Completely Bromsgrove April '24 issue 60

Bromsgrove Completely

Our Redditch store is renowned for its children’s department which offers an unbeatable range of styles from all the leading brands and where we provide a level of service only found at a family run independent store.

We are the Clarks and StartRite Main Stockists for the Area and, with half sizes and up to 5 width fittings, we can fit even the trickiest of feet.

Humphries Shoes was founded in Redditch in 1862 and is still run by the Humphries family who live in the area.

This month is Stress Awareness Month and we’re delighted to say that this issue is packed full of easy to follow advice and information on dealing with stress.

What could be better than a visit to a garden which is open under the National Garden Scheme (NGS)? These beautiful locations offer tranquility, vibrant colours, and the perfect environment for people to relax and take solace in nature. Tea and homemade cake are often available too! Turn to page 12 to find out more about some of the open gardens in Worcestershire.

Based in the village of Burcot, The Healing Horse Sanctuary offers both animals and humans alike a safe place. If you would like to learn more about the charity and how you can support its amazing work, turn to page 18.

You can discover more about the benefits of ‘The Power of Breath’ on page 20 and a new offering to Bromsgrove is Soul & Skin, which is located at George Davis Hairdressers in St John Street. Vicky Avis will be offering de-stress massages and facials for everyone to take time out for themselves.

If you are feeling out of sorts, or not on top of your game after a dull and soggy winter, hopefully this edition will give you some comfort and ideas to help with your mood and general wellbeing.

I certainly believe that with the longer days and spring well and truly on its way, we can all experience a bit more of the ‘feelgood factor’!

Anyone suffering with stress or mental health issues can find support via: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/ council-services/health-and-wellbeing/mental-health-andemotional-wellbeing/mental-health-and-support-adults

To all our readers out there, take care of you and as we always say, keep it local folks!

Very best wishes

Michele

Ford

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

PCC candidate discusses concerns in Bromsgrove

P olice and Crime Commissioner candidate Sarah Murray met councillors in Bromsgrove to discuss local crime concerns.

Sarah, who is standing for the Liberal Democrats in May’s elections, has a wealth of experience in the criminal justice system gained through her experience in the field of law, teaching and working in mental health.

She has campaigned to end violence against women and girls and is seeking to bring liberal values to West Mercia Police to help tackle and prevent crime.

Among the issues discussed at the meeting were concerns about burglaries, with 585 incidents per day going unsolved.

“As a Worcestershire resident I see at first hand the impacts that Conservative cuts have had on policing,” said Sarah.

“Our police work incredibly hard to keep our communities safe, but they need greater investment and support.

“More than 70% of burglaries in West Mercia went unsolved in the last year. That is why the Liberal Democrats are campaigning for a burglary response guarantee to be enshrined in law, ensuring that all domestic burglaries are attended by the police and properly investigated.”

Sarah has also criticised West Mercia Police following a report that a woman who reported her police officer ex-partner was instead arrested herself. The woman called 999 to report her ex for

abuse but ended up being arrested and spending 18 hours in a police cell.

A staunch advocate for ending male violence against women and girls, Sarah said, “This is an outrageous abuse of power. A culture of misogyny evidently exists with abusers making it a safe career choice. I am astounded at the lack of investigation into the allegations made against this particular officer.

“If elected, I will be working with the Chief Constable to improve standards of recruitment, vetting and investigation, so that no police officer will be able to hide behind his uniform or badge.”

Sarah’s comments follow an investigative report by Nicola Goodwin at BBC Midlands into four complaints of abuse and coercive control, including one from a female police officer, made to West Mercia Police about an individual male officer.

West Mercia Police deemed his service to be acceptable and no disciplinary hearing was required. PCC John Campion said he understood some victims of domestic abuse do not feel comfortable reporting their experiences to the police.

Sarah commented: “This just isn’t good enough. Female victims of male violence have a difficult time because of the lack of understanding shown to them. I want to see action taken against men who abuse positions of power.”

New Rail Trails offer boost to local economy

The Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership was established in 2019 and has four main purposes.

To engage with communities, such as those surrounding the four BARRUP Stations in North East Worcestershire, to improve station facilities and encourage support for rail use.

To encourage the setting up of station adoption groups to enhance station environments and build local pride in the facilities.

To improve station accessibility through sustainable travel plans.

To support links with stations and local businesses.

WCRP has been working in conjunction with Worcestershire Ramblers and the University of Worcester to develop digital linear and circular walking guides from the railway stations in the county.

Worcestershire’s history and countryside makes it a wonderful area to explore on foot, and two digital Rail Trails for the Arrow Valley and Saltway lines are being developed for walkers arriving by train at Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove, Droitwich Spa and Redditch stations on the West Midlands rail services.

And, of course, if Cross Country Trains also stopped at Bromsgrove, it would increase greatly the number of walkers who could be encouraged to visit North East Worcestershire.

The Rail Trails are currently in development and should be available at some time in the spring/ summer of this year.

BARRUP has been pleased to give some input into them - the linear one for the Saltway Line runs from Bromsgrove station to Droitwich Spa station, along the route of the canals linking the two towns, and the circular one from Bromsgrove station takes walkers up Grimley Lane to the Reservoir, down the Tardebigge Flight, and returns to the station via Maidsmere.

At present the trails will be available only in digital form, so that walkers can follow them on their smartphones. BARRUP will be pressing for them to be available also as a printed guide, so that people who are digitally disadvantaged can also walk the trails and they will act as a back-up for when the signal is weak or goes down, or when the phone runs out of battery.

There will be an increase in the number of visitors to the district as a result of these two Rail Trails. They will be of benefit to the local economies and, once walkers have been once and seen what North East Worcestershire has to offer, hopefully they will return again by rail to discover more.

by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk

Sharing skills and ideas for a better Bromsgrove

In May 2023, residents of Bromsgrove voted for change by increasing the number of Labour councillors from three to eight. This resulted in a hung council, where no party had overall control. The Conservatives, as the largest grouping, formed an alliance with the Independents to create an ad hoc governing coalition.

This collaboration allowed Labour councillors to share their skills and ideas, aiming to create a better environment for the residents. With Labour able to scrutinise the actions of those in control, there has been more prudence in the way taxpayers’ money is spent. Labour councillors have the following positions:

• Chairman: Councillor Sam Ammar (also deputy leader of Labour group).

• Chairman of overview and scrutiny board: Councillor Peter McDonald (also leader of Labour group).

• Chairman of the licensing committee: Councillor Jane Elledge

• Vice chairman of the planning committee: Councillor Mick Marshall.

• Vice chairman of the audit, standards and governance committee: Councillor Harrison Rone-Clarke

Parks and recreation grounds - As part of the budget making process, Labour successfully secured £1.3 million for investment in our recreation grounds. During a cost-of-living crisis, many parents are unable to afford commercial activities and there is an increasing need to make our parks appealing to all age groups.

Water fountains - After years of lobbying, the installation of outdoor drinking water fountains in parks has finally been approved. The presence of water fountains should also encourage young people to choose water over sugary drinks, which can help address the issue of obesity.

Warm/cool welcome spaces – Labour’s lobbying to create warm welcome spaces by working with local organisations, places where people are invited to spend

their days, keeping warm at no extra cost, has been successful. A task group has now been set up upon a motion brought to council by Labour to investigate cold spaces during heatwaves as the elderly and vulnerable may struggle during high summer temperatures.

Ward funds - The Labour Party has secured £2,000 for each ward, allocated for councillors to address community issues based on their understanding of local needs. While the amount may appear modest, it marks the beginning of granting district councillors direct involvement in their communities.

Parking - In our election manifesto, we pledged a grace period for parking, which has now been approved in the budget. Parents dropping their children off at clubs across town no longer need to pay for parking during drop-off and pick-up times. Additionally, residents will be more inclined to visit the town for quick errands without the concern of parking charges. Blue badge holders will now enjoy free parking, following recommendations from the scrutiny committee chaired by Labour.

You can help Bromsgrove Labour by subscribing to our lottery for a chance to win £1,000 -scan the QR code. www.labourlottery.org/?source=bromsgrove

Individual ward members of the Labour Party are answering residents’ concerns on a daily basis. We want to thank residents for reaching out to us.

by Councillor Peter McDonald, Leader of the Labour group

Visiting gardens is good for you

People say that exercise involved in doing the garden is good for you but I think visiting gardens, enjoying the atmosphere, the colours and smells, and relaxing with a coffee or tea and some home-made cake is also good for you, if not better. In today’s climate of stress creating stories on the news every day, enjoying the beauty of a garden can be a great stress buster.

When you realise that the small admission charge paid to visit gardens open for the National Garden Scheme raises money for charities like Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie and Parkinson’s UK, it means you’re not only doing yourself a favour, you’re also helping to support those often worse off than yourself. Last year the NGS distributed over £3.4 million to these and other charities from the money collected in gardens across England and Wales.

In 2024 we have several fabulous gardens open in the Bromsgrove area including 2 Brookwood Drive, Barnt Green, a multi-themed mature garden with water features, colourful borders, formal white garden, wildlife pond and large rhododendrons which give a stunning display in late spring. The garden is open on May 19th and June 23rd with a £5 admission fee, and for private visits from April for groups of eight to 25.

Another is Oak Tree House, Marlbrook, a garden stacked full of plants, water features and interesting artifacts, open on May 12th and 19th and for private visits of between ten and 35 people from May to August. You even get access to the garden next door as well – all for £4.

Reopening after a short break are two very popular gardens, Pump Cottage, Weatheroak described

as a “secret wonderland” and a “romantic one acre plantaholics garden” and Joe’s Garden (aka 74 Meadow Road, Wythall) an unusual suburban garden dedicated to woodland and shade loving plants. These gardens are opening as a group called Weatheroak and Wythall Gardens together with a new garden at Pond House on July 27th and 28th for a combined admission to all three of £10 per person.

One of several new gardens in the county is Holly Cottage (Beoley) that combines different elements like a formal garden, jungle area and Mediterranean area and will be open on June 29th for a £5 admission.

There are more NGS gardens open further afield in Redditch and Droitwich. All are listed in the county leaflet available from most garden centres or visit www.ngs.org.uk

We can’t wait to visit some of these fabulous gardens and enjoy not just the gardens but also get some ideas for our own, while enjoying coffee and cake. A great way for a bit of stress busting.

by David Morgan, County Organiser National Garden Scheme, Worcs. Tel: 07860-438372

Perfect plants for soggy areas

It seems fitting as we enter what is traditionally the most shower prone month of the year to think about those soggy, damp areas of the garden.

Let’s face it, we all have at least one area that is a battle to get anything to survive in unless it’s got a life jacket. Often sogginess goes hand in hand with shade. With a little thought you could transform that forgotten sad area into a thriving, beautiful spot.

Before you go out and buy lots of plants that are suitable for the damp, perhaps you should assess your soil to see if you can improve it first. Is it clay and compacted, are you in an area with a high water table or could it just be poor drainage?

If your soil has poor drainage, dig in plenty of organic matter like well-rotted manure and add grit, gravel, or sand to help also. This will improve it immediately, but it will probably need to be repeated every couple of years.

It is still wise to select plants that are tolerant of wet conditions. Try planting trees and shrubs on

shallow raised mounds which help the soil to drain freely and consider building raised beds where you can add top soil and well-rotted manure to replace the soil underneath.

If your area is particularly waterlogged, consider adapting it to a bog garden and choose those plants that grow freely around ponds. Marsh marigolds, hostas, iris, primulas will thrive in this area. This will bring lots of beneficial wildlife into your garden too.

Suitable shrubs include dogwoods, some hydrangeas and the fluffy astilbes. Some grasses like the carex will enjoy this position and let’s not forget the majestic ferns. Grow ground covering ajugas which will provide stunning colour and help fill in the gaps between some of your statement shrubs. Mint and parsley are also very much at home in a damp spot.

Jobs to keep you busy in April

Keep weeds under control.

Tie in climbing and rambling roses. Prune winter-flowering shrubs that have finished flowering.

Deadhead daffodils as the flowers fade to prevent the bulbs putting energy into producing seeds. Leave the foliage until it turns brown.

If you have a bare patch that you need to fill fast, try sowing seeds of hardy annuals, which are great for pollinators.

Protect blossom on apricots, nectarines, and peaches from late frosts.

Beetroot, cabbage, carrots, cauliflowers and sprouting broccoli can be sown outside. Ensure that the soil has been dug and is free of weeds and large stones.

Make sure you’ve got your waterproof clothing out and plenty of dry havens to dodge the showers.

By Suzi M , garden lover and plotter at Roundhill Allotments

Bluebell

Cuckoo flower

False Oxslips

Purple Orchids and Bluebells

Blooming beautiful

Heads nodding gently, leaves softly swaying. From verges to hedges, woodlands to meadows, it’s time to follow the rainbow of wildflowers from the yellows of primroses, lesser celandines and cowslips in early spring to the lilac hues of bluebells and early purple orchids as the weeks roll on.

Cowslips are one of my favourite spring plants, brightening up meadows, woodlands, verges and even garden lawns. Their delicate nodding flowers atop tall stems are just starting to appear as I write so by the time you read this, they should be washing our countryside yellow. Not that long ago, they really would have painted the county yellow. They were one of our most common flowers, providing a really important source of nectar for bees, butterflies and other insects on the wing in early spring.

Since the 1940s, though, England has lost around 97% of its wildflower-rich meadows. As one of the best counties for these colourful fields, cowslips, orchids and other plants have not fared well here. All is not lost, however! Cowslips and their ilk have clung on along verges, in hedgerows, in old churchyards and in a necklace of old meadows around Bromsgrove that haven’t been ploughed.

Where cowslips occur in good numbers alongside primroses, the two can hybridise. False oxslips hold their slightly larger primrose-like flowers upright, facing the sun rather than dangling demurely to the ground. If you have polyanthus cultivars in your garden, their long-ago ancestor is this natural false oxslip hybrid. It’s not just cowslips that are emerging from the grey of winter. Check verges, hedgerow bases and fields for more of the rainbow. It won’t be long before the delicate pinky-lilac cuckoo flowers adorn damper spots, their blossoming heralding the return of the

cuckoo. Older verges and hedgerow bases, ones hewn from ancient woodlands or marking historic boundaries, may well sport bluebells. Find a local woodland where traditional management techniques still take place and you might find carpets of these lilac-blue flowers that are often associated with the land of faery. One treat to look for are orchids. You might find early purple orchids hidden amongst the woodland bluebells or green-winged orchids strutting their beauty in ancient meadows scattered through the region. Wherever you spot them, be careful where you tread…keep to paths and keep these blossoms blooming for many years to come.

You can discover more about how the Trust is ensuring wildflower meadows brighten our spring and summer each year in a talk about Eades Meadow National Nature Reserve, near Hanbury, with our Bromsgrove Local Group on Monday 8th April at Amphlett Hall in Bromsgrove town centre. See www. worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/whats-on for more info.

Keep up to date with us...

- on Twitter @WorcsWT

- on Facebook www.facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust

- on YouTube www.youtube.com/crcswildlifetrustUK1

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Photo - Robin Couchman, Jasmine Walters and Wendy Carter

Sanctuary offers safe space for both animals and humans alike

The Healing Horse Sanctuary is a small charity based in Burcot, near Bromsgrove. They are a registered charity which started in 2008 with just two horses, an ex-racehorse called Billy and an ex-show jumper, Daisy. Both were in need of care and nurturing to recover from what they had experienced.

The sanctuary has been a safe space for horses and ponies for the last 15 years, rescuing them from all kinds of situations from abuse, abandonment, and neglect to supporting people with cancer who can no longer look after their beloved animals.

At their busiest they had 35 horses, and they currently have 16 horses and ponies with elderly pony Thumper being their newest rescue before Christmas.

The sanctuary has a great relationship with the local vet and offers many natural and holistic therapies focusing on ensuring their animals are healthy physically, mentally, and emotionally. They use nutrition, vitamins and supplements, homeopathy, herbs, essential oils, Reiki healing, aromatherapy, crystals, and Dr Bach flower remedies, as well as a non-violent approach to caring for the horses.

Even though they do still rescue occasionally, the focus for the past few years has been on helping people. They believe that the horses have an amazing ability to uplift, and bring comfort, peace, and healing to those they connect with, hence the charity’s name.

The charity offers a variety of experiences for children and adults to support their emotional and mental wellbeing and to raise money.

Over the years they have helped a wide range of people including veterinary students needing equine work experience placements, children in care, dementia patients, autistic young people, adults with anxiety, young children lacking in confidence or being bullied, special needs schools, adults and children with cancer and bereaved families.

The charity has formed good relationships and partnerships with children’s charities, animal charities and other organisations to create a supportive community network to help and support with kindness and love wherever they can.

A committed team of trustees and volunteers work more like a family, supporting each other to care for their horses and ponies, and raising funds to continue to help others.

If you wish to help the sanctuary you can book an experience such as a meet and greet or birthday party. Alternatively, you can contact them if you wish to book a corporate day, a team building event, volunteer, fundraise, leave a legacy, sponsor a horse, donate or help with funding.

Visit www.thehealinghorsesanctuary.org.uk or email Hello@thehealinghorsesanctuary.org.uk

Breathe better to relieve stress

April marks Stress Awareness Month, prompting us to reflect on the impact stress has on our lives.

Stress infiltrates every aspect of our existence, manifesting as bodily tension and mental unease, depression, overwhelm and so much more. It disrupts our relationships, careers, well-being, and sense of purpose, leaving us discontented and hollow.

What many people don’t realise is that stress directly influences our breathing patterns, often leading to shallow breaths which puts unnecessary stress on the body.

A significant source of stress arises when our internal desires clash with external realities, or when external pressures distort our own aspirations. This misalignment can leave us feeling not good enough, without understanding the underlying cause. In our fast-paced lives, we seldom pause to acknowledge our emotional state or process the feelings we have. We carry on regardless.

Too often these negative feelings get supressed. The stress becomes entrenched within our bodies, not just our minds and can create a persistent burden which we can be unaware of. However, whilst this becomes the norm to us, it is a heavy burden to carry.

Take a moment to acknowledge what your own stress levels are. Are you striving to meet society’s expectations or goals, only to find yourself consumed by frustration and stress? Additionally, past mistakes or perceived inadequacies may contribute to our stress levels. In times of stress, we often resort to temporary fixes that fail to address the root cause.

Living a life misaligned with our beliefs and values can be a potent source of stress, silently chipping away at our self-worth, confidence, and well-being.

However, amid the chaos, we possess a potent remedy, an antidote - our breath. This is our most accessible tool to change how we feel. Through simple and yet powerful breathing exercises, we can soothe our minds and bodies, we can learn to improve our tolerance to stress. We can experience feelings of calm, clarity, and connection. Each deliberate breath enables us to release stress and reconnect with our core values and improve our own intuition and inner wisdom.

Become consciously aware of your own breath, learn to develop it and you can quickly witness your stress dissipate, leaving you with a profound sense of peace and vitality.

Learn to nurture your own wellbeing and enrich your life with the power of breath. If you wish to find out more and would like to take part in one of my Breathwork Masterclasses, contact Beverley Nibbs on 07894 428081 or email beverley.nibbs@outlook.com

When was the last time you took some quality time just for you?

Let’s face it, we all lead hectic lives and, while it’s good to be busy, this pressure can lead to an unbalanced life. If you don’t take time to refresh and replenish, you end up stressed, burnt out and empty.

And that’s where a new business that’s launching in Bromsgrove aims to help. Local resident Vicky Avis is a qualified Massage Therapist and has set up Soul and Skin to help people recharge, reset and restore through massage therapy.

She said, “ I have always wanted to help people. It’s just who I am.

I trained as a therapy radiographer. I’d see people at their very lowest and use my training and empathic nature to try to bring a bit of light and hope into their world.

Like many, I’ve had my own mental health challenges so I’ve learned to take time for me. I have seen the impact it has had on my own life and those around me and it’s that, that has led me on my journey to become a Massage Therapist.

I’m also a Christan and I believe that our bodies are a living temple and we must honour them, enjoy the life we have and live it to the full. I believe that I can help people do that through massage therapy. I’m also a mum, a cub leader (and fully DBS checked and first aid trained), I’ve climbed Mount Kilimanjaro and I love a good G&T.” There are four main massage treatments: Indian Head, Swedish, Aromatherapy, Stone Therapy and four types of facial.

Vicky is based in the upper room of well-known local hair salon George Davis (opposite Waitrose) and is open from 9-3 during the week. Weekend treatments are, for the moment, by request only.

Soul and Skin is launching on Monday, 8th April. Find out more or book online at soulandskin.co.uk

To celebrate the launch, use code CB20 to get 20% off your first treatment in April. Treatment must be taken in April 2024. Offer closes 30th April

By Vicky Avis. Generously sponsored by George Davis.

Discover the benefits of omega fatty acids

Why do we need to supplement with a fish oil?

Omega-3 fatty acids are valuable polyunsaturated fatty acids found in fresh fish. They play an important role in health as the human body cannot make adequate amounts of these on its own so they must be ingested. A typical diet is lacking in these important fatty acids, and additional intake is important.

Our DHA is associated with a normal brain function as well as supporting vision. EPA and DHA in combination contribute to a normal heart function through various effects and have also been studied for their effect on skin, mood regulation, digestive health, and normal cell replication.

Over the years I have only found one omega supplement without getting that awful fishy burp and

Benefits of taking Omega Via:

• DHA contributes to the maintenance of normal brain function and vision.

• EPA and DHA contribute to the normal function of the heart.

• Provides natural EPA and DHA ratios to aid in absorption.

What makes Omega Via unique?

• Wild-caught Alaska pollock fish oil for omega-3 benefits.

• Astaxanthin for its powerful antioxidant capabilities.

An intake of 3,000 mg EPA and DHA combined contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.

Most people ingest more omega-6 fatty acids than they need, mostly from vegetable oils and farm raised red meats. Insufficient omega-3 fatty acids in the diet combined with too much intake of omega-6 fatty acids is believed to contribute to a variety of common health concerns.

it is ASEA VIA Omega. This is made from wild caught fish and the omega-3 comes from the algae these fish consume. Unfortunately, these days most omega products are made from farm raised fish and they are lower in the omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega supplements that are made from fish are rated for freshness. Once the oil is encapsulated it begins to oxidise and this causes that fishy burp!

• Purest natural sea buckthorn oil obtained through a super critical fluid extraction process.

• Lemon oil from naturally growing plants, extracted without chemical solvents.

• Provides omega-3 and seven fatty acids in one product.

• Tasteless, odourless capsules are easy to swallow due to their small size.

• By taking 2,000 mg of EPA and DHE will contribute to the maintenance of normal blood triglycerides levels.

There are numerous studies on omega-7 fatty acids and their potential prevention effect of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, type 2 diabetes and more.

The product is also non-GMO, gluten free and does not contain dairy, egg, soy, nuts, wheat, or peanuts.

To order visit https://shopasea.com/ need4change

by Colette Garside

Dementia care, led by experts

At Chandler Court care home in Bromsgrove, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred dementia care. Guided by the latest academic evidence, our dementia specialists support each resident to live life to the full.

Purpose-built facilities

Chandler Court care home has been purposebuilt, with both luxury and comfort in mind. Everything from colour schemes, signage, and furniture to the design of our crockery, has been carefully chosen to support residents living with dementia live as independently as possible.

Each floor at Chandler Court is divided into smaller suites that create a calm atmosphere, keeping hustle and bustle to a minimum.

Chandler Court also has a Namaste care room and trained Namaste care practitioners, who provide a calming sensory experience using soothing lighting and gentle hand massage, for people living with advanced dementia.

Care you can trust

We work with academic partners and respected leaders in the field, to ensure we stay up to date with the latest approaches to care. The Association of Dementia Studies at The University of Worcester helps us to create a bespoke training programme, whilst Dr Nori Graham - a renowned dementia expert and Vice President of The Alzheimer’s Society - assists in developing a holistic and forward-thinking approach to the delivery of dementia care.

Suzanne Mumford - Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia at Care UK - closely supports colleagues at every level to implement and review care practices that help us deliver the very best of care for people living with dementia.

Living well with dementia

Our dedicated team work with you and your loved one to deliver a care and lifestyle plan entirely tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Our busy activities schedule is always packed with meaningful activities that support your loved one to lead a fulfilling lifestyle.

Our newly refurbished, Dementia-friendly suite offers interactive ‘life skills’ stations for residents living with Dementia to enjoy, including craft and embroidery stations, doll therapy stations and gardening stations.

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high-quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 8,000 families trust us to care for their older loved ones.

To find out more about the quality Dementia care on offer at Chandler Court care home, call 01527 903670.

Chandler Court care home Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court

Join our upcoming event

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.

The vale we have lost

The sight of bulldozers churning up the fields along the Perryfield and Whitford roads will bring sorrow to many. Here we look back at several notable buildings lost from Whitford Vale.

‘Witeurde’ (Whitford) was one of 18 sub-divisions of Bromsgrove Manor (known as berewicks) mentioned in the Domesday Book. The Whitford Vale is a shallow valley that runs for two miles along the town’s western edge. For most of this distance it follows the course of the Battlefield Brook.

Starting in the north, Sheepcote, at the junction of Perryfields Road and Stourbridge Road, was a medieval farmstead. Later a girls’ boarding school operated on the site. At the other end of Perryfields Road, at the junction with Kidderminster Road, stood a round, single-storey toll house with a conical roof. It was constructed when the road from Bromsgrove through Chaddesley Corbett was turnpiked in the late 18th century. Perryfields itself was fertile agricultural land that is mentioned in many historic sources.

Continuing down Whitford Road was Whitford Farm. It changed hands many times and in the 1830s was purchased by Benjamin Collett, a businessman and socialite. He became a director of the British Salt & Alkali Company at Stoke Prior. After squandering his inheritance, he was forced to sell Whitford Farm to help pay his debts.

One of the most substantial buildings was Whitford Mill, a three-storey, stone-built mill situated on the Battlefield Brook. It is first mentioned in a legal document of 1269 when a John de Wyteford was the tenant. The Bromsgrove Court Rolls refer to a John Jonys being fined 4d. for charging excessive tolls at the mill.

From the 1500s, Whitford Mill passed through several generations of

by Mike Sharpe

the Kimberley family. Robert Kimberley’s will in 1598 included a pair of mill stones worth £5.

From 1763 the mill went through a succession of owners and millers, each of whom paid land tax of £1.5s.0d. An advertisement in the Birmingham Gazette, 6 October 1851, described the mill as: “A capital water corn mill, constantly and copiously supplied from a large pool and trout stream, together with a comfortable dwelling house, brewhouse, stabling and other outbuildings, large garden and about two acres of rich meadow land.”

In 1855, the miller, John Worsey, was charged at the Bromsgrove Petty Sessions with having 600 pounds of alum in his mill, for the purpose of adulterating the flour. Worsey went bankrupt in 1865, when a sale of his stock and personal furniture was advertised in the Bromsgrove Messenger. The mill was demolished in the 1960s and a bungalow now stands on the site.

In the 1890s, an isolation hospital was built at Hill Top to provide separate accommodation for those with infectious diseases. Initially, the patients were accommodated in temporary buildings, which were replaced by a permanent facility for 36 patients in 1902. The hospital ceased to be an isolation unit in the 1950s and closed in 1988. The site was later developed for housing, accessed from Sunningdale Road.

Whitford Mill

Turnpike Toll House, Kidderminster Road

Historic building

Art meets history as Bromsgrove’s historic Button Factory brings together two creative local businesses for an exciting joint venture.

Jordan Williams Upholstery will be collaborating with Bromsgrove artist Michelle Doidge when they host an exhibition of her bold and colourful artwork in April.

The button factory, once owned by Benjamin Sanders, was a thriving business providing work for local people. He opened a workshop there in 1821 after re-locating from Birmingham.

The building was later used as a workshop for Brighton’s Shoe Shop and Daub & Wattle pottery opened there in 1978. After years of laying empty and after extensive refurbishment by Morrison Nash Ltd it has been brought back to life and is now the new premises for Jordan Williams Upholstery, which is fitting as Sanders was the maker of cloth covered buttons.

Jordan said: “Following the success and growth of the last two years, we have found a new home in The Old Button Factory. I’m exceptionally proud and humbled to be making history in this unique setting, and I believe this is the right place for our company to grow over the next ten years.

“It’s my intention to showcase this historic building and bring to life its aesthetic and cultural value, while emphasising its importance to the story of Bromsgrove. I believe that the exhibition Michelle and I have planned is a great way to bring new and

existing audiences to both her excellent work and my company’s next chapter.”

Michelle has been producing artwork for a number of years, but it is only since lockdown that she has turned her hobby and passion into a growing business. In that time, she has staged both solo and collaborative exhibitions showcasing her work. She said: “With all of my paintings I aim to capture the beauty and fragility of the natural world which is so important to me and always a constant source of inspiration.

“Jordan has been very supportive of my work and has often featured my paintings in his shop. I am thrilled to be exhibiting at his fabulous new premises. The exhibition space at the Button Factory is the perfect backdrop for my paintings and Jordan’s bespoke, luxury upholstery complements beautifully with my artwork.”

You can see Michelle’s artwork at the exhibition on Saturday, April 27th from 10am to 5pm at Jordan Williams & Co, The Old Button Factory, 5 Windsor Street, Bromsgrove B60 2BJ. Original work, prints and cards will be on display and for sale. Entry is free and everyone is welcome.

Find her on www.michelledoidgeart.com or follow her on Instagram and Facebook @michelledoidgeart.

to host creativity

Jordan Williams and Michelle Doidge

Button Factory Exhibition attracts hundreds

The Bromsgrove Society’s exhibition on the history of the Sanders Family and their Button Manufacturing business in Bromsgrove saw visitors queuing to attend on Saturday 9th March, with over 360 people viewing the display.

Held in the Old Button Factory on Windsor Road, the exhibition attracted visitors of all ages from Bromsgrove and further afield. Ancestors of Benjamin and Phoebe Sanders came to Bromsgrove especially for the event. Nicola Grove a descendant and professional Storyteller told a wonderful tale of “The Tailor and the Button Maker” to the invited guests at the Friday night preview.

Five members of the family visited the exhibition. They all expressed their gratitude to the Society, and the town’s residents, for remaining so fond of, and interested in their family and the history they have in the town.

On Saturday the exhibition was busy as soon as the doors opened at 10am. Running alongside the exhibition, Jenni from Tailor-Taylor Sewing Studio ran a popular makeand-take table where 20 people made beautiful button brooches. - an example is pictured top right.

The button topped table made during the Button Art Project Workshop with Laura Broderick and made by Age UK Bromsgrove’s Men in Sheds team was on show in prototype.

The ever-supportive Town Crier Kevin Ward spent a couple of hours promoting the exhibition in the High Street. He decided to stop when he saw the queue down Windsor Street of people waiting to get in! It was wonderful to have so many people keen to support a day about local history in Bromsgrove.

The space had been made available by Jordan Williams Bespoke Upholstery who are moving their business into the premises. Visitors were delighted to see the historic building restored and back in use. Whilst many had connections to buttons, a lot of people were nostalgic about the pottery Daub and Wattle which traded from the building in the 1980s.

The exhibition was organised by The Bromsgrove Society and funded, in part, through Bromsgrove District Council’s Cultural Compact and the ReNEW Small Grants Scheme.

International Support for St John’s Spire Appeal

The team at Friends of St John’s are delighted to have received donations from supporters in America and Australia.

Miss Susan Klenk, from Syracuse, New York State first visited Bromsgrove in 1996 on a Parish Holiday which had been organised by the then Vicar, Reverend Canon John Davies. Visitors arrived from the USA and Canada and were welcomed by church members who provide accommodation, hospitality and transport to local places of interest.

Miss Klenk returned to Bromsgrove for three more organised holidays, thanks to the friendships made at St John’s and her appreciation of the heritage at the ancient church building. One of the Parish Holidays took place in the summer and many of the visitors – including Susan – were able to join the team on St John’s stall at the Bromsgrove Court Leet Fair Day Medieval Market. She said it was a wonderful experience, and further connected her to the town, its history and heritage.

Miss Klenk has remained in regular contact with Sheila Vincent and others from St John’s since her first visit in 1996. When she learnt about the need to repair the spire, Susan wanted to make a contribution to the Appeal. She wanted to support the building she felt connected to and had been the focal point of much friendship and happiness along with memorable and unique experiences.

The team passed on the international bank account details

and were overwhelmed to receive the very generous donation of £3,000 just a couple of days later.

It really is wonderful to know that people from all around the world feel a connection to St John’s in Bromsgrove. The church, in its current form, has stood as a beacon in our town for centuries, with the building of the tower started in the 1380s and the spire completed in the mid 1500s. Hundreds of thousands of people have passed through the doors, each of those people connecting in some way to the church. These connections pass down the generations and across the globe as people explore and travel to different parts of the world.

Earlier in the year the Friends launched a JustGiving webpage to raise funds from connected individuals. Whilst the page doesn’t give full details of donors, one is listed as Richard (Australia). With the internet and social media allowing an international reach, the news of the need at St John’s has spread far and wide.

The Friends team are extremely grateful to everyone who supports the Spire Appeal. They hope that the necessary funds can be raised in the coming months to enable the work to take place this summer. Readers can make a donation online via www.justgiving.com/campaign/stjohns-spire

Discover your creative side with fun activities

Putting the fun back into Bromsgrove, the Creative Art Showcase team have lots of new and innovative hands-on activities for you to get involved in over the coming months.

ReNew workshops continue to pop up around town following a successful launch in March in collaboration with Bromsgrove Independent Design Center (CIC) in Worcester Road.

The next event is on April 4th at St Andrew’s Community Centre and will be accompanied by a free Young Creators workshop. Take grandma, grandpa, the kids and even your maverick teenagers along to enjoy an amazing family day and it’s all free. Bag your ReNew place by calling the booking hotline on 07818 830988. Young Creators can just pop in on the day.

These workshops are part funded by the Levelling Up Fund, which aims to increase life chances across the UK investing supporting local business, people, and skills.

Bromsgrove District Council chairman Councillor Sam Ammar said: “The team at Creative Art, operating with the conviction that creativity has no bounds, have painted a beautiful canvas of inclusivity and inspiration for residents of all ages.”

A spring relaunch of Artrix by Bromsgrove Community Arts will be accompanied by another ReNew workshop and Young Creators on April 6. Activities will include an array of painting, collaging, silk card making, ink and decorative skills – again all free to Bromsgrove and Redditch district residents. It’s a great way to help support our local theatre secure a long-term future as a community art hub.

The call out for Young Creators’ online exhibition closes on April 30th so join a free workshop or head to the website to upload a photo of your

hand-crafted piece of art / sculpture or crochet, etc. Visit www.creativeartshowcase.org/event/youngcreators-online-capturing-creativity

The grown-ups and professional call outs are open until August 24th and Capturing Creativity winners will be on display at Bromsgrove School arena and hospitality suite on October 26th and 27th. This exhibition is fast becoming the most exciting and largest creative art and craft exhibition in our region and is a haven of emerging and experienced artists and artisans from across the Midlands.

Showcase 24 organisers are urging creative performers to call in to book their taster act at the annual event to show off their talent. If you dance, sing, play the banjo or are an entertainer on any level, get in touch.

Creative Art Showcase (Registered Charity No 1198055) have grown since their inception during covid and are collaborating with the Bromsgrove Festival team, Avoncroft Art Society and Destination Bromsgrove to bring even more excitement to your area and High Street in the coming months.

Cultural Compact members meet to celebrate progress

The steering group of the Northeast East Worcestershire Cultural Compact met for the first time since the ten ReNEW small grants were awarded to organisations across Redditch and Bromsgrove.

Members shared their congratulations to the successful applicants and received the news that the Levelling Up Fund funded former Market Hall project to create a commercial and cultural Hub received full planning approval.

Leader of Bromsgrove District Council, Councillor Karen May, said: “This meeting saw like-minded people, coming together to discuss how we can get our residents to become more active and creative. By working together, we are in a stronger position to do this and I look forward to all of these projects coming to fruition.”

The district council is supporting the ReNEW project which was awarded Cultural Compact status by Arts Council England in 2022 in recognition of its excellent progress encouraging organisations from all walks of life to work together as a team for the good of the area.

Chair of the Cultural Compact, Jane Earl, said: “It’s very exciting to see the activity on the ground across the wider Northeast Worcestershire area and that so many people have

got behind the Compact. We are looking forward to seeing the first outcomes of the grants scheme and are working hard to promote the area as a great place for people to live and work, where culture and creativity bring communities together.”

Overall, the goal is to encourage residents to get active and creative and enjoy the amazing parks and open spaces of Redditch and Bromsgrove. ReNEW is the first major public participation campaign with its focus upon storytelling and connectivity and aims to renew community spirit by organising inclusive activities and eventually attracting visitors, aligning with the goal of fostering community and dialogue.

Partners include Friends of St Johns, Bromsgrove Arts Alive, Bromsgrove Indy Club, HOW College, Young Solutions and Avoncroft Museum.

If you would like to get involved with either the Cultural Compact for North East Worcestershire or ReNEW, contact the team on renew@bromsgroveandredditch.gov. uk or visit www.rediscovernew.co.uk

Celebrate the 150th anniversary of All Saints Church

This summer, All Saints Church in Burcot Lane, celebrates 150 years since its inauguration.

The distinctive Victorian building opened its doors on August 6th 1874 following a two-year construction designed by architect John Cotton. It was built to cater for an increase in population on the north side of Bromsgrove to provide worshipping opportunities in the parish.

Today, the church provides a peaceful and flexible space for worship and other activities including exhibitions and concerts. There are some unusual stained-glass windows and not one, but two organs, including a distinguished 1981 Tamburini Organ; an instrument of national recognition as an outstanding example of Italian organ building in the country.

To celebrate the beauty of the church and musical heritage as well as of course this important historical milestone, a fantastic programme of events is being planned.

Team rector of the Bromsgrove Team Ministry, Reverend David Ford, said: “The All Saints church community is really excited to be celebrating this landmark occasion and we look forward to welcoming residents from across Bromsgrove and further afield to join us.”

Whether your interest is music, local history or family fun, there is an event for everyone. Here is a taster of what is happening:

• A series of musical events celebrating the musical traditions of the church over the last 150 years. A series of five concerts featuring performances of choral, instrumental chamber music, and solo recitals, from local to internationally renowned musicians:

• Organ Recital (Oliver Neale), Saturday, June 29th at 1pm.

• Organ Recital (Ashley Wagner), Saturday, July 6th at 1pm.

• Gala Organ Concert (Charles Francis), Saturday, July 13th at 7pm.

• Flute Recital (Elizabeth Haining), Saturday July 20th at 1pm.

• Come and Sing, Saturday, July 27th. Rehearsal at 10am for 5pm concert (Booking required).

• Bromsgrove Team Festival Eucharist service with Bishop Martin, Bishop of Dudley, Sunday, July 14th at 10am.

• Family Fun Day, Saturday, July 20th from 1-4pm; (outside the church, weather permitting) a variety of traditional fete activities, games, and refreshments.

• Anniversary quiz evening and beetle drive, Friday, July 5th at 7pm including supper.

• An exhibition showcasing the history of the church; including artwork from Lickey End and Meadows First Schools.

Most events are free and there is no need to book. For more information and booking head to: www.bromsgroveparish.org.uk/Groups/395192/ All_Saints_at.aspx

Or scan the QR code. Proceeds from the concert series will go towards restoration of the Tamburini organ so that it can continue to serve the church and its community for years to come.

The shows go on at Artrix

Artrix in April will see film, comedy, dance and acrobatics bringing the stage and the building to life for the benefit of residents and visitors to the town.

Operated by Bromsgrove Community Arts (BCA), a volunteer group, the group will host the events in the much-loved local theatre, and we at Completely Bromsgrove will be supporting them all the way!

On Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th April, award winning movie The Shamrock Spitfire, which was filmed locally including on location at Avoncroft Museum, will be shown in the main auditorium. Wednesday 3rd will be the opening night for BCA. There’ll be entertainment in the foyer prior to the showing and during the interval with local singers Vintage Class.

The audience will be laughing out loud with 178 Comedy Club on Friday 5th April when five great acts come together for one incredible night. Celebrating its first showcase in the heart of Bromsgrove, the renowned 178 Comedy Club is thrilled to bring its uproarious show to infamous Artrix. With a stellar reputation for delivering top-quality live stand-up comedy, the 178 Comedy Club guarantees an evening filled with side-splitting humour and unforgettable laughs.

Phoenix AcroDance Academy (PADA), directed by Robert Walker, will be opening their 2024 UK tour at Artrix on Sunday 21st April, showcasing their acrobatics and circus arts skills. Rebound will also see PADA students perform dance routines and debut aerial hoop performances in this not to be missed show.

On Sunday 28th April the Elite Academy of Dance presents a wonderful show of talented local performers. Expressions will provide a fun time for all the family and the group encourages you to come and support the show.

Tickets for all the events are available online from www.artrixbromsgrove.co.uk . You can show tickets on your phone at the venue - no need to bring a paper copy. The car park at Artrix will be free of charge for anyone visiting, during the day and evening.

Chairman of BCA, Kyle Daisley said “We are thrilled to be able to keep Artrix open for the benefit of residents and visitors to Bromsgrove. Our group of volunteers are working hard to ensure that everything runs smoothly with our first month of bookings. We hope to see a full house for all the shows – it’s the best way to ensure that our much-loved arts centre will remain open. Our team of volunteers will be there to welcome you and serve drinks from the bar. Please follow and share our social media posts and help us to make Artrix a success.”

Anyone interested in hiring Artrix for their own show, performance, charity or business event should contact the team by email: bookings@artrixbromsgrove.co.uk

by Jo Slade

Monstrously good fun!

Redditch Palace Theatre is showing the hilarious creatre feature Young Frankenstein from 23rd - 27th April.

“Young Frankenstein” is a comedic musical adaptation of the classic Mel Brooks film.

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein inherits his infamous grandfather’s estate in Transylvania and becomes entangled in the family legacy of reanimating the dead.

Filled with hilariously memorable characters and catchy tunes, the show is a lively and affectionate parody of the horror genre.

Redditch Palace Theatre

Booking: www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk/ whats-on/all-shows/young-frankenstein

Box office: 01527 65203

Studley Operatic Society

Society Email: studleyoperatic@gmail.com

Society Website: www.studleyoperatic.co.uk

Mountains, chocolate, and a true wartime hero

There’s something for all ages and interests in FeckenOdeon’s April programme.

The screening on Friday, April 19th at 8pm is Lunana – A Yak in the Classroom (PG). A bored Bhutanese city teacher is sent to the most remote school on the planet.

While he’s there he learns about a different way of life, becomes more self-sufficient and realises just how many things you can do with yak dung. This gently funny film was filmed entirely on location in the Bhutanese mountains. It’s breathtakingly beautiful and quietly moving - and it was nominated for an Oscar.

April sees the return of FeckenOdeon family matinees. These were discontinued during the pandemic and, due to the lack of suitable and available films, hadn’t been restarted until now. The first family film Wonka (PG) – a bright and lively musical prequel to the Charlie and The Chocolate Factory stories – is being screened on Saturday, April 27th at 2.30pm.

Armed with nothing but a hatful of dreams, young chocolatier Willy Wonka manages to change the world, one delectable bite at a time. Timothee Chalamet plays the young Willy Wonka as he fights wicked rivals on his quest to make the perfect chocolate treats. There’s something for everyone and, like chocolate, it just makes you feel good.

Prepare to be moved on Saturday, 27th April at 7.30pm by One Life (12A), the true story of Sir Nicholas ‘Nicky’ Winton, a young London broker who, in the months leading up to World War II, rescued 669 predominantly Jewish children from the Nazis.

Nicky had always been haunted by feelings of guilt that he couldn’t do more. In 1988 on a live television show, he meets some surviving children and starts to accept his achievement. The film stars Anthony Hopkins, Helena Bonham-Carter, and Jonathon Pryce.

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

Tickets 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.

Get ready for a night at the movies with a difference

Ablockbuster, adventure and rom-com rolled into one, Desert Island Flicks , at Feckenham Village Hall on Sunday, April 14 at 7.30pm, reimagines the most popular box office hits from the history of cinema.

In their signature charming, witty style, Spiltmilk Dance are rolling out the red carpet and inviting audiences to a night at the movies like no other.

With more than 120 hours of famous film moments covered in just 90 minutes this is a self-proclaimed ‘big fat ray of sunshine in the world of dance and performance’ . Enjoy a whistle-stop tour of some of the most memorable moments from the plot-twist thrillers, cliff-hanger actioners, swoony-squirmy rom-coms and tug at the heartstrings tear-jerkers that have glued film fans to cinema seats over the last 80 years.

Sensationally sound tracked by the some of the biggest movie hit songs, this is a superb comedy-sketch-singalong-cabaret-dance show.

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

The event is presented in association with Live & Local and sponsored by Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Borough Council.

Beautiful contrasts and a royal commemorationbirthday

Bromsgrove Flower Club invite you to a relaxing and entertaining afternoon on Thursday, April 24th when our guest will be Penelope Harrison, a NAFAS national demonstrator.

Penelope will be presenting “Contrasts” . All her arrangements will be raffled so come along, buy a ticket, and win a beautiful floral display.

We are always delighted to meet new friends whether new members or visitors. To become a member, you will need to pay a £40 annual subscription, and then a monthly club meeting fee of £4. Visitors pay £10 per meeting.

For that, you can enjoy two hours of blissful relaxation while you are entertained by the wonderfully gifted demonstrators.

We have a monthly competition for our members, and this month the

theme is “Red, White and Blue” to commemorate the late Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday and St George’s Day.

As well as the raffle, there is a sweepstake for you to take a chance on and complimentary refreshments. Finally, there is “Flower of the Month” . Bring along a flower from your garden and you will receive a courtesy raffle ticket that could win you a bouquet.

The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, at 2pm. All arrangements are beautiful, bring one along no matter whether you are a novice or advanced. See our Facebook page for more details.

Photos: Paula Cerrone

Showing beats, books &

Let the Bromsgrove Arts party with Brass Beatz on Saturday, April 6th at 8pm with feelgood tunes of the 1960 and 1970s to the present day.

Brass Beatz are a local band who are guaranteed to get your feet tapping and singing along with them.

The band features a full brass section, no backing tracks or fancy gimmicks, just great musicianship. The group play a mix of songs covering soul, ska, rock, and disco so there’s something for all age tastes.

Private Funktion will get you rockin’ on Saturday, April 13th at 8pm. This upbeat, seven-piece, Black Country based covers band celebrate and play an eclectic mix of rock, blues, and country music. Come and enjoy some big hitters from the Stones, REM, Creedence, the Eagles and Stealers Wheel, as well songs from less well-known artists you’ll want to hear more of.

Based on the extraordinary character at the centre of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Roald Dahl’s most iconic children’s book and one of the best-selling children’s books of all time, Wonka , on Wednesday, April 17th at 7.30pm, tells the wondrous story of how the world’s greatest inventor, magician and chocolate-maker became the beloved Willy Wonka we know today.

The Librarian will open the creaking door of Weeping Bank Library on Sunday, April 14th at 7.30pm, and there is a spine-tingling chill as he starts to read two spellbinding ghost stories. Read in the style of M. R. James, and enhanced by period props, low light, candles and subtle sound effects, the author, Alan Smith, will create an intimate and unique experience.

Private Funktion

century defining battles

In Battle Over Britain , on Wednesday, April 24th at 2.30pm, a young pilot, fresh out of training, is called to join a Flight while they wait for the call to scramble. Throughout a single day, he witnesses the skies of southern England filled with deadly dog fights, and after every exhausting battle the men return to their dispersal hut, only to find another of their number missing. Unwilling to surrender, the pilot and his comrades unite to take to the skies once more, determined to defend not only the airfield, but their entire country.

The big screen musical season continues on Sunday, April 28th with the screening of An American in Paris at 8pm. This beautiful Tony Award-winning Broadway musical, filmed at the Dominion Theatre, was inspired by the Oscar-winning MGM film.

Jerry Mulligan is an American GI striving to make it as a painter in a city suddenly bursting with hope and possibility. Following a chance encounter with a

beautiful young dancer named Lise, the streets of Paris become the backdrop to a sensuous, modern romance of art, friendship, and love in the aftermath of war. Featuring the gorgeous music and lyrics of George and Ira Gershwin, stunning designs, and showstopping choreography, this incredible production received 28 five-star reviews from the critics for its London Première at the Dominion Theatre.

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.

Suzuki Swift Sport -

Undoubtedly motorists are feeling the pinch where the fun factor is concerned. Drivers say that no longer is driving a delight. Indeed – it’s a bit of a nightmare. Folk would sooner be putting their feet up in front of the telly than pressing the pedal to the metal.

Yes, indeed we know that it can be grim out there on the highways of hell - but take heart; motoring excitement is not dead. There is a niche market of fun-loving drivers that manufacturers are eager to reward: hence the generation of small cars with perky performance.

The Suzuki Swift Sport soars high in this select category. It’s an attractive, compact, smartly styled little wonder that is mightily impressive with a spritely image but with no gimmicky excrescences. Get behind the wheel and there’s a sensation of freedom. This is a car that doesn’t just take you there but feels like it’s just taking to the air.

If you’re in the market for a smart and sporty experience, the Swift Sport will answer your prayers and more. If you want to feel free, unfettered, feisty and fun-loving, it certainly delivers - and all for £24,270.

The four cylinder 1.4 engine loves revs, has mild hybrid assistance from a small battery under the passenger seat and with 129bhp, drives through a slick six speed manual gearbox to the front wheels. It hums along obediently at motorway speeds, and you can settle down and cruise - but motorways are not where you want to be in a Swift Sport.

fun, fast & frugal!

Suzuki are thorough and pains have been taken to ensure that all subservient systems are perfectly complementary to the performance available, enabling the Swift’s road behaviour to be specifically matched to the engine. And careful provision is made for the driver to be entirely in control while remaining wholly at ease.

With five doors and room for five, the practicality makes it a much more usable everyday proposition than highly focused rivals like the impractical Abarth. Nevertheless, it’s a fine performance hatch that feels better the faster you go. The car seems to thrive on hard driving, always responding with reassuring precision. Stable and sure-footed, this Swift invites fun, not fuss.

For the first time in a long time, I took to the road with a twinkle in my eye,

inserted the most comely passenger I could find, boasted that the sky’s the limit and headed off with a carefree chuckle to confront the stationary tailback at the traffic lights. Once all impediments were cast aside and I was able to extend the splendidly engineered machine, there was scarce time between vocal exclamations of pleasure to extol its virtues.

For the class, it certainly can turn up the heat. It’s called the Swift and it lives up to the name. Good as it is, early 2024 sees a new model on sale. With revised styling and a new smaller capacity three cylinder engine with slightly less power I can’t wait to try it.

But as for the current model, it’s a peerless purveyor of perpetual enthralment and even on dark days it twinkles like a fairy light in the gloom. And yet, despite its sportiness it’s as economical as an austerity grocer, returning up to 50 mpg.

For fun per pound per mile it’s hard to beat, being such a good package that other manufacturers are finding it hard to swallow.

by Syd Taylor

Stopper Taylor hits the hundred mark

New Bromsgrove Sporting manager Tim Flowers has made a good start, winning two games against St Ives Town at home and Hitchin Town away. In consecutive matches against the bottom club, Berkhamsted, the Rouslers only managed a draw at home whilst losing away.

However, with seven matches to play Sporting are eight points above the relegation zone so another couple of wins ought to be enough to secure football at Southern League Premier level for next season.

Another couple of players have been released but arriving at the Victoria Ground, both with Football League experience, are centre-half Ben Richards-Everton and Nathan Blissett, a striker who is related to Watford and England legend Luther Blissett.

There was also one notable landmark in the last month with popular goalkeeper, Ollie Taylor becoming only the second stopper to make 100 appearances for the club. A

Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies sit first in their league and with just one match to play; they need a draw against second place Malvern Town Women in early April to secure the top spot. However they still have a few matches to play with the league cup just getting underway.

Meanwhile Bromsgrove Sporting Veterans still have nine league matches to play due to postponements and will be hoping to improve their league position to play in the same league next season.

New manager Tim Flowers, made a good start winning two games against away but in consecutive matches against the bottom club, Berkhamsted, whilst losing away.

However, with seven matches to play The Rouslers are eight points above wins ought to be enough to secure football at Southern League Premier

Baker

Another couple of players have been released but arriving at the Victoria experience are centre-half Ben Richards-Everton and Nathan Blissett, legend Luther Blissett.

presentation will be made to him at a future match.

There was also one notable landmark in the last month with popular second stopper to make 100 appearances for the club. A presentation

Shown below are remaining fixtures to the end of the season (all league matches):

Shown below are remaining fixtures to the end of the season (all league

Saturday 30th March 3:00 p.m. A Coalville Town

Monday 1st April 3:00 p.m. H AFC Telford United

Saturday 6th April 3:00 p.m. A Alvechurch

Saturday 13th April 3:00 p.m. H AFC Sudbury

Saturday 20th April 3:00 p.m. A Stratford Town

Saturday 27th April 3:00 p.m. H Barwell

Bromsgrove Sporting Ladies sit first in their league and with just one second place Malvern Town Women in early April to secure the top spot play with the league cup just getting underway.

Meanwhile Bromsgrove Sporting Veterans still have nine league matches hoping to improve their league position to play in the same league next

There was great news for the Colts as the under 13s managed by former Rousler Chris Morrison won their way through to the Junior League national semi-finals after defeating Coventry City’s Sky Blues development team 3-1. Along the way they have beaten teams from Kings Lynn, Solihull and Kidderminster Harriers.

There was great news for the Colts as the under 13 team managed for through to the Junior League national semi -finals after defeating Coventry Along the way they have beaten teams from Kings Lynn, Solihull and Any enquiries for Bromsgrove Sporting can be emailed to hello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk information on the club's web site, www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk and Instagram.

Words: 335

Any enquiries for Bromsgrove Sporting can be emailed to hello@ bromsgrovesporting.co.uk and there is plenty more information on the club’s website - www. bromsgrovesporting.co.ukand on social media at Facebook, X (Twitter) and Instagram.

Photos by Chris Jepson by Phil

against St Ives Town at home and Hitchin Town Berkhamsted, Sporting only managed a draw at home

Soggy spring fails to hinder Croft’s bold season plan

above the relegation zone so another couple of Premier level for next season.

While the constant wet weather is hampering preparation on the pitch, planning for the new season is fully underway at Avoncroft Cricket Club.

Victoria Ground both with Football League Blissett, a striker who is related to Watford and England

goalkeeper, Ollie Taylor becoming only the presentation will be made to him at a future match. league matches):

At the recent AGM, Josh Cound and Chris Pitt were reappointed as First XI and Second XI captains for 2024. This will be Josh’s fourth season as club captain, and he’ll be looking for the Firsts to bounce back from a 2023 league campaign that saw Croft floating around mid-table without ever really challenging the top teams in Division Three. He will be keen to continue Croft’s excellent T20 cup form which saw the First XI lift the Worcestershire Midweek trophy for the third time in five years.

match to play; they need just a draw against spot. However they still have a few matches to

Chris will be hoping it’s second time lucky after the Second XI missed out on the promotion playoffs by a single point last year. He’ll be looking to lean on an experienced core of top-order batting to set a platform for success, but the key will be the continued progress of Croft’s young players with a couple of key 2023 performers looking to push on to the First XI during 2024 with a conveyor belt of new talent waiting to take their place.

matches to play due to postponements and will be next season

for former Rousler Chris Morrison won their way Coventry City's Sky Blues development team 3-1. Kidderminster Harriers.

hello@bromsgrovesporting.co.uk and there is plenty more and social media Facebook, X (Twitter) and

The club welcomes back Jason Patel as Third XI skipper after he missed the whole of the 2023 season through injury. Jason’s last involvement as captain was to lift the 2022 Division Nine title and although the Thirds struggled in 2023 after promotion, a return to Division Nine this season should provide the right platform for Jason to focus on bringing Croft’s young talent through into adult cricket in a positive and supportive environment.

Jason will be ably supported by Damian Hampton, who takes on a co-captain role to grow the core of experienced leadership within the Third XI. Paul Athey continues as Sunday XI captain, with a focus on providing further opportunities for Croft’s juniors

to progress into adult cricket.

Two new members were also welcomed onto the club committee; Jonty Heslop takes over as social media co-ordinator, with a remit to grow Croft’s online engagement with members and the local community, and Alex Richardson joins as sponsorship and fundraising officer, a vital role given the ongoing squeeze on resources in voluntary organisations such as Avoncroft.

Junior cricket will return to Avoncroft on Friday evenings from late April. Firm details on a start date are subject to more certainty around ground conditions. Current members will receive communication over the coming weeks but, for anyone interested in joining, please visit www.avoncroft.play-cricket.com/home

Avoncroft are particularly interested in growing the number of girls currently taking part in junior cricket. The club runs dedicated girls training and matches at under nines and U11s, so if you are between school years three and six and you are interested in taking up cricket, please contact us through the website. For boys and girls between reception and year two, the club will be offering All Stars cricket again this year. More information can be found at www.ecb.co.uk/play/all-stars

Finally, the club is always on the lookout for adult players to bolster their ranks. Whether you’re an experienced player looking for a new opportunity, or perhaps planning to get back into the game after a few years out, please drop the club a line through their website and someone will get back to you to discuss options.

by Paul Athey

Summit Snowdon with a special sunrise

Lace up your hiking boots and join The Primrose Snowdon at Sunrise team as they undertake a breathtaking sunrise walk up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to raise vital funds for Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre in Bromsgrove.

Join them on May 19th 2024 for an unforgettable experience that will not only have a huge impact on patients’ and families’ lives but could also change your life too.

James Davies, who took part in the event last year, said: “It was an epic trip and an exhilarating feeling to reach the top as a team. We can all be proud of the amount raised for Primrose. Thank you for arranging the event so well and sharing the outcome. Bring on the next challenge!”

Although Yr Wyddfa is one of the highest mountains in the UK, and the tallest mountain in Wales, it is probably the friendliest for the novice walker to ascend. You will be guided by Blue Sky Adventures and Primrose Hospice.

Why not bring your friends or work colleagues together ready for this challenge? To find out more, visit: www.primrosehospice.org/events/sunrise-atsnowdon or contact the fundraising team at events@ primrosehospice.org or by calling 01527 889796 .

It costs Primrose Hospice £1.95 million to provide free support. The hospice offers care and advice to patients living with a life-limiting illness and also supports families who have experienced a bereavement or who have a family member living with a life-limiting illness in the North East Worcestershire area.