Completely Bromsgrove March 23 issue 49

Welcome to the March issue of Completely Bromsgrove

We hope that, like us, you are feeling that the dark, dank winter is now behind us.

We start by paying tribute to Peter Nokes, who sadly passed away in December. To read about Peter’s life in the town over many decades and memories from family members turn to pages 6 and 7. Our sincere condolences go to his family and friends.

It is lovely to see the daffodil heads along the roadside and in our gardens, which only means one thing. Spring is just around the corner and the clocks go forward on March 25th, giving us longer days and more opportunities to get out and about.

Mother’s Day is on Sunday, March 19th and we hope that all mums, grandmothers and carers in our community are spoiled rotten!

Continuing on the theme of spring, we are proud to bring you our first Completely Bromsgrove eight

page weddings supplement. Turn to page 29 for help from the experts to start planning your big day.

Nicole Harris is celebrating 35 years of fundraising for the Bloodwise charity. Turn to pages 38 and 39 to learn more about her amazing journey to raise funds and awareness of blood cancers.

Bromsgrove’s Liberal Democrats have put forward proposals to save the Artrix for just 20p per household. Turn to page 52 to find out about what the future could hold for this much loved and missed arts venue.

We hope you enjoy this bumper issue to kick start spring!

Michele Ford Best wishes

Family tributes to

The Bromsgrove business community sadly lost one of its best-known characters, Peter Nokes, in December last year.

In this issue of Completely Bromsgrove , we reflect on the life of the charismatic Bromsgrove Printing founder and share family memories.

Born in 1940, Peter, the youngest of four siblings, attended school from the age of two-and-a-half. The headmaster decided to take Peter early - the family home did not have a garden and his parents thought it would help him mix with other children.

In the 1950s Peter attended Watt Close School, where he became head boy, and after leaving school, he began a printing apprenticeship at the Bromsgrove Messenger, combined with studies at Matthew Boulton College in Birmingham. Peter joined Workman’s Printers on Worcester Road the following decade and met his future wife Sylvia, whom he married in 1968. The couple had three children, Jennifer, Susan and Richard.

After leaving Workman’s, Peter set up his own business Bromsgrove Printing, in a friend’s disused barn in Stone. From the barn, he moved to Partridges Yard in central Bromsgrove before later relocating the business to its present home on Worcester Road.

Outside work, Peter enjoyed meeting up with childhood friends and was a familiar face at The Vernon Arms and the Unionist Club. He was a Mason at the Beacon Lodge, where he became a Worshipful Master, in 1989.

In 1977 Peter was elected to represent Bromsgrove on Worcestershire County Council and he was also a member of the Court Leet, relishing his role as the Tythingman of Catshill. Peter also liked sailing and walking the Malvern Hills and Scotland’s Munro mountains. He was also a governor of Finstall First School.

Peter died at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham aged 82. He will always be remembered as a well organised man. Hardworking, warm, friendly and sociable, he had a good sense of humour.

Daughter Jennifer said: ”I have many fond memories of time spent with Dad. In the early days, our special times together were on Sundays. We would scour the Worcestershire countryside looking for horses in fields to feed them sugar lumps.

Peter with son Richard, and his brother Bob

local businessman

”A stand out memory was when Dad taught me to drive. The first time I took to the wheel was on a family holiday. We practised on a disused air strip that was slipping into the sea. Mum, Susan, and Richard were on the back seat of the car at the time.”

“So many things I most enjoy have been shaped through Dad,” said daughter Susan. “Driving for the fun of it, map reading, walking in the mountains and a pint in the pub afterwards.

“My sons Cameron and Jake have many special memories of their grandad including the annual bonfire party. We have a wide range of sayings that are woven into the fabric of family life. “I’ve got nins and peedles” and “the thick plottens” are two of our favourites.”

Son Richard added: “I joined my dad at an early

age at Bromsgrove Printing, working weekends and holidays. After leaving school I joined him full time and we had a great working relationship with many laughs. Socially, I joined him as a Mason and we spent many nights visiting lodges, followed by a drink at the Bromsgrove Unionist Club, where he was a member for more than 45 years.

“Dad had many cars over the years, and I had the job of fixing them. Most were like Trigger’s broom on the TV comedy Only Fools and Horses with nearly all the parts replaced.

“I feel very privileged to have followed my father into the Court Leet, following an ancient tradition which I know he enjoyed. I was proud to call him my dad. May he rest in peace.”

Peter enjoying a Court Leet procession | Photo by Phil Nokes

Peter at his business in 1996

When will rail bosses ever learn?

www.bromsgroverail.org.uk

The Cheltenham National Hunt Festival, which takes place from March 14th to 17th, represents once again a missed opportunity for the growing hospitality economy of Bromsgrove and North Worcestershire. Why?

More than 250,000 people from all over England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland flock to the Gloucestershire town to watch the best hurdlers and steeplechasers in the world compete.

Many of the visitors will be looking for overnight accommodation, food and drink in the evenings in the surrounding areas. And it will be very easy for the tens of thousands who fly in from Ireland to Birmingham Airport to travel onwards from New Street station via the Cross City Line to Bromsgrove to stay for the four nights of the festival.

It is then only a 20 to 25 minute direct train journey from Bromsgrove station to Cheltenham Spa station, from which there is a shuttle bus service to the racecourse.

But there is a major snag, as you will have read in last month’s BARRUP article in Completely Bromsgrove. Cross Country Trains, which travels from New Street through Bromsgrove to Cheltenham Spa and beyond, do not stop any of its services at Bromsgrove, even though it used to and there is no reason of which BARRUP is aware why it couldn’t, and it is adamant that it will not do so.

Since 2018, BARRUP, and its predecessor BRUG, has been arguing the case for Cross Country Trains to stop at Bromsgrove, so that the significant economic benefits to the North East Worcestershire district of the visitors to the festival can be realised. Our arguments have fallen on deaf ears and the opportunity to boost the local economy in 2023 has been missed.

So, once again, BARRUP would urge the town’s MP, Sajid Javid, Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands Combined Authority, the leaders of Bromsgrove District Council, Worcestershire County Council, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, Worcestershire LEP, Greater Birmingham and Solihull LEP, North Worcestershire Economic Regeneration and Development and business leaders and businesses in North East Worcestershire to come together to put pressure on Cross Country Trains to stop its services at Bromsgrove, so that the town and district can take advantage of the economic opportunities afforded by the festival in 2024.

by Nick Taylor

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Residents get sappy for Valentine’s

Love for the planet was on the menu as green-fingered Bromsgrove residents donned wellies and gardening gloves to play their part in tackling climate change.

A community tree planting event organised by local councillors Rob Hunter and Josh Robinson took place on Valentine’s weekend at Lickey End Recreation Ground.

Generous local volunteers were instructed by a professional tree specialist who oversaw the planting of a new mini orchard of pear and apple trees. The new trees will help to improve woodland habitat links as well as making the area look more attractive. Volunteers also helped reseed a recently introduced wildflower meadow, ready for the spring.

The tree planting project was part of a wider programme of work to improve the environment at the popular local park on Alcester Road in Lickey End. It followed the establishment last year of a new wildflower meadow, and another volunteering day dedicated to reintroducing native water plants to the Spadesbourne Brook.

Invasive Himalayan balsam had previously caused a lot of damage, but recent improvements have helped restore biodiversity at the brook, which is a known habitat for endangered water voles.

Councillor Rob Hunter said: “It really was fantastic to see so much support from the local community for this. I’d like to say a huge thank you to residents for volunteering their time and to council officers for helping us get the day set up.”

“It just goes to show what we can do when we all come together. The recreation ground has come on a long way recently and it’s wonderful to see,” added Councillor Josh Robinson.

Clearing out the Himalayan balsam and improving the environment has also helped reduce the risk of flooding. In previous years Alcester Road had to be closed after the brook silted up and burst its banks.

Lawns do wonders for our wellbeing. That’s why we’ve devised three programmes of year-round treatments to keep your grass a cut above.

From controlling weeds to bringing out the green, we’ll help you to look after the lawn that looks after you.

Time to tiptoe through the tulips

When I think of tulips, my head is filled with images of swathes of colour, filling the beautiful Dutch countryside.

Like many of us I assumed that tulips are native to Holland because of the immense amounts that are grown there and exported across the world every year. However, they originated in Asia and were sent to Holland in the 16th century.

Tulips are a part of the lily family, the petals are edible and can be used as an onion substitute. It is said that red tulips represent true love; apparently tulips are the second most popular Valentine’s Day flower. White ones are a symbol of apology and forgiveness, while purple tulips are a symbol of royalty. There are more than 3,000 varieties of tulips that bloom from March to May.

For best results plant in well-drained soil, in a sunny spot from mid to late autumn. Plant at least three times the depth of the bulb, pointed end up and a minimum of 5cm apart. For the best displays, plant fresh bulbs each autumn. They make a great show in

containers and can be layered to give a continuous display until early summer. You can also combine tulips with other spring bulbs for a more long-lasting display.

Tulips can be kept in the soil all year round, but you will find that they will become shorter and have smaller flowers than previous years. To prevent this, it’s important to ensure as much goodness returns to the bulbs as possible. Deadhead them after flowering; if you allow them to go to seed it will waste much needed energy for next year.

Some gardeners prefer to lift and store tulip bulbs rather than leaving them in the ground. Once the foliage has turned yellow, a month after flowering, lift them with a hand fork. Remove the foliage and pull or cut off the stem and remove the flaky outer coating from the bulb. Leave the bulbs to dry and then store in a paper bag, ready for next autumn.

Jobs to keep you busy throughout March

Cut dogwoods - cornus to the base to promote vigorous growth ready for next winter’s colour

Lift and divide overgrown perennials for free plants

Finish pruning roses

Watch out for slugs around your plants’ new tender growth

If the lawn shows signs of growth, mow but make sure the blades are at the highest setting

Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes

Prepare a trench for your beans, fill with your kitchen scraps over the next couple of months, loosely covering with cardboard until full. It’s a great way to feed your beans and compost your peelings

Plant summer flowering bulbs such as lilies, freesia, alliums and gladioli. Top dress containers with fresh compost

The beds are starting to be filled with glorious colours, a great reward for all that hard work.

By Suzi M, plotter

Why our trees need to be protected

Trees are amazing. They first appeared on earth about 360 million years ago. Over millennia they covered the world in huge forests and oxygenated our atmosphere for the first time, making animal and human life possible.

Before the industrial revolution, forests covered 45% of the land surface. That has been hugely reduced and the UK has only 12% forest cover.

We all know that trees absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen which is vital to life, but they do so much more than that. They are essential for biodiversity. 80% of all species live in forested areas and we are losing them at a terrifying rate.

They filter and retain water in the soil, improving its quality and preventing flooding. They hold the soil in place, preventing erosion, and protect it from wind. They are a source of food for us as well as wildlife and a source of medicines. They provide shelter and shade. A tree shaded area can be up to 19 degrees cooler than one close by with none.

Those of us living near lots of trees report better health than those who don’t. On average they have lower blood pressure, slower heartbeats and are less stressed. Research has shown that we recover from illness quicker if we can see trees from the window rather than brick walls.

Walking in woods is known to be good for our mental health, reducing stress, depression, and anger. And it’s great exercise of course.

No matter how much we love them, we can’t all plant a forest, but we can join local groups that are planting trees, like Bromsgrove Climate Action, and we can put one or two in our own garden if we are

lucky enough to have one.

A small tree in a pot is still good if there’s little space. This would help local wildlife, bees and other insects, which then attract birds, reptiles and small mammals. As a bonus, it makes the neighbourhood more attractive.

Bromsgrove District Council have planted quite a few trees in Sanders Park and most are thriving, despite some vandalism. Bromsgrove Climate Action, New Song Church and Soroptimists have all been active in planting in parks and schools, along with students.

Unfortunately, developers seem to have no problem with felling trees, and there seems to be no means of preventing this. Bromsgrove Climate Action wonder how many old trees will be left on the Perryfields site when the building is finished. At present it is full of mature trees, along the brook and the surrounding fields, and full of wildlife, badgers, foxes, rabbits, deer, amphibians and birds. Are we happy that most of these will be lost?

Local people should be able to have a much greater say in the planning of new builds so that developers can ensure that mature trees and hedges are taken into account and protected. At present government legislation prevents this. Our MP and the district council should be putting pressure on the government to change that.

Receive vital alerts by signing up to our Flood Warning Service

During the last few winters, we have seen some of the highest river levels ever recorded across Worcestershire and the West Midlands.

As part of the continuous improvement of the Environment Agency’s Flood Warning Service, they have been able to expand these notifications of possible flooding and have recently added properties at flood risk in Bromsgrove.

It is important to note that there has been no increase in the risk of flooding to properties, and this new flood warning will not affect insurance premiums.

Signing up to the Flood Warning Service is quick and easy. It will allow the Environment Agency to inform you if any flooding is likely in your area, so you can better decide if you need to take any action to protect your family, home, or business. Flood alerts and warnings are available by text message, telephone, or email.

To sign up, visit www.gov.uk/sign-up-forflood-warnings or call Floodline on 0345 988 1188.

More information on being prepared for flood risk can be found at: www.gov.uk/prepare-for-

flooding/future-flooding

If you have any problems accessing these services, or any other questions or feedback, please contact the Environment Agency via floodresilience@ environment-agency.gov.uk

Great crested grebes

Avocets

Kingfisher

Cetti’s warbler

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust Birdwatching

Bromsgrove Birding

The days are a bit longer, the weather is a bit milder, celandines are starting to poke their heads through the soil and the birds are singing. Spring must be round the corner!

For many wildlife-lovers, the arrival of spring is heralded by birdsong. It might sound beautiful to us but the birds are essentially yelling at each other –‘this is my patch’, ‘oi, get out of my tree’. ‘hey lovely ladies, look how brilliant I am’. Whether a robin in your garden or a lapwing on a wetland, birds have calls and moves to attract a mate and proclaim their territory.

This is all happening now at Upton Warren Wetland Reserve, between Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa. The nature reserve, one of the best places to watch birds in the area, is split into two. The Flashes, accessed through Aztec Adventure’s sailing centre opposite of Webbs of Wychbold, consists of saline pools. The underlying salt deposits provide an unusual inland habitat that attracts normally coastal birds like elegant black and white avocets. Further north you’ll find The Moors, a series of freshwater pools fringed with reeds that have attracted a number of rare bearded tits this winter.

To help people watch the unfurling soap opera of birdlife at this wildlife-watcher’s paradise there are a series of wooden hides. These much-loved structures have been in place for many years and birdwatchers old and new have spent hours enjoying the spectacle of Upton Warren’s wildlife. At this time of year resident great crested grebes are performing a dance that Strictly fans would admire – bobbing heads, synchronised diving and paddling to each other at great speed with beaks full of weeds. Cetti’s warblers will be blasting their short but loud song from the reeds. Lapwings will be tumbling through the air as they make their radio-tuning-like peewit calls.

As well as the many residents, Upton Warren attracts a host of birds that are migrating to their breeding grounds. From diminutive waders like dunlin to magnificent raptors like osprey, there’s no knowing what you might catch a glimpse of.

Numerous studies have shown that spending time watching nature is good for our health. Even when territorial arguments get heated between competing pairs of coot, it can be incredibly relaxing to take time out of our busy lives and watch the natural world going about its business. Whether you watch birds in your garden or head somewhere different, you can watch the drama unfold. We’re currently fundraising to help you and wildlife-lovers like you to continue enjoying Upton Warren’s wildlife. The lapwing hide attracts more than 10,000 visitors a year and is need of some TLC. If you can help us to elongate its life, please take a look at www.worcswildlifetrust. co.uk/appeals/upton-warren-lapwing-hide for more information about how you can help. Thank you.

Lapwing

Photos: Avocets - Stephen Baird-Parker| Birdwatching at Upton Warren – Brian Taylor | Cetti’s warbler – Martin Clay Great crested grebes – Rebekah Nash | Kingfisher – Malcolm Brown | Lapwing – Christine Douglas

Building a better BirdBox

Any twitchers with their sights set on the BirdBox in Bromsgrove town centre may be able to tick ‘hi-viz official’ off their list as plans for its redevelopment get underway.

A date for physical works to start on the former Market Hall site have yet to be confirmed but locals may spot contractors and officers conducting on site surveys in the near future. Ecological and topographical studies have already been completed with transport and highways assessments and structural investigations due to take place.

Residents, organisations, and businesses are being encouraged to continue using the BirdBox, whilst plans to build on the site’s success continue to take shape. In this interim period, hirers of the event space will also receive help and support from the council for their proposed events, to encourage as many organisations, businesses, or individuals to take up the offer as possible and keep the BirdBox in use ahead of any potential redevelopment.

Leader of Bromsgrove District Council, Councillor Karen May, said: “The development of this site will create a new town centre destination, increasing day-time footfall and strengthening the evening economy to improve the viability and vitality of Bromsgrove. BirdBox gave us a taste of what is possible, and we will build on the success of this. In the meantime, we really want the community to continue using this space as much as possible.”

Works to regenerate this important town centre site are funded through a £14.5m grant secured by the council from the Government’s Levelling Up Fund. The grant will also fund the demolition and site

clearance work on the Windsor Street site ahead of planned redevelopment by a private residential partner, as well as highway improvements to High Street South.

The former Market Hall project will deliver a landmark building, providing flexible office space, business start-up and co-working spaces with restaurants and bars on the ground floor and a proposed pavilion building for hosting exhibitions, cultural and community events, surrounded by new public space.

Councillor May added: “Successfully bidding for the levelling up funding for this project was amazing news and now, lots of work is taking place in the background to take this forward and make our vision a reality. A project and cost management consultant along with a multi-discipline design consultant have now been successfully appointed and the ball is well and truly rolling on this project. The future for Bromsgrove looks better than ever.”

If you would like to hire Bromsgrove BirdBox over the next few months, please contact the council’s events team on 01527 534030 or email events@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

More information about the former Market Hall site will be added to the council’s website as and when it is appropriate to share this with the public, and public exhibitions will be held as part of the planning application process.

wedding flowers

For as long people have been getting married, flowers have been a huge part of any wedding decor. But with so many varieties, colours and arrangement styles available these days, how is a bride to choose?

The first thing to do is set a budget, as costs can vary wildly. Imported and rare blooms like orchids will send the final balance sky high, whereas more commonly available and locally sourced ones such as carnations will naturally cost less. Decide on what you can afford in advance to avoid falling in love with something that’s priced above your budget.

Now find a florist. These professionals will be able to guide you as to what’s attainable with the finances you have, as well as giving you ideas for arrangements and helping you to avoid some of the common pitfalls - you don’t want your bouquet drooping half way down the aisle just because you’ve insisted on a delicate bloom that doesn’t survive well out of water. Even if you want to do the arrangements yourself, you’ll need to find a good supplier, so start researching quality florists quickly before they get booked up.

Next, make a list of where you want your flowers to feature. Traditionally you’ll need wardrobe flowers (bouquets for you and the bridesmaids and button holes for the groom and ushers), as well as venue flowers (church, reception and table centre pieces). But you might also want to decorate a less conventional spot, such as an arch for photographs or the church gate, or create headdresses for the bridal party, all of which needs to be factored in.

One thing that will help you decide is knowing what the general theme of your wedding is. For example, daises are ideal for a casual, rustic wedding, while orchids ooze luxury and glamour, whereas roses are a classic choice that will fit well with a traditional country manor wedding.

How throwing the Bouquet caught on!

Throughout Europe and North America, it is traditional for the bride to throw her bouquet at the reception and for all single women present to compete in catching it. The woman who catches the bouquet is said to be the next who will marry. But how did this custom originate?

In medieval Europe, a bride typically did not expect to wear her wedding dress again, and the dress was considered good luck for other women, a type of fertility charm. After the wedding, single women chased the bride and ripped pieces off her dress, leaving her in tatters. Over the years, wedding dresses became more expensive and it became traditional for women to keep them, either as a memento or to pass on to a daughter for her wedding day.

To prevent guests from ripping the wedding dress, brides began throwing other objects as a distraction, one of which was the garter. Later, the bouquet became the most traditionally thrown object. The wedding bouquet is particularly suited to this use, as flowers symbolise fertility, and as perishable items, they are not something the bride would wish to keep. The bouquet is also a safer item to toss than the garter, as unruly and impatient wedding guests were sometimes known to try to take the garter from the bride while she was still wearing it.

Some modern brides and grooms do not like the tradition of throwing the bouquet and either modify it or do away with it altogether. Tossing the bouquet can be uncomfortable for unmarried female guests who do not wish to marry or who feel put on the spot by the custom. Also, competition to catch the bouquet can become a violent stampede. Some brides stage the event so that their maid of honor or a friend who is engaged catches the bouquet. Others choose to give a small bouquet to each of their bridesmaids, or to give each woman at the reception a flower from the bridal bouquet.

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The perfect backdrop to your special day

Have you ever wondered where all the wedding traditions came from and why we practice them? There are hundreds of customs for weddings that have originated over the centuries and have morphed into modified ancient rituals. But the most bizarre of all wedding traditions, is carrying the bride over the threshold.

We all have envisioned ourselves being carried over the threshold by our prince charming. I think it gives ladies a shiver of romantic excitement of wedded bliss. A new beginning for a lifetime of happiness. But, I know that most of us do not realize that this seemingly romantic gesture is steeped in a dark history.

Centuries ago, ancient cultures believed that evil spirits ran rampant looking for young, innocent girls to engulf and bring to the dark side. A bride, was the perfect victim for these evil spirits. It was believed that a dark or evil entity lurked on the threshold of doorways

The perfect pick-me-up!

Carrying the bride both enables easy kidnapping and foils evil spirits. It’s a winning combination

or the portal between two worlds and could easily enter a person through the soles of their feet. Therefore, the groom, to prevent this invasion, would carry the bride over the threshold to their new life.

Another version to this seemingly innocent gesture was that a wedding would have followed a kidnapping of a young girl, making them a reluctant bride. Marriage by captured was the norm during the Middle Ages. Carrying a reluctant bride over the threshold made her into a submissive wife.

Today, much, if not all, of the original meaning behind a groom carrying his bride across the threshold has been lost in modern Western weddings. It’s remarkable that the practice continues, even if a newly wed couple isn’t entirely sure why to do it. It’s almost as if a collective memory of the danger with which a threshold may be fraught remains. And after all, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

We will help you find the perfect hat or fascinator to match with your outfit, for any event or special occasion, whether it be the races or a wedding - we have an exclusive range of hats and fascinators with a full array of colours and sizes to match all outfits and requirements but if we don’t quite have what you are looking for, we are confident we will be able to get it for you.

If you have an outfit already, bring that along with you.

Pop along to one of our stores in Bromsgrove and Solihull.

We also stock a wonderful selection of shoes, handbags and accessories, to compliment your outfit. As with the fascinators and hats we can match all colours and find you the perfect look.

We want you to leave our stores with a complete outfit that makes you feel utterly fabulous!

Wedding Dove Release

Doves are a symbol of peace, love, faith and fidelity which bonds hearts and souls, their release will leave you with an everlasting memory of the occasion.

The release of the white doves is a truly memorable spectacle and it is said that if doves are seen on your wedding day, the bride and groom will share a happy and long existence together.

White doves are perfect for adding a further symbolic meaning to your commitment together. For example, in biblical terms, white doves symbolise new beginnings, peace, love and unity. Doves also draw many parallels with human relationships, they also share a commitment whether it be building a nest, raising and caring for their offspring. For example, Doves take it in turns to look after the nest and chicks, males take responsibility during daylight and females take over at night.

Love, Peace, Faith, Hope & Fidelity

The White Dove represents these five things we all want in a marriage. Once they choose a partner, the dove mates for life, they look after each other and work as a team. Show your commitment on your wedding day by releasing two beautiful white doves.

In tribute to their memory

Many couples have family and friends that they wish were with them to celebrate their special day. A White Dove Release to pay tribute to Loved Ones is a celebratory means to remember them. Reflect this with the options of sharing your two romantic doves with this tribute, or releasing extra doves in their memory. Yes its emotional, but anything you do will be; the releasing of a dove will be a joyous way of marking your love and respect.

So, whether you are uniting new love, saying a fond farewell or celebrating something special, the flight of white doves will lift your inner spirits.

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35th anniversary for

The Bromsgrove branch of Blood Cancer UK is celebrating 35 years of campaigning and fundraising in 2023.

During this period, the group, which was formerly called Leukaemia Research and Bloodwise, has raised an amazing £1,142,701 for research into blood cancers.

The branch was launched in 1988 by Bromsgrove mum Nicole Harris.

“Leukaemia Research advertised in the Bromsgrove Advertiser/Messenger for people from the town to start a new branch,” recalled Nicole.

“My son Marc had just been diagnosed with leukaemia so I joined along with 16 other people who were affected by blood cancer.

“We had a lot of support from many people but a year later Marc sadly lost his battle against leukaemia at the age of nine.

“Six weeks later we organised the first fundraising fun run at Barnsley Hall which was a huge success. This event is still running at Bromsgrove Rugby Club and our next one will be on May 14th.”

Runners can choose between a 5k and 10k course. All runners receive a medal and fund-raisers who collect more than £30 in sponsorship will receive a t-shirt.

The 5k route, which can be walked or run, follows the canal towpath for some of the route so children must be accompanied by an adult. The 10k is more challenging and attracts runners from a wider area. Chip timing will also be used to give accurate times for participants to log.

To register, head to www.riderhq.com/events/p/ pz6bi1gc/f/blood-cancer-uk-bromsgrove-fun-run

blood cancer charity

So far 70 people have signed up and the charity is hoping to hit the 500 participant mark.

The £1 million barrier was smashed in 2018 and Nicole and her fellow branch members have kept up the fight to raise awareness and funds.

“Covid stopped us from doing many things including hosting events, but we are now back organising quizzes at The Court Leet pub in Worcester Road – the next one is on March 24thand helping with the Blood Cancer UK Walk of Lights at Cannon Hill Park in Birmingham on March 25th,” said Nicole, who was honoured to meet the late Queen Elizabeth II as a representative of the charity.

“We’re so proud to have raised more than £1 million and would like to say how grateful everyone involved with the charity is to those who have helped us over the 35 years and continue to help us. Great advances have been made in the treatment of blood cancers and we are so close to a fantastic breakthrough.”

by Teresa Green

Forester e-Boxer

For decades now, the yeoman qualities of Subarus have been appreciated by workers on the land and owners on the roads in general. You’re more likely to see a Forester rather than a Bentley being driven by the landed gentry: not because of price but because they are utterly tough and reliable. Eschewing flashy style for sensible solidity, these cars say as much about the good sense and good taste of their owners as the top quality of their engineering.

In the world of international rallying Subaru was a byword for dependability and success in the most gruelling conditions imaginable and the marque’s heritage is supported by numerous victories over the years. But all that is a narrow focus. Let’s move on. Now we must see the broader church and appreciate Subarus for what they really are: different, but in most ways better. It’s no wonder then that the Forester is a car which makes real driving adventures accessible as well as offering the sound practicality that your judgement tells you to go for.

Renowned 4x4 technology imparts leech-like grip, tenacious versatility and ‘go-anywhere’, do-anything confidence. There’s no ‘clever clever’ trickery here: just good honest ‘fit for purpose’ utility with all the added comforts one might desire, but not necessarily expect, in a car of this class and standing.

The £40,895 Forester e-Boxer 2.0i XE Premium Lineartronic uses a horizontally opposed 4 cylinder 2.0

litre petrol engine linked to a small 13.5Kw, ‘permanent magnet synchronous electric motor’. There’s 150PS at your disposal with three drive modes - engine, EV, and motor assist. You can also adjust everything to adapt to the conditions in which you are driving. And you can tow up to 1870 kgs as well.

Naturally, in a cabin that can only be described as ‘top quality’, you get a reversing camera, leather seats and a host of other comfort and safety (Eyesight Assist Monitor which gives you a wake up call if you are dropping off to sleep) features that you would expect in a car costing this much.

Presenting the styling blend of a purposeful SUV and the smooth lines of a modern estate, it’s as ’at home’ in the most elegant settings as well as the ’great outdoors’.

packs a punch!

As we’ve come to expect from niche market manufacturer Subaru, quality is as good as it gets. Tough though the new Forester certainly is, it’s packed with thoughtful touches inside.

Warm, spacious and inviting, there’s all the ambience and quality of a luxury car, but there’s no unnecessary adornment or excess.

With lots of room for five strapping adults and their luggage, intelligent use is made of every bit of space - and the flexibility offered by permutations of ’seats up/down/half up or down’, means that you can change from luxury cruise liner to cargo ship in an instant. You’ll always be safe, of course, because plenty of airbags are there just in case.

But how does the Forester feel behind the wheel? You sit tall and enjoy good visibility - and the range of seat adjustment lets everyone get comfortable. Cars like this often wallow when the roads

are twisty - but not the Forester. The handling is surprisingly agile - with the added security offered by the four wheel drive. And if you load it to the gunwales it still handles well.

The drivetrain is smooth and the transmission is seamless - all the way to the ‘more than enough’ top speed of 116mph. Despite being a real workhorse, it gives you the best of both worlds, being ‘torquey’ as well as free revving.

The only ‘downside’ for the less perceptive amongst us is that it is not the fastest and slickest motor car in town: no, it’s far too tastefully refined to be that. This substantial car returned nearly 40 mpg overall during a week of testing: the makers modestly claim just 34.72mpg. This seems to reflect the whole ethos of the Subaru marque. Where other manufacturers make economy claims of millions of miles per gallon thanks to a following hurricane, Subaru are straight and true.

It’s a ‘Robin Hood and Little John rolled into one’ motor car: a vehicle which will have Friar Tuck dimensioned competitors rolling in its wake. And its poise and assurance are guaranteed to bring a twinkle to the eyes of Maid Marian herself. It is a Forester after all!

by Syd Taylor

Partnership seeks views on cost of living challenges

Launched by the Cost of Living Partnership, of which Bromsgrove District Council is a member, the short survey asks residents about the impact currently being experienced by households and about the support which they may or may not be getting.

The outcome of the survey will help the council and other local organisations improve the help, advice and support available, in line with residents’ needs.

Bromsgrove District Council chief executive, Kevin Dicks, who chairs the partnership which is made up of local public and third sector groups and organisations, said: “The crisis is set to continue as caps on utility bills, which are set to land on doormats, are due to end and rent increases are also inevitable.

“By continuing to work with partners we can bring together all the help and advice available for residents who can be signposted to get the correct support for them from a trustworthy source.

“This survey will provide us with useful data so we can ensure the work we are doing is having an effect and we can tailor it to meet our residents’ needs.”

The partnership, which includes DWP, Act on Energy and CAB, has already launched a leaflet for residents and a webpage, as well as a cost of living event hosted by the

Worcestershire County Council and the local libraries which recently took place in Bromsgrove. A second leaflet is set to go out in council tax bills and will also be available online.

Bromsgrove District Council leader, Councillor Karen May, said: “We want residents to seek help and advice sooner rather than later so the support can be put in place quickly.

“It’s also imperative that we check in on friends and neighbours who may be struggling to ensure they also know that they are not alone.”

A copy of the survey is available at www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/BDCCostofLivingFeb2023 and should take approximately five minutes to complete. The closing date for responses is 5pm on March 10th, 2023.

Cost of living help and advice is available at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/costofliving

Learn to love your joints again

Residents

who have fallen out of love with their aching joints, are being challenged to rethink their relationship with arthritis by taking part in the council’s Joint Effort exercise programme.

Joint Effort is a specialised, one-hour, weekly exercise class in Bromsgrove which is specifically designed to help people living with arthritis.

The instructor for the course is qualified to work with people living with arthritis and will give advice and education around how to manage pain, as well as options and information about doing the correct type of exercise.

The sessions run each Wednesday at 1pm at Bromsgrove Sport and Leisure Centre and cost £4 per person per session. Both the NHS and Versus Arthritis advocate exercise as a way to manage symptoms of joint pain and arthritis.

When asked about how the class helps them, one member said: “The laughter! It’s a friendly group with no pressure to do any exercise you are not comfortable with, there are a variety of exercises and a happy instructor.”

Another participant added: “There are lots of benefits. I feel fitter, stronger and have confidence to push myself more. It’s helped with my mobility in my joints, and I am more flexible. It also lifts my mood.”

Bromsgrove District Council’s portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, Councillor Shirley Webb, said: “The NHS, Versus Arthritis and several other health organisations recommend using exercise to manage the symptoms of arthritis and joint

pain and our wonderful instructor Natasha is here to show our residents how. It might seem counterintuitive, but the glowing reviews of this class prove that it works. If you’re struggling with joint pain, why not stop by the session this week and learn to love your joints again.”

The sessions are run from Bromsgrove Sport and Leisure Centre, School Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1AY. This is a community class which means there is no need to book, participants can just turn up and join in. It is recommended that participants who have not done the class before should turn up a few minutes early to complete any paperwork and discuss with the instructor.

If you would like to know more about this class please contact the instructor, Natasha Tandy on 07828 890774 or email natasha.atkinson5@sky.com

Asurvey has been launched to find out what help and support Bromsgrove residents need as the cost of living crisis continues.

Reuse, recycle and retail therapy with Primrose Hospice

We know that saving money and looking after our environment is at the front of many people’s minds in 2023, so we’ve got just one small solution. Why not set yourself a challenge and shop second-hand?

Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre’s six charity shops across North East Worcestershire are full of hidden gems, not just clothes but homeware, gifts, toys and everything in-between. Our friendly staff and volunteers are always there to help you find what you are looking for, whether that’s for your family or a treat for yourself.

Did you know charity shops stop 339,000 tonnes of textiles from being disposed of each year?

(Source: www.charityretail.org.uk/keystatistics/ ) But we want to do better, which is where you come in. Do you have clothes you don’t wear or books sat unread on a shelf? Donate them to our Primrose shops where they will be sold to generate vital funds to support our community and help the environment.

Ian McRoy, retail manager at Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre, said: “Our charity shops generate over 27% of our needed income every year.

We simply couldn’t do this without our volunteers and the generosity of our community visiting our shops to donate and purchase items. Thank you.”

Our shops are located in Bromsgrove, Redditch, Kingfisher Shopping Centre, Headless Cross, Rubery and Droitwich Spa.

To keep our services across our hospice and family support centre free to patients and families, we need to raise more than £1.75 million every year. We couldn’t do this without the generosity of our community visiting our shops to donate and purchase items.

We always welcome good quality pre-loved clothing, shoes, household items and entertainment –your donation could be another person’s treasure.

To find out more about our shops or donating your pre-loved goods visit our website or contact us via www.primrosehospice.org/support-us/ shops/our-shops/ or call 01527 871051.

Ladies fighting Breast Cancer

We are here for those dealing with the life-changing breast cancer diagnosis; which includes supporters, family and friends, who may be struggling with the impacts, emotions and challenges that breast cancer diagnosis can create.

From providing critical community care, through our BreastMates Central Facebook Group, our Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer Choir and our Hugs-In-A-Bag initiative (providing practical items for women undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy), we are here for you.

Whether you’re a fighter, survivor or supporter, you’ll find your place within our warm, welcoming community.We believe nobody should have to face breast cancer alone.

Creating a community

LFBC provide Drop-In Centre services, both offsite and online, FREE of charge for anyone who with a breast cancer diagnosis.Whether you have just received your diagnosis, in treatment or in remission… we are here for you.

Breastmates Central

Our closed Facebook Group has hundreds of women who meet regularly (every Tuesday from 12 noon and every Thursday from 11am) online to share, care and support. We also run special video coffee mornings for women aged under 30, as well as late evening sessions for those who cannot attend during the day. We can offer 1-2-1 sessions on request too.

As well as support services, we also provide online events; and when possible, the group meets in coffee shops across the region.

Hugs-In-A-Bag

Attending your first chemotherapy or radiotherapy session can be extremely daunting. Especially if you have to attend alone.

That’s why we created our Hug-In-A-Bag initiative. We wanted to create a useful, practical resource which would provide everything a women might need during

these aggressive, yet critically important treatments. The bags contain ‘common-sense’ items such as a water bottle, moisturiser and a good book. It also contains less ‘obvious’ items including a fleece blanket (as the treatments can impact body temperature dramatically), and nail varnish (to hide the discolouration that the treatments can trigger).

LFBC provides these bags FREE of charge to men and women across the region; we can deliver direct to you or a loved one and we also work with fourteen hospitals across the West Midlands, providing a stock of bags so that the Breast Care nurses can gift them to even more men and women.

In one year LFBC provided more than 600 bags and we are determined that as long as we can raise the funds, we will continue to provide this ‘virtual hug’ to as many of the thousands of women diagnosed with breast cancer in the West Midlands every year, as possible.

Join our Community Online Coffee Mornings | 1-2-1 Sessions : Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer is on Facebook. Join for the secure access codes to our closed BreastMates Central Facebook Group.

Drop-in centres | ladies fighting breast cancer choir : Text us on +44 (0)7786 868929 and a member of our team will contact you.

Fundraise for us | General Enquiries : Email info@lfbc.org.uk for application and process details or visit lfbc.org.uk to find out more or contact us to join our community.

We believe nobody should have to face breast cancer alone

The influence of the Chinese zodiac on our health

AsI write this column, the year of the Tiger is bowing out to the year of the Rabbit. Having lived in Asia for many years I do miss all the celebrations for Chinese New Year and thought it would be fun to take stock of our health in regard to the Chinese animals.

Rabbit - Take things seriously and visit the doctor if a symptom worsens. Eating too little or too much can lead to urinary problems. Watch for anxiety and depression and let go of problems.

Dragon - Minor problems like insomnia, indigestion and chronic fatigue can show up along with minor accidents, from sharp knives to scissors, especially for Dragon children. Stay away from large bodies of water. Adult Dragons should take special care when driving.

Snake - Balance and breaks when needed. Snakes are extremely picky eaters so consider a balanced diet. Watch emotions, stress and anxiety. Stress relates to the heart, blood vessels and other organs. Women should pay attention to the urinary system.

Horse - Pay attention to the family’s physical and mental health. Watch for kidney and liver problems. Do not ignore minor symptoms and stick to a manageable routine.

Goat – Care and rest. You are not the healthiest of zodiac animals and are influenced by the seasons. Mindset is the biggest influence with frustration, stress and worry. You suffer from colds, sore throats, headaches, a runny nose, plus the risk of heart problems. Regular exercise is good.

Monkey – Harmonious year for health. You take a while to change with the seasons. Colds, sore throats are common and look after mental health. Connecting with friends and family and exercise are very beneficial.

Rooster –There aren’t any serious illnesses, but small problems are inevitable. Outside factors affect

your health. Being picky eaters is common, even with food you like this can lead to digestive problems. Watch mood swings.

Dog –Resilient and healthy overall. The smallest cold can put you in bed for days. Be wary of influenza and contagious diseases during summer and autumn. Pay attention to your digestive system. Stress causes headaches and migraines. Taking breaks and relaxing activities such as yoga will help.

Pig - Take care of your health this year, you’re more likely to get injured, become sick or afflicted by chronic discomfort and need time off work. Adopt a healthy diet, don’t drink too much and go to bed at a reasonable hour. Do not ignore minor illnesses, indigestion and the common cold. This year, small health problems could turn out to be more.

Rat - Your energetic personality means you tire quickly. You catch colds often, but thankfully no serious illness. You are sensitive to change in temperature. Not only is cold weather unbearable you can’t stand hot weather. You perform hard, physical work and enjoy longevity. You can eat anything, be it delicacies or plain food. Do pay attention to your diet, often you forget to eat. Going long periods without food and suddenly bingeing causes digestive problems. Remember to eat breakfast, do moderate exercise and remain cheerful.

Ox – As workaholics, you go days with minimal food, rest, then binge on both. Irregular diets cause indigestion problems. Irregular exercise causes you to fall ill with “random” ailments. At middle age, there is a risk of heart disease and joint pain.

Tiger - Don’t overwork and socialise, balance is needed. Look after body and gut health. Tigers in their middle or senior years will need to be vigilant on the road. All Tigers are advised to exercise more to boost their usually robust constitution.

by Colette Garside

2

Booking

STARTER

Soup of the day, warmed bread and homemade butter. Chicken liver parfait, red onion chutney & toasted bread. Classic wedge salad, blue cheese dressing, croutons, crumbles blue cheese & crispy panchetta. Whitebait, salad leaf & tartar sauce.

MAINS

Roast Sirloin of Beef & Yorkshire Pudding. Supreme of Chicken, roast potatoes, sautéed wild mushrooms & tarragon sauce.

Roast Pork belly.

Pan fried salmon, new potatoes & saffron cream sauce. Med veg tart, new potatoes & salad.

DESSERT

Vanilla cheesecake & raspberry puree. Lemon tart.

Chocolate brownie & ice cream.

Millionaire tart, creme fraiche & fruit puree.

2 COURSES: £22.95

3 COURSES: £27.95

Lamb, Aubergine and Spinach Pot

Lean lamb cut from the leg or shoulder is best for this richly flavoured braise. Trim away any fat or sinew before cutting the meat into even-sized pieces. The dish can also be cooked in the oven in a casserole with a tight-fitting lid at 170°C (fan 150°C)/325°F/ gas mark 3

Serves 4

Method:

1. Heat half the oil in a large sauté pan or flameproof casserole and brown the lamb in batches over a fairly high heat. Remove the pieces with a slotted spoon as they brown and set aside.

2. Add the rest of the oil to the pan and lower the heat. Fry the onions for 10 minutes until softened, then add the paprika, aubergine, orange pepper and garlic and fry for a further 5 minutes.

3. Stir in the Kikkoman Tamari Gluten-free soy sauce, tomatoes and stock and bring to a simmer. Return the lamb to the pan, cover and simmer over a low heat for 1 hour or until the lamb is tender, stirring occasionally.

4. Uncover the pan, stir in the shredded spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until the leaves wilt. Serve with boiled rice.

Tip: You can use beef instead of lamb, if you prefer. Prepare the dish in the same way but increase the cooking time by about 45 minutes depending on the cut of beef you use.

Ingredients:

4tbsp vegetable oil

500g lean lamb, diced

2 medium onions, peeled and chopped

2tsp paprika

1 aubergine, cut into 2.5cm chunks

1 orange pepper, deseeded and chopped

2 garlic cloves, peeled and finely chopped

2tbsp Kikkoman Tamari Gluten-free soy sauce

400g can chopped tomatoes

300ml lamb stock

175g spinach leaves, shredded

Prep. time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 1½ hours

6.3g

The story behind

Have you ever wondered why one of the town’s grandest buildings sits on a corner set back from the High Street? The reason is because it was moved!

No 1 New Road, generally known as The Tudor House, is an imposing timberframed building at the corner of the High Street and New Road. Built around 1572, it originally stood in the High Street and was later known as the Hop Pole Inn. The initials W.B. (possibly those of William Brooke, a governor of Bromsgrove School in 1556) can be seen on the lintel above an upper window.

The house was part of a row of houses owned successively by Josiah Dineley, mercer, Richard Stanney, writing master, and Anthony Boulton, barber surgeon. In a deed of 1709, these premises included a brewhouse and a banquet house.

By 1793, two of the row had been refronted in brick, and the remaining timber-framed house had been divided into two properties, the southernmost of which was occupied as the Hop Pole by Joseph Brooke, innkeeper.

Bromsgrove had many coaching inns: the Hop Pole was not one of them, though coaches occasionally stopped there on their way between Worcester and Leicester during the 1820s.

By the 1850s the building’s future was in doubt. The Birmingham to Gloucester Railway had opened in 1841 and passed one mile to the east of Bromsgrove. A horse-drawn omnibus service from the Golden Cross Hotel met the trains and brought passengers and their luggage to and from the town.

The station was approached by a winding, narrow road, now known as Old Station Road and, as the popularity of the railways increased, it was recognised that a better route was needed..

The Tudor House during it’s dismantling

The Tudor House in it’s original position

The ‘Tudor House’

It was decided to construct a new thoroughfare direct from the High Street to the railway station. But to do this an opening would need to be made and, as a timber-framed building that could be taken down relatively easily, the Hop Pole was sacrificed. The new road, appropriately called New Road, opened in 1865.

Following a campaign to save this ancient building, the Worcester City & County Banking Company bought the materials and re-erected it on the left hand side of New Road. Such an act of conservation was highly unusual for the time. The architect, W.J. Hopkins of Worcester, used some of the original timbers from the second floor, but the lower floor was completely redesigned, incorporating a ‘Gothic’ porch and oriel window. The total cost of the building work was £2,000 and the bank moved into its new premises in November 1868.

The building has been through several incarnations since. In 1889 the Worcester City & County Banking Company was taken over by Lloyds Bank who moved to the High Street in 1913. By this time the property was generally referred to as the Tudor House. It became home to several generations of estate agents and is currently occupied by Your Move.

by Mike Sharpe

The Tudor House as it stands today

The Tudor House in the 1970’s

20p to Save the Artrix

Much loved Bromsgrove community arts centre, the Artrix, may finally get an 11th hour reprieve after Bromsgrove Lib Dems put forward a positive rescue plan.

The centre has stood empty since it stopped being used by the NHS for Covid vaccines, as there is insufficient funding for it to reopen. Now Bromsgrove Lib Dems have submitted an ambitious alternative budget to Bromsgrove District Council which would reinstate the subsidy needed to get it back on its feet.

District councillors met to discuss the budget for 2023-24 year on February 22. The Conservative budget agreed at cabinet, but not yet approved at council level, offers no subsidy at all for the centre, prolonging uncertainty and heightening the risk of permanent closure. The Lib Dems have submitted an alternative budget which would add an extra 20p a month to the council tax bill of an average household. This would raise £92,000 a year to fund the Artrix, putting its funding back on a sustainable footing and enabling it to reopen.

The Artrix opened in 2005 and was initially subsidised with an annual grant of £120,000 from the district council, which was then reduced to £61,000 a year. Its operator went into administration during the Covid pandemic, and the centre has been unable to reopen because the Conservative controlled district council is now refusing to offer any subsidy at all.

The district council only keeps a small proportion of the overall council tax raised.The Lib Dem alternative budget would increase the district council’s proportion by 1%, which would increase the overall bill by 0.1%. For an average Band D property, this is equivalent to 19.8p per month.Those on the lowest incomes are exempt from paying council tax.

Bromsgrove Arts Alive recently wrote an open letter appealing to the district council to stop prevaricating

and ‘rise to the challenge of making positive decisions regarding the reopening of Artrix’.

Councillor Rob Hunter, who leads the Lib Dem Group on the district council, said: “Nobody wants to place more burden on local residents, especially during the cost of living crisis, but we think 20p a month represents the right balance between saving a much loved and widely used community asset, and being fair to hard pressed taxpayers. Unfortunately, it has become painfully clear there is no other way. The Conservatives simply do not have a plan and we all know it’s the last chance saloon for the Artrix. If we don’t act now, we could lose it forever.”

Fellow Lib Dem Councillor, Siobhan Robinson, who represents Bromsgrove Central ward where the Artrix is located, added: “It’s not just about the value of the arts to our community. Anyone who has walked down the High Street recently knows how badly we need to attract new businesses. Reopening the Artrix could be key to increasing footfall, but this can’t happen unless the council steps in to offer support. It’s in everyone’s interests that we turn this sorry situation around.”

The Artrix was on the agenda when the district council met at Parkside on February 22 but both Labour and Conservative councillors voted against the 20p increase in council tax. Following the motion, most of the members of the public in attendance left in disgust.

Disappointed Liberal Democrats commented on their Facebook page after the meeting that “the fight goes on.”

Craft centre hosts Lyn’s creations

Bromsgrove artist Lyn Sharp will be exhibiting her work for sale at the Jinney Ring Craft Centre in Hanbury from March.

Lyn works in many different mediums, and she recycles wherever possible to avoid landfill, conscious of not letting anything go to waste where possible.

Her most recent creations are art dolls. Made from fabric and wool, they are handcrafted into small individuals and named as they develop.

All of Lyn’s work is created in textiles and Merino

wool. A selection of unique wall art and cards will also be on display.

For further details contact Lyn at lyndasharp2010@ yahoo.com

An Independent Family Owned Funeral Directors

THOMAS BROTHERS

Family owned funeral homes in Redditch, Wythall, Alvechurch, Bromsgrove & Alcester. We provide a friendly, dignified service paying special attention to detail.

“A family concern”

“A family concern”

www.thomasbrothers.co.uk

www.thomasbrothers.co.uk

email: admin@thomasbrothers.co.uk

email: admin@thomasbrothers.co.uk

Bromsgrove Flower Club springs forward!

After what has felt like a long, hard and often cold winter, everyone is looking forward to the Spring. At the meeting of Bromsgrove Flower Club on Thursday the 16th March, our flower arranger Bridgette Manton, will welcome the spring with her chosen title of ‘New Beginnings’. Don’t miss it!

The Demonstrator’s arrangements will be included as prizes in our raffle.

The title for the Flower Club’s competition is ‘Hosts of golden daffodils’

Throughout the year, Bromsgrove Flower Club meets every third Thursday of the month, at 2.00pm, in All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AF. Everyone is welcome, including existing members and new members; so do come and join us for a cup of tea and a chat. The entrance fee for members is £3.00, and for visitors the entrance fee will be £8.00.

For more information check out our new web page at www.bromsgroveflowerclub.org.uk

Village bares all to boost hospice

In 2022 a group of incredible supporters from Stoke Prior decided they wanted to fundraise for Primrose Hospice’s GALS Group.

After some thought, they decided to create a Calendar Girls style calendar with all profits going to the group. To date, they have raised more than £18,000.

The fundraisers have had support from local businesses who sponsored the calendar and a comedy night at the Boat and Railway pub.

Photographs in the calendars were taken by Julie King Photography and Dpix Creative Photography, who even modelled themselves! Find out more about the villagers’ fundraising efforts at www.primrosehospice.org/.../stokeprior-bares-all.../

All the care and support provided to patients and families by Primrose Hospice is free, which is why it is grateful for donations so it can continue to support people at their time of need.

Kim Chandler

Beginners

Wednesday 4.30 – 6.30

Level 1 class

Thursday: 3.30 – 5.30

Level 2.2 class

Tuesday: 7.00 – 9.00

Level 3 (Intermediate 1)

Thursday: 7.00 – 9.00

Conversation (AS’ Level standard)

Thursday: 1.30 – 3.30

Conversation (A’ Level standard)

Wednesday: 7.00 – 9.00

Discussion (Degree level)

Monday: 7.00 – 8.30

Tuesday: 10 – 12.00

Wednesday: 10.00 – 11.30

Friday: 9.30 – 11.30

One to one or group tuition for beginners

G.C.S.E & A’ LEVEL tuition

NICOLE HARRIS M.C.I.L.

French native speaker with over 35 years teaching experience

TEL: 01527 878493/07802 637093

Email: nicnoelharris@aol.com

www.frenchwithnicoleharris.co.uk

Say ‘bonjour’ to French guests

Host families are needed for French students and teachers who are visiting the Midlands for the fifth year running in March, April and May.

Due to their enjoyment of local attractions over the last few years, the students will be back to indulge in chocolate at Cadbury World, eat freshly cooked fish and chips, visit Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon and find out about the region’s industrial heritage at The Black Country Living Museum.

All students need is a comfortable bed at the end of a busy day and your hospitality will be financially rewarded. This is

a great way to exchange language, food and culture, though you do not need to speak French.

If you live within commuting distance of the daily meeting points in Wychbold, Bromsgrove and Longbridge and would like more information about hosting, please call or text Lisa Mistry on 07702 504495

Amateurs and gardeners are FeckenOdeon’s spring offerings

The FeckenOdeon Cinema Society in Feckenham has two screenings to look forward to in March.

On Friday, March 10th at 8pm, movie buffs can enjoy A Bunch of Amateurs (12A).

Members of Bradford Movie Makers – a British, working class, amateur filmmaking club – grow old together amid flickering memories. Clinging to their dreams, and to each other, fuelled by endless cups of tea, this gently comedic, profoundly moving portrait of shared artistic folly speaks to the escapist dreamer in us all and to the enduring power of faceto-face time together, in an increasingly lonely, digital age.

Saving Grace

(12A) is being screened on Saturday, March 25th at 7.30pm.

When life is unkind and things turn out not to be as you expect them to be you might be forgiven for bending the law. Grace has green fingers. Matthew has some plants Grace can grow. So she grows them - very successfully. Will she be caught out? Will the WI ever recover from Grace’s scones? Brenda Blethyn is Grace in a role far removed from her popular TV detective, Vera.

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. FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at

Get ready to tee off with Primrose Hospice

Fancy getting out of the office for the day for 18 holes of golf while supporting your local hospice?

Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre in Bromsgrove is running a golf day this spring with a Primrose Cup up for grabs for the winning team.

The golf day will take place at Redditch Golf Club on Friday, May 26th with breakfast and hot buffet lunch provided. Teams of four can enter for £79 per person.

Gabby Haines, fundraiser and event organiser for Primrose Hospice said: “We are so pleased that the captains at Redditch Golf Club are supporting us with our Golf Day as well as choosing us as their charity of the year in 2023.

“We hope that this event will bring our community together to enjoy a different experience away from their daily routine and fundraise for their local community at the same time.”

If you would like to enter a team or find out more, contact Gabby by emailing gabrielleh@primrosehospice. org or calling 01527 889796.

Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre deliver vital support and care to people with life-limiting illnesses and families, providing them with the care and support they need during difficult times.

The hospice is an independent charity and relies heavily on support from the local community. Events like this help to raise the £1.75 million each year that the hospice need to continue providing their services for their patients and their families.

Suspense, friendship and

With slow-burning suspense and a chilling grip, WATCHER (15) will be screened on Sunday 12th March 7.30pm. In this psychological thriller, with an ending that packs a punch, a young American woman moves with her husband to Bucharest, and begins to suspect that a stranger who watches her from the apartment building across the street may be a local serial killer decapitating women.

With nine Oscar nominations and winner of three Golden Globe Awards, the dark tragicomedy film The BANSHEES OF INISHERIN (15) will be screened on Wednesday 15th March 7.30pm. Set on a remote island off the west coast of Ireland, the film follows lifelong friends Pádraic and Colm, who find themselves at an impasse when Colm unexpectedly puts an end to their friendship. A stunned Pádraic, aided by his sister Siobhán and troubled young islander Dominic, endeavours to repair the relationship, refusing to take no for an answer. But Pádraic’s repeated efforts only strengthen his former friend’s resolve and when Colm delivers a desperate ultimatum, events swiftly escalate, with shocking consequences.

In A BUNCH OF AMATEURS (12A), being screened on Wednesday 22nd March 2.30pm, members of a quintessentially British working-class amateur filmmaking club, ‘BRADFORD MOVIE MAKERS’ grow old together amid flickering memories and challenging final years. Clinging to their dreams, and to each other, fuelled by endless cups of tea, this gently comedic, profoundly moving portrait of shared artistic folly speaks to the escapist dreamer in us all and to the enduring power of face-to-face time together, in an increasingly lonely, digital age.

Fairfield Flicks is located at Fairfield Village Hall and there is free parking and a licenced bar. For information and advanced tickets for all events, visit www.fairfieldflicks.org.uk

music at Fairfield Flicks

After a winter’s break, gig nights return with some great acts appearing on the Fairfield Flicks stage.

A return visit for JACK GOODALL AND THE KICK on Saturday 4th March 8.00pm. Singer, songwriter and band frontman Jack Goodall has taken a unique and contrary musical path, at times funky and bombastic and at other times delicate and sedate. Goodall, who has released three solo albums, has toured the UK, Ireland and Canada playing both solo and with band. Goodall’s music has been praised with Guy Garvey of Elbow & BBC 6

Music is quoted as saying “Beautiful music, I love it”. The Kick are Jack Smith on drums, David Rees-Jones on percussion and Emma Reading on guitar. Supporting JACK GOODALL AND THE KICK will be KATE

THOMPSON who plays intimate songs on acoustic guitar dosed with fantastical offbeats to a lush 4 track backing of harmonies, glockenspiels and the casio microtone.

From the depths of the countryside in mid-Wales EMPIRE OF LIGHTS will be appearing on stage on Saturday 25th March 8.00pm. They are a blistering hot power trio combining thunderous drums, deep bass, searing guitars and soaring vocals. Formed in 2018, they have racked up hundreds of thousands of streams on YouTube, Soundcloud, and Spotify, and have got the music industry reviewers talking.

Fairfield Flicks is located at Fairfield Village Hall and there is free parking and a licenced bar. For information and advanced tickets for all events, visit www.fairfieldflicks.org.uk

Birmingham Symphonic Winds blow into town

Winners of Classic FM’s competition for the best leisure-time groups in the UK, Birmingham Symphonic Winds come to Bromsgrove for the first time.

Expect stunning musicianship from a 40 piece orchestra, lively and varied programming and an accessible and informal presentation which is suitable for all and situated at the helm is conductor Keith Allen. Appearing on Sunday 12th March 2023 - 3pm at Routh Concert Hall, Bromsgrove School B61 7HP

The Programme includes:

Adventures on Earth from E.T. (John Williams) Elgar Variations (Martin Ellerby)

Bugler’s Holiday (Leroy Anderson )

Fanfare for the Common Man (Aaron Copland)

Riverdance (Bill Whelan)

The Firebird: Berceuse & Finale (Igor Stravinsky)

Tickets available from Bromsgrove School Box Office

Full price £15.00 | Concession £12.00

Student/child £9.00 | Family ticket (Good for 4) £39.00

www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/whats-on | www.bsw.org.uk

Sing, Sing, Sing!

Have you ever fancied having a go at singing, even joining a choir, especially a friendly choir that doesn’t require you to read music OR audition?

Well, if you have, then we could be the choir for you.

Not only do we enjoy ourselves singing but we also raise money for The Primrose Hospice, having raised many thousands of pounds over the years.

We are the Primrose Choir, based at The Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre, St Godwalds Road, Bromsgrove. We meet on Wednesdays at 7pm - 8.30pm.

If you think you’d like to come and see what we’re about, we would love to meet you. The first two session are completely free. So come along and give us a try.

If you need anymore information call Anita on 07737317493.

primrose hospice

Care Compassion Community

Requiem opens choral society’s programme

Barnt Green Choral Society opens its concert programme for 2023 at North Bromsgrove High School on Saturday, March 25th at 3pm with a performance of Brahms’ Requiem.

Soloists are Dave Coulson (baritone) and Marianne Ayling (soprano), featuring alongside pianists Alastair Moseley and Andrew Burling, who play Brahms’ own arrangement for piano duet accompaniment of this famous work.

Tickets cost £10 each (free for under 16s) and are available from any member of the society or on the door on the day of the concert.

Please note that entrance to the concert is via the doors at the rear of the school, a short walk from the top end of Bromsgrove town centre, which is reached by following School Drive to the end and then up through the car park entry gates. There is plenty of free car parking.

Croft setting sights on successful season

Avoncroft Cricket Club held its AGM in February, an opportunity for members to look back on a successful 2022 and start to look ahead to the new year.

This year will bring with it several changes in the club’s leadership. Chris Townsend, the club’s chair for the past four years, is standing down although expects to still be actively involved in the club, particularly in maintaining Croft’s picturesque Stoke Heath ground.

Chris was thanked for his sterling leadership, particularly through the pandemic, which came after over 20 years’ service as a player and committee member. He will be succeeded by the previous vicechair, Mark Whitehead, who will be supported in role by a new vice-chair in Mark Wood.

Another long-standing committee member standing down is Ian Athey, who has supported the club as bar manager for nearly 30 years. Ian was thanked for his tireless efforts over many years, during which the bar has ground significantly and become a key part of the

club’s financial sustainability. He will be succeeded during 2023 by Jason Huxley, who is taking on an expanded pavilion and bar manager role.

On the field, Josh Cound will remain as First XI captain but there are changes in the other teams as Chris Pitt returns to the captain’s ranks as Second XI skipper whilst Phil Seers takes on his first captain’s role at the club to steer the Third XI. Paul Athey will continue to lead the Sunday friendly XI.

The first challenge for the new committee will be dealing with a major water leak that took place during the Christmas period at the club. With extensive damage caused, there is a race against time to get the pavilion ready for the new season, and support from all members will be vital to help the club recover from this latest challenge.

by Paul Athey

Emotional times for Sporting but form is on the up

Emotional times for Sporting but form is on the up!

Former player Cody Fisher, who sadly lost his life at a Birmingham nightclub on remembered at the Victoria Ground when the postponed fixture between Bromsgrove was scheduled to be played at the end of February.

At that match, players would wear specially commissioned white kit. The idea was Red initiative, aimed at keeping young people safe from knife crime.

Former player Cody Fisher, who sadly lost his life at a Birmingham nightclub on Boxing Day, was due to be remembered at the Victoria Ground when the postponed fixture between Bromsgrove Sporting and Stratford Town was scheduled to be played at the end of February.

Bromsgrove District Council Commercial Waste Services, Swallow Wholesale Drinks Sports have all sponsored this tribute Proceeds from the kit auction will go to a charity

On the field, the Rouslers have recently hit a decent run of form, winning two and drawing the relative safety of mid-table. However, they still must play the top four sides balanced by twice the number of matches still to be played at home.

At that match, players would wear specially commissioned white kit. The idea was inspired by Arsenal’s No More Red initiative, aimed at keeping young people safe from knife crime.

Bromsgrove District Council Commercial Waste Services, Swallow Wholesale Drinks Solutions and Moving Forward Sports have all sponsored this tribute. Proceeds from the kit auction will go to a charity chosen by Cody’s family.

On the field, the Rouslers have recently hit a decent run of form, winning two and drawing two to take them up to the relative safety of mid-table. However, they still must play the top four sides in the league away but that is balanced by twice the number of matches still to be played at home.

Player/manager Mike McGrath has been busy bolstering his squad for the run-in with now wearing the red and white striped shirts. There has also been a change of backroom taking over as head coach from Richard Sneekes.

Player/manager Mike McGrath has been busy bolstering his squad for the run-in with several talented youngsters now wearing the red and white striped shirts. There has also been a change of backroom staff with Jemiah Richards taking over as head coach from Richard Sneekes.

Fixtures to the beginning of April are as follows:

Fixtures to the beginning of April are as follows:

Borough Southern League

Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies narrowly went out of the Ladies County Cup in the semi Redditch Borough. As the cliché goes, they can now concentrate on the league where in a couple of matches and have games in hand on their opponents.

Bromsgrove Sporting Veterans are also doing well have won eight of their nine games.

Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies narrowly went out of the Ladies County Cup in the semi-finals losing 2-1 at home to Redditch Borough. As the cliché goes, they can now concentrate on the league where they have only dropped points in a couple of matches and have games in hand on their opponents.

Bromsgrove Sporting Veterans are also doing well have won eight of their nine games.

Sporting's website - www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk - has more information and e hello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

On social media, the link to Facebook is Fans of Bromsgrove Sporting and on Twitter @SportingFC

Sporting’s website - www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk - has more information and enquiries are fielded by email to hello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

On social media, the link to Facebook is Fans of Bromsgrove Sporting and on Twitter @ SportingFC by Phil Baker

Photos by Andrew Lloyd

Ammar Dyer rises above the rest to win the ball

Jack Tolley scores against Basford United