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Welcome to September’s issue of Completely Bromsgrove
One of the most pleasurable aspects of the summer months is the amount of delicious fruit that is available.
If you have apple trees in your garden, you may well have a glut of both cooking and eating apples, and the hedgerows are laden with blackberries, great for foraging when out on a walk. This appears to have been a good year for plums too and I’m sure many of our readers will be making jam and pies to their heart’s content.
If you would like to share your favourite recipe with our readers, then please email it to us along with a good quality photo and we will publish it in one of the forthcoming issues.
For the history buffs among us, this issue has plenty to offer, starting with the Lammas Festival
held at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings. Turn to page 26 for more information.
You can also learn about the project organised by Bromsgrove Court Leet in partnership with Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service at The Hive in Worcester on page 30. So much time and effort has gone into this venture, well done to everyone involved.
And finally, turn to page 34 for the list of venues open in the Bromsgrove area as part of the annual Heritage Open Days festival of heritage and culture.
As always, let’s keep it local folks, and until next month enjoy reading this issue!
Michele Ford
Pre-Preparatory & Nursery (ages 2 to 7)
Saturday 28th September
Preparatory (Years 3 - 8)
Saturday 21st September
Senior School 13+
Saturday 5th October
Sixth Form
Saturday 12th October
A message from our MP
Although Parliament was in recess last month, that certainly didn’t mean that my work stopped – far from it!
I spent the summer out and about across our wonderful constituency meeting with residents, businesses and community groups. It’s one of the best things about this job. Every day is different and every visit and meeting I have will help me to better represent you in Parliament.
I couldn’t include absolutely everything in this article that I’ve been up to over the summer, but I hope this gives an insight into a few key highlights.
Public transport is important to many of us, not only does it help to reduce social isolation, but it ensures residents can get around the constituency. That’s why I was delighted to attend the launch of the expanded Worcestershire on Demand bus service (see page 10 for more details).
The expanded service supports two of the promises I made to my constituents, improving local transport and promoting and protecting rural communities by strengthening the rural economy.
I also brought together members of the Revise Bromsgrove BREP Group and Councillor Marc Bayliss, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport on Worcestershire County Council, to give them an opportunity to discuss their concerns in relation to the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme. Although this is a county council-led scheme, as your MP, my role is to ensure residents’ voices are heard to make Bromsgrove an even better place to live, work and visit.
Based in Blackwell, Lineview provides innovative software solutions to help manufacturers enhance efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve product quality. Customers include Coca-Cola and Heineken, and it was inspiring to visit a business which is expanding, leading in its sector, and employing dozens of local people.
One of my top priorities is to support local businesses as our prosperity as a country depends on their success. Businesses create jobs and pay tax which helps to fund the public services we all rely on.
In my pursuit to improve quality of life here in our area, I want to ensure that our local economy is an environment where businesses can thrive and create more highly skilled, well-paid jobs for local people.
As ever, if there’s anything I can do to help then please don’t hesitate to get in touch. My email address is bradley.thomas.mp@parliament.uk
Last but by no means least, I visited a local business which is a global leader in manufacturing solutions.
Lineview visit
Exceptional 2024 A-level Results for King’s Worcester Students
King’s Worcester’s Sixth Formers have recently celebrated exceptional A-level results, with over 75% of grades at A*-B, and 46% at A* or A. Notably, more than 90% of grades were A* - C, with strong performances in Maths, Further Maths, and Physics.
Special recognition goes to 34 students who achieved all A* or A grades, including George Campbell-Ferguson, George Howard, and Lucy Wadley, who are heading to Oxford and Cambridge to study Engineering, Economics, and Geography, respectively.
Overall, more than 92% of students secured their firm or insurance university places, with many pursuing fields such as Engineering, Economics, Medicine, and Architecture at top institutions like Cardiff, Durham, and Exeter. Six students met their Oxbridge offers, seven secured places for Medicine, and seven for Architecture.
Several students also earned spots on prestigious degree apprenticeship programs, gaining valuable work experience. Deputy Head Academic, Katie Beever, praised the students’ determination and ambition, highlighting the unwavering support of the teaching staff.
It has been a successful year for King’s, after they received a raft of accolades, ranking in The Sunday Times
Top 10 in the West Midlands for academic results, top 30 in the UK for sport, top 8 in the Good Schools Guide for rowing and the more recent shortlisting for the Independent School of the Year Award.
Discover more at their forthcoming Open Morning on Saturday 28th September. Register your visit at www.ksw.org.uk/shapeyourfuture.
We believe that education is more than just imparting knowledge; it’s about shaping the whole person. # SHAPE YOUR FUTURE OPEN MORNING SATURDAY 28TH SEPTEMBER
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Connectivity is key to station’s success
Bromsgrove station is an important gateway as it has four trains an hour connecting directly to and from 30 other stations on West Midlands Rail services, including Hereford, Worcester, University, Birmingham New Street and Lichfield.
From the station, passengers can travel onwards by bus to the town centre, Droitwich, Hagley, Halesowen, Kidderminster, Longbridge, Redditch, Rubery, Stourbridge and Wychbold.
In July 2016, the “new” Bromsgrove station, with its four platforms, was opened. Its ownership is unique and somewhat convoluted. BARRUP’s understanding is that the station land is owned by Network Rail, which leases it to the West Midlands Combined Authority, the “station facilities owner”
The West Midlands Rail Executive manages the station on behalf of the WMCA and in turn delegates many of the day to day operational and maintenance tasks of running the station to West Midlands Trains.
In view of the importance of the station to the Bromsgrove and North East Worcestershire economy, in October 2023 BARRUP wrote to key political leaders on the district council, suggesting that a cross party working group be formed to improve the rail and bus connectivity at the station. BARRUP, whose knowledge of rail matters would be very useful, are willing to co-operate.
In December BARRUP received a reply that a motion regarding the matter was put forward at the full council
meeting. It received cross-party support, and the council was going to write to the various rail and bus networks requesting improvements to the connectivity.
Since then, eight months on, BARRUP has not been asked for any input, and is not aware of any improvements.
As a result of BARRUP’s monthly articles in Completely Bromsgrove over the last couple of years, passengers using the station have approached us asking if we can help with matters. These include more covered areas on the platforms, so that passengers don’t get soaking wet while waiting for their trains, refurbishment of the unsightly rusting steps leading to and from the platforms, ANPR for the car parks to make payment simpler, and revamping of the ticketing structure so that passengers from Bromsgrove, Alvechurch, Barnt Green and Redditch can take advantage of reduced early evening fares to and from New Street Station.
We are working with WMRE on all these matters but must warn from our experiences to date that any success will take time to be achieved.
by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk
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Big boost Bromsgroveforbus service
Getting around Bromsgrove and the surrounding villages has got much easier with the expansion of Worcestershire County Council’s innovative new bus service Worcestershire on Demand.
The service, which has already been a great success in other parts of Bromsgrove and the wider county, sees on demand buses drop off at locations that previously hadn’t been regularly served by other forms of public transport.
Residents can travel to and from rural destinations and businesses which, in turn, supports the local, rural economy. These destinations include Beckett’s Farm, Wythall Transport Museum, Attwell Farm Park, Lickey Hills Country Park and many more. The service is also available to and from the Princess of Wales Community Hospital.
Not only does the on-demand service support local people to get around Bromsgrove, it also helps travel out of the county to Birmingham and further afield by covering train stations at Barnt Green, Shirley and Whitlock’s End.
Journeys can also be made to destinations outside of the new expansion zones including the Abbey Stadium in Redditch, The Jinney Ring Craft Centre in Hanbury and the Clent Hills.
Worcestershire on Demand, which provides bus transport on request using variable routes and timetables, has racked up more than 65,000
completed trips in the Bromsgrove area since its launch three years ago.
On demand buses, which offer a bespoke alternative service to the familiar local bus and provide a flexible and affordable form of public transport, run from 7am until 7pm on Monday to Saturday.
Booking a journey is done through an easy-to-use app and passengers will be charged a flat fare of £2.50 a journey, with new riders getting their first journey free of charge, additional passengers paying £1.25, and concessionary cards accepted after 9.30am.
As part of Worcestershire Bus Service Improvement Plan funding, the Department for Transport has provided valuable support to launch the initial service and expand to wider areas, allowing more passengers to use the service for a variety of local journeys and support the local economy.
The app, which has more than 6,000 accounts created since launch, is available for iPhone or Android.
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Community safety championed at free events
Two personal safety events are to be held in Bromsgrove this month with residents of all ages invited to get involved.
The district council’s community safety team will be joined by West Mercia Police in Bromsgrove town centre on September 14 from 11am to 3pm and Rubery High Street on September 28 from 11am to 3pm.
Both events are aimed at empowering residents with the knowledge they need to better protect their personal belongings and ensure their own safety.
Cabinet member for environmental services and community safety, Councillor Peter Whittaker, said: “Events like these continue to be important, giving residents the chance to speak to those in their communities who work tirelessly to ensure Bromsgrove is a safe and enjoyable place to live.
“I welcome opportunities to bring together the community and community providers to gather in the same space behind a cause: everyone feeling and being safer.”
Spike Bikes will be at the event providing MOTs for bikes along with giving out information on how to keep bikes safe.
The event team will also be joined by Fair Play Comedy, who will be engaging members of the public through the delivery of street theatre.
For more information email CommunitySafety@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk
Have your say in council’s summer survey
Residents can now tell Bromsgrove District Council’s decision makers their priorities in the first of a new series of short seasonal surveys.
The surveys will ask residents for their views on a few highly focused questions, four times a year, in a change to one long survey in previous years. The responses given will go to district councillors and officers to help set the authority’s priorities and plans.
Councillor Karen May, leader of the district council, said: “When the council decides its priorities one of the things we look at it is the results of these official surveys, which help us understand what people think about the key issues.
“It’s an important piece of information that helps shape what we do, and I encourage everyone to have their say. We all have our views – please make yours heard.”
Each of the short quarterly surveys will focus on a specific topic, including your local area, district budgets and priorities, and the key issues facing the current year.
Deputy leader, Councillor Sue Baxter, added: “We want people from across the district to respond to these quick surveys and tell us what they really care about. We hope and believe that this new shorter, sharper approach will
make it easier for people districtwide to do just that.”
The survey is one way the council formally engages with the community and its results feed into the Council Plan - the central plan that helps councillors and officers set the council’s direction as an organisation.
The Bromsgrove District Places Survey Summer 2024 is now open for responses until Monday, September 30th. It’s available at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/consultations, and paper copies are available from the council’s Parkside offices.
For more information, contact the council’s engagement, equalities and policy team on equalities@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or 01527 64252 (ext. 2409).
Bzzzing about ivy
I vy is a great plant for wildlife and there’s one species of bee, just about to emerge, that needs it to survive…
Ivy bees are quite amazing. They belong to a group of solitary bees called plasterer bees – they plaster their nesting chambers with a waterproof and fungus-resistant cellophane-like saliva. Deep underground, this ensures their offspring are protected right the way through the year.
Ivy bees have made Worcestershire their home since 2013. Their migration from the south coast is a result of climate change – species that were previously unable to survive our winters are now moving north as temperatures begin to warm. In 2016 I was invited to a Worcester garden to see some ivy bees and it was an incredible experience. It was just a ‘normal’ back garden in a residential area but what I saw was, I thought, far from normal.
Sandra Chapman’s lawn was alive with bees and Sandra said that she found it relaxing to sit there and watch their comings and goings; you could even hear the buzzing when the noise of traffic dipped.
Female solitary bees create and supply their own nests rather than working together to expand a colony, as bumblebees do. This doesn’t stop them being rather close neighbours and I discovered that ivy bees can sometimes be found in their hundreds, if not thousands. If you’re lucky enough to have them in your garden, you might notice that your lawn or flower beds are full of mini molehills – the spoil from the nesting chambers they excavate. The tunnels are around 30cm long and have a series of chambers with an egg and store of pollen in each one. They’re called ivy bees because, although they’ll feed on nectar from a range of flowers, they require ivy pollen to feed to their larvae. They’ll travel to find ivy but it’s bee-nature to nest close to a good
source if possible. In autumn the females store pollen for each larva, which hatch the following spring and spend the next few months feeding and developing into an adult bee, finally emerging into the sunlight of late August or September, just in time for the ivy to flower. They’re only around for four to six weeks before the mini molehills disappear and they’re not seen again until this time next year.
Ivy bees are about the same size as a honeybee, have an orangery thorax (between their wings) and very defined bands across their long bodies. If you’ve got them in your garden or local greenspace, don’t worry. Only the females are able to sting and, even then, their stings are weak and you really do have to threaten them before they’ll even attempt to do so. They also do a great job of aerating your soil before moving on in a few years or so.
Want to encourage them to your area? Why not plant ivy in your hedge or up a wall or shed? Take inspiration from www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ actions/how-make-hedge-wildlife
Keep up to date with us... - on Twitter @WorcsWT - on Facebook www.facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust - on YouTube www.youtube.com/c/WorcswildlifetrustUK1 on Instagram www.instagram.com/worcswt
by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
Stunning showoffs make us feel glad all over
Gladioli never fail to delight, standing to attention in rows like a colourful infantry. With sword-like leaves and upright flower spikes, what big, bold, blousy showoffs they are, and very much favoured by Australian national treasures and Mancunian 80s singers.
The individual blooms are shaped like funnels that open outwards from the base of the flower. They can be found in a huge range of colours, from the deepest reds to the softest of pastels.
Although they have the reputation of being an allotment grower’s flower, they are equally as happy in a garden border and can be found in smaller varieties that have dainty flowers.
Traditional gladioli are planted from mid-April through to May and to ensure a steady succession, plant in batches every couple of weeks. They won’t all flower at the same time and will keep your vases full throughout the summer.
Gladioli generally prefer a sunny well-drained position and a neutral to slightly acid soil. It is best
to find a sheltered spot, making sure you stake them as they are very susceptible to wind damage. Drainage is especially important too if you are going to overwinter the corms in the ground, as it is mostly recommended that the corms are lifted in the winter and stored or protected in frost-free conditions.
Dig well-rotted manure or garden compost into the soil when planting in the spring. This will help to retain moisture and improve drainage. In poor soil, you can also add a general purpose fertiliser. Planting too shallow can lead to the production of lots of smaller offspring rather than one good-size corm, resulting in poorer blooms.
They can be targeted by slugs and aphids and are susceptible to mould and rot so be prepared.
Jobs in the garden for September
Keep the garden tidy, dead heading to keep the flowers producing for longer.
Sow spinach and cabbage for picking next spring, Cover with fleece from October onwards.
It’s not too late to sow radish, they are very quick to crop.
Plant wallflowers, forget-me-nots and pansies in pots and borders.
Collect ripe seedheads and store in paper to keep dry and prevent mould.
Garlic can be planted anytime between now and spring.
Spring bulbs should be planted now to prepare for next year’s tubs. Daffodils, tulips, crocus, snowdrops and fragrant hyacinths. Plant in layers like a bulb lasagne, larger ones at the bottom, smaller ones nearer the surface.
Sow hardy greens like pak choi, cress and kale for winter pickings.
Prune out the old canes from summer fruiting raspberries.
Lift main-crop potatoes and store in hessian sacks, keeping away from light to prevent them turning green.
Enjoy the last throws of summer with the flowers still showing their true colours.
By Suzi M , garden lover and plotter at Roundhill Allotments
You are the colours you choose
F or this month’s holistic therapies article, I’ll be focusing on the language of colour.
Colour is everywhere in our lives. We eat and drink colour, wear colour and talk in colour using phrases such as “you’re as good as gold, I’m feeling blue, I’m in the pink or green with envy” . We decorate our buildings with colour and nature is a riot of colour too.
I have been a colour therapist for more than 35 years. The UK’s oldest colour therapy provider is Lincolnshire-based Aura-Soma and Colour Works started some years afterwards in South Africa. Both systems are based on a selection of bottles that have two fractions. One fraction is coloured water, and the other is coloured oil that sits on top of the water. The upper fraction is seen as our conscious level and the lower is seen as the subconscious level. When the bottle is shaken and mixed, it shows the potential of the person.
Having been a therapist and teacher for the Aura-Soma system, I now give consultations through numerology, the tarot and the Aura-Soma colour knowledge.
If we look at the history of colour therapy, it began in Ancient Egypt and China around 2,000 BC. Hippocrates described the four humours:
• Sanguine – sunshine yellows associated with yellow bile.
• Choleric – fiery reds, associated with blood.
• Melancholic – cool blues, associated with black bile.
• Phlegmatic – earth greens, associated with phlegm.
Johann Wolfgang Goethe was one of the first people to connect colour and psychology, with
his book Theory of Colours, which was published in German in 1810 and in English in 1840, while Kurt Goldstein conducted experiments in 1942 to determine the effects of colour on motor function. His work, though not proven, encouraged further research into the physiological effects of colour.
Another key figure was Max Luscher. In 1947, he took Goethe’s theories one step further and created a colour test for the use of psychiatrists, psychologists, physicians, and others involved with the “conscious and unconscious characteristics and motivations of others” . Despite the ease with which Luscher’s test can be administered, it is a “deep” psychological test that can reveal a multitude of things about people’s personalities.
Credited as one of the pioneers in colour psychology, Carl Jung explored the properties and meanings of colour in our lives. Jung saw colours as a form of communication for the subconscious and considered them the “mother tongue of the subconscious”. His studies included colour symbolism, the use of this in psychotherapy, and the exploration of a secret language of colours. His exploration of colour usage and effects across cultures and time periods aimed to unlock a language or code represented by colours.
For a colour consultation contact me at c olette@ need4change.com
by Colette Garside
You may be experiencing a challenging stage in life or having difficulty within yourself.
Whatever you might be going through, whether it be something specific, a recent loss, relationship issues, feeling depressed, stressed or anxious or a more general sense of sadness or dissatisfaction, talking to an Independent Counsellor may help you to gain more understanding and a clearer vision.
I offer private in-person counselling in Bromsgrove. Parking is available on-site, and this is easily accessible. I offer video counselling, telephone counselling and email/messaging. For new clients, I offer a 15minute introductory phone call free of charge; this is to give you the opportunity to talk through the process, discuss what you need from counselling and ask any questions.
Lammas Festival at Avoncroft Museum
Members of Bromsgrove Court
Leet attended Avoncroft Museum to celebrate the Festival of Lammas, giving thanks for the bread baked from the first harvest.
Officers of the Court carried out traditional assizes of produce offered for sale at the Museum. First to be tested was the honey produced from the bee hives on the site close to the wildflower meadows. Ale from local brewery Brew 61 came under the scrutiny of two appointed Ale Tasters. Both the honey and the ale were found to be of excellent quality.
The group paraded from New Guesten Hall to the windmill where the miller gave a talk about the milling process using a scaled down version of millstones which grind the wheat to create flour. The Court’s Market Master, whose great grandfather was a miller, carried out the assize of wheat, rubbing it between his finger and thumb. This “rule of thumb” is the traditional way of testing the quality of the wheat.
The flour from the wheat milled on site was used by the volunteers in the Toll House to bake bread in the brick bread oven. To accompany the bread, fresh butter had been churned. The Bread Weigher, using the ancient scales, confirmed the quality of the bread. Court members and onlooking visitors sampled the bread and butter. Everyone agreed it was delicious!
All products sampled were found to be wholesome and fit for consumption for the people of Bromsgrove and visitors to Avoncroft Museum.
Chaplin Rev Ray Khan concluded the day with a Lammas Sunday Service to bless the bread and give thanks for the produce. The service was held in the dappled shade of the trees on the lawns close to the Chapel.
Bromsgrove Court is always pleased to support Avoncroft Museum and uphold traditional rights and practices, keeping Bromsgrove’s heritage alive.
Chapplyn Rev Ray Khan
Lammas Baker
by Jo Slade
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Reflecting yesterday’sonschools
With the new academic year underway, it is an opportune time to reflect on the evolution of schooling in the district.
Until the late 19th century access to schooling was limited. In Bromsgrove, several private boarding schools offered an education to boys – and sometimes girls – whose families could afford it. These included, of course, Bromsgrove School on Worcester Road, which can trace its origins back to Tudor times (see the May 2023 issue of Completely Bromsgrove). Those who could not afford to pay were reliant on schools funded by churches and religious charities, which aimed to provide at least a basic education.
All of this changed with the Education Act of 1870, which required compulsory education for all children between the ages of 5 and 12. After some machinations, a Bromsgrove School Board was elected to manage and expand the existing school provision, paid for by the government’s new education department.
In 1903 responsibility for the town’s schools transferred to Worcestershire County Council. A secondary school for boys and girls was established within the School of Science and Art in New Road. In 1912, this Bromsgrove Secondary School moved to new premises on the Stourbridge Road at a cost of £12,000. The building initially had facilities for 150 students and was enlarged in 1921 and again in 1938, by which time it was known as Bromsgrove County High School.
An elementary school at Watt Close, off Hanover Street opened in 1916, with room for 408 pupils. This became a secondary school in 1928, with the younger children returning to Crown Close. At Catshill, a new County Secondary School was opened in Meadow Road in 1939, with the former site at Gibb Lane becoming a primary school.
The 1944 Education Act sought to introduce new
secondary modern schools and access to grammar and technical schools via the 11 plus examination. In 1957 the County High School moved from Stourbridge Road to a new site for 850 pupils at School Drive, off Stratford Road. The old building became Parkside Secondary Modern School. Other secondary moderns were at Watt Close, Catshill and Waseley Hills, plus an additional one at Charford Road, opened in 1968 to serve the new housing development.
The Labour government of 1964 was keen to abolish the 11 plus and to introduce comprehensive secondary schools. In Bromsgrove, the local plan was to re-organise into first (ages 5 to 9), middle (ages 9 to 13) and high schools (ages 13 to 18). The County High School became North Bromsgrove High School and the new secondary school at Charford Road became South Bromsgrove High School. Both schools were, and remain, all ability and each has been rebuilt in recent years.
Waseley Hills Secondary Modern also became a High School, serving the populous Rubery area. Watt Close, Parkside and Catshill secondary moderns became middle schools along with a new Middle School at Aston Fields. After lying empty for some years, Parkside Middle School was restored and reopened in 2015 as a hub for local council services.
by Mike Sharpe
Parkside School
Schools South group in the 1970s
Archive documents available for researchers
Aproject arranged by Bromsgrove Court Leet in partnership with Worcestershire Archive and Archaeology Service at The Hive, Worcester has resulted in archive Court documents being made available to the public for the first time.
During the Court’s long history, minutes of meetings held, the decisions taken and lists of the residents living in the Manor of Bromsgrove have been recorded. Once kept by the Court or held in St John’s Church, in recent years, the documents were deposited at Worcester County Archives to be professionally stored, preserving the accounts of historical activities in the Manor.
The boxes contained 17 court rolls dating from 1726 to 1891, presentments, legal documents, agendas and papers from the annual court meetings, along with decorative menus and press cuttings dating from 1737 to 1948. The exact content of the documents was unknown, so a cataloguing project was proposed.
A small group of volunteers prepared the ancient documents for cataloguing. Firstly, the documents were unwrapped and carefully cleaned. Each document was given a catalogue number, written in pencil, relating to the box in which it is stored. The document type and topic were recorded on a spreadsheet against the given catalogue number. Most of the work was undertaken by volunteer Helen Voyle who visited The Hive once a week for 6 hours, over the course of the ten-month project and noted the contents of over 3,500 items. Helen said she was often distracted by the content of the documents and felt she got to know the characters from the past who had written letters and minutes, in some cases, hundreds of years ago.
The Senior Archivist team uploaded the data online. The catalogue, which represents a full record of the archives, is available for anyone to explore online, and researchers interested in viewing the documents can do so in the search rooms at the Archives Department in The Hive.
An event was held to celebrate the end of the cataloguing project, and to announce that the database is now available to view online. Hosted by Bailiff Philip Thomas, guests included Deputy Lieutenant Dr Umesh Udeshi, High Sheriff of Worcestershire Charles Moyle JP, members of Bromsgrove Court Leet, representatives from local historical societies and employees from The Hive and Explore the Past.
Dr Adrian Gregson RMARA, County and Diocesan Archivist said “This project has brought to life the documents which detail the historic realities of Bromsgrove’s Manor and link directly to the heritage celebrated every year. Our thanks are due to Bromsgrove Court Leet for their voluntary and financial support in making the catalogues for this valuable archive available online for the first time. Now we really want to welcome people in to look through the archives and find out for themselves the rich history contained within.”
To search the online catalogue visit www.eservices.worcestershire.gov.uk/CalmView or get in touch with the team at Explore the Past at The Hive.
BURCOT GRANGE & LODGE
BR
O MS GR OV E
WAll-inclusive
e are focused on the happiness of each and every one of our residents and we love being able to timetable of activities for all to enjoy. & Lodge there is a plethora of opportunity to enable everyone to do so.
M for those living with dementia and refreshments between 2:00 and 5:00pm Clinic and we’ll be serving light refreshments throughout & Macmillan Coffee Morning
Reminiscence café
Last Friday of each month, 2pm - 4pm
Come along to our monthly dementia -friendly café. Join like-minded members of the community, share experiences and pick up a copy of our free dementia guide.
Friendship club
First Tuesday of each month, 10am - 12 noon
Come along to our friendship club! Join like-minded members of the community, make new friends and enjoy a selection of home-baked treats in our warm café.
Enjoy an evening of romance with King of the Waltz
André Rieu is ready to blow you away with his new cinema concert Power of Love, which will be screened by Bromsgrove Arts on August 31st and September 1.
From his hometown of Maastricht, The King of the Waltz presents a must-see big screen spectacular. Accompanied by the Johann Strauss Orchestra and a cast of hundreds, this promises to be the music event of the summer. Included in the admission price is a complimentary drink.
There will be two productions from the National Theatre on the Big Screen. Present Laughter, on September 8th at 7pm, is the multi award-winning production of Noël Coward’s provocative comedy featuring Andrew Scott.
As he prepares to embark on an overseas tour, star actor Garry Essendine’s colourful life is in danger of spiralling out of control. Engulfed by an escalating identity crisis as his many and various relationships compete for his attention, Garry’s few remaining days at home are a chaotic whirlwind of love, sex, panic and soul-searching.
On Wednesday, September 18th and Sunday, October 13th at 7.30pm, there is a return to the big screen of Prima Facie , with Jodie Comer’s Olivier and Tony Award-winning performance in Suzie Miller’s gripping one-woman play. Jodie plays Tessa, a young, brilliant barrister who has worked her way up from working class origins to be at the top of her game; defending, cross examining and winning. An unexpected event forces her to confront the lines where the patriarchal power of the law, burden of proof and morals diverge.
Returning to the stage on Saturday, September 21st at 8pm, there is live music courtesy of Small Changes . Formed with experience of many local bands and orchestras over the years, they are known for their own take on pop, rock and folk favourites from the 1970s onwards.
Bromsgrove Arts, the home of Fairfield Flicks and Fairfield Music, is located at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ). Free parking and a licenced bar. For information and advanced tickets for all events visit www.bromsgrovearts.org.uk
Photo: Andre Rieu Productions Piece of Magic Entertainment
CinemaLive’s Big Screen Musical season returns with six West End productions, the first being Miss Saigon on Sunday, September 22nd at 7pm. This sell-out 25th anniversary gala performance of the global stage sensation features appearances by the original cast including Jonathan Pryce and Lea Salonga. The epic love story tells the tragic tale of young bar girl Kim, orphaned by war, who falls in love with American GI Chris, but their lives are torn apart by the fall of Saigon.
Based on a remarkable true story, Ordinary Angels , which will be shown on Wednesday, September 25th at 2.30pm, centres on Sharon Steves (Hilary Swank), a fierce but struggling hairdresser in small-town Kentucky who discovers a renewed sense of purpose when she meets Ed Schmitt (Alan Ritchson), a widower working hard to make ends meet for his two daughters. With his youngest daughter waiting for a liver transplant, Sharon sets her mind to helping the family and will move mountains to do it. What unfolds is the inspiring tale of faith, everyday miracles, and ordinary angels.
Roger musicalcontinues ministry with new production
Internationally known composer and musician Roger Jones will launch his new musical Zac with a performance at Bromsgrove Baptist Church on Saturday, September 28th at 7.30pm.
A wonderful addition to Roger’s musical ministry, Zac is his 25th production in a repertoire spanning five decades. It continues Roger’s mission to spread God’s love using music to share the stories of Jesus.
Roger’s songs, and particularly his musicals, have made an impact across the widest possible sweep of British churches - Anglican and Non-Conformist, traditional and evangelical. He has performed across the UK and in France, Germany, Greece as well as countries such as Israel, Canada, India, Cyprus and UAE.
This year marks 40 years since Roger left his financially safe teaching job to concentrate on a less secure creative ministry.
Roger is director of Christian Music Ministries, a ReSource minister (formerly Anglican Renewal
Ministries), a lay reader of more than 37 years and was described at the Spring Harvest National Teaching and Workshop event as one of the church’s game-changers.
In 2018 Roger was awarded the Mary Jones Prize by Bible Society for his musical Greater than Gold (1983) and its contribution to keeping the story of Welsh girl Mary Jones and her Bible alive worldwide.
The following year he was a recipient of the Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship, which was presented by Archbishop Justin Welby in recognition of his work as a composer, evangelist, worship leader and speaker.
To buy tickets for the premiere, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/ e/916334169167?aff=oddtdtcreator
Spectacular September shows at
As summer fades into autumn, Artrix Theatre is thrilled to announce an electrifying lineup of performances for September, promising entertainment for all tastes and preferences.
Following a bustling August dedicated to venue renovations and enhancements, Artrix Theatre is primed to kick off its autumn season with a bang. From heartfelt tributes to iconic bands to captivating theatrical productions, September at Artrix promises something for everyone.
The month begins with a celebration of musical legends as Dire Streets , the renowned Dire Straits tribute band, takes the stage on the 7th September. Fans can expect an unforgettable evening immersed in the timeless hits that defined an era.
Next up, transport yourself back to the groovy ‘70s with the Super Duper 70s Show, a nostalgic journey through the decade’s greatest hits. Audiences are invited to relive the music and culture that shaped a generation on the 14th September.
For fans of Fleetwood Mac, look no further than Fleetwood Shack , a tribute act dedicated to capturing the magic and mystique of this legendary band. Join us on the 15th September for a mesmerizing performance that pays homage to Fleetwood Mac’s timeless music.
Theatre enthusiasts are in for a treat with Frankenstein, presented by All and Sundry Theatre Company. This classic tale of horror and humanity promises to captivate audiences with its gripping narrative and stellar performances. Catch this spine-chilling production on the 20th 21st and 22nd September.
Adding a touch of intimacy and nostalgia, Everly Brothers by Candlelight offers an evening of acoustic harmony and soulful melodies. Join us on the 12th September for an enchanting experience that celebrates the timeless music of the Everly Brothers.
The volunteers have been busy throughout August with renovations and venue updates, and are ready for a fabulous autumn and winter season, concluding with the Christmas Panto Dick Whittington They are looking forward to welcoming the community back to Artrix for an unforgettable season filled with exceptional performances and cherished memories.
Tickets for all September shows are available now and can be purchased online at www.ArtrixBromsgrove.co.uk
Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of live entertainment at Artrix Theatre this September!
Good humour - bad language!
Don’t miss the hilarious movie about a small town with a big mystery and bad language at FeckenOdeon’s next screening on Saturday, 28th September at 8pm.
Wicked Little Letters (15) is set in a 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a dark, absurd scandal in this riotous mystery comedy based on a true story. When Edith (Olivia Colman) and fellow residents start to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, foulmouthed Rose (Jessie Buckley) is charged with the crime - but all is not as it seems and the local ladies decide to investigate for themselves. Note: This is a very funny film but it does contain some VERY RUDE WORDS! (UK 2024)
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. The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham. B96 6HN
Flower club members in the pink for fundraiser
Bromsgrove Flower Club members will be Wearing It Pink at their September meeting to raise awareness of breast cancer.
Members and visitors are invited to dress up in their pinkest outfits and, if possible, bring a donation for a collection for the Breast Cancer Now charity.
The club is also encouraging members to bring in a pink display for the competition entitled “Ancient and Modern” which will give them a free raffle ticket and a chance to win one of the demonstrator’s arrangements. There is also a sweepstake and bring and buy stall. This month’s demonstrator is internationally recognised Susan Blanford, who has competed all over the world through the World Association of Flower Arrangers. Her flowers will depict “Mellow Magic” and are sure to be spectacular.
The meeting will be held at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B60 3AF on Thursday, September 19th at 1.30pm. The demonstration starts at 2pm.
Our in house chef Lilith provides a private cheffing service where she tailors the menu to your event. Whether you’re thinking of a bbq, homemade buffet, pork baps, hot meals or Caribbean food, Butcher’s Block can do it ALL!
We can include Lilith’s famous bread pudding, fresh salads and fruit platters as well as the high quality produce sold in store, is used in everything she makes. The girls are working directly with a farm in nearby Bloxwich, lowering food miles, increased quality whilst supporting a local farmer. For more about our catering options speak to Lilith directly! Also, follow them on Facebook for more on all their great food.
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Smooth & stylish
The new Toyota Corolla Excel 5Dr. 1.8 CVT is a Herculean effort to throttle the many-headed Hydra of environmental catastrophe with its low emissions and super efficiency.
This is a self-charging hybrid that you simply treat like a normal petrol car. No charging at night. The small battery under the rear seat that drives the 70kW electric motor and takes its charge from recaptured energy through braking, so there are no worries about finding the nearest malfunctioning charge point.
With a jolt of volts, you’re on a roll with a lucky double of power for propulsion when needed. The 138bhp Hybrid Synergy Drive system comprises a 97 bhp 1.8, four cylinder petrol engine (There is a 2.0 litre version) and an 70kW electric motor driving through a CVT transmission which conveys a feeling of a continuous powerband.
Way back in time, Corollas were superbly functional and ‘worthy’ but a tad mundane.
Evolution changes things. Now, responding to a directive from Toyota’s ‘top man’ to build an interesting and inspirational car, the latest generation Corolla fulfils that demand. You get enjoyment behind the wheel and the mental relaxation of knowing you are doing the right thing for the right reasons, at the right time and at the right pace.
No sensible motorist wants to be up there with the fast lane ‘johnnies’, of course but, surprisingly, in sport mode the new Corolla is deceptively smooth and rapid. A top speed of 115mph is not that fast these days, but the zippy way it gets there is remarkable. And here’s another surprise. Toyota claims an overall economy figure of 60.1 mpg.
Toyota Corolla
Driven sensibly and observing speed limits, I easily achieved 75 mpg.
As for looks, styling of this five door, five seater, practical family hatchback is pleasant and appealing. Inside, it’s equally attractive. There’s comfortable and supportive leather upholstered seating, ample room to stretch out in the front and adequate room in the back. Naturally you are protected by a proliferation of airbags. Also guarding against disaster, electronic monitoring of car and driver makes for top safety.
The highest Excel specification (£34,240) on test here includes such features as Leather and Alcantara upholstery, a rearview camera, colour head up display, and cruise control to name but a few.
Typical Toyota fixtures and fittings say good ergonomics, good quality, good assembly and bombproof durability. Thankfully the battery pack under
the rear seat doesn’t noticeably intrude on available space and the boot is big enough for most needs.
Having driven many test miles, your correspondent was impressed by the seamlessly smooth performance, excellent handling and fine ride qualities: and the overall relaxing driving experience. Whether bimbling in eco mode, whizzing in ‘responsive’ sport mode or crawling in traffic on battery power alone, I contend that the time has come to jettison uncertain connotations that append to the ‘hybrid’ label and accept that Toyota have achieved what - for want of a better word - one might call ‘total motoring’.
In the twinning of internal combustion and ingenious electrics, the Corolla is a bright spark in anyone’s language. Toyota deserves the imperial thumbs-up for spooning our future medicine in a sublimely acceptable way. It is an outstandingly good car.
by Syd Taylor
Unique exhibition explores British car design
The British Motor Museum’s new groundbreaking exhibition, From Sketch to Street, explores the art and engineering involved in historic British car design, while inspiring hope for the industry’s future.
From Sketch to Street, which will run until April 2025, will showcase the creative and technical processes behind iconic and innovative vehicles across Britain’s motor manufacturing past through five key themes: Interior design, exterior design, functional design, materials, and trim. Visitors will be able to unpick the processes and people behind the cars and see how their own design ideas could shape the future.
Highlights of the exhibition include designers’ initial sketches, items on loan from luxury car brands and even a highly anticipated modern clay model. There will be hands-on interactives, inviting visitors to solve design problems or think about what would matter to them when designing a car. This all comes together to form a memorable opportunity to discover the artistic and engineering visions that bring together beauty and function.
Cat Boxall, curator at the British Motor Museum, said: “The exhibition will celebrate the rich history of car design and look at the innovative and creative spirit that continues to drive the industry forward. We look forward to seeing what our visitors think as they join us on this fascinating journey and uncover the treasures of this new exhibition.”
Access to the exhibition is included with standard museum admission tickets. To find out more, visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk/explore/fromsketch-to-street
Sporting boost ranks in positive start to league campaign
Bromsgrove Sporting’s new Southern League Premier Division Central season got off to a solid start with two victories and one defeat in their first three matches.
An opening day 3-1 win at Hitchin Town was followed by a home defeat to Stratford Town by the same scoreline, before a 2-0 victory over Spalding United. The top scorers after these fixtures were striker Charlie Wragg and defender Shay Palmer.
This positive start to the campaign came after the culmination of Sporting’s pre-season schedule, the highlight of which was a 3-2 win over a Birmingham City under 21 side. At this match, the club held a successful sponsors showcase, with plenty of existing and prospective commercial partners in attendance.
Manager Paul Smith has added several new names to his squad. One of these is the aforementioned Wragg, who has joined Sporting on a youth loan from Walsall. Adding further attacking clout to the side are forward Jamie Meddows, who has marked the signing of a contract with a string of impressive displays, and Theo Robinson, an experienced frontman who was most recently plying his trade at Gloucester City.
Defender Aaron Roberts, alongside a host of former Rouslers, played in a special match at the UK Electrical Stadium on the last Sunday of July that honoured the life of former Sporting player Tom Rankin, who tragically passed away two years ago. This game saw a Tom Rankin XI face a Loughborough Uni XI, with the Loughborough side running out 8-3 winners.
Away from the field of play, the stadium now features a plethora of new additions including an electric scoreboard and a light-up sign outside the ground, while a new roof is being fitted close to the Rousler Bar.
The club held another fans forum at the start of August with manager Paul Smith and chairman Rod Brown fielding a range of questions from a sizeable audience. Former vice chairman Richard Boorn, who had stepped down from the role for health reasons, has accepted the club’s invitation to become vice president.
It isn’t just Sporting’s first team that has been enjoying success. The new under 21 side won their first league game 3-1 away at Bedworth Town, the Ladies recorded a 3-0 pre-season win over Stourbridge Standard, the new Ladies Development side won their first ever game 6-2 away at AFC Chelmsley and the Veterans were successful in their opening friendly of the campaign, beating Moseley Town 3-2 at home.
For all the latest news from Bromsgrove Sporting, head to bromsgrovesporting.co.uk
by Max Banner
Photos by Chris Jepson
Juniors show promise during action packed summer
Life has been hectic on the cricket ground at Avoncroft this summer. Led by evergreen Mark Taylor, 27 pitches have been prepared mainly by Chris Townsend, Chris Pitt and Martyn Cound. The ground has greatly thrived upon the much-improved weather and players of all ages have enjoyed the benefits.
The club has welcomed the Worcestershire CC over 70s team on several occasions when they entertained similar sides from counties like Leicestershire and Wiltshire who have commented very favourably on the quality of the wickets and outfield.
Other beneficiaries are the many junior teams, both for boys and girls, who have been playing on several evenings a week often with considerable success, particularly for the older age groups who have reached county semi-finals.
Although slightly unlucky with the weather on one evening, the annual beer festival, expertly organised by Jason Huxley with the assistance of his family and the Pittams, was well supported by many juniors’ parents and friends of the club.
Ominously though, the adult results have not reflected the juniors. The Saturday league first team has been in the doldrums for several weeks with only a strong winning performance against Martley providing relief.
The plunge down the table towards relegation has been hastened by severe problems in putting out a strong team because of lack of availability of numerous players for a wide variety of reasons.
This has caused problems with Second XI player availability although skipper Chris Pitt could not have worked harder to put out a truly representative XI each week. The team has managed a number of cheering victories while also suffering some crunching defeats although they are still enjoying their cricket!
The Third XI has been consistently the most successful ‘Croft team this year where senior players have gelled effectively with the youngsters and secured some excellent victories. Although the playing season has seen erratic performances, the players are determined to finish their last few games with improved results and encouragement for the club’s continued development in the medium term.
by Rob Braithwaite
