Completely Bromsgrove February 24 Issue 58

Completely

Issue 58 February 2024

Bromsgrove

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2 Completely Bromsgrove

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Completely Bromsgrove

3

Welcome to the February issue of

Completely Bromsgrove

W

– our first edition of 2024!

e kick off by sending congratulations to our amazing contributor Jo Slade. In her role as chairman of Friends of St John’s, Jo has secured a massive £249,975 for the Spire Appeal through the Heritage Fund made possible by the players of the National Lottery. Read more on page 26 about St John’s Church Spire Appeal and how you can get involved.

While we don’t want to start the year on a sombre note, we do feature a new role for AnneMarie Harley, who has qualified as a member of the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants. Anne-Marie is available for traditional end-of-life ceremonies but also offers living funerals. To learn more, turn to page 34.

This year is a leap year, and the team here at Completely Bromsgrove were wondering how many of our readers will be asking their partners for their hand in marriage.

It would be lovely to hear from any of you that do get engaged this month. Email Michele at

10

Contents

6 Lib Dems 8 Bromsgrove Council 10 Rail Matters 12 Destination B’grove 16 AK Interiors 18 Gardening 20 Worcs Wildlife Trust

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Sticking with the love theme, Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. If you want to spoil your loved one, then The Butcheress is offering a ‘Love Box’ with locally sourced produce for two people to create that special meal.

Enjoy your pancakes on Shrove Tuesday (February 13) too!

As we always say, ‘keep it local folks!’

Very best wishes Michele Ford

31 42

24 History 25 Catenians Association 26 Heritage Fund Award 27 Age UK 28 Primrose Hospice 29 WI Foodbank Support 30 Bromsgrove Lions 31 Recipe

Completely

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

4 Completely Bromsgrove

completelybromsgrove@gmail.com and hopefully we will be able to give you a mention in the next issue.

32 Health 34 Taboo Breaking Celebrant 36 Artrix 38 Fairfield Flicks 39 B’grove Flower Club 40 Feckenodeon 42 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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- For regular updates We look forward to seeing you soon - Mick, Michelle & Adam

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Completely Bromsgrove 08/03/2023 13:36

5

Council backs Lib Dem motion to improve rail connectivity

B

romsgrove District Council has voted unanimously to back a Liberal Democrat motion to campaign for greater rail connectivity for the town.

Councillor Samuel Evans, who represents Slideslow ward, proposed a motion calling for the leader of the council to write to Cross Country Trains to support calls for their service between Nottingham and Cardiff, which currently runs through Bromsgrove, to stop in Bromsgrove to allow residents to travel to locations such as Cheltenham and Bristol with ease.

“If we could utilise the existing service which already runs through Bromsgrove but does not currently stop, it would help put Bromsgrove on the map, boosting tourism to our town while also bringing environmental, economic and social benefits to our district,” he said.

“I am grateful to have received cross party support for this motion and also grateful for the work of campaign groups such as Bromsgrove and Redditch Rail Users Partnership who have long advocated for improving rail connectivity.”

6 Completely Bromsgrove

Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Bromsgrove, Dr David Nicholl added: “We have been leading the way on improving our rail service for Bromsgrove users, with the council previously backing our motion to prevent ticket office closures”.

“As a Bromsgrove resident, I am fighting for a fair deal for commuters and families by calling for a freeze to rail fares.”

An amendment to the motion was proposed by the Labour group on the council to call for improving connectivity for Barnt Green railway station and Councillor Evans backed this.

The leader of the council along with the leaders of the political parties on the council will now write a joint letter to Cross Country Trains and Network Rail.

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Council leader “sets record straight” on BirdBox chatter

T

here has been a lot of media attention around the BirdBox, empty shops and the former market hall site recently, and Bromsgrove District Council leader Karen May would like to set the record straight on some of these issues.

A full list of FAQs is available at www.bromsgrove. gov.uk/fmh and Councillor May’s response to current concerns is as follows.

office space at the site.

“Plans are yet to be considered by the council’s planning committee but include an indoor community events space, as, due to the weather, at times the events at BirdBox had to be cancelled much to the dismay of residents.

“BirdBox was always meant to be just a ‘meanwhile space’ created with funds left over from a developer rather than council’s monies,” she said.

“The LUF is earmarked to develop brownfield sites, not the High Street, but the UK Shared Prosperity Fund is available for businesses in our town and district centres to bid for.

“We have been blown away by the success of the events in the space which has seen everything from roaming dinosaurs to live music and was used to showcase the iconic ‘knife angel’ as part of its national tour.

“There is currently a grant available for up to £10,000 as part of this to encourage businesses to utilise empty shop units or improve their current properties,” Councillor May added.

“It won a Regeneration Project of the Year Award in 2021 at the West Midlands Property Awards.

“The district council was awarded £14.5 million of Levelling Up Funding (LUF) and using the lion’s share of this, plans have been submitted to create a pavilion and

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Completely Bromsgrove

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Rail users frustrated by delays to proposed direct service I

n the December/January edition of Completely Bromsgrove, I wrote that the prize which BARRUP is striving to obtain in 2024 is for Cross Country Trains to stop its Nottingham-Cardiff service at Bromsgrove, as it used to do.

This would enable passengers from North East Worcestershire to have an 11 minute journey to Worcestershire Parkway and a 28 minute journey to Cheltenham Spa, and from those two stations then connect with GWR and Cross Country train services to Oxford, Reading (for the Elizabeth Line and Heathrow Airport) and London Paddington, and Bristol Temple Meads and the South West.

The “final” version of the Worcestershire Rail Investment Strategy Document 2, drawn up by Worcestershire County Council in conjunction with its consultants SLC Rail, was published in June 2023, although it was not circulated until October.

This document states that “a new direct train service between (Birmingham), Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham Spa and Bristol Temple Meads” would be introduced in 2023.

Committee members of BARRUP attend the quar terly meetings of the Worcestershire Rail User Groups Alliance (WRUGA), at which rail matters affecting the county are discussed. At the December meeting, we asked the question: “When in 2023 is this service being introduced, as we are now in December?”

www.bromsgroverail.org.uk

We were advised by a member of SLC Rail that the document is not in fact the “final” version, and that another “final” version would be published in 2024 “in the light of the announcements on both HS2 Phase 2 and further funding for Midlands Rail Hub.” Much to our dismay and anger, we were advised that “the new direct train service in 2023” is not being included, as the “rail capacity between Birmingham New Street and Bromsgrove is insufficient to allow Cross Country Trains to stop at Bromsgrove.”

We pressed on the issue of the “direct train service”

10 Completely Bromsgrove

and were advised that in the new “final” document, there would be “support for Midlands Connect 2 trains per hour from Birmingham - Worcestershire Parkway Bristol / Cardiff between 2029-2034.”

There was no promise that this service would be introduced and no promise that, if it was introduced, it would stop at Bromsgrove. Even then it would not be until 2029 at the earliest.

Obviously, this is unacceptable to rail passengers in Nor th East Worcestershire and BARRUP will study the new “final” document when it is published to decide on a course

by Nick Taylor of action. memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk

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Completely Bromsgrove

11

Discover hidden gems with the Destination Bromsgrove app B

romsgrove is the first town in the UK to experience a revolutionary transformation in the way local businesses connect with their customers.

Bromsgrove is the first town in the UK to experience a revolutionary transformation in the way local businesses connect with their customers.

A mobile app designed to invigorate the heart of our beloved town, Destination Bromsgrove will make it easier than ever to discover the hidden gems and incredible offerings of local businesses.

Destination Bromsgrove is holding its first all High Street event in February entitled Love Your High Street, working with more than 100 business partners to create a range of unique offers based around the romance of Valentine’s Day for the community to enjoy.

They will also be co-ordinating a competition among local businesses to see who can make the best window display with the winner voted for by the public.

This will be the first of many events planned for the High Street throughout the year, aimed at making it a destination for families to enjoy a great atmosphere and use the many varied shops, restaurants and other businesses located there. Residents and visitors can also look forward to Easter, summer, and Halloween-themed events.

Key features of the Destination Bromsgrove app include: 1. Business directory: Browse a comprehensive list of local businesses, from boutique shops to cosy cafes, all at your fingertips.

2. Interactive map: Easily locate businesses, view opening hours, and get directions to your favourite spots in town.

12 Completely Bromsgrove

3. Exclusive offers: Access exclusive discounts, promotions, and special offers from local businesses, saving you money while supporting the High Street.

4. Events and news: Stay up to date with the latest happenings in Destination Bromsgrove.

5. Customer reviews: Share your experiences and read reviews from fellow shoppers to make informed choices about where to shop and dine.

6. Community engagement: Get information on council matters, blogs, weather, traffic, and job vacancies.

7. Free to access for end users.

The project has considerable support which will enable it to be rolled out in multiple towns and cities.

Destination Bromsgrove is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. By supporting our local businesses and rediscovering the charm of Bromsgrove, together we can keep our High Street vibrant and thriving.

Scan here to download the App

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Completely Bromsgrove

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Join us for our next event

Chandler Court care home, Bromsgrove

Reminiscence café Last Friday of each month, 2pm - 4pm Come along to our monthly dementia -friendly cafe.

Join like-minded members of the community, share experiences and pick up a copy of our free dementia guide.

Culinary workshop Thursday 14th March, 2pm - 4pm Join us to experience a taster session of the delicious food on offer at Chandler Court, delivered by our award-winning Chefs Nicola and Alex, and learn more about our Dining with Dignity approach.

Trusted to care.

To attend please call 01527 958 418 or email rebecca.pearce@careuk.com

14 Completely Bromsgrove

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Let’s get talking ‘The Big Dementia Conversation’ is all about encouraging people to talk about some of the most difficult topics associated with dementia.

Our online advice hub takes a closer look at some of the less-talked-about symptoms of dementia, with expert advice from our dementia specialists on how to navigate them.

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At Care UK, our dementia specialists continue to work with academic partners and respected leaders in the field, to develop a holistic and forward-thinking approach to the delivery of dementia care. We’re always looking for new ways to support families caring for a loved one with dementia, and we recognise the importance of helping you to navigate through some of the challenging stages.

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Completely Bromsgrove

15

Buy your new kitchen with confidence C

hoosing the right kitchen design company is a crucial step in ensuring your dream becomes a reality. The selection process involves careful consideration of various factors to guarantee not only a visually appealing kitchen but also a functional and expertly planned space that suits your lifestyle.

Local business AK Fitted Interiors have compiled their key tips to guide consumers through the process.

Research and reputation - Look for reviews and testimonials on their website and via search engines.

There’s a tip to ensure these are genuine later in the article! A company’s reputation is a strong indicator of its reliability and the quality of its work. Recommendations from friends, family or colleagues are a great starting point as you will be aware of the expectations these people have. In addition, check that the company and the manufacturers they use are in good financial health through a quick search online.

Showrooms and gallery of work - It’s essential to get a firsthand look at a company’s craftsmanship and the quality of materials they use. Showroom spaces should be aspirational and reflect a variety of styles.

Additionally, you may wish to ask to speak with previous clients who can vouch for their work. Furthermore, they should have a diverse project portfolio: an excellent kitchen design studio, especially one with great reviews, will regularly share photos of their installations on their website and through social media channels.

Experience and expertise - Choose a company with substantial experience in the industry. They will be more likely to handle unexpected challenges effectively and provide innovative solutions. Will just one person be designing your space or is there a team creating the visualisation? An excellent product knowledge should be evident when discussing your project and a strong design team will receive regular training.

16 Completely Bromsgrove

Communication and collaboration - Effective communication is paramount in any successful design project. From the very first showroom visit, you should be impressed by factors such as open dialogue and listening to your ideas. If you are having to chase a reply to emails and telephone calls after your initial contact, the chances are that any queries during and after the installation will be even harder to flag.

Budget transparency and guarantees - Clearly define your budget and choose a design company that is transparent about costs. A reputable company will provide detailed quotes, outlining every item included within the project for you to check. Avoid any surprises by discussing your budget constraints upfront and ensuring that the design company can work within those parameters. Ask about guarantees on furniture and appliances: these normally range from five to 15 years.

There should also be a guarantee regarding installation.

Completely Bromsgrove sub editor Teresa Green is one of many happy AK customers.

“We were delighted with the service we received from design to completion,” said Teresa.

“Our new kitchen looks great and gives us amazing storage options. The room feels so much bigger, and we love spending time in it.”

AK Fitted Interiors have been designing beautiful interiors since 1982. Visit our Bromsgrove showroom to view a wealth of inspiration for your next kitchen, bedroom, or home living project. www.akfittedinteriors.co.uk

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17

GARDENING

Heat is on with versatile chillies

W

inter is still raging outside so why not turn up the heat and spice things up a notch by planning the next active growing season and trying your hand at growing chillies and peppers?

An early start needs to be made with these hot house vegetables. If you want to get ahead of the game, you should be selecting and planning what varieties you fancy now; the many different types of shapes and colours is endless.

There are so many to choose from, ranging from mild to absolutely blow your head off hot. The spiciness or hotness is measured on the Scoville scale, star ting with the mild bell peppers at zero, blasting all the way up to the Carolina Reapers, Nagas and Ghost chillies, scoring a million to two million units of Scoville heat.

Star t your capsicums off in late winter to mid spring, you really need a warm windowsill, heated greenhouse, or propagator. Be careful handling these tiny seeds and wash your hands afterwards if using the hot varieties and don’t touch your face!

Fill a small pot or seed tray with seed compost, firm gently then sow a few seeds on top. Sow a few more seeds than you need, in case of losses. Seeds will germinate quickly in a heated propagator or simply put the pots on a warm windowsill. Place a clear plastic bag over each pot, secured with an elastic

band, to raise the humidity.

It can take a couple of weeks for seedlings to appear, and when they do remove the lid and place the pot in a bright, warm environment and water regularly. When the seedlings are 2.5cm (1in) tall, move each one into its own small pot of multipurpose compost. Then move them into larger 13cm (5in) pots once the roots begin to show through the drainage holes.

Water little and often to keep the compost evenly moist, avoiding waterlogging or drought. Plants in containers can dry out very quickly, so check them regularly. Flower buds may fall off if plants get too dry. Feed chilli plants with a high potassium liquid fertiliser weekly as soon as flowering star ts. It won’t be long until you are picking and enjoying chillies in mid-summer.

Pick fruits when green to encourage fur ther cropping. Left on the plant, they will change colour and develop a hotter flavour. If chillies are left to ripen on the plant, new flowers won’t be produced, which can lead to a reduction in the overall harvest of 25 per cent or more.

Jobs to keep you busy in February Watch out for frost and be prepared to cover any blossom on fruit trees.

Prune winter flowering shrubs such as mahonias, winter jasmine and heathers once flowering is finished.

Cut back deciduous grasses and “comb” evergreen grasses with your fingers to remove the old loose dead leaves.

18 Completely Bromsgrove

Divide large clumps of snowdrops after flowering and replant.

Sprinkle slow release fer tiliser around the base of roses.

Enjoy the arrival of the spring bulbs, heralding the start of the new season and bringing with it the promise of light and warmth.

By Suzi M, garden lover and plotter at Roundhill Allotments

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19

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

20 Completely Bromsgrove

Wandering waxwings L

ast time we had a good ‘waxwing winter’, a troop of these funky-looking birds hung out on the berried trees outside Webbs of Wychbold. This year, more than 50 of them appeared eating mistletoe berries along the Guarlford road near Malvern. Have you spotted them in or near Bromsgrove yet?

My first sighting of these fabulous birds was on a supermarket car park next to a main road. I couldn’t quite believe that it was so ‘easy’ to see a bird that some of my more bird-focused friends and colleagues had never seen. Waxwings are known as an irruptive species so they’re not seen in good numbers every year. Their arrival in the UK from nor thern Europe and Scandinavia depends on the availability of food closer to home.

sparrow but a little smaller than a starling, they have peachy, beige and grey tones to their body and wings. Look for an Amy Winehouse-like black eye stripe and a wonderfully coiffured crest as well as dark wings and tail with a splash of golden yellow.

Some of the birds have glossy red tips to their wing feathers that develop as the birds age so you might spot the difference between the older birds with more waxy tips and the younger birds with none.

During summer they feed on insects but as temperatures drop and the nights draw in, they switch to fruits. When they leave their forested breeding grounds they’re on the hunt for berry-rich trees and often congregate with other birds doing the same. In years where there’s a dearth of berries, they cross the Nor th Sea to our shores and work their way through the country, munching on berries as they go.

If you have space in your garden or are able to influence planting in your local greenspace, why not think about planting some berry-rich trees for the future? Even if you don’t see a waxwing for a few years, the berries will feed other birds in the depths of winter. Take a look at www.worcswildlifetrust. co.uk/actions/how-make-shrub-garden-wildlife for more information.

Whilst nature reserves and remote spots may have rowans and hawthorns, our urban spaces are often packed with berry-laden trees. From supermarket car parks to ornamental street trees, look out for these punks of the bird world near you. Red berries are often the first to go but the oranges, yellows and whites of cotoneaster, viburnum and mistletoe are also appealing.

Waxwings are unmistakeable. Bigger than a house

Keep up to date with us...

- Our website www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk - on Twitter @WorcsWT - on Facebook www.facebook.com/ worcestershirewildlifetrust Waxwing photo’s by Chris Farman, Dave Grubb, Magnus McLeod, Wendy Carter, Becca Bratt Completely Bromsgrove

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23

Unearthing the Salt Town

D

HISTORY

roitwich Spa is unique in England in having natural brine springs that have been exploited for at least 2,000 years.

Along the Salwarpe valley, brine from underground streams was collected and evaporated to make salt.

This vital resource brought great wealth to the area.

Archaeological evidence shows salt has been manufactured here since at least 600 BC. But the arrival of the Romans around 70 AD took salt production and distribution to a whole new level.

They probably constructed the first timber-lined brine well (later known as the Upwich pit) and built roads for the transpor t of salt which radiated out in six directions. The Romans also built a small hill fort at Dodderhill to consolidate their hold on the area, which they called ‘Salinae’ (saltings).

Anglo-Saxon char ters confirm that salt working continued after Roman times when the settlement was known as ‘Wyche’. From late Saxon times onwards, Droitwich’s salt rights were owned by the Crown, the Church, and other high-status individuals.

The Domesday Book of 1086 – William the Conqueror’s great national tax survey – records ten brine pits and 230 salt pans, and in later years people are repor ted to have visited the salt springs to find a cure for leprosy. It was around this time that the town acquired Borough status.

In 1215 King John’s royal char ter leased the Crown’s salt rights to the burgesses of Wyche for an annual rent of £100, a huge amount at the time (Worcester paid just £40 annually). This gave the burgesses an effective monopoly on salt production.

24 Completely Bromsgrove

By the late Middle Ages Droitwich was one of the richest towns in England, a fact evidenced by having four separate churches – unheard of in a town of its size. The hear t of the town was broad burgage plots along what are now High Street, Friar Street and St Andrew’s Street.

The production of salt was highly energy intensive, requiring massive amounts of wood for the fires used to boil down the brine pans. Visiting Droitwich in 1588, the historian John Leland noted that “They be forced to seke wood as far as Worcestere towne, and all the par ties about Bremisgrove”. This heavy demand for wood was one of the factors in the decline of nearby Feckenham Forest, which had been a massive royal hunting forest.

The Borough’s monopoly continued until 1695 when a legal challenge by Rober t Steynor, who had sunk a brine well on his own land, succeeded after a five-year cour t battle. In later centuries, the salt industry became more mechanised and traditional salt routes were replaced by the newly built canals.

The discovery and early exploitation of salt in Droitwich is the subject of the Bromsgrove Society’s local history talk on 20 February, when Anthony Poulton-Smith will talk on ‘The Salt Routes’.

Details of this and all events in the society’s 2024 programme are available at www.bsoc.co.uk

by Mike Sharpe

The best kept secret in Droitwich D

Celebrating Tim Cree’s 40 years of membership

roitwich Spa is well known as a salt town, but did you know it is also home to the Droitwich & District Circle of the international Catenians Association?

The Catenians are an organisation of Catholic men and their families and dependants, with a strong emphasis on creating lasting friendships and offering each other suppor t.

Members and their families enjoy a varied mix of social events, spor ting activities, networking opportunities and charity activities. There is a fund for members who have fallen on hard times, a bursary for young people who may be considering some form of voluntary work, and suppor t for the widows of deceased members.

The name Catenian comes from the Latin, ‘catena’, meaning ‘a connected series or chain’. All members are considered equal links, connected to support one another.

Founded in 1908, the association has around 6,000 members in Britain, with established groups (known as circles) in towns and cities across the country.

The Droitwich & District Circle was established in 1950, with its inaugural meeting at the Clarendon Hotel on July 18th. Thir ty-four members included farmers, dentists, a chemist, a vet, and a dance band leader. A dinner dance, held at The Raven Hotel later that year, cost 18 shillings to attend.

In 1956 the Circle enter tained the manager of the touring Australian cricket team, and in the 1970s and 80s former Irish footballer Davy Walsh was a member. Walsh began his international career in Ireland and played for both Irish national teams in the 1940s - making history as the first Catholic footballer to play for a Protestant team. He went on to play for West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa, before retiring in 1957.

The Droitwich & District Circle draws its membership from Catholic men aged 18 or over, in the Droitwich, Bromsgrove, Worcester, and surrounding areas. However, the Catenians are not primarily about Catholic action and are not a church-run association. The focus is on family, friendship, and fun, as well as faith.

The 2024 social calendar includes something for everyone, including a golf day, barbecue, a tour of Harvington Hall, a vir tual spor t and karaoke night and a day of recollection at St George’s Catholic Church in Worcester. Members also meet once a month, at St Andrew’s Hotel in Droitwich.

If you are interested in learning more, you are welcome to attend a meeting or one of the social events to meet some of the members and discover if it’s a group you would like to join.

Contact Jim Quinn on 07960 218925, email j.quinn789@btinternet.com, or visit www.facebook.com/DroitwichDistrictCatenians/

Droitwich & District Catenians Charter, 1950

Completely Bromsgrove

25

Friends celebrate Heritage Fund grant for St John’s Spire Appeal

N

ew Year celebrations were extended for the Friends of St John’s team as they were awarded a grant by The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Spire Appeal project.

The project will repair the top section of Worcestershire’s tallest spire at Bromsgrove’s landmark ancient church of St John’s, and engage more visitors in the heritage at the oldest building in the town.

In early January the team received the wonderful news that their application to the Heritage Fund had been successful and a grant of £249,975 had been awarded for the important heritage project. The grant is made possible by money raised by National Lottery players.

St John’s church was placed on Historic England’s At Risk Register owing to the problems on the church spire. The internal, metal stabilising rod, which was installed by the Victorian’s, began rusting, which in turn has caused the surrounding stonework to crack. Steel straps were placed around the top section of the spire to secure the cracking sandstone and make it safe whilst the money is raised to carry out the urgent rebuild.

With almost one thousand years of history captured within the walls of the building, and with St John’s the largest place for the community to gather in Bromsgrove, the restoration and repair of the building are of great importance to the town and its people.

26 Completely Bromsgrove

Friends of St John’s chairman Jo Slade commented on the award, she said “It’s definitely a happy new year for the team at St John’s! We are really thrilled to have received this support from the Heritage Fund and our thanks go to all National Lottery players. We are excited to be able to make a start on the project now that this significant amount of funding has been secured.

The next steps for the team will be reaching out to other local and national funders to secure the funding needed to reach our £360,000 target, in the hope that the repair works can take place later this year.

Running alongside the repair works will be a series of engagement projects. Residents and visitors will be encouraged to get involved, learn about the heritage at St John’s and have a go at some traditional craft skills.”

Anyone wanting to get involved or make a donation can contact the Friends on email via friends.stjohns.church@gmail. com follow on www.facebook.com/ FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove to keep up to date with the project or make a donation through PayPal by visiting www.tinyurl.com/Friends-Donate

by Jo Slade

Fresh start for Bromsgrove’s

dementia café

A

ge UK Herefordshire and Worcestershire (H&W) are pleased to announce that their Bromsgrove dementia café has a new venue, the town’s rugby club in Finstall Road.

The move will take advantage of the excellent facilities the club offers and will enable Age UK to carry on providing a variety of different engaging activities and themes at each session.

The dementia café is free to attend and has a primary aim to provide support and information for people living with mild to moderate dementia, carers, friends, and family. It’s often understated that the cafés offer a valuable space for loved ones to unwind, share experiences, and connect with fellow caregivers.

Age UK H&W aims for all their cafés to have a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, which they achieve through suppor tive and accommodating staff.

Dementia services manager, Kelly Reeves, said: “The move promises to enhance our group’s experience and create a more comfortable and engaging environment for everyone involved.

“This change not only signifies growth but also reflects our commitment to providing the best possible support for individuals living with dementia and their loved ones.

I am eagerly anticipating the positive impact this new venue will have on our group dynamics, fostering a sense of community, understanding, and shared strength.

“Together, we look forward to creating even more meaningful connections and valuable support networks in our continued journey towards dementia awareness and care. The new venue in Bromsgrove opens doors to new opportunities, and I am genuinely excited about the positive changes it will bring to our wonderful group.”

The Bromsgrove Café meets from 10.30am until 12.30pm on the second Wednesday of every month.

Prospective members do not need to book and can just turn up on the day. You can find out more information by calling 0800 008 6077 or visit www.ageukhw.org.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

27

A decade of giving at hospice’s Headless Cross shop

T

en years ago in January 2014, Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre opened their fifth charity shop in Headless Cross, with visions of the store being a hub for furniture sales and donation drop offs.

From the moment the shop opened, the hospice realised sales would exceed expectations and donations would be far higher than anticipated. The shop soon star ted selling homeware and bric-a-brac and now sells on average 500 items per week.

Shop manager Richard said: “Working for Primrose Hospice at Headless Cross is like Christmas every day, as we never know what is coming in through the door.

Every donation helps the hospice achieve so much, assisting people during difficult times.

“Of course, we cannot do this without the support and dedication of our team of excellent volunteers, within a harmonious atmosphere, and we have lots of fun at the same time.”

In the last decade, the shop has raised over £1 million for Primrose Hospice and now sells around 33 items of furniture per week, with a minimum of 24 collections and 24 deliveries every week.

28 Completely Bromsgrove

One of the amazing volunteers said: “Volunteering to me is the friendship and the feeling of belonging to a charity that helps a lot of people. I feel I am giving back after all the support that got me through a hard time.”

Primrose Hospice would like to thank all their volunteers, not only at their Headless Cross shop, but across the whole hospice. Without them, they wouldn’t be able to provide care and suppor t to many patients and families across Nor th East Worcestershire.

If you would like to volunteer for any of their shops or find out more visit www.primrosehospice.org/ support-us/shops/our-shops/ or call 01527 871051.

WI members’ year round support for foodbank B

entley Pauncefoot WI has been collecting food donations for Catshill Foodbank since 2017.

The group, which has 36 members, collects items that are requested by the foodbank at least twice a year to be distributed to those in need in the Bromsgrove area.

Members make a regular collection in July and August to help support families who have children at home during the summer holidays.

In January, members donate items collected via a Reverse Advent Calendar in the run up to Christmas. Those items are then taken to the foodbank in January.

The group likes supporting the foodbank, which in turn supports families in need in our area. Members understand that, despite working hard and being careful with money, not everyone can make ends meet.

WI members are very generous, and everyone gives what and when they can. Collections are made at the monthly meetings and when the items have been collected, some of the members deliver them to the foodbank, where they always receive a warm welcome and sincere thanks.

Krystyna Perry and Liz Every pictured with some of the kind donations Completely Bromsgrove

29

Become a Lion and support good causes near and far

F

ew people in Bromsgrove know or understand that Lions Clubs International is the largest charity organisation in the world. It is an organisation that is in 240 countries and provinces worldwide. In the Midlands there are some 64 clubs, Bromsgrove being one of them.

When people see Lions in the High Street on Elizabethan Day or in the supermarket at Christmas time with Santa, they just put a coin in our collection box and don’t really know what we do.

This is because, as an organisation, every penny that we collect goes to a good cause. Roughly 80% of the money goes to local good causes and 20% goes to our international organisation to give aid and support around the world when there is a disaster such as an earthquake, flood, or tsunami etc, rebuilding schools, orphanages and hospitals that have been destroyed.

Bromsgrove Lions help support Life after Stroke and the Basement Project. We have also sponsored a swimming gala for children with both physical and mental health problems as well as many individuals who have sought our help.

We have no salaries locally as we are all volunteers. We have no chief executives on £150,000 per year. The expenses that we do have are paid for out of members’ annual subscriptions which is approximately about £1.50 per week per member.

30 Completely Bromsgrove

Lions have a social life as well as fundraising. We meet for evening meals and brunch. Occasionally we go ten pin bowling and in summer we hold a summer buffet, and we also have an afternoon tea and cruise on the River Avon at Stratford.

We have an annual charter dinner once a year and in 2024 it is on May 18th at the Holiday Inn in Kidderminster Road. Every club holds a charter dinner, which is an opportunity to meet up with other clubs in the area.

However, since Covid, membership of Bromsgrove Lions has suffered. This has curtailed our social activities and we do have room for people to join us if they feel they can make a difference to their local community.

If you would like to be part of Bromsgrove Lions Club or wish to find out more, then email alanpjames@aol.com who will be happy to give you all the information he can.

Classic Scottish Cullen Skink

RECIPE

T

his cullen skink recipe is a traditional Scottish classic. The silky fish soup is made with potatoes and fresh parsley, and is filling while still tasting deliciously light.

Method: In a pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion and leek over a medium-low heat for up to ten minutes, until they’ve softened but have not quite coloured. Add in a pinch of nutmeg and season with a little salt and pepper.

Add in the potato chunks, stir well, and add 200ml of water. Bring it up to a simmer and cook the potatoes until tender (approx. 25 minutes).

Meanwhile, add the milk to another pan, along with the haddock and bay leaf. Slowly bring the milk up to a simmer (around ten minutes) and poach the haddock until it becomes opaque.

Check it’s cooked and then remove from the milk.

Keep the milk and remove the bay leaf.

Pour the milk into the pan with the potatoes, and let it cook gently, roughly mashing some of the potatoes to thicken it, but leaving some whole.

Remove the skin from the haddock and flake it into the soup just before serving. Serve with chopped parsley on top.

Ingredients 3 tbsp butter 1 onion, finely chopped 1 leek, finely sliced Pinch of nutmet 350g medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 500ml milk 400g undyed smoked haddock, skin on 1 bay leaf Handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped, to serve Sea salt and black pepper

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Completely Bromsgrove

31

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Achieve your beauty goals with plant-based collagen

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have never taken collagen because of the animal products it contains, but I have now found Redox Radiance, which is a pure plant-based alternative.

Did you know our body’s ability to produce its own collagen decreases significantly starting in your 20s? As result, the collagen supplement industry has exploded. However, traditional collagen supplements either contain animal collagen made from hooves, hides and bones, or marine collagen made from fish scales and skin.

Collagen, a structural protein made of amino acids, makes up a third of total protein in your body. It is a key building material present in bones, organs, muscles, hair, skin, and nails.

When you consume collagen, your body must first digest the dense fibers into smaller ones called gelatine. Your stomach then processes it even fur ther turning it into peptides and then finally amino acids. The body can then use these amino acids to start the process in reverse, building its own peptides, gelatine, and finally human collagen.

With Redox Radiance we take a short cut to collagen production, giving your body plant-based amino acids in ratios perfect for building its own collagen for hair, skin, and nails. It only takes 1g of targeted amino acids to be equivalent to 8-9g of traditional collagen, with no stress or discomfort on your stomach.

In addition to the perfect collagen building amino acid profile, Redox Radiance contains additional synergistic ingredients critical to the collagen building process.

Chilean maqui berry - the most potent antioxidant superfruit in the world and protects your precious collagen from degradation.

Rice ceramide ceramides are the “glue” that holds your skin together.

32 Completely Bromsgrove

By adding this impor tant ingredient, you will experience smoother, more hydrated skin, usually within the first two weeks.

Zinc and vitamin C – impor tant co-factors that synergistically work with the amino acids to help build strong collagen fibers.

Copper – a critical piece of the collagen building puzzle. It is necessary to cross link individual collagen fibers together, forming the stable triplehelix structure of the collagen molecule.

Achieve your beauty goals and empower your natural beauty with Redox Radiance, a daily collagen suppor t supplement that is body optimised and stomach friendly.

By using the same collagen profile as your body and delivering exact amino acid ratios for skin collagen support, this plant-based formula also provides natural antioxidant support thanks to Powered by Redox ingredients like Chilean maqui berry and copper.

Simply add one stick pack of REDOX Radiance to 8-12 oz of water and enjoy a more radiant complexion.

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Completely Bromsgrove

33

Celebrant breaks taboos around a life lived

I

n an era when traditional funerals and mourning practices are evolving, a dedicated and compassionate Worcestershire celebrant is on a mission to redefine how we commemorate the lives of our loved ones and cope with grief.

As a qualified member of the Fellowship of Professional Celebrants, Anne-Marie Harley wants to break the taboos surrounding end-of-life ceremonies and hopes to help others celebrate their loved ones in a way that is right for them, even if it is not the norm.

She added: “After losing my best friend to a long-term illness a few years ago, I decided that this was something I had to do. After being part of her service, seeing it full of people who cherished her, I know she would have loved to have been part of it if she’d had the chance.”

Anne-Marie believes it is essential to create personal, meaningful ceremonies that honour the individuality of the person who has passed away. This includes innovative ideas like living funerals, alternative celebration venues, and post-loss gatherings that bring family and friends together to commemorate their loved one in a non-traditional way.

Anne-Marie’s services are not limited to adult funerals and celebrations. As well as traditional options, alternative services she can provide include:

“As a former journalist, I’ve spent many years covering and sharing the stories of other people,” said Anne-Marie.

“Unfortunately, I, like many in recent years, have experienced my fair share of loss which has allowed me to understand what a valuable service celebrants provide. We are privileged to bear witness to a snapshot of so many people’s lives, but it is important that what we deliver is meaningful and fitting for both the deceased and those who knew them personally.”

Living funerals have captured Anne-Marie’s heart, as she believes that they offer a chance for individuals to share and celebrate their final days with loved ones, breaking the silence that often surrounds impending loss and creating even more memories to treasure.

34 Completely Bromsgrove

Living funerals: Celebrating a person’s life before it ends, creating an opportunity to share stories, experiences, and love.

Non-traditional celebrations: Offering celebrations away from burial or cremation sites for those who seek a pure cremation.

Alternative locations: Encouraging ceremonies outside the traditional church or crematorium setting.

Grief circles and post-loss memorials: Providing a safe and supportive environment for family and friends to come together, reminisce, and heal a while after the loss, when emotions may be less raw and more ready for celebration.

You can contact Anne-Marie at annemarie.celebrant@ gmail.com or follow celebrant Anne-Marie on Facebook or Instagram.

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35

Artrix volunteer team

Artrix will remain open throughout 2024

L

ocal volunteer group Bromsgrove Community Ar ts have secured a nine-month licence from the Artrix Holding Trust, to keep the doors open at Bromsgrove’s much loved Ar trix Arts Centre.

Since November 2023, Ar trix has hosted Solihull’s The Core Theatre thanks to a short residency at the venue. The Core have promoted a number of very well received shows and a Christmas panto and there’s a packed schedule of entertainment planned until the end of March 2024.

The Core Theatre have announced that they will not be extending their residency beyond April, giving Bromsgrove Community Arts (BCA) the opportunity to operate the ar ts centre.

Since the doors re-opened in November, BCA have supported The Core Theatre by providing volunteers to serve on the bar and usher visitors to their seats.

The team of volunteers is led and coordinated by Adam Lote, with the bar being organised by Jules Evans, with support from Bromsgrove based Back Door Productions. Operating without any subsidy, the volunteer team have worked wonders to make the visitor experience at Artrix an enjoyable one.

From April, when BCA’s nine-month licence begins, the volunteer group will operate the venue on a room hire only basis. Anyone with a link to dance,

36 Completely Bromsgrove

drama, theatre, comedy and musical performances can hire the venue for a period of time to suit their needs. Companies and organisations looking for a conference venue or space for rehearsals and practice are also welcome to enquire.

Artrix is a versatile building and has a number of spaces available for hire, including the 300 seat theatre, two studio rooms, plus smaller rooms and office space which would be ideal for small business start-ups. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to use Artrix for their business, hobby or performance requirements during 2024.

BCA have put forward a three-year business plan to the Artrix Holding Trust for the venue to be operated on a long term basis, with the suppor t of Bromsgrove District Council and the Ar trix Holding Trust. The Ar trix Holding Trust granted the shor tterm licence to BCA whilst still reviewing their longterm business plan to run Ar trix and it is hoped that it will respond positively to BCA’s proposal.

Local groups and organisations interested in making use of the space can contact BCA team via email bromsgrovecommunityarts@outlook.com by Jo Slade

Watch out for exciting new adult community activities with

Creative Arts

from now until March with support from a ReNew Grant from Bromsgrove & Redditch Council For more information please contact us on 07818 830988 or www.creativeartshowcase.org

Showcase 24

THUR 15 FEB 7:30PM

FRI 16 FEB 7:30PM

THUR 22 FEB 7:30PM

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SAT 2 MARCH : 4.00PM

SAT 24 FEB 7:30PM

THUR 29 FEB 7:30PM

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37

Musicals and mischief F

ilmed live at the Adelphi Theatre in the heart of London’s West End, Kinky Boots the Musical, is being screened by Bromsgrove Arts on Sunday, February 4th at 7.30pm.

With songs from pop icon Cindy Lauper, this huge-hearted hit tells the story of two people with nothing in common – or so they think. Charlie (Killian Donnelly) is a factory owner struggling to save his family business, and Lola (Matt Henry) is a fabulous entertainer with a wildly exciting idea. This unmissable musical theatre event celebrates a joyous story of British grit transforming into a high-heeled hit as it takes you from the factory floor of Northampton to the glamorous catwalks of Milan.

Award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin plays the roguish thief Raffles in a one-man play, live on stage on Sunday, February 11th at 7.30pm. Adapted from the classic Edwardian crime stories written by E.W. Hornung, devil-may-care and debonair amateur cracksman A.J. Raffles recounts the time he first turned to a life of crime, and the light-hearted capers that ensued as a result. Set in fogbound London at the beginning of the 20th century, Goodwin has adapted the source material to create an arresting stage show guaranteed to lift the spirits.

My Favourite Things celebrates the 80th anniversary of Rodgers & Hammerstein. Featuring a 40-piece orchestra and international stars of the stage and screen, this special concert, which will be screened on Sunday, February 18th at 7.30pm, was filmed at London’s newly restored Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

The celebration of the historic partnership of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II showcases original arrangements of iconic songs from Oklahoma!, Carousel, South Pacific, The King and I, Cinderella and The Sound of Music and more.

Featuring a star-studded cast including Michael Ball, Maria Friedman, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Marisha Wallace, the landmark event was accompanied by

Set in eerie, post-World War II Venice on All Hallows’ Eve, A Haunting in Venice on Wednesday, February 21st at 7.30pm is a terrifying mystery featuring the return of the celebrated sleuth, Hercule Poirot (Kenneth Branagh). Now retired and living in self-imposed exile in the world’s most glamorous city, Poirot reluctantly attends a séance at a decaying, haunted palazzo. When one of the guests is murdered, the detective is thrust into a sinister world of shadows and secrets.

38 Completely Bromsgrove

the 40-piece Rodgers & Hammerstein Concert Orchestra, conducted by Simon Lee.

feature in February Inspired by a true story, The Great Escaper will be screened on Wednesday, February 28th at 2.30pm. In the summer of 2014 – the 70th anniversary of the D-Day Landings – octogenarian Bernie Jordan (Michael Caine) made global headlines. He’d staged a “great escape” from his care home to join fellow war veterans on a beach in Normandy, commemorating their fallen comrades. It was a story that captured the imagination of the world but of course it wasn’t the whole story. The bitter-sweet script explores the reality with wit and a very big heart. Bernie’s adventure, spanning a mere 48 hours, also marked the culmination of his 60-year marriage to Irene (Glenda Jackson).

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

A joyful new year at Bromsgrove Flower Club

B

romsgrove Flower Club’s first meeting of the year is on Thursday 15th February, 2024.

Our demonstrator will be Katherine Kear, and she has chosen ‘Doofers’ as her title. We don’t know what it means, so do come and join us and find out! A raffle will be held and, as usual, our demonstrator’s arrangements will be included as raffle prizes.

There will be no competition at the February meeting.

Throughout the year, Bromsgrove Flower Club welcome both old friends and new members to our meetings.

We meet every third Thursday of the month, at 2.00pm, at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 1AF. At our February meeting, you will have the oppor tunity to join and become a member of our club.

The membership fee for the year remains unchanged at £40 for the year – that covers 11 meetings from February to December. Each month members pay an additional small entrance fee of £4.00. Financially it makes sense to become a member of the club, but there is no obligation to become a member, and non-members can just turn up at a meeting and pay at the door. The entrance fee for visitors is £10.00. So do come and join us at our February meeting and throughout the new year.

For more information check out our website: www.bromsgroveflowerclub.org.uk Completely Bromsgrove

39

Cinematic classics bring welcome warmth to February F ebruary’s line up at the FeckenOdeon Cinema Society in Feckenham features classics from Italy and the USA. First up on Friday, February 9th at 8pm is Cinema Paradiso (12A). The winner of multiple awards has been restored for a new audience - and for those who loved it when it was released 35 years ago.

The film is a charming drama about friendship, childhood, and the magic of cinema. In an Italian village young Salvatore finds himself enchanted by the flickering images at the Cinema Paradiso, yearning for the secret of the cinema’s magic.

When the projectionist, Alfredo, shares his knowledge, a deep friendship is born. Thirty years later he receives a message that beckons him back home to a secret and beautiful discovery that awaits him.

On Saturday, February 24th at 7.30pm, the onscreen offering is The Man Who Knew Too Much (PG).

that people will kidnap and kill to hear it… or to keep it secret.

James Stewart and Doris Day are on holiday in Morocco when the French chap they’ve been chatting to is suddenly murdered. Before he dies the Frenchman whispers a secret - a secret so secret

Sounds far-fetched? Well, this is an Alfred Hitchcock film, and we can guarantee that you’ll be on the edge of your seat long before the nerve-shattering climax in the Royal Albert Hall.

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.

40 Completely Bromsgrove

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Offering breathtaking walks and scenery along with artisan shopping and excellent eateries for all tastes.

The property sleeps up to 6 and is situated within a gated complex with private secure parking. Call George on 07951 424277 To learn more about what Kingsbridge has to offer checkout their website www.hellokingsbridge.co.uk

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41

Photos by Chris Jepson

Mixed fortunes for Bromsgrove Sporting

Mixed fortunes for Bromsgrove Sporting

From the middle of December to early January, Bromsgrove Sporting h undefeated, picking up a couple of useful draws away at AFC Telford U and Long Eaton United at home.

However, for the second season running, Evesham United knocked the Cup and this match was followed by a disappointing home defeat by R

F

There are still plenty of league matches to go and with a fair wind, ther

rom the middle of December to early January, Bromsgrove a good run of cannot finish in the topSporting half of the hit table. form going five matches undefeated, pickingHere up are a couple of useful draws at AFC League matche the fixtures going into March. away All are Southern Telford United and Stamford while beating Stourbridge and Long Eaton United at postponements are still a possibility so the club'shome. website should be ch

However, for the second season running, Evesham United knocked the Rouslers out of the Worcestershire Senior Cup and this match was followed by a disappointing home defeat by Royston Town.

There are still plenty of league matches to go and with a fair wind, there is no reason why the Victoria Ground outfit cannot finish in the top half of the table.

Saturday

3rd February

3:00 p.m. H Leamington

Saturday 10th February 3:00 p.m. A Mickleover Saturday 17th February 3:00 p.m. H St Ives Town Saturday 24th February 3:00 p.m. A Hitchin Town

Saturday 2nd March 3:00 p.m. H Nuneaton Borough Here are the fixtures going into March. All are Saturday 9th March 3:00 p.m. H Berkhamsted Southern League matches and with wintery weather still around, postponements are still a possibility so the Saturday 16th March 3:00 p.m. A Berkhamsted club’s website should be checked first. the pitch, club has a new chairman in Rod Brown.

Rod, who has league matches, drawing one and winning Off the pitch, the club has a new Off chairman in theeight New chairman in Rod Brown period the boardroom, very experienced in the worldaway of football h the otherisseven with one game a 14-0 Rod Brown. Rod, who has taken over theinreins then being successful as a manager at several clubs including Bromsgro after an unsettling period in the boardroom, victory! is very experienced in the world ofTown. football Rod has sat The on the boardsare at Kidderminster Veterans finding life a bitHarriers more and Haleso having played as a professional in Scotland businesses. difficult after gaining promotion to the premier then being successful as a manager at several division of their league.They havefan won one out Also joining Rod as a director is long-time Sporting and Worcester b clubs including Bromsgrove Rovers, Redditch of six matches but have several games in hand role of vice-chairman while bringing in a wealth of experience in financ United and Stratford Town. Rod has sat on on their rivals. the boards at Kidderminster Harriers and Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies have now played eight league matches, dr Enquiries about Bromsgrove Sporting Halesowen Town as well as runningone hisgame own a 14-0 away victory! including hire of the bar can be emailed to small businesses.

The Veterans arehello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk finding life a bit more difficult after gaining promotio Also joining Rod as a director is have long-time won one out Colts’ of six matches have several enquiriesbut can be sent to games colts@in hand on th Sporting fan and Worcester businessman bromsgrovesporting.co.uk Enquiries Richard Boorn, who takes on the role of about Bromsgrove Sporting including hire of the bar can be e Bromsgrove Sporting’s website is www. vice-chairman while bringing in a wealth of Colts’ enquiries can be sent to colts@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk experience in finance and business consultancy. bromsgrovesporting.co.uk and there

by Phil Baker are accounts on Facebook, X (Twitter) and Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies haveBromsgrove now playedSporting's website is www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk and and Instagram. Instagram.

42 Completely Bromsgrove

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Hybrid poised to N

amed best small SUV, Car of The Year, the new Hyundai Kona is a seriously sized distillation of design parameters pitched at the popular crossover configuration.

The Kona lightens the heart. Now with a more dynamic road presence, its looks beguile while functional merits recommend to good sense a rich harvest of family motoring pleasures to come.

A charming and purposeful appearance combines with a clever piece of practical styling. By some miracle it manages to appear sleek as well as commodious - cheekily chunky yet at the same time suavely slick.

At a glance you can tell it’s as safe as houses, designed to muscle its way through crowded carriageways with the confidence of a prop forward.

But instead of cauliflower ears you get sculpted contours that play with the eye like brightly coloured candy in the sweetshop window.

A broad-shouldered, firmly planted stance is offset by an effective windcheating silhouette.

The wonderful smooth and lively 141 PS 1.6 litre GDI petrol engine combined with a 32 KW electric motor drives through a creamy six speed DCT auto transmission.

You can reach 103 mph yet around 55/60 mpg overall is easy to attain. You’ll certainly get that if you drive gently.

44 Completely Bromsgrove

What does this hybrid really have in store for you?

Nothing short of a taste of cars of tomorrow today.

You won’t be surprised to discover that the hybrid Kona looks like all the other Konas but it’s beneath the skin where real wizardry works its spell.

Silent power wafts you along when appropriate, changing to petrol power when the time is right: all decided by magical electronics that re-charge the batteries by capturing energy from your braking and storing it for when needed. Up and running, the car is silent and smooth. Electric torque makes

DRIVE TIME

‘Kona’ the market for swift getaways and the quiet progress induces a state of calmness.

It’s not just that this is a well-appointed, comfortable, and rewarding car to drive. No. For me it’s more like that sense of piloting a machine that achieves completeness through (to use a modern term) connectivity with the driver. It felt right: a right shape, a right size, the right fit in all regards (among best in class for leg, shoulder, and headroom), plus it drives as a proper car should. Road manners are firm, smooth and precise.

Of course, there are those like me. Simple souls who think batteries are only for flashlights and who long for the days when you could buy a Ford Popular for £100. By way of comparison, I felt obliged to cater for the more conservative reader who prefers to stick with tradition and cut back on extravagance and see which Kona could be bought for less.

I just had to try the £25,725 Kona

Advance 1.0T 120 PS 6 speed manual version. I’m delighted to report that it was equally impressive and in no way did I feel compromised. The threecylinder engine is a gem, and the super slick manual gear change is a delight to use. Top speed (112mph) is higher, fuel consumption is better (I got over 60mpg) and the whole driving experience proved just as delightful as the more expensive hybrid. Prospective buyers should try both models thoroughly and extensively.

As my acquaintance with both cars grew, I realised I’d overlooked something. With the Kona, Hyundai have created a car for today that matches its environment splendidly whether on city streets, on country lanes or on motorways. In town it’s compact enough to cope with tight squeezes. On leafy lanes and undulating downs, it comes into its own, with peerless visibility, roominess, and responsive handling.

Konas are cars that turn everyday journeys into pleasant jaunts. That’s because of their spirited demeanour and fun inducing attributes.

“Why are you so happy?” snarled an embittered neighbour who was trying to coax a dirty old twostroke lawnmower into life.

“Oh,” I said. “It must be that I’ve partaken of the Kona cornucopia.”

He scowled, as if such lunacy from me was only to be expected.

That supplied an extra chuckle.

Undoubtedly these Hyundais will ‘Kona’ the market.

by Syd Taylor

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45

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