Completely Bromsgrove issue 9

Issue 9

May 2019

Completely

Bromsgrove

Welcome

Welcome to the May edition of Completely Bromsgrove

Is it just me, or is this year flying by? Here we are already, publishing the May issue, which has some great articles in. Notably in this edition, on residents who live in Aston Fields!

Firstly, we have Kaden, who appeared in the recent television programme Back In Time for School, which was aired on BBC2 and starred Sarah Cox and Polly Russell. Kaden took some time out to share with us his experience of what it was like starring in the show. Then it’s over to Ela Kropornicka and Mark Evans, who also live in Aston fields. The pair will be strutting their stuff in a bid to lift the prized glitterball trophy ‘Strictly Worcestershire’, in front of a 750- strong corporate audience.

Completely Bromsgrove wishes them the very best of luck.

Then we’re over to nature. Our gardens are really springing into life, and the RSPB have written about the decline in butterflies and bugs in our gardens and offer tips on best

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Lastly, this month’s competition is a real ‘Winner’! Completely Bromsgrove has teamed up with Worcester Racecourse, who are offering two lucky readers the opportunity to win a pair of tickets for ‘Ladies Day’ held on the 1st June. Good luck to everyone who enters. .

I hope you enjoy this jam packed edition.

Best Wishes

Michele Ford

28 40 42

Contents

6 8 10 12 14 18 21 22

planting strategies to help encourage these endangered species into our gardens. The article really is full of top tips, so make sure to keep a look out.

Back in time for school Books on wheels!

RSPB - help wildlife An avalanche of colour Spring interiors Holding back the flood Strictly Worcestershire Worcs for Europe

Completely

24 26 28 29 30 31 32 34

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

4 Completely Bromsgrove

Tardebigge breakfast Recipe Art on show Don’t worry - be Snappy!

Bromsgrove Sporting FC Activities Avoncroft Cricket Club Bromsgrove Scouts

36 38 39 40 41 42 44 46

Health and wellbeing Fashion - look younger Competition Forget me not walk Award winning composer Canal & River Trust Blue Cross appeal Bromsgrove Festival

Congratulations to last issue’s Competition winners: The winner of the years membership at You Fit Lynn Ball 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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Back in time for school pupil from Bromsgrove!

B

ack In Time For School presented by Sarah Cox and Polly Russell was shown on BBC2 earlier this year. Fifteen pupils and their teachers embarked on an extraordinary time-travelling adventure as they fast-forwarded through more than 100 years of school life One of the pupils in the show, Kaden, who lives in Aston Fields shares his experience with the readers of Completely Bromsgrove.

“I first heard about the opportunity from a weekly young film makers club that I was going too. My friend James and I were both really excited when we heard about the opportunity, so we applied together and got through!

We did a few interviews and then we were invited to a casting day.

The filming experience was absolutely amazing and was so much fun to do.

It was interesting to actually get to experience what school life was like as a teenager for my parents and grandparents and it was also really fascinating to see first-hand how TV shows are made and how much effort goes into each scene.

The filming was throughout the summer holidays and I went to a hair, makeup and costume fitting session for every episode so I could really fit in with the era.

6 Completely Bromsgrove

My favourite era was definitely the 80’s because of the music and the fashion was brilliant! My hair style changed every era too and I still can’t decide if I liked my 90’s ‘emo’ style or not!

Filming was a long day, with about nine hours each day and we were at it for most of the holidays.

There were so many awesome experiences that I got to do on the show, from being head boy in the 20’s - to having a PE lesson with Jet from The Gladiators in the 90’s!

There were some tricky sides to the experience though, like doing a cross country run in the 80’s dressed like the guy from the 118 118 advert.

I met some incredible people and I’m now very close with the other kids on the show and I’ve made some friends for life. As well as Sarah Cox and Polly Russell being really lovely.

My dream is to be a TV presenter and I really hope that BITFS is my first step towards achieving that.

I aspire to be someone like Philip Schofield or Keith Lemon when I’m older and to continue a career in telly.”

Completely Bromsgrove

7 

Books on Wheels!

W

ith the future of libraries in the news, it is interesting to reflect on the history of this important service. While it may seem quaint now, mobile libraries that toured the county were once an essential means for people to access knowledge and entertainment

Public library services came relatively late to Worcestershire. Although the Public Library Act of 1850 empowered town councils to provide a public library, few actually did so. In Bromsgrove, the Mechanics Institute served this function for many years. Its library had 800 volumes by 1861 but was only accessible on subscription, which many people could not afford.

A county-wide service was established in 1923, with the first County Branch Library opening in the town on 23 October 1930 in the Bromsgrove Institute. “Everyone who has seen or will see the place in its new appearance will be delighted with the improvement wrought”, wrote the Bromsgrove Messenger, “and it is safe to say that the rooms have never looked better since the first opening about 36 years ago.”

After the war, as the country became more prosperous and people had more leisure time, demand for libraries increased. In 1948, Worcestershire started experimenting with mobile libraries, one of the first counties to do so. A delivery van was converted for this purpose, the books being laid out on a trestle table.

Trials were held in the south of the county, around Strensham, and proved highly successful. The trial was meant to last ten months but after just four months it was agreed that a purpose-built vehicle should be purchased and provision for this was made in the council budget. The new mobile library came into operation

in 1949, serving the rural areas as well as Alvechurch district. Initially, it visited every four weeks and there was no restriction on the number of volumes borrowed.

The service became very popular. By the early 1960s, there were four mobile libraries traversing the county, plus a dedicated mobile unit serving schools. “The mobile library was received very well indeed”, recalled one rural librarian of the time. “We thought it was a grand idea. First of all there were many more books, secondly we had professional advice on books …it was quite an occasion when the ‘library van’ arrived.”

A new branch library opened in Bromsgrove in 1968 as part of a complex of County Council buildings.

The L-shaped design had an adult lending library with separate provision for children and a reference area, totalling around 4,700 square feet. It formed the centrepiece of what the library service called ‘Bromsgrove Region’ comprising the full-time branch library, the mobile library serving the Bromsgrove area, part-time branches at Catshill and Hagley, and centres at Finstall and Harris Brush Works. It was overseen by a Regional Librarian and Deputy Regional Librarian.

Mobile libraries reached their peak in the early 1970s when there were six vehicles in operation. Around 160 villages in Worcestershire are still visited by the mobile library every four to five weeks.

Bromsgrove Library New Road

Worcestershire Mobile Library 1949

by Mike Sharpe

8 Completely Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove Mobile Library 2002

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Let the garden flourish to help wildlife Y

ou might think a wildlife-friendly garden means mess and disorder, but far from it. By focusing on growing lots of gorgeous plants, a gardener can create a haven for all sorts of creatures, that in turn will give you lots of enjoyment. The RSPB’s wildlife gardening expert Adrian Thomas gives tips on how to give nature a home.

People often ask what they can do to help nature thrive in their gardens, and the best action a gardener can take is simple: grow things. Plants are the bedrock of life, so it is a great excuse to find ways to bring them into every part of the garden.

When thinking about planting for wildlife a lot of attention is given to flowers, and rightly so. Our pollinating insects such as bumblebees are having a rough time of it, and butterfly numbers are falling across the country, but the biggest declines are in urban areas. Butterflies are really picky drinkers, so you need to pick your nectar-rich plants for them carefully. The best include marjoram, verbena bonariensis, echinacea and sedum spectabile.

Once you’ve stocked up with the best flowers, it is good to consider all the insects that rely on other plant matter. Most of our moths and all of our butterflies only reach adulthood by feeding on leaves when they are caterpillars. It is these caterpillars that in turn will feed our garden birds and bats.

Aiming for lushness means that you also have a good excuse not to mow the lawn on a weekly basis. By allowing the grass to grow a little longer one can provide cover for wildlife such as hedgehogs, frogs and toads, but also it allows wildflowers such as speedwells and buttercups to grow – wonderful food sources for bees and other insects. Meadow butterflies and

10 Completely Bromsgrove

grasshoppers may also move in - a mown lawn is no use to them. Also, by allowing your lawn to grow longer between cutting it is more resistant to drying out and therefore will help to reduce water usage.

Worried about what the neighbours will think of your shag-pile lawn? Then mow a strip around the outside and a path through the middle. It will immediately neaten it up and show that it is intended that way, and the kids will love running along the paths. And the next time you have a chat over the fence, you can explain what you’re doing and, who knows, they may be inspired to do the same!

Another way to help ‘green’ your garden is to avoid having the perfect flat lawn. Research has shown how microclimates are actually very important to plants and to many types of invertebrates, including butterflies. In a flat lawn, the climate is effectively even across most of the area. But just a small mound in the lawn will introduce both a warmer drier spot on the south side and a cooler, damper spot on the north side compared to the rest of the lawn. This might be all the difference a butterfly needs to warm up on the sunny side, or a beetle to resist drying out on the shady side.

I’ve experimented in my own garden, creating mini mountain ranges and valleys using log piles covered with the excavated soil from when I dug my ponds, which I’ve then sown with wildflower meadow seed. The sunny side of the mounds are where the common blue butterfly lays its eggs on its foodplant, bird’s-foot trefoil.

By taking a more laid-back approach to gardening, giving yourself a rest from pruning and mowing, you can help wildlife to thrive.

And create more time for enjoying a glass of something cold in the sunshine.

by Adrian Thomas, www.rspb.org.uk Completely Bromsgrove

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An avalanche of colour with a hanging basket B

egonias are one of the most versatile of summer bedding plant. They are well loved for their large flamboyant blooms in such a wide range of colours. The added benefit of using a begonia is their ability to thrive in both sun and shade and if used in a hanging basket, they will survive if they miss a bit of watering; so if you are away for a few days your Begonia basket will survive. Trailing Begonias are perfect for gently trailing out of a tub or basket and will certainly offer you a graceful display.

Fuchsias are another plant perfect for a cascading show from a basket, pot or window box, they grow well in any good well drained compost. Trailing fuchsia are particularly good in a hanging basket as the pendulous delicate flowers are so pretty when at eye level, almost like a little ballerina, they are a popular plant for bedding and baskets as they are in full flower throughout the summer. Plant six plants around the edge of a 14’’ basket, always use a good brand of basket compost and some slow release granular fertiliser. Fuchsia are tender so they can’t go outside till all frosts have passed.

Standard Fuchsias make a striking centrepiece for any pot or tub and providing you bring them in before the first frosts you can keep them for years. More traditional for that splash of colour outside your door is a mixed basket and May is the month for making a filled basket. Select a Pelargonium or spiky Cordyline for the centre, then plant your basket plants around the edge, try to resist the lobelia as it’s the one plant that seems to give up earliest and if it goes brown it can spoil your display. Wagon House gardens at the Jinney Ring Craft centre will have a selection of ready made baskets for you to choose from, alternatively bring in your empty basket and we will refill it for you.

I always use a 14’’ basket for it will have enough variety of plants to give an avalanche of colour and sufficient compost to retain the moisture and resist drying out. Water well, perhaps twice a day in the warmest of weather and feed with a liquid fertiliser every fortnight, moisture is the key for once they dry out they are very difficult to rehydrate, remember your basket is relying on you for all it’s water and nutrient throughout the summer, but looked after and with regular deadheading you will be rewarded with a stunning display that will be the envy of the street, whatever plants you choose to fill your basket.

If you would like to learn how to produce your own hanging basket and learn a few useful tips along the way we will be running a 2 hour workshop at The Jinney Ring Craft Centre on Sunday 19th May, see our website: www.wagonhousegardens.co.uk or call us to book a place.

Karl Strawbridge

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

Top tips for May 1. Lift and divide snowdrops and spring flowering bulbs.

2. If you need to water, do it in the early morning or late evening for best effect.

3. Top dress any permanent planted pots with a slow release fertiliser or blood fish and bone, Control those slugs and snails to stop them attacking new young growth.

4. Towards the end of May plant out the summer bedding but protect from any late frosts, newspaper will do.

12 Completely Bromsgrove

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Spring has sprung when it comes to interiors

14  Completely Bromsgrove

R

ays of sunshine are appearing through our windows, lighter evenings and beautiful mornings, it can only mean one thing… Spring is on its way. Judging by the Interior and Fabric trends we are seeing this year it is here to stay.

Thinking of having a spring clean? Getting your home ready for the summer has never been easier, especially with this guide to all the latest trends.

Firstly, The pantone colour of the year is ‘Living Coral’ so be prepared to see a lot more of this vibrant, life affirming shade. It embraces warmth and is a contrast to the traditional springtime pastels. One of our favourite brands ‘Prestigious Textiles’ embraces both of these on trend colours with fabrics from their ‘Tresco Collection’.

We love how Prestigious Textiles have paired ‘Trebah’ and ‘Abbotsbury’ to inject colour and re-energise a room. The pairing of coral and teal shades reminds us of the contrast of coral in the ocean. Very tranquil!

Springtime Pastels Traditionally dusky pinks and rose quartz colour ways have lead the way with springtime pastels throughout the home.

This year we are seeing an influx of it paired alongside soft, dusted, lilacs.

This soft muted colour goes perfectly alongside dusky pink so don’t worry we are not seeing those rose quartz hues disappear just yet! These two tones are fast becoming a fresh new take on springtime pastels. These colour combinations work perfectly as sumptuous cushions as well as statement wall coverings.

Accessories that are suggested you pair with these tones are golden metallic and rose gold. These golden touches work perfectly with lilac fabrics and add a touch of glamour to any interior alongside beautiful bespoke window dressings.

Bold Botanicals Good News! Bold botanicals are here to stay; some of our favourite bold palm prints are from one of our fabulous brands, ‘Camengo’ a French company oozing everything chic!

This trend is a joyous celebration of nature and prints and offer a softer palm print this season both in wallpaper designs and fabric. These prints can really breathe new life into a room, whether it’s on a feature wall or bringing in soft velvet printed cushions. We are also seeing feature chairs that add a statement by being reupholstered in luscious leaf designs.

The trend for bringing nature into your homes has never been bigger. Luscious houseplants create a statement, adding colour and are great for finding ways to utilising smaller spaces.

For your local stockist contact Vale Interiors 18 New Meadow Road Redditch B98 8YW www.vale-interiors.co.uk

by Jess Hayden-Smith

Completely Bromsgrove

15

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Advertisement Feature BEFORE

Holding back the flood

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STAGE 2

F

ollowing severe floods in June 2012 which affected more than 160 locations, the District Council worked closely with the County Council and Bromsgrove District Housing Trust to design and implement a flood alleviation scheme for Catshill, where around 20 homes were flooded downstream of the Lingfield Walk recreation area.

Prior to work commencing, planning permission was gained which required a full ecological survey and an archaeological study. The flood storage pool, which was created in April 2015, can hold over 4,000m of flood water, and in non-flood conditions holds a small amount of water in a wetland area which was planted with native plant species and is beneficial in terms of biodiversity and water quality passing downstream.

The work was mainly funded by BDHT, who have a number of properties in the area which were affected by the flooding, and took around 5 weeks to complete at a cost of around £30,000.

AFTER

Since the completion of the scheme, a number of intense storms have fallen over the area and the pond has been shown to work well. The Water Management team at the District Council regularly inspect the area to ensure the watercourse is flowing well and to monitor for any changes in water quality.

To keep up to date on what the Water Management team are working on, visit www.facebook.com/northworcsflooding

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Ela & Mark step out for Bromsgrove at Strictly Worcestershire

A

nnual charity dance spectacular Strictly Worcestershire returns to the iconic Chateau Impney in Droitwich Spa on Thursday, May 23.

Organised by Worcestershire Ambassadors, the event, which is now in its sixth year, will be raising funds to support mental health and wellbeing initiatives at St Paul’s Hostel and Worcester Community Trust.

Eight contestant couples will strut their stuff in a bid to lift the prized glitterball trophy in front of a 750strong corporate audience. All will be supporting their own good cause in the county.

Stepping out to do Bromsgrove proud are Aston Fields couple Ela Kropornicka and Mark Evans, who are supporting Primrose Hospice.

Mark is an ex-military, IT security compliance manager working for a technology company in Birmingham.

Diagnosed with PTSD after operational service in Iraq and Afghanistan, he has fully recovered after professional support and is proud to take part in a charity event raising awareness and money for mental health charities in Worcestershire.

Ela is a Polish pharmacist who has lived and worked in the UK for 12 years. She completed the Great Wall of China Walk for the Institute of Cancer Research and also did a tandem skydive for Primrose Hospice.

The couple share a passion for music and singing, being members of the local Rock Choir, and are looking forward to performing their routines in front of a live audience and the judges.

Also taking part are Elaine and Stuart Watt, who are supporting St Paul’s Hostel in Worcester, Grace Walton and Jack Tingle, whose chosen charity is Headway Worcestershire, Worcestershire Animal Rescue Shelter supporters Chris and Matleena Haywood and Jess Antley and Stuart Wilkes, who are backing Samaritans Worcester.

Jason and Gaya Barnett are dancing in aid of New Hope Worcester and completing the line up are Tracy and Tony Lowe and Geoff and Sue Adams, who are both rooting for Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Casting their eye over each couple’s two Latin, ballroom or showdance performances will be the esteemed judging panel.

Head judge and former trade minister Lord Digby Jones will be joined by veteran ITV Central broadcaster Bob Warman, Worcestershire-based dancer/ choreographer Katie Love, who was one of the finalists in So You Think You Can Dance series two on BBC One, and choreographer Jennifer Bennett Price.

Alan Dedicoat, the voice of TV’s Strictly Come Dancing, and BBC Hereford and Worcester breakfast show presenter Elliott Webb will return as announcer and MC respectively.

Strictly Worcestershire event partners are DRPG, Andrew Grant, Lowe’s Solicitors and Greenworks Solutions. For details of table packages and individual tickets, visit www.strictlyworcestershire.co.uk/ tickets.html Completely Bromsgrove

21

Worcestershire for Europe

T

he Bromsgrove branch of campaign group “Worcestershire for Europe” was in the High Street on Saturday 6th April asking shoppers what they will like to see happen in the Brexit process. On the stall was a “Brexitometer” where respondents could choose between the following options: to have a No deal Brexit, May and Corbyn’s Deal, a People’s Vote on the deal or to revoke Article 50. At the end of the morning, 59 % of shoppers had voted for either a vote on the deal or to revoke article 50, whilst 41% wanted Brexit in some form.

Chair of the group, Stuart Thomson, commented “Groups like ours are out talking to the British people every week and the message is consistent: the UK has changed its mind on Brexit. Given the Brexit reality is such a far cry from the promises of taking back control and having extra money for the NHS, it is hardly surprising people are having second thoughts. Our aim as a group is to spread awareness of all the benefits of EU membership before they are lost in this huge constitutional change which benefits no one apart from millionaire tax-evaders. We believe the most democratic way out of this crisis is to give the people a final say on the Brexit deal”.

Details of the group’s work can be found at www.worcestershireforeurope.org

22 Completely Bromsgrove

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23

Tardebigge breakfast serves up £2,056 donation to Primrose Hospice

T

here were clean plates and full stomachs following another successful Tardebigge Breakfast which raised over £4,000 for two charities

Bromsgrove Farmers Club served up a bumper breakfast which included a traditional English breakfast as well as popular cereals and fruit.

There were lots of hungry people at the village’s community hall with the volunteers serving over 450 breakfasts throughout the event on Saturday, March 16.

This year’s Tardebigge Breakfast was another hit raising £4,112 which has been split between Primrose Hospice and Cancer Research UK. Volunteers were on hand to cook and serve up the breakfasts made from produce which had been kindly donated.

Anna Wilson, community fundraiser at Primrose Hospice, said the charity was grateful to receive £2,056 which would go towards services supporting people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

“The Tardebigge Breakfast is a highlight for many people and is so well supported by the local community.

“We are incredibly grateful to organisers Helen Hirons, Sarah May, Bromsgrove Farmers Club and all the volunteers who work so hard to feed so many people.

“Thanks also to everyone who donated, they have helped to keep Primrose Hospice’s services free for people with life-limiting conditions and their families.

24 Completely Bromsgrove

“Primrose Hospice must raise £1.75million annually and a majority of this money comes from the generosity of individuals and businesses in our local community.

“We are always so grateful to everyone who donates to the hospice, they are making a real difference to people in north east Worcestershire.”

The next breakfast is set to take place on March 14, 2020.

If you would like to hold a fundraising event for Primrose Hospice, please contact 01527 871051 or email info@primrosehspice.org

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Care Home voted as one of the best in the West Midlands

R

esidents and staff at The Lodge at Burcot Grange Care Home in Burcot, near Bromsgrove, have been celebrating after being voted as one of the Top 20 Care Homes in the West Midlands area.

Carehome.co.uk is the Trip Advisor of the care home industry with over 123,000 independent reviews of care homes. The carehome.co.uk Top 20 Care Home Awards 2019 highlight the most recommended Care Homes in each region of the UK with The Lodge at Burcot Grange scoring an impressive 9.9/10.

General manager, Vicky Osbourne commented, “We are delighted to have won this award from Carehome.co.uk. The team at Burcot work tirelessly to provide the very best care, support and happiness to the people who live here.

Receiving this award based upon reviews made by residents, their families and friends makes it even more special.”

The Lodge at Burcot Grange is part of the Cinnamon Care Collection who have 11 care homes throughout the country. As well as success with the The Lodge at Burcot Grange, Cinnamon Care Collection were also presented with an award as one of the Top 20 Care Home Group operators in the country.

For further information please call the Kiran Chaggar, Home Admissions Adviser, on 0121 4455552 Completely Bromsgrove

25

RECIPE Harrisa roasted sweet potato, vegetable & egg salad

Method Place the prepared vegetables and sweet potato in a bowl with 3tbsp of rapeseed oil and all the remaining ingredients, apart from the coriander and the eggs, season well with sea salt and black pepper and mix well to combine all the ingredients.

Spread the mixture on a large baking sheet and cook in the oven for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Meanwhile place the eggs in cold water and bring to the boil, then simmer for 6 minutes or 7 minutes if you like them slightly harder. Remove from the heat and place the eggs quickly under cold running water for 2 minutes till completely cold then peel.

Take the vegetables out of the oven and set aside to cool slightly then mix in the coriander and the hard boiled eggs cut in half.You can serve this warm salad cold on its own with flatbreads and Greek yoghurt.

www.fairburnseggs.co.uk

26 Completely Bromsgrove

Ingredients: • 250g small parsnips, washed, trimmed and cut in half • 2 medium sized sweet potatoes cut into slices • 1 aubergine, cut into small chunks • 1 courgette, cut into chunks • 1 red onion, peeled and cut into slices • 1 yellow pepper, cut into squares • 1 red pepper, cut into squares • Rapeseed oil • Sea salt and black pepper • 3tsp cumin seeds • 1 tbsp. crushed coriander seeds • 2tsp cinnamon • 1 tbsp harissa paste • 2tsp smoked paprika • 2tsp red chilli seeds • Handful fresh coriander, chopped

by Rachel Green • 4 eggs for Fairburn’s Eggs Preheat oven to 180C/350F/Gas 4

THE

CROSS INN a� Finstal�

THANK YOU to all our local drinkers for voting us the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) Pub of the Year for Bromsgrove and Redditch 2019.

We have our house beers from Black Country Ales on at all times and also literally hundreds of guest beers from other breweries all around the UK…. And for fans of real ciders we have a large range of apple and fruit ciders on hand-pull as well.

If you still haven’t visited us since we re-opened in Summer last year do come along and join us, and if you have visited we thank you and welcome you back.

BEER GARD EN NOW OP EN

The Cross Inn, 34 Alcester Rd, Finstall B60 1EW Tel: 01527 577328 Completely Bromsgrove

27

Art on show A

Tony Turpin

voncroft Arts Society now into their 73rd year held their art exhibition at the Avoncroft Arts Centre on Friday 29th, Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st March.

The exhibition was opened by Tony Turpin Chairman of the Society along with guest speaker Michele Ford.

In excess of 300 people attended the exhibition over the weekend, with local ar tists exhibiting their ar twork, which included, Photography, Sugarcraft Work, Textiles, Pottery, and all forms of paintings.

Avoncroft Ar ts Society which now has over 200 members welcomes all to join their groups. For more information visit www.avoncroftarts.org.uk

Michele Ford

28  Completely Bromsgrove

Bournheath Village Community Centre

Don’t worry - be Snappy!

B

romsgrove Photographic Society have recently benefited from a charitable grant issued by Bromsgrove Institute Trust, which has enabled them to purchase some new equipment for the benefit of all their members.

The society is open to all abilities, with currently 75 members, with an age range from 18 to 90, and equal proportion of men to women. We meet at Avoncroft Arts Centre every Tuesday, apart from the summer months when we have weekly outings to local attractions. With the society open to all, new members are always welcome.

“Our recent print competition in April gave us the opportunity to use our new print stand for the first time.

We received generous funding from the Birmingham Institute Trust, allowing us to replace our trusty old stand, which had ser ved us well for many years.”

For further information please visit: www.bromsgroveps.com

by Vice Chairman David Jellie Completely Bromsgrove 29

Bromsgrove Sporting FC T

he football season is drawing rapidly to a close and at the time of writing, Bromsgrove Sporting sit second in the Southern League Division One Central with four matches remaining. The leaders Peterborough Sports have a staggering The football season is drawing rapidly to a close and at the time of writing, second seven point Bromsgrove lead so it isSporting unlikely sit that will be in the Southern League Division One Central with four matches remaining. The leaders Peterborough overhauled so The Rouslers will probably have Sports have a staggering seven point lead so it is unlikely that will be overhauled so The Rouslers will to settle for second place where currently probably have to settle for second place where currently they have a seven point leader over third placed they have a seven point lead over third placed Corby Town.

Corby Town.

That will mean a play-off match at The Victoria Ground on Wednesday Mayaand if that match is Victoria That will1st mean play-off match at The successful the play-off final will be the following Monday, 6th May again at home providing they ended Ground on Wednesday 1st May and if that up match higher in the league than their opponents. is successful the play-off final will be the following Monday 6th May again at home providing they ended Of recent matches there was a dramatic win against rival CorbyupTown that opened upthan a sizable gap but the higher in the league their opponents. game will be remembered more for the goal scored by Jason Cowley who lobbed two defenders before Of recent matches there was a dramatic win running round them and volleying home, reminiscent of that scored by Paul Gascoigne at Euro '96. The against rivals Corby Town that opened shot was recorded by Sporting cameraman Jack Mansell and the clip went viral over the next few days up a sizable gap but the game will be Jason Cowley being shown scoring on Brazilian television and Jason being interviewed on national radio. It is now that hescored remembered morehoped for the goal his wonder goal will be up against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for the annual Puskasbyaward for the world's best goal Jason Cowley who lobbed two defenders before running round them and Elsewhere on the player front, dazzling young winger Charlie Dowd has extended his reminiscent contact to the endscored of volleying home, of that season 2019/20 whilst Aaron Roberts has returned to the Club afterbyleaving for Worcester City a month Paul Gascoigne at Euro ‘96. The shot was earlier. recorded by Sporting cameraman Jack Mansell and the clip went viral over the next few days Sporting Under 18s have finished their season and currently wait to shown see if the teamtelevision below overhaul being on two Brazilian and Jason being them and drag them into the relegation places. interviewed on national radio. It is now hoped that he will be up against Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Several Colts teams have also completed their fixtures and preparations are Puskas alreadyaward underway forworld’s next best goal for the annual for the season.

Elsewhere on the player front, dazzling young winger Charlie Dowd his contact We always are interested to hear from anybody wanting to help out at the Club andhas ourextended junior teams are to the end of season 2019/20 whilst Aaron Roberts has continuously recruiting players. Our email address is info@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk. returned to the Club after leaving for Worcester City a month earlier.

by331 Philwords Baker Outstanding fixtures (if any use to you or space available) BROMSGROVE SPORTING FC OUTSTANDING FIXTURES

Sat Mon Sat Wed Sat Mon

20-Apr 22-Apr 27-Apr 1-May 4-May 6-May

3:00 PM A Aylesbury United 3:00 PM H Coleshill Town 3:00 PM A Berkhamsted 7:45 PM Possible play-off semi-final 3:00 PM Possible Championship final 3:00 PM Possible play-off final

30 Completely Bromsgrove

Sporting Under 18’s have finished their season and currently wait to see if the two teams below overhaul them and drag them into the relegation places.

Several Colts teams have also completed their fixtures and preparations are already underway for next season.

We are always interested to hear from anybody wanting to help out at the Club and our junior teams are continuously recruiting players. Our email address is info@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

LTD

at The Jinney Ring Centre

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HOLIDAY FUN REGI

Activity Camps for children aged 8* - 13

Take part in our fun sports and activities day camps at Bromsgove and Winterfold, running daily throughout the Summer holidays

Friday 23rd August

For information and to book a place, please contact activities@bromsgrove-school.co.uk

£35 per day £160 per week including a hot lunch

bromsgrove-school.co.uk 01527 579679 ext 357

Monday 1st July to

*Year 3 and above

Completely Bromsgrove

31

Avoncroft Cricket Club

Catch us this time around!

A

voncroft CC start the season full of hope that 2019 will continue the successes of the previous year, where the club won their first senior silverware in over 10 years and saw massive expansion in junior membership.

The Saturday teams will be competing in the newly restructured Worcestershire County League this year, with the 1st XI slotting in to a strong looking Division 3 whilst the 2nd XI will ply their trade in Division 8. Jon Hunter will continue as 1st XI captain for 2019 and is looking forward to the challenge of facing a number of new sides as the Birmingham League 2nd XIs are consolidated into the Worcestershire League structure.

Playing numbers are looking healthy to start the season, which should help the 1st XI in delivering consistent performances but will be of particular benefit in strengthening the depth available to returning 2nd XI captain Mark Wood. The 2nd XI narrowly missed on a title chase last year and are confident of being in the mix for honours this time around.

The Sunday XI sees a change in leadership this season, with 1st XI all-rounder Dan Elliott taking up the reins as captain. The club have taken the decision to return to a full set of friendly fixtures this season, with a particular focus on giving the rapidly expanding number of junior players at the club their first taste of adult cricket in a relaxed and fun environment.

32 Completely Bromsgrove

by Paul Athey

Junior Training for ages 5-14 starts at the club’s Stoke Heath ground on Friday evenings from 26th April, with AllStars sessions beginning on 17th May. The club still have spaces available at all age groups so, if you are looking for an opportunity for your son or daughter to experience cricket for the first time or develop their skills in a fun and supportive environment, please check out the club’s website (www.avoncroftcc.co.uk) for more details. Likewise, Avoncroft are always on the lookout for more senior players and, with the growing number of juniors, are already planning to expand to 3 senior Saturday teams in the next couple of years.

Again, if you are interested in joining, please contact the club via the website: www.avoncroftcc.co.uk

May Open Mornings

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11 May 2019

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Bromsgrove Explorer Scouts head to the World Jamboree

walking on Snowdon to raise money

winter camp at Blackwell

34  Completely Bromsgrove

meeting Irish scouts in Dublin

T

his Summer 11 young Explorer Scouts from Bromsgrove will be jetting off to North America to be part of the 24th World Scout Jamboree. The Jamboree brings together 40,000 Scouts from over 150 countries round the globe to a unique cultural experience that only takes place once every four years. It truly is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the Scouts as they can only attend once as a young person.

The 2019 Jamboree will be hosted by the national Scouting organisations of USA, Mexico and Canada with the main camp being in at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

Summit Bechtel is the Headquarters for Scouting in America and is truly enormous – Measuring five miles across, it comfortably covers the area of Bromsgrove with plenty to spare. The Scouts can look forward to lots of exciting activities including music shows, climbing, white water rafting and a full five miles of zip wires. Demonstrating Scouting’s commitment to leave the world a better place there will be a 100ft sustainability tree house, and a global development village to raise awareness about global issues.

Either side of the main camp, all the UK Scouts will have a day sightseeing in New York, and three days in Washington. To complete their adventure they are looking forward to heading north to Canada to experience the hospitality and friendship of a Canadian Scout Group.

The Bromsgrove Scouts are part of the Hereford and Worcester Unit made up of 36 young people and four leaders including Mark Graham who is Scout Leader at the local Finstall group. “We came together almost two years ago and have really developed as a team. The training and experiences we have all had in that time will help the young people with the skills they need not just for the Jamboree but in life generally.”

Training is an important part of the process in preparing for the Jamboree experience and the Explorer Scouts have had some incredible adventures already – From camping in the snow at Blackwell to climbing mountains in Snowdonia, big city training in London and Dublin to sleeping in hammocks on the site of the first ever Scout Camp on Brownsea Island. The skills this has given them, the teamwork, and the friendship will mean they come away as better people in life generally, in the communities they live in and in the Scout groups they are part of.

Unit member Lizzie Belton agrees “being part of the Jamboree has made me so much more confident with other people.”

The Jamboree doesn’t come cheap, and the Explorers have been busily fundraising to pay for their adventure. With a target of £4,200 each that is a tough challenge – Here in Bromsgrove they have run cake stalls, quizzes, marshalled at Bromsgrove Carnival, and packed bags at Asda and Morrisons. They have also received grants from the Bromsgrove Society, the Bromsgrove Institute Trust, the Rotary Club, Bromsgrove Council, Arden Estate Agents, and local County Councillors for which they are most grateful.

Completely Bromsgrove

35

Health and Wellbeing

M

illions of people rely on a daily multivitamin. But not all of those people are getting all of the nutrients their multivitamin promises. Your body needs to be able to assimilate the supplements.

There’s a big difference between products developed in a laboratory and products derived from natural sources. Multivitamins produced in a laboratory are synthetic and the body has difficulty assimilating those chemicals and you just end up with very expensive wee and poo.

In contrast, vitamins derived from organic sources e.g. plants, occur naturally but in small quantities. However, because they are fully assimilated by the body, they will be far more effective than mega doses of any synthetic vitamins. In this natural form the body treats the vitamin as a food, which of course the body knows how to process. Synthetic, mass produced, chemical based vitamins are not food and as such very little can be utilised by the body. Synthetic based vitamins however are very, very, much cheaper to produce – enough said?

We need to really understand that Whole-food sources are the best source when purchasing a multivitamin.

Why? Because they not only contain the right nutrients, they come naturally paired with cofactors that increase absorption. An orange, for example, contains plenty of vitamin C, but it’s also rich in bioflavonoids, which help the body absorb that vitamin C. Every ingredient in the multivitamin I recommend is derived from a wholefood source, with cofactors and all the nutrients we need to help our health.

My multivitamin also contains a patented absorption complex called BioAmplify™, so all of the vitamins,

36 Completely Bromsgrove

minerals, phytonutrients, organic superfoods, trace minerals, and enzymes can work together which supports cellular health and general wellness.

It also contains the juices of 11 different fruits rich in cell-protecting compounds. This isn’t done just for variety’s sake it is done because some phytonutrients, such as polyphenols from various berries, work more efficiently if there are several different types are present in the body at the same time.

This complete supplement contains the right nutrients and delivers them in a way that your body can use them.

• Supports cellular health and general nutrition • Helps the body absorb and use nutrients efficiently • Provides nutrient building blocks to work synergistically with your cells.

For a super Multivitamin just contact me on: colette@need4change.com

by Colette Garside

For care homes.

For Living

Heathbrook House, your local Bupa care home.

Whether you need to find a care home now, or are just starting to look into the options, you can consider Heathbrook House in Bromsgrove for a range of care needs, including nursing, residential and dementia.

We offer short stays, covering a week or up to a few months, as well as long-term care. You’re welcome to visit us and ask for further advice.

Call us for advice or to arrange a visit

01527 903 966

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Lines are open 8am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 12.30pm Saturday.

Closed Sundays and bank holidays. Calls are charged at no more than local rate and count towards any inclusive minutes from mobiles. We may record or monitor our calls.

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Completely Bromsgrove

37

How to look younger using colour and style 1. Make sure you’re wearing the colours that really suit you! Wearing the wrong colours will make you look tired, run-down and much older.

Wearing colours that suit you will mean that your skin looks radiant, bright and therefore younger.

2. Primary red is the only colour that suits everyone. Different seasons also have different reds that suit them in their colour palette such as summer palettes suit cherry and coral red, autumns glow in rust or brick reds, winters shine in scarlet and carmine, and springs look gorgeous in geranium and poppy red.

Team red with a neutral such as grey, navy, black, cream, beige, tan or white dependent on your season to look effortlessly stylish, but remember to choose the right red and neutrals that suit you to really ensure your look makes you look years younger!

3. Once you know your palette of colours, creating great colour combinations is simple , some will suit colours which blend and harmonise with each other and others look wonderful in high contrast looks from their palettes to create a more youthful appearance.

4. You may love an outfit on someone else but it might not suit you. Know who you are. If you like a bit of drama think asymmetric patterns and statement dressing to ensure visibility. Classic dressers feel good in elegant, timeless clothes. Know your style personality and you will feel more youthful and energised as you will look more authentic in your clothes.

5. Wear the right hemline – whether that is a maxi, mid-calf, knee-length or for the lucky few, above the knee. It can surprisingly make or break an outfit as the wrong hemline can either be inappropriate and unattractive, or drab and frumpy.

Different people suit different hemlines and this is not solely determined by your height but by the rebalancing of the natural proportions of your body.

6. Patterns can add interest to an outfit and really flatter different body shapes regardless of your age. Just be sure you know if you are a floral or graphics person for example.

7. Bootleg jeans will balance-curvy bodies and if you don’t like your mid-section so much then try slim leg jeans with a low-slung belt.

8. Use confidence to anti-age your wardrobe! Ooze confidence and focus on your best assets by drawing attention to them. If you have a lovely waist, then emphasise that with a beautiful, flattering statement belt. Or if you have lovely long legs then try some skinny jeans to elongate those great legs even more!

9. Use accessories to make a statement in your outfit – try a scarf or a bright coloured clutch bag. This will make all the difference between a drab outfit and a sensational one.

Buy jewellery that has several of your wow colours in the piece to add a really exciting focal point to your look.

10. Unflattering trends won’t do you any favours. Aim for sensational and stylish instead. Look good to feel good.

Revitalise and revalue yourself through colour and style.

38 Completely Bromsgrove

by Jane Brook www.houseofcolour/janebrook

WIN

2 tickets to this years Ladies Day

Completely Bromsgrove has teamed up with Worcester Racecourse to offer 2 lucky winners the opportunity to win 2 pairs of tickets to attend this years ‘Ladies Day’ held on Saturday 1st June.

Worcester’s famous Ladies Day is an event like no other in the Worcester calendar. From live jazz music as you arrive, to the thrill of the Epsom Derby on the big screen, with seven summer jump races inbetween, this is an unforgettable day out in the heart of Worcester City Centre.

Glamour, in it’s abundance, wonderful atmosphere, just a truly exciting day out not to be missed.

For more details visit: www.worcester-racecourse.co.uk/whats-on/ladies-day For your opportunity to win one of the pair of tickets simply fill in then cut out the coupon below and post to us.

COMPETITION

WIN

2 tickets to this years Ladies Day

Simply answer the following question “What date is Ladies Day held on?” then fill in this form, cut out and post to: Worcester Racecourse Competition, 11 West Road, Bromsgrove.

B60 2NG. All entries in by Monday 20th May 2019 Answer .................................................................................................................................

Name ....................................................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................................... .............................................................. Telephone ............................................................ e-mail ....................................................................................................................................

Completely Bromsgrove

39

Forget me not walk

T

his is the second year we are organising the Forget me not walk at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre, with last year raising £4,000.

In previous years the event was held at Sanders Park, event organiser Nicole Harris would love to see lots of people joining her for a fun packed day, offering the following options for all levels of ability 10 miles, 6 miles and one mile walk.

The walk will start at 10am from the Jinney Ring Craft Centre. To join in the walk, you will need to register online and download a sponsor form or email Nicole at nicnoelharris@aol.com .You may register on the day but you will need to be there in plenty of time, people need to be there at least 30 minutes prior to the start.

The Bromsgrove Forget Me Not Walk is a fun and accessible day out suitable for the whole family.

About the walk You have the choice of a six- or ten-mile route or a one-mile, toddler-friendly walk. The six- and ten-mile routes take walkers along the Hanbury Circular Walk, through the surrounding parkland and along the path of nearby canals. The one-mile route allows walkers the opportunity to see the craft centre’s animals.

It promises to be another lovely day with entertainment including a tombola and stalls. The Jinney Ring Craft Centre will be organising activities on the day, too, including afternoon tea, plus, there will be a treasure hunt for children taking part in the one mile walk.

All walkers will need to bring their own water and snacks to stay refreshed on the day of the event, and dogs are welcome but must be kept on leads throughout the walk.

Everyone who takes part will receive a t-shirt on the morning of the walk and children will get a medal.

Entry fees Adults £12 (£15 on the day) Children under 12 £6 (£7.50 on the day) Family of four - two adults and two children under 12 £30 (£35 on the day) Adults will not be charged an entry fee if they are walking one-mile with a child.

Location and parking Jinney Ring Craft Centre, Hanbury Road, Hanbury, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B60 4BU Parking is available in the field parallel to the Jinney Ring Craft Centre and will be signposted on the day.

Please do not use the customer car park.

www.bloodwise.org.uk/fundraising/events-challenges/bromsgrove-forget-me-not-walk

40 Completely Bromsgrove

Roger Jones receives accolade from the Archbishop of Canterbury

Musical composer receives prestigious award

B

romsgove-based Roger Jones, composer of over 20 Christian musicals, author and speaker, has become the recipient of The Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship in recognition of over 40 years working as a composer, evangelist, worship leader and speaker.

Having studied music at the Birmingham School of Music (now Birmingham Conservatoire), Roger went on to become Head of Music at Aston Manor School in inner-city Birmingham. After a few years Roger felt the need to write music for his school choir that worked well in terms of age and ability, and he began with an Easter musical, ‘Jerusalem Joy’. This musical was featured on BBC Songs of Praise in the mid-1970s and has since been performed around the world.

Roger continued to write musicals, and in 1984 left teaching to become full-time director of Christian Music Ministries.

Some of his best-known works include ‘Saints Alive’, ‘While Shepherds Watched’ and ‘From Pharaoh to Freedom’.

Roger says, “I was utterly speechless when I was told of the award. It is an incredible honour. Over the years it has been a joy to write music for the ordinary folk in the pew – music they can use to share the wonderful story of Jesus with their friends and neighbours. I also feel it is important to say that this award is also for the team around me; family, friends and colleagues who have been tireless in their support and love. It was a delight to be able to take my wife Mary and my son Tim, now a partner in the ministry, to London to receive the award.”

The Cranmer Award for Worship was first awarded by Archbishop Justin Welby in March 2016. It is named after Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533 to 1555, who wrote the Book of Common Prayer. It recognises outstanding contributions to all aspects of worship in the Church, including both words and music. The 2019 Awards were presented by Archbishop Justin Welby on Thursday 4th April at Lambeth Palace. Previous award winners include Matt Redman, Stuart Townend and Tim Hughes. Roger’s award citation reads: The Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship for his unique contribution to Christian music.

Roger Jones, the Birmingham-based Director of Christian Music Ministries, has composed more than 23 musicals performed throughout the UK and in many countries overseas, including Jerusalem Joy, Mary Magdalene, Saints Alive, Barnabas and Greater than Gold, the story of the little Welsh girl Mary Jones and her Bible.

That musical earned him the Bible Society’s Mary Jones prize in 2018.

Roger has followed a distinctive path within the charismatic evangelical stream of worship. His focus has always been on writing music which is accessible by the local church and does not require complicated forces or hi-tech equipment to perform. He has always been missional - motivated by a desire to share his own, strong, personal faith in Christ, and for others to catch that vision. Roger is a faithful Anglican – a licensed Reader in his Diocese – and one who has always respected the old alongside the new – the fact that so many of his musicals use traditional hymns bears witness to this. He is also alive to the possibilities for the interplay of renewal music with Anglican liturgy – for example, at the Eucharist, interweaving hymns, songs and instrumental improvisation within a traditional liturgical framework. He has the rare gift of enabling others to discover their God-given identity in Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit and has used his musical gifts unstintingly towards this end.

In 2017 he was well described at Spring Harvest as one of the Church’s game-changers. For 35 years, Roger’s gentle but powerful music ministry has made a distinctive impact in building up churches and individuals.

For further details and photographs, please contact office@cmm.org.uk or call 01527 576440 Completely Bromsgrove

41

See the wonder of nature on and around the water W aterways and wellbeing charity, Canal & River Trust, is encouraging local people to visit their local canal this Spring and see what animals and insects you can spot whilst exploring the waterways.

No matter where you choose to explore you’ll be surrounded by flora and fauna - from tiny insects to mighty oak trees so come and see what our wildlife-rich waterways have to offer. And with 2,000 miles of canals in England & Wales, you’ve got a lot of waterways to explore.

When you stop and look it’s amazing to discover how many species of plant and animal live in, on or beside your local canal. From tiny Dormice to majestic Herons our canals are bursting to the brim with wildlife, but you don’t have to look too hard to find it. Even in the heart of our most built up cities you can get back to nature by visiting one of our canals or rivers, which is one of the reasons a trip to our waterways can make you happier and healthier.

At this time of year flower buds are beginning to burst into colour and birdsong can be heard

42 Completely Bromsgrove

everywhere you go. Insects such as bees and butterflies are starting to flutter and animals that hibernated over winter start to appear on the first warm days of spring. Keep an eye out for hedgehogs, queen bees, frogs, toads, grass snakes, lizards and adders. If you visit your canal at dawn or dusk be sure to keep your eyes peeled for bats – they like to swoop along the canal looking for their next meal.

You can download a free Nature Spotters Guide from the Canal & River Trust website. Just visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk/nature-guides

Volunteer Lock Keepers L

ock keepers have been working on Britain’s canals for hundreds of years, although the role has changed over time. These days our volunteer lock keepers help the charity, Canal & River Trust, to look after our beautiful waterways, assist boaters, welcome visitors and maintain our historic locks. In the past their job would have involved collecting tolls from trade boaters and fighting off river pirates! – thankfully this isn’t a requirement of the role these days.

Volunteer lock keepers act as ‘the face of the waterway’ and it’s a role as iconic as the waterways themselves.They not only help boaters pass through the locks but also engage with people using the towpaths and take part in other volunteering activities to help the UK’s canals and rivers thrive.

Every year there are around 3.8 million ‘lockings’ (passages through locks)

through the Canal & River Trust’s 1,580 locks. With some 32,000 boats using the canals, there is more waterways traffic now than at the height of the industrial revolution.

The Tardebigge Lock flight is on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal in Bromsgrove and here we have a team of around 50 volunteer lock keepers who help boaters navigate through the 30 locks. At 3 ½ miles long Tardebigge is the longest lock flight in Britain so having a helping hand at the locks must be a delight for boaters tackling this part of the waterways.

For more information on being a lock keeper or to find a volunteering opportunity near you visit www.canalrivertrust.org.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

43

B

lue Cross in Bromsgrove currently has lots of cats in particular who have been looking for a home for a while but sadly no-one has come forward for them. All are lovely, friendly and affectionate and will make super companions.

Abbey is a 12 years old and loves to watch the world go by from her cattery window. She loves company, and prefers the quiet life. She might like a bit of outside space to tootle around in before coming back to be by your side.

She can be a little bit shy with strangers at first so you may need a bit of patience while she gets to know you but then will be your faithful companion.

Lola is a pretty tortoiseshell cat who is 11 years old. She is a sweet girl looking for a quiet home. She would prefer to be the only pet in the home and have all the attention to herself.

Tilly is beautiful 11 year old cat who enjoys nothing more than pottering about outdoors and coming home to cosy up in front of the fire. She is quite an independent cat but likes a bit of a fuss now and then.

Younger children can be a bit stressful for her so an older home would be best.

There is also a special dog who has been looking for a home for a while, a beagle called Ollie who is 4 years old.

He’s a typical beagle and likes to chatter. He loves his walks and meeting other doggy pals but would prefer to be the only dog in the home.

Samson is a striking 9 year old cat. Sadly Blue Cross finds black cats often struggle to find a home and are overlooked in favour of more colourful cats, unfortunately this is true for Samson too. He is looking for a nice quiet home so with older children if with a family. He could also potentially live with a calm friendly dog.

Snowy is an 8 year old cat who likes to hear stories while enjoying a tasty treat. She isn’t so keen on other cats so would prefer to be the only pet in her new home. She hasn’t been enjoying cattery life so hopes to find a home of her own really soon.

Lilly is a sweet 9 year old who enjoys the quiet life. She would prefer a home with no children, or teenagers. She likes to curl up on a cosy lap and purr the day away.

For more information about rehoming any of these cats, Ollie the dog or any other pets at Blue Cross in Bromsgrove - or to make a donation towards their care, contact the centre on 0300 777 1460, email Bromsgrove@bluecross.org.uk or drop in at Wildmoor Lane, Catshill, Bromsgrove B61 0RJ. The centre is open between 11.00am and 4.00pm every day except Wednesday.

For more information about what Blue Cross does - go to www.bluecross.org.uk

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Forthcoming Attractions Box Office 01527 65203

Online booking www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Events this May at Avoncroft!

Traditional May Day 6th May - Bank Holiday Monday Join us for a Traditional family day out with May pole dancing, Morris dancing and Children's plays throughout the day

National Mills Weekend 11th & 12th May Learn more about milling and see our Windmill in operation (wind permitting!) plus have a go at making flour by hand!

Avoncroft Aircooled - VW Flat 4 Show 19th May Come see everything Bugs to Vans as the ever popular Flat 4 Club show takes over our grounds!

See more details at www.avoncroft.org.uk The Museum is 2 miles south of Bromsgrove off the A38 Sat Nav B60 4JR

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A great year in prospect for the 2019 Bromsgrove Festival 2019 will be another great year for the arts and culture in Bromsgrove.

In its 59th year of existence, the 2019 Bromsgrove Festival programme will be in the same wide ranging community based style as before. It will continue to focus on local ar ts and cultural activity and will maintain the range and quality of such events provided in previous years. Alongside this, the trustees have sought to continue the emphasis on free community ar ts events, for example by suppor ting the EnjoyRubery programme over the weekend of Friday 21st June to Sunday 23rd June, and by promoting additional Free Bite Sized Classics concerts in Catshill and Rubery. We hope that this will encourage greater participation in Festival activities.

The programme, which kicks off on the evening of Thursday 20th June with ‘Strings on a Summer Evening’ – the opening concert at the Guesten Hall, Avoncroft Museum featuring the well-known Astaria String Quar tet - runs for just over four weeks to the final Gala concer t on Sunday, 21st July, given by the Orchestra of St John at St. John’s Church.

During the four week Festival period, there is an ar ts or cultural event on vir tually every day at venues right across the Bromsgrove District. These range from theatre productions, both inside and outside, jazz, folk

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and blues concer ts as well as a number of classical orchestral and choral performances. There are also dance events, ar t exhibitions, comedy and the spoken word. Many of these events are designed for children and younger people, with par ticipation encouraged.

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

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

The 2019 Bromsgrove Festival will offer another exciting programme. We know that you will find something that you will enjoy and we encourage you to try something new right here on your doorstep in Bromsgrove.

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20th June to 21st July

2019

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

www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk Completely Bromsgrove

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