Sunday 21st April

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hen we think about Easter, the images that come into our heads include Easter eggs, fluffy bunnies, Spring lambs, Easter chicks and daffodils. As with many festivals these days, commercialism has overshadowed the religious meaning of Easter which was to commemorate the last week of Jesus’ life, encompassing his crucifixion on Good Friday and rebirth on Easter Sunday.

Easter itself is rooted in pagan traditions. Before Christians celebrated the resurrection of Jesus, ancient pagans observed the Spring Equinox as the return of the sun God -- a rebir th of light and an emergence from the lean winter. Some also point to Bede, an English monk who wrote the first history of Christianity in England, for evidence of this connection. Bede argued that the word Easter derived from a pagan fertility goddess named ‘Eostre’ in English and Germanic cultures. The egg has been a symbol of new life, fertility and rebir th for many centuries. The hard shell of the egg is supposed to represent the sealed tomb of Christ, and cracking the shell represents his resurrection from the dead. Another significant fact associated with Easter eggs is that Christians would abstain from eating eggs and meat during Lent and Easter was the first chance to eat eggs after a long period of abstinence. The first chocolate eggs were made in France and Germany in the early 19th century and were made from dark chocolate. It was not until Cadbury released their dairy milk chocolate that the Easter egg star ted to gain more popularity. The Easter bunny was not originally a bunny at all but a hare which was a symbol of Eostre the aforementioned Pagan Goddess. During the 19th century, the Germans

changed the hare into our more familiar bunny who would lay a nest of chocolate eggs the night before Easter for children who had been good. It’s easy to see how this tradition has led to today’s Easter egg hunt which is so popular with children today. So how about hot cross buns? According to Christian tradition, the buns were crossed with dough to symbolise the crucifixion. Legend has it that when baked on Good Friday, a bun wouldn’t go stale for the whole of the following year (we don’t recommend trying this!) Some believed they were medicinal and sailors took them to sea to protect themselves from shipwreck. One of the confusing elements of Easter is that unlike many holidays in the calendar, it doesn’t have a fixed date. The date is determined by the lunar calendar and is scheduled to fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the Spring Equinox. The Spring Equinox is the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator from South to Nor th. Therefore, Easter normally falls between the dates of March 22nd and April 25th. This year, Easter Sunday isn’t until April 21st so hopefully we will be basking in Spring sunshine by then as opposed to the chilly March winds we are experiencing at the moment!

by Rosie Hamilton

Completely Bromsgrove

23

Friends Launch Heritage Future Appeal S t John’s Wine Rooms was the setting for the launch of a fundraising appeal at Bromsgrove’s ancient and historic church of St John’s.

50 invited guests from local businesses and organisations gathered to support the appeal and enjoy lunch in the company of Bromsgrove’s MP and Home Secretary the Rt Hon Sajid Javid, the Patron of the Heritage Future Appeal. Lunch was followed by a speech from Mr Javid and a question and answer session hosted by BBC Hereford and Worcester Radio presenter Kate Justice. The appeal has the ambitious target to raise one million pounds to carry out urgent building restoration work along with a pledge to “Save our Spire”. The top section of the 198ft spire, the tallest in Worcestershire and a landmark for Bromsgrove, requires a complete rebuild. The funds are also necessary to create a space fit for the needs of today’s community with upgraded seating, heating, lighting, toilets and kitchen facilities.

Sajid Javid & Vik Sehdeva

Sajid Javid & Kate Justice

Sajid Javid & Jo Slade

24  Completely Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove Standard editor Tristan Harris spoke to Sajid about the Appeal: “I was absolutely delighted to be asked to be the Appeal Patron because the church is such an impor tant par t of our local community. It has been a central par t of the town for hundreds of years, but as with all heritage buildings it needs financial investment to maintain it. There has been excellent support here today for the launch of the Appeal. It is wonderful to see so many local businesses and groups, all here united with one aim to suppor t St John’s Church.” For further information on how you can support the appeal visit: facebook.com/FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove or email friends.stjohns.church@gmail.com

Sajid Javid

Guests dining in the Triple Aspect Room

Sajid Javid & Reverend Ray Khan Photos: Anthony Hall Photography

Richard Grimes, Karen May, Helen Jones, Sajid Javid

Emma Smith & Hannah McGuire

Michele Ford, Petra Boddington & Caroline Lyle

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Completely Bromsgrove

25

A modern contemporary C

hoosing a venue for your wedding is one of the biggest decisions to make. There are so many different types of venue out there. You have rustic barns, beautiful hotel and spas, country mansions, castles and modern contemporary country houses. All of these types of venues offer something different and something special, so how do you know which is the right venue for you? A good way to get started is to have a list of features that you know you would like from a venue. This way you can eliminate a lot of venues by knowing what you do or do not want. However, it is advised that you visit various types of venues, as one venue might have a feature that you had not thought of and would like to be a part of your wedding. On the other hand, you may see features that you thought you wanted but actually do not work when you picture having your big day there. Some have a very clear idea about what they would like from a venue and others change their themes multiple times until they get it right. Both are perfect, it all depends on what works best for you! One type of venue that is very on trend at the moment that is appearing to be very popular is a Contemporary Modern venue. This type of venue generally appears to be smaller, but they all have plenty of space for a great atmosphere and a party feeling.

26  Completely Bromsgrove

These types of venues create a ‘party at home’ vibe which is great if you are looking for a relaxed, easy going wedding day and night! Although the venues can appear smaller, this does not mean you cannot have a large sized wedding!. Venues that offer this ‘house party’ atmosphere can generally cater from 20 to 200 guests. However, it does mean that you do not loose any of your guests like you can in a larger styled venue. It allows all of your guests to enjoy the intimacy of your wedding and they get to meet new people and make new friends. If you are having your wedding on a beautiful, bright and sunny day; these more intimate venues are perfect as they are generally surrounded by gorgeous landscape. Take advantage of this for pictures and for fun ideas for entertainment! The ‘festival’ feel to a wedding is increasingly popular. So, why not get in some street food and really have fun with your menu?

Wedding Venue - why? Another way to incorporate a ‘wedding at home’ feel is to have lots of fun things to do at your wedding. Every wedding is different and having different kinds of entertainment can ensure that you and your guests have a fabulous time. Garden games like giant Jenga, connect 4 and croquet are a blast to play outside and keep the children busy! Or why not see if the venue has an outdoor space to have a cheeky game of football or cricket? Contemporary Modern venues that have a ‘wedding house party’ theme are generally flexible in what you can do on your day, this means that you are not restricted with anything that you may want to do, allowing you to really shake things up. Of course, you can always stick to traditions, but you can always start making your own traditions too. Instead of having prosecco as your reception drink, why not have a Pimm’s or a cocktail stand, or have bottles of beer available too?

enjoy the day knowing the only people on the property are there by your invitation. Plus, you will not be getting any strange guests in the background of your photos either! Contemporary Modern venues have so many positives that give you lots to think about. These types of venues encourage you to make your wedding as unique as you. There is so much flexibility which means that you can have the wedding of your dreams. The landscapes are beautiful, the properties are stunning. These venues are bespoke. It is the perfect place to have the most incredible and special house party of your life!

Another bonus for this type of venue, is the fact they are Exclusive Use, Exclusive Use means that the only people that would be at your wedding or event are the guests you invite and the staff that are there to serve you! You generally cannot get this at larger venues, such as hotels. You and your guests will be more relaxed and

by Manor Hill House, Upton Warren, Bromsgrove, B61 9HE Completely Bromsgrove

27

Grafton Manor P

icture the scene, a private country lane thats opens to a 16th century Manor House, which is yours exclusively for the day. You enter through the imposing porch and enjoy a warm welcome to a thriving, family run country house hotel. At Grafton we have always placed a huge emphasis on experience. From the minute you arrive to the moment you leave for your honeymoon. We ensure that you and your guests receive first class service every step of the way.

www.graftonmanorhotel.co.uk

28  Completely Bromsgrove

Beautiful bridal gowns

B

rides-to-be can buy their designer gowns ready to wear at a fraction of the normal price but still enjoy a premium, 5 star service at Occasions by Design. Set in the delightful retail village of Tardebigge Court, between Bromsgrove and Redditch, Occasions by Design is a well-established bridalwear boutique. It caters not only for brides but also bridesmaids and women looking forward to other outstanding occasions such as prom nights, Ascot and gala dinners. New owner Tracey Tyler and her daughter, Jade, love making their customers feel extra special. Dedicated appointment times mean they can relax in total comfort and privacy as they try on fabulous creations from fashion houses such as Pronovias, Justin Alexander, Vermoia, Cabotine, Chritiano Lucci, Vera Wang and Ronald Joyce. The shop stocks Dessy bridesmaids’ dresses and their new exclusive range of Jenny Packham Bridesmaid dresses. All the dresses are genuine designer dresses, new and top quality. They cost from £200 to £2500 but are all significantly below manufacturers’ recommended retail prices. With an amazing array of colors, sizes from 6 to 26, and an astounding selection of accessories such as veils, headdresses, tiaras and jewellery, Occasions by Design is the perfect place to find that exquisite, just right dress.

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Mobile 07903 862 495 Email info@occasionsbydesign.co.uk Web www.occasionsbydesign.co.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

29 

Local bespoke clothing alterations

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our wedding dress will no doubt be the most important dress you will ever wear. Unless its custom made, you are likely to need it altered.

Tailorations is an independent dressmaker here in Bromsgrove’s town centre, offering a wide range of quality alteration services. We have many years of experience in the alteration of wedding dresses, bridesmaid’s dresses, and evening wear. For your convenience, we can offer private fitting appointments. We always give truthful and helpful advice, so you can feel confident and look your best for your big day. As soon as we receive your dress, we can answer any questions you may have. Bridal wear alterations vary in time and complexity so we will be able to give you a quote and agree the collection date. A tip – on the day of your fitting - it is best you bring your chosen undergarments and shoes, so we can then ensure the best fit. After the Big Day, bring your dress back to be Professionally Cleaned. Our Eco-friendly dry-cleaning is kind on the dress and environment. On its return your precious dress will be expertly boxed for safe transportation and storing. We are looking forward to looking after you and your dress! What some of our customers say “My wedding dress looks amazing and is such a beautiful fit! I couldn’t be more happy with the result”- Angela “Thank you for coming to my rescue when my bridesmaid’s dress didn’t fit…You worked your magic….my bridesmaid was very comfortable”-Sam

A local independent dressmaker offering you the finest quality alterations Specialising in: Ladieswear Menswear Prom dresses Bridal wear & Eco-friendly dry cleaning Perfect for cleaning your wedding dress Better for the environment & for your garments

1A Chapel Street Precinct, BROMSGROVE, B60 2BW Tel: 01527 558060

30  Completely Bromsgrove

Spring/Summer 2019 Colour & Style Tips 1. Colour - One of the most noteworthy trends from the catwalk was its homage to diversity, fluidity, inclusivity and authenticity. More than ever colour made a commanding statement on the catwalks, both neutral and subtle as well as bold, from metallics to sage green, brick red to earthy beige and turmeric tones, versus just about any pink. There is something for everyone. 2. Going to Work Structure and Feminism On trend for several seasons now, tailored garments have been providing structure for a sharp and elegant look in the workplace including in bold colours. This season there is also a new take on feminism and empowering women as we can reclaim our more feminine side at work with drapes and ties on wrap dresses and blouses. Feminine silhouettes are emphasised through form-fitting dresses, midi and pencil skirts and nipped-in blazers. Lace trims and satin can be introduced to enhance femininity. 3. Modern Prairie - Prairie inspired looks which incorporate a western, modern twist will be seen a lot this summer. Midi dresses with romantic ruffles and ditsy florals will suit those with natural romantic style and can even be worn with western inspired accessories for a fresh interpretation. Bandana-inspired dresses are revisited in contemporary cuts and asymmetric dresses equally cut a dash. 4. Leisure Luxe - Leisurewear is no longer for the home or the gym in an age when natural healthy living is the biggest trend of them all. As athleisure transitions into life wear, comfort and functionality creates gorgeous wearable silhouettes that flatter a variety of shapes and can suit any budget. 5. Hyper Tropical - This look is vibrant and eyecatching and is therefore best suited to those who like to make a bit of a statement. Think glamour, colour-driven, bold patterns on any coordinates and dresses using shiny fabrics, ethically sourced feather trims, sequins and beading. The pieces can transition effortlessly from beach to bar with an upgrade in accessories. 6. Nomadic Cool - This relaxed, dressed-down nomadic vibe is inspired by a generation prioritising global travel and is best worn as a rich interplay of prints and textures across long and layered silhouettes and sport basics. 7. Makeup trends - With Pantone’s nod of approval to living coral as their colour of the year, Autumns and Springs can successfully carry off this warm hue in their lipsticks, nail varnishes and eyeshadows, and perfectly pair them with warm nudes and gold accessories, particularly complementing a sun-kissed complexion. Cooler tones should reach for more blue-based equivalents ranging from Winter’s magenta to Summer’s softer rose or raspberry.

by Jane Brook www.houseofcolour/janebrook

8. Accessories - Be playful in your choices! In fact bling it on! This is the season for those of us where more is more and the bigger is better. Headbands have made a comeback, as has jewellery dripping in crystals and large heart shapes, but as always choose pieces that make you feel gorgeous rather than overwhelmed. 9. Handbags - When choosing a summer handbag many of us avoid heavy leather or plastic as they add weight to an outfit and can be uncomfortable to carry in sticky climes. Environmentally friendly cotton sling bags, crochet or fringe bags are a more practical and cooler option and fits with the hot right now boho vibe. Or choose sporty rucksacks, boxy bags with a gorgeous handle, the seen everywhere bum bag, belt bag or giant tote as your signature bag. 10. Shoes - There is a strong opportunity for footwear in bright colours this season whilst elevated sole trainers also feature strongly. This season is all about having fun with your footwear as the catwalks were covered with feathers, toe ring sandals and crystals on shoes. Completely Bromsgrove

31

WIN

a year’s FREE gym membership Feel revitalised at our relaxing health club located within the Holiday Inn Hotel, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove. Featuring a heated pool, spa bath, sauna, steam room, fully equipped gym and excellent variety of fitness classes. Here at You Fit we aim for a more personal approach where we really get to know our members as people. We like to tailor our training sessions around your lifestyle choices to help you achieve the body and mind you deserve. As a special promotion we have teamed up with Completely Bromsgrove magazine to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a full year membership to include all of the above! To enter, answer the following question. Which hotel is’ You Fit’ health club based in? For entrants who don’t win the full membership, will be offered a free 3 day pass. Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you as a new member of our health club. You Fit Bromsgrove, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove B61 9AB leisureclub@hi-birminghambromsgrove.co.uk 01527 571957 www.youfitclubs.co.uk/club/bromsgrove

COMPETITION a year’s FREE membership

WIN

Simply answer the following question “Which hotel is You Fit health club based in?” then fill in this form, cut out and post to: You Fit Bromsgrove Competition, 11 West Road, Bromsgrove. B60 2NG. All entries in by the 15th April 2019 Answer ................................................................................................................................. Name .................................................................................................................................... Address ............................................................................................................................... .............................................................. Telephone ............................................................ e-mail .................................................................................................................................... Please tick box if you don’t want any promotional offers from You Fit health Club

32  Completely Bromsgrove

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

HOLIDAY FUN REGI

Activity Camps for children aged 8* - 13

Take part in our fun sports and activities day camps, running daily during the Easter holidays For information and to book a place, please contact activities@bromsgrove-school.co.uk

bromsgrove-school.co.uk

Week 1: 8th - 12th April Week 2: 15th - 18th April Week 3: 23rd - 26th April ÂŁ35 per day includes a hot lunch *Year 3 and above

01527 579679 ext 357 Completely Bromsgrove

33 

Are we losing the war on health?

Health and Wellbeing

D

o you believe your health should be your number one priority? If you do, but life keeps getting in the way of your efforts to stay fit and well, you need to take stock of your priorities and get health and fitness at the top of the list.

The reason is perfectly simple. If you don’t have good health, your ability to lead a happy, fulfilled life could be compromised, and if your neglect is severe, there will come a point when poor health could lead to your early demise. That’s a scary thought, and one which most people manage to compartmentalise in their mind by applying the logic that they’ve been ok up to now, so they’ll be fine in the future. A good approach to have is to try and have a healthy lifestyle so that you can remain in good health for years to come. The major barrier to looking after yourselves is finding the time for exercise and restorative relaxation. These aspects are fundamental to your health and longevity, even with a busy schedule. Time management is a good starting point. • Social routine: Meeting up with friends at the gym, taking a class together, going for a game of tennis, football, or for a walk or a cycle ride after work are all great ways to combine spending time with your friends and family whilst at the same time getting the exercise you need. It can also be really helpful for your motivation to be part of a group that can support and encourage one another. • Exercise while you work: If you work from home, you might be able to spend an hour a day on your exercise bike as you work, using a laptop or tablet

34  Completely Bromsgrove

stand on the bike to allow you to use your hands whilst peddling. If you work in an office, use the stairs, go out for lunch, get up from your desk throughout the day and move. • Get up earlier: Not usually the most popular option, as so many of us find leaving our warm beds enough of a struggle in the mornings! However, there are numerous reports from people who’ve tried it saying that it has changed their lives. If you want to give it a go, there are plenty of guides on how to succeed. • Make sure you practice meditation or some form of relaxation that helps to clear the mind and refreshes your spirit. This doesn’t need to take up much of your time as it can be done as you are falling asleep and there are many guided meditations that only take 10 minutes of your time. By eating a healthy organic diet, reducing your stress levels, and exercising you are beginning to take those first steps in looking after yourself. To learn more drop me a mail at colette@need4change.com

by Colette Garside

Education 2019

Completely Bromsgrove

35 

Bromsgrove pupils flourish

A

t Bromsgrove, we believe pupils are happiest when they are succeeding. We offer an all-round education, combining academic excellence with a richness of opportunity. Pupils engage enthusiastically with knowledge, embrace new ideas and are intellectually stimulated. We pride ourselves on the outstanding opportunities available, both inside and outside the classroom, whether at Nursery, Pre-Prep, Preparatory or Senior School. Facilities at Bromsgrove have been improved beyond measure in the last decade. All sections of the School benefit from state of the art teaching areas. A world-class Performing Arts Centre, comprising a new live performance venue and theatre, a large drama studio and an entire suite of new music classrooms, recording studios and practice rooms were opened in 2017. Music lessons start in Year 2 with the Strings Initiative and pupils go on to group and individual successes in music.

But don’t be distracted by the School’s breathtaking facilities, nestled in over 100 magnificent acres. The heart of Bromsgrove’s success is its people. Over 1,600 pupils, boys and girls, day and boarding, national and international, aged 3-18, are what gives the school its vibrancy, with a staff of some of the nation’s finest educators, coaches and caregivers - passionate professionals, as invested in your child as you are.

Outside areas are extensive with beautiful, landscaped grounds and dedicated sports areas blending seamlessly. There is Forest School for the younger children and pupils of all ages enjoy outdoors learning spaces.

We welcome individual visits so that you can see for yourself what Bromsgrove has to offer.

Pre-Preparatory & Nursery

REGI

Founded 1553 FLAIR DISCIPLINE ACADEMIC RIGOUR

Places available in all years Nursery (3+) to Year 2 Small classes and inspirational teaching EYFS rated outstanding Contact Admissions to organise a visit or a taster day

01527 579679

admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk bromsgrove-school.co.uk

36  Completely Bromsgrove

ISI Inspection: Excellent in every category “Teaching is frequently inspirational, particularly in the pre-prep” 220 pupils aged 3 - 7

Effective tuition? - your wish is granted

G

enie Tutors Bromsgrove was established in 2011 by Ben and Becky Collard. They run the franchise from a room at the rear of the Bromsgrove Methodist Centre at 19 Stratford Road. Their passion for helping children is what has driven this local business from strength to strength. In Ben’s words: “It’s amazing to be able to help a child have that moment when the penny drops with say fractions or a challenging multistep word problem!” They now have a small team of 6 experienced and fully qualified teachers who tutor small groups of up to six. They enrol children from year 1, 11+ and year 6 SATs all the way up to GCSE Maths and English students. With parental feedback each week and their new online homework portal, Genie Tutors Bromsgrove offers fantastic value for money. These people really are tutors who put your child at the centre of everything they do.

Ben Collard

Becky Collard

To find out how your child’s learning could benefit at Genie Tutors, call Becky on 01527 962 269.

by Ben Collard

Gen e Tutors English | Maths | 11+ Prep | GCSEs | 5-18 yr olds.

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www.genietutors.co.uk Completely Bromsgrove

37

An exciting new future for Dodderhill Independent Girls School

D

odderhill Independent Girls School was established on the beautiful green field site on the edge of Droitwich Spa in 1973. In 1999, the Prep school, Whitford Hall, joined the senior girls at Dodderhill. The school has continued to adapt to the changing needs of society and has been successful in providing high academic achievement within a nurturing environment.

With an eye on the uncertain economic future, the Governors at Dodderhill decided that the best option for ‘future proofing’ the school was to consider forming a partnership with a well-established local school with a similar ethos to Dodderhill. Consequently, it was announced on Tuesday 5 March 2019, that Dodderhill would become a part of the RGS Worcester family of schools. Dodderhill and RGS Worcester have been close neighbours for many years and already collaborate on educational initiatives in areas such as art, dance, textiles and share expertise in digital learning.

Dodderhill girls will enjoy using RGS Worcester’s fullsize all-weather sports pitches, holding events at their new performing arts centre, taking part in joint musical productions and tours. This is an exciting time for Dodderhill as the new partnership will support the school to thrive and enable the girls to achieve their full potential as confident young women ready to aim high, fully equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. To find out how your daughter could be part of this new venture, we invite you to come along to one of our Open Events.

Each year many girls from Dodderhill progress onto the outstanding sixth form at RGS Worcester and achieve excellent results. As part of the RGS Worcester family, Dodderhill will benefit in many ways. The range of activities and clubs on offer will be extended. Both schools will benefit from Dodderhill girls being part of joint dramatic productions, choirs and orchestras, the CCF and Duke of Edinburgh Awards programmes.

t: 01905 778290 | e: admissions@dodderhill.co.uk

38  Completely Bromsgrove

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Sajid Javid Announces 5th Annual Jobs Fair L

ocal MP Sajid Javid has announced that his popular Bromsgrove Jobs Fair will be returning for its 5th anniversary on Friday 26th April. Last year’s record-breaking Fair saw more than 1000 people descend on North Bromsgrove High School to take advantage of thousands of career opportunities being offered by over 70 local, national and international employers. This year, Mr Javid will be bringing together an even broader range of local businesses and organisations looking to make their next hire. Visitors will be able to access advice on how to improve their CV, along with tips on how to ace an interview courtesy of Lloyds Bank. Start-up specialists Blue Orchid will be back to hold their successful Entrepreneurs Hub. The Hub is an opportunity for anyone to pitch an idea for starting their own business and will be offering existing enterprises expert advice aimed at accelerating their growth. Sajid said: “Over the past year, it’s been a great pleasure to drop into local businesses and meet constituents who found their calling through the Bromsgrove Jobs Fair”. “I know how intimidating it can be to apply for a job. That’s why my Jobs Fair gives everyone the chance to talk one-on-one with potential employers, and hear about the opportunities available to them first-hand” “Whether you’re looking for a job that’s full-time, part time, a change of career or an apprenticeship, I would be delighted to see you at the Fair. There really is something for everyone.” The Jobs Fair will be held from 11:00 – 14:00 at a central location in Bromsgrove, and will be free for exhibitors and members of the public to attend. Sajid and his team are currently looking for exhibitors and sponsors for the event. If you’re interested in becoming a visitor, sponsor or would like more information, please email Sajid on sajid.javid.mp@parliament.uk

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Feedback from Sajid Javid’s Jobs Fair 2018 This was our first year exhibiting at the jobs fair and we were extremely impressed by the number and range of businesses who attended and the enthusiastic job seekers we met. We found ourselves not only scouting for potential new recruits, but discussing future business opportunities with some great local companies and we look forward to the possibility of welcoming new staff members and working on business generated from the event. – Sue Bailey, Gough Bailey Wright Thank you for allowing us to attend the jobs fair on Friday. I found the day extremely valuable, speaking with a variety of interesting candidates who attended on the day. Overall, it was a very worthwhile experience and I am hoping that we have some new employees joining us very soon. – Holly Hughes, Caretech Another well-organised and well-attended jobs fair, the biggest and best yet. We enjoyed meeting job hunters of all backgrounds, ages and experiences and were encouraged by the breadth of talent on offer. We collected some great CV’s from promising candidates and were encouraged by the wealth of skills on offer. Sajid Javid’s jobs fair is always worth attending which is why we were proud to sponsor it this year. There’s a wealth of fantastic employers in the area and plenty of talented job hunters who came along to find their next roles. We’ll definitely be back! – Suzanne Blundell, CURO Accountants The Bromsgrove Fair proved to be invaluable by putting us in contact with potential IT Apprentices of the future as well as gaining enquiries from a couple of local employers looking for an IT Apprentice. So for LMPQ IT Apprenticeships this was an amazing result from a well organised and well attended event, thank you. – Lee Kloos, LMPQ Worcestershire It was a pleasure to attend the job fair. As a local business it was good to become involved and also to meet and offer advice to jobseekers. We also managed to hire staff from attendees so a total success. – The Royal Oak Bromsgrove Completely Bromsgrove

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All Stars Cricket

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voncroft Cricket Club is excited to be providing All Stars Cricket for the first time this year. All Stars is the England and Wales Cricket Board’s entry level participation programme, aimed at providing children with a great first experience in cricket. The programme is open to all boys and girls aged from 5 to 8 and includes 8 one-hour sessions starting at 6pm on Friday 17th May. The key features of the programme are: • Emphasis on fun and being active • Focus on developing your child’s movement skills • Safe and fully accredited • Valuable time with your kids – mums and dads are encouraged to take part too • Easy online registration • Includes a bonus pack of cricket kit Every child that registers will receive a backpack full of goodies including a cricket bat, ball, activity book, personalised shirt and cap all sent straight to your door. As a nationally accredited programme, full details including on-line booking are available at www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars Simply fill in your location and search for details of your nearest All Stars centres.

Includes a bonus pack of cricket kit

Avoncroft will also continue to run their usual programme of junior coaching alongside the All Stars scheme, starting on Friday evenings in late April. New members are welcome to attend and more details will be published on the club’s website (www.avoncroftcc.co.uk) by the end of March.

by Paul Athey

Bromsgrove Sporting F.C. W

ith just seven matches of the season left at the time of writing, Bromsgrove Sporting First XI sit at the top of the Evo-Stik South Division One Central by just one point. It is proving to be a successful second half of the season for the Rouslers who have now won seven games on the spin including an away win and the double over Peterborough Sports (their only defeat at home this season) who are in second spot albeit with a couple of matches in hand. A place in the end of season play-offs now looks to be inevitable but securing at least second place to guarantee home advantage is now the objective. A win against Corby Town in the next fixture will be a big step in that direction.

photo by Geoff Hawkesworth

by Phil Baker

44  Completely Bromsgrove

On the player front, ace striker Richard Gregory returned from injury in the game against Welwyn Garden City and duly hit the back of the net with a volley on 20 minutes. His tally is now 28 for the season with Jason Cowley just behind on 26 though Jason did hit a landmark in the match against North Leigh when he became the first Sporting player to score 100 goals.

Sadly, long-serving defender Aaron Roberts has decided to leave the Club after failing to secure a regular starting place. He departs with the best wishes of everybody at Sporting after playing in 235 matches and scoring 17 goals. After a slow start Sporting Under 18s midweek team have recently chalked up useful wins against two good teams in Rugby Borough Juniors and Hereford and they should end the campaign around midway in their table. The Colts are also in the final straight of their season with several teams still in cup competitions, in particular the Under 16s Reds and Under 18s Shamrocks both reaching County finals. Work has already started in planning for 2019/20 and all being well we are hoping to start an adult women’s team next season. Anybody interested in playing for any of the Sporting teams or helping out at the Club should email: info@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

Bournheath Village Community Centre

Save the date

WHEN: Wednesday 3rd April Where: Bournheath Village Community Centre at the village gathering WHAT: a talk by Stephanie Green, author and founder of Dauntless Daughters Only one question - Do you have a young daughter, granddaughter or niece? If the answer is yes, you really can’t miss this talk. We are giving you prior notice so that you can talk to your family, friends and neighbours then invite them along so that they don’t miss out. Even if you don’t have young female family members, you will find Stephanie’s talk, interesting and thoughtprovoking.......what’s more, there are refreshments available too.....see you there!

Bournheath’s Quiz Night Success

A full house of quizzers, guaranteed success for Bournheath Village Community Centre’s, fundraising drive. Everyone had a fantastic time and proved there is ‘fun’ in fundraising! The winning team was The (aptly named) Latecomers. Everyone went home happy, taking the buzz of excitement with them and looking forward to the next fundraising event, a Skittles Night on 11th May at 7:30pm. The £10 ticket fee includes a delicious curry, so all the attendees have to do, is bring their own liquid refreshments with them. Tickets are selling well, so phone Anne on 07866436919 to get yours.

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What’s On

at Burcot Grange & The Lodge Café

The dementia Lodge Café Every 2nd Thursday of the month held at The Lodge at Burcot Grange, 23 Greenhill, Burcot. B60 1BJ. We welcome those living with dementia and their carers to join us an other living in the community from am for tea’s and coffee’s, followed by entertainment from 11am followed by a buffet lunch from 12.15pm. The best thing, its on us! Everyone welcome.

High Tea at Burcot Grange Burcot Grange welcomes you every 3rd Thursday of the month to our High Tea from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. An opportunity for you to mingle with other guests and our residents and enjoy some entertainment. Image for illustration purpose only

Both of these events are limited places so please RSVP to reserve your place! Please call 0121 4455552 or email Burcot.haa@cinnamoncc.com & ask for Kiran

Music at The Hub

Music group at The Hub on Wednesdays is a fun environment for the people who participate. It gives them an opportunity to expand their skills and abilities in areas that they may not think about getting better in. They have chances to pick the instruments they’d like to be able to play. They have a range of instruments to choose from such as guitar, piano, drums as well as being able to develop their vocal skills. A range of people partake in music group on a Wednesday it gives them a great opportunity to socialise with people who they might not always hang around with. By El and Lyds, age 11 and 15.

For more information about what we do feel free to contact us: General.Enquiries.TheHub@YMCAWorcestershire.org.uk Or follow us on Social Media: Instagram: the_hub_bromsgrove | Facebook: The Hub Bromsgrove | Twitter: @Bromsgrovehub Or just pop in: The Hub, Bromsgrove Baptist Church, New Road, B60 2JD. The funding has been provided by Bromsgrove District Council, Worcestershire County Council, the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, Community Safety Partnership, YMCA Worcestershire, Bromsgrove Baptist Church.

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Try canal boating for free at a national open day

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n Sunday 7 April 2019, Drifters Waterway Holidays and the Canal & River Trust are offering people the chance to try canal boating for free from Tardebigge Wharf on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. The taster sessions, which will be on from 11am to 4pm, will include free short trips on skippered narrowboats, as well as boat tours and holiday discounts. People of all ages are encouraged to take part and no advanced booking is required. Nigel Stevens, director of Drifters Waterway Holidays, explains: “Travelling at just 4mph through peaceful countryside, sleepy villages and vibrant waterside towns and cities, canal boat holidays are often described as ‘the fastest way to slow down’. “Each year around 352,000 people enjoy holidaying on Britain’s canal network and last year, around 3,000 people got afloat at our one of our National Open Day events. We look forward to welcoming thousands more visitors this year for the chance to find out what makes canal boat holidays so special.”

Gareth Stephens, national boating business manager at the Canal & River Trust, says: “We believe that waterways have the power to make a real difference to people’s lives. Spending time by water makes us all healthier and happier and early research is showing evidence of this. “Thousands of people already enjoy boating holidays on our beautiful 2,000-mile network of inland waterways, and these free canal boat taster sessions are a great way to see if this sort of holiday could be for you.” Further details of the open days and visiting the canal network can be found at www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/trycanalboating For more information about canal boat holidays, go to www.drifters.co.uk

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We are The Champions! W

hat’s On Magazine readers have spoken and voted Artrix as the Best Worcestershire Theatre/Arts Venue in the 2019 What’s On Readers Awards. With more than 60,000 votes cast and up against stiff competition from all the county’s biggest theatres and arts venues, Artrix took the top spot. Director of Artrix Angela Galvin attended the prize giving this week and was presented with the award. Speaking of Artrix’s achievement, Angela Galvin said; “The Artrix team works incredibly hard to create an exciting programme and a warm welcome for our community, so it’s especially pleasing to receive a lovely pat on the back for our venue from our wonderful audiences. With praise like this, we’re even more determined to continue bringing the very best in arts and entertainment to the lovely people who voted for us – and introduce some Artrix magic in 2019 to people who haven’t visited us yet.”

Artrix last won the Best Venue award in 2017 and since then the arts organisation has continued to flourish, attracting audiences from across Worcestershire and the West Midlands to a range of events from cinema screenings to family theatre to live music and comedy. www.artrix.co.uk

Richard Jenkinson, conductor

presents an evening of great music featuring:

Schubert Symphony No.9 ‘The Great’ and Mozart Symphony No.38 ‘Prague’ Weber Bassoon Concerto soloist: Richard Tattam Saturday 27th April 2019 St. John’s Church, Bromsgrove, B61 7JW at 7.30pm Tickets: £10 in advance from www.eventbrite.co.uk or Decanter Spirit (Bromsgrove High Street, B61 8AJ) £12 on the door under 18’s free with accompanied adult

www.osjbromsgrove.org 48  Completely Bromsgrove

Internationally acclaimed

Piatti String Quartet

bring a powerhouse performance to Bromsgrove Concerts

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romsgrove Concerts provide a varied and imaginative concert platform which aims to regularly introduce audiences to unfamiliar contemporary pieces. The final concert of the current season takes place at 8:00pm on Friday 5th April at Artrix, when the powerhouse Piatti String Quartet - Nathaniel Anderson-Frank, violin, Michael Trainor, violin, Tetsuumi Nagata, viola, and Jessie Ann Richardson, cello - will perform chamber works by Haydn and Schubert, and a new quartet by contemporary British composer, Joseph Phibbs - described by BBC Music Magazine as “one of the most successful composers of his generation” - which they commissioned and recently recorded to glowing acclaim.

Prize-winners at the 2015 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition, the Piatti String Quartet have performed in all the major venues and festivals internationally and are renowned for their diversity, commitment and passionate interpretations across the spectrum of quartet writing. World premieres are regularly performed alongside old masterpieces and they are particularly known for expanding the quartet genre through their collaborations with leading British composers. The quar tet takes its name from the great 19th-century cellist Alfredo Piatti, who was a leading professor and exponent of chamber music at the Royal Academy of Music. Violinist, Nathaniel Anderson-Frank, is also the newly-appointed Leader of the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Joseph Phibbs

Friday 5th April 2019 at 8:00pm Artrix, Slideshow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1PQ Piatti String Quartet Haydn: Quartet in D Joseph Phibbs: String Quartet No 1 (2014) Schubert: String Quartet in G www.bromsgrove-concerts.org.uk Tickets on the door/online Tel: 01527 577 330 boxoffice@artrix.co.uk Free parking. Hotel and restaurant adjacent to the venue.

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Step Back in Time at Avoncroft Museum

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ou are invited to experience a Medieval New Year celebration at Avoncroft Museum’s special re-enactment event. The Medieval New Year weekend takes place on Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April, between 10.30am & 5pm. Historical re-enactors from The War of the Roses Federation will be hosting their traditional New Year celebrations at Avoncroft. In Medieval times New Year wasn’t celebrated in January, but was generally celebrated on either the Feast of the Annunciation, 25th March, or at Easter. This year Avoncroft will celebrate on 6th & 7th April.Visitors can enjoy strolling around the grounds and visit the Medieval living history camps as they mark the occasion.

Historic bread weighing

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n Sunday 7th April around lunchtime, Members of Bromsgrove Court Leet, in their robes and regalia, will gather by the Toll House to carry out a traditional Bread Tasting Ceremony.

In Medieval times the Jury of the Court Leet visited all the trades in the town to tests the products offered for sale. Once tested the Jury would confirm if the foods were fit for consumption by the local people - similar to the trading standards officers of today. The ceremony will be conducted by the Bailiff, Dr Bill Tucker with Town Crier and Court Bellman Kevin Ward keeping order. The Bread-Weigher Juryman Hans Rostrup will use traditional handheld scales to weigh the bread made from flour milled at Avoncroft. The Court is delighted to have been invited by the millers at Avoncroft’s wonderful and iconic windmill to carry out this traditional event at the Toll House in the grounds of the Museum. For more details on Bromsgrove Court Leet visit the Facebook.com/CourtLeetBromsgrove To find out about all the events happening at Bromsgrove’s Museum of Buildings visit www.avoncroft.org.uk

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Forthcoming Attractions Box Office 01527 65203

Starring Emmerdale’s Mia Macey & Britannia High’s

SAPPHIRE ELIA as Cinderella

Online booking www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Completely Bromsgrove

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WG AI RL DL EO NW BC ERNOT OR KE Stourbridge Road , Catshill, Bromsgrove B61 0BL www.willowbrookgc.co.uk

WILLOW TREE R E S T A U R A N T

Open 9.00-5.30 Monday-Saturday, 10-5 Sunday

The only

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AVAILABLE EVERY SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY FROM 12 NOON

Come and try our new

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delicious

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Join us for a

CREAM TEA EVERYDAY FROM 2PM

ONLY £5.50

Includes one of our scrumptious homemade scones with clotted cream, jam and a pot of our finest tea. (filter coffee if you prefer)