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Issue 16

February 2020

Completely

Bromsgrove

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Welcome

Welcome to the February 2020 issue of Completely Bromsgrove, which I guarantee will keep you warm and cosy while we await the arrival of spring. We begin this year with a new feature, Successful Women in Bromsgrove. Our ﬁrst interviewee is Michelle Wright, managing director of leading Bromsgrove marketing agency, Gough Bailey Wright (GBW), who has been appointed chair of England & Wales for the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA). Congratulations to Michelle for landing this prestigious role. Wendy Carter from Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is urging everyone to wrap up warm and get out and about to connect with nature. If you have taken a photo that made you smile or go ‘wow’ then why not enter it in the trust’s annual calendar competition? Mike Sharpe has written a fascinating article on the history of the charming village of Hanbury. A charter of 660AD refers to a monastery at Hanbury and it was also mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Thanks to Mike for offering a valuable insight into the area’s development across the centuries. Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful (KBB) have again signed up to join the Great British Spring Clean and are looking for like-minded locals to get involved. If you would like to help the group keep the district in tip-top order, read our feature on page 14. With no further ado, I will leave you in peace to grab a cuppa, curl up and enjoy your February issue of Completely Bromsgrove. Best wishes,

Michele Ford

20 29 40

Contents 6 8 10 12 14 16 18

20 Michelle Wright 22 Worcestershire Wildlife Trust 24 Bromsgrove Flower Club 25 Gardening 26 Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful 28 How much is enough? 29 Bromsgrove School 30

Sajid’s Pensioners Fair Travel Guide/Art Society Lion cubs at Safari Park Emily Newman Fashion Tips Health and Wellbeing Fatnosis slimming Recipe

33 34 35 36 38 40 42 43

Blue Cross pets Historical Hanbury Hall of Dreams Bromsgrove Arts Alive Fairﬁeld Flicks/Ann Cleeves Orchestra of St John Artrix - What’s On Bromsgrove Sporting F.C.

Completely

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

4 Completely Bromsgrove

Sales: Michele Ford Tel: 07948 086870

Design: Matt Walton Design

The contents of Completely Bromsgrove magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Completely Bromsgrove magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Completely Bromsgrove magazine cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Bromsgrove Managing Director is appointed Chair of England & Wales for the IPA

ichelle Wright, managing director of leading Bromsgrove marketing agency, Gough Bailey Wright (GBW), has been appointed Chair of England & Wales for the Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA).

Michelle started her career at 16 as an apprentice in a small advertising agency in Birmingham, and this was the foundation for her impressive career which spans over 30 years, working at some of the regions most respected agencies. Michelle joined Gough Advertising in 1995. In 2005, Michelle joined forces with fellow board member and PR and property communications expert, Sue Bailey, to complete a management buy-out and Gough Bailey Wright was formed. Since then, the company has established itself and gained an excellent reputation as the longest-running, independently owned marketing agency in the West Midlands and one of only a handful of Institute of Practitioners in Advertising (IPA) agencies in the region. Responsible for client services, business development and leading the agency’s 24-strong team of creatives, digital gurus and PR professionals, Michelle enjoys a hands-on role and is also regularly involved in the conception and creation of strategic marketing campaigns across a wide range of sectors. Having previously served as the IPA’s city head for Birmingham and the West

6 Completely Bromsgrove

Midlands, Michelle will now succeed Andy Reid, managing director of McCann Bristol, in her new role as England & Wales chair. Michelle said: “It’s such an honour to represent the IPA at this level, our member Agencies are responsible for more than 85 per cent of the UK’s advertising spend so it’s an important role. In the current business climate brands are looking for their agencies to bring real results so accountability is key and marketing effectiveness is more important than ever. The IPA leads the way in effectiveness training, encouraging the growth of marketing effectiveness by improving decision making, collaboration and working practices across the advertising and marketing industries. Effectiveness training is high on my agenda as chair, I’ll be promoting best practice and demonstrating to clients why IPA agencies should be their ﬁrst choice.” GBW is an award-winning agency which serves clients throughout the UK and offers businesses across the Midlands the beneﬁt of unrivalled regional expertise. For more information, visit www.gough.co.uk

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Swan feed, by Nick Upton 2020Vision

Winter berries, by Wendy Carter

Reconnecting T

he dreary weather that we’ve been having recently may not be very inspiring but our wildlife is still out there if you take the time to look. Normally in winter I love nothing more than wrapping up warm and heading outdoors on a beautiful crisp and sunny day. We’ve not had many of those days this year but it’s not stopped me getting out. The birds are easier to see in the bare trees, mammal and bird footprints are embedded in muddy paths, peculiar insects like snow fleas are out and about stalking prey on mossy pads and some of our springtime flowers are poking their leaves through the soil, testing to see whether they’ll be able to flower soon. More and more studies are showing that being closer to nature is good for our mental and physical health so why not make 2020 the year that you regularly make time to get outside and enjoy our natural world too. The more wildlife in it – the more birdsong, the more bees buzzing, the more flowers dancing in the breeze – the better. Bromsgrove has got some wonderful open spaces in the town and on its doorstep so whether you take a walk down a quiet leafy suburban street, stroll through a park or wander around a nature reserve, take a moment to notice the trees, the birdsong in the hedges and tree canopies, the rustle of small mammals through fallen leaves and more. Whether you’re on your own or with friends, watch the seasons turn as you ‘wild up’ your everyday routine; follow the splashes of colour through the year – from the yellow

8 Completely Bromsgrove

with nature flowers of spring to the red berries of autumn, the blue skies of summer to the white frosts of winter. Watch out for the first buds to burst on trees, listen to the changing soundscape of birdsong or the buzz of the bees as they skip from meal to meal in your garden or a window box full of flowers.

Winter walk, by Zsuzsanna Bird

Singing Robin, by Carl Graef

While you’re out and about, keep a camera to hand – the one on your phone, the handy instant camera in your pocket or your all-singing DSLR. Each year we run a photo competition and winners feature in our popular calendar. We’re looking for photos that inspire people about Worcestershire’s incredible natural world and that make you say ‘wow’. If you try to capture the time you spend in nature as more than just a memory, why not take a look through what you’ve snapped and enter our competition? www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/photography-competition Reconnect with nature - why not try it this year and feel your cares and worries ebb away.

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

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/c/WorcswildlifetrustUK1 Completely Bromsgrove

Penny Richardson’s festive arrangement Christmas arrangement by Ros Acton

Vice Chairman Del Guest presenting the Godfrey Baseley cup to Angela Harvey

Bromsgrove Flower Club T

he ﬁnal meeting of the year in December was the club’s AGM hosted by chairman Mrs Angela Harvey.

Tricia Penny’s arrangement with reindeer and sleigh

Charity donations were made to Acorns Children’s Hospice Trust and Ovarian Cancer Trust. Seven members then created beautiful Christmas arrangements which were raffled. A bottle tombola, a Christmas cake and hamper raffle and a buffet tea supplied by the committee added to a most enjoyable afternoon and a fitting end to a busy year. For the first half of 2020 members are looking forward to these demonstrations: February 20th - Andrew Lloyd with “At the Turn of the Year” March 19th - Yolanda Campbell with “The Promise of Spring” April 16th - Brigette Manton with “Sunshine and Showers” May 21st - Margaret Walker with “Anything Goes” June 18 - Jane Pugh with “A Kind of Fashion” Visitors are welcome to attend the next meeting on February 20th at All Saints Church Hall,Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B60 1AF. For more details, contact Wendy Robertson on 01905 48057 or visit www.bromsgroveflowerclub.org.uk

10 Completely Bromsgrove

Del Guests beautiful arrangement

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Bursting into life in the spring garden

ebruary feels like a turning point in the garden. It’s still cold outside but there are signs of the imminent arrival of a spring display everywhere you look – it is truly a month of awakening.

Many of the early ﬂowering shrubs are highly fragrant to attract the few pollinating insects. Hamamelis or witch hazel has strong citrus perfumed ﬂowers, Daphne has a delicate perfume and the highly scented Sarcococca or sweet box can be detected from quite some distance away. All are simply enchanting and will stimulate your senses.

the differing varieties and colours of the Hellebore. An early visit is recommended to avoid disappointment as the more unusual colours do sell out quickly.

Bulbs that have been sleeping are slowly emerging from the ground. It can be a very mixed month of weather from warm sunshine to snow, heavy frosts and freezing rain.

Standards, simple cones, spirals or balls are all useful for adding some structure to the winter garden, perfect at Christmas with a few twinkling fairy lights gently draped over them. All evergreen, they can be grown in yew, box or any evergreen shrub that can be clipped.

Snowdrops that have lain dormant will now be bursting into life with their delicate green and white nodding heads. Tete a Tete daffodils, one of the earliest of flowering Narcissi, will be putting on a display of vibrant spring yellow. Crocus too will be opening widely to soak up the warm spring rays to attract pollinators. Eranthis or winter aconite is another of those early flowering tuberous perennials with a delicate yellow cup-shaped flower. Over the winter the bulbs have been nourished and swollen. The flower buds formed below ground and now they are ready to burst into life. Another delightful plant for the spring garden is Hellebore, easy to grow in a dappled shady spot with good drainage. Due to their long flowering period they have become a very fashionable plant. Wagon House Gardens at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre is hosting a special event from February 14th showcasing

February jobs in the garden Cut back old foliage and seed heads, tidy up the crowns in the herbaceous border. Start to chit early potatoes. Sow tomato seed under glass. Trim the hedges before March when the birds start nesting. Prune back to ground Cornus, grown for their colourful winter stems.

12 Completely Bromsgrove

If you are thinking of altering the border this spring or planting up some pots or containers, think outside the box with the addition of some topiary shrubs.

Topiary needs to be clipped back in early summer, particularly for box when the weather is dry and not humid as this can encourage box blight. Clip more often if you want a sharp deﬁned shape whether geometric or fanciful. Keep your topiary green with a regular feed, especially if it is growing in a pot or container. Any form of topiary complements the low growing spring bulbs and they make excellent planting companions.

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Join the Great British Spring Clean to keep Bromsgrove beautiful

eep Bromsgrove Beautiful have signed up to join the Great British Spring Clean and are looking for like-minded locals to join in. Last year the group achieved its aim of carrying out a clean up activity on each day of the Great British Spring Clean, thanks to the links with other local groups and individuals who all contributed. Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful (KBB) is looking to repeat the success of last year’s project during the 2020 initiative which runs from 20th March to 13th April. The Great British Spring Clean (GBSC) is a national initiative organised by Keep Britain Tidy which encourages #litterheroes to join the war on litter and organise clean ups in their local area. During the four-week event people are encouraged to get involved by organising a clean up activity in their local area and reporting it to the KBB team. It is hoped that with this joined up effort more people will be encouraged to either join an organised event, create their own event or carry out individual litter picks. Anyone wanting to borrow equipment for their own activities can do so from the KBB team. Alongside the GBSC in Bromsgrove last year some members of the KBB group got involved in cleaning street name signs. The local #grimysigns campaign attracted attention from local media outlets and resulted in TV and radio appearances from group members – and many of the street signs were sparkling clean! KBB will again be running their #grimysigns campaign during the GBSC. Why not get a soapy sponge and clean a sign in your neighbourhood? With more than 750 members the Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful group already contributes to regular litter picking and clean up activities in and around the district, along with other local groups such as the Rubery Wombles, Fairﬁeld Village Community Group and various schools, scouts and guide groups who work together with a joint vision.

14 Completely Bromsgrove

by Jo Slade KBB also organises group litter picks on the last Saturday of every month across the district. Anyone who would like to join in the activities can follow the group on Facebook – search Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful – or email KBB@itstartswithus. co.uk for further details.

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Completely Bromsgrove

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Advertisement Feature

How much is enough?

he news, social media and press are great at telling you that you need millions of pounds to ensure financial security in retirement. These statements only serve to strike unnecessary fear and worry into people’s minds. There are three types of client: those that do not have enough, those that have enough and those that have too much. In each situation, rarely do clients know which category they fit into until they have engaged with a lifestyle financial planner. What if you already have enough? There is a great story of a Mexican boatman which defines relative success. The story goes as follows… There was a high-powered management consultant on holiday on a beach in Mexico. Early one morning he saw a local boatman come up to shore in his little boat. Inside the boat was a large yellow fin tuna. He got talking to the boatman and he asked: “Tell me what you do with your life?” The Mexican said: “Well, I go out fishing early in the morning and I catch a yellow fin tuna. I come back and sell it. I then go home and have breakfast with my beautiful wife. We chat a while. “Most days we make love followed by a snooze in the afternoon. Then in the early evening I play with the kids when they get back from school, I have dinner with my wife and then I go down to the local cantina where I play guitar, sing and have a drink with my amigos!” The management consultant said: “I think I can help you. Here is my advice: instead of going back so early, why don’t you stay out and fish a little longer and catch more tuna. That way you can make more money so you can buy a bigger boat.” “Really?” said the Mexican. “Then what happens?” “Well, then you can catch even more fish. Then what you can do is employ some of your amigos and set up a fishing fleet to catch even more yellow fin tuna!” “Wow!” the Mexican said, “and then what happens?” “Well,” said the consultant, “that is when the magic happens; eventually you can bypass the middle man altogether and have your own cannery! Over the years you can build a fantastic fleet and a marvellous business!” The Mexican was fascinated by all this and he said: “That is brilliant, what happens next?” “Well, eventually you will be in a position to sell, which is where we can help you do an IPO and make you millions!” “Wow, millions?!” said the Mexican in awe. “Then what happens?”

16 Completely Bromsgrove

Find out how much you need for the life you want, says Martin Pryor.

The consultant then rubbed his hands and said: “Oh, that is the best bit! You can then relax, retire to a little Mexican fishing village and in the morning you can get up and go fishing for a yellow fin tuna and in the evening you can play guitar and have a few drinks with your amigos!” The moral of the story is that you might already have the life you really want. So why work harder or longer than you really need to? Life is too short. Research shows that the majority of people have no idea how much money they really need for the rest of their life. They may have income, assets and investments but no idea what it all means, or what sort of financial future awaits. So, if you feel like this, you’re not alone! The big question is: are you going to run out of money? Or will you die with too much? What we all need to know is how much is ENOUGH? Having an insight into how much you actually need can be enlightening. It can put you in control. Knowing how much is ENOUGH will give you the freedom to live your life smarter. After all, life is not a rehearsal; it needs to be lived to the max. Contact PPM Financial Planning for an initial meeting to discover what your ENOUGH is. The meeting is at our expense with no long term obligations. Tel: 07961 162818 martinpryor@ppm-ifa.co.uk www.ppm-ifa.co.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

17â€‚

Local school helping the community

ongratulations to the Bromsgrove School Service team who have made it through to the third round of the Goldsmiths’ Award to Community Engagement.

The award celebrates the positive impact schools have within their local communities, via their charitable and voluntary initiatives. The Award recognises, publicises and provides ﬁnancial support to outstanding initiatives at schools which have community engagement at their heart.

A group of the School’s pupils have been working on improving the sustainability of the School and have started an eco-club. They have initially undertaken tasks such as litter picking in the local community but are looking at ways at increasing recycling and energy consumption.

Finalists will be invited to the magniﬁcent Goldsmiths’ Hall in London, for a ceremony and a chance to showcase their community engagement activities. Financial prizes of upwards of £1,000 will be given to the successful schools and colleges invited to the Final, to facilitate the continuation and expansion of existing programmes.

Last year, the School obtained its first bee colony with the aim of aiding the conservation of the local bee populations. Pupils have worked to build and maintain the hives, as well as campaign to increase local biodiversity. They are looking forward to selling their first batch of honey and have already made candles from the wax – profits of which went towards Primrose Hospice.

The Bromsgrove Service team visits ﬁve local residential homes weekly where pupils organise games and activities for the residents. They also attend a local nursery once a week where they support the staff with activities and even given the children Mandarin lessons.

“Service is at the heart of what we do at Bromsgrove; our motto is Deo, regi, vicino (For God, for King, for Neighbour)” said Miss Phoebe Woolley, Head of Bromsgrove Service. It was very easy for me to write about all of the wonderful initiatives that we have at Bromsgrove School; from our visits to local residential homes, to our Deaf Culture and Communication group hosting café mornings for local teens with hearing impairments, to our fundraising in aid of Primrose Hospice. Our students work hard to contribute to their local community in a positive way and it is lovely having the opportunity to showcase this”.

Many Bromsgrove pupils are learning British Sign language and they have had great success with their BSL Café. Students from a local school for the hearing impaired are invited for a coffee morning where they can communicate in sign language with their peers. Elsewhere, they have recently started a relationship with a local food bank, The Basement Project in Bromsgrove

18 Completely Bromsgrove

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romsgrove MP, Sajid Javid, is viewing the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate Bromsgrove District and the contribution of retirees to the community.

The popular event has become a staple of Bromsgrove’s social calendar, attracting more than 500 retirees and their family members in previous years.

If you’re interested in becoming an exhibitor, sponsor, or would like more information, please do get in touch with Sajid via email on sajid.javid.mp@parliament.uk

Attendees left with ﬁlled diaries, new hobbies and a better idea of the broad range of services, activities and events on offer right across the constituency.

Bromsgrove MP, Sajid Javid said:

This year, Sajid will be assembling the very best of Bromsgrove’s clubs, societies and charitable organisations to advertise their services. The Fair currently has over 40 exhibitors conﬁrmed, including Bromsgrove Sports Clubs, the Artrix and Bromsgrove Ramblers. There will also be a series of live performances, including by the singer Helen Pearson, who will entertain audiences with a variety of vintage classics. The event will be free for both attendees and exhibitors, and as ever will be strictly non-political.

20 Completely Bromsgrove

“Our last Pensioners’ Fair saw a record turnout, with more than 50 exhibition stalls, manned by a range of outstanding local organisations – from Age UK to the Artrix” “I want to celebrate the contribution retirees make to our community and the fantastic work of the clubs, charities and businesses that support them” “The event falling on Valentine’s Day has certainly not escaped my notice – and I have so far resisted the pleas of my team to make the Fair a speed dating event. I am happy to conﬁrm that the likes of rose petals, champagne and certainly oysters will not be making an appearance. If Cupids Arrow does strike, I’m afraid it won’t be because of your local MP”

Our next events at Chandler Court

Understanding dementia Tuesday 3rd March 2020, 2pm - 4pm Join us to hear dementia specialist Dr Nori Graham, share insights about the condition and offer practical strategies for caring for a loved one with dementia.

Nutrition and hydration in later life Tuesday 17th March 2020, 2.30pm- 4pm

Fulfilling lives

Our chefs will demonstrate how to make nutritionally packed meals and delicious hydrating drinks, with an opportunity to taste these for yourself. Take home our new recipe booklet and Eating As We Age guide book.

To book your visit, call us on 01527 907828 or email shelley.hufton@careuk.com

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

21â€‚

New travel guide showcases wonders of Worcestershire

wo award-winning journalists have penned a new travel guide showcasing the very best of Worcestershire.

Chris and Teresa Green, who run Worcester-based media consultancy Chris Green Media, were commissioned to write Welcome to Worcestershire by Kingﬁsher Guides.

so many fascinating places to explore on our doorstep including Avoncroft Museum of Buildings, Jinney Ring and Webbs in the Bromsgrove area.”

The hardback book will be placed in hotels across the county to inspire visitors to make the most of their stay in the region. Chapters cover Worcestershire’s history, tourist attractions, shopping, nightlife, sport, arts and culture, eating out and surrounding areas of interest including Shakespeare Country, Herefordshire and Birmingham.

Experienced author and former Radio 5 Live and Radio 4 broadcaster Chris Green, who was born and bred in Worcester, added: “As a Worcestershire Ambassadors board member, I’m proud to promote the county as a great place to live, work and spend leisure time. Being involved with Welcome to Worcestershire has conﬁrmed just how much residents and businesses have to shout about.”

Teresa Green, a former Bromsgrove Advertiser sports editor who has lived in the county for more than 30 years, said: “Writing this book during an English summer was a real treat. There are

The book is available to download at: https://kingﬁshervisitorguides.com/visitor-guides/worcestershire/

Art Society is roaring success!

HAS (Lickey Hills Arts Society) next meeting will be on the Saturday 1st February, our demonstrator is local artist Eric Watson from Stoke Prior, exhibiting Big Cats in pastel and pencil. The members theme painting is OLD BRUM. A warm welcome is waiting for visitors who would like to come along to any of our meetings. (visitors entry fee £4) or maybe become a member £20.00, family £30.00 plus £1.00 per meeting for tea/ coffee and biscuits. Have a look at our programme page to see what we will be up to throughout the year. We meet at 7.30pm on the ﬁrst Saturday of each month (except January) at Methodist Church Hall, Bristol Road South, Longbridge, B45 9TY.

22 Completely Bromsgrove

The best home to be in is your own Home Instead Senior Care Redditch and Bromsgrove Telephone: 01527 810 855 | www.homeinstead.co.uk/rb Rated Outstanding in Caring by the Care Quality Commission

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Heathbrook House, your local Bupa care home. Whether you need to ďŹ nd 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. Youâ€™re welcome to visit us and ask for further advice.

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01527 903 966

Ope n ever to yone

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. Q118932 HBH APR19 CS 01144

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Roar-some cubs are safari park’s pride and joy

he cat’s out of the bag at West Midland Safari Park near Bewdley with the arrival of two litters of cute African lion cubs.

After a gestation period of around four months, ten-year-old Scar gave birth to three cubs on August 27th, with the second litter of four cubs following on September 17th for seven-year-old Amber. Keepers suspected that the two females might be expecting after witnessing mating behaviour with dominant male, five-year-old Tsavo, who arrived at the park with his two brothers in 2016. Tsavo is dad to both sets of cubs, making the seven youngsters half-siblings. As with all animals born at the park in 2019, keepers have chosen names for the cubs beginning with the letter ‘H’. Scar’s cubs have been called Hunter, Hercules and Hernatty (two males and a female), whilst Amber’s are named Harabi, Hodge, Havoc and Hira (three males and a female). Head keeper of carnivores, Chris Hodgkins, said, “As both Scar and Amber are first-time mums, we wanted to disturb them as little as possible, so this has meant keeping them away from the rest of the pride in a special area of our lion house. Now both sets of cubs have had all their vaccinations and have been introduced to each other, as well as some of the pride, they are almost ready to meet the public from February half term.” Chris added: “Both mums gave birth to their litters with no struggles and have proven to be excellent mothers. We left them alone for the first few days, checking on them occasionally from a distance to make sure they were moving around and feeding well. Once the cubs became a bit more active, we started to introduce them to the different areas of the lion house, whilst the rest of the pride were out. “Once both sets of cubs had their vaccinations and health checks at eight weeks and twelve weeks old, we mixed the mothers and cubs together. The cubs instantly started playing together, chasing each other around and jumping all over both mums. They have been inseparable ever since and we often find them all cosied up together or playing.” West Midland Safari Park is open every weekend during the winter and opens daily for the summer season from February 15th. For further information, visit www.wmsp.co.uk

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Diploma success keeps ﬁnancial services business in the family

n all-female ﬁnancial services ﬁrm in Worcestershire is celebrating exam success by an apprentice with the perfect role model.

Emily Newman, who has gained a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, has followed in the footsteps of her mum, who runs Jane Newman Financial Planning Ltd. Based at Gaudet Luce Golf Club in Droitwich, the firm offers independent, whole of market financial advice to individuals and businesses and pride themselves on customer service and building lasting relationships with clients. A former business student whose apprenticeship began in September 2018, 21-year-old Emily was the youngest person in her cohort to complete the demanding course. She has also shadowed Jane at client appointments for the past 14 months. Emily said: “I originally planned to study law but decided to switch to financial services after a gap year in Australia. I wasn’t put under any pressure and was always free to

follow another career path if things hadn’t worked out. I’m delighted they have as it means the business will be in safe hands when mum decides to retire in the future.” The textbooks won’t be put aside just yet as Emily is keen to gain as much industry knowledge as possible and will be taking further qualifications relating to mortgages, equity release and ultimately achieving chartered status. Emily’s exam success rounded off a memorable 2019 for Jane Newman Financial Planning Ltd. The firm became directly authorised and Jane joined an elite list of the highest rated financial advisers in the country based on positive reviews via VouchedFor.co.uk, the UK’s leading ratings site for financial and legal professionals. To gain a place in the rankings, each adviser had to receive positive reviews with the scoring based on three areas - advice, service and value.

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Top tips on taking care of your accessories 1. Invest in a jewellery stand to hang necklaces to prevent them getting tangled

and getting damaged. Having jewellery visible ensures you will be able to ﬁnd something gorgeous to go with your outﬁt quickly – you won’t believe how much time this saves! Rings should be kept in jewellery boxes with separate compartments and there are some very affordable yet attractive bracelet racks and earring display stands. If you want everything together there are some gorgeous jewellery boxes and armoire jewellery cabinets out there.

2. Get a scarf hanger which saves space and helps you clearly see what gorgeous scarves you have to add colour and style to your outﬁt.

3. Once a year have your special jewellery that you wear all the time professionally cleaned. In the meantime, clean your jewellery yourself at home but always make sure you use the correct materials! Cleaner made for silver, gold, or platinum is often too harsh for fashion jewellery which may just be plated. Be careful not to spray fragrance and deodorants on jewellery.

4. Always make sure your shoes have a space in your wardrobe or on a shelf

or on a shoe rack. Keeping shoes in labelled boxes is great but we don’t all have the space. Keep leather and suede shoes away from direct heat to prevent the leather from drying out, and always let them dry naturally. Remember suede and water do not mix so always treat suede shoes with a protection spray. Put a boot shaper in your long boots when you are not wearing them so they keep their shape. The best time to apply shoe polish is when you ﬁrst take your shoes off while the leather is warm.

5. It can be hard to keep a hat’s shape and ﬁnd a place for it in your wardrobe!

here are hat organisers similar to those we use for scarves, but they aren’t so useful for bigger hats. Keep your precious hats in hat boxes. Alternatively buy some gorgeous hooks for the inside of your wardrobe and hang them out of the way there. If you can, pad out and support the crown of the hats.

6. Leather needs the utmost care! Storing leather items in open racks or

shelves will allow for air circulation and will help prevent mould growing. For cleaning purposes, wipe or gently brush away dirt from an item if it needs it. Try avoid getting water on your leather items. Buy a special leather conditioner and apply a small amount on a cloth and rub it on your leather item. Let it dry for a couple of hours before you put it away. Never use a hairdryer to dry leather. It pays to condition expensive leather boots and shoes to avoid drying, cracking, and water damage.

7. A soft cloth bag with a drawstring that ﬁts perfectly around the bag

(otherwise known as a dust cover) is the perfect way to protect your bag to ensure its longevity. Dust covers are also great if you are travelling with more than one bag.

8. When travelling earrings often go missing. Grab a few business cards and pierce holes in them and then hook earrings through to keep them separated and safe.

9. It is a good idea to leave a small dish beside the kitchen sink so you can remove your rings before doing the washing up. This ensures that your rings don’t get damaged and you don’t misplace them by taking them off and then forget where you left them. Pill boxes are a fantastic way to store your pins, brooches, cheaper rings and other small items.

10. Air makes metal tarnish so try and lock away any jewellery that is at risk in little bags or boxes.

26 Completely Bromsgrove

by Jane Brook www.houseofcolour/janebrook

LTD

at The Jinney Ring Centre

Valentines glassmaking experience

SO WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN YOU HAVE LOTS OF PAIRS OF GLASSES AND YOUR PRESCRIPTION HAS CHANGED?

Book in to make your own unique Beautiful Valentines hearts £40 per couple to make two hearts

Book through Facebook page or Call the studio on 01527 821034 to check availability Duration approx 40 mins

Large selection of hearts also available to buy from £10 each with free engraving

We are open 7 days a week all year round 10am-5pm www.topglass.biz

We will put your new lenses into your own existing frame (If you have purchased them from us or not) You pay for your lenses only. This can save you a fortune! Not many opticians offer this service. WE DO! So review your collection of glasses and sunglasses and decide which ones you still L VE. We look forward to seeing you very soon - The VIP Team

VIP EYE WEAR

1 Tardebigge Court, Hewell Lane, Redditch B97 6QW OPENING TIMES: WED - SAT 10am - 4pm

www.vipeyewear.co.uk

Tel: 01527 757343

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Health and Wellbeing

Nutrition is vital for optimum physical and mental health

he star t of a new year – and a new decade - should give us 20:20 vision and renewed enthusiasm to make positive changes to our diet.

The themes of diet, going vegan or becoming a vegetarian are dominating the news but regardless of your eating habits nutrition must be the key. Science is now finding that poor mental health as well as physical health in many cases is a lack of essential nutrients. I have often written about this but as more information emerges the field of nutrition is really taking off. We need to understand that inflammation within the body causes many problems. This starts in the gut and goes straight to the brain and if you are in a stressful situation it exaggerates the problem. We must all make sure we are not lacking nutrients like vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics. Food supplements like vitamin D, B complex, omega-3, magnesium and zinc have all been shown to improve our moods. Meanwhile, taking probiotics daily has been associated with a significant reduction in anxiety and depression. It makes sense that nutrition plays such an important role in our mental health as well as our physical health. Do not forget your brain is always “on” and it needs fuel to do its work – and giving it premium fuel in the form of high quality, nutritious foods is vital. Dr Eva Selhub from Harvard Health uses this analogy: Think of yourself as a car, say a Jaguar. If you use low quality fuel in your car you will damage it. Similarly, if you feed your body with sub-standard food like processed foods and fast food you will damage it and have low performance. Recently in the Netherlands scientists demonstrated that

28 Completely Bromsgrove

damage to tiny blood vessels was caused by poor diet and it also raised a person’s risk of depression by almost 60 percent. A study by scientists at the University of Melbourne found that women who consumed a lot of junk food and sugary food had a 50% higher likelihood of suffering anxiety or depression than those with a healthier diet. A Mediterranean diet has shown signiﬁcant improvements to relieve levels of depression and even helps existing problems to go into remission. Nutrition deserves more attention Unfortunately, medical schools around the world don’t generally spend much time discussing nutrition and its link to disease. There is a lot more proﬁt in prescribing medication, and unfortunately, many doctors simply aren’t motivated to shift their focus to nutrition. Therefore, make sure you are eating a mixed diet with at least three quarters of your plate consisting of organic vegetables. Use the last quarter for protein, be that meat or pulses, and carbohydrates. Drink plenty of water and make sure your supplements are plant-based and not chemical-based. If you want to know more about the best supplements to buy, drop me a line at colette@need4change.com

by Colette Garside

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he FATnosis programme is for people who are serious about losing weight and are prepared to drop the excuses. It’s a mindset and motivation programme for people who want to ditch the diet and melt the fat.

It’s a programme for those of you who have done the same thing month after month, year after year and are sick of the rubbish results - lose weight... pile it back on (usually with a few extra pounds). And we don’t just do this once. We do it over and over again, each time expecting a different result. It’s insane! Over the last 43 years (I started dieting at 16.. I’m now 59) at my lightest I’ve been 8st 9lbs and at my heaviest 17st 10lbs and I’ve been every weight in between, countless times. I’ve been on every diet known to woman, and l think I can say with conﬁdence DIETING DOES NOT WORK! Not long term! Nothing works unless your mind works FOR you and not against you.

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I will deliver strong, positive mindset programming to increase your motivation and take back control over food. I will coach you, motivate you, support and champion you, changing your relationship with food, sky rocketing your conﬁdence and self esteem, releasing you from the unhealthy cycle of failure, self loathing and shame. I’ll provide you with loads of tips and techniques to stop the insanity of doing the same thing over and over again. I will help you move away from a life of being too fat, and embrace a life of slim. This is not a quick ﬁx. This is a real solution. Helping you achieve a safe and healthy weight for the rest of your life.

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RECIPE

Soy-Glazed Salmon with Butter Bean Mash A

ccompany the salmon with mashed butter beans instead of the more traditional creamed potatoes. Wild rocket adds a pleasant tang to the mash. Serves 4 Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes Per serving: Kcals: 642, Total fat: 31.0g, Saturated fat: 11.5g Ingredients 4 x 150g/5oz salmon fillets, skinned Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lime 3tbsp Kikkoman Soy Sauce 1tbsp runny honey 2tsp wholegrain mustard 3 x 400g/14oz tins of butter beans, drained and rinsed 25g/1oz butter 5tbsp crème fraiche 1 garlic clove, peeled and crushed 50g/2oz wild rocket Lemon or lime wedges, to garnish Method 1. Lay the fish, skinned side down, in a non-stick frying pan. Mix the lime zest and juice, soy sauce, honey and mustard together and pour over the salmon. 2. Slide the pan under a hot grill and cook for about 5 minutes or until the fish is done, basting once or twice with the pan juices. 3. Meanwhile, heat the butter beans in a pan with the butter, crème fraiche and garlic. Roughly mash with a potato masher and continue to heat until bubbling. Add the rocket and cook until it wilts. 4. Serve the salmon on a bed of the butter bean mash, pouring over the cooking juices from the pan. Garnish with lime wedges. Tip: Using a frying pan, rather than placing the fish on the grill rack, traps any juices that would otherwise drain away during cooking.

www.kikkoman.co.uk www.lovebritishfood.co.uk

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Variations: Other ﬁsh can be cooked in the same way. If using whole trout, slash the skin several times each side before cooking and turn the ﬁsh over half way through.

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Celebrate the CHINESE NEW YEAR OF THE RAT 2020 with us. Canto Mando, Bromsgrove now give away more SPECIAL OFFERS!*

Come and give us a try with our CHINESE NEW YEAR OFFERS* 1) Early Bird & Sunday Lunch Menu for 2 Courses @ £12.90

Choose from our early bird menu, pick a starter, main and a side (Available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 5pm - 7:30pm & Sunday 12pm – 4pm)

2) Special Lunch Menu 2 courses @9.90

Choose from our special lunch menu, pick a starter, main & a side (Available Friday & Saturday from 12pm-2:30pm)

3) Trio Starter Takeaway even better. Get an extra 10% OFF ( 20%+10%=30%OFF)

CANTO MANDO BROMSGROVE

Choose 3 starter from our Trio Starter menu @ £12 (Available Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday & Sunday)

*Term and conditions apply

Please check on our website and Facebook page and Instagram for more special offers

44 Worcester Road Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 7AE t. 01527 864 008 www.cantomandobromsgrove.co.uk | m.facebook.com/CANTOMANDOBROMSGROVE/

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Keeping your pets clear of unwanted pests P

ets can be vulnerable to picking up unwelcome guests when they are out on walks or exploring. These parasites can make pets feel uncomfortable and can even be dangerous but preventative treatments are available.

Fleas can easily be picked up when pets are out and about. Not only can they make your pet sore and itchy, they can also present serious health risks. A flea infestation can cause anaemia due to the amount of blood lost to the parasites and can even be fatal – especially in young or weak pets. If you suspect your pet has a flea problem, it’s important to get them treated as soon as possible. Fleas themselves don’t stay too long but their eggs can build up quickly in the home and survive for up to a year. It’s essential to treat your home environment as well as your pet. If you’re a cat owner, you may also need to treat their favourite spaces outside the house such as garages and garden sheds. Your home will need a thorough vacuuming and use of an insecticide spray - avoid spraying near a fish tank as sprays are toxic to fish. Any other pets in the home will also need treatment but seek advice from your vet as some treatments suitable for one species may be dangerous to another.

There is a vast array of products available to prevent a flea problem but chat to your vet first for advice on which product is best. Spot on treatments and tablets or injections are the only effective long-term methods of flea control. Other unwanted visitors are ticks, which are common in woodland, grassland and heath areas but may also be in your garden. When pets come inside from these types of areas it’s a good idea to give them the once over and remove a tick carefully if you spot one. Run your hands over them to check for any lumps or bumps. Ticks are big enough to spot and their body becomes larger and darker as it fills with blood. Take care when removing them as you need to be careful not to squeeze the tick’s body or allow their head to stay inside the body. Pet shops sell tick-removal devices to help and your vet can offer advice on preventative treatments. To find out more about pets looking for homes at Blue Cross or to make a donation towards their care, visit www.bluecross.org.uk Completely Bromsgrove

Take a closer look at historic Hanbury

ying just south of Bromsgrove, the community of Hanbury dates back many hundreds of years. The landscape is dominated by Church Hill, where investigations by Worcestershire Archaeology Service have found the remains of an Iron Age hill fort. During Roman times, Hanbury occupied an important position on the Salt Way, the Roman road that ran east to west from the salt-producing town of Droitwich towards Alcester and Stratford. Roman pottery and coins have been found along the route. A charter of 660AD refers to a monastery at Hanbury, showing that Christian worship has taken place on Church Hill from at least that date. By 836 the monastery had become part of the diocese of Worcester. The present church is Norman, with many later additions, and is Grade I listed. Hanbury is mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086, by which time the whole area was part of Feckenham Forest. Much of this was owned by the king and reserved for royal hunting. Penalties for those who infringed forest laws were severe and Gallows Green on the Salt Way was a site of medieval executions. The Crown gradually reduced its land holdings in the area and by 1630 had disposed of them completely. From then on Hanbury became an agricultural community. Around this time the Vernon family began to accumulate land in the parish and surrounding areas. The biggest additions were made by Thomas Vernon (1654–1721), a highly successful lawyer. His wealth enabled him to build Hanbury Hall, a ﬁne brick mansion completed around 1701. By the late 1800s the Vernons owned nearly 8,000 acres in and around Hanbury. They continued as major landowners until the death of Sir George Vernon in 1940.

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After the war the estate was sold and Hanbury Hall was eventually acquired by the National Trust. As well as preserving the house, the Trust has undertaken major work on the gardens, restoring the original formal layout. The other major landowners in the village were the Bearcroft family. They lived in Hanbury from at least 1412 and owned much of the land in the south of the parish until the middle of the 20th century. Their home was the magnificent timber-framed mansion called Mere Hall. Today, Hanbury is effectively part of the commuter belt for Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Worcester and further afield. Visitors flock in their thousands to Hanbury Hall and to the nearby Jinney Ring Crafts Centre. The village’s history is described in detail in A History of Hanbury by local historian Andrew Harris. This excellent book is available to buy from the Bromsgrove Bookstall on the Bromsgrove Society website at www.bsoc.co.uk

by Mike Sharpe

Hall of Dreams N

estled in the heart of the Worcestershire countryside, Hanbury was a perfect summer retreat from the hustle and bustle of 18th Century London life. Thomas Vernon, a rich and successful lawyer, built Hanbury Hall as a setting for lavish parties and the whole estate was designed to showcase his wealth, taste and style. The Hall was owned by the family of its builder, Thomas Vernon, for over two hundred years. The Vernon’s moved to Hanbury in the 1570s, when brothers Edward and Richard became curates in the area. A few years later, aged just 30, Richard secured the ‘living’ of Hanbury, becoming one of the best-paid rectors in Worcestershire. He married Frances Wylde, whose family owned a small estate there, and over the following century the family gradually acquired land in and around the parish. Judicious marriages and lucky investments meant that Richard’s great grandson, Thomas, inherited a modest estate, for which he had grand plans. It is thought that Hanbury Hall was built on the site of the estate’s previous mansion, Spernall Hall. Brickwork in the back wall of Hanbury Hall is of an older type and laid in a different pattern to the rest, and when major brickwork was done to the house in the 1990s, builders found timber framing made from oak salvaged from an older building. Artist Sir James Thornhill was employed to create spectacular wall and ceiling paintings, depicting the story of Achilles with a contemporary political twist. Without these paintings, Hanbury Hall would not be here today; their importance inspired an anonymous donation so that in 1953, Hanbury was saved for future generations. Hanbury Hall is open to visitors 7 days a week, from 9am. Normal admission applies, National Trust members and under 5s are free. For further information please visit: www. nationaltrust.org.uk/hanbury-hall-and-gardens

Photos: James Dobson & John Millar Completely Bromsgrove

Get a new hobby or share yours with others in 2020 Would you like to take up a new hobby this year? Maybe you have one to share?

romsgrove Arts Alive is made up of 49 diverse groups representing a wide range of local activities. On the website - bromsgroveartsalive.com - you can ﬁnd details of drama groups, dance clubs, choirs, art clubs etc. There’s even a group for Young Embroiderers aged from seven upwards. The organisation aims to encourage all ages and cultures to participate and contribute, so if you have your own group – from skateboarders to gamers – and you’d like to be part of the family, they’d love to hear from you. Meetings are held around once every three months and a newsletter twice a year celebrates what’s going on. Some member organisations, like Artrix and Avoncroft Museum of Buildings, are large, but many are small, including a group that meets to read plays (Plays off the Page), Dragon Music, which runs Bromsgrove Rock School or individual artists like enamel jeweller Christine Hamer. Chair Steve Cowperthwaite said: “Being part of Bromsgrove Arts Alive gives groups and individuals the opportunity to spread the word about what they are up to, to feel part of the Buzz in Bromsgrove and to share their activities with the wider community via the website and newsletter. We’re always keen to hear from new groups as we’re sure there are lots of things going on that we don’t know about.” Bromsgrove Arts Alive is particularly keen to hear from youth groups or all-age groups and about more unusual activities. There’s a diary of members’ upcoming events on the website. “We’re working on ways to facilitate more activities, including a survey of available spaces for community use, and the future looks exciting,” added Steve. For more details and to get involved, email steve.cowperthwaite@gmail.com Members of Bromsgrove Community Choir sing songs from Africa in a performance of ‘Zimbe’

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A camera-shy member of the Orchestra of St John

Step On Board Appalachian Step Dance team in action

Avoncroft’s Days of Gore February Half Term, Tuesday 18th – Thursday20th February 2020

Join our resident Tudor for daily presentations* on the gooey, gory, gruesome truths of yesteryear. We will be looking into the history of medieval medicine, hygiene, execution and torture. There will also be crafts, a trail, gooey feel boxes and make your own slime, as well as miniature train and pony rides* (weather permitting). Our costumed interpreters will be in our houses to take you back in time and talk about medicine and hygiene through the ages, from medieval to the post-war era. Be sure to get involved and find out all the horrible details! Normal admission applies.

*Some activities may incur additional charges

www.avoncroft.org.uk

Valuing Individual People

Award -winning Day Care Centre for adults in Redditch & Bromsgrove specialising in dementia care Are you or a loved one living with dementia, sensory impairment or disability and in need of respite? Meet others and make new friendships in our friendly and supportive award-winning centres. We are open five days a week, Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. Come and join us for a whole range of fun activities including sensory games, singing lessons, excercise lesson, art and craft work, pool, beauty therapy, games, gardening, cooking, relaxation sessions and much more.

Ask your social worker about funding for this service or call 01527 758070 VIP Day Centre Bromsgrove Amphlett Hall, Crown Close, Bromsgrove, B61 8DW | Tel: 07733 749 531 email: bromsgrove@vipdaycentre.co.uk

Facebook: VIP Day Centre | Twitter: @VIPDayCentre

Now open 5 days a week Mon - Fri 9-5

VIP Day Centre Redditch The Barn, The Craft Centre, Winyates Centre, Redditch, B98 0LA | Tel: 01527 758070 email: redditch@vipdaycentre.co.uk www.vipdaycentre.co.uk Completely Bromsgrove

3 fantastic films at Fairfield Flicks this February During the half-term break, a film for all ages PETER RABBIT (PG), Wednesday 19th February 11am.

ﬁnd his own voice through the words and music of Bruce Springsteen.

Peter Rabbit, the mischievous and adventurous hero who has captivated generations of readers, takes on the starring role of his own cute, contemporary comedy with attitude. In the ﬁlm, Peter’s feud with Mr. McGregor (Domhnall Gleeson) escalates to greater heights than ever before as they rival for the affections of the warm-hearted animal lover who lives next door (Rose Byrne). James Corden, with playful spirit and wild charm, voices the character of Peter, alongside Margot Robbie, Elizabeth Debicki and Daisy Ridley voicing the roles of the triplets, Flopsy, Mopsy and Cotton-Tail.

Step back in time to the Great Depression and enjoy the comedy-drama ﬁlm O BROTHER, WHER ART THOU? (12A), Wednesday 26th February 2.15pm. Written, produced, and directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, and starring George Clooney, John Turturro, and Tim Blake Nelson.

Relive the 1980’s with the feel-good ﬁlm of 2019 BLINDED BY THE LIGHT (12A), Wednesday 19th February 7.30pm. Set in 1987, during the austere days of Thatcher’s Britain, ‘Blinded By The Light’ is a joyous, coming-of-age story about a teenager who learns to live life, understand his family and

Three escaped convicts, led by smooth-talking Everett Ulysees McGill (George Clooney), set out to recover money, buried after an armoured car heist, before they are captured by the mysterious lawman Cooley. Afternoon Screening £3.00 p/person and Evening screening £5.00 p/person. Tea, Coffee, Pop Corn and Ice Cream on sale. Films are screened at Fairfield Village Hall (Stourbridge Road, Fairfield, B61 9LZ) and there is FREE PARKING. For further information and to book tickets visit www.fairfieldflicks.org.uk

“Shetland” & “Vera” author comes to town O n Tuesday, February 25th, WORDS, which has been bringing the best of the spoken and written word to Bromsgrove for over forty years, is delighted to welcome Ann Cleeves to Artrix.

Ann is the author of two of the most popular crime series on television, “Shetland” and “Vera, and she will talk about her books and adaptations and about her latest best seller, “ The Long Call “, the ﬁrst book in a Devon based series, now also in development for television with Silverprint Pictures. The evening star ts at 7.30.p.m. and tickets are available from the Artrix Box Ofﬁce: 01527-577330 www.artrix.co.uk or via the WORDS website www.bromsgrovewords.com nhtaylor44@gmail.com 07988 083101

38 Completely Bromsgrove

Forthcoming Attractions Box Office 01527 65203

Online booking www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk

Join A Club Investing In The Future

27 Championship Holes

Membership Applications Welcome

kingsnortongolfclub.co.uk Completely Bromsgrove

39â€‚

A year of celebration B

romsgrove’s talented Orchestra of St John is looking forward to a packed year of concerts in their home venue of St John’s Church.

The 2020 season will see the orchestra celebrating OSJ founder and chairman Alastair Moseley’s 60th birthday with a Celebration Concert in February, closing the 60th Bromsgrove Festival with a Gala Concert in July, joining forces with the visiting choirs from twin town Gronau and a choir of Bromsgrove voices in October and concluding the season with a Christmas Concert for all the family in December.

Everyone is encouraged to come along to St John’s to enjoy these uplifting evenings of orchestral music in the ancient setting.

The Orchestra of St John brings together local musicians who love to play great music for local people and visitors to the town. With the energetic Richard Jenkinson behind the baton conducting the orchestra and Bromsgrove’s Charlotte Moseley leading the orchestra the season is all set to be a hit.

Orchestra of St John 2020 season

40 Completely Bromsgrove

All concerts are held in support of the Friends of St John’s Heritage Future Appeal which is raising funds to carry out urgent repairs to the historic building and make internal alterations to improve lighting, heating, seating and accessibility for all, making the ancient building ﬁt for the 21st century. We start with a Leap Year Birthday Concert with Cakes and Fizz on Saturday, 29th February in St John’s Church, Bromsgrove at 7pm (doors 6.15pm). The Orchestra of St John conducted by Richard Jenkinson with Alastair Moseley - clarinet soloist.

& collaboration for OSJ Programme: Mozart - Symphony Number 40 in G Minor K550, Aaron Copland - Concerto for Clarinet and strings with Harp and Piano, Handel - Music for the Royal Fireworks. Followed by birthday cake and fizz to celebrate the 60th birthday of Alastair Moseley. Our Summer Gala Concert on Saturday 18th July brings the 2020 Bromsgrove Festival to a close and will be a Spanish Fiesta featuring works with a Spanish flavour including: Rimsky Korsakov’s ‘Capriccio Espagnol’; Bizet’s Suite from Carmen; Ravel’s ‘Bolero’ and Chabrier’s boisterous ‘Espagna’. OSJ is delighted to once again be performing the final concert of this long running festival. Join the Orchestra, conductor Richard

Jenkinson and lead violin Charlotte Moseley for this special event. Our Autumn event will be an uplifting concert featuring the visiting Gronau Choir on Saturday, 17th October at 7pm. Orchestra of St John are joined by the visiting Gronau Choir and Bromsgrove choirs to celebrate our twin towns’ relationship. Join us to welcome our visitors for this choral concert of many voices. Programme: Vivaldi – Gloria, Handel - Zadok the Priest, Elgar - Music Makers. Tickets for all concerts are £10 in advance via the OSJ website and Decanter Spirit or £12 on the door. Accompanied children attend free of charge. Visit www.osjbromsgrove.org or ﬁnd OSJ on Facebook for more details.

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CINEMA 1 Feb Family Saturday Matinee: Spies In Disguise 4 & 9 Feb Kinky Boots – Screening 7 & 10 Feb Jo Jo Rabbit 12 Feb Matthew Bourne’s Romeo & Juliet – Encore Screening 14, 16 & 17 Feb 1917 15 Feb Family Saturday Matinee: Star Dog and Turbo Cat 20 Feb NT Live: Cyrano de Bergerac 20 Feb NSPCC Screening Knives Out 21 & 24 Feb Bombshell 22 Feb Family Saturday Matinee: Cattle Hill 28 Feb & 2 March A Hidden Life EASY SUNDAY 16 Feb Film screening – 1917, plus live music in foyer COMEDY 8 Feb Count Arthur Strong 15 Feb Jane Godley’s Soup Pot Tour 19 Feb Jimeoin – Ramble On! 22 Feb Barnstormer’s Comedy 23 Feb Tom Stade 26 Feb Stand Up For Women 29 Feb Dane Baptiste: The Chocolate Chip

Box ofﬁce: 01527 577330 Website: www.artrix.co.uk Twitter: @ArtrixArts

42 Completely Bromsgrove

FAMILY 16 & 17 Feb What A Wonderful World MUSIC 1 Feb Ruby Turner 2 Feb Young Drummer of the Year 2020 7 Feb Bromsgrove Concerts: Karolos 14 Feb Leather & Lace 16 Feb Fairport Convention 21 & 22 Feb Counterfeit Stones 27 Feb George and Elton: Faith and Love 28 Feb Bromsgrove Concerts: Orchestra of St John Chamber Ensemble 29 Feb Clearwater Creedence Revival THEATRE AND DANCE 7 Feb An Improvised Murder 25 Feb An Evening With Ann Cleeves presented by WORDS 28 Feb A Rock ‘n’ Roll Suicide EXHIBITION 4 Feb – 1 Mar Into Spring 2020 with 5 Cubed Art WORKSHOPS 4 Feb – 3 March Theo’s Comedy Skool 26 Feb – 25 March Jewellery Making 26 Feb – 25 March Drawing for Beginners 26 Feb – 18 March Book Making

Sporting go top of the Southern League S

ince the narrow defeat at Peterborough Sports in November, Bromsgrove Sporting hit a rich vein of form propelling them up to ﬁrst place in the League. 4 - 1 wins against local rivals Alvechurch and Stourbridge over the holiday period took The Rouslers up to second place but the 1 - 0 victory against Tamworth saw them overtake the league leaders to take theSporting topgospot. top of the Southern League

Since the narrow defeat at Peterborough Sports in November, Bromsgrove Sporting hit a rich vein of form pr There was a blip with a rare away defeat to in-form Kings Langley them up toneighbours first place in the League. 4 - 1 wins against local rivals Alvechurch and Stourbridge over the holida but Sporting bounced back three days later demolishing period took The Rouslers up to second place but the 1 - 0 victory against Tamworth saw them overtake the le Redditch United 7 - 1. leaders to take the top spot. Crowds have also been magniﬁcent with an average gate of just There was a blip with a rare away defeat to in-form Kings Langley but Sporting bounced back three days later under 1000 and a great atmosphere at the Victoria Ground. It is too demolishing neighbours Redditch United 7 - 1. early to predict how the season will pan out but Sporting nowmagnificent with an average gate of just under 1000 and a great atmosphere at the V Crowds haveare also been Phil Baker well-placed to look at another promotion. Ground. It is too early to predict how the season will pan out but Sporting are now by well-placed to look at ano promotion. The only problem for manager, Brendan Kelly has been a onlywith problem for manager, Brendan Kelly has been a succession of injuries that has stretched his squad b succession of injuries that has stretched his squadThe but a great a great team spirit, that has not affected results. There is plenty of football still to come and here are the team spirit, that has not affected results. There is plenty of football forthcoming fixtures: still to come and here are the forthcoming ﬁxtures: Sat 25th Jan

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

Sat 1st Feb

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

Coalville Town Banbury United

Mon 3rd Feb

7:45 p.m.

Worcs Senior Cup SF

Evesham United

Sat 8th Feb

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

Lowestoft Town

Sat 15th Feb

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

Hednesford Town

Sat 22nd Feb

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

Hitchin Town

Sat 29th Feb

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

Nuneaton Borough

Sat 7th Mar

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

Barwell

Sat 14th Mar

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

Redditch United

Sat 21st Mar

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

Leiston

Sat 28th Mar

3:00 p.m.

Southern League

St Ives Town

Our underOur 18s and Colts teams continue to doteams well with two of our to under teamswith winning Winter cups. We under 18s and Colts continue do11well two also in the process of forming an adult women's team to play next season. Anybody interested should be over of our under 11 teams winning Winter cups. We are also in the the contacts are Alan Horton on 07812 715867 or Claire Seager on 07500 849676.

process of forming an adult women’s team to play next season. Anybody interested should be over 16 and the contacts are Alan Horton on 07812 715867 or Claire Seager on 07500 849676.

Photos by David Besley

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