Completely Bromsgrove issue 45 October 22

On September 6th Liz Truss was named leader of the Conservative Party and the new Prime Minister and two days later Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II died. Prince Charles became King Charles III, having had the longest wait in history to ascend to the throne - 59 years.

Ten days of mourning then took place with many citizens paying their respects to the late Queen, including Bromsgrove resident Jules Evans, who many of you will remember organising the street party in the High Street to commemorate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in June. Jules pulled off a day that so many people will remember forever.

Jules and husband Jeff embarked on a trip to London to pay their respects, leaving Bromsgrove

at 8pm on September 17th. After joining the queue they waited a further 14 hours until they reached Her Majesty in Westminster Hall. Jules reported on her Facebook page that the atmosphere was very sombre when they finally saw the coffin.

On September 19th millions of viewers sat watching their television screens as the funeral proceedings got underway and the nation certainly did Her Majesty proud.

Our longest serving monarch is now reunited with the Duke of Edinburgh, her strength and stay. May she rest in peace.

The Completely Bromsgrove team hope you enjoy this month’s issue.

Very best of wishes

Michele Ford

A tribute to her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth

For over seven decades, she was a source of strength and comfort; a representative of our closest held values and beliefs; a defender of faith; and an embodiment of the very best of public service and duty.

During her reign, the world has transformed.Yet Her Late Majesty remained a constant – a source of reassurance and comfort. Her values - seen by some as old fashioned - have stood the test of time and are cherished across generations.

And her influence extended far beyond these shores, including in the Commonwealth, which she cared for so deeply. Alongside her strength and stay, His Late Royal Highness Prince Phillip, she travelled to the furthest corners of the world.

As a new era begins, let us count the blessings of having shared our lives with hers. May she rest in peace and God Save the King. er Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II lived an extraordinary life of service. The outpouring of emotion across the world – including the touching tributes sent to - reflect the and love, in which she was held.

Closer to home, it has been heart-warming to see newspaper pieces circulated of her previous visits to Bromsgrove district – including in 2001 and 1957 on her royal tour of the West Midlands. As millions of people visited London, they will have seen the gates of Buckingham Palace - constructed in Bromsgrove - which were a fixture of her daily life during her reign.

It has been my immense privilege to represent my constituency in Parliament in formal events to commemorate her life. From Wednesday evening, she lay in state in Westminster Hall and I paid my respects on behalf of Bromsgrove district residents.

County’s investmentrailstrategy offers opportunityfor change

Worcestershire County Council has just published its Draft Worcestershire Rail Investment Strategy 2 Document, the first having been published in 2017.

The new document sets out the county council’s proposals for the future of rail services in Worcestershire up to the year 2050 and is very important for the economic, environmental and social development of Bromsgrove and North East Worcestershire.

As an organisation, BARRUP (The Bromsgrove and Redditch Rail User Partnership), which is campaigning for improved rail connectivity for Bromsgrove, Alvechurch, Barnt Green and Redditch, will be making its submissions by the closing date of October 21. BARRUP will be arguing for:

• The Cross Country (XC) Trains Nottingham to Cardiff Service, which calls currently at Worcestershire Parkway, and Cheltenham, to call also at Bromsgrove Station - a “Gateway to Bromsgrove”.

• All passenger rail services between Birmingham New Street and Bristol to call at Bromsgrove Station. These would increase greatly the connectivity between Bromsgrove/ North Worcestershire and the South and South West of England, with the resulting positive benefits to the people and the economy in our region.

• The current bi-directional hourly West Midlands Trains (WMT) services between New Street/ Bromsgrove/Worcester/Hereford, with only three trains a day stopping also at Barnt Green, to be increased to two trains an hour, with all trains stopping at Barnt Green. This would improve the service for the people of Bromsgrove and also enable people from Alvechurch, Barnt Green and Redditch to travel more easily, more quickly and less expensively to Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Worcester, Malvern and onwards.

Bromsgrove

• The two Cross City Services from Bromsgrove and Redditch via New Street to Lichfield Trent Valley to return to their three trains an hour timetable, as before the pandemic.

You can read the WRIS 2 Document at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/wris

Please add your comments and thoughts and help BARRUP improve rail services in Bromsgrove and North East Worcestershire.

by Nick Taylor

Fighting for the returnof iconic 144 bus

However, days later it was axed, and the replacement bus, the 144A, was being hailed as a success. Well, it wasn’t. The 144 bus seamlessly linked Bromsgrove to Birmingham in one 45minute journey. It allowed hospital workers, people going for hospital appointments, people wanting to socialise and many others to reach the Second City in an uninterrupted journey.

Now the same trip takes up to two hours, and commuters are required to change buses in Longbridge. I tried the 144A before attending the Worcestershire County Council scrutiny meeting on transport. My journey to work typically takes 30 minutes door to door from Bromsgrove to Brindley Place. By bus, it took two hours and 20 minutes.

The Labour Party inbox was inundated with distressed messages from residents. I read each one, and it became clear that this is a serious issue that needs our full attention.

I submitted a freedom of information request to the county council on May 30th. I asked them to tell me if and when they had meetings with Birmingham City Council to address the 144 before it was axed. I am yet to receive a response, even though legally, they should have responded within 20 working days.

I emailed the leader of Birmingham City Council, Cllr Ian Ward, and asked the same question.

He immediately responded by telling me that he asked for a briefing from Transport for West Midlands; he then forwarded me their response.

In their email, they wrote: “At the time of the deregistration of the service (144) TFWM did offer our support to Worcestershire CC to see a placement

service and felt there were a number of options available for which we could consider help and support.

“However, WCC decided to pursue the option that National Express are now operating to provide a service from Bromsgrove to Longbridge via Catshill. This gives passengers wishing to travel to Birmingham a less optimal opportunity to connect with service 63 or the Cross City rail service.”

The Labour Party held two campaigns in town to raise awareness of this problem and its impact on our community, in order to compel more council action. As we now come to the end of the 144A bus contract, which was only placed for six months, we are yet to be given any information from district and county council.

However, Cllr Ian Ward asked me to provide him with comments/emails written by those affected, which I did. In an update on September 13th, he said the city council are now looking at the route and will come back to me in two weeks.

I am extremely hopeful that in a fortnight, crossborder Labour Party work may, just may, bring back the 144 bus. Bromsgrove Labour Party intends to keep fighting for this bus route to be reinstated because, fundamentally, we believe that when there is a will, there is a way!

by Sam Ammar, Bromsgrove CLP Chair

In February this year, I attended a full council meeting to see the Labour motion to ensure the 144 bus route remains in operation win with a show of hands from all political parties.

Quality care in Bromsgrove you can trust

Care UK’s Chandler Court care home in Bromsgrove, rated ‘Good’ by the CQC, provides residential, dementia and nursing care, giving families peace of mind that their loved ones can stay living at the home should their needs change.

Living at Chandler Court is all about quality of life. Every colleague in the home is passionate about enabling residents to enjoy a fulfilling lifestyle, tailored around their unique needs and preferences. The lifestyle team organises a huge variety of group and one-to-one activities, with plenty going on each day.

The team at Chandler Court are proud to have achieved some great results in the recent relative survey, in fact 95% of families feel their loved ones are treated with kindness, respect and dignity^. Once their relative has settled into Chandler Court, they are able to focus on spending quality time with them again just enjoying each other’s company.

With the extra support that our care home offers, new residents are often surprised at what they can do, whether that’s being able to continue with an activity

they’ve enjoyed in the past, or even discovering new hobbies with our daily activities.

Whether your loved one enjoys a quiet cup of tea in bed before starting the day, loves going for strolls in the landscaped grounds, or enjoys a chat over a beer, the team at Chandler Court will spend time to enable them to continue living life the way they want to.

Chandler Court is part of award-winning provider, Care UK – one of the UK’s most successful care home operators* with over 40 years’ experience of delivering high quality care to older people.

Chandler Court Care Home Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT Tel: 01527 903634 email: paul.chambers@careuk.com www.careuk.com/chandler-court

When a family is thinking about care for a loved one, they want the best - they want to know that the care home they choose will put their loved one’s safety, happiness and wellbeing first.

Christmas at The Brook 2022

Christmas is a time to celebrate and get together with family, friends and work colleagues. Why not let us host your Christmas get togethers this year?

Our Festive menu will be running from 29th November through to the 24th December. Expect great, locally sourced, festive inspired dishes along with a great selection of beers, mulled wine and Christmas themed cocktails. All finished off with 2 real open fires for those colder Christmas evenings

The Woodshed

Suitable for up to 10 guests to enjoy your festive celebrations in the comfort of your own private dining booth. The Woodshed is complete with heaters and your own speaker so you can play your favourite Christmas songs until your heart is content.

Early Bird Offer

Book a table of 10 or more before 24th November and receive a festive Welcome drink on us to help kick start your celebrations.

Live Music

We will be having some live music throughout December so keep an eye on our social media pages for dates

Street Food Takeover

Everyones fed up of Turkey after Christmas right? We’ll be offering something a little different in the days between Christmas and new year. Expect lots of small plates where you can pick lots of dishes for the middle of the table for you and your friends and family to graze whilst you have a catch up over the days of Christmas.

Wrap up plants against sharp blast of winter

There is a nip in the air, the boots are polished and back out and on comes the “big coat”.

Winter is upon us and the clocks will soon be changing. As we don our woolly hats, perhaps we should bear a thought for those exotic plants in our gardens, yes, the ones that we spent a tidy sum on. How can we protect those statement plants against the worst of the weather? They too need to wrap up against the sharp blast of winter.

Whether it’s a banana tree, a majestic tree palm, a simple cordyline or clusters of fiery canna lilies; they would be grateful for being layered up against the cold nights that are to come. Where you can, use a conservatory, garage, porch or frost-free greenhouse to overwinter potted plants – not somewhere that is too warm though; and certainly don’t over water them.

For those potted plants that you can’t bring in, position them in a sheltered part of the garden, against a wall or fence; and where possible use pot feet to raise them up from the ground which will aid drainage. Wrap the pot with bubble wrap and where necessary, at the base of the plant, or the crown of a palm, pack with straw, leaves or other organic materials; and for large plants cover with fleece, securing to make a “coat”.

You may wonder how to protect plants from frost

when they are planted in the ground? Place several stakes around your plants and cover these with fleece to create a tent-like structure. Weigh down the corners to prevent the coverings from blowing away in the night and remove the covers during the day if you can. Or similarly, cut-off the top of large plastic bottles or milk containers, these homemade cloches can be sunk into the soil around small plants and seedlings to provide protection.

Remove them during the day to allow the plants to benefit from the warmth and energy of the sun. Tender perennials that have bloomed and died down can be lifted to protect them from frost. Clean off the dirt and dry before storing the roots, bulbs, tubers and corms in a cool but frost-free place, such as a potting shed or greenhouse.

Some jobs to keep you busy throughout October

Plant drifts of spring bulbs informally in a lawn, including crocuses, daffodils and snake’shead fritillaries.

Compost the contents of your summer pots and hanging baskets. Take cuttings of shrubby herbs, such as rosemary, lemon verbena and thyme.

Sow green manure, such as winter rye, rather than leaving soil bare over winter.

Sow hardy broad beans and peas outdoors for early crops next year.

Plant garlic cloves in a sunny welldrained spot, 15cm apart, with their tip 5cm below the surface.

Cut fruited stems of blackberries and autumn raspberries down to the ground.

Clean out the greenhouse and wash the glass to get rid of debris that can harbour overwintering pests and diseases.

When you are all wrapped up in your onesie you can also be happy to know that your plants are wearing theirs too.

Build a log pile at the back of a border for wildlife to shelter in.

By Suzi M, plotter and garden lover

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As well as enhancing and adding value to your home, the concept is also good for the environment saving you time & money as you will be transforming, upcycling, and adding personality to your home, saving it from landfill & giving a fresh new look & purpose for today’s lifestyle.

If you want to see more of what we do visit our showroom in Bromsgrove, that’s free!

Unit 23 Silver Birches Business Park, Aston Road, Bromsgrove B60 3EU.

Tel: 01527 558166 / 01527 877129 info@wesprayanything.com www.wesprayanything.com

Get your gardenautumn ready

Now that the colder weather is fast approaching, it is time to start preparing the garden for the onset of winter. Here is our guide to essential jobs to keep things shipshape, protect your fence, and be ready for the burst of activity next spring.

PRUNE THOSE BUSHES

Throughout summer you may have used your fencing or trellis to support climbing plants. It’s important to clear away and prune plants, to ensure the integrity of the timber fencing is not affected. Leaving plant matter on your fence over the wetter winter months can create ‘in-ground’ conditions and can start to damage the fence itself. When pruning, it’s a good time to cut back any trees that are located near your fencing. If a bad storm hits and the branch breaks it could damage your fencing.

MOW YOUR LAWN FOR WINTER

In winter, the wet and lack of sunlight affect the lawn. As the leaves fall, rake them away regularly. You should complete a final mow for the year around the beginning of November, when there is a dry spell.

LEAF LITTER AND GARDEN DEBRIS

It’s important not to allow build up of dead leaves against timber fencing. Gravel boards are the unsung hero, stopping fence panels coming into contact with the ground.

MAINTAIN GARDEN BORDERS

While the soil is still warm, now is a good time to review any plants which may have been struggling in their current location and move them to a spot better suited to their favoured growing conditions. Pansies and wallflowers can be planted now to deliver an impressive display of colour early next spring.

WELCOME WILDLIFE

Don’t cut hedges back until the very end of winter so that any visiting birds are able to benefit from their shelter – as well as forage for berries. For the same reason, leave in situ any ivy that is weaving its way up walls and fences in the garden, insect eaters such as tits will thank you.

HELP FOR HEDGEHOGS

Allow hedgehogs to roam freely from garden to garden in their search for food and mates by creating a simple hole in gravel boards. You can also create a hedgehog house, a great activity to get young people involved in.

ALL HANDS-ON DECK

A deck can come into its own during the winter, providing a convenient way of experiencing the outdoors without all the mud and dirt associated with a traditional garden setting. However, don’t forget to give the deck a good clean using a pressure washer or a stiff brush or scraper to remove any moss or lichen on the boards, which can represent a serious slip hazard.

Worcester Timber Products are experts in fencing and landscaping, and a manufacturer of sheds, log stores and garden buildings.

Visit www.worcestertimberproducts.co.uk or our display area on Hartlebury Trading Estate, DY10 4JB. Free delivery is currently available for orders more than £500 to all WR and B postcodes.

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Photos: Bird box – Peter Cairns/2020VISION Planting , creating a pond & gardening in the community – Penny Dixie Exploring the outdoors – Brian Taylor Youth volunteers – Lauren Roberts

Get connected to nature

Coming to Bromsgrove Redditch this autumn is a new local

With funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, we are launching a programme of activities to support people in reconnecting with their open spaces as well as to better support people who are already acting for nature in some way. Wildlife is declining at a rapid rate and studies show that more and more people are disconnected from the nature around them. This disconnection, rarely taking time to stop and take in the natural world or explore local green spaces, has an impact on our mental and physical health.

Our Nextdoor Nature project is all about exploring nature where you live. We want to work within different communities and with people from all different backgrounds. We have a particular interest in helping young people and community groups explore ways of getting nature back on their agenda in ways that are meaningful to them.

We’re looking to work alongside youth groups, community groups, faith groups, local activity providers, social groups, local authorities and local interest groups that would like to connect with the outdoors. We’re keen to help you run nature walks, find out more about taking action for wildlife, explore nature through artistic means such as painting and music as well as discovering how we can help you to enhance wildlife on your doorstep and in your community.

Bromsgrove has some wonderful local open spaces with great parks, canal walks and playing fields where butterflies flutter overhead, bees buzz from place to place and birds sing from the trees. This autumn we want to bring local residents, from all different backgrounds, closer to all this. With a little encouragement and support, there is plenty of wildlife near you to admire, appreciate and be inspired by.

Our project team has a dedicated officer who is keen to spend time getting to know the various groups, communities and youth organisations in and around Bromsgrove and Redditch to see how we can get nature into your lives. Whether you’d like some outdoor learning, mental wellbeing walking routes, recreational activities, arts and cultural activities or just chilling out in nature, getting involved in Nextdoor Nature might be just what you’re looking for.

If you’re in a group or you’re just someone who wants more information, please get in touch with us at yasmina@Worcestershirewildlifetrust.org. You can find out more about the project on our website www.bit.ly/NextDNatNews or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

News of Queen’s passing voiced in the most traditional way

Bromsgrove’s much-loved Town Crier, Kevin Ward, took to the streets as soon as he heard the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s passing and recorded an incredible 150 cries in the next 10 days.

Kevin told Completely Bromsgrove: “As soon as I heard the sad news at about 6.45pm on September 8th I knew I had to fulfil the role that my ancestors would have done.

“To develop a suitable Cry I looked up the full titles of both the late Queen and Prince Charles as he was then and combined them into a Cry that encompassed the news of the Queen’s death and the succession of monarchy. I also realised that, instead of saying ‘God Save the Queen’ to end the Cry, as I have done for the last 37 years, it now had to be ‘God Save the King ’.

“Just 45 minutes later, at 7.30pm, I carried out the first Cry outside my house. I then have a record of Crying 27 times that evening at various establishments which were open and in the streets.

“I repeated the Cry on Friday, also announcing that the Book of Condolence was open at the Council Offices and that there was to be a short ceremony at the War Memorial on Saturday evening. The 10am cry at the Housman Statue was live streamed on the Bromsgrove Standard Facebook page and I was accompanied by council chairman Rod Laight. I repeated this Cry 25 times.

“On Saturday, with more details emerging about the Formal Proclamation of Accession at the bandstand in Sanders Park on Sunday, I again took to the town, this time recording 30 Cries. I assisted with the 6pm ceremony for the late Queen at the Crown Close Memorial Cross, singing the national anthem with those gathered and calling for three cheers for the King.

“After singing in the choir at St John’s Church

on Sunday morning I was honoured to open the Proclamation of Accession ceremony in Sanders Park with deputy lieutenant Paul West and Rod Laight. That was immediately followed by an evening event at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings where I recorded another 20 Cries and at one point instigated a two-minute silence.

“At a Royal British Legion meeting on September 12th, I repeated the Cry from Avoncroft and then again on Wednesday, during a talk to Bromsgrove Older Peoples Forum at the Stroke Centre.

“September 17th was another busy day, first helping out at the Cake and Coffee Concert, then around 30 Cries in the town advertising St John’s Open Church and evening Memorial Service, the minute’s silence at 8pm on Sunday and that Her Majesty’s Funeral was to be live streamed in the Parkside Hall on Monday.

“The word for the cries are my own. I gained the information from official sources, then wrote a Cry to ensure the news is spread clearly and concisely. Much of the content is to inform the public of the events taking place but throughout the cries I have emphasised in one form or another that our thoughts and prayers remain with the Royal Family at this time of their grievous personal loss.”

Here at Completely Bromsgrove we want to express the thoughts of so many residents in Bromsgrove – those of admiration and gratitude to Kevin for the many hours he has put in to inform the residents of the news from the Royal Family in a traditional and honourable way. Thank you, Kevin!

When Queen Elizabeth II visited Bromsgrove

Our late Queen made a fleeting visit to Hagley accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, their only visit to the district together, as reported in the Bromsgrove Messenger on June 3rd 1977.

A Royal visit to Bromsgrove took place in April 1957 and on Thursday, March 1st 2001 the Queen officially opened the £1.2million Millennium Building at North Bromsgrove High School. The Standard newspaper reported on the visit in its Friday, March 2nd edition. Newspaper cuttings kept by local historian Pat Tansell allows Completely Bromsgrove readers to reminisce about the Royal visits.

Proclamation of the accession of King Charles III

On Sunday 11th September, at 3 pm in Sanders Park Bromsgrove, a large crowd gathered to witness the Proclamation of the Accession of King Charles III.

The previous day the first proclamation was made from the balcony at St James’ Palace in London, and as tradition dictates, the message is spread through the country with the proclamation being made in every town, village and throughout cities.

The historic ceremony began with town crier Kevin Ward opening the proceedings and introducing the Deputy Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Mr Paul West QPM DL who spoke of the sadness shared by many who remember, with affection and gratitude, the extraordinary lifetime of service given by our longest reigning monarch.

Mr West reminded those present that our monarchy is built on the basis that the crown has passed in an unbroken line of succession through the centuries.

Bromsgrove District Council Chairman, Rod Laight took the centre stage to read out the proclamation, which he had collected from the Guildhall in Worcester following the official ceremony in London.

Joining the three on the band stand stage were members of the Court Leet, in full robes and regalia, to signify the importance of the ceremony to proclaim the King as our new monarch. Bailiff was flanked by Tythingmen with ceremonial poles and joined by the Immediate Past Bailiff, the Headborough and two Ealdormen.

The ceremony concluded with the national anthem, with many people singing God save the King for the first time, and three cheers of His Majesty King Charles III.

This historical occasion will be etched on the memories of those who attended and took part.

by Jo Slade

Veteran Jim sees Royalhistory in the makingfor the fifth time

B romsgrove veteran Jim Bent saw the fifth monarch in his lifetime announced when he attended the town’s Proclamation of King Charles III at Sanders Park.

The 94-year-old, who moved to Hinton Fields 50 years ago, saluted and joined the crowds to sing the National Anthem during the ceremony performed by Bromsgrove District Council chairman, Cllr Rod Laight.

The five monarchs in Jim’s life before Charles III were George V (1910 to 1936), Edward VIII who was king from January 1936 to December that year, when he abdicated – he was never crowned, George VI (1936 to 1952) and Queen Elizabeth II (1952 to 2022).

Jim’s daughter Sally Findon, who lives in Aston Fields, said: “My father lived in Claines and remembers watching the processions through Worcester following the coronation of George VI and taking part in the celebrations in Crowle when Elizabeth II was crowned.”

A Sea Cadet as a teenager, Jim remembers carrying out drills at Madresfield Court in Malvern when he was 14 because of a secret plan which came to light after the war that Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret were due to be evacuated there should the need arise.

And those were not Jim’s only connections to the Royal Family. He was also in the Navy and was the personally assigned servant to Prince Philip of Greece who became the Duke of Edinburgh and the late Queen’s husband of 73 years.

During his time in service, from 1945 to 1949, Jim was based at Pwllheli in Wales, as after the war Butlin’s holiday camps were used as naval bases. He was also based in Wiltshire.

Jim shared some of his experiences working for Prince Philip in an interview with BBC Hereford & Worcester last year. Among the amusing anecdotes he recalled was an incident when he repaired Prince Philip’s trousers after he got them caught on a barbed wire fence, but inadvertently sewed his trousers and underpants together.

On another occasion Prince Philip put a mouse in a post box and the Wren who emptied the box squealed at the sight of the rodent.

Jim remembered Prince Philip as a nice chap who enjoyed a joke and liked cricket.

In 1948, Jim worked as a sick bay attendant which helped shape his future career. After national service, he worked for Boots in Worcester and moved to the Bromsgrove branch when he rented a cottage from Lt Col Reginald Keble Morcom who owned the Clock House in Fockbury. In time he became a crop specialist with Boots and went on to open his own business.

Sally added: “We’ve still got his kit bag and all his documents from the time, including a letter from The Queen’s lady in waiting relating to his service in the navy.”

Remember someone special with Lights of Love

Appeals like this one allows the hospice to continue to care and support people living with life-limiting illnesses and families in North East Worcestershire at Christmas and all year round. Earlier in 2022 the hospice supported Steve Taylor and his family before he died.

Steve’s goal was always getting out and through Primrose he found his motto: “Three steps over the threshold and we’re out.” Steve loved coming to Primrose Hospice and it gave him the confidence to leave the house to visit friends and family.

Michelle, Steve’s wife said: “The thought of palliative care scared us. Although we have known Steve’s diagnosis all along, the thought of coming to a hospice was daunting. We were frightened about what we would see here and what would happen. The decision to come to that first session was a big one, but we never looked back.”

You can join the Lights of Love services including a new night of remembrance at Primrose Hospice on December 3rd. The hospice will also be holding church services throughout November.

Find out more about Lights of Love and how to dedicate your light here: www. primrosehospice.org/events/lightsoflove or contact their fundraising team on 01527 889796 or email info@primrosehospice.org

Thank you for your support which will allow Primrose Hospice to provide care and support for more people like Steve and family during the times when they need us the most. year Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre in Bromsgrove invites the community to join them to dedicate a light for someone special in your life for their Lights of Love appeal.

Local butcher as for national Women In Meat IndustryAwards 2022

Following a record vote, the finalists for the 2022 Women In Meat Industry Awards have been confirmed for this year. This includes local butcher Michelle Holsey who is co-proprietor of the Butcher’s Block business in Bromsgrove.

Michelle has worked in the industry for around 25 years. She is described in the awards nomination as a super hard working person and as being fantastic with customers. Nothing is too much trouble and she caters for everybody’s needs.

In one of several nominations received, a proposer commented: “Michelle creates a warm and friendly environment in her lovely shop as well as making sure her customers are always looked after with the best quality meat.”

The winner of each category will be announced at a glittering 5-star ceremony taking place in London this coming November. Category winners will then be included in the shortlist for the overall Meat Businesswoman of the Year Award, that will also be announced on the night.

Over 14,000 votes were received across 11 categories which is a record, and there were more candidates shortlisted than ever before after a record number of nominations.

Joanna Thomson from Meat Management magazine, who organise and stage the annual awards commented: “This really is an amazing initiative and we are all so excited about the way people have responded.

“This year it is clear that the Women In Meat Industry Awards continues to go from strength to

strength and the event will be a brilliant occasion. The Women In Meat Industry Awards really has caught the imagination of the industry since we launched it back in 2018.”

Celebrity chef, author and TV Broadcaster Rachel Allen will host the awards ceremony in November.

“

Saddle up for the

Just because you’re not daft it doesn’t mean you happen to live in Dullsville, man.” That’s a piece of wisdom culled from memory lane, when a tall Texan pointed out in his inimitable way that good sense and beige blandness are not intrinsically linked for all time in Holy Mackerel.

So, onto the sharp-suited piece of sensible motoring that goes by the name of Texas Bill - sorry, I mean the Seat Arona 1.0 TSi FR Sport. 110 PS manual. This is a top of the bill treat for every sensible soul who needs to saddle up for the dutiful drive across Blighty’s urban plains and rural ranch lands.

As I say, it sure looks good. A smartly assertive and confident car packing SUV capability into saloon-sized suavity with the effortless swagger of true sophistication. It also totes a total package of standard equipment that spares the driver many worries, while keeping him or her alert, comfy and prepared for any tricks that an ornery ol’ sidewinder called Hazard might have up its scaly sleeve. If you need to stop in a hurry you’re already too late because the Seat’s autonomous emergency braking has done it for you.

There’s air con to offer relief in Death Valley and automatic headlights ready to beam as daylight dims. Then for those long motorway hauls, there’s cruise control ready to kick in and spare your tibialis anticus the twinges of throttle - tattoo tendonitis.

Driver and passengers are treated to a high-riding and airy cabin. At long last long-limbed motorists and passengers are granted space to stretch in the deservedly popular current trend for sports utilities and there’s a roomy boot.

Seat Arona Sport

In a car as well-conceived as this £24,460 FR Sport version tested here, those bullseye hits just keep on coming. You won’t need a wagon load of tengallon hats to keep you fuelled up, for with plentiful economy of the low polluting, lively 110PS 1.0 3 cylinder engine mated to a six speed gearbox, just a modest amount of petrol (claimed 47.9 mpg to 51.4 mpg) will keep you bowling along the highway.

For instance, true sportiness hasn’t been kicked into the long grass as is so often the case today. With taut suspension and properly sorted steering this Seat Arona comes alive with rewarding dynamism when propelled along leafy lanes.

Nuggets of information for the technically minded? There’s a touchscreen and all the connectivity any lonesome Texan might need in the badlands of Birmingham. I was almost won over by the user-friendly deployment of enticing electrical extras: well almost. For me, if a car’s about anything it’s about being fun to drive.

On the grapevine I heard one or two ‘experts’ expressing the view that SUVs aren’t - well - proper cars. They’re a compromise too far, they say. I disagree. The Arona in my view doesn’t compromise so much as offer comprehensive ‘usability’. There might not be such a word in Webster’s Dictionary but there certainly is a place in the pantheon of superlatives for this cracking model - versatile and vivacious with a character as charismatic as a cordon bleu chef handing out free plate loads of lobster thermidor.

You’ll be drawn to its positive energy, characterful appearance, super comfortable cabin and accommodating boot. But most of all you’ll love the feeling you get only when one is behind the wheel of a proper motor. See that Cheshire Cat? It just has to be the grinning owner of the Seat Arona. This is a car that beats the cat to the cream with quick-draw appeal right out of the top drawer. An Arona owner has the Seat to beat.

by Syd Taylor

Adventures galore on annual Big Day Out

The Big Day Out is an annual event which gives carers and children the opportunity to spend the day together, getting to know each other and sharing experiences. Children Always First prides itself on being a “family feel” agency and the Big Day Out is just one of the many ways in which that is celebrated.

This year more than 60 children and young people had the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities including rock climbing, tree trekking, giant zip wires and go karting. The day was also an opportunity for the children to face some fears and try new things. The younger ones danced, played on inflatables and met furry friends brought along by Animaltastic.

While the children were having fun, CAF’s amazing foster carers got the chance to relax, and chat together, an opportunity they don’t often get. Foster carers for Children Always First are based across the West Midlands, which is why CAF host events like this.

The event was a huge success and ended with the first Kids versus Carers football match which the young people had been training for all summer (and they won!)

Children Always First would like to take the opportunity to thank their foster carers for their hard work and dedication to children in their care and the Blackwell Adventure team for their support and hospitality.

Staff, foster carers and children of Children Always First came together for the Annual Big Day out at Blackwell Adventure in Bromsgrove.

FA Cup disappointment for Sporting teams

Bromsgrove Sporting’s to be erratic. A 2-1 against Hitchin

However, a 4-3 victory in the FA Cup against Lincolnshire team, Stamford saw the Rouslers through to the next round with Dan Sullivan scoring a hat-trick, the first for Sporting since February 2020. Unfortunately a tough draw pitted Sporting against National League North team Hereford at Edgar Street and despite having

by Phil Baker

Dan Sweeney holds off a challenge

chances to pull off a giant-killing, the home side edged the match 1-0.

Fixtures for October and early November are shown below though the FA Trophy match on October 8th is yet to be decided and is dependent on which team comes out of the draw

Bromsgrove Sporting's Bank Redditch a couple of a 4 3 victory in the FA Cup Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round

Tues Southern League

Sat Southern League

Tues Southern League

Sat Southern League

Tues Southern League

Sat Southern League Southern League

Sporting's Ladies' team started their league season brilliantly with an emphatic 11 0 but sadly unexpected

Sporting’s Ladies’ team started their league season brilliantly with an emphatic 11-0 win but despite outplaying their opponents at times, they lost 1-0 in the Women’s FA Cup to Coventry City Women with an unexpected three figure crowd watching the proceedings.

Bromsgrove

The Colts their

Bromsgrove Sporting Veterans also got off to a good start with a 5-0 victory against local rivals Alvechurch with former first team legend Joe Brooks bagging a couple of goals on his debut. The Colts teams have only played one or two matches so far.

Any enquiries the Bromsgrove Sporting be by email to hello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk.

Otherwise there is plenty of information on Facebook, Instagram and the Club web site, www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk.

Any enquiries about the Bromsgrove Sporting family can be sent by email to hello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

There is also information on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and the club website www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

Photos by Chris Jepson

Croft oh-soclose to final day promotion

Avoncroft Cricket Club ended a successful season with a tinge of disappointment as the First XI narrowly missed out on promotion on the last day of the season.

Five wickets from Alex Richardson and an incredible knock of 139 from Duncan Roke wasn’t enough to stop Croft from slipping to a 21 run defeat against Barnards Green which, coupled with a win from local rivals Redditch, left Avoncroft in fourth place for the season.

Despite the result not going their way, Croft can reflect positively on the fact that, just one year ago, they went into the last game needing a win to avoid relegation whilst this year, the fight for promotion went down to the wire – quite the turnaround for the Stoke Heath club.

Away from competitive cricket, Avoncroft were proud to have the opportunity to give something back to the local community in August. Teaming up with Worcestershire Cricket Board, Avoncroft hosted a cricket workshop for an Afghan refugee group based in Bromsgrove.

Croft’s Second XI finished a tough season with things definitely pointing in the right direction. A disappointing start to the season left Croft staring at possible relegation at the halfway point, but five wins in their last seven games ended the year in style and gave Croft a comfortable mid-table finish.

Both the Second XI and Croft’s title-winning Third XI relied heavily on their junior stars during the runin, which bodes well for the future of the club in the years to come.

Cricket has been a massively growing sport in Afghanistan for the last couple of decades with the men’s team now ranked in the top 10 in the world in T20 cricket, and the enthusiasm for their cricket was clear to see in the youngsters who took part in the workshop. Hopefully, this will just be the start of their cricketing experience in the UK.

by Paul Athey

Treat your teamto some festive fun

This December millions of UK businesses will welcome the first full-on, no holds barred company festivities since 2019. The Christmas party season will herald a return to prepandemic celebrations - so now’s the time to book your corporate entertainment package.

S4F, based in Hanbury, offers an alternative to the typical entertainment at an office party, with a variety of outdoor shooting activities to help your event go with a bang. Book an outdoor activity package at S4F’s 4.5 acre Oaklands Pursuits Centre and your staff will enjoy a truly memorable experience.

A traditional festive clay shoot guarantees adrenalinfuelled fun as you take part in a sport which was once the preserve of the landed gentry. Everyone will enjoy smashing clay pigeons out of the sky.

An archery session introduces staff to the ancient thrill of shooting a bow and hitting the target as they discover their inner Robin Hood. You won’t be in Sherwood Forest but S4F is based in its own forest setting in the glorious Worcestershire countryside.

Or take to the woods and let work colleagues enjoy space-age technology as they engage in state-of-the-art laser tag combat. They will soon be battling to see who takes home the ‘hot shot’ title.

No paint, no pain, no mess – just guaranteed fun with this truly exciting gaming experience.

S4F has been delivering bespoke entertainment packages for nearly 30 years. Packages can be tailored to suit different group sizes and budgets and every aspect of your entertainment will be taken care of by S4F’s experienced team.

Equipment, professional presentation and qualified instructors are included in the price, and all abilities are catered for, so everyone can join in. All S4F activities are mobile so the entertainment can be delivered at your chosen venue (subject to licensing restrictions).

S4F also offers team building days with cerebral and physical games that will engage and challenge your staff. Why not book a team building day for 2023?

For more information about shooting activities call Mark Treverton on 01527 575141, email mark@shooting4fun.co.uk or visit www.shooting4fun.co.uk

Luxury Winter Break

Endangered giraffe calf born at Safari Park

The six-foot-tall baby boy was born in the Park’s new giraffe house, at 12:30am on 13 September 2022, to third-time mum, Arusha and dad Rufus.

After a gestation period of around 15 months, keepers had been eagerly awaiting the birth, but as the calf was born at night, the event was captured on CCTV.

After reviewing the CCTV and watching the live cameras from the giraffe house, keepers were concerned that the calf was having trouble standing to feed, so had to take the decision to step in and give the calf a helping hand.

Lisa Watkins, Head Keeper of Ungulates, said, “The wildlife team are extremely pleased at the safe arrival of a beautiful, male giraffe calf born on Tuesday 13 September. It is even more exciting that he is the first calf born in our brand-new giraffe house, that was only completed in April this year and we hope to be able to show him off to guests very soon.”

She continued, “Rothschild’s giraffe are classified as ‘endangered’ in the wild, so any successful births are more important than ever.We know he will become an ambassador for his wild counterparts, inspiring action and raising awareness of the issues they face in the wild.”

Rothschild’s giraffe numbers remain low, mainly due to loss of habitat from deforestation and land being converted for agriculture. They are also at risk of poaching, for their meat and skin.

The giraffes at the Safari Park are part of a European breeding programme, which aims to conserve endangered species, so any birth is fantastic news for the longevity of this majestic species.

The Park also supports and donates to the conservation work carried out by Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF), who they championed earlier this year over Whit Week,

at their Giraffe Conservation Station.

Although the new-born is yet to be named, keepers will choose a name beginning with ‘K’, as all babies born at the Park in 2022 will have names that begin with this letter.

It’s hoped that once keepers are happy the baby boy has built up enough strength, he will take his first steps out into the giraffe yard this week, where guests may be able to see a glimpse of him from the safari drive-through.

He will then be slowly introduced to the rest of the herd, including his dad and half-sister Emali, who will keep a close eye on him as he’s then let out onto the safari.

The ‘tower’ of giraffes at the Park now stands at nine and they can be seen on the four-mile safari, included in the standard admission charge of £25.00 for adults and children aged 3-15 and £22.00 for concessions. Children under the age of three are free. Adventure Theme Park rides are charged extra.

Admission includes a Free Return Code to visit again on selected dates, within six months, only when booking online in advance, without a Tesco voucher.

The Park also offers overnight stays with fantastic views of the giraffes from their Giraffe Lodges –www.safari-lodges.co.uk

Further information about West Midland Safari Park is available from the Park’s website www.wmsp.co.uk or by call 01299 402114.

Find out more on our official Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WestMidSafari

Keepers at West Midland Safari Park are celebrating the birth of an incredibly cute, endangered giraffe calf.

Build up yourimmune systems as winter approaches

Before I begin this month’s article, I would like to acknowledge the gift of service and faith our late monarch gave us. Queen Elizabeth II was a great believer in homeopathy and outdoor living, may she rest in peace.

With everything that is happening around us in regard to finances for the winter months we are all having to take account of our health and with the next round of covid vaccinations about to be rolled out, now is the time to build up your immune system.

I am sure we have all helped to top up our vitamin D during the heatwave, but we need to supplement this important vitamin daily. This supplement is so easy to obtain in an oral spray and is available in health food stores.

I have written monthly on supplementing our cells because we are replacing cells daily. How many cells does the body lose every day?

The average adult human loses around to 500 million skin cells per day. Your body is made up of far more cells than that: about 30 trillion, or nearly 100,000 times more than the number of skin cells lost each day.

We need to remember that intense stress, demanding jobs, the heat, family responsibilities and grief all take their toll on our immune system and how we feel about ourselves. We tell ourselves “We don’t have time to get sick” and as soon as we relax and go away on holiday what happens - we don’t feel that great.

Major health issues include stress, anxiety, fatigue, cancer, weight gain, autoimmune disease, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and skin issues. That is quite a list and taking control is not always that easy. We can’t focus on every single health challenge that we may face in just one short article.

Cells communicating is about sending and receiving signals. Signals come from our environment, as well as our cells. To trigger a response, these signals must be transmitted across the cell membrane.

Why is cellular communication important to overall cellular health? Cellular communication ensures that messages are delivered and received in a timely manner to continue new cell production and cell repair. If you cut yourself, you need that cellular communication to heal the cut and stop the bleeding.

How do you enhance cellular communication? Supplement the body with redox signalling molecules, which act as cellular message carriers, helping to protect, rejuvenate, and keep cells functioning at optimal levels.

As with ageing, toxins and environmental stress diminishes our cellular function, and with it, the body’s ability to create and maintain a proper balance of redox signaling molecules. There is only one company that has developed a revolutionary technology that replicates redox signalling molecules outside of the human body in perfect balance with our own cells.

This is an article I found from Yoshinori Ohsumi, a Nobel Prize winner in physiology and medicine.

To find out more, contact me at colette@ need4change.com or on Facebook.

by Colette Garside

Yoshinori OhsumiNobel Prize Winner in Physiology and Medicine

Butter Pudding with Spiced Apple Compote

First make the spiced apple compote. Add the apples to the pan, along with the sugar if using & the cinnamon. Cook down until apple is soft. Pour this compote on the bottom of the dish.

Spread each piece of bread with butter and cut in half so you have triangles. Lay these in two rows on top of the compote alternating between the buttered bread and a thin slice of apple.

Whisk together the eggs, milk and sugar in a bowl then pour over the bread in the dish.

Let this soak for 30 minutes while you let the oven warm to 180°C (fan) / 200°C. Bake in the oven for 30-40 minutes until the custard is set.

Serve hot with cream/custard to serve way of using up the best of the British Apple Season –whether you make in the autumn with fresh apples, or make with stewed apples throughout the winter. A refreshing twist on a British classic.

Bromsgrove Cemetery in autumn

In addition to its man-made monuments, the cemetery is a haven for small mammals and insects and also boasts one of the finest tree collections in Worcestershire. Some native species, such as the mighty English oak, ancient yew and sumptuous lime, were probably already here before the cemetery was created.

The cemetery opened in 1858 after it was decided that the town urgently needed a new burial ground. It was laid out in the latest fashion with paths running mostly at right angles. The architect was C.H. Cooke of London whose design won praise from the Journal of Civil Engineers and Architects . The new cemetery lodge was in striking red brick with Bath stone dressing, roofed with red and blue tiles. The lodge was replaced in 1958 but the lych gate remains.

The establishment of the cemetery in the 1850s saw the addition of more yews, this time in stately avenues, and a number of more exotic species from far-off shores. Towering pines from Austria, Macedonia and Corsica now rub shoulders with great cedars from Africa and Lebanon, sinuous sweet chestnuts from Spain, southern beech from New Zealand, and a fantastic monkey puzzle tree from South America. These trees are coming into their prime after 150 years, but most are still some way from their full size and majesty.

Along the main axis are features – one natural, the other man-made – within two circular areas. In the northern circular area is a giant redwood (Sequoiadendron giganteum) which occurs naturally on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains of California. It grows to an average height of 50 to 85 metres (160 to 279 feet), with a trunk diameter of six to eight metres (20 to 26 feet). The first seeds of the giant redwood arrived in England in 1853, just years before the cemetery opened.

At the centre of the southern circle is the John Adams Memorial, which celebrates the industrialist and benefactor John Adams (1766-1858). Adams died on January 7th 1858 – the same month that the cemetery opened – and the cross was erected by his nephew, Revd Thomas Housman, among others.

After nearly 150 years, the High-Victorian style stone memorial was showing its age and in 2007 was taken down on safety grounds. Avoncroft Museum, the Bromsgrove Society, the Housman Society, the Victorian Society, and the district council worked together to restore the memorial, with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and others. It was re-erected in its original position in May 2013.

Many famous Bromsgrovians are buried in the cemetery, including the architect John Cotton, members of the Sanders family (who bequeathed Sanders Park), and Anthony E. Pratt, the inventor of Cluedo.

The Bromsgrove Society website has downloadable guides to both the graves and the trees to be found in the cemetery: www.bsoc.co.uk/cemetery-walk

by Mike Sharpe

A

utumn is approaching and one of the best places to see the colours is in Bromsgrove Cemetery, a peaceful and historic open space at the heart of the town.

The Lodge circa 1915

The Sanders family grave

Schoolfriends reunited for stroll down memory lane

Former pupils from Watt Close Secondary Modern School in Bromsgrove held another school reunion in the old school’s assembly hall for a repeat trip down memory lane. The last get together in 2018 was a huge success with many friendships reignited.

Former students came from as far away as Austin, Texas, South Africa, and Spain and, closer to home, from Weston Super Mare, Oxford and Hereford.

Whether swapping memories of favourite teachers, lessons, homework, detention or pranks, the conversation never stopped. A truly fabulous day!

Visions of autumn

Here comes autumn with carpets of crispy, burnished, fallen leaves, pods bursting with seeds, shiny berries and misty mornings.

Autumn will be the inspiration for Tammy Kefford’s floral demonstration at Bromsgrove Flower Club on Thursday, October 20th at 2pm.

Why not join us for a cup of tea and a relaxing afternoon with friendly folk - you may even win one of Tammy’s beautiful creations in the raffle.

There is a bric-a-brac stall offering jewellery, scarves, books, bags, china and flower arranging accessories for you to purchase.

For members there is a flower of the month competition and a flower arranging competition. This month’s title is Autumn Glory.

Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 2pm at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AF.

Visitors and new members are always warmly welcomed. The entrance fee is £3 for members and £7 for visitors. Arrangement by Penelope Harrison

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

Above arrangements by Maureen Westwood

Showcase 22 offers creative fun for all ages

The biggest event staged by the Creative Arts Showcase team, Showcase 22 takes place at Bromsgrove School Arena and Hospitality Suite on October 29th and 30th.

Entertainment will be provided by Milo on piano, Got to Sing, soloist Helen Pearson soloist, poet and writer Spoz, Vintage Class, the Rock Choir, Albierto Domingo and much more.

Performances will intersect the main art and craft workshop space throughout the day with pop ups happening throughout the show area.

Claire Allington, creatives project manager, said: “We have been warming up all year with smaller events including pARTy In The Park at Sanders Park and free fun community paints at Avoncroft Museum. The showcase is our premier event, and we are excited to have so many lovely art and crafters, supporters and volunteers joining us once again.

“We are dedicated to ensuring that all sectors of our community have opportunities to be creative and with the challenges families face going into this winter we are offering free tickets if you are on income support or disability benefits. We hope this helps our hard-pressed communities to take a day out, relax and have a great time.”

In Speakers Corner there will be talks from Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and the Woodland Trust who we are promoting and supporting with fundraising activities. There will also be further talks in relation to creativity and its connection to mental health from a variety of speakers, including stand up performer and guitarist Matt McGuinness, fresh from a successful show at the Edinburgh Festival.

Nicola Winstanley from Creative Arts UK will be head judge of a team on the Flora & Fauna exhibition which has been conceived, managed and curated by art graduates NaaShika and Camilla. More information about our young, international curators is on the website.

This year there is a new Revitalise your Life Zone with Izabela and team, who will be offering free taster sessions on Tai Chi, holistic yoga, song circles and reiki.

Dee Hirst, founding trustee, added: “Please book now to get early bird ticket rates, which also gives us a chance to tailor the weekend’s activities to suit you.”

Showcase 22 is part funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the organisers would like to thank Ben Murphy, managing director at Iguana Group, a local exhibition company.Willowbrook Garden Centre is loaning a forest of plants to enhance Flora & Fauna.

Creatives CAST will be on Bromsgrove High Street on October 1st with updates on everything that’s going on and a free community paint. You will also be able to book free taster sessions in the Revitalise your Life Zone and at many of the Make and Take taster workshops.

CAS are run by volunteers. If you would like to get involved, please email info@creativeartshowcase.org, call 07818 830988 or visit www.creativeartshowcase.org

Pianist Milo

Cafe1553

Poet and writer Spoz

Creative hand print painting

Community paints at Avoncroft Museum.

Local History Talksreturn in person

Since March 2020 the talks have been held on Zoom, and whilst this has been very successful, the group welcomed the return to in person events.

A large audience gathered to see Julian Hunt talk about the nail-making trade in Halesowen, and how it compared to the same industry in Bromsgrove. Julian is a well renowned local history author and presenter. His first book was A History of Halesowen and his most recent book, Bromsgrove - The Story of a Market Town, is co-authored with Jenny Townshend and published by the society earlier this year.

The next talk is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, October 18th at 7.45pm at the Methodist Centre. The ever-popular Max Keen will give his thoughts on King John in a presentation titled The Worst or Most Useful King?

Max is known to dress in costume of the period and has a multimedia projection to accompany his lively and animated style of presenting. He spent eight months researching the topic and uses humour and personal anecdotes, as well as maps, contemporary pictures, paintings, effigies, photos and cartoons to illustrate the talk. Max is well known for his favourite prop and ‘source’ – a Ladybird book!

King John is celebrated in Bromsgrove each year by the Court Leet on Fair Day who proclaim the Charter

he granted to the town in 1199 to hold a market and annual fair on the Feast of St John the Baptist.

Entry to the talk is open to all, members pay £2 and non-members pay £3 on the door (cash only). The society book stall sells a variety of local interest books and society publications are available.

The Season of talks will continue with Elaine Joyce on Tuesday, November 15th giving the talk Nine Witnesses for the Colonel - The King’s Most Faithful Servant Colonel Careless and King Charles’ Escape from Worcester in 1651. On Tuesday, December 6th Philip Bowen will present The Story of Christmas to begin the festive season.

The society is aware that not everyone can attend a Tuesday night talk in Bromsgrove. Many online attendees came from across the country and the globe! Despite time and energy spent researching the options to present both in person and online, for various reasons this is not possible.

Consequently, an additional talk will be held online via Zoom on Thursday, December 15th at 7.30pm. Christine Penny will present The First Redbrick: The Foundation and Early Years of Birmingham University. This online talk will be free to attend, but advance registration is required via the website www.bsoc.co.uk

The Bromsgrove Society saw a return to the Methodist Centre on Stratford Road for their Autumn Season of Local History Talks on September 20th.

King John Birmingham University

Art society hosts mixedmedia demonstration

Lickey Hills Art Society is excited to host Denise Fuell demonstrating mixed media on Saturday, October 1st.

Denise’s work was displayed at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre in Hanbury where she works, Stratford Art Society’s exhibition and Arts in Redditch Pop-Up Gallery. She has a unique style and will present an interesting demonstration.

Examples of Denise’s work can also be viewed on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ profile.php?id=100010402247645

The society meets at Longbridge Methodist Church in Bristol Road from 7.30pm to 9.30pm. Entry is £1 for members and £5 for visitors.

Friendly singing group in call for new members

The Bel Canto Singers are a Worcestershire based fourpart harmony choir who have been singing together since 1990 but are always wanting to encourage new members.

Rehearsals take place in St John’s Church, Redditch, B98 7PZ on Monday evenings from 7.30pm until 9.30pm. The choir will be performing at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre on October 24th at 7.30pm.

The choir have a wide and varied repertoire including pop, jazz, folk, musical theatre, classical and choral. We benefit from the guidance and support of a professional musical director, Liz Green, and accompanist, Wendy Quirk. In order to sing four-part harmonies we use sheet music so an experience of this would be beneficial, but is not essential.

Singing has been proven to increase our sense of wellbeing and Bel Canto are guaranteed to do that.

If you would like to join us for some taster rehearsals, we are offering a month’s free trial. A warm welcome awaits. Our rates are hugely competitive so to find out more visit our website belcantosingers.org.uk where you can listen to us sing and find out more about our group. You can also contact us on 07985 238334.

Great autumn movies and

W inning the 2021 Academy Award for Best Picture, with Chloé Zhao becoming the second woman and first woman of colour to win Best Director while Frances McDormand picked up her third Best Actress win, Nomadland (12A) will be screened on Sunday, October 9th at 7.30pm.

Based on a true story, the film follows Fern (McDormand), a widow in her 60s who loses everything when she is made redundant in 2011 and becomes a modern-day nomad, living and traveling in her van—aptly named Vanguard.

Fern reacts to her new solitude and economic hardship by embracing life on the open road. “I’m not homeless,” Fern explains to a young woman she once tutored. “I’m just houseless.”

With a righteous twinkle in her eyes, Fern wants others to know her lifestyle is a personal choice. When they express concern – an old friend offers her a place to stay, a stranger points the way to a local church that provides food and shelter – Fern insists she prefers her van with an air of indignation. Perhaps she feels regret, but she’ll never show it.

In The Good Liar (15), to be screened on Wednesday, October 19th at 7.30pm, a game is played with high stakes. Career con artist Roy Courtnay (Sir Ian McKellen) can hardly believe his luck when he meets well-to-do widow Betty McLeish (Dame Helen Mirren) online. As Betty opens her home and life to him, Roy is surprised to find himself caring about her, turning what should be a cut and dried swindle into the most treacherous tightrope walk of his life.

Thor: Love and Thunder (12A), on Wednesday, October 26th at 2.30pm finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced - a quest for inner peace. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods.

To combat the threat,Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who, to Thor’s surprise, inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor.Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late.

There is something for young and old on Thursday, October 27th with the screening of Emily, The Little Match Girl (U), an animated tale based on the classic Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale with the voices of David Bradley (The World’s End, Hot Fuzz and Harry Potter) and Lesley Joseph (Birds of a Feather and Night & Day).

After the sudden death of her grandmother, Emily is taken to the local match factory by the town’s corrupt constable. Here, Harry the match maker and his wife Mary exploit the children to sell their matches in exchange for lodgings and a warm meal.

On Christmas Eve, Emily struggles to sell enough matches to keep Harry and Mary happy; and what money she has made is lost

in a drain. Deciding to stay out, to avoid any punishment, Emily strikes a match to keep warm. The matches take her on a magical journey, eventually reuniting her with her grandmother.

In the meantime, Emily’s new friend Anna decides to leave the match factory in the middle of the night in search of Emily. On her journey she teams up with Richard, a wellto-do young gentleman who has ambitions to help the children after learning of their treatment.

Following the screening, creator and director of this wonderful animation, Matt Hickinbottom, will be at Fairfield Flicks to take your questions.

music at Flicks

Classic Halloween comedy Beetlejuice (12A) will be shown on Saturday, October 29th at 7.30pm.

After Barbara (Geena Davis) and Adam Maitland (Alec Baldwin) die in a car accident, they find themselves stuck haunting their country residence, unable to leave the house. When the unbearable Deetzes (Catherine O’Hara, Jeffrey Jones) and teenage daughter Lydia (Winona Ryder) buy the home, the Maitlands attempt to scare them away without success. Their efforts attract Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a rambunctious spirit whose “help” quickly becomes dangerous for the Maitlands and innocent Lydia.

Put on your dancing shoes - the king of Cool is back!

Ricky Cool and the In Crowd have built up an enthusiastic following by serving up a gorgeous gumbo of sounds, similar to those found in the clubs of Soho in the early years of Mod mania.

Original numbers are interspersed with red hot arrangements of classics to give you a musical mix that will have your feet itching to dance.

Many will remember Ricky Cool fronting one of Birmingham’s most popular combos, the legendary Ricky Cool and the Icebergs.

Ricky has toured with the likes of Billy Connolly, shared a stage with George Harrison and played alongside Robert Plant. He is recognised as one of the most entertaining front men in the business.

The band members are all top class musicians with excellent pedigrees who have worked with artists including Ruby Turner, The Beat, Carina Round, Linda Perry and Fine Young Cannibals.

As Ricky says: “The music we play is timeless and our show is enjoyed by young and old alike. The enjoyment we have on stage rubs off on our audience and a great time is had by one and all.”

Ricky Cool and the In Crowd will be performing live at Fairfield Flicks on Saturday, October 22nd at 8pm.

Sharing apassion forart with enthusiastic students

A keen artist from the age of four, Avoncroft Arts Society professional artist and tutor Richard Crabtree gained his formal fine art training at Bournville College of Art, qualifying in many aspects of fine art, graphic design and the history of art.

Subsequently, for several years, he worked in graphic design studios, designing anything from corporate logos to packaging and literature, even being involved with work for Concorde, the Royal Yacht Britannia and Buckingham Palace.

In 2006 Richard moved away from corporate design and achieved his lifelong ambition to become a professional fine artist. His main influences, instilled from childhood, come from a great love for wildlife and nature and his work in capturing the natural world in paint is inspired by the work of artists such as Basil Ede, Archibald Thorburn, David Shepherd, Rien Poortvliet, Rembrandt, Constable and John Singer Sergent.

Although competent in most mediums, Richard favours traditional oil and watercolour. His style of painting brings a combination of realism, life and atmosphere to his studies.

Alongside his own painting practices and exhibition work, Richard developed a love of teaching and having completed a teacher training course, offered classes at Worcester College before moving to Avoncroft Art Society in 2011 where he now offers six regular weekly classes. These classes offer a continuous study of art and painting and are based mainly on watercolour techniques, although they also include drawing, charcoal, acrylic oil, pastel and many other aspects of art.

Richard’s approach to teaching is to enable all students to achieve their individual enjoyment and goals, applying a collective approach but still considering their preference of subject, style and medium.

A new topic is studied every two weeks when Richard provides a comprehensive demonstration of techniques, colour mixes, professional tips and tricks, after which the members work on their own interpretation under his individual tuition.

Richard is an elected member of the Birmingham Watercolour Society, The SAA, Art Profile and various other societies. His paintings have been purchased by collectors as far afield as Canada, Europe and Australia. He exhibits and demonstrates to art societies around the country and is available for commissions and one to one or group tutoring. He is contactable on 07968 808518, by email at rj_ crabtree@btinternet.com or through Art Profile, SAA, Avoncroft Arts Society, Facebook or Instagram.

Avoncroft Arts Society offers a full range of art and craft classes provided by a range of highly skilled and experienced tutors including painting and drawing, pottery, textiles, embroidery and sugarcraft. For more information email Sally Durant on admin@ avoncroftarts.org.uk or call 01527 833829.

October at The FeckenOdeon Cinema Society in Feckenham

Friday, 14th October at 8pm

The French Minister (15)

The FeckenOdeon’s smaller cinema, FeckenOdeon 2, is hosting two events as part of the 2022 French Film Festival UK. The festival, celebrating its 30th year, aims to bring films from France to audiences in the UK, many of which have never been released this side of the channel.

The first of these films is The French Minister (Quai d’Orsay) a razor-sharp comedy about dodgy dealings in high places. Young graduate Arthur Vlamrick is hired as a speechwriter for the tough-talking Minister of Foreign Affairs and, rather than idealism, what he finds is a world filled with ambition and dirty deals. Think “Yes Minister” with subtitles - and a hard edge! (FR 2013)

The second Festival film will be shown on 9th December. “Christmas and Co” (Santa & Cie) explores what would happen if Father Christmas was arrested on Christmas Eve - hilarious.... but not one for the little folk who still expect Santa to do his Christmas duty!

Saturday, 29th October at 7.30pm In The Heat Of The Night (12a)

“In the Heat of The Night” is showing as a tribute to the great Sidney Poitier, who died early this year.

Mr Poitier plays an African-American detective, Virgil Tibbs, who investigates the death of a businessman in

Mississippi and comes face-to-face with racism in the southern United States in the process. Rod Steiger is the police chief who can’t believe a black man can be a cop. Superb performances in a whodunnit with very hard edges. (USA 1967)

Tickets booked 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Rose & Crown and The Village Shop in Feckenham. FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High St., Feckenham. B96 6HN

Completely Bromsgrove

Christmas extravaganza at the Festive Gift Fair

All these items can be found at the much-loved Festive Gift Shop which returns to the NEC for its 26th year from November 17th to 20th

Often the most time-consuming part is finding unique presents but there’s no need to be stuck for ideas this year. Get your Christmas off to a cracking start and you’ll see how fun and easy festive shopping can be.

From the moment you arrive, you’ll be caught up in the excitement of the day, exploring 300 stalls overflowing with thousands of clever gift ideas and decorations at affordable prices. The variety is huge with something for everyone.

To get you into the Christmas spirit while you’re shopping, you can enjoy a whole line-up of fantastic musical entertainment to get your toes tapping.

Back by popular demand is David Julien, finalist of The Voice UK, The Grinch, The Stilt Jazz Band, choirs and more. And of course, Santa will be there along with his fabulous sleigh for photo opportunities galore.

The fair is open daily from 9.30am to 5pm daily. Adult tickets cost from just £6.

For much more information, list of exhibitors, video, show highlights and the musical entertainment programme, visit www.festivegiftfair.co.uk Book tickets online at www.theticketfactory.com

C hristmas isn’t just about buying gifts - it’s making sure every corner of your home looks fabulous and your table is set for a festive feast.