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Issue 56 November 2023

Bromsgrove

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Welcome to the November issue of Completely Bromsgrove

ith November 5 being Bonfire Night, we would like to wish anyone going to or having their own bonfire and fireworks celebrations a fantastic time. Please bear in mind that pets and wildlife can be adversely affected by the fireworks and noise, so stay safe and remember, remember the fifth of November!

Here at Completely Bromsgrove, we would like to pay tribute to Jennie McGregor-Smith, who sadly and suddenly passed away on September 15th. Jennie had lived in the village of Finstall since 1966 and she was featured in the December 2018/January 2019 edition of the magazine after writing a book entitled The Story of Finstall – The 1640s to the 1940s, which showcased her passion for her beloved village. Completely Bromsgrove would like to send their deepest condolences to Jennie’s family and many friends. Turn to pages 24 and 25 to read how important she was to Bromsgrove and the district’s cultural life.

Moving onto a very hot topic, the Artrix. Our muchloved venue is being reopened to accommodate the Core Theatre pantomime. Turn to page 37 to ﬁnd out more. Many Christmas events are starting this month. Bromsgrove’s Christmas Lights switch on will be taking place on Saturday, November 18th, to coincide with Friends of St John’s Christmas Fair, which is held in the High Street on Friday 17th & Saturday 18th. Turn to page 41 for all the details. This is a great opportunity to support many local crafters and traders, who will be offering unique products for sale, so please pop along and pick up some great Christmas gifts. Best wishes, Michele Ford The 4 lucky readers who have received Festive Gift Fair Tickets are:

Contents

6 National Recognition 8 Talking Pages 10 Keep B’grove Beautiful 11 The Kings School 12 Lib Dems 13 B’grove District Council 14 Community Togetherness 16 Clock Restoration

Completely

18 Rail Matters 20 Gardening 21 B’grove Flower Club 22 Worcs Wildlife Trust 24 Jennie McGregor-Smith 26 History 28 Health 30 Recipe

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

4 Completely Bromsgrove

Jeanette Price, Cheryl Billau, Liz Swarbrick & Nicole Hazelton We hope you have a great shopping experience! Happy Shopping!

34 Fairﬁeld Flicks 36 Artrix 38 Feckenodeon 40 Santa Fun Run 41 Christmas Market 42 Avoncroft Cricket 43 B’grove Sporting FC 44 Drive Time

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

Sales: Michele Ford Tel: 07948 086870 Design: Matt Walton Design The contents of Completely Bromsgrove magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Completely Bromsgrove magazine. Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Completely Bromsgrove magazine cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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Bromsgrove B O O K W I T H C O N F I D E N C E W I T H T H E U K ’ S L A R G E S T I N D E P E N D E N T T R A V E L A GCompletely ENT

National recognition for Fairﬁeld Village

Community Association E

arlier this year, Fairﬁeld Village Community Association, who run the Fairﬁeld Neighbourhood Watch Group, was nominated for the 2023 Neighbourhood Watch Network National Volunteer Recognition Awards in the community health and wellbeing category.

This category celebrates Neighbourhood Watch groups and coordinators who have gone the extra mile to look out for the needs of their neighbours and neighbourhood. Neighbourhood Watch received more than 270 nominations and judges named Fairfield Village Community Association as the winner. This is a huge achievement for the community. Congratulations to all our amazing volunteers and supporters for being part of our success. Without you, none of our initiatives could be delivered that help to enhance community cohesion, reduce loneliness and social isolation, and improve our environment. Whether you are a litter picker, tree planter, look after the flower beds, deliver newsletters, serve behind the bar, help with marketing, coordinate one of our initiatives, repor t suspicious activity or attend one of the activities, thank you. Thanks also to the trustees of Fairfield Village Hall for use of our community building that allows events to take place, and to all our partners. At the award ceremony held at The Wellcome Collection in London in September, Alan and Sarah Gormley received the award on behalf of our

6 Completely Bromsgrove

community from John Haywood-Cripps, CEO of Neighbourhood Watch and Ian Bretman, chair of Neighbourhood Watch Network. Spokesperson Conrad Palmer said: “Winning this award is absolutely wonderful and is down to the hard work and dedication of our amazing volunteers and the strong partnership with other community stakeholders including Bromsgrove Police.” The purpose of Fairfield Village Community Association is to further community life within the Fairfield Parish Ward (Fairfield, Wildmoor and Stoneybridge) and to support the preservation of the existing and future environment of the community. The association works to improve community cohesion, build local pride and to enhance the mental, social, and physical wellbeing of all in our community. It delivers many initiatives, including Foodie Fairfield – the monthly Market Hall in the Village Hall, support local food producers, Bromsgrove Arts (the home of Fairfield Flicks and Fairfield Music), a cinema and live entertainment experience screening top films, live stream events and hosting great acts that bring people together, plus other activities that help to build a better and safer community.

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Increased audience sparks talking newspaper’s volunteer hunt P

ut together by a team of volunteers, Redditch & Bromsgrove Talking Newspaper provides a weekly recorded edition of local news for the sight impaired and others who have disability-related reading difﬁculties.

Prior to the pandemic, each weekly issue of the local news was only available to its audience by way of a USB memory stick posted out free to each recipient. Listeners accessed recordings through a player also provided free. But with the onset of the pandemic, the team was unable to get together to record and for a brief period the publication ceased. Not to be deterred, the charity star ted to provide the service online. Today the R&BTN reaches out to an everincreasing audience who can access weekly recordings online through mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and Alexa. The charity also has a Facebook page with a link to each week’s publication. Margaret Mountford, chair, said: “At ﬁrst, we faced a complete shutdown, but the pandemic acted as a catalyst for the development of our modern digital facility. I am so proud of the tenacity, energy, and enthusiasm of our volunteers.” Moreover, the content of the paper has moved on. Formerly providing local news across Redditch and Bromsgrove, the paper now has more of a magazine ﬂavour with a variety of additional sections including news from the wider Worcestershire area.

producer and their recordings are then edited by a team of sound editors before uploading onto the internet. For those listeners unable to access the online service, the free USB stick is still available.

There is an Advice Centre featuring ar ticles speciﬁc to the sight impaired and a weekly general knowledge quiz. A Lucky Dip section covers poetry readings by well-known personalities and there are history and nature talks. A weekend weather forecast is published every Friday and a meditation/relaxation piece rounds off each week’s edition.

Volunteers range across all age groups, from retirees to university students, but the charity still needs more volunteers to help in their valuable work. There are currently oppor tunities for producers (familiarity with spreadsheets required) and cuttings editing. Coaching will be provided as necessary. New readers are also welcome.

The quality of production has also improved enormously. By rota, four volunteer readers record each week from home, reading cuttings drawn from the local press by the cutting editing team. They operate to a schedule drawn up by the on-duty

If you feel you have the skills to join the R&BTN Team, please contact either editor Andy Kerr at muso9810@gmail.com or trustee Hedley BrookCar ter at hedleybc@yahoo.co.uk

8 Completely Bromsgrove

The R&BTN looks forward to hearing from you.

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D of E Students Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful

he new school term brings with it a fresh set of students with their sights set on achieving a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Whether the students are just starting their D of E journey, aiming for a bronze award, or moving to the next stages of silver or gold, they need an element of volunteering to support their local neighbourhood and community. Many students are once again choosing to take on litter picking for their activity, and the team at Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful have been available to support and coordinate the volunteering. As we go to press just over 30 students have registered to undertake litter picking as their volunteer element of the award scheme. The students are being coordinated by Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful member Julia Harper, who has been meeting the students to hand over the equipment and high-visibility vests which the students borrow. Jules said “It really is a pleasure to help the students to achieve their DofE award.This is the third year we’ve been supporting the DofE students. Last year I signed off 29 bronze and 8 silver awards, 6 of whom were returning having previously completed their bronze awards. Already this year I’ve met with 23 students who have signed up to do weekly litter picks over the coming months. It really is wonderful to see so many students making this commitment to their local community.” With South Bromsgrove High School achieving national recognition for their contribution to the

10 Completely Bromsgrove

Award Scheme it’s no surprise that the number of students is high, but Jules is also expecting a large number of participants from North when they begin to promote their activities. The mother of one of the students was very complimentary about the scheme and the support it receives locally, she said “My daughter got involved in litter picking with Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful as part of the Bronze DofE. It enabled her to feel proud, provided a sense of accomplishment and made a difference to the area she lived in. It helped build her conﬁdence and it was so lovely when she got a thank you from a passer-by who showed their appreciation. Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful provide a great sense of community, encouragement and offer the opportunity to get involved with group litter picks.They really make a difference.” Any students interested in volunteering for litter picking for all levels of their Duke of Edinburgh Award can complete the registration form online www.tinyurl.com/ KBBDofERegister and a member of the team will be in touch. To stay up to date with Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful, their activities and the progress of the DofE Students you can join the group on www. facebook.com/KeepBromsgroveBeautiful, or look out for updates on the group’s website www.keepbromsgrovebeautiful.com

King’s sixth form students step out with success T

he King’s School, Worcester has been showered with plaudits this year.

For the second year running, they are finalists in the prestigious Independent School Awards, acknowledging outstanding co-educational provision, and the only independent school in Worcestershire to be included in the Sunday Times rankings for the Top 10 schools academically in the West Midlands. But just what lies behind such recognition? This year, 93% of A-level students at King’s achieved all their grades at A*-C. These accomplishments are truly remarkable, especially as they were taking public examinations for the first time. In addition to A-levels, the Extended Project Qualification results were outstanding, with 73% awarded A*-A grades and 84% A*– B.

and an enhanced Sixth Form Curriculum, augmenting exceptional academic provision with an additional qualiﬁcation programme to equip students to take their next steps into Higher Education, apprenticeships or straight into the world of work as well-rounded, ambitious young adults. With Sixth Form provision that has been recognised as excellent by so many, why would you think about going anywhere else?

This summer saw the redevelopment of the Sixth Form Centre, offering a plethora of enviable new facilities,

Sixth Form Open Morning� Saturday 18th November King’s is a truly special place. Preparation for life, academic excellence and character-building opportunities are at the heart of our Sixth Form. We seek to inspire kind, ambitious, and curious young adults who have the determination and resilience to achieve their very best and more. Join us at our Open Morning, where you can explore our enviable Sixth Form facilities, see our exciting new Sixth Form centre redevelopments, meet our ambitious students and talk to our extraordinary, dedicated teachers.

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Completely Bromsgrove

Lib Dems commit to triple lock to protect Bromsgrove pensioners

he Liberal Democrats have become the only major party to commit to the triple lock on pensions, supporting the 21,416 pensioners living in Bromsgrove. The commitment would ensure pensions rise in line with inﬂation, wages or 2.5% – whichever is highest. It means the Liberal Democrats are the only major party to commit to maintaining the triple lock in future years, with both the Conservatives and Labour refusing to do so. The par ty said the policy would protect pensioners facing sky-high bills from the cost of living crisis, adding that pensioners deserve to have the security of knowing that the triple lock will be there to support them in future years. The Liberal Democrats brought in the triple lock while in government, lifting 300,000 pensioners out of pover ty. However, one in seven pensioners nationally still live in absolute poverty. Bromsgrove Morrisons

“The Liberal Democrats are proud that we brought in the triple lock, lifting thousands of pensioners out of poverty. We are committed to keeping the triple lock in place, giving people the security of knowing it will be there to support them in future years. Pensioners should not be made to pay the price for years of economic chaos under the Conservatives Party.”

Lib Dems demand a fair deal on petrol prices for Bromsgrove residents

Rubery Morrisons

Parliamentary candidate for Bromsgrove, Dr David Nicholl said: “Many pensioners in Bromsgrove are already worried sick about how to pay the bills, as the cost of heating and eating goes through the roof.

he Liberal Democrats’ candidate for Bromsgrove at the next general election Dr David Nicholl has written to the CEO of Morrisons demanding a fair deal for residents after it emerged that Morrisons were charging 10p a litre more for petrol in Bromsgrove than it was in Rubery. David commented, “How can this be fair, it is clear from prices set by the supermarket in neighbouring Birmingham that they are ripping off residents in Bromsgrove. It is even cheaper to go on the M5 to the service station to ﬁll up than at the local Morrisons.” Calls have grown for the big supermarkets to reduce the price of petrol after the RAC backed the call to reduce the price at the pumps the supermarkets are paying. David added, “There are now apps out there to tell you where cheaper petrol is, I would urge residents in Bromsgrove to use these apps and not be ripped off. I hope the CEO of Morrisons listens to my calls to reduce the price at the pump and we can all continue then to use the local petrol pump.”

12 Completely Bromsgrove

How’s your polling station? R

esidents of Bromsgrove are being invited to feed back any issues with the places they go to vote during elections. Comments are invited on issues such as the convenience of current polling arrangements, any accessibility issues including for people with disabilities, and ideas for alternative locations for polling stations. The consultation is being held as part of a statutory review that Bromsgrove District Council must do every ﬁve years to establish how suitable its polling districts and polling places are. All representations received will be published and inform the work of the council. Sue Hanley, acting returning ofﬁcer for Bromsgrove district, said: “This review takes a more in-depth look at whether our present polling district and polling station arrangements are the best we can provide for local electors, and considers potential changes. It’s over and above the routine mini reviews we hold every year, and I would encourage residents and all interested parties to send in their comments. “It’s a good way to make suggestions for alternative locations for polling stations, as it could highlight potential venues that we don’t know about.”

The consultation runs until 5pm on Monday, November 13th. Details of existing electoral arrangements are available for inspection at the council’s Parkside ofﬁces on Market Street, Bromsgrove, between 10am and 4pm, and at www. bromsgrove.gov.uk/consultations. Current polling stations were also shown on the poll cards issued to electors for the May elections. Comments must be made in writing to elections@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or by post to: Polling Districts, Polling Places and Polling Stations Review, c/o Electoral Services.

Have your say in annual community survey R

esidents are invited to tell Bromsgrove District Council what they think about local issues and district council services in this year’s ofﬁcial Bromsgrove Community Survey. The survey is an annual chance for residents to have their say on district council issues, with the results going to council members and ofﬁcers to help set priorities for the coming year. Leader of Bromsgrove District Council, Councillor Karen May, said: “Every year the council reviews its priorities, and the results of the latest survey are an important part of that. “We want to hear from as many people as possible via the survey because when more people tell us what they think is important we can plan to deliver on that.” Deputy Leader Councillor Sue Baxter added: “Whether you’re in Hagley, Wythall, Alvechurch, Bromsgrove or anywhere else in the district, it’s really important for us to know what you think about local issues.” The wide-ranging survey is open for responses until 5pm on November 10 at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/ consultations, alongside the results of previous years’

surveys. Paper copies are available from the council’s Parkside ofﬁces on Market Street. For more information contact the council’s engagement, equalities, and policy team on equalities@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or 01527 64252 (ext. 2409). Completely Bromsgrove

Pub landlord brings Sidemoor community together A

Bromsgrove pub landlord is making a difference to the community in Sidemoor. Anthony Theophanous, known as Fat Theo, took over the tenancy at The Duke of York, on Broad Street, in September. In addition to developing the pub as a live events venue, showcasing the talent of local musicians, and becoming the new home of Fat Theo’s Comedy Club, he has also launched the Sidemoor Community Project, with the sole aim of bringing local people together to build a stronger community. Under this umbrella project The Duke of York offers a food bank, a pre-loved school uniform bank and friendship groups with mental health support groups and community action groups in the pipeline. The drop-in foodbank is open every Monday and Wednesday between 8am and 10am. With a ‘no questions asked’ approach, Theo hopes to reduce the stigma associated with food poverty. The pre-loved school uniform bank supports parents who are struggling with the cost of kitting out their children – the average cost of school uniform is almost £100. If your child attends a school in Bromsgrove and you have uniform which they no longer wear, Theo asks that you drop it off at the pub, so it can beneﬁt another family. The ﬁrst of a series of community-focused morning events launched at the pub on October 12th, with the Knit and Knatter group. This group now meets

14 Completely Bromsgrove

every Thursday morning from 10am to 12pm and all are welcome to pop along. Theo said: “I’m aware of what’s going on within the community and around the world. People are really struggling – and not only ﬁnancially. I want to create a hub of the community to bring people together and make a difference in their lives.” He has been in discussions with ward Councillor Graeme Stewar t to help make his vision a reality and is also approaching local businesses, requesting donations or suppor t. You may wonder why Theo is putting so much time and energy into this community venture, alongside running the commercial side of his pub. The answer is simple. He suffered a life-threatening brain haemorrhage in 2016 and following rehabilitation his entire outlook on life changed. He now embraces everything life has to offer and is passionate about making a difference for those who are struggling – whatever that personal struggle may be. If you would like to donate to the food or school uniform bank email anthonytheophanous137@gmail.com For more information visit the Sidemoor Community Project or the Duke of York Bromsgrove Facebook pages. You can also message Theo via these pages.

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New lease of life for village church’s copper dial T

he copper dial at St Mark’s Church in Fairﬁeld has been restored by horology specialists Smith of Derby.

The clock was ﬁrst installed in 1953, in the coronation year of Queen Elizabeth II, with the present reinstallation in the year of King Charles’ coronation. To mark these historical events, royal cyphers have been added to the restored clock. Restoration work was required as the clock had stopped working and had fallen from its position at the west end of the church. Often incorrectly assumed to be the church’s clock, it is a public clock that, like in many communities across the country, is attached to the tallest building, which at the time was often a church. According to a Bromsgrove Messenger report in 1953: “The Coronation Committee decided that a clock costing £10 be put in the wall of the church where all could see it.” The cost of the clock refurbishment is more than £8,000 and has been par tly funded by Mrs Margaret Must in memory of her husband, Chris. However, more money is needed to pay the balance of the refurbishment bill. Wyn Beynon, priest in charge at St Mark’s, said: “The clock face looking out on to the village is a shared community asset. It may be on the church building, but it was put there by the village for everyone, and indeed was originally paid for by public subscription.

16 Completely Bromsgrove

“It has still got an electric mechanism - it was never clockwork - and this new one is the same type as is installed in clocks in Middle Eastern deserts and Siberian snows, but we hope it’s up to British weather! If you are interested in contributing to the cost, please contact one of the church members or me at bfcofﬁce@btconnect.com.” During the initial inspection Smith of Derby discovered that the copper dial had been dislodged by the wind. Traditional wooden plugs and slotted screws were found to have been used originally to attach the dial to the wall, and with weathering over many years these had become loose. The restoration process involved a faithful restoration of the dial to its original black colour, with gold leaf and hands; the provision and installation of a clock movement, replacing the previous one; and signiﬁcant improvement to the attachment method of the dial to St Mark’s Church, ensuring the dial’s stability and safeguarding it against future dislodgment. “We take great pride in the work we do at Smith of Derby and it has been a privilege to work on the dial at St Mark’s Church,” said complex projects manager Mar tin Butchers. “This project ensures the dial’s longevity and functionality for the future.”

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Catch the train southerly

wo pieces of rail information which are relevant to Bromsgrove were announced in September. Firstly, from October 15th, CrossCountry Trains has been awarded a new operating contract, with a guaranteed core of four years. It is also mandated to introduce enhancements to its timetables. Secondly, the county council, GWR and CrossCountry Trains are to be congratulated on the achievement of achieving passenger numbers of more than 544,000 at Worcestershire Parkway for the period April 2022 to March 2023 - well in excess of the forecast usage. However, at present the station is of little beneﬁt to the people of Bromsgrove because it is not possible to travel directly south to Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham Spa and beyond. Passengers from Bromsgrove still have to choose from three timeconsuming options to reach Worcestershire Parkway and Cheltenham Spa. There is potentially a simpler, quicker, cheaper, and direct option to reach Worcestershire Parkway in 11 minutes, Cheltenham Spa in 28 minutes and then beyond from Bromsgrove, which BARRUP will be pressing CrossCountry Trains to introduce. That is to have the hourly Nottingham to Cardiff CrossCountry Trains service, which stops at Worcestershire Parkway and Cheltenham Spa, stop also at Bromsgrove. As far as BARRUP is aware, there is no reason why it could not. The currently under-utilised Bromsgrove station was built at considerable expense in 2016 as an interchange station with four platforms and has the necessary capacity. Up to July 2018 some CrossCountry Trains used to stop at Bromsgrove. Stopping this service at Bromsgrove would enable people from Nor th East Worcestershire to travel directly south to connect with the GWR services at Worcestershire Parkway, and thus onto Evesham,

18 Completely Bromsgrove

Oxford, Reading (for Heathrow Airport and the Elizabeth Line) and Paddington, or onto Cheltenham Spa to connect both with the GWR services to Swindon, and once again to Reading and Paddington, and with the CrossCountry and GWR services travelling south to Bristol and the South West. This simple addition to the CrossCountry Trains timetable, involving, again as far as BARRUP is aware, vir tually no extra costs, would be of considerable economic, environmental and social beneﬁts to the people and businesses of Bromsgrove and Nor th East Worcestershire. Thus, CrossCountry Trains, how about fulﬁlling your mandate and enhancing your timetables by stopping your current hourly Nottingham to Cardiff Service at Bromsgrove from the time of the next timetable change in December?

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GARDENING

Striking skimmias are a border dwelling joy

lthough not an exclusive winter shrub, skimmias always make me think of Christmas. It must be the sight of the bright winter berries imitating baubles.

This is a popular shrub, best suited for a shady area and it certainly cuts a fine figure in the border. They will tolerate partial shade but too much sun can turn the leaves yellow, causing the bush to look sick. If this does occur, try feeding with a general granular fertiliser. Their leaves are very striking and glossy; in spring they are adorned with often fragrant, small, creamy white, red or greenish flowers. Generally, they are an easy shrub to keep happy and are not too bothered by soil type; but skimmias really don’t like to be either too dry or sitting in water-logged soil so make sure the ground is free draining. They will benefit from a mulch with some well-rotted manure in the winter months. Skimmias are slow growing, usually not exceeding 1.5 metres in height and spread. Minimal pruning is

needed, generally done in May as they are naturally rounded shrubs and have a tidy and compact growing habit. They are a plant that is suitable for container growing and can be planted at any time of year. Water newly planted shrubs during dry spells in spring and summer, for the ﬁrst couple of years, until their roots are well-established. Something to be aware of is that most skimmias, like holly, need a female and male variety to produce berries. Female forms develop the berries: red, sometimes black or white, making them particularly popular for autumn and winter displays. It is possible however to buy varieties that are both male and female and will give the berries without the need for another plant but take care when picking your plant.

Jobs to keep you busy in November Protect outdoor containers from frosts. Use hessian sacking or bubble wrap held in place with garden twine and where you can move to a more sheltered position. Protect roses from wind-rock by pruning them by one-third to half their height. This will stop them swaying in strong wind and prevent roots coming loose in the soil. Remove fallen leaves from around the base of any rose bushes which suffered from blackspot or rust this summer, to reduce the chance of reinfection next year. To stop the spread of infection don’t put these in your compost bin.

20 Completely Bromsgrove

Continue to lift dahlia tubers, gladiolus corms and begonias tubers to store dry over the winter months. Remove the dead foliage before storing. Keep an eye on through the winter for signs of rot. Lift parsnips after the ﬁrst frosts, when their ﬂavour will have sweetened. Check any stored summer veg e.g.: onions and garlic, potatoes and squash removing any rotting produce immediately. Use hessian sacks to allow the crop to breathe. Order seed catalogues. November can be damp and dreary but there are still plenty of jobs to be done.

By Suzi M, garden lover and plotter at Roundhill Allotments

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What is your Christmas wish?

he guest demonstrator at the November meeting of Bromsgrove Flower Club on Thursday 16th November, will be Bev Short. She has chosen ‘A Christmas Wish’ as her title for her ﬂoral demonstrations. Bev’s arrangements will be included as rafﬂe prizes.

Pat Davies will be selling her wonderfully crafted greetings cards. These special cards are not to be missed! The title for the November ﬂower competition is ‘Christmas in a candlestick’. Everyone is encouraged to enter. Throughout the year, Bromsgrove Flower Club meets every third Thursday of the month, at 2.00pm, at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AF. Everyone is welcome to join us, both existing and new members. Come and join us for tea and a chat, and enjoy a relaxing afternoon. The entrance fee for members is £3.00, and for visitors the entrance fee is £8.00. For more information check out our website: www.bromsgroveﬂowerclub.org.uk

The displays were designed and arranged by Delyth Price (above) and Georgia Dann (inset left) Completely Bromsgrove

Hedgehog by Tom Marshall

A leafy winter duvet Y

ou might consider fallen leaves to be messy, things that needs to be cleared away where tidy minds can’t see them. Yet leaves play an important role in our natural world.

When I was little, I loved kicking through autumn leaves or tossing them up in the air to watch them blow on the wind. I’m a little more careful these days, now that I’ve realised they can be food and shelter for a wealth of wildlife. At a human-scale, leaves are tiny but shrink down to woodlouse size and they become a cityscape of opportunities. Whether the wind has blown them into a small pile in the corner of your yard or you’ve deliberately curated a leaf mulch area, leaves are amazing for all sorts of reasons. A shallow pile of leaves is enough for tiny creatures like springtails to remain hidden away from prying predator eyes. Deeper piles might be home to toads, shrews or even hedgehogs. Blackbirds might scatter the leaves on the hunt for worms, beetles, millipedes and woodlice hidden away under the leafy blanket. As if being a winter blanket for wildlife wasn’t enough, dead leaves also provide food for worms, woodlice, slugs and other detritivores that munch away on the decaying goodness and recycle them into nutrients for the soil. If you’re not keen on leaves blowing about the place, why not tidy them into a corner where you can’t see them quite so easily. You can do this in a number of ways. The easiest is to stuff loose leaves into holes behind and underneath pots, planters and other places the wind is unlikely to get; this will

provide shelter for wildlife. You could gather some on top of soil across your ﬂower beds (and leave a few scattered across the grass too) – these can provide food for worms, woodlice and more. Finally, you can create leaf mould that, in a couple of years, will provide you with lovely compost for your plants. When you’ve gathered your leaves (don’t forget to leave some for the wildlife), stuff them into an old compost bag or bin liner and loosely seal the bag. You might need to add water if the leaves are par ticularly dry or if they dry out over time. Pop the bag somewhere shady and cool and leave for two years. When it’s ready (it takes at least two years) you can add it to compost or use it to mulch your plants. For more ideas about helping wildlife in your garden or local greenspace visit www. worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wild-about-gardens

Keep up to date with us... - Our website www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk - on Twitter @WorcsWT - on Facebook www.facebook.com/ worcestershirewildlifetrust by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

22 Completely Bromsgrove

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Jennie McGregor-Smith J

ennie McGregor Smith was an arts phenomenon in Bromsgrove. Her sudden death on Friday 15th September has brought immense shock and sadness to all who knew her.

Jennie was full of life with a kind and generous spirit. Hear tfelt tributes have poured in from individuals and organisations with great appreciation being shown for her immeasurable contribution to arts and culture in Bromsgrove and the West Midlands. She was an exper t organiser of events and concerts, a persuasive fundraiser and played pivotal roles in founding several well-known local organisations. Her talent for research resulted in the publication of four detailed and superbly illustrated local history books. She will be hugely missed. Jennie was born in Leatherhead in 1938. With her husband John, she moved to Bromsgrove in 1966. They lived at Coombe Cottage in Finstall where they raised their children Graham and Heather. Jennie remained in the family home after her husband’s death, moving to Bilberry Place last year. Her love for Finstall is reﬂected in the book The Story of Finstall, the 1640s to the 1940s which she published in 2018. Jennie’s professional life included administration for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, being Artistic Director of Huntingdon Hall in Worcester and she was a Case Worker for the Victorian Society responsible for buildings within the Bromsgrove District. Outside of this, Jennie was heavily involved in the world of music and the arts. WORDS was co-founded by Jennie, Kate Shaw and Margaret Cooper in 1979 to bring literature events to Bromsgrove. Its ﬁrst meeting was held in Hanbury Hall. The list of speakers invited by the group is breathtaking. As well as writers with local links such as Jonathan Coe and Geoffrey Hill, they have welcomed hundreds of other authors and poets, including P D James, Andrew Motion and Zadie Smith. In February 1980, stimulated by the loss of the Almshouses in Stratford Road and other prominent historic buildings in the town centre, Jennie wrote to the Bromsgrove Messenger in response to Christopher Pancheri’s letter on the issue. Together they proposed a Civic Society, recruited others to form a steering group and then a committee. Just three months later the Bromsgrove Society was launched with over 200 Bromsgrove residents attending to hear about its plans. Jennie remained an active member of the Society, campaigning to save our historic environment which she cared about passionately. Jennie joined The Housman Society committee in 1987 when Jim Page took over the chairmanship and began a new era. There followed some vibrant years for the society leading up to the centenary of the publication of A Shropshire Lad in 1996. The full celebration programme included a literary weekend in Ludlow packed with notable speakers, a musical weekend in Bromsgrove, a special performance of the CBSO at Ludlow, conducted by Sir Simon Rattle with

24 Completely Bromsgrove

Thomas Allen, a commemoration in Westminster Abbey, events at St John’s College, Oxford and University College London, a National Poetry Competition and the commissioning of song settings, and books. Of her role Jim Page remembers “Jennie made a very significant contribution to the celebrations. It began in 1991 when she took on the role of fund raiser and programme director to the centenary sub-committee. She was amazingly successful in raising funds - something which requires special skills. She obtained vital grants and the success of Jennie’s fund raising ensured the Housman Society remained in a healthy financial position for years to come. She co-ordinated all the activities and at administration, phoning, writing, typing, designing programmes, brochures and leaflets. Everything she did was of professional quality.” Celebrating their 60th Season in 2023, Bromsgrove Concerts is indebted to Jennie for her help in bringing so much wonderful classical music to the town, since it was established in 1963, as well as her welcome collaboration on the History of Bromsgrove Concerts publication. Bromsgrove Concer ts Chairman Alastair Moseley recalls “Jennie was an ever present figure in everything arts and music in Bromsgrove and was hugely loved and respected by everyone for all that she had done to promote high quality music and art, and unlocking the local talent of the town. She brought artists of international repute to Bromsgrove to perform, she helped to establish a much needed centre for music and arts here and she always seemed to attend every concert that took place in the town. She laid some very strong foundations in music and arts for her successors to build on, including me, for which I personally will be forever grateful.” Jennie was one of the people responsible for campaigning to bring a dedicated ar ts centre venue to Bromsgrove. She took a leading role in campaigning for the possible re-purposing of various buildings but none of the options were possible, so work began on fighting for a suitable site for a new build. The result was Ar trix which opened in April 2005. Bromsgrove Arts Alive (BAA) was established in 2006, as the successor to Bromsgrove Arts Association. Jennie had been Chair of the old association which had over thirty affiliated groups including all those mentioned above. She contributed to the new organisation and has produced its promotional membership leaflet bi-annually. Jennie ran Bromsgrove Music Tours where organised coaches took people to concerts in Birmingham. Her operations later extended to Europe, including a tour to the Czech Republic with visits to the birthplaces of Dvorák, Smetana and Janacek. En route the group passed through Zlin where Tom Stoppard was born. There they all signed a postcard to send to him because some of the

Her life from 1938 to 2023 group had met him when they visited the National Theatre with the Housman Society to see his play The Invention of Love based on the life of A E Housman.

The Bromsgrove Society, The Housman Society, and the Victorian Society, and saw the important monument reinstated for future generations to enjoy.

Her Celebrating English Song series of concerts ran for 13 years, bringing high quality, live music to Tardebigge Church. She commissioned the setting of Housman’s poetry to music. The composer Ian Venables said “I dedicated my Housman setting of ‘How clear, how lovely bright’ to Jennie. It’s the second song on my cycle ‘The Song of the Severn’ sung by Roderick Williams, whom Jennie would invite to her wonderful Tardebigge English Song Weekends - the highlight of our summer.”

Jennie was a long-standing member of the Victorian Society and her interest in the Victorian architecture was at the heart of much of her research projects and publications, notably her book John Cotton, The Life of a Midlands Architect 1844 – 1934. Jennie encouraged Bromsgrove District Council to make Hewell Grange a Conservation Area. She sat on the Hewell Grange Conservation Advisory Group on behalf of The Victorian Society, which along with the Hereford and Worcester Garden Trust, Historic England and the Conservation Ofﬁcer at Bromsgrove District Council advised the Ministry of Justice on the historic landscape at Hewell.

She also played a vital par t in the Finzi Friends group and in the early days offered invaluable help in organising the ar tists and lunches for its events at Ashmanswor th in Hampshire. In 1996 Jennie was Chair of the West Midlands branch of the National Federation of Music Societies and to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of the organisation (later to be called Making Music) she led the organisation of simultaneous performances of Verdi’s Requiem in Worcester, Coventry and Lichﬁeld Cathedrals with the best three orchestras in the region conducted by Paul Spicer, Guy Woolfenden and Michael Lloyd. Singers from far and wide signed up to take part resulting in over a thousand performers participating on the day. The sort of administration Jennie did for so many organisations without charge allowed them to use funds for other elements of their work. Alongside administration, she was proliﬁc in applying for grant funding. Locally, the best known of Jennie’s Heritage Lottery Fund bids was the project to re-instate the John Adams Memorial Cross in Bromsgrove Old Cemetery. The work brought together Avoncroft Museum, Bromsgrove District Council,

Her countless achievements were acknowledged with the award of the British Empire Medal in the New Year honours list of January 2018, given in recognition of services to the community in Bromsgrove. When John de la Cour, Chairman of the Elmley Foundation, heard of Jennie’s death he said “I think we all know how widely admired, respected and loved Jennie was. She had the most astonishing commitment to contemporary music, music in general and the support of musicians. What I remember particularly is how much fun she was – even when having to confront all kinds of organisational challenges which she so frequently was up against. I think of Bromsgrove Concerts and Celebrating English Song at Tardebigge with equal admiration – as well as her winning way of extracting money from people!” Jennie’s legacy will live on far and wide not just in Bromsgrove, and she’ll remain in the by Jo Slade hear ts of those who knew and loved her. Completely Bromsgrove

Festival of history offers wealth of local knowledge

HISTORY

istory buffs have a host of topics to choose from when a popular local history event comes to the town on Saturday, November 11th. The Worcestershire Local History Forum Day School, hosted by the Bromsgrove Society, brings together leading historians to provide accessible talks on topics of local interest. At this year’s event, Quintin Watt will look at the impact of World War One on the Bromsgrove Guild and its employees, many of whom were craftsmen from continental Europe. Quintin, a former head of history at South Bromsgrove High School, will also look at how the war provided work for the company in the 1920s, through the many war memorials that were erected in Britain and the wider world. Pat Tansell’s talk will focus on life in Bromsgrove on the Home Front during both world wars, with references also to the Boer War. During her research into the subject, Pat used archived copies of the Bromsgrove Messenger and information available via Ancestry, FindMyPast and other resources. Pat has lived in Bromsgrove all her life and is well known through her former role at the library and involvement in the Bromsgrove Society and other organisations. Moving away from Bromsgrove, Julian Hunt will give an overview of the history of Broadway, which he calls ‘Worcestershire’s poshest village’. Broadway has one foot in the Cotswolds and the other in the Vale of Evesham. Its farmers grew wealthy from cultivating the rich soil of the vale and rearing sheep on the hills. Their rambling Cotswold-stone farmhouses have mostly been converted into country houses and Broadway’s inns and tea shops now cater for tourists from around the world. Julian was born in Romsley and worked as a local studies librarian in Oldham and Aylesbury. He has written several local history books including most recently, with co-author Jenny Townshend, Bromsgrove: The Story of a Market Town. Worcestershire Local History Forum represents local history societies and organisations across the county, and this is the ﬁrst time their annual day school conference has been held in Bromsgrove. The event takes place from 9.30am to 4pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, Stratford Road, B60 1AS. There is ample paid car parking next to the building. Attendance is open to members and non-members alike and costs just £10. This fee should be paid on the day (no booking required) and includes tea and coffee during the refreshment breaks. The centre’s cafe will be open for snacks and attendees are free to bring their own lunch or to visit the town’s many excellent eateries. Societies from around the county will be on hand with displays of their events and activities. There will also be oppor tunity to buy new and second-hand history books and maps, many with a local interest. For further information visit www.bsoc.co.uk and www.wlhf.org.uk

26 Completely Bromsgrove

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Discover the beneﬁts of sweet and sacred sandalwood

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

t is believed that the aloes referred to in The Bible may have been the fragrant sandalwood (Santalum album), a wood accessible to the residents of ancient Palestine. This is the most valuable tree in the world. It takes ten years for the sandalwood tree to form hardwood and peak hardwood formation is achieved when the tree is between 40-60 years. King Tutankhamun’s tomb was filled with alabaster jars of aloe wood/sandalwood oil which thieves later stole, leaving the jars behind. Sandalwood contains 90% sesquiterpenes, which deprograms misinformation and carries oxygen to the cellular level which is very important. “And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred-pound weight.” (John 19:39) Sacred sandalwood essential oil provides an uplifting, warm and sweet aroma, whilst offering a variety of benefits to our skin. It is a popular base note in many perfumes and fragrances. It has a distinctly warm and woody aroma and is the perfect complement to pampering spa treatments, relaxation time, yoga, and meditation. It helps to enhance the natural radiance of healthy-looking skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and puffiness. Sandalwood is perhaps even more sought after today than it was in ancient times. To ensure the purest, most authentic oil possible, Young Living’s Sacred Sandalwood essential oil comes from the pristine Santalum album species transplanted from its native home in India to their partner farm in Australia, which has a similar landscape and climate. The Australian plantation follows strict Seed to Seal® guidelines and maintains award-winning sustainability to protect this highly sought-after oil.

28 Completely Bromsgrove

To use this amazing oil, add one to two drops to your daily moisturiser to promote radiant-looking skin. Mix two to three drops in oil for a relaxing massage. Apply over your hear t or on your wrists to enjoy a warm, sultry aroma or diffuse during meditation to promote feelings of spirituality. • Diffuse or place a drop in your hand, rub hands together, cup hands over nose, and breathe deeply at bedtime to enhance deep sleep. • Rub a drop in a little oil apply above eyebrows in a wide circle around the eye one to three times daily to help with vision. • Use as men’s cologne. May combine with a carrier oil if desired. Great as an aftershave. • Add six drops to running bath water to disperse or combine with bath salts for a relaxing bath. • Use a drop or two for dry chapped skin and wrinkled skin combined with a carrier oil. • For acute or chronic diarrhoea, rub on stomach area and feet on reﬂexology points. • Apply one drop to a cold sore as soon it begins and repeat ﬁve to ten times daily. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use. For more information on how to get a therapeutic oil contact me at colette@need4change.com

by Colette Garside

Advertisement Feature

Luxury dining and award-winning food at Chandler Court At Chandler Court care home in Bromsgrove, residents dine in luxury and experience a taste of five-star food from the home’s award-winning Chef, Alex Millichamp. Each day, residents enjoy flavourful, nutritious meals using fresh, seasonal produce. Our team’s expertise in care home catering means residents can enjoy delicious meals that are tailored to their needs and preferences. Award-winning meals Inspired by Care UK’s innovative approach to food and dining, Chef Alex joined Chandler Court in 2019. Having catered for top law firms and prestigious hotels, Alex brings flair to his dishes that makes every meal special. Alex’s work to provide specialist menus that hit the mark on flavour, nutrition and finesse, has earned him national accolades. In 2022, Alex was named Chef of the Year in Care UK’s Stars awards, and in the National Association of Care Catering’s Care Chef of the Year competition, he was crowned a finalist, as well as taking the Health and Hygiene Award, helping lead Chandler Court to win Care Establishment of the Year. A tailored experience Chandler Court fosters a first-class dining experience where any resident’s preferences are catered for. Alex meets every new resident to learn about their personalities and tastes, working with the catering team to create fun, themed meals and events that celebrate them as individuals.

Join us for our upcoming event

Christmas fete Saturday 25th November, 2pm - 4pm Join in the festivities, enjoy warming festive treats, meet our friendly team and take a tour of our beautiful care home.

From making bespoke cakes for residents’ birthdays to exploring cuisines from around the world, the team’s extensive knowledge of older people’s nutrition and attention to detail, together with a sprinkle of creativity, ensure residents’ needs are always met and taste is never compromised. Dining with dignity At Chandler Court, we deliver high-quality dining experiences with choice at the centre, paying close attention to table presentation and ensuring all elements of the dining experience meet residents’ unique needs. It’s all part of our dining promise – whether an individual is living with dementia, has impaired vision or dexterity difﬁculties, the Chandler Court team do everything they can to ensure residents dine with dignity. To ﬁnd out more about the quality lifestyle on offer at Chandler Court care home, please call 01527 903 670. Chandler Court care home Recreation Road, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court Completely Bromsgrove

Hereford Beef Stew

RECIPE

njoy some traditional tastes with our take on Irish stew using Hereford Beef. This one is best done in a slow cooker but you can easily replicate using a large pan kept on your hob at a medium-low heat and stirred intermittently over 3-4 hours.

Method: Chop your potatoes, shallots, carrots and parsnips into chunky bite-sized pieces (don’t go too small for the best consistency). Season your diced Hereford Beef with salt and pepper before sealing in a hot frying pan with a tablespoon of olive oil for 1-2 minutes. Allow your beef to rest on some kitchen paper for at least 5 minutes before adding to your slow cooker. Turn your slow cooker on to its highest setting, adding the potatoes, shallots, carrots and parsnips, followed by a litre of beef stock and rested diced beef. Keep your slow cooker on its highest heat for at least 1 hour before turning to the medium heat for a fur ther 3-4 hours. If you want to thicken your gravy sauce, add a sprinkling of gravy granules. Once you’re happy with the consistency, serve in bowls for a hear ty meal seasoned with salt, pepper and chopped parsley.

30 Completely Bromsgrove

Ingredients 500g of diced Hereford Beef 1 tablespoon of olive oil 1 litre of beef stock if you have or 1 litre of beef stock made with 2 stock cubes 4 ﬂoury potatoes 4 carrots 2 parsnips 4 shallots A handful of parsley Ground salt and pepper to season Serves 2

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We source the best produce possible! From Farmers and Producers who give you AMAZING GRAZING!

Our philosophy is simple: Queso is pleased to announce that we will be trading every Friday (and the occasional Saturday) at Bromsgrove Market with an extensive selection of great British and continental European cheeses – we bring 30+ most weeks but have over 70 in stock at any one time.

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To find out more about us and our products visit our website www.queso.uk or follow us on social media www.instagram.com/queso_fine_cheese/ www.facebook.com/Quesofinecheese/

- For regular updates We look forward to seeing you soon - Mick, Michelle & Adam

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32 Completely Bromsgrove

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at Hillscourt Christmas Party Menu 2023 Spiced Squash, Sweet Potato & Chick Pea Soup (v)(gf )(vg) Creamy Garlic Mushrooms on Toasted Brioche with Parmesan Dressed Rocket Leaves (v)(gfo)(vgo) Classic Prawn Cocktail topped with a Bloody Mary Sauce (gf ) Roast Sirloin of British Beef (served pink) with Yorkshire Pudding & Rich Red Wine Gravy (gfo) Chicken Breast filled with Sage & Onion Seasoning wrapped in Bacon, Roast Gravy (gfo) Roast Celeriac Steak set onto a Lentil Dahl, served with a Vegetable Bhaji & Seeds (v)(gf )(vg) Grilled Sea Bass Fillet with a Puttanesca Sauce, topped with Crispy Julienne Leeks (gf ) Chocolate & Marmalade Panettone Pudding with Vanilla Bean Custard (v)(gf )(gfo) White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake (v)(gfo)(vgo) Cheese & Biscuits served with Grapes, Celery & Chutney (v)(gfo) Tea, Coffee & Dinner Mints Dates available: December 8th, 15th and 16th Price: £35.00 per person (includes Meal & Disco till 1am) Special Deal: Bed & Breakfast for party guests at £50 for a Single room and £70 for a Double room

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Christmas Lunch Menu

Spiced Squash, Sweet Potato & Chick Pea Soup (v)(gf )(vg) Creamy Garlic Mushrooms on Toasted Brioche with Parmesan Dressed Rocket Leaves (v)(gfo)(vgo) Classic Prawn Cocktail topped with a Bloody Mary Sauce (gf ) Roast Sirloin of British Beef (served pink) with Yorkshire Pudding & Rich Red Wine Gravy (gfo) Chicken Breast filled with Sage & Onion Seasoning wrapped in Bacon, Roast Gravy (gfo) Roast Celeriac Steak set onto a Lentil Dahl, served with a Vegetable Bhaji & Seeds (v)(gf )(vg) Grilled Sea Bass Fillet with a Puttanesca Sauce, topped with Crispy Julienne Leeks (gf ) Chocolate & Marmalade Panettone Pudding with Vanilla Bean Custard (v)(gf )(gfo) White Chocolate & Raspberry Cheesecake (v)(gfo)(vgo) Cheese & Biscuits served with Grapes, Celery & Chutney (v)(gfo) Tea, Coffee & Dinner Mints Price: 2 x Courses £23.50 per person 3 x Courses £28.50 per person Private dining rooms available. Dates available throughout December. Minimum numbers of 15.

Hillscourt

For enquiries and bookings, contact us on:

Tel: 0121 457 6100 | Email: info@hillscourt.co.uk (v) – vegetarian, (vg) – vegan, (gf ) – gluten-free, (vgo) – vegan option, (gfo) – gluten-free option

Completely Bromsgrove

November’s movies

romsgrove Arts presents one for the kids during half term week with a screening of Disney’s Elemental on Thursday, November 2 at 11am. The film journeys alongside an unlikely pair, Ember and Wade, in a city where fire, water, land and air residents live together. The fiery young woman and the go-with-the-flow guy are about to discover something elemental: how much they have in common. The Auschwitz Escape, which will be screened on Remembrance Sunday (November 12th 7.30pm), is the shocking true story of two prisoners who escaped and provided a rare firsthand and shocking report of genocide at the camp. After meticulous planning and with the help of their fellow prisoners, they manage to escape. Driven to survive by the hope that their evidence could save lives, they make their way back to Slovakia to share their horrific report with the US Red Cross. In the powerful biographical drama Till on Wednesday, November 15th at 7.30pm, we follow Mamie Till Mobley’s relentless pursuit of justice for her 14-year-old son, Emmett Till, who, in 1955, was brutally lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. In Mamie’s poignant journey of grief turned to action, we see the universal power of a mother’s ability to change the world. November sees the French Film Festival UK 2023, and in Rise (En Corp), which will be screened on Wednesday, November 22nd at 2.30pm, 26year-old ballet dancer Élise sustains an injury during a performance and is told she will probably never be able to dance again. She has lost her purpose and has to change her life. With the help of friends, she finds other work. This takes her to Brittany where she meets a company for modern dance. The new experiences and friendships rekindle the fire in her. Will she be able to dance again? The film will be screened in French with English subtitles.

34 Completely Bromsgrove

and music M

oving onto Bromsgrove Arts’ musical offering, join Amit Dattani and Wes Finch for an evening of modern folk on Saturday, November 4th at 8pm. Amit is a singer-songwriter known for his unique brand of roots-driven guitar and striking lyrical originality. Behind his raconteur spirit lies superb musicianship, nimble finger-picking, and a versatility which has garnered a strong reputation on the live circuit, with more than ten years performing across the UK and Europe under his belt. Songwriter and guitarist Wes’ musical style feels rooted in folk but has the ambition and sophistication of pop. His live performances are engaging, energetic and intimate and over the last few years he’s shared stages with the likes of Billy Bragg, Martin Carthy, Richard Thompson and Lucy Ward at various venues, folk clubs and festivals. Bromsgrove Arts – the home of Fairfield Flicks & Fairfield Music - is located at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ). There is free parking and a licenced bar. For information and advanced tickets for all events visit www.fairfieldflicks.org.uk

Wes Finch

Amit Dattani

FRANCIS ROSSI TUNES & CHAT

AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL PORTILLO

WED 8 NOV 7.30PM

THUR 9 NOV 7.30PM

FRI 10 NOV 7.30PM

THUR 16 NOV 7.30PM

FRI 17 NOV 7.30PM

WED 29 NOV 7.30PM

Completely Bromsgrove

Artrix opens for The Core theatre T

here was delight in Bromsgrove in early October when news broke that a deal had been reached to accommodate shows from The Core Theatre at Artrix, and the much loved local theatre would be reopening.

The move came after the Solihull Theatre was forced to close the doors to the main auditorium when it came to light that RAAC concrete had been used in the construction of the theatre roof. Whilst the Structural Engineers work out a plan to make the building safe, Solihull Council, who own and operate The Core, were on the lookout for an alternative venue, so that performances could continue. Trustees of the Artrix Holding Trust, the Bromsgrove arts centre’s owners, approached The Core Theatre in the hope that Artrix could be the answer they were looking for. And so it was agreed that the production team from The Core Theatre would stage a number of their forthcoming shows at the Bromsgrove venue, which itself has been closed as an arts venue since March 2020. The stage at Artrix will come to life again on Thursday 9th November with a sold out comedy and variety show from America’s Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin Puppetman followed by rock band Quill on Friday 10th and Shrek the Musical from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th. The Core’s annual pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk will run from 15th December into the new year and is set to delight the audience. People who already have tickets will have them automatically transferred to the new venue, or be given an option for a refund. Keep an eye on the website for availability. To support the operation of The Core within Artrix a newly formed Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) Bromsgrove Community Arts (BCA) will be coordinating a team of volunteers to cover front of house and the bar.

36 Completely Bromsgrove

Bromsgrove Community Arts registered as a CIO with the ambition of a community and volunteer led approach to providing arts and performance facilities in Bromsgrove. The charity’s trustees are prominent individuals from the arts world in Bromsgrove. Under the Chairship of Kyle Daisley, the group formed in the summer following the call from the Artrix Holding Trust for an organisation to produce a sustainable business plan to run the much loved Artrix Arts Centre. The team at Bromsgrove Community Arts were delighted to hear that a deal had been agreed for The Core Theatre to take up temporary residence in the Artrix building. Chair of BCA Kyle Daisley said “We are thrilled to be providing crucial support to The Core Theatre as they move their shows to Artrix. We are delighted that Artrix was able to step up and offer this support at such a difficult time for the Solihull venue. With a solid team and a group of keen volunteers I am confident that this residency will be a success, and what a joy it is to see the doors of our much loved local theatre opening again.” Anyone wishing to join the volunteer team for front of house and bar staff can register their interest via https://forms.office. com/r/GMnSgxMKWP or by emailing bromsgrovcommunityarts@outlook.com You can keep up to date with BCA online at www.facebook.com/ BromsgroveCommunityArts

by Jo Slade

Completely Bromsgrove

French fun and The King on the big screen T

he November programme at The FeckenOdeon Cinema Society in Feckenham begins with Smoking Causes Coughing (15) on Friday, November 17th at 8pm. As the nights draw in, The FeckenOdeon brings you a film that’s guaranteed to light up a dark Friday evening with laughter. After a devastating battle against a diabolical turtle, a team of five avengers, known as the Tobacco Force, is sent on a mandatory retreat to strengthen their decaying group morale. Their break goes wonderfully well until Lézardin, Emperor of Evil, decides to annihilate Planet Earth. But can they repair their relationship in time for a final epic battle in this crazy and always surprising 2022 French comedy. Elvis (12A), an epic, award-winning movie from Baz Luhrmann that explores the life and music of Elvis Presley, is the offering on Saturday, November 25 at 7.30pm. Elvis’s story is seen through the prism of his complicated relationship with his enigmatic manager, Colonel Tom Parker. As told by Parker, the film delves into events over a 20-year period, from Presley’s rise to fame to his unprecedented stardom. Austin Butler plays Elvis, Tom Hanks is Colonel Parker but some say the real star is the music - and the spectacle. The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham, B96 6HN. Tickets for all FeckenOdeon films can be booked online through feckenodeon.co.uk, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Rose & Crown and The Village Shop in Feckenham.

Folk-rock giant leads way in musical month

eckenham Village Hall’s musical offerings for November begin with Ashley Hutchings with Becky Mills in concer t on Saturday, November 11th at 7.30pm. Known as the guv’nor of folk-rock, Ashley has a brand-new show. Entitled 100 Not Out, it is a musical review of his incredible career and celebrates and draws heavily from his 100th album release, More Songs From The Shows. Throughout his near 60-year musical career, Ashley has worked with more great female singers than anyone else. He will be joined once again by one of the country’s finest singers and accompanists, Becky Mills, on vocals and guitar. Ashley is a founder member of Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span and The Albion Band. This event is presented as part of the Live & Local programme of touring arts. The glorious sound of the Big Band is returning to Feckenham in November. The 18-piece Out of the Blue Jazz Band will be performing at the Village Hall at 7pm on Saturday, November 19th in aid of the Sick Children’s Trust and will feature vocalists Jan Harris and Lee Hamblett. The concert will have something for everyone: classic swing, Latin, blues, soul, pop and even rock ‘n’ roll. There will be a bar and a raffle – all in aid of the SCT which provides support and accommodation for the families of chronically sick children while in hospital, a benefit that assists in the healing process. Tickets for shows at Feckenham Village Hall are on sale at The Village Shop and The Rose & Crown. You can also book by phone on 0333 666 3366 or online at www.feckhall.org

38 Completely Bromsgrove

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Walk in Wendy’s footsteps this Christmas

hristmas is just around the corner and Primrose Hospice & Family Suppor t Centre have got the perfect way to step into the festive season.

By signing up for their much-loved Santa Fun Run on Sunday, December 3rd, you could don your Santa suit for the morning and raise much-needed funds for the hospice. Last year Wendy set herself the challenge of walking the route in memory of her husband, Ron. Little did she know her friends and family got behind her and helped her raise £1,121.25! This could pay for over two weeks of Primrose Hospice at Home support, meaning family and carers of patients can access respite care. Wendy said: “It was a lovely atmosphere, and everyone was shouting for us. I got quite emotional at the end when I got my medal. I was just grateful to be able to raise some money to give something back for the counselling that I received after Ron died and for the care that my friends and neighbours have received as well. “I’ve recently lost another friend who received care from Primrose Hospice so I know how important fundraising is. I would like to say thank you to all the people who sponsored me last year.” Wendy will be volunteering and cheering you all on this year. So why not walk (or run!) in Wendy’s footsteps at Arrow Valley Park for Primrose Hospice’s Santa Fun Run 2023 by signing up here: www.primrosehospice.org/events/santa-fun-run or call 01527 889796.

40 Completely Bromsgrove

Wendy with her medal last year

Primrose Hospice & Family Suppor t Centre offer care and advice to patients living with a life-limiting condition and suppor t families in Nor th East Worcestershire.

Come and join us in the High Street festive fun

feast of festive fun for Bromsgrove’s Christmas Lights Switch-On event will see the town buzzing to kick start this year’s Christmas festivities.

Saturday 18th November is the date for your diary! The Bromsgrove Christmas Markets, organised by Friends of St John’s, will host home-made crafts, produce and charity stalls with children’s funfair rides, music and entertainment all day. From 3pm the countdown celebrations begin. You’ll find Blackwell Concert Band, face painters, the Ice King and Christmas Elves on the High Street with a choir and singers on stage at the New Road end of the High Street, and of course Santa will be there to switch on The Christmas Lights at 5pm! Outside ASDA, the Primrose Christmas tree lights will be turned on at 6pm, followed by a Lights of Love Service at St John’s Church. And that’s not all! The festivities will continue until 9.30pm on the BirdBox with Bromsgrove Indie Club organising street food and drinks vendors from noon, with Heavy Brass Beats and DJ Kap’t Kirk entertaining after the Switch-On. Bromsgrove District Council’s Cabinet Member for leisure, Cllr Steven Colella said: “Each year this event gets bigger and better and what’s more it’s free for everyone to enjoy.” The Bromsgrove Christmas Markets will also open all day on Friday 17th November, at the Old Post Office end of town. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come along and support local traders, charities and entertainers on the High Street for two days of festive fun! There will be plenty of lovely home-made gifts, produce and decorations to buy on both days including items created from pre-loved jeans by The Denim Upcycler, personalised pet gifts from My Little Pink Shed, locally produced apple juice and honey from Fruitfields Orchard, jewellery from Romsley Gems, winter wreaths and dried fruit decorations

from Panache Gifts, decorative vases and sewn goods from Charming Creations. My Treasure Toys will be selling vegan wooden homewares, Bohoe Joes Arts and Crafts will be showcasing their upcycled decorations and jewellery, Dragonfly Crafts will have crystals, jewellery, candles and clothing for sale and Lulu in Stitches’ stall will contain handbags and decorations. Also taking a stall at the markets will be the team from Cancer Research UK, the crafters from St Basils and the fundraising team from St John’s church. On Friday the students from Chadsgrove College will be selling gifts and stocking fillers that they have been making and entertaining shoppers with a selection of festive songs at around 1.30pm. The team from Amber Support Services will sell crafts they have made using recycled pallets. A full day of entertainment is in store for Saturday 18th November to coincide with the Christmas Lights Switch-On. The markets will be buzzing all day with fairground rides, performances from local choirs – Got 2 Sing and Rock Choir – plus music from local singers, Sounds of Steel and Vintage Class Singers who will perform the ever-popular countdown to the SwitchOn. There will be street entertainers along the High Street with Steve Kaos joining the fun in the Christmas Markets, plus street food burgers and Betty’s Waffles. Running alongside the regular markets, the Christmas stalls will be open from 9am on both days, closing at 4pm on Friday and 6pm on Saturday. Come down to the High Street, enjoy the festive fun and shop local for your Christmas gifts.

Completely Bromsgrove

This season’s honours list of standout performers

AVONCROFT CRICKET CLUB

voncroft Cricket Club’s 2023 season ﬁnished with the annual awards evening on September 30th.

Members reﬂected on a positive season which saw the First XI win the County League T20 Knockout Trophy, the Second XI miss out on promotion playoffs by just one point and a host of junior sides winning cup or league competitions. As ever, the awards were hotly contested, with the ﬁnal winners as follows: First XI Batting Award – Will Baker. Will scored almost double the total runs of his nearest rival, ending with 733 league and cup runs at an average of 67.

Third XI Batting Award – Four teen-year-old Jack Seers took home the batting honours after taking a major step forward during 2023 which saw him move up to play regularly in the Seconds and make his First XI debut in the last game of the season. Jack scored 401 runs across all senior sides, which also helped win him the performance of the year award on a Sunday for his career high score of 66 against Himbleton.

Bowling Award – Ant Pittam. Ant returned to the First XI this year and tied team after team up in knots with his ﬂighted spin bowling which earnt him 15 wickets at an average of 15.

Bowling Award – Another 14-year-old, Pete Smith, won the bowling award as the leading wicket taker in the Thirds taking 13 Saturday wickets at an average of 21. He also made the transition to the Second XI towards the end of the season.

Player of the Year – Matt Athey. Matt provided a real spark to the First XI this year, delivering a very credible 17 wickets at an average of 23 with the ball, but also producing match-winning performances with the bat versus Netherton and, importantly, in the ﬁeld with two gamechanging catches in the cup semi-ﬁnal against Himley.

Captain’s Awards – Captain Jason Huxley rewarded both experience and youth in his two awards. Club stalwar t Simon Wilkes, who has been with Avoncroft since 2007, played a vital role in shepherding through a young Third XI team this year, chipping in a few key wickets along the way.

Second XI Batting Award – Jason Lynch. In his ﬁrst season with the club, Jason made a massive difference to strengthen the Seconds’ batting line up, scoring 311 runs at 44 and almost single-handedly dragging the side close to a semiﬁnal appearance in the T20 Cup.

At the other end of the experience spectrum, 13year-old Hayden Smith took a massive stride forward in 2023. Having only star ted to bowl his left-arm spin over the winter, Hayden became a key member of the Thirds bowling attack, going at less than 4.5 an over with the ball while also showing some good promise with the bat. Hayden was also the winner of the Sunday Player of the Year Award – his spin bowling par tnership with fellow junior James Blow being one of the highlights of a successful season for the Sunday XI.

Bowling Award – Jack Wright. Jack stepped up from Second XI squad player in 2022 to a key cog in the bowling line up in 2023 as leading wicket taker, with 17 wickets at an average of under 18, regularly taking vital wickets in the middle overs of the innings. Captain’s Player of the Year – Ben Huxley. Fifteenyear-old Ben developed with both bat and ball in 2023, regularly setting the tone for the innings in his tight opening bowling spells whilst also contributing with some impor tant and aggressive knocks with the bat in the middle order, where he contributed 214 runs at an average of 30. Ben also won the Sunday bowling award for his 14 wickets at an average of eight. Player’s Player of the Year – Ben Athey. Fourteen-yearold Ben played a key role with the bat, scoring 271 runs at an average of 30 and regularly playing important knocks that held the innings together after early wickets had fallen. After recovering from a back injury, he also took eight wickets in the last few weeks of the season. Ben also topped the Sunday averages to win their batting award.

42 Completely Bromsgrove

The presentation evening ﬁnished with the club’s two main awards. The Young Player of the Year award was given to Matt Athey for his excellent performances in the First XI, while the Club Person of the Year was deservedly won by president Mar tyn Cound who, in addition to his leadership role, also turned his hand various times during the year to First XI selector, groundsman, barbecue chef, social secretary and occasional Third XI star bowler!

by Rod Braithwaite

Photos by Chris Jepson

Improvements are made despite cup exits Improvements for Sporting despite cup exits

Since the end of September, the form of Bromsgrove Sporting has been mixed.

After losing their first four home league matches, they came up against local rivals Halesowen T Since the end of September, the form of Bromsgrove Sporting has been mixed. unbeaten at the time. In what turned out to be an exhilarating match, the Rouslers saw off the Y

After losing their ﬁrst four home matches, Apart fromGround Prince11 Henry totime Redditch Theleague two teams met again at the Victoria days moving later, this in theUnited FA Trophy, but H they came up against local rivalsvictors Halesowen Town and Ayo Lekuti Wembley returning ambitions to the club, have been by two goalswho to nil, ending Sporting's forthere the season. Theno previous M were unbeaten at the time. In what turned out to be an changes so player/manager Mike McGrath has a stable travelled down to Chelmsford City in Essex to replay their FA Cup tie only to lose 3-0. exhilarating match, the Rouslers saw off the Yeltz 3-1. squad who now know each other quite well. With no Apart from Prince Henry moving to Redditch United Lekuti returning to the club, there distractions apart from and the Ayo Worcestershire Senior Cup, The two teams met again at the Victoria Ground 11 changes player/manager Mike McGrath hasina league stable squad who now know each other quite w an improvement form ought to be possible days later, this time in the FA Trophy, butso Halesowen along with a climb upCup, the table. from the Worcestershire Senior an improvement in league form ought to were the victors by two goals todistractions nil, ending apart Sporting’s withThe a climb up the table. Wembley ambitions for the season. previous Here are the ﬁxtures to the middle of December but Monday, Sporting had travelled down to Chelmsford with the possibility but of re-arranged games, aofcheck should games, a Here are the fixtures to the middle of December with the possibility re-arranged City in Essex to replay their FA made Cup tie to lose 3-0. for be any made on the club’s website for any changes. ononly the club's website changes. Victory over The Yeltz

by Phil Baker

Saturday

4th November

A AFC Sudbury

Southern League

Saturday 11th November 3:00 p.m.

H Stratford Town

Southern League

Saturday 18th November 3:00 p.m.

A Barwell

Southern League

Tuesday

21st November

3:00 p.m.

H Alvechurch

Southern League

Saturday 25th November 3:00 p.m.

7:45 p.m.

A Needham Market

Southern League

Saturday

2nd December

3:00 p.m.

H Berkhamsted

Southern League

Saturday

9th December

3:00 p.m.

A Kettering Town

Southern League

Saturday

16th December

3:00 p.m.

H Leiston

Southern League

Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies’ league season has started well having won their ﬁrst two matches, both away, but they were unsuccessful in the Women’s FA Cup, losing at Coventry Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies’ league season has started well having won their first two matches, team Coundon Court. were unsuccessful in the Women's FA Cup, losing at Coventry team Coundon Court. Any enquiries about Bromsgrove Sporting can be emailed to hello@bromsgrovesporting. Any enquiries about Bromsgrove Sporting can be emailed to hello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk t co.uk though the Colts outﬁt are better contacted at colts@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk outfit are better contacted at colts@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk The Bromsgrove Sporting website, www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk has lots Bromsgrove Sporting website, www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk has lots of information ofThe information about the club. There is also a presence on Facebook, X, and Instagram. abou also a presence on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Completely Bromsgrove

Delivers dynamics,

t was August. I looked out at the benighted rain-washed road. I was prepared for a shock - but not for a shock like this. Outside my castle stood a car designed to lay siege to expectations and storm the ramparts of reactionary thinking.

I had been told I would be driving an electric vehicle - so exciting as to make my hair stand on end. I was expecting something which, in appearance might, with justiﬁcation, be called Frankenmotor : a bizarre and repulsive brute weighed down with batteries and festooned with wires - a beast barely capable of forward motion. How wrong I was. Eyes wide with astonishment, I beheld a vehicle shaped like a big family hatch with stunning retro looks, encapsulating interior technology that would not be out of place on vehicles in Dan Dare’s Interplanetary Space Fleet - digital cameras instead of door mirrors for instance. Outside the matt paint gave a nod to stealth technology. It seemed ready to rip free from the fetters of inertia - an athlete of a car of devastating dynamism waiting like an irresistible lure.

44 Completely Bromsgrove

I might well have been Cor tez gazing for the first time at the Pacific Ocean or even a French gourmet spotting an or tolan in his bird bath. My lips moved. “Hyundai Ioniq 5 Namsan,” I murmured. This Hyundai defies predictability with the effortless grace of a well-pitched curve ball. No combustion chambers, no fuel injection, not even a fuel tank. Best to ignore the things it lacks and concentrate on the goodies beneath its skin - for this is a car that batters received wisdom into a dark corner. Inside it’s a luxurious five-seater. Everything is controlled from the massive touchscreen - monolithic in its splendour like a visitor from another planet. Here is a device providing levels of assistance exceeding the imaginings of science fiction: no keys to turn, no confusing switches... select ‘drive’ and away you go.

DRIVE TIME

grace and luxury

And ‘go’ you do up to about 115mph. Select ‘Drive’ on the ‘command stalk’ at your fingertips to the right of the steering column and the launch from standstill to, maybe 20mph, is rapid. You’re treated to a swiftness of silent performance that in its immediacy corresponds almost to the swiftness of thought thanks to 225bhp and 350 Nm of torque to the rear wheels. Go sensibly and the car is a lounge on wheels. Tackle the twisty bits and all is taut and tenacious. Pushing the envelope too far would be disrespectful to such a luxurious and refined motoring carriage that is at the pinnacle of automotive development. There comes a point where one must ask how much more cosseting is needed. Anymore and one would be too comfor table at the wheel at the expense of driver aler tness. Beneath the floor new 77.4 kWh batteries pump out a charge like a light-sabre brigade of heroic cavaliers. It’s hard to believe there’s a claimed range of about 295 miles between charges. You find charge points all over

the place these days but you do meet the nicest people there. I talked with an Ioniq 5 owner at the adjacent supercharger who extolled the car’s virtues to a point where he was about to show me how one could use the car’s batteries as a power bank for his electric mower. I hurriedly unplugged and excused myself. Of course, if you bought a £54,150 Ioniq 5 Namsan you would have a home charger for overnight charging. But forget plugging in to your house electric circuit. It would be Christmas before you could move off the drive. While acquainting myself with all the marvels of the Ioniq 5, my neighbour (he of the beefed-up, impor ted, smokin’ tyres, Holden V8) was stunned to learn that this Hyundai was faster to the next lamppost than his smelly dinosaur. “You mean... it’s electric? Does it have a wireless?” My afﬁrmative response left him speechless. His frown of concentration gave way to a beaming countenance: tomorrow he would go and buy tomorrow’s car. by Syd Taylor Completely Bromsgrove

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46 Completely Bromsgrove

Completely Bromsgrove

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