Completely Bromsgrove Issue 22 September 2020

Issue 22

September 2020

Completely

Bromsgrove

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Welcome

W

elcome to the September issue of Completely Bromsgrove.

I hope you have all had a lovely summer. The weather has certainly been interesting over the past couple of weeks with dramatic lightning displays, some torrential downpours and extremely hot and humid days.

Our young people have been receiving their A and GCSE results. Well done to all the students for their hard work and I hope that all schools and colleges in the district have a safe and successful reopening in September.

Also in August we celebrated the 75th anniversary of VJ Day. My father served in the Royal Navy and I clearly remember him talking about his time in the Far East.

The Burma Star Memorial in Bromsgrove is the national monument to commemorate the Burma Campaign from 1941 to 1945 and is dedicated to the memory of those who fell and to all those who served. Let us all never forget.

In the September issue, we chat to Jenna Plewes who is such an inspiration. Jenna wrote a poem a day during lockdown and has her work published. All proceeds from her fifth collection of poetry will be going to charity.

Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful will be supporting The Great British September Clean (GBSC). KBB is yet another

10

example of how communities can come together and keep our town and surrounding areas looking their best.

Last, but most definitely not least, Bromsgrove Lions have presented Avoncroft Cricket Club with a defibrillator. I had the pleasure to attend the presentation and I’m sure residents of Stoke Heath will also be very grateful.

As restrictions continue to be lifted, I would like to conclude by saying please continue to keep your distance and let us keep Bromsgrove as safe as possible. Stay safe everyone.

Best wishes,

Michele Ford

24 35 46

Contents 6 10 12 18 20 22 24

Women In Business Reg Sherwin Roundhill Allotments Gardening Birdbox Keep B’grove Beautiful Sajid Javid

26 28 30 32 33 34 35

Longbridge Reunion Jenna Plewes Poet Health and Wellbeing VJ Day Butchers Block Recipe Cub Scouts

36 37 38 40 43 44 46

History Talks Home Instead Education Winterfold School The Virtual Folk Club Avoncroft Cricket Club Bromsgrove Sporting F.C.

Completely

Bromsgrove Tel: 07948 086870 Email: completelybromsgrove@gmail.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.

Video calls with loved ones, a relaxing stroll in the garden, or having a stretch in an exercise class are just some of the things residents have enjoyed, and continue to enjoy, at Chandler Court care home. Add to that delicious home cooked food from our in-house chef, tailored care delivered by our fully trained and experienced team, the highest standards of safety and cleanliness, and you can see why we’re the ideal choice.

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WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Eye to eye with two visionary businesswomen

A

chance chat 15 years ago led to two talented businesswomen setting up VIP Eye Wear, based in Tardebigge Court near Bromsgrove.

During a sales convention held at Sixways Stadium, home of Worcester Warriors, in 2005 Julie struck up a conversation with Lisa and it soon became very apparent that the pair had similar visions - excuse the pun!

After the event, they quickly became the best of friends. Lisa, who lives near Tardebigge, was desperate to start her own business having always worked in the optical sector.

When Lisa heard that a small unit had become available at Tardebigge Court she called Julie and persuaded her to go and view it with her.

VIP Eye Wear was born in September 2014, but it soon became apparent that the unit wasn’t large enough for the ever-expanding business.

Fortunately, they were able to move to the prime position within the court and can currently be found at No 1, which is the first unit on the left as you drive in.

Since launching the business, both Julie and Lisa also work closely with the House Of Colour brand. This has proved invaluable when giving advice on shapes, style and colourways that suit each individual customer who walks through the door.

Completely Bromsgrove asked the entrepreneurs for the secret of their ongoing success.

“We don’t just sell glasses, we treat everyone individually and pride ourselves on understanding how important it is that glasses reflect the person’s style and personality,” said Julie.

“As two women who love to shop, we love going to trade shows whether it’s in Paris, Milan or here in the UK and we’re always on the lookout for that unique supplier that can’t be found on the high street.”

Elite ranges stocked by VIP Eye Wear include Prue Leigh, Outspoken, Murano, William Morris, Matisse, Feb31st wooden glasses and iGreen.

6 Completely Bromsgrove

Business partners Julie and Lisa

The wide selection of frames for eye-catching sunglasses includes Maui Jim, Aspinal of London, Vera Wang, Cocoa Mint and many more.

VIP Eye Wear offers the highest quality at prices that everyone can afford, which was always the ethos of the business right from the outset.

Lisa added: “Our motto is simple. We offer good oldfashioned customer service and when our customers leave in their new glasses with broad smiles on their faces, we know that we have got it right yet again!”

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A tribute to Reg Sherwin, woodturning royalty

R

eg Sherwin, who was well known as the resident woodturner at Avoncroft Museum of Buildings, has died at the age of 83.

His eldest daughter Jane Charles has written this tribute for Completely Bromsgrove.

Reg had lived in Bromsgrove since the early 1960s where he worked in engineering after a short career as an armourer in the REME. He married his childhood sweetheart in 1963 and the couple had two daughters, Helen and I. He took voluntary redundancy from working with Rolls Royce engines at Hymatic in Redditch to set up a woodworking business at his home in Stoke Prior.

After moving into a workshop at The Wharf at Stoke Prior, Reg started to employ up to nine men who made a variety of brush handles for Hind’s Timber Products, wooden barrels for shire horses to pull in carts and reproduction warming pan handles.

In the early 1980s the business took a more creative direction. Reg was working on his own and he started doing large commissions, teaching woodworking and writing for magazines.

We were brought up selling his work at various craft fairs, always the last to leave a venue because he had taken the lathe to do demonstrations.

Reg was one of the founding members of the Association of Woodturners of Great Britain (AWGB) in 1987, with the membership number 007! He also set up two local woodturning groups in Droitwich and Burcot.

In 1989 he was invited to become the resident woodturner at Avoncroft Museum where he enjoyed demonstrating to the public on high days and holidays and running his business from the same site.

10 Completely Bromsgrove

Avoncroft is famous for its re-enactment weekend events and Reg would often be asked to turn reproduction bowls for feasts and toggles for costumes.

Reg’s writing and demonstrating skills took off in the early 1990s and he visited the USA, South Africa, Belgium, Ireland and the Isle of Man to speak to woodturning groups. He collaborated with tool manufacturers and demonstrated their tools and machinery at various trade shows, promoting different tools he had designed.

Reg also ran Bromsgrove Fencing Group (BFG) for around 20 years after taking up fencing in the army.

A fully qualified coach, he ran the group from South Bromsgrove High School, also teaching in Redditch and Kidderminster. Bromsgrove was a hub of fencing competitions in the late 1970s and 1980s and he was always ready to suppor t new groups as well, lending out kit to visiting teams if they needed it.

He gradually retired from teaching and writing, spending time travelling with mum and playing grandad to his five grandchildren.

Reg had not lost his good eye for target shooting and was a valued member of local shooting groups.

In 2014 he was diagnosed with dementia and spent his last 13 months at Housman Cour t care home.

Although he had lost his quick mind for storytelling and jokes, he recognised us until the end and will be sorely missed by the staff and everyone who knew him in his jam-packed life.

Reg Sherwin - January 5th 1937 – August 10th 2020

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Everything is

growing

at Roundhill!

T

he tenants at Roundhill Allotments haven’t let the grass grow during recent months! They have been busy with new projects and increasing the number of plots at the site.

The Volunteer Committee from Roundhill Allotment Association have secured funding from Severn Trent Community fund to support a new wildlife and water project.

The Committee will use the money to create Roundhill Allotments Wildlife Area & Water Capture Project in an area set aside specifically to attract wildlife. Severn Trent Community Fund awards grant money to improve three elements of community wellbeing- people, places and environment.

The new funding will be used to create a specially designed space for allotment holders and their families to learn all about

14 Completely Bromsgrove

nature and the environment, and to increase the biodiversity at Roundhill.

Due to an increased demand for allotments, Bromsgrove District Council have carried out extensive groundwork over the Spring and during lockdown to create additional plots at the site. Vehicular access roads have been created to help manage accessibility for tenants, and several open days (within the social distancing rules) have been organised for prospective tenants to see which plots were vacant. The Association has welcomed many new members who can purchase items from the shop at reasonable prices.

Owning an allotment has been a godsend for many during lockdown as it has allowed people to get out of the house, be productive and enjoy the weather. There are so many benefits to tending a plot and it can be a great way to stay active. Watching your harvest grow can help improve your mental wellbeing and of course once you’ve harvested fresh produce you can benefit from your five a day! You can also chat with people all at a safe distance.

The Roundhill Committee organise many events throughout the year, but this year has been very different and all events have been cancelled until further notice. The

Annual Festival and Grow To Eat show is a firm favourite with plotters who have the opportunity to show the fruits of their labour from the growing year.

The National Allotment Society is working to provide clarity for Allotment Holders around the country during the coronavirus outbreak and events will commence again when it’s safe to do so.

To find out more about Roundhill Allotments and follow their latest project visit the website www.roundhillallotments. btck.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ RoundhillAllotments

Completely Bromsgrove

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Completely Bromsgrove

17

GARDENING

Delightful daisies from the land of the rising sun

T

wo of the most delightful plants for flowering in September are the Japanese Anemone and Aster or commonly better known as Michaelmas daisies.

Japanese anemone is perfect for the middle or back of a border with its large saucer-shaped flowers borne on upstanding stems sculpted in shades of pink or white with prominent yellow stamens.

The plant has a long flowering period from midsummer to autumn. Native to central Asia and, as the name suggests naturalised in Japan for hundreds of years, these plants flower in shady areas and under the protection of larger plants.

They can be a little invasive and are a bit slow to get established, however you must plant them in a place that you are happy with as they are difficult to move once they have become established. Once they have become deeply rooted, you will have difficulty getting the fibrous root out and they will often pop up again from the smallest portion of root remaining in the ground in the following seasons.

A x hybrida Honorine Jobert is a white variety and can be slightly shorter in height whereas A x hybrida Queen Charlotte is a delightful double pink. September charm makes an excellent cut flower for a vase. There will be a selection of Japanese anemone plants at Wagon House Gardens at The Jinney Ring craft centre this September.

Aster with starry-shaped blooms is the flower for September. Also known as Michaelmas daisies, they can

be grown in a pot or container. They must be kept moist but not sodden and if you have clay soil your Asters will be happy, They also like as much sun as possible. To keep them at their best, divide them regularly in early spring every couple of years to stop them going woody.

Their attractive daisy-like flowers will brighten up any dull corner of the garden with their spectacular vibrant almost neon blues, purples, pinks and whites when other summer blooms are fading. Easy to divide in the spring by separation, they are not fussy about soil type and will grow almost anywhere so are perfect for a cottage or informal garden.

I hope you have made the most of your garden this summer, make a few notes on what has worked well and also what you might like to improve upon for next year. If you’re thinking of a makeover for the border, then the end of September is the ideal time to do this to allow plants to get established before the winter.

Happy Gardening.

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

September jobs in the garden Plant wallflowers out together with winter pansies.

Plant up Autumn pots and baskets with heathers and Cyclamen.

Trim conifer hedges to keep neat and manageable.

Plant out spring cabbage.

Plant Hyacinth now into bowls for Christmas gifts

18 Completely Bromsgrove

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19

BirdBox open for nesting B romsgrove residents and visitors can flock to open air restaurants and bars throughout August as the new BirdBox is open for business.

The pop-up space, near Waitrose, is supporting local independent food and beverage businesses and, going forward, will also host outside workshops, small events and well-being activities as part of an ongoing and ever-changing programme.

It has been created by North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration (NWEDR) on behalf of Bromsgrove District Council due to the makeover of the site occupied by the Market Hall.

So far this month visitors have enjoyed food from Shimla Peppers, Heavenly Pizza and picked up a beverage from Bayleys and the Little Ale House, to name just a few independent traders.

Extra tables and chairs, placed with social distancing in mind, and hand sanitisers are also available.

Bromsgrove District Council leader Karen May said: “Our local independent businesses have suffered during the coronavirus pandemic and even now, due to lack of space to comply with social distancing, they are unable to open.

“We have supported businesses during this pandemic by administering government grants and now are offering further support, as part of our recovery strategy, by providing a free space for our hospitality industry to operate.”

20 Completely Bromsgrove

Businesses are invited to get in touch to occupy the space which currently is free to hire as par t of recovery measures.

Councillor May added: “I am delighted to see the BirdBox open for business. As well as playing a par t in the town’s future, it is an impor tant par t of our heritage. If you look up at the buildings around this area, you will see little wooden structures which look like birdboxes, and this was the inspiration for the name.

“In the future we want fledgling businesses to fly here and hope that local independent businesses, groups and organisations, consider how they can make the most of the space and encourage flocks of visitors to enjoy community events and initiatives.

This is another step in our plans to create a better Bromsgrove where everyone can work, live and visit.”

Of course the space can be used all the time by picking up goodies from nearby traders or even enjoy your own picnic – or just relax with a book.

Businesses who are interested in setting up in the BirdBox can register their interest by emailing info@ nwedr.org.uk or calling 01562 732192. For more information on BirdBox, visit its Facebook page and Instagram or Bromsgrove.gov.uk

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21 

Join the Great British September Clean

K

eep Bromsgrove Beautiful (KBB) are encouraging local residents, schools, organisations, clubs and businesses to join the national initiative to keep our local areas clean and litter free.

The Great British September Clean (GBSC) takes place from 11th to 27th September and is organised by Keep Britain Tidy (KBT).

The aim of the GBSC is for communities to come together, clean up their local environment and have fun, whilst staying safe at all times. The Covid-19 guidelines set out by KBT suggest litter picking alone or in household groups, or working in pairs or small groups (maximum 6 people). The advice is to use your own equipment where possible and if equipment is borrowed it should be sanitised before and after use.

During the September clean, Bromsgrove residents are encouraged to clean up their local area and record their activity online via the KBB Litter Log www.tinyurl. com/KBBLitterLog In 2019 the GB Spring Clean saw almost 300 volunteer hours and over 160 bags of rubbish collected – a fantastic community effort.

The residents at The Oakalls and Parklands, Bromsgrove are organising a group litter pick on Sunday 13th September. It is hoped that local schools who have received KBB litter picking kits thanks to grants made by Cllrs Shirley Webb and Luke Mallet will take part. Everyone is urged to do what they can to Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful.

Keep an eye on www.facebook.com/groups/ KeepBromsgroveBeautiful for updates and to share your clean up activities during the Great British September Clean.

22  Completely Bromsgrove

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Completely Bromsgrove

23 

A message from our MP

A

part from a quite spectacular lightning storm, the August weather has treated us well, with warm temperatures and the sun consistently shining (at the time of writing!).

Of course, August has also seen the introduction of the Eat Out to Help Out scheme, with lots of local businesses and residents getting involved. In total, over 72,000 businesses are taking part nationwide, and in the first week, nearly 11 million meals were discounted.

The focus of this scheme, and other measures such as cutting VAT to 5%, is to assist businesses and workers and support our economic recovery. I would encourage local residents to keep backing their local High Street and independent businesses.

Towards the end of July, I also had the pleasure of visiting the Avoncroft Museum as it safely reopened to members of the public. This has been a tough period for the museum, but I was delighted to see that they have now received a £140,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. With safety measures and social distancing in place, this summer is a great time to visit and support the heritage and culture of Bromsgrove District.

The Birdbox is a new hospitality hub, with food and drink available, from Friday through the weekend, it is open for everyone to be able to just sit and relax, meet friends or just take a 5 minute rest whilst shopping. Future plans are for arts and culture events to be held! It was great to see residents enjoying the new space whilst socially distancing and businesses can book a place at the site now.

The latest government statistics reveal that an unprecedented amount of support has been provided to businesses and workers in Bromsgrove. However, as

24 Completely Bromsgrove

the latest GDP figures show, we are also in challenging economic times. The spirit that brought our community together to battle the impact of Covid-19 is still needed now. So, as restrictions are cautiously lifted, let’s continue the fight against this disease; support our high streets and independent businesses; and work to build back better.

A crucial part of that, as set out by the Prime Minister, will be seeing the return of school pupils this September.

As a parent, I know how difficult this period has been for school children and I will continue to work with local authorities and schools to help them safely reopen.

I hope you and your family are enjoying your summer.

As ever, if I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to get in touch via sajid.javid.mp@parliament.uk

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Completely Bromsgrove

25

Longbridge’s demise comes under awardwinning radio programme’s spotlight T

he collapse of British Leyland – and its vast Longbridge plant where generations of Bromsgrovians worked – is among the subjects under discussion in the new series of award-winning radio programme The Reunion.

Available via the BBC Sounds app, the BBC Radio Four programme is hosted by Kirsty Wark and gathers management, workers and union leaders from the giant car maker.

and privatised nationalised businesses. British Leyland was broken up and sold off, bringing an end to British-owned motor manufacturing.

In 1968, the Labour Government instigated the merger of two leading motoring manufacturers to form the British Leyland Motor Company. The ambition was to create an industrial powerhouse capable of building more than a million cars a year.

Harold Musgrove, who rose through the ranks to become chairman and chief executive of what became the Austin Rover Group, and John Power, who star ted at Cowley in the 1960s on the brand new Mini and became a shop steward on his first day.

At its peak, British Leyland employed 250,000 workers in scores of plants, but throughout the 1970s the model range was incoherent, internal rivalries dogged production and industrial relations were atrocious. Successive governments poured in millions of pounds to stop the company from going bankrupt.

Chris Green was 16 when he started as a commercial apprentice at Longbridge, Alison Harper was the company’s first female design sculptor and motoring journalist Chris Goffey test drove the cars and watched as the company fell by the wayside.

In the 1980s, state support faded. Margaret Thatcher’s government clamped down on the unions

26 Completely Bromsgrove

Joining Kirsty Wark to discuss those turbulent times are:

Listen to The Reunion at www.bbc.co.uk/ programmes/m000lz6n

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Jenna’s wonderful words of comfort

Jenna Plewes is a wonderfully inspiring lady and an accomplished poet.

C

ompIetely Bromsgrove editor Michele Ford was for tunate to be able to spend a couple of hours learning about Jenna’s life story and how writing poetry has saved her sanity through lockdown.

Eighty-year-old Jenna was first brought to Michele’s attention through a video created by Mazen Salmou she spotted on social media. Mazen, who lives in Bromsgrove, was one of many volunteers that spent his time looking after others and collecting prescriptions during lockdown.

Jenna commissioned Mazen to do the video after she’d been one of the poets reading in a video he shot to publicise Doors, the poetry anthology launched in aid of Bromsgrove and Redditch welcomes Refugees.

There are four in the series with the fifth due to be launched at the end of September.

The video really touched Michele and she was thrilled when Jenna agreed to chat to her and share her story with Completely Bromsgrove readers.

Jenna studied English at university as she always had a passion for creative writing, especially poetry.

However, when she realised she wasn’t going to make a living out of writing she switched courses, opting for social studies and forging a career within the medical profession.

She began as a medical social worker and then progressed to the role of psychotherapist and counsellor at New Road Doctors Surgery, where she worked for approximately 15 years.

Since Jenna has retired and has more time on her hands, she has been able to return to her first love poetry. She attended a creative writing course and it has lit the flame that still lies within her.

Jenna has written four collections of poetry, all of which are in print and can be obtained by emailing her on jenna.selvas@googlemail.com.

All proceeds from the the latest book,The Salt and Sweet of Memory and from the lockdown collection will benefit Samaritans and Childline.

Her new collection The Underside of Things, is published at the end of September, Jenna’s new work came about when she won the Hedgehog Poetry Press competition with her collection of 40 poems written during lockdown.

She will be selling the book - to be called The Underside of Things - in aid of Childline and Samaritans.

28 Completely Bromsgrove

The poems brought tears to Michele’s eyes and made her appreciate how the last few months has brought the best out in so many people of all ages.

Jenna ended the conversation with this beautiful sentiment: “The poems I have written through lockdown, which was a poem a day, literally followed the arc.”

Here are some of Jenna’s wonderful poems taken from her delightful books:

Unlocking 1st stanza How will it be when I remove the chain, swing the door wide, let out the sour smell of fear, squeeze past the piled up clutter of frustration, step outside, soft-skinned and wary of the world?

Home A settling, a warmth, a smell of safety, something from before there were words, a lulling in the wind, a patterning of light, a resting place, and then a moving on.

Lifting Lockdown The wind’s strong at the top of the field crackles sheets of crinkled gold-leaf as acres of buttercups flicker in heat and light.

Birches shift and hassle on the margins.

A slate sky hardens the horizon. Air sizzles with impatience, the motorway roars like surf on shingle.

I take the slow way down, grass flattened underfoot - not ready to outrun my fears.

Jenna with her poems

Completely Bromsgrove

29 

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Are yours

sinkers or floaters?

W

hile the subject of our bathroom habits is usually brushed under the carpet or discussed in the form of embarrassing jokes, it is actually a complex and especially important area of our health that should not be ignored.

Many health experts look at the frequency of elimination, shape, colour, and smell. Here is a checklist to determine if you are a healthy pooper : • Eliminate at least once per day (No more than three times).

• Have poops that are smooth and about the shape of a banana, not too hard and not too soft.

• Colour should be an even medium brown with no visible bits of food, fat, blood, or mucus.

• Smell should be fairly neutral, not overly unpleasant.

The more points you answer “yes” to above, the better your poop health is! Ideally you will experience a mix of floaters or sinkers on different days, along with some that just hover in the water and don’t go to either extreme.

With a leaky gut this leaves you at a high-risk of an infection.

Having a strong, and healthy gut microbiome is ESSENTIAL to protect you from the world’s most deadly diseases today!

Poor digestion of fats When a floating stool sticks to the side of the toilet bowl and is difficult to flush, or an oily sheen appears on the surface of the water this is a sign of undigested fats. Talk to an expert about your liver, gallbladder, and pancreas, as there could be a problem.

Too little fibre While many sources seem to indicate that sinking poops are preferred, floaters are a sign that the diet contains a good amount of fibre.

Celiac disease Some experts believe that floating poops could be a sign of celiac disease. Gluten can leave the gut inflamed and unable to digest food properly. Stools may float and be grey or tan in colour and have a foul odour. A particular concern is if you see floating, soft, diarrhoea-like stool frequently or for an extended period it is recommended to be tested for celiac disease or eliminate gluten from your diet!

30 Completely Bromsgrove

Constipation Sinking poops can be a sign of chronic constipation.

Constipation can occur when a person doesn’t have enough digestive motility (i.e., the intestines are not working to push the waste along). There are many causes of constipation, such as poor diet, anxiety, lack of exercise and not drinking enough water.

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31

VJ Day 75 years

commemoration service O n Saturday 15th August a Parade and Service of Remembrance was held at the Burma Star Memorial on Crown Close.

The occasion commemorated 75 years since Victory in Japan Day which brought WWII to a conclusion. To comply with current restrictions only a small number of guests were invited to join the service and to lay wreaths in remembrance.

Nine Standard Bearers representing different Regiments and Corps that served in the Far East, the Bromsgrove Burma Star Association and the Bromsgrove branch of the Royal British Legion were commanded by RSM Patrick Smith (retired), Chairman of the Bromsgrove RBL. The service was conducted by Revd Ray Khan, Vicar of St

John’s and Chaplain to the Bromsgrove RBL, who also played the Last Post on his bugle before the two minutes silence.

The silence was broken by a peel of bells from St John’s Church.

Wreaths were laid by representatives of the military associations. The Chairman of the Council Rod Laight laid wreaths on behalf of Rt Hon Sajid Javid MP and Bromsgrove District Council, and Bailiff Jo Slade laid a wreath for the Bromsgrove Cour t Leet.

The Burma Star Memorial in Bromsgrove is the National Monument to commemorate the Burma Campaign 1941 to 1945 and is dedicated to the memory of those who fell and to all those who served. At the base of the memorial are additional plaques dedicated to service personal from all forces buried in foreign cemeteries. The memorial was unveiled and dedicated on Sunday 16th May 1982.

Bromsgrove’s MP, Rt Hon Sajid Javid tweeted “On #VJDay75 we remember the brave men and women who fought for the freedoms and values we enjoy and cherish today. We will remember them.”

32 Completely Bromsgrove

Council Chairman Rod Laight

Patrick Smith

Advertisement Feature

Butcher’s Block raises funds for local causes on their annual charity day Female owned Butcher’s Block raised £800 for local causes at their annual charity event held on the anniversary of them taking over the lease.

The popular independent butchers pulled out all the stops to mark the occasion, raising funds for Primrose Hospice and SOBS - Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide, who have a support group in Bromsgrove.

Lil’s Baps was back on Bromsgrove Market for the day and was busier than ever, giving away hot food for a charitable donation. The wife and wife team also held a raffle with a chance to win a £50 meat hamper.

Lilith said: “It was great to see so many people at our charity day. We are fortunate to have incredibly dedicated customers who have supported us over the last two years.”

After such a roaring success of their first charity event in August 2019 Michelle and Lilith decided to mark their anniversary with an annual event to give something back.

“It hasn’t been an easy couple of years,” added Michelle.

“But we stuck with it and without the support of the community, we

wouldn’t be in the position we are today.”

Locals helped on the day by making cakes to celebrate the occasion and the girls promise to make it an even bigger event next year.

The ladies have their sights set on planning for Christmas and now is the time to start budgeting for the festive season.

With coronavirus leaving many with a reduced income, you can start to put away a little each week by joining the Christmas club. Head in store for more information or to join the scheme.

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Orange, Soy and Honey Baked Trout Method Place the trout fillets in a single layer in a dish. In a jug, mix together the crushed garlic, grated ginger, soy sauce, orange juice and honey. Pour over the trout and leave to marinate for 30 minutes.

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34 Completely Bromsgrove

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Isobel’s joy at Chief Scout Silver Award

A

ten-year-old Cub Scout from Bromsgrove Prep School is delighted to have received her Chief Scout’s Silver Award, the highest award a Cub Scout can earn, during lockdown.

The award honours youngsters who have given new things a go, played their part and stuck it out, even when the going gets tough.

“Isobel really enjoys Cubs and has continued attending virtual Zoom meetings and camps since the lockdown began,” said her mum Rebecca Boardman.

“When Isobel first joined her Cub pack, she was the only girl along with 29 boys. Since then, the number of girls has slowly increased. She is now a Sixer and is hoping to move to Scouts in September, face to face in an ideal world, but virtually if not, and recently attended her first virtual Zoom camp along with her brother and sister.”

Isobel’s sister Eleanor achieved her Gold Scout Award in 2018 and is now an Explorer Scout and Young Leader. Her brother, Joseph, has almost completed his Gold Award and is moving up to join his sister in Explorer Scouts in September.

Both had successfully applied to join the National Scout and Guide Orchestra and Concert Band this summer but unfortunately this year’s residential and concerts had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

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35

Local History Talks move online

F

ollowing the success of the Bromsgrove Society’s Summer Season Talks Online, the Tuesday evening Local History Talks will be held on the Zoom platform until the end of the year.

An average of 85 participants watched the three afternoon talks held in July, with viewers tuning in locally and from American and Canada, to hear about Bromsgrove’s Perry Hall, Tracing your Ancestors and the Bromsgrove Guild.

The first Tuesday evening talk will be on 15th September at 7.30pm. Local historian and researcher Annie Deeley, who runs the popular Facebook page Bromsgrove Past & Present will give the presentation.

Homes Fit for Heroes?

Bromsgrove and the Post War Housing Crisis The story behind Prime Minister David Lloyd George’s famous slogan and Bromsgrove’s efforts to overcome the national housing shortages after both world wars. The talk will be illustrated with examples of slum clearance in Bromsgrove and, in 1946, the arrival of the first prefabs in Sidemoor and the development of council housing in Catshill, Charford and Aston Fields.

36 Completely Bromsgrove

On Tuesday 29th September at 7.30pm, Alastair Moseley will commemorate a big bir thday!

Big Bertha: Celebrating the Centenary Year of a Bromsgrove Icon Alastair is a long-time railway enthusiast with a passion for the Lickey Incline, sparked at a young age when he visited the Incline to watch the trains with his father. Alastair will tell us about the development of Bromsgrove’s much-loved banking engine, why it came to be created and why it was fondly known as “Big Bertha”.

He will explore some of the engine’s technical features and how these were developed and changed during its 36 year career. Alastair’s presentation will include photographs of the locomotive throughout its life, some of which have not been previously published.

This talk is sure to be of interest to railway enthusiasts and Bromsgrovians alike.

Anyone interested in viewing the talks should register via www.bsoc.co.uk Participants will be given the option to make a donation to cover costs and for the Methodist Centre where the talks are usually held.

Advertisement Feature

Senior Snippets - SCAM Awareness during COVID 19 W elcome to this edition of Senior Snippets: the monthly advisory column with the older members of our community in mind, brought to you by Annie Dixon-Dunn of Home Instead Senior Care Redditch & Bromsgrove.

During the pandemic, scammers are targeting people’s fears. Scams to be aware of include: • People claiming to be officials offering testing for coronavirus in the home; • People offering free face masks.

They ask householders to try them on but they have been dosed with chloroform; • Callers offering to help with shopping who take money but do not return; • Businesses offering to clean and disinfect front doors and paths; • Products such as supplements and anti-virus kits that falsely claim to cure or prevent COVID-19; • Over the phone scams. The message is simple – the police or your bank will never ask you to hand over or transfer cash or valuables; • Email scams that trick people into opening malicious

attachments and put them at risk of identity theft with personal information, passwords, contacts and bank details at risk.

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Advertisement Feature

The King’s School, Worcester welcomes new Headmaster

T

he King’s School, Worcester is delighted to welcome a new foundation headmaster, Gareth Doodes, to lead its family of three schools from September.

Gareth joins King’s Worcester from Dover College, where he was Headmaster for the last five years. During his time at Dover College he launched Project 150, an exciting development plan, with investment in teaching, learning, buildings and facilities both for the Junior and the Senior Schools.

Previously Head of Milton Abbey in Dorset, Gareth started his career at Taunton School as a history teacher and then as a Housemaster at Oakham School. He has coached sport and has always been involved with music and drama.

Gareth was educated at Eastbourne College, where he was a music scholar, and gained an MA in Modern History at the University of St Andrews. A keen cyclist and swimmer, he plays the piano and organ and has extensive choral singing experience. He is married to Jessica, who returns to her home county of Worcestershire, and they have two young children, both of whom will become pupils at the school. As a family the Doodes love spending time exploring the outdoors.

Keen to build on the legacy of the late Matthew Armstrong, the School’s Headmaster until August last year. Gareth added, ‘It is an immense privilege to be the Head of The King’s Foundation. Matthew gave great leadership to King’s and as his successor I want to build on his legacy, strengthening the Foundation and ensuring that King’s long-term success,

growth and development continues. King’s strong community, exceptional co-curricular provision, fantastic setting, links to the Cathedral and pursuit of academic excellence have inspired Jess and me. The affection for the school is clear from everyone I have met, and I am excited and privileged to be leading the King’s family forward over the many years ahead.’

Find out more about Gareth’s aspirations for King’s Worcester, at the King’s forthcoming Open Morning’s in September and October. Visit www.ksw.org.uk / meetkings to book your place.

Free education for 3-4 year olds at Winterfold W interfold School in Chaddesley Corbett, Worcestershire is delighted to announce that it will be providing 30 free hours of education to the 3-4 year olds of working families* through the government funded scheme.

Set in the idyllic countryside overlooking the Malvern hills, Winterfold’s forty acres encompass beautiful grounds, gardens and sports fields.

There is a relaxed, happy atmosphere at Winterfold.

Following their time at Nursery, children start in Kindergarten 1 and move through the year making firm friendships, progressing to Kindergarten 2 and Reception. Children learn through play and where a child is ready, more structured learning opportunities are put in place. At Winterfold, children have the added benefit of a teacher and assistants from a young age.

By September, the Kindergarten will have undergone a complete refurbishment, with a new seating area and separate space for eating. There will be an outside play area for messy play, home corner and quiet area, the children will have use of an ActivPanel and the room will have completely new furnishings.

40 Completely Bromsgrove

There is also a newly developed Forest School with a huge pond in which children can do pond dipping, a shelter for activities, fire pit and bird hide. Plans are afoot to plant an orchard and woodland of which the children will be an integral part, as they watch the trees they have planted grow with them - a lasting legacy.

Headmistress Denise Toms said “The pre-school years are an important time in children’s lives when they first learn how to interact with other children, teachers and parents and begin to develop their own interests. By introducing the 30 free hours, we are able to broaden the access to a Winterfold education.”

Winterfold provides excellent pastoral care which develops fulfilled, happy and successful children, who leave the School as confident young people, ready to face senior school and the wider world.

For more information, contact Mrs Jayne Gwillam, Admissions Manager on 01562 777234 or email admissions@winterfoldhouse.co.uk

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The virtual Folk Club

I

n an effort to cope with the NEW (hopefully temporary) NORMAL, Bromsgrove Folk Club, a founding member of Bromsgrove Ar ts Alive, has star ted an exciting new initiative aimed at not only holding the Bromsgrove folk family together, but also providing income for many full time performers that are generally not covered by the Government’s financial protection schemes during the Coronavirus Pandemic.

Artists are being asked, for a set fee, to record “Bromsgrove specific” videos for showing to members who purchase tickets to view the show on-line via a private link. Once the videos are received they are edited into a one and a half/two hour show complete with compered introductions…..there is even a raffle!!

Purchase of the tickets, at £5.00, which cover a household, can be purchased via the club’s web site, www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk, or via the Club’s Facebook page (Bromsgrove Folk Club and Festival) Generally each night will consist of a set from a support artist and two sets from a main artist with other features, including the raffle and an “Introducing….” slot.

Artists already booked for this initiative include The Fragile Hearts, Ireland’s Anthony John Clarke, Scotland’s Dave Gibb, Paul Walker and Karren Pfeiffer from Derbyshire and Birmingham’s own, The Lost Notes.

The Club’s “techywhizz” Geoff Hawkesworth, has already produced an on-line Virtual Folk Festival to replace, if that concept is possible, Bromsgrove Folk Festival which had to be cancelled. The Virtual Festival took place over the long weekend of 9th to 12th July and consisted of seven shows which were broadcast at the appropriate dates and times when we all expected to be enjoying the music and one another’s company.

Bromsgrove Folk Club’s representative, Bob Bignell said “If we are to have a folk scene left at the end of this crisis, we have to do everything possible to suppor t our ar tists and, to that end we are investing our own reserves in this important venture” For more information visit www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk or call Bob on 07828 716842.

Anthony John Clarke

Paul Walker and Karren Pfeiffer

The Fragile Hearts

Completely Bromsgrove

43

AVONCROFT CRICKET CLUB

Life-saving defibrillator installed at Avoncroft CC

A

voncroft CC was privileged to be visited by Bromsgrove Lions Club president, Lesley Godwin, for the presentation of a new defibrillator for the club.

Accompanying Lesley was her husband Keith. The presentation was sponsored by Hadens Garage in Balsall Heath, who also had a representative present.

Bob Wilkes, a senior member of both the Lions and Avoncroft CC, received the machine, which he had been instrumental in acquiring, on behalf of the club.

Several members of the junior section, who were at the ground for their Friday night coaching session, also joined in.

The club was very pleased to welcome local councillor, Malcolm Glass, who has offered considerable help and advice relating to community issues and Michele Ford, editor of Completely Bromsgrove.

The visitors enjoyed observing the participation of young cricketers between the ages of six and 15, supported by many of their parents, particularly in the new net facilities funded mainly by Bromsgrove District Council grants.

This funding has transformed the provision and quality of the facilities at Avoncroft, greatly adding to local community opportunities. www.avoncroftcc.co.uk

Main photo: Back Row Left to Right, Mark Taylor (black top), Rod Braithwaite, Andy Wilkes, Club Safeguarding officer Bob Wilkes (holding defibrillator) and Lesley Godwin of Bromsgrove Lions, Pete Whitehead (white shirt) President of ACC and some of the young players of ACC.

44 Completely Bromsgrove

AVONCROFT CRICKET CLUB

Avoncroft CC playing safe!

A

voncroft CC have taken full advantage of the opportunity to get back out playing cricket after the easing of lockdown, with an adapted, socially-distanced form of the game taking place since early July for adults and juniors alike.

On the pitch, results have been mixed, with the 1st XI struggling against some high quality opposition, whilst the 2nd XI have been more successful, with 3 wins in their first 5 games.

The Sunday Development XI has continued the club’s policy of blooding youth players into adult cricket and, whilst the team results haven’t been great, the performances of the young players have been excellent and bode well for the club’s future. Individually, there have been some impressive performances with centuries for 1st team skipper Dan Elliott (106 vs Redditch), Dave Apperley (173 not out vs Alvechurch) and Chris Pitt (101 not out vs Astwood Bank).

One major plus this year has been the introduction of local cricket leagues as a mitigation to reduce travel distances. The opportunity to play local sides has been welcomed by all the players and has been a big boost to the club’s finances, with supporters prepared to travel the short distances to watch their teams in local derbies. Thanks to the significant efforts of the club’s committee to work through opening up social facilities in a safe way, this has brought in much needed funding to a club that, at one stage, was worried

about our financial survival had cricket been cancelled for the year.

As ever, one of the real pluses at the club has been the thriving nature of the junior section.

Numbers have swelled over the traditionally quiet July/August period, with a combination of fewer holidays and parent looking for opportunities to get their children back into sports after our imposed isolation meaning that junior cricket has been able to run at full pace well into the school holidays. The club’s key priority is now to find ways of transitioning it’s younger players into adult cricket.

Seven of the club’s Under 13s and Under 14s have already been selected for adult sides this season, but with the club expanding, it is highly likely that we will be looking to start a 3rd XI next season to ensure playing opportunities are there for all that want them. The biggest sticking point to this expansion is likely to be finding a ground to use on Saturday afternoons so, if anyone reading this is aware of cricket facilities lying dormant, please get in touch with the club through it’s website:

by Paul Athey www.avoncroftcc.co.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

45

Football returns but no spectators as yet!

Photos by Andrew Maguire

B

romsgrove Sporting have started playing football again and at the time of writing have played just one pre-season friendly startedFC. butLeon no spectators yet with a 3-0 win against localFootball rivals has Studley Broadhurst scored with a couple of headers whilst thehave third came from Bromsgrove Sporting started playing football again and at the time of writing have play friendly with a 3 0 win against local rivals legend Jason Cowley who is training with the Rouslers. Studley FC. Leon Broadhurst scored with a couple

cameKelly fromheld legend Cowleymatch who isbehind training with the Rouslers.

A couple of days later managerthird Brendan an Jason intra-squad closed doors with teams dividedAinto Greens managed by assistant Andy Mason couple of days later manager Brendan Kelly held an intra-squad match behind closed door and Reds managed by Kelly himself. the bragging rights 4-2Mason with aand Reds managed by Kelly himself. Greens w intoGreens Greens won managed by assistant Andy hat-trick from Mikey Taylor and a4 goal from Charlie Dowd whilstTaylor Redsand scored - 2 with a hat-trick from Mikey a goal from Charlie Dowd whilst Reds scored from from a Jamie Gray penalty and a and 25-yard screamer fromfrom ChrisChris Lait.Lait. a 25-yard screamer Further friendlies are due to beFurther playedfriendlies as followsare but like byawait Phil aBaker due to all beclubs, playedSporting as follows but like all clubs, Sporting Governm await a government announcement as to spectators when spectators will be allowed in to to when will be allowed in to watch games: watch games.

Date Kick-Off Venue Opponents Thursday 22nd August

7:45 p.m.

Away

Walsall Wood

Saturday 29th August

7:45 p.m.

Away

Leicester Road

Tuesday 25th August

7:45 p.m.

Away

Highgate United

Monday 31st August

3:00 p.m.

Away

Sutton Coldfield Town

Saturday 5th September

3:00 p.m. tbc Home

Leamington

Saturday 12th September

3:00 p.m. tbc Home

Kidderminster Harriers

The Southern League Premier Division Central should start on Saturday, The Southern Premierare Division should on Saturday 19th September and September 19thLeague and Sporting due toCentral play their firststart FA Cup match the their firstTuesday, FA CupSeptember match, the 22nd following 22nd September with the FA Trophy kicking following with Tuesday, the FA Trophy kicking off on October However fixtures havehave yet to and no havehave beenbeen made.

31st.

However fixtures yetbetoreleased be released andcup no draws cup draws made.

The newly formed women’s team are also waiting for a start date and fixtures The newly-formed women's team are also waiting for a start date and fixturesbut but continue t continue train eachparticularly week.Theyfor stilla have vacancies, particularly for a goalkeeper. still havetovacancies goalkeeper.

Planning for the season continues and the club needs additional stewards and Planning season continues and the Club is in need of additional stewards and first aid first aidersfor onthe match days.

All enquiries to hello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk enquiries to hello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk.

Help is still being given to help those affected by the pandemic and the Victoria Ground open Tuesday from to pandemic 12pm for and donations to Ground i Help is still being is given to every help those caught up11am with the The Victoria local fromfood 11:00banks. a.m. towww.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk 12:00 p.m. for donations to local food banks.

46 Completely Bromsgrove

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