Completely Bromsgrove August 22 issue 43

Issue 43

August 2022

Completely

Bromsgrove

Turn the page to see ou

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Tel: 01527 435669 Completely Bromsgrove

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Welcome to the August issue of Completely Bromsgrove

W

hat an eventful month July was with searing heat and record temperatures and back-to-back events in and around Bromsgrove, some of which we reflect on in this issue.

For our readers who are interested in learning about the next chapter of Bromsgrove’s second oldest church located in Windsor Street, turn to page 32 where Teresa Green looks back over its long and esteemed history and reveals what is in store for the building’s future.

Bromsgrove Climate Action give us an insight into the decline of our bugs, beetles, and bees. Certainly, with the extreme temperatures we have just experienced, it has never been more important to be aware of our carbon footprint.

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Finally, we would all like to say a huge ‘thank you’ to our amazing Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service who tackled the enormous fire on the Lickey Hills in July. The blaze caused massive devastation to flora and fauna along with disruption to residents and the local road network. So many wildfires are caused through carelessness which could so easily be avoided.

The team at Completely Bromsgrove wish you all an enjoyable August. Please keep safe!

Very best of wishes,

Michele Ford

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Contents 8 10 12 14 18 20 22 24

B’grove District Council Gardening Worcs WildlifeTrust North Worcs Water B’grove Climate Action Worcs Timber Products B’grove Flower Club Primrose Hospice

26 28 30 32 33 34 35 36

Completely

Health & Wellbeing Kevin Retires/Bad Parking The Stroke Club History B’grove Society B’grove Beer Fest Charity Concert Drive Time

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

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Completely Bromsgrove

38 40 41 42 43 44 45 46

Recipe Fairfield Flicks FeckenOdeon/Re-union Artists Open Event Mikron Theatre Avoncroft Cricket B’grove Sporting Leisure Centre

Visit our Instagram or Facebook page and leave a comment, we would love to hear from you. www.facebook.com/completelybromsgrove

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.

Heathbrook House Care Home, welcoming new residents We’re here when you and your loved ones need us most. For planned respite or last-minute trips.

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Completely Bromsgrove

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Advertisement Feature

Living life in style at Chandler Court When you join us at Chandler Court, Care UK’s care home in Bromsgrove, every day is exciting and rewarding. That’s because we believe that moving into a care home should be about having fun, enjoying hobbies, making new friends and trying new experiences.

Enjoy each day your way When your loved one joins us, we’ll learn all about their personality and preferences – even if they have a wish they’d like to fulfil. We’ll then create a care and lifestyle plan focused on enabling your loved one to live each day in the way they want, and always with independence and choice.

Our Lifestyle team is passionate about enhancing your loved one’s quality of life. They organise an array of activities, entertainment, events and outings, as well as vital one-to-one time. Regular activities include reminiscence, baking, arts and crafts, gardening and pet therapy.

If your loved one is socially minded, we host coffee mornings, afternoon teas, cheese and wine evenings plus regular themed evenings. Then there are our strong links with local schools, nurseries, charities and places of worship, helping your loved one to feel connected to local life.

Everything under one roof While outings are a regular feature in our lifestyle programme, if your loved one likes to stay closer to home, Chandler Court has everything they need under one roof. Our home has a coffee shop, hair and beauty salon, cinema, pub, and beautiful landscaped gardens. Keen gardeners are always welcome to lend a hand!

And, when it comes to wishes, we’ll do our best to make them happen. Residents have visited the theatre, gone skydiving, horse riding, and even met their entertainment heroes.

Recently, residents of Chandler Court have enjoyed a virtual cruise, with themed menus and

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Completely Bromsgrove

activities. Food forms the basis of many activities at Chandler Court, with residents often baking much-loved treats, afterwards enjoying them in the sun with their favourite tipple!

Be sure to ‘like’ us on Facebook to keep up-to-date with what’s happening at our home.

Follow us on Facebook Ready to live life in style at Chandler Court?

To find out more about Chandler Court, Care UK’s home in Bromsgrove, please call 01527 903670 or email paul.chambers@careuk.com Chandler Court care home Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court

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Future of new lowcarbon affordable homes decided E

ighteen new low-carbon affordable homes built by Bromsgrove District Council are to be sold to local housing provider bdht.

Bdht was successful after a selection process that gave affordable housing providers the opportunity to bid for the proper ties, which was run for the district council by property agent Savills UK. The 12 social rented and 6 shared ownership homes, which will get warmth and energy from air source heat pumps and solar panels with battery storage, are part of a 61-proper ty development by the council on the site of its former offices on Burcot Lane.

Councillor Shirley Webb, Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for strategic housing, said: “We’re pleased to announce that bdht will now be the registered social landlord to provide these much-needed affordable homes to residents.

“Their exper tise and experience will be invaluable as we work together to deliver these quality homes to residents – homes which will also give residents lower

energy bills and smaller carbon footprints, thanks to their higher energy efficiency standards.”

Councillor Karen May, council leader, said: “I welcome bdht’s keenness to be involved in this project. I’d like to thank the officers and everyone else involved for all the hard work they’ve done to turn our old offices into these affordable, energy-efficient homes.”

Graeme Anderson, chief executive of bdht, added: “We are delighted to be partnering with Bromsgrove District Council on this scheme. As the cost of living continues to increase, the need for genuinely affordable homes like these is more important than ever, and they’re ideally located in a central location with access to the town centre and shops too.”

The homes are currently under construction and on track to be handed over in early 2023

Residents to receive support from new Energy Advice Service

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romsgrove District Council have appointed a new organisation as their official Energy Advice Service.

With the cost of living and climate crises continuing to make headline news, the newly appointed charity, Act on Energy, will be on hand to help residents access free and impar tial advice about energy efficiency in the home.

Act on Energy has replaced YES Energy as the council’s official energy advice service and provide tailored, exper t advice and facilitate energy efficiency installations through a network of accredited installers.

The par tnership is now active so residents can contact Act on Energy to speak to exper t advisors about their energy bills and minimising their home’s energy consumption while keeping warm and safe.

Available support includes: • Direct financial help with energy bills and energy debt for vulnerable low-income households (homeowners, private rented and social housing) • Grant funding for low-income homeowners for heating, (repairs, servicing, and replacement), insulation and renewable energy generation where available • Anyone wanting to upgrade or move away from fossil fuels in their home can also call for advice.

There are several ways residents can get in touch with the Energy Advice Service.

• A Freephone advice line 0800 988 2881 9am to 5pm Completely Bromsgrove

Monday to Friday • Email advice@actonenergy.org.uk • Online www.actonenergy.org.uk/ • Via social media www.facebook.com/actonenergy/ www.twitter.com/act_on_energy?lang=en • A programme is also in the process of being put in place where residents can access advice in person • Home visits are also available for the most vulnerable if needed.

Leader of the council and por tfolio holder for strategic par tnerships, Councillor Karen May, said: “This new partnership has come at just the right time, especially with the rising cost of energy at the back of everyone’s minds.”

Rachel Jones, Act on Energy’s CEO, said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Bromsgrove District Council, helping people across the region gain access to expert energy advice. Whether that’s helping people who are struggling to pay their energy bills or supporting people with making their homes warmer and more energy efficient, we’re here to help.”

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GARDENING

Cheerful chrysanthemums add colour and form C

hrysanthemums are often called “mums” and are the birth flower for November.

The word chrysanthemum loosely means golden flower and they come in many shapes and colours; red for love, white for truth and yellow for joy and celebration. The Chrysanthemum symbolizes cheerfulness and optimism.

Chrysanthemums are probably most familiar as cut flowers, but they also make great eye-catching garden plants, adding colour and form to borders and containers. Throughout summer they are a constant and will continue to bloom into late autumn when many other plants are past their best.

They like moist but well-drained soil with added compost or well-rotted manure; positioned in a sunny, sheltered spot. Once young plants reach about 20cm (8in) tall, pinch out the main growing point to encourage branching. You can also pinch out the tips of the side shoots as they grow but only until about mid-summer. This will help the plants carry more flowers. All Chrysanthemums will need staking as they can easily become floppy as the season progresses.

Chrysanthemums are perennials, going dormant in winter, then re-sprouting in spring. Although they are generally hardy plants, it is still best to protect them from frost. Most can survive temperatures down to at least -5˚C. However, across the UK temperatures can fall below this, so it may be better to be safe and to lift them in the autumn once the flowers are spent.

Dig them up and shake as much soil as you can from them; store in a box or tray with a little fresh soil or compost and over winter in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. Don’t let them dry out completely but resist the temptation to overwater.

Once spring appears, star t to increase the watering and keep an eye on the new growth. Pot them up and off they will go again ready for planting out when frosts have finished.

Some jobs to keep you busy throughout August Keep deadheading dahlias and other perennials to encourage a constant display of blooms Keep camellias and rhododendrons well watered through late summer while their flower buds are forming Trim lavender once flowering is over to maintain a compact, bushy shape, but avoid cutting the old wood as this won’t regenerate

Keep pots and hanging baskets flowering by watering and deadheading regularly, and add tomato feed fortnightly

Strim or mow areas of wildflower meadow, now that the plants have scattered their seeds

Sow hardy annuals in sunny spots to provide early summer colour next year Remove any spent annuals if you don’t want them to self-seed. Or collect the seedheads for next year’s sowing. Store the seeds in a paper envelope as plastic bags will allow them to sweat and go mouldy.

Prune rambling roses, removing up to a third of stems that have flowered, and tie the rest to supports This is the month for enjoying the stunning displays, so keep feeding, watering and deadheading and summer will last and last.

By Suzi M plotter, gardener and flower lover

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Completely Bromsgrove

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Our Timber, Decking & Fencing - From featheredge fencing to post and rail fencing, and from railway sleepers to kiln-dried logs, there are a wide variety of timber suitable for your applications.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call. We hope you enjoy your garden and remember excellence comes as standard!

Other services that we offer – Fencing, Sheds and Shed Bases, Small Construction Projects, Hedge Cutting, Tree Surgery and much more!

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Worcestershire’s hummingbirds M

y mum rang the other day to ask me what was the insect in her garden that looked like a hummingbird. Before she’d finished the description, I knew that she could only be talking about one thing – a hummingbird hawk-moth.

At this time of year, they’re one insect that gets my colleagues running out of the office – someone spots one and before you know it, there are a half a dozen people trying to capture it in slow motion on their phones. They are one of the delights of summer as they hover with wings beating 80 times a second and their long proboscis (a drinking-straw-like tongue) buried in a flower head as they sup the nectar. Flashes of orange underwing can be glimpsed amongst their otherwise grey body and wing (they’re barely recognisable if you spot them at rest).

arrive and late summer also sees another boom as hummingbird hawk-moth adults emerge locally after munching on bedstraw plants as a caterpillar.

Caterpillars are large (6cm) and colourful with a ‘horn’ at the rear end.

For readers who have a long history of holidaying around the Mediterranean these moths may be very familiar but it’s only in relatively recent years that we’ve come to expect to see at least one or two at home. Whilst we are now starting to see evidence that the adult moths can survive a mild British winter, many of the hummingbird hawk-moths that you see in your garden or local greenspace will have arrived from the Continent. What an amazing feat. Perhaps it’s easy to imagine one of these insects flying north through France from flower to flower but imagine one then deciding to cross the English Channel!

We’d love to know if you’ve seen a hummingbird hawk-moth in Worcestershire – we’re trying to track when and where they’re seen as well as what flowers they’re feeding on (and what plants their caterpillars are seen on). If you spot one, please take a quick snap or video and upload it via our website www. worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings

Like several other migratory insects, there is evidence that many hummingbird hawk-moths migrate back to the Continent’s warmer climate in the autumn. Increasing numbers of sightings in early spring, however, indicates that our changing climate means that those remaining in the UK are managing to survive our milder winters. Their numbers are boosted from June as their Continental cousins

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Their favourite nectar-rich flowers are buddleia, valerian, verbena and lavender but you might also see them on viper’s bugloss, honeysuckle and jasmine.

It’s been shown that they memorise colours and locations so if you see them once, check back again at the same time the following day.

Keep up to date with us... on Twitter @WorcsWT on Facebook www.facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust our events www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/whats-on

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Photo: Pete Smith Completely Bromsgrove

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Important project to boost biodiversity in Spadesbourne Brook I

n partnership with North Worcestershire Water Management and working alongside tenants, Bromsgrove District Housing Trust has been heavily involved in a project to try and improve a local stream in Bromsgrove.

BDHT purchased almost 400 plants and bulbs including flag iris, reed sweetgrass, water mint, water avens, foxglove, bluebell and wild garlic, which were planted with the help of a group of volunteers and the trust’s team, alongside the Spadesbourne Brook and within the adjacent small woodland behind Shenstone Close.

In 2019 the trust worked in partnership to create a small flood alleviation and biodiversity enhancement scheme here, using Natural Networks funding from Worcestershire County Council and The Wildlife Trust. The recent planting was to help fill in any gaps and boost the biodiversity potential here, providing important food and shelter for wildlife.

While on site the team also pulled as much young Himalayan Balsam as they could – this invasive plant outcompetes native species, and the shallow root systems mean it can easily become uprooted leading to bank erosion which can increase flood risk.

Anyone who is walking alongside streams and rivers and spots this plant is being urged to pull some up before the seed pods form to help reduce the spread in future years.

Fiona McIntosh from NWWM said: “As part of the 2019 scheme, shallow wetland beds were dug out and a shallow backwash pond was created to manage the overflow of water. The aim is to reduce the water flow and reduce the risk of flooding to the paths as well as enhance the biodiversity of the area.

The team are working to increase the amount of native woodland plants in the area with the new plants donated

by BDHT and pull the invasive Himalayan balsam that limit the growth of other plant life.”

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All types of tree and landscaping work undertaken Tree Work Landscape Work Felling Fencing Topping Turf Lopping Artificial Grass Pruning Decorative Gravel Pollarding Bark Chippings Reduction Stumps Treated Paths Patios or Removed Hedges & Shrubs Garden Walls Removed General Brickwork & Garden Repointing Clearances All Waste Removed and Recycled Where Possible FREEPHONE: 0800 292 7125 DIRECT: 07392 364393 email: allcuttreecare@yahoo.com www.allcuttreecare.co.uk Customers are entitled to a 14 day cooling off period

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Completely Bromsgrove

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How we can halt the decline in bugs, beetles and bees W

hen did you last have to wash dead bugs off your windscreen?

We have lost around 40% of our insects over the last 40 years and this really matters. Insects are the base of the food chain, eaten by predatory insects, birds, frogs, fish, lizards, bats, mammals, and humans. More than 3,000 ethnic groups across the world eat insects and many people think we will all be eating them before long.

Insects pollinate about 80% of trees and bushes on the planet and 90% of the world’s food relies on them directly or indirectly.

We all know that bees are pollinators but so are wasps, butterflies, moths, flies, beetles, mosquitos, and many others.

Insects that eat fruit and seeds will later disperse them over a wide area.

Some of these are harder to love, but we can learn to live with them and can’t live without them!

They are all par t of the ecosystem upon which we rely. Insects are also essential for breaking down animal and plant matter, which releases nutrients into the soil that plants need to grow and prevents the build-up of dead and rotting matter.

The decline of insects is mainly down to loss of habitat and agricultural practices. As individuals we may feel powerless to influence that but 30% of our urban areas are parks and gardens.

In our gardens we can make a huge difference. We can encourage pollinators with insect friendly plants like alliums, foxgloves, thistles, lavender and many more. Pots and window boxes can be filled with flowers or herbs, and we can leave some

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of the grass uncut, which will allow wildflowers to grow.

Householders can help insects to get through the winter by leaving a corner of the garden ‘messy’, not sweeping up leaves in autumn, leaving a few sticks and branches here and there and not cutting down perennials until the spring. We can also make a pond or even just put out a bowl of water with pebbles for bees to settle on.

The biggest thing is to stop using pesticides. We’ve all used them in the past, not knowing how damaging they were, not just to ‘pests’ but to all insects and all the essential microorganisms that keep the soil alive.

There are lots of alternatives, with companion planting and barriers to keep pests at bay. Chemical fertilisers damage the soil in the same way. Compost, especially homemade, will do the job, and block the growth of weeds at the same time.

Summer is finally here, and we are all enjoying our gardens in bloom, if we are lucky enough to have one.

Let us make a pledge to help our insect population and stop this fatal decline.

By Judith Tipper, Bromsgrove Climate Action

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Advertisement Feature

The difference between green and brown timber fencing Green timber

W

hen it comes to choosing products for your new fencing installation, you may be baffled by certain terminology. When searching online, you may have come across timber fencing in ‘green’ or ‘brown’ variants.

But what exactly does green and brown timber mean and what’s the difference?

It’s a common question the team at Worcester Timber Products are asked. We explore the answers below.

What is green timber?

Typically, when you think of green, you naturally associate the colour to the bright green leaves or grass in your garden. But that isn’t the case. The term ‘green timber’ is used because the natural wooden colour of the timber has a slight hint of green to it.

Although green is not the intended colour, it is an organic result of the pressure treating process that most fencing products go through to ensure durability and a longer life.

The treatment is known as Tanalised, a copper-based preservative used in the vacuuming stage of the treatment that reacts with the air and oxidises to create a slight green hue on the surface of the timber. Because this is a mechanical process, the shade of each green timber can vary. The colour will weather over time.

What is brown timber?

Following the same principles as ‘green’ timber, the only difference is a brown dye that is added to the copper preservatives mix. Known as Tanatone, this gives the timber a traditional nut-brown appearance that most homeowners will be more familiar with.

Though, it’s wor th noting that because the dye is added during the preservation process, the colour will fade over time. This happens naturally to all treated timber but can be prevented with regular maintenance.

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Completely Bromsgrove

Brown timber

What is treated timber fencing?

Treated timber is wood that has been dipped in chemicals to help prevent insect damage, decay, rot and fungal attacks. This is especially useful where timber is exposed to the elements and moisture. The treatment extends the longevity of the fencing and is highly recommend over untreated timber. Left in their natural, unfinished state, timber products can deteriorate quickly when exposed to outdoor environments.

Can I paint tanalised wood?

Absolutely! Painting tanalised wood not only makes your garden look great but also gives the timber an added layer of protection, which can only be a good thing. However, you are advised not to paint freshly tanalised wood, since moisture in the timber will mean that the paint won’t stick properly. Preservatives, paints and stains do vary, so make sure you read the instructions. These instructions should tell you when it’s appropriate to paint, how many coats you need, and how long you need to wait before re-applying.

Worcester Timber Products are exper ts in fencing and landscaping products and have a full range of panels online plus a display area open to the public on Har tlebury Trading Estate, DY10 4JB. Free delivery is currently available for orders more than £500 to all WR and B postcodes.

Completely Bromsgrove

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Nature’s Bounty I

Both displays were designed and arranged

by Lesley Vanezis

t’s August!, when gardens are still bursting for th with blooms, in a riot of colours.

Tumbling hedgerows are adorned with wild flowers and berries, farmers’ fields are full of fat ears of grain, ripening in the sunshine.

To celebrate this wonderful month, Bromsgrove Flower Club will welcome Penelope Harrison whose demonstration title is “Nature’s Bounty”.

All the arrangements will be put into a raffle.

Join us at 2.00pm on Thursday 18th August.

All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B60 1AF Visitors and new members warmly welcomed.

Entrance fee, Members £3.00 Visitors £3.00 to include tea and biscuits.

For more info, visit www.bromsgroveflowerclub.org.uk or www.facebook.com/bromsgroveflowerclub

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23

Shop summer bargains at Primrose and help to sell them!

A

re you looking for a new summer wardrobe? Or perhaps you’re after some last minute holiday bargains?

Then why not pop into one of Primrose Hospice’s six charity shops across Nor th East Worcestershire to browse summer clothing, furniture and homeware.

Primrose Hospice’s shops raise around 27% of the £1.75 million they need to continue to deliver their suppor t services for free. You can see the locations of shops and find out more at: www. primrosehospice.org/support-us/shops/ our-shops/ Ian McRoy, retail manager at Primrose Hospice, said: “We are always so grateful to members of the community who choose to support us, whether that’s by donating unwanted items, purchasing items, or giving up their own time to volunteer for us. We always have a wide variety of interesting and good quality donations to our shops, so why not come and visit when you are out and about.”

Could you spare a few hours to work in the shops?

Volunteers are needed to help with roles including serving customers, creative displays and sorting and steaming donations.

Volunteering can have lots of benefits including building confidence, meeting new people, developing leadership and communication skills and is a positive addition to your CV. Among the hospice’s 400 volunteers is Bernadette Bates, who has been volunteering for Primrose for more than 30 years supporting the Family Support service by leading several bereavement groups. She is also part of the Primrose Choir who have raised more than £200,000.

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Completely Bromsgrove

Bernadette said: “I like being able to use the skills I’ve got, which also involves meeting lots of new people.

Primrose is a place that helps a huge number of people and their families, so to be part of that feels good because when you are a volunteer you are part of the team.

Volunteering is great because many people may have finished work for whatever reason, but they’ve still got lots to offer.

I’ve known people who’ve come to the Bernadette Bates River group who’ve told me they’ve just started volunteering for Primrose and I can see it’s given them a new lease of life because they are back in the work environment again - their self-esteem gets a boost.”

Primrose Hospice has many volunteering roles that can fit in around your other commitments.

Find out about the opportunities they have available at www.primrosehospice.org/support-us/ volunteering/current-vacancies/ or contact Jo Wright on 01527 871051 or email jo.wright4@nhs.net

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25

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Redox - the winning formula for athletes

W

ith the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games just around the corner maybe you are thinking of taking up exercising.

Whether it is running a marathon, walking 10,000 steps a day or playing sport, you need to take into consideration free radical damage in regard to your body and health.

I have been writing about Redox and how important it is to our bodies over the last few months. For athletes this is extremely important.

Eddie Hall was supplementing with the drink and the gel when he won the Strongest Man in the World competition.

These athletes are not going to wreck their chances by taking a supplement that could cause a disqualification. Because Redox is the same constituents as our own cells and is native to our own bodies, our athletes know they are safe.

A friend of mine is former Olympian Julie McDonald who is a Redox Athlete Ambassador. She held the Commonwealth swimming record for 21 years and achieved two Commonwealth gold medals and two silvers.

Cody Miller is another Olympic gold medal swimmer from Las Vegas. In the 2016 summer Olympics in Brazil, he won a bronze medal in the men’s 100 metre breaststroke and a gold medal in the men’s 4 × 100 metre medley relay. Miller has won a total of seven medals in major international competitions: three golds, two silvers, and two bronzes spanning both long and short courses.

In the summer of 2018, Cody needed surgery like tennis champion Andy Murray because of damage to his knee, then comes the slow build back to physical endurance and health.

Cody said: “I bought and tried every over the counter remedy for joints and aches available, but it was still slow going until I found Redox.

“I have supplemented Redox for years now and seen my training, recovery, and overall health, improve because this is something different.

Redox technology has supported my joint health

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Completely Bromsgrove

throughout my journey.

“Even the Olympic specialists I work with to this day are shocked at how fast I was able to recover and climb back to the top of the world rankings. I worked hard to get back on top. Redox supplement continues to be a super important tool in my tool belt. What experts initially projected to take 12 to 18 months I was able to achieve in less than half that time.”

We have athletes from all areas of sport who realise how important this supplement is to overall health and recovery.

To find out more just contact me on colette@ thegarsides.net. Or www.need4change. myasealive.com or find me on Facebook

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Kevin bids farewell to NHS with bespoke gift B

romsgrove’s Town Crier Kevin Ward received a handmade bell holder on his retirement from the NHS, to which he has dedicated 43 years.

Sajid Javid MP presented Kevin with the gift which was specially made by Bromsgrove Cobbler. Completely Bromsgrove would like to wish Kevin a long and happy retirement. His ebullient personality means he is never far from our thoughts and we will continue to see him and his bell in its new holder at many events around the town.

Photo by Phil Nokes

Action is needed now on bad parking T

wo local councillors are calling on Bromsgrove District Council and West Mercia Police to step up action on bad and dangerous parking after pedestrians were forced into the road.

28

Parking enforcement, where vehicles are parked on parking restricted areas like double yellow lines, are the responsibility of the district council and when they are parked blocking the pavement, this can be dealt with by the police.

Councillor Siobhan Robinson, who is a new mother, said: “Since being elected I have had lots of residents contact me regarding bad parking across my ward and I have been trying to get the council to enforce these issues, but the problem still persists.

Recently while pushing my pram up the Stratford Road, there was a vehicle parked blocking the whole pavement, forcing me to go into the road.

We all know the issues with speeding on this road so you can only imagine my fear at doing this with a newborn.”

As well as inconsiderate parking, Councillor Josh Robinson has been pushing the council to enforce the vehicle restrictions on Bromsgrove High Street, Completely Bromsgrove

where most vehicles should not be driving on the street between 10.30am and 4pm.

Josh added: “I have met with the parking enforcement team and had reassurances they would ticket vehicles on the High Street during these times. However, this is not happening, to the extent that a parking enforcement officer refused to do anything when a vehicle was in front of them.”

Siobhan has now raised these issues with the senior officers at the district council, Josh has raised them with the police, and both are hopeful these issues will be resolved.

“It is about having a bit of thought when parking; we know it can be difficult to park sometimes, but without further action we will be in position where people with prams, young children and disabilities will not be able to walk on the pavements in our area,” added Siobhan.

Advertisement Feature

The Perfect OXO Family?

L

aura Hawkins from Alvechurch Legal explores the problems faced by Lynda Bellingham’s family after her death.

When actress Lynda Bellingham died in 2014, her sons were left an unexpected nightmare.

Lynda and her husband, Michael, made Mirror Wills, in which Lynda left her entire estate to her third husband, expecting him to leave her share of their combined assets to her sons on his death.

“We both wrote wills as a married couple and they mirrored each other in how we would leave our estate.” admitted Michael.

Lynda will undoubtedly have felt, that she could trust her husband to carry out her wishes and provide for her sons. But, it turns out that her trust was misplaced. What actually followed, was a very public dispute between Lynda’s husband and her sons…

Michael decided to re-write his own Will, disinheriting them altogether and leaving everything to his own children.

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Michael told the Daily Mail.

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29

Bromsgrove Stroke Club enjoy canal boat trip S

troke survivors from Bromsgrove spent an enjoyable day travelling along the Worcester & Birmingham Canal aboard Anglo Welsh’s day boat Emma.

Two trips, which were jointly hosted by Anglo Welsh Waterway Holidays and Bromsgrove Lions Club, lasted for two hours each with the groups travelling to Alvechurch and back.

Both groups of stroke survivors, their families and carers also tucked into a buffet lunch at Tardebigge Wharf, courtesy of Bromsgrove Lions Club.

Pat Fletcher, of Bromsgrove Lions Club, said: “Thanks to Anglo Welsh, we were delighted to once again be able to offer stroke survivors and their carers a canal boat trip. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to step away from the stresses of everyday life and relax, watching the world go by on the peaceful Worcester & Birmingham Canal whilst enjoying tremendous camaraderie.

A stroke can have a huge impact on someone’s life, and this group really demonstrates how well they are able to combat the effects through mutual support. We are so pleased they can share this great experience together.”

Matt Lucas Stern, operations manager for Anglo Welsh, says: “Research shows we feel happier and more relaxed by the waterways and the slow pace of travel on a canal boat gives people the chance to unwind and watch out for wildlife as they cruise gently through the countryside.

We were delighted to again be able to offer our day boat Emma to Bromsgrove Lions Club so that stroke survivors from the Bromsgrove area could enjoy another

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Completely Bromsgrove

special day together on the canal.”

Anglo Welsh is one of the largest canal boat holiday companies in the UK, offering the choice of more than 160 boats from 11 bases across England and Wales, including Tardebigge on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal near Bromsgrove.

Emma is available to hire for the day from the Anglo Welsh canal boat rental centre at Tardebigge.

She can take up to 10 passengers and is equipped with cutlery, crockery, a kettle, cooker, fridge, shower and toilet, so hirers can prepare for a picnic afloat or stop-off at a waterside pub along the way.

Anglo Welsh also offers self-drive holiday hire from Tardebigge Wharf, with 2022 prices star ting at £590 for a short break (three or four nights) and £815 for a week on a boat for four people.

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31

HISTORY

New future for town’s second oldest church N

ine years after closing its doors to worshippers for the final time, Bromsgrove United Reformed Church is getting a new lease of life.

The Windsor Street based church, which is the second oldest in the town, had served the community for more than 300 years before dwindling congregations forced it to shut.

Now the church, along with the former Sunday school building opposite, have been bought by Elliott Nash Ltd, whose main objective is to stop both from falling into complete dilapidation and to save the town’s historic buildings for future generations.

Elliott Nash told Completely Bromsgrove: “At present the buildings are in a severe state of disrepair with water ingression, mould, damp rot and infestation. Initially we are making the buildings safe and watertight to preserve the structures.”

“Our long-term vision for the buildings is to refurbish them sympathetically to reflect the age and style of the buildings. The former Sunday school’s original features will be kept and have a Victorian feel and style.”

“We will be keeping the buildings and leasing them out for commercial use as possible offices, showrooms or for professional medical companies.”

To mark the eagerly awaited rejuvenation, Completely Bromsgrove has been trawling the local archives to find key moments in the church’s history.

1680s – John Spilsbury founded his independent chapel at his own expense. It was originally two block barns converted for the purpose of worship.

Circa 1689 - The chapel, called ‘Upper Meeting’ or ‘Old Meeting House’ was built and placed in the hands of 14 trustees.

18th century – There was much rioting among dissenters and their Meeting Houses. The Bromsgrove Independent Meeting House appears to have been a target as there are references in the records to ‘repairing ye winders’ and ‘repairing ye seats’.

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Completely Bromsgrove

1836 – Eleven years after it was introduced in the town, gas was used for illumination in the chapel. Also this year, fir trees were planted in the graveyard to commemorate Princess Victoria’s visit to Bromsgrove.

1852 - The congregational Sunday school building and former school house dates back to this year. It cost £350 to build.

March 1865 – A new organ was purchased with dedication services being held the following Sunday.

The organ chamber was erected in 1887 and built into the rear of the church.

1968 - A stained glass window was unveiled, which was unusual as congregational churches have little decoration and usually have plain glass windows.

The window commemorates the high standard and artistry of Archibald John Davies and all members of the Bromsgrove Guild of Applied Ar ts. It was the gift of Mr Davies’ daughter Barbara Morrison and her husband and the church felt it a great privilege to honour the work of a local craftsman.

1970 – The old method of heating the church was replaced by a modern oil-fired heating system.

The following year the Secretary of State for the Environment included the church in his list of buildings of special architectural or historic interest.

June 9, 2013 – The church

by Teresa Green closed its doors for the final time.

Bromsgrove Society welcomes new president at AGM

T

he Bromsgrove Society’s Annual General Meeting was held at the New Guesten Hall, Avoncroft on 6th July members elected the team to take the Society forward.

Jo Slade, Pat Tansell and Sue Beaumont remain as Chair, Vice-Chair and Honorary Secretary respectively. Jenny Townshend was elected as the Society’s new President.

Isobel Jarrett stepped down from the role of President and was thanked for her commitment to the Society. Isobel was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a gift voucher.

Isobel Jarrett has been a member of the Bromsgrove Society since the founding year, 1980 when she also held the position of Secretary on the Commerce and Industry Panel. In 1982 Isobel joined the Executive Committee at the AGM and was Membership Secretary from 1984 to 1987. In 1990 she was voted to the position of Vice-Chairman which she held until 1996 when she became the Chairman of the Society. During Isobel’s time as Chairman she was a leading campaigner against building on the Recreation Ground (1997) and involved in the planting schemes on Watt Close and in the town centre near Bejam (now Iceland).

Isobel remained on the Executive Committee after standing down as Chairman in 1999 and in 2017 was elected Society President Jenny Townshend joined the Society in the mid 1980s and from her early involvement was helpful in replying to various family history queries from other members. When the Local History Committee

formed in the early 1990s Jenny was keen to be involved and began contributing ar ticles to the Rousler from that time. In 1994 Jenny was coeditor of The Bromsgrove Rousler (Nos.9 - 11) with Barbara Hellawell and became the sole editor in 1997 until 2016 (Nos. 12 – 31).

Jenny contributed two chapters to the Society’s publication on the Bromsgrove Guild in 1999, having been involved in the research project led by Quintin Watt.

This year Jenny and Julian Hunt were the authors of the Society’s latest publication Bromsgrove: The Story of a Market Town.

Jenny has been a speaker at the Society’s Summer School every year since it first took place in 2011. At this year’s Summer School she gave a talk about the Talbots and Grafton Manor.

Richard Aust agreed to continue as Honorary Treasurer until the end of the year, when the position will become vacant.

After the formal business of the AGM, those in attendance enjoyed an excellent talk from Brenda Killigrew from the “Creative Street” tapestry project. The project was funded by GBSLEP and Bromsgrove District Council as part of their #recoverythroughcreativity initiative and set out to highlight the independent businesses in Bromsgrove’s Worcester Road. Photographs of the premises were printed on to fabric which was embellished with colourful stitches and haberdashery items.

Completely Bromsgrove

33

Cheers! Beer and cider festival 2022 is Sixtiesthemed smash

A

fter a three year gap, the Bromsgrove Beer and Cider Festival was held at Bromsgrove Rugby Club on July 1st and 2nd.

Ninety-five volunteers were involved in staging the 18th annual festival at Finstall Park and 144 real ales, 9 KeyKeg and 53 ciders and perries were on offer.

The first beer to finish was local brewery Woodcote Brewing Co’s KeyKeg beer Randan Ale and the volunteer’s choice for beer of the festival was Vocation + Amundsen’s beer named Hawking.

This year’s theme was The Beatles and the Yellow Pubmarine was the logo. Fantastic 60s music was provided on Friday night by The Reflections and Thursday and Saturday saw husband and wife duo Karmalyte take to the stage for a more chilled out acoustic Beatles set. BRMG Radio were also in attendance, keeping festival goers and volunteers enter tained.

The Cour t Leet opened the festival on Thursday night with the tradition of beer tasting and blessing of the beer.

Friday night saw Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid pay a visit and he was able to find a couple of gluten-free beers that the festival had on offer.

Despite torrential downpours on the Saturday, the festival welcomed a total of 2,273 people over the three days.

Charity of the year was Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre and £952.81 was raised through the donation of unused beer tokens.

Photos are available to view on social media: www.facebook.com/BromBeerFest, www. instagram.com/brombeerfest/ and www. untappd.com/v/bromsgrove-camra-beercider-festival/3114410

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Completely Bromsgrove

Celebration concert raises £960 for local charities T

he Celebration Concert held in St John’s Church which was organised by Town Crier Kevin Ward raised £960 from donations given by the audience who attended and others who could not attend.

The Orchestra of St John performed a number of pieces chosen by Kevin Ward to celebrate his parent’s love for music. During the concert there was dancing in the aisle to Strauss’ The Blue Danube Waltz – Kevin’s Mum’s favourite piece of music. Local musician Alastair Moseley performed the solo part in Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto and the concert concluded with the audience singing along in Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus.

We spoke to Kevin about the concert, he was jubilant and said “I’ve been on cloud nine since the wonderful concert in St John’s. Whilst it was more stressful than I had anticipated to organise it, the end result was absolutely magnificent! My very grateful thanks must go to the fantastic Orchestra of St John, their leader Shulah Oliver, Conductor Richard Jenkinson and Soloist Alastair Moseley for indulging me with a programme which included favourite pieces in my family. And of course huge thanks go to the wonderful audience for their uplifting voices in the Hallelujah Chorus and their generosity on the night. The concert really was a triumph, my parents would have been delighted.”

The money raised from the concert has been split equally between two local charities which are important to Kevin. The Friends of St John’s raise money for the ongoing restoration and fabric repairs at the ancient church building, and are currently fundraising for the Save the Spire project. The Norton Collection Museum, on the Birmingham Road, is currently undergoing upgrades to the entrance to give lift access to the collection on the first floor and to create an open space for meetings and a café.

Photos: Phil Harrison - www.philharrisonphotography.co.uk

For details on the Orchestra’s concerts visit their website www.osjbromsgrove.org for the Norton Collection Museum visit www. nortoncollectionmuseumtrust.org.uk and find Friends on www.facebook.com/ FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove Completely Bromsgrove

35

Suzuki SZ5 hybrid W

e are living through times of change. Internal combustion engines are regarded as bad smells on our pilgrimage to purity but optimists are still managing to keep their chins up and express faith in human ingenuity.

If you’re looking for a new car and don’t know what to buy, the main thing is to keep a canny eye on the market, weigh up the choices available and select the model that best serves your needs and at the same time jumps through the planet saving compliancy hoops.

It’s easy to go for the new £27,274 Suzuki Vitara 1.5 full hybrid Allgrip, which fits every bill, in a big way. Let’s look at the overall picture. First, the popularity of small SUVs “ain’t gonna wither on the vine” as Tokyo Rose might say. Cynics might scoff away but buyers are smart enough to know a good motoring package when they see one. Inside it feels as solid as a rock and just as durable - and from an engineering perspective you can rest assured that it is top notch.

Everything is well put together and it feels so much more robust than the competition from the likes of Peugeot and Renault. There’s lots of convenience kit like the seven inch touchscreen together with safety kit like rear parking camera, lane departure warning noises and adaptive cruise control. There is also a panoramic sunroof... er... for when the sun shines.

Think high ground clearance ideal for tackling today’s less than billiard

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Completely Bromsgrove

table smooth roads, but also ideal for packing in the kids without breaking parent’s backs. Then there’s the benefit of an elevated driving position offering better visibility and more confidence at the wheel.

Other drivers know you’re there and when you’re caught in thronging traffic it does no harm to look tough. No. They don’t drive like thoroughbreds and accelerate like a zip-line to zoomsville - but that’s not what they are about. Nor does the 2030 internal combustion engine ban suggest their days are numbered. Indeed, you don’t need a crystal ball to declare that the future looks bright for hybrid SUVs.

DRIVE TIME

- victorious Vitara!

But hold the front page. We’re not there yet. As notorious Scotsman Macbeth put it: “Tomorrow/ creeps in this petty pace from day to day”. Many motorists today feel that now is not the time to embrace all electric. Range anxiety is well founded so it’s best to hedge your bets. There is also the question of economy. There are eye-watering charging costs for those needing to access public charging points. Going down the ALL electric route is not an easy ride...currently. So here we have the Vitara with the full hybrid treatment, now replacing the mild hybrid versions.

Fitted with a new naturally-aspirated 1.5 petrol engine ably assisted by 33hp electric motor which, combined, gives 115bhp. It’s joined by a new six speed automated manual transmission that drives four wheels when needed through Suzukis famed Allgrip system. Deep within the bowels of this technological masterpiece, electronic elves work overtime to do the necessary petrol to electric switching back and forth for you; allowing you to get on with the business of enjoying your motoring.

For your involvement and delight there is a button to push to swap between eco and normal modes and a rotary control to programme for various conditions like mud and snow. It’s a most competent off-roader as well as a smooth operator on tarmac where it copes well with the crumbling surfaces. Dynamic capabilities too are surprisingly lively with a top speed near, I guess, 120 mph and an easy 55 mpg overall.

Like a bursting forth of sunlit-dazzled daffodils the golden yellow and black top spec SZ5. Vitara full hybrid radiated promise as I stood back, sunglasses on, to admire it standing before the portals of my venerable abode. Of course, it’s built to sell yet it felt impossible to deny that a motor car such as this represented in some profound and symbolic way, humankind’s yearning for that better tomorrow that always appears so tantalisingly close to ultimate realisations.

This Vitara is simply a full hybrid SUV that packs all the vir tues of the model type into a value-added endorsement of the manufacturer’s vision. A glance is enough to reassure. Body contours imply safety and comfor t, style and composure, appeal and dignity. It suggests that current eco concerns pose a challenge, not a threat and that serious times need not entail solemnity. Yes. It’s the sor t of car that you approach with a spring in your step.

by Syd Taylor Completely Bromsgrove

37

RECIPE

Crispy trout burger, with watercress, fish burger sauce

Crispy breaded trout is ace – far better than you might think - and by only crumbing half the fish we avoid that over crunchy situation and keep more of the natural flavour of the fish – which is then cooked in a pan rather than deep fried so stays much healthier too. I have found these go down very well indeed with the younger members of the family and work exceptionally well as a summer al fresco drinks par ty feast! The fish burger sauce here is a riff on the classic Burger sauce and Tar tare sauce, a sor t of melding of the two – the introduction of a little fish sauce or anchovy lifts the whole flavour of the trout, keeping it the star of the show, as it should be. I like this with a soft wholemeal roll – but many will prefer a white roll or even a brioche burger style bun. Make the sauce first – as it takes longer to make than the trout needs to cook – Tim Maddams

For the sauce: 1 tablespoon mayo 1 teaspoon fish sauce (squid brand is best, be very careful as it rather strong certainly no more than a teaspoon) – you could add a chopped anchovy or two if you don’t have any fish sauce 1 teaspoon chopped capers

Method: Mix all the sauce ingredients together, check the seasoning and set aside while you make the burgers.

Prepare the trout fillets by dusting the top (the non-skin side) with flour, then dip the floured side in the beaten egg and then in the panko crumbs, pop them crumb side down on a plate and season the skin side with salt and pepper, then dip the skin side in a little flour.

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1 teaspoon chopped gherkins 1 teaspoon chopped shallot 1 teaspoon chopped parsley 1 dessertspoon tomato ketchup 2 teaspoons American mustard Dash of Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon of juice from the gherkin jar A good pinch of smoked paprika

For the trout burgers:

Place a warm plate close to hand.

Heat a frying pan on a moderate heat until it is hot, but not smoking. Add the oil.

Gently place the fish fillets, panko side down, in the pan and fry until the panko is crisp and brown (around 3 minutes), turn the heat down just a bit and gently turn them over so the floured skin is in contact with the pan, cook for around another 2 minutes, then remove them from the pan and place them Panko side

up on the plate to rest for just a minute.

At this point if you don’t like the skin, you can peel it off and discard it.

Lightly toast the buns Place a little sauce on the bottom of each bun, add the trout, then the watercress and drizzle over a little more of the fish burger sauce. Enjoy!

Prep. time: 20 mins Cook time: 10 mins

2 thick British trout fillets 2 burger baps 50g flour 1 egg, beaten 50g Panko breadcrumbs 2 tablespoons light frying oil* A handful of crisp fresh watercress

* (non-virgin olive or sunflower)

www.britishtrout.co.uk

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E

Indie rock and happy days at Fairfield Flicks nd the summer with a bit of indie rock and upbeat classics at Fairfield Flicks.

Having performed at the Isle of Wight Festival and being filmed for BBC Introducing, Alen Ohm and his band take to stage on Saturday, August 20th at 8pm.

Alex’s alternative, cinematic symphonies reflect the wide range of influences that inspire his work and come together to create his band’s unique sound.

The Midlands-based songsmith has become a renowned name on the local music scene and is beginning to make a name for himself far and wide.

With several sold out shows already under his belt, Alex has also opened shows for the likes of Ian Brown, The Charlatans, Ocean Colour Scene and Pete Doherty as well as touring worldwide.

The band have been busy since releasing their debut EP At first a drop in 2017 which featured the single Through the storm that received huge praise from radio and press alike.

After winning the inaugural Pirate Studios Prodigy competition in 2018, the band stormed numerous festivals across England including Isle of Wight Festival, Y Not Festival, Truck Fest and Tramlines.

Alen Ohm

2020 saw a triumphant star t with sold out shows for BBC Introducing and Nottingham’s Rough Trade. Alex released two singles with one of those (Hours) raising £700 for the mental health charity Mind and making the semi-finals of the International Songwriting Competition from 26,000 entrants.

Despite the pandemic, Alex managed to play sold out, socially distanced gigs as well as holding an online ‘Ohm alone’ tour.

The following year saw the release of The Lost Persons Meeting Point EP. The band played numerous live dates and festivals during the summer 2021 and released the single Joy.

Hannah Brown

Supporting Alex Ohm will be Hannah Brown, a talented singer/songwriter originally from Nottingham, who is making a name for herself across the Birmingham music scene. Influenced by strong female vocalists, Hannah’s songs always come from a personal place with her music being self-expression.

There’s a change of style on Saturday, August 27th with the screening of Andre Rieu - Happy Days Are Here Again!

After two long years, maestro André Rieu is performing from his hometown of Maastricht.The concert, filmed in July, will be a jolly and captivating summer event on the iconic Vrijthof Square, featuring popular feel-good classics, showtunes, and of course, joyous waltzes.

Together with the wonderful Johann Strauss Orchestra and very special guests, André is bringing an uplifting and romantic party to Fairfield Flicks and other cinemas screens across the country. We invite you and your loved ones to André’s unforgettable hometown concer t– let’s sing, dance, share tears of joy and laugh together because happy days are here again.

Fairfield Flicks is located at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ). There is free parking and a licenced bar. For information and advanced tickets for all Fairfield Flicks events visit www.fairfieldflicks.org.uk

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Andre Rieu

August at The FeckenOdeon Cinema Society in Feckenham - Saturday, 27th August at 7.30pm

No Time To Die

(12A)

A

special bank holiday extravaganza! Daniel Craig in his last outing as Ian Fleming’s James Bond. 007 is enjoying a tranquil life in Jamaica after leaving active service.

However, his peace is short-lived as his old CIA friend, Felix Leiter, shows up and asks for help, leading Bond onto the trail of a mysterious villain armed with dangerous new technology. A visually stunning, emotional showdown of the Daniel Craig era. Contains all the usual 007 ingredients, but still goes a step further!

No Time to Die was released in mainstream cinemas in Autumn 2021 – just in time for the Omicron variant of Covid-19 to take hold. If you didn’t get to see it on the giant screen at a time when masks and social distancing made cinema going an uncomfortable experience, now’s your chance! The film will be shown in High-Definition Panavision with Dolby Surround Sound – you may be shaken and stirred!

Tickets for all FeckenOdeon films can be booked online through www.feckenodeon.co.uk, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Rose & Crown and The Village Shop in Feckenham.

The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham. B96 6HN

Watt Close School reunion 10th September 2022 F

ormer pupils from Watt Close Secondary Modern School are organising another school reunion in the Assembly Hall at the old school for a repeat trip down memory lane. The last get together was in 2018 and was a huge success and many friendships were reunited, the picture shows some of the ex pupils who turned up in 2018.

So far some students from as far away as Austin in Texas, South Africa, and Spain and not to mention, Weston Super Mare, Oxford and Hereford will be attending. Just imagine all the memories there will be to talk about, favourite Teachers, lessons, homework, detention and pranks just to mention a few.

If you attended Watt Close school in the 60s, then pop along to the old school ( now St John’s C of E) between 1pm and 4pm for a jolly good natter and a piece of cake, you would be most welcome.

Please follow progress on the Watt Close 1964 Facebook page for updates.

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Well-loved county art event is bigger and better this summer

Bic Beaumont Gillian Simpson

Deborah Catesby

W

orcestershire Open Studios, the well-loved free annual art event where artists throw open their doors to the public, returns this month to run over ten days from August 20 to 29.

Artists and makers across the county will welcome you into their homes or studios giving you behind the scenes access into how they create their work.

All studios are free to visit and there is a diverse range of artwork to see - painting, sculpture, printmaking, jewellery, ceramics, photography, textiles, furniture making and lots more.

Some 108 artists are taking part across 91 venues, with 36 artists new this year. Artists are excited to share their work, and this is the first time the event is over ten days, so there’s more opportunity than ever to see the artists taking part.

“The event gives you access to the vibrant and creative makers we have on our doorstep, to be able to meet them and enjoy looking at local art. Learn and ask questions, see the tools and materials they use, you may even have the chance to have a go,” said Gillian Simpson of Worcestershire Open Studios.

Bic Beaumont, a painter and printmaker who has been part of Worcestershire Open Studios for five years, said: “Visitors may see me carving, painting or printing during the weekends. I’m influenced by animals, nature, folk and fairy tales, where I can use recycled, compostable, biodegradable products and repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste. There will be

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a variety of originals, prints, greeting cards, homewares and gifts available to purchase.”

Deborah Catesby, who has also taken part in the event before, added: “I work as an oil painter making figurative paintings - pictures of people, stories and places full of colour, movement and life. At my studio, set in a lovely meadow garden overlooking an old cider orchard, myself and fellow figurative artist Erin Conel will show paintings, as well as drawings and works on paper, to intrigue and fascinate you, with some for sale.”

Visitors are also encouraged to explore our beautiful county and plan an inspirational day out.

Printed guides, which are available in libraries and tourist information centres or can be downloaded from the website, have all the details you will need on the artists taking part.

More information is also available on the new Worcestershire Open Studios website, where you can search for artists by art form, location or, new this year, by theme. Head to www.worcestershireopenstudios.org.uk Please refer to the website or printed guide for an artist’s opening times as these vary and not all artists are open every day.

Photos: Emma Trimble Completely Bromsgrove

Great British obsession is theme of Mikron’s milestone play

M

ikron Theatre is celebrating 50 years of touring by canal, river and road with Red Sky at Night, Lindsay Rodden’s new play about the nation’s obsession with the wild and wonderful world of weather.

Directed by ar tistic director Marianne McNamara, Red Sky at Night will be performed at The Weighbridge, Alvechurch Marina, Scarfield Wharf, Alvechurch on Friday, August 26th at 7.30pm.

No tickets are required and a ‘pay what you feel’ collection will be taken after the show.

Through the chronicles of history, people have gazed up and marvelled at the mysteries of the weather. Generations have tried to master the elements and understand the magic of the skies.

Hayley’s sunny, beloved dad was the nation’s favourite weatherman. He could make a typhoon sound like a tickle. Hayley is now following in his footsteps, to join the ranks of the forecasting fraternity. Or at least, local teatime telly.

When the pressure drops and dark clouds gather, Hayley is melting faster than a lonely snowflake. She’s seen the future’s forecast, but will anyone listen?

Playwright Lindsay Rodden said: “Through an incredible half century, whatever the weather, Mikron have travelled the country, chronicling our histories, our struggles, our passions and our lives. I am over the moon to write just one of these stories, and say happy birthday Mikron, fighting fit and 50 years young!”

The production’s cast will feature Thomas Cotran (Atalanta Forever, Mikron Theatre and Great Expectations, Dundee Rep/Horsecross Ar ts); Alice McKenna (Beauty and the Beast, Theatr Clwyd) and James McLean (Revolting Women, Mikron

Theatre and A Christmas Carol, Derby Theatre) and newcomer Hannah Bainbridge.

Red Sky at Night will be touring nationally until October 22nd. It will be performed alongside Raising Agents, Maeve Larkin’s play about the Women’s Institute.

For fur ther information on Red Sky at Night and Raising Agents visit www.mikron.org.uk

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AVONCROFT CRICKET CLUB

Croft mark 75 years of fun-packed weekend of events

A

wonderful weekend of cricket in the sun was a fitting way to mark Avoncroft Cricket Club’s 75th anniversary at the star t of July, with four days of celebration events that were incredibly well suppor ted by players, family and friends.

The long weekend kicked off with a T20 match between Chris Townsend’s chairman’s XI and Martyn Cound’s president’s XI. The return of several explayers added some spice to a friendly contest which saw the chairman’s XI sneak home to a 10-run win.

Festivities continued with a beer and jazz festival on Friday evening followed by an Italian-themed event on the Saturday, before ending with an inter-club eight-aside tournament which saw Dan Elliott astutely steer his team to victory.

With about a third of the season to go, there’s still plenty to play for on the pitch for Croft’s Saturday league sides. The First XI sit in fifth place but are only a few points behind the promotion places.

Croft’s batting line up continues to fire on all cylinders, with Josh Cound and Dan Elliott both vying

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to become the first batter in club history to score 1,000 league runs in a season. Both sit at around 650 runs so far, with a maximum of eight games to go.

The Second XI have continued to struggle for consistency, but a 182-run victory versus Chaddesley Corbett at the weekend hopefully showed signs of more positive things to come.

The Third XI are closing in on what would be a magnificent league title for a side that have been largely made up of under 16s, with a handful of experienced players guiding the ship. Croft need just 13 points from their last two games to give the club their first league title since 2005. Fingers are firmly crossed for an exciting end to their league campaign!

by Paul Athey

A new era for Bromsgrove Sporting A

New home and away kit ready for the 2022/23 season Photo by Chris Jepson

fter a disappointing end to last season, Sporting went into the off-season with plans to bring the good times back for the fans.

The board met with various candidates for the managerial vacancy. The standard was very high, and they thoroughly enjoyed meeting all those who applied for the role. Shortly after all the interviews took place, the club announced Thomas Baillie as their new manager.

Baillie joins the Rouslers with a wealth of experience, he previously managed Kettering Town and Stratford Town. In the 2014-15 season Baillie led Kettering to promotion and in 2018-19 he won the play offs with Stratford Town as well as the Southern League Challenge Cup. Thomas brings Steve Walker and Gaz Smith with him as assistant managers, as well as a young coaching staff in Ryan Pratt, Mitchell Hennings and Dylan Sahota.

Thomas brings Steve Walker and Gaz Smith with him as assistant managers, as well as a young coaching staff in Ryan Pratt, Mitchell Hennings and Dylan Sahota.

With Baillie and his team appointed, the focus was on a total team rebuild. Sporting saw club legends Josh Quaynor and Nathan Hayward leave, as well as Josh Dugmore who impressed throughout the whole of last season. The Rouslers captain Joel Kettle also left the club to join back up with exRousler Leon Broadhurst at Stourbridge.

However, Sporting were able to retain the likes of Ollie Taylor, Michael McGrath, Tommy Taylor, Miro Pais, Aaron Clayton, Jonathan Letford, Dominic

Perkins, Matthew Barnes-Homer, Mitch Candlin, Jack Newell and Jordan Goddard. The group are excited to work under Baillie and his team.

The biggest signing for Baillie’s team was ex-Redditch striker, Daniel Sweeney. Dan was leading goalscorer for Redditch last season and has experience across many leagues. With word of Baillie’s appointment, the Rouslers signed George Forsyth, James Fry, Ryan Edmunds, Lewis Wright, Charlie Shaw and ex-Cardiff City defender Ryan Pryce to name a few.

With Sporting’s future in mind, the club appointed Andy Mason as football development manager.

Previously assistant manager at the club, Mason was tasked to develop a youth programme utilising the talent of the Bromsgrove Colts to ensure Sporting had home grown talent throughout the club. Mason signed promising talents in Blake Kindred and David McQuaide. Both have been sent on loan to a step five club for a year of experience and will rejoin Sporting’s academy next season. They both played in Sporting’s pre-season friendly against Tividale. Kindred scored from a McQuaide assist, a proud moment for the boys and the club.

The season looks bright for Baillie and the Rouslers, with the first game against St Ives Town at the Victoria Ground on Saturday, August 6th at 3pm.

by Shaunna-Grace Murphy Completely Bromsgrove

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Leisure centre launches free membership for children in care A

leisure centre in Bromsgrove is now offering free memberships to children in care and care experienced young people.

Bromsgrove Sport and Leisure Centre, run by award-winning operator Everyone Active in partnership with Bromsgrove District Council, is taking part in a new initiative to reduce the barriers between children and young people participating in sport and physical activity.

The free membership gives them access to a range of facilities depending on their age, including gym, swim, soft play and group exercise.

According to latest figures from the Department for Education for children looked after (CLA) in England, the number of children in care is at an all time high, at more than 80,000 children or 67 in every 10,000.

This year, Everyone Active has launched its national Community Health and Wellbeing Strategy, with the aim to meet the needs of individual communities through programmes that support people to be physically active, and to feel happy and healthy.

As part of the strategy, this membership will support children in care or care experienced young children with free access to leisure facilities that can help improve their physical health and mental wellbeing.

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The complimentary membership for cared for children and care experienced young people can be accessed and set up through a referral system from local council family support teams.

Lloyd Barraclough, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We understand the vital role we play in supporting all areas of the community and feel this membership will make a real difference to many young people’s lives.

“We want to provide opportunities for young people and children who have been in or currently are in care, that activity is for all, and we want to offer them a safe space to enjoy our sports and activity offering.”

Bromsgrove district councillor Michael Thompson, whose portfolio covers leisure, said: “We are committed to making activities available to and affordable for all of our communities and this latest move supports that.”

For further information visit: www. everyoneactive.com/about-us/what-weoffer/health-and-wellbeing/

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Saturday, 24th September Senior School (13+ and Sixth Form) Saturday, 8th October Indvidual visits also available, please contact Admissions to book a place at the open morning or to arrange an individual visit admissions@bromsgrove-school.co.uk 01527 579679 bromsgrove-school.co.uk Co-educational, Day and Boarding Senior 1090 pupils aged 13-18 Prep 520 pupils aged 7- 13 Pre-Prep 220 pupils aged 2 - 7

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