Completely Bromsgrove issue 69 February '25

Issue 69

February 2025

Completely

Bromsgrove

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Welcome to February’s issue of

Completely Bromsgrove

A

s we kick off a new year, this first issue of 2025 is packed full of interesting articles from across our district, starting with a major investment plan to enhance the Princess of Wales Community Hospital.

Turn to page 8 for all the details.

Bromsgrove Shedders are now doing their wonderful work in a fresh location, turn to page 14 to find out more about their exciting move.

Founder of The Will Partners, based at 11 Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove businessman Paul Newman will be sharing his wealth of knowledge with us this year. Paul’s first article entitled ‘Understanding the importance of lasting power of attorney’ is on page 22.

My other half and I spent a five-night winter sun break in Malaga for his birthday, which happens to be on New Year’s Eve. We hopped on an early morning flight and saw in 2025 the Spanish way!

6

Contents

6 MPs Message 8 Minor Injury Unit 10 Rail Matters 12 Refujuice / Seamstress 13 We Spray Anything 14 Age UK 16 Gardening 18 Water Butt benefits 19 Bedroom Ideas

32

While I appreciate this may be a little late, the Completely Bromsgrove team and I would like to wish all our readers a healthy and happy 2025.

Remember folks - keep it local or lose it!

If you, or someone you know, would be interested in writing a page per issue to inspire our gardening enthusiasts, please email me at completelybromsgrove@gmail.com Very best wishes Michele Ford

36 46

20 Worcs Wildlife Trust 21 Flower Club / Rehab Sessions 22 The Will Partners 26 History 28 Spire Appeal 29 Court Leet New Members 30 Health 32 Travel 34 Artrix

Completely

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

4 Completely Bromsgrove

Head to page 32 for more information about the sights and sounds we enjoyed in this fascinating city.

36 Bromsgrove Arts 38 Feckenham Arts 39 Malvern Theatre 40 Town Crier in 40th Year 41 Primrose / Young Musicians 42 Half-term at Hanbury Hall 43 Ramblers to follow Romans 44 Drive Time 46 B’grove Sporting FC

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

Sales: Michele Ford Tel: 07948 086870 Design: Matt Walton Design The contents of Completely Bromsgrove magazine are fully protected by copyright and none of the editorial or photographic matter may be reproduced in any form without prior consent of Completely Bromsgrove magazine.

Every care is taken in the preparation of this magazine, but Completely Bromsgrove magazine cannot be held responsible for the claims of advertisers nor for the accuracy of the contents, or any consequence thereof.

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A message from our MP

A

New Year brings new opportunities to continue working hard to deliver on the promises I have made to you - and that will be my focus in 2025.

My plan for Bromsgrove and the villages sets out six clear priorities to ensure our wonderful constituency remains a great place to live, work and visit by delivering real results and fresh investment.

Those six priorities are: better local GP and hospital access, improving local transport and road safety, investing across Bromsgrove town centres, protecting our green belt, boosting local jobs and training for the future, and increasing police patrols and reducing crime.

And I’ve made a good star t this year as I make progress on delivering on those priorities.

As par t of my campaign for more GP appointments, last November I wrote to the chief executive of NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire, urging him to increase the number of appointments for residents.

I’m delighted to say that, after asking for more appointments, NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire has confirmed that, as part of their winter plan for 2024-25, they have added nearly 7,000 additional appointments for residents to access over the coming year. I look forward to continuing to work with our local NHS to improve the health services that we all rely on.

Staying with healthcare, you may have also seen the news that Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust is investing £1.6 million in a new and expanded minor injuries unit at the Princess

6 Completely Bromsgrove

of Wales Community Hospital. This significant investment in our local hospital secures its long-term future as a vital community asset.

I’ve also had success in helping to secure vital funding for children’s hospices. Last year, Acorns Lineview visit Children’s Hospice, which is headquar tered in Wythall, warned that for the first time in the charity’s history they would have to turn away children in need if vital Government funding did not continue.

That’s why I wrote to the Chancellor ahead of the Budget and attended a parliamentary debate on funding for children’s hospices where I backed Acorns’ fight for continued funding.

I’m pleased to say that hospices for children and young people will receive a further £26 million revenue funding for 2025-26. However, it’s disappointing that the Government has failed to guarantee the funding for at least five years and increase it by the rate of inflation every year as hospices and I had called for.

I’ll continue to work with Acorns and the hospice sector to ensure they receive the long-term funding to enable them to be there for every child and family who needs them.

I’ve made a good start on delivering on the promises I’ve made to you, but of course there’s much more to do in the year ahead.

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Welcome overhaul for town’s busy Minor Injury Unit B

romsgrove Minor Injury Unit (MIU) is set to undergo a major transformation to increase capacity and improve patient care.

Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which operates the service at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, has unveiled plans to redesign and construct a new minor injury unit. The new facilities are expected to reduce waiting times and improve patient experience.

Despite seeing an average of 320 patients each week, the existing layout limits the number of patients that can be treated at any one time to just three.

Responding to growing demand for the service, the Trust has committed £1.6 million to the construction of a new, larger minor injury unit adjacent to the existing facility on the hospital’s ground floor.

Alongside five new treatment rooms, the redesign will see the creation of a dedicated resus bay, specialist facilities for the treatment of eye injuries and a plaster room - offering timely assessment and treatment for a broad range of minor injuries.

The new unit will also be conveniently located next to the existing X-ray department, further streamlining the patient journey and enhancing diagnostic efficiency.

Denise Lewis, Director of Finance at the Trust said, “This investment is expected to increase the MIU’s capacity and deliver a more comfortable, seamless experience for our patients.

“By expanding the number of treatment rooms and

8 Completely Bromsgrove

upgrading our facilities, we are ensuring Bromsgrove MIU remains equipped to meet the changing needs of our community.”

Dawn Shaw, MIU Project Lead and Matron for Countywide MIUs added, “The new unit will provide our team of skilled emergency nurse practitioners with the resources needed to treat a wide range of minor injuries. This includes burns, breaks, sprains, strains, and minor eye injuries.

“Those with minor injuries can walk-in to any of Worcestershire’s minor injury units without needing an appointment. For anyone unsure whether an MIU is the right choice, NHS 111 offers guidance and advice helping to direct you to the right service”.

This announcement follows the expansion of weekend opening hours, originally piloted during the pandemic in response to growing demand for the service.

The MIU operates 8am – 8pm seven days a week, staffed by experienced emergency nurse practitioners who offer advice and treatment for a range of minor injuries.

The new unit is scheduled to open in the early summer. The existing unit will remain operational throughout the build, minimising disruption to patients.

For fur ther information or updates on the project, visit www.hacw.nhs.uk/MIU

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www.bromsgroverail.org.uk

Updated rail timetable

brings frustrations

N

ew timetables have been introduced on West Midlands Railway’s Hereford to Birmingham New Street and Cross City Services.

The good news is that three new timings have been introduced on the former. Two timings have been introduced from New Street in the late afternoon and early evenings on weekdays and Saturdays, one depar ting at 16.20 which calls at Bromsgrove at 16.42 and one depar ting at 18.50 which arrives at Bromsgrove at 19.12. However, disappointingly, neither of these call at Barnt Green.

A new early morning timing depar ts from Worcester Foregate Street at 07.23, calls at Bromsgrove at 07.42 and then at University and New Street, but again it does not stop at Barnt Green.

It is frustrating that the 07.49 depar ture from Foregate Street, which calls at Droitwich Spa at 08.04 and then travels onward to University and New Street, does not stop at Bromsgrove. If it did, it would be at the impor tant time of 08.15. The current timetable runs until 17th May. However, with the introduction last year on this service of the type 196 four car trains, which have increased passenger capacity of 27% compared with the previous trains, BARRUP will continue to argue for the introduction of the Bromsgrove stop on this timing, and for all to and from Hereford to New Street trains to stop at Barnt Green.

10 Completely Bromsgrove

Another matter of concern is that West Midlands Trains has applied to the Office of Road and Rail not to reintroduce the original three Cross City Trains per hour service to/from both Bromsgrove and Redditch, but to keep the current reduced two trains an hour service introduced during the pandemic.

BARRUP has written to the ORR, the Depar tment for Transpor t and Worcestershire County Council to object to this ongoing reduction in the service, par ticularly as the footfalls at the four Nor th East Worcestershire stations continue to recover and more passengers use the trains.

BARRUP invites anyone in the Nor th East Worcestershire district who appreciates the economic, environmental and social benefits of improved rail connectivity to support us by joining as a member.

Meetings are held every quar ter, and the cost of membership is only £5 per annum, which covers administrative costs. For more details, email memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk

by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

11

The juice of human kindness A

Bromsgrove group which supports refugees is starting 2025 with a sales drive for its fund-raising apple juice which was picked and squeezed just before Christmas.

The project, now in its eighth year, involves the ancient tradition of gleaning which involves picking fruit and other crops free of charge once the commercial harvest is complete.

Sales of the product, called Refujuice, provide a vital annual income of nearly £2000 for Bromsgrove & Redditch Welcome Refugees (BRWR), helping to pay for both practical and financial support for refugees in and around the two towns.

More than one and a half tons of Braeburn apples were gleaned by a team of 11 volunteers at Bentleys Castle Fruit Farm in Castle Trump, Gloucestershire. The apples were then pulped and pressed, and the juice pasteurised and bottled in time for New Year sales.

BRWR treasurer Sarah Deschamps has been a regular volunteer at the annual pick.

“I love getting involved in the gleaning,” she said.

“It’s an enjoyable way to spend a morning, and you get to meet some nice people. It’s also incredibly satisfying to see the bins filling with apples and

knowing that all that we pick will go to make Refujuice, which will be sold to raise funds to help support our refugee friends.”

The gleaning means apples that would otherwise go to waste have been transformed into 1,500 bottles of Refujuice which are on sale at £10 for three 0.75 litre bottles or £38 for a case of 12. Local home delivery is included in the price.

Orders can be placed at refujuice.brwr@gmail.com.

For more information, visit www.brwr.uk

New year, new studio

for sewing bee Jenni T he Great British Sewing Bee contestant and author Jenniffer Taylor has started the year with a big move in Bromsgrove.

Formerly based on Worcester Road, Tailor Taylor’s Creative Studio has now relocated to 10 Hanover Street, a charming 18th century property near Spadesbourne Brook and the Sanders Park entrance on Watt Close.

“I’m so excited to begin a new chapter at Hanover Street,” said Jenni.

“Bromsgrove is steeped in sewing and button-making heritage, and now I feel I have a premises that truly reflects that history.”

The popular sewing, dressmaking, and patchwork classes will continue.

In addition, Jenni is introducing a new initiative: the Sew Rebel Club. This programme aims to inspire young people to explore sewing through upcycling and refashioning projects.

Jenni’s passion for sewing extends beyond her studio walls. In collaboration

12 Completely Bromsgrove

with local heritage sites such as Avoncroft Museum and Forge Mill, she’ll be delivering a special project supported

by ReNew (Rediscover North East Worcestershire - Cultural Compact Programme).The project celebrates Bromsgrove and Redditch’s rich needle and button-making history through craft.

Free ‘Make and Take’ sessions and a chance to contribute to a collaborative banner will be offered.

These interactive sessions will include contributions from The Bromsgrove Society, sharing historical insights on the region’s button-making past.

The heritage craft sessions will take place in February and March. Keep an eye out for confirmed dates at www. jenniffertaylor.co.uk or follow Tailor Taylor on Facebook at Tailor Taylor and Instagram @Tailor_Taylor_Sewing

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Completely Bromsgrove

13

A new chapter for the Bromsgrove Shedders M

embers of Age UK BRWF’s Bromsgrove Men in sheds group have embarked on a new chapter in a fresh new location.

The Shedders launched an appeal for premises last September when the Stoke Prior unit, in which the Bromsgrove Shed had been based in since 2016, was put up for sale. Despite the new owner of the unit being an investor, facing a significant increase in rent, heads over-ruled hear ts and the decision was taken to relocate the Shed to Finch End Farm in Finstall, sharing a unit with H2o Restoration Limited.

Thanks to incredible support from members of the Shed community, Agriline Products Ltd, the H2o team and a convoy of cars and trailers, eight years of shedding was moved in the space of a few of days.

Shedder Joe O’Callaghan said: “Finding out we needed to vacate our shed premises was upsetting. The Shed is a lifeline to a lot of the people who attend. I use the shed twice a week, finding that it gives me focus and a purpose. It is such a valuable space, which enables people to connect, share and learn new skills as well as getting involved in projects for the community, but underpinning it all is the support and camaraderie of the Shed. It is such a relief that we have found new premises and that it is going to continue.”

The Bromsgrove Shed is a key part of Age UK BRWF’s groups and activities. The concept originates from an Australian project started in the 1990s, called Men’s Sheds, as a way of tackling loneliness and social isolation in older men where retirement can mean loss of status and contact.

National research commissioned by the UK Men’s Shed’s Association on the benefits of Men’s Sheds, reported that 96% of those that attending felt less

14 Completely Bromsgrove

lonely, 88% felt more connected to the community and 75% had decreased anxiety, with the health and wellbeing benefits of Sheds also being recognised as par t of the Government’s recent commitment to a UK Men’s Health Strategy.

There is still work to be done to get the ‘New Bromsgrove Shed’ fully operational, but the events of the last few months have further re-enforced the ethos of the Bromsgrove Shed and shown why it is so impor tant that it continues.

If you, or anybody you know, may be interested in joining and/or supporting Bromsgrove Men In Sheds contact Jo Hughes on 01527 570490 or at jo.hughes@ ageukbrwf.org.uk to find out how you can be a par t of this next chapter.

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15

GARDENING

Wordsworth’s wonders bring promise of brighter days D

affodils, from the narcissus family, are one of the most popular flowers heralding the star t of spring.

They are bright, cheery and usually found in yellow or white. There are many different varieties, some emerging as early as January while for others it can be as late as May. Daffodils are native to Europe and North Africa, and it is thought that the Romans brought daffodils to Britain, where they were planted to remember fallen comrades and loved ones. In Greek mythology, Narcissus was said to be a beautiful boy obsessed with his own reflection and was turned into a flower after his death.

A symbol of new beginnings, they are ideally grown in containers, borders and lawns and will suit almost any garden style and situation.

Plant bulbs in autumn, from September onwards; they can even go into the ground as late as January and still produce a stunning display. Pair them up with grape hyacinths, wall flowers or primulas, but make sure they are in a sunny position with well drained conditions.

Check the bulbs over before planting and discard any that show signs of mould. Daffodils dislike soggy soil, very dry conditions and deep shade. Ensure that they are planted to a depth of three times the height of the bulb and don’t overcrowd them.

Deadhead as the blooms fade to avoid seedheads and don’t cut back the foliage, allowing it to die down.

This helps the bulb build up energy for next season.

Jobs in the garden for February Cut down deciduous ornamental grasses left standing over winter, before the fresh shoots appear.

Divide large clumps of snowdrops and winter aconites after flowering and replant.

Prune late-summer flowering clematis, cutting stems back to healthy buds about 30cm from the base.

Prune buddleia to the base to keep the vigorous shrubs to a reasonable size.

Trim back ivy, Virginia creeper and other climbers if they have outgrown their space, before birds start nesting.

Chit first-early potato tubers by standing them in trays in a light, frost-free place.

Prepare veg beds for sowing by weeding thoroughly, then cover with a thick layer of garden compost.

Put cloches or fleece over strawberry plants to star t them into growth and encourage an early crop.

Plant rhubarb into enriched soil or lift and divide established clumps.

Check if old seed packets are wor th keeping by sowing a few seeds on damp kitchen paper, to see if they germinate.

Sow sweet peas in deep pots and keep them frost-free in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill.

Sow summer bedding and tender annuals, including cosmos, lobelia, dahlias, nasturtiums and snapdragons.

Frosty days are still to come but the garden will soon be full of glorious colour, bringing forth the mighty spring.

16 Completely Bromsgrove

Sow tender crops such as tomatoes and chillies in a heated propagator or on a warm sunny windowsill.

Plant dahlia tubers in trays to encourage shoots to develop, which you can then use as cuttings.

Wash the greenhouse inside and out to remove overwintering pests and let in as much light as possible.

By Suzi M, plotter at Roundhill Allotments

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Membership No. TT7218

Membership No. TT7218

Don’t neglect your water butt in winter D

id you know around 85,000 litres of rainwater falls off the average roof each year, enough to fill around 450 water butts?

They’re a fantastic way to store excess rainwater from your roof, and during spring and summer they are useful for watering the garden, giving plants lots of beneficial nutrients from rainwater. However, they are often forgotten about during the winter period when they might be more useful than you realise.

While most people with water butts in their gardens will be used to them running dry in the summer, having them empty during winter helps to provide vital storage and limit the amount of rainwater which enters the storm water sewer network, helping to reduce local flood risk.

We’ve had some wet weather recently, so water butts are likely to be full - why not drain some water out of your water butts while it’s dry - the water is great for houseplants too. - and help create space for water next time it rains. It’s also the perfect oppor tunity to give your water butt a clean and repair any cracks or leaks!

Water butts come in a huge variety of sizes, shapes and colours – there is one to suit every drainpipe.

They have so many benefits, here’s just a few: They’re easy to set up and can be put together with minimal DIY skills and a few basic tools.

Water butts are suitable for nearly all gardens.

There are no significant requirements other than a level surface to place the water butt onto, and a downpipe from your roof that a connector can be fitted to running from the water butt.

You’ll have a ready supply of water for all your gardening needs, even if there’s a hosepipe ban in place due to summer drought.

18 Completely Bromsgrove

A butt will make savings to your water bills if you’re on a meter.

They’re eco-friendly as they make use of rainwater that would normally go along your gutters, down your drainpipes and into your drain.

Plants and vegetables like water in a butt being at a similar temperature as the surrounding environment when they’re growing. Tap water is often much cooler.

If you don’t have an outside tap in your garden, then installing a water butt makes a lot of sense – it cer tainly gets rid of the hassle of going into your kitchen or bathroom to fill a watering can, every time your plants need a drink.

The perfect fit

for your bedroom

FITTED INTERIORS

B

romsgrove based kitchen and bedroom specialist, AK Fitted Interiors, explains why investing in bespoke wardrobes is a great way to add both storage and value to your home.

Choosing a fitted bedroom is a decision that combines practicality, aesthetics, and long-term value.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your home’s functionality or create a luxurious retreat, a fitted bedroom offers numerous advantages that make it a worthwhile investment.

Maximising space and storage One of the most significant benefits of a fitted bedroom is the efficient use of space. With newer homes in par ticular, bedroom space can often be limited. Unlike freestanding furniture, fitted wardrobes and storage solutions can be designed to fit the exact dimensions of your room, including awkward corners, sloped ceilings, or alcoves. This tailored approach ensures no space is wasted, providing ample storage for clothing, accessories, and personal belongings while maintaining a clutterfree environment. By optimising every inch, a fitted bedroom allows you to create a functional yet stylish space, even in small or irregularly shaped rooms.

Personalised design Quality fitted bedrooms offer a high level of customisation, enabling you to design a space that reflects your personal style and meets your specific needs. From selecting materials, finishes, and colours to choosing internal configurations like hanging rails, shelves, and drawers, you can create a bespoke solution tailored to your lifestyle. AK’s clients can see exactly how their new room will look with photo quality renders created by our experienced design team.

Enhanced aesthetics and quality Fitted bedrooms are built to last, with high-quality materials and craftsmanship ensuring durability and longevity. They eliminate the need for mismatched furniture and create a streamlined appearance, making your bedroom feel more spacious and inviting. Unlike flat-pack furniture that may wear out or become outdated, fitted furniture is designed to withstand daily use and look great for years to come, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run. Choosing classic styles such as Shaker in neutral colours ensures that your furniture will achieve a timeless look.

Increased property value A fitted bedroom is an investment that can add significant value to your property. Potential buyers often view built-in storage solutions as a desirable feature, as they provide convenience and eliminate the need for additional furniture. A well-designed fitted bedroom can make your home stand out in the market, offering both practicality and style that appeals to a wide range of buyers.

Next steps For further interior inspiration, visit AK’s two storey showroom in Bromsgrove where you’ll find bedrooms on the second floor. Browse the stunning furniture ranges, made in Yorkshire, on our website and see examples of previous local installations on our gallery page.

You can visit us at AK Fitted Interiors, Saxon Business Park, Bromsgrove, B60 4AD, call 01527 835924 or head to www.akfittedinteriors.co.uk Completely Bromsgrove

19

12 drummers

drumming?

Great spotted woodpeckers by Pete Cheshire

O

wls hooting, foxes barking and woodpeckers drumming…spring must be round the corner!

I’ve recently star ted to hear a great spotted woodpecker drumming on a tree somewhere near my garden. It feels a little early - drumming usually starts in February and peaks in March; it’s a sign that birds are thinking about settling down and that spring is on its way.

10 to 40 strikes a second. That’s how many times a woodpecker bill needs to hit a tree to make it resonate. An unpaired male may drum up to 10 times a minute and 600 times a day; it’s a good job they have a shock absorber at the base of their skull.

Both male and female great spotted woodpeckers drum and it’s an important contact signal during courtship. Pairs stay together for about three years and each takes their share of excavating a nest-hole in a tree, incubating the eggs and feeding the young.

Excavation of a new hole is done more slowly than their drumming, so the tree doesn’t resonate and you don’t hear what they’re up to.

Those impressive bills are not only used for drumming and for excavating holes in which to raise a family but they’re also used for chiselling into wood to expose food – wood-boring beetles, spiders and other hard-to-get-at invertebrates.

To help with this, they also have long and sticky tongues with a harpoon-like tip so they can then probe crevices and nooks on the hunt for a juicy morsel to eat.

We have three species of woodpecker in the UK and great spots, as they’re often referred to in birding circles, are doing well. Lesser spotted woodpecker populations have declined by 81%

20 Completely Bromsgrove

since 1997, whilst green woodpecker numbers have remained relatively stable. Great spots are bucking this trend and are seen regularly at garden feeding stations in Worcestershire, even in urban areas where there are plenty of trees. Whether you’re an armchair garden-watcher or are regularly out and about, keep a look out for these striking birds.

About the size of a blackbird, the mainly black and white plumage is complemented by a red under tail.

Males also have a band of red on the back of their head and when they leave the nests in summer, juveniles have an entirely red crown.

To help attract woodpeckers to your garden, how about creating a woodland edge www. worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/actions/how-makewoodland-edge-garden-wildlife If you don’t have space where you live, what about renting a nest on one of our nature reserves and finding out who moves in https://bit.ly/ WWTRentANest

Keep up to date with us... on X x.com/WorcsWT on Instagram instagram.com/worcswt/ on Facebook facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust on Bluesky bsky.app/profile/worcswt.bsky.social on YouTube youtube.com/c/WorcswildlifetrustUK1

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

Calling all budding flower arrangers!

W

e all need a bit of beauty in our lives and flower arranging can provide that. Whether doing it ourselves or watching a master at work, the release of tensions and the connection to nature does us all good.

Come along to Bromsgrove Flower Club meeting at 1.30pm on Thursday 20th February 2025 at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove when Sharron Harvey will be creating beautiful designs for us to win at the end of the afternoon.

You will be welcomed with a hot drink and biscuits and a very friendly atmosphere.

This month’s in-house competition is entitled “Twigs and Sticks and all that.” Do bring along your interpretation. Take a chance with our Sweepstake, buy some raffle tickets for the lovely arrangements and have a browse around our Bring and Buy stall.

A great afternoons enter tainment for £5 for members and £10 for visitors. Annual Subscriptions of £40 will need to be paid asap. Thank you

Escape from pain with free rehab sessions T he latest round of free ESCAPE-pain rehab sessions for sufferers of arthritic pain will begin in February.

This group rehab initiative for people living with joint pain uses education and coping strategies alongside exercise. It will help you to understand your condition better, teaches you simple things you can help yourself with, and takes you through a progressive exercise programme so that you can learn how to cope with the pain more easily.

Details are still being finalised and dates, times and the venue will be announced shortly.

Portfolio holder for leisure, Councillor Bernard McEldowney, said: “We’re pleased to be able to put on these sessions for people who suffer with arthritic pain and to hopefully provide them with new coping strategies.”

Anyone who wishes to take part should express their interest via the online form on the Bromsgrove District Council website – search Escape Pain - or call 01527 881404.

For more information call the spor ts development team on the number above or email sd@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk Completely Bromsgrove

21

Understanding the importance of lasting powers of attorney “I already have a will, so I do not need a lasting power of attorney” is a common misconception.

In this article, The Will Partners will address this and other myths to put your mind at rest.

A will is a separate legal document to an LPA, which gives your appointed attorneys the ability to manage your proper ty and financial affairs and health and welfare decisions during your lifetime.

With a will, your named executors will deal with the administration of your estate after your death and although they can be the same people as your attorneys, these are two very different roles.

“My partner will deal with my affairs if I lose capacity” While it may be your wish for your par tner to take over your affairs if you are unable to, they would not have legal authority to do so, even in marriage, without a registered LPA in place. LPAs create a sense of security and comfort in the knowledge that you have formally appointed those persons that you wish to manage your affairs.

Without LPAs, if you did lose mental capacity, anyone could make an application to the Court of Protection to obtain a deputyship order to deal with your affairs. Therefore, while you have the mental capacity to do so, it is impor tant that you make LPAs and appoint those who you trust to be your registered attorneys.

“You can’t make lasting powers of attorney if someone has dementia” To make an LPA application the donor (the person who the LPA is for) must have the capacity to make one. The capacity of the donor can be assessed through task specific testing. A typical question that the donor may be asked is: Can you give an example of what your attorneys would be able to assist you with if they were appointed?

If the donor does not satisfy the capacity assessment, an application can be made to the Court of Protection for a deputyship order. The order will appoint a named deputy, who will have the authority to deal with the affairs of the individual. It will be at the court’s discretion to decide how much power a deputy has.

“I can’t have all of my children appointed as my attorneys” It is normal to have between one and four attorneys.

There is also an option to have replacement attorneys, where you can name individuals who you

22 Completely Bromsgrove

would like to step in as your attorney, should anything happen to any of your original appointed attorneys.

You should appoint attorneys that you believe would work well together and individuals that you trust to act in your best interests.

“You have to appoint the same people in both types of lasting powers of attorney” As mentioned earlier, there are two types of LPAs - one that deals with your proper ty and financial affairs, and one that deals with your health and welfare. You do not need to appoint the same people as your attorneys in both documents. For example, you could appoint an additional friend who has a medical background in your health and welfare LPA and not include them in your proper ty and financial affairs LPA. Alternatively, you can have the same attorneys in both documents.

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23

Join our ‘Big Dementia Conversation’ event Adjusting to a diagnosis of dementia Wednesday 26th February 2025 2pm - 4pm Join us to hear Barbara Stephens, CEO of Dementia Pathfinders, share insights into how your journey with dementia might unfold following a diagnosis and offer advice on how to live positively with dementia, while making emotional and practical adjustments along the way.

Trusted to care.

Chandler Court care home Bromsgrove To book please call 01527 958 612 or email rebecca.pearce@careuk.com

24 Completely Bromsgrove

Advertising Feature

Join Care UK’s nationwide ‘Big Dementia Conversation’ Did you know that more than 944,000 people in the UK live with dementia, yet 94% of people think it’s common to mistake the early signs of dementia as normal ageing*?

Despite our increased knowledge of dementia in recent years, 71% of people feel there is little awareness around the differences between typical signs of ageing compared with symptoms of dementia. What’s more, 46% of people still think that the risk of developing dementia cannot be reduced *.

the right support in place can help your loved one to live well and can even slow down the progression of dementia.

Let’s get talking

We’re here for you

‘The Big Dementia Conversation’ online advice hub is all about sharing knowledge and real-life experiences to support those who are looking after someone living with dementia.

If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia and need a little extra support, why not contact our dedicated advice helpline?

Often dementia is associated with memory, but it can present differently for many and recognising the early signs is important. Not only can an early diagnosis help you to understand and adjust to the changes your loved one is experiencing, getting

If you’re considering care, call your local care home Chandler Court on 01527 958 612 or visit careuk.com/chandler-court

Our online advice hub also looks at how you can support someone living with dementia and how just a few small tweaks can make a difference.

Our friendly support team and dementia specialists will be on hand to provide much-needed advice and support to you and your loved one.

Visit our online advice hub to find out more by scanning the QR code.

*According to a survey of 2,000 UK adults, conducted by OnePoll between 25th September and 2nd October 2023.

Did you know?

13% of people surveyed thought that ‘People living with dementia can’t lead a meaningful life’ *.

63% of people said ‘Forgetting things they’ve just done or been told’ was one of the first symptoms they noticed, and 59% said this was one of the fastest developing symptoms, yet 57% of these people also put this down to old age initially*.

Completely Bromsgrove

25

Taking a train to ‘The Austin’

HISTORY

Dowery Dell Viaduct 1958

Hunslet Diesel at Longbridge

West Works Platforms 1956

F

or more than a century, the Austin Works at Longbridge produced iconic British cars, such as the Austin Seven, the A35, and the Mini. But the production line was not the only track within the site.The works had its own railway lines, one of which was connected to the Halesowen Railway.

The Great Western Railway (GWR) opened a branch from Old Hill, in the Black Country, to Halesowen in 1878. Construction of an extension from Halesowen to Northfield was started the same year and opened as the Halesowen & Northfield Railway on September 10th, 1883. It joined the Midland Railway’s Birmingham to Gloucester line at Longbridge Junction, near the present Longbridge station.

One of many engineering challenges was a wooded valley called Dowery Dingle, near Romsley, which had to be traversed by a 660ft viaduct. It was supported on two stone abutments and eight castiron piers and rose 100ft above the river below. The line had a gentle curve at the southern end, while the outer rail was slightly elevated. This made the carriages tilt slightly and a 10mph speed limit was imposed to ease passengers’ nerves.

been constructed, along with an island platform.

GWR star ted the first workmen’s service on April 18th, 1917, with two trains from Old Hill in the morning and two return services in the evening.

However, Longbridge Station did not appear on timetables and officially did not exist, although members of the public could and did use the service.

The line continued to be an impor tant par t of Longbridge’s infrastructure through the 1920s and 1930s, but after the Second World War both goods and workers were moving to the roads.

When the young Herbert Austin was looking for somewhere to build his ‘automobiles’ in 1905, Longbridge’s proximity to a railway line was a key deciding factor.

The final workers’ train to Halesowen and Old Hill steamed out of Longbridge at 5.40pm on August 29th, 1958. The line between Rubery and Halesowen was kept open for a while but closed in January 1964 to permit construction of the M5. In April 1965 the track south of Halesowen was lifted and the Dowery Dell viaduct dismantled. Only the tracks adjacent to the factory remained, used by the company’s engines to move goods around.

After the First World War broke out, ‘The Austin’ changed over to producing items for the war effort and it was felt that Longbridge needed its own station.

For the first time, platforms were built inside the works, in particular to serve the new West and North factories. By 1917 loop-lines and two signal boxes, known as Longbridge East and Longbridge West, had

The story of the Halesowen Branch will be told in more detail at the Bromsgrove Society’s local history talk on February 18th, 2025, when the speaker will be railway historian David Waldren. The meeting star ts at 7.45pm at the Methodist Centre, Stratford Road. (www.bsoc.co.uk).

by Mike Sharpe

26 Completely Bromsgrove

Completely Bromsgrove

27

National Churches Trust award funding for Spire Appeal T

he Friends of St John’s were thrilled to receive news of a significant grant from the National Churches Trust, which takes the repair work one step closer to starting.

Since 1953, the National Churches Trust has provided funding of more than £130 million to suppor t the UK’s church buildings. As an independent charity they work with churches of all denominations and are UK-wide, providing support, training and advice to keep UK churches open and in good repair.

help to keep the church building open and serving local people.”

In the latest round of grants, 53 places of worship were given hope for the future with grant funding to help to keep them open for years to come. This included St John’s in Bromsgrove where a grant of £19,315 from the National Churches Trust and a £10,000 Wolfson Fabric Repair Grant from the Wolfson Foundation will help to pay for the urgent repairs to preserve the tallest spire in Worcestershire.

These latest generous grants have boosted the funds already raised from other national bodies, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and many local organisations and individuals who see the impor tance of restoring the landmark spire at St John’s. Final preparation works and meetings are taking place as the fundraising draws close to reaching the required target and the urgent work to repair the spire comes close to being star ted.

Repairing the spire will keep the church at the heart of the community and ensure this important heritage building can be enjoyed and appreciated for generations to come.

Claire Walker, Chief Executive of the National Churches Trust, said “The National Churches Trust is delighted to be able to support St John the Baptist church to enable them to carry out urgent repairs to their magnificent spire. Not only will this protect the important heritage, but it will

“Whether seeking quiet reflection, access to community services or a place to worship, the National Churches Trust helps hundreds of churches each year and with the support of local people, keeps them thriving today and tomorrow.”

Whilst the tower and spire are covered in scaffolding and work takes place, there will be opportunities for people to engage with the heritage and get involved during outreach days and events. Keep up to date with the progress online via www.stjohnsfriends. co.uk or www.facebook.com/ FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove

by Jo Slade

28 Completely Bromsgrove

Court Leet elects new Bailiff and welcomes new members A

t the Great Autumn Court 2024 members of Bromsgrove Court Leet elected Mark Robinson to be Bailiff and Robert Spittle to take on the role of Reeve for the next twelve months.

Two new members were elected to join the Court as Jurors. Completely Bromsgrove’s Editor Michele Ford and Catshill resident Michael Webb were sworn in. They both took an oath to serve the King and the Court, and to take on the role of Bailiff when they were called to do so.

Each year a new Bailiff is elected at the meeting which is held at Bromsgrove School. Court Leet Members gather in the Old Chapel before making a short procession to the Cookes Room where the

Great Autumn Court is held. During the meeting the Immediate Past Bailiff Philip Thomas gave a review of his year in office, and newly elected Bailiff Mark Robinson spoke of his plans for the year, which included suppor ting the Bellman Kevin Ward in hosting the National Championship of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers in June. Mr Robinson announced that he would be suppor ting St John’s Church and Avoncroft Museum as his local charities.

We say goodbye to Court Leet Members Tributes have been paid to three members of Court who passed away recently.

Ealdorman David Slade served as Bailiff when the Court celebrated 800 years since the 1199 Charter. His year was fondly remembered for expertly organised events and the attendance of Sir Robin Day at the Charter Dinner. Outside Court, David was responsible for restarting the Bromsgrove Carnival in 1981 and was chairman of the Landmark Appeal at St John’s.

joined the Court in the late 1960s, and was the longest standing member of the Court when he died.

He joined as Tythingman for Buntsford moving to the Town yield at the Autumn Court in 1972. In 1986, he was elected Headborough, a position he held until 2003 when he was given the title of Honorary Constable. Bob was known for his personal collection of Bromsgrove photographs and memorabilia.

Ealdorman Roy Thomason, a past MP for Bromsgrove, was Bailiff in 2012 the year members voted to invite women to join the Court. Roy was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for Services to local government in 1986. Whilst in Bromsgrove he lived with his family in Dodford.

Honorary Constable Robert Richardson (Bob)

Roy Thomason

Bob Richardson

David Slade

by Jo Slade

Completely Bromsgrove

29

Highs and lows of my natural weight loss journey

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

H

appy New Year to all Completely Bromsgrove readers. I hope the star t of 2025 finds you healthy and peaceful.

This is the follow up article to my December column on the theme of visceral fat. Previously I explained what visceral fat is and promised to let you know how I have got on with a new weight loss product as I can’t recommend anything that I don’t use myself.

I star ted this journey three weeks before 1st December and I’m not sure if this was a good idea or not, the reason being that my daughter and her family arrived in the UK from Australia. I then visited Lapland with them and the diet went out of the window. However, within the first three weeks I did lose three pounds in weight so can’t complain.

The family returned to Australia on 1st December after a full day in London. I then began to think about Christmas and yes, the invitations started to roll in for drinks, lunches and I began again with the eating and drinking.

However, when taking the drops in my morning and late afternoon drinks, I noticed that my appetite was curbed, and I could not over-indulge without feeling I had eaten or drunk too much.

I’m sure you’re keen to hear how I’ve got on so far but before I tell you some important information.

The doctors involved with this research have found that there are three types of weight loss.

Here’s the link for you to look and listen: pHix for Six Dr Bowers www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HTtcWzhnI People who lost weight using this product fell into three distinct groups.

Group 1: The miraculous where the weight loss is amazing, such as losing 9lbs in eight days.

Group 2: With this group it takes four to eight weeks for the results to begin to show.

Group 3: As above but the timescale is 10 to 12 weeks.

The benefits are: Better sleep, no bloating, less eating and more mind energy.

You need to have patience with this product and take it for a minimum of three to six months.

30 Completely Bromsgrove

I am between the second and third group, having lost 5lbs in weight and a total of 12½ inches. I can now put on a pair of jeans that I could not fasten and, yes, they are tight but at least I can do them up.

I am testing this new product which is vegan friendly, gluten free, tasteless and odourless. You can add it to any hot or cold drink.

For more information, please contact me on colette@ need4change. com

by Colette Garside

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31

300 days of sun and fun A

s a seasoned traveller, I have decided to share some of our adventures with the readers of Completely Bromsgrove.

Most recently, we jumped on a Ryanair flight to Malaga in Spain.

As it was a birthday trip, the birthday being on New Year’s Eve, we took the 5.45am flight from Birmingham which arrived just two hours and 50 minutes later. As the trip was only for five nights, we had paid for priority boarding so we could take hand luggage onto the plane with us and place it in the overhead locker. This meant that once we had landed and gone through border control, which was quick and efficient, all we had to do was find our driver, which was part of our hotel booking.

We opted for the three-star

32 Completely Bromsgrove

Soho Boutique Los Naranjos Hotel situated in the east of Malaga, within easy walking distance of the city centre.

Our driver dropped us off, but as we were early, our room wasn’t ready for check in, so we were able to leave our luggage in the security room and set off to start our break - and celebrate the bir thday!

A stroll in the sunshine along the promenade to find a beachside café was our first port of call. Coffee consumed, which always tastes so much better abroad, we ventured further along the promenade to yet another beach restaurant. We embarked on a light lunch of sardines grilled in the traditional way, and the bir thday boy’s favourite of whitebait.

TRAVEL

in Marvellous Malaga In the afternoon, we headed back to the hotel for check in which was smooth and uncomplicated. Our room had a balcony, which benefited from the sun from rise to fall. This is always a bonus, especially winter sun which we don’t get a lot of, unlike Malaga which boosts 300 days of sun per year!

During our stay, we hired a car and spent a day at Ronda, which is roughly an hour and 40 minutes’ drive or, of course, there are organised day trips which can also take you there.

The city invites you to take a leisurely stroll through its streets, absorbing every detail of this ancient medina on the south bank of the Guadalevín river, whose walls are still partially standing. You can cross the Puente Nuevo (“new bridge”) and wander around the Alameda del Tajo, stopping at every odd corner and historic monument, and then restore your strength in one of the restaurants offering an abundant selection of traditional dishes. It cer tainly is worth a visit with its spectacular views over the valley below and of course the famous gorge.

While we had the car, we also spent a morning in the small idyllic town of Frigiliana, a maze of narrow, winding streets lined with whitewashed houses and shops. This traditional Spanish town offers a relaxed atmosphere and friendly welcome.

Malaga also boasts a wealth of ar t galleries. Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, and the King and Queen of Spain inaugurated the Museo Picasso (Picasso Museum) in October 2003.

If you are visiting the museum for the first time, remember that just a couple of minutes away, in the Plaza de la Merced, is the Casa Natal, the birthplace of Picasso, which has been open to the public since 1988.

There are exhibition rooms in the Casa Natal, as well as pictures and a view of how life was for the ar tist in his early years in the city.

To sum up, at any time of year, Malaga is the perfect base for anyone who has an interest in history and historic buildings, ar t and culture, city breaks, beaches, sun and sangria… ole!

by Michele Ford Completely Bromsgrove

33

Fabulous February at

W

e’ve nearly made it through those cold winter months and spring is just around the corner – and what better way to celebrate than to book for one of our fantastic upcoming shows.

Throughout February we welcome some amazing stars to our stage.

The Chris Stapleton Experience promises a night of soulful country music on Saturday 15th of February as he sings his greatest hits.

Former member of the drifters, Roy G Hemmings brings his Motown Show, featuring iconic songs from the era on Saturday 1st of March.

We also have a line-up of some of the very best tribute acts.

The Rock Ballads Show on Friday 21st of February pays tribute to one of the greatest periods in the history of music.

CODA - a Tribute to Led Zeppelin are Europe’s most authentic and exciting Led Zeppelin tribute band, replicating the power, excitement and magic of a Led Zeppelin show like no other on Saturday 22nd of February.

34 Completely Bromsgrove

Mad Manners pays tribute to some of the greatest Ska artists, such as Madness and Specials, and is guaranteed to have you jumping and dancing in the aisles Sunday 23rd of February.

Blondish are the standout Blondie tribute in the UK, bringing to life the classic songs of one of the greatest late 70s/early 80s New Wave bands on Friday 28th of February.

We are delighted to announce our partnership with the incredible CinemaLive, who allow local theatres to show some of the very best cinema and west end shows.

We kick this off In February with the 40th anniversary show of Les Misérables on Tuesday 4th February, which features an all-star cast and all the original songs.

Following this is Royal Albert Halls’ showing of The Phantom of the Opera on Friday 14th of February.

Tickets for all performances are available at www. artrixbromsgrove.co.uk/ or via our onsite box office Wed and Sat 10am-12pm.

DON’T MISS A NIGHT OF TIMELESS HITS Experience the magic of soul music as Roy G. Hemmings, formerly of The Drifters, brings you The Sounds of Philadelphia and Motown! This electrifying live show features over two hours of iconic hits performed with a full live band and sensational singers. From the smooth grooves of Philly soul to the unforgettable Motown classics, it’s a musical journey that will have you dancing in your seat and singing along to every word.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW! The Artrix Theatre | Bromsgrove

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WED 26 FEB : 7.30 Online booking www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk Completely Bromsgrove

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A February feast of Named after a mysterious, mythical hotel and based in Birmingham, UK, The Grondo Palace Blues Band celebrate and play excellent music from a while ago, and they will be taking to our stage on Saturday 1st February 8pm. If your (preferably vinyl) record collection includes timeless classic albums by the likes of The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Santana, The Eagles, Creedence Clearwater Revival, as well as a sprinkling of the original 50s/60s soul and rock & roll that first inspired them, then they are the band for you!!

Seen by over 120 million people worldwide, Les Misérables is undisputedly one of the world’s most popular musicals. In 2019, Cameron Mackintosh produced a spectacular sell-out staged concert version at the Gielgud Theatre featuring an all-star cast including Michael Ball, Alfie Boe, Carrie Hope Fletcher, Matt Lucas and John Owen Jones. Now cinema audiences can experience a unique encore of this incredible show to celebrate Les Misérables 40th Anniversary. Featuring a cast and orchestra of over 65 and including the songs I Dreamed A Dream, Bring Him Home, One Day More and On My Own this sensational staged concert is not to be missed. Les Misérables – The Staged Concert (40th Anniversary celebration) will be screened on 2nd February 7.00pm.

“Bill Bailey Meets The Archers!” when a new a cappella touring show comes to Fairfield on Saturday 8th February. This very talented quartet combines beautiful close harmony singing and quirky songwriting, with much laughter and even improvised singing sessions, The Pocket Choral Society features four experienced singers blending into one.

Singing unamplified the quartet bring lots of their own songs and new arrangements of some more well known numbers from Lennon & McCartney, Flanders & Swann and Tom Waits in an intimate and relaxed way.

Following the highly successful summer tour of The Importance Of Being Earnest, Rain or Shine Theatre Company is touring ‘Murder Most Wilde’ during winter 2024, and will be stopping off in Fairfield on Sunday 9th February.

This humorous production is a new adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s comic and quirky tale “Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime”, a delightfully silly Victorian comedy chock full of muddled murder attempts and comic confusion.

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great entertainment David Tennant (Doctor Who, Broadchurch) and Cush Jumbo (The Good Wife, Criminal Record) lead a stellar cast in an ‘enthralling’ ( ) Daily Telegraph) new production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, filmed live at the Donmar Warehouse in London, especially for the big screen, and we will be screening this fantastic production on Wednesday 19th & Sunday 23rd March.

Something for all family during the half-term break.

Gru, the world’s favourite supervillain-turned-AntiVillain League-agent, returns for an exciting, bold new era of Minions mayhem in Illumination’s Despicable Me 4, Thursday 20th February 11am.

Come feel the noize and rock the night away on Saturday 22nd February 8pm when Red Tails, a Redditch based covers band, takes to our stage and play a range of high energy, rocked up classic songs.

Three-time Olivier Award-winner Sharon D Clarke is joined by Ncuti Gatwa (Doctor Who; Sex Education) in this joyful reimagining of Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated comedy The Importance Of Being Earnest, being screened Wednesday 26th February and repeated on Sunday 9th March.

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 Completely Bromsgrove

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Three times the talent banish February blues

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long-established trio has undergone a facelift and is heading to Feckenham Village Hall on Sunday, February 9th at 7.30pm.

Mumbo Jumbo now features two fabulous piano players in Richard Hughes and Phil Bond and the band is led by trumpeter and vocalist Oliver Carpenter.

This eclectic singer/songwriting trio sit somewhere in the folk, blues, and acoustic areas of music and are renowned for their witty and audacious banter and equally witty lyrics.

Twice nominated in the British Blues Awards and commissioned to write the official song for VE Day 75, the trio write about everything from old soldiers to 19th century car toon characters, love, light and a wealth of even more unusual subjects.

Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Borough Council.

This professional show, entitled Four Hands and Horn, is coming to Feckenham as part of the Live & Local programme suppor ted by Arts Council England,

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

Road trippers and fortune seekers dominate the big screen

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he FeckenOdeon has two critically acclaimed offerings to delight cinema goers in February, star ting with Typist Artist Pirate King (12A) on Friday, February 7th at 8pm.

This imaginative, laugh-out-loud, and emotional road movie puts forgotten artist Audrey Amiss on the map. Inspired by her extensive archive of diaries, letters and art, the film weaves real events into an imagined journey as Audrey goes on a real road trip with a psychiatric nurse.

Directed by acclaimed British filmmaker Carol Morley, this dark and funny exploration of the growing friendship between two women as they hit the road is filled with adventure, humour and compassion.

Mel Brooks’ classic The Producers (PG) can be enjoyed by all ages on Saturday, February 22nd at 7.30pm.

There have been remakes, stage

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versions and musicals based on this movie, but this is the untouched, uncut and utterly hilarious original.

The story of two men striving to make a fortune by putting on the worst musical in Broadway history is by now well-known but it’s never been so well performed. Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder star in an irreverent comic masterpiece. Subtle it isn’t, crazy and in spectacular bad taste it is, which makes it even more irresistible.

The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham, B96 6HN. Tickets can be booked online through www.feckenodeon.co.uk, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Rose & Crown and The Village Shop in Feckenham.

Powerful version of Orwell classic makes Malvern stop O

Pamela Raith Photography

ctagon Theatre Bolton’s chilling and powerful retelling of George Orwell’s timeless fable, Animal Farm, comes to Malvern Theatres from 11th to 15th February as part of a UK tour.

Adapted for the stage by Ian Wooldridge and directed by esteemed theatre director, Iqbal Khan (East is East, Birmingham Rep & National Theatre, Tartuffe, Royal Shakespeare Company), the show opened to critical acclaim earlier this year.

When the downtrodden animals of Manor Farm overthrow their master, they imagine it is the beginning of a new life of freedom and equality. However, over time they find themselves ensnared as one tyranny is quickly replaced with another.

Animal Farm is Orwell’s enduring and devastating satire about the corruption of power, that comments on the imbalance among society and demonstrates how some are more equal than others.

A story as relevant today as when it was written in 1945, this classic tale will be brought vividly to life on stages across the UK in this gripping production for 2025.

To book tickets, visit www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

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Town Crier celebrates 40 years with National Championships T

o celebrate his 40th year as Town Crier of Bromsgrove, Kevin Ward has secured the National Championship of the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers for Bromsgrove. The event will be held in the town on Saturday 14th June and is expected to attract around 40 criers from across the country. Our Kevin is in with a shout!

Kevin became Town Crier in 1985 in a competition organised by by Bromsgrove Cour t Leet when Matthew Hor ton was Bailiff, and has served as Town Crier and Cour t Bellman ever since. He is much loved by townsfolk and visitors alike.

On 14th June there will be two rounds of crying.

In the morning the competition will be held in the busy High Street with the market on and the street bustling with people. Each Crier will cry about their hometown. After the formal competition the Criers will stay in the town, lunching at High Street cafes and restaurants, so everyone can meet them! In the afternoon, the group will move to Avoncroft Museum of Buildings where the competition will take place on the lawns outside Guesten Hall. The two different locations will test the criers’ ability to adapt to different surroundings.

The event will be supported by local organisations including the Bromsgrove Festival, Bromsgrove Society, Bromsgrove District Council and Bromsgrove Court Leet. Wythall Transpor t Museum is providing a vintage bus to move everyone round in style.

We spoke to Kevin and he said “I’m very pleased to be able to bring this important competition to the town to mark 40 very enjoyable years as Bromsgrove’s Town Crier. The support already received is wonderful, and I am most grateful to all.

40 Completely Bromsgrove

The judging criteria for the competition is based on diction and clarity of the Crier’s cry at a suitable sustained volume. It’s no good being loud if your message can’t be understood or you don’t manage to hold the crowd’s attention! I’ve chosen two venues because the High Street’s acoustic is quite reverberant and crowds will be passing for the Market, so competitors will need to grab people’s attention, but Guesten Hall Field is open and acoustically dead, a completely different challenge. It’s really going to find the best Town Crier who can tailor their voice to the circumstances.”

All the event details will be published online via www.facebook.com/TownCriersCompBromsgrove and we at Completely Bromsgrove will

by Jo Slade keep you updated as plans develop.

Fuel your morning with the Primrose Hospice’s Business Breakfast

P

rimrose Hospice would love to invite their community to their upcoming Business Breakfast on Wednesday 19th February.

They will be joined by Nigel Watson, a local motivational speaker and endurance athlete, who will speak about his endurance challenges. Nigel is chair of Redditch STARS running club and raised more than £5,000 for charities - including Primrose Hospice - when he completed the Marathon des Sables race across the Sahara Desert in 2023 – a gruelling 250km race through intense running conditions of up to 58 degrees Celsius.

Adam Siviter, Fundraising Manager at Primrose Hospice said: “We are delighted to be hosting this fantastic networking opportunity for local and regionally based businesses. It will give you a great opportunity to make new connections as well as finding

out about partnering with Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre, and how you can reap the benefits through supporting an impactful, local charity.”

The Primrose Business Breakfast is being held at Holiday Inn Birmingham Bromsgrove, B61 9AB. It is open to anyone wanting to meet new people, be inspired and find out more about how you could suppor t Primrose to help them suppor t more patients and families in their time of need.

Tickets cost £10 and will include breakfast and refreshments. Register here: www.primrosehospice.org/ events/business-breakfast or call their fundraising team on: 01527 889796

A Platform for young musicians’

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alented young musicians from across the United Kingdom will take part in the annual Bromsgrove Young Musicians’ Platform (BYMP) later this year, with closed auditions due to take place on 22nd and 23rd February in the town. The final will be held in Routh Concert Hall at Bromsgrove School on the afternoon of Saturday, 31st May. Tickets will go on sale soon.

The Platform competition, now in its ninth year, welcomes young musicians aged 9-17 who are at school or resident in the UK. The junior section is for those aged 9-13 and Seniors aged 14-17.

The Senior category, for those aged 14-17, awards a bursary of £1000 to the winner in order to buy music lessons, sheet music or a new instrument. The Junior winner receives £750 and there is also a second award of £400 for each category runner up. Further information about the Young Musicians’ Platform is available at www. bromsgroveplatform.com, or follow the competition on social media @TheBromsgrove.

Its sister competition, The Bromsgrove International Musicians Competition (BIMC), which runs the Platform, was originally founded for young talented musicians in 1980 by the late Dr Mary White. The competition is run by a trust, which is a registered charity (no.1155544). The International competition is open to instrumentalists and pianists of all nationalities aged 18 to 25 (28 for singers) and will take place from 26th-31st May 2025.

Both the Platform and The Bromsgrove international competition is gearing up to make 2025 a successful year for all who enter.

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Spend happy half term at Hanbury Hall

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ull of fun adventures for all the family, Hanbury Hall offers lots to do to keep youngsters busy in the great outdoors, from exploring the playground to discovering the gardens in a seasonal trail.

This February half term, identify some of the team’s favourite trees with the Terrific Trees Trail. There are lots of special trees in the gardens, many are hundreds of years old, and the outdoors team work hard to look after them so they can carry on being enjoyed for many years to come. Use the map to see if you can find them all, learn interesting facts and complete activities, including bark rubbing and tree hugging.

Families can also create their own paper tree decorated with each of the four seasons in craft sessions taking place inside the Long Gallery. New buds and blossom in spring, lush green leaves in summer, copper-coloured tones and falling leaves in autumn, and frost covered bare branches in winter - trees transform every season, with each one as beautiful as the last. Decorate your tree with all your favourite seasonal highlights.

By taking part in these activities, you will be helping to care for the trees, and the rest of the property for

42 Completely Bromsgrove

future generations. The trail takes place every day of February half term from 9am to 4pm, and the crafts every day from 11am to 3pm.You can buy the trail and craft when you arrive at visitor reception for £2 each.

Look out for signs of spring as you enjoy the crisp, late winter’s air on a peaceful stroll in the gardens.

You’ll find clusters of snowdrops tucked away along Cedar Walk and in Kyte’s Orchard. Don’t forget to visit the adventure playground, explore the historic parkland on three-waymarked walking routes and admire views of the Worcestershire countryside.

Visit the Courtyard Kitchen restaurant or dogfriendly Stables Café for a range of tasty warm meals, cakes, and hot and cold drinks. With lots of options for kids, the restaurant is the perfect place to go for a family lunch after exploring the outdoors.

For more information and opening times, visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hanbury-hall

Ramblers to follow in Roman footsteps B

romsgrove Ramblers are planning a weekend away in Northumberland in October where they intend to walk in the footsteps of the Romans along sections of Hadrian’s Wall, including the now celebrated (for all the wrong reasons!) Sycamore Gap. The group will be based in Gosforth and travel to walking destinations each day.

Earlier in the year there will be another weekend in the Brecon Beacons, also known as Bannau Brycheiniog, and members are also planning a coach trip to Cannock Chase centred on the visitor centre.

Bromsgrove Ramblers are par t of The Ramblers organisation and arrange three regular walks every month – one long (about eight to 10 miles), one short (about four to six miles) and one shorter which will have some point of interest and may end at a pub or tearoom (about three to four miles).

Just turn up as someone else will have done the hard yards of preparation and planning. Follow the leader and make new friends along the way. The Ramblers are a hardy bunch and the first walk of 2025, as illustrated, went ahead despite appalling weather conditions. In addition to the walks, there are also social events, such as summer pub rambles, quiz evenings, meals out and skittles nights.

The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protect the places we all love to walk. Set up in 1935, it is the only charity dedicated to looking after paths and green spaces, leading walks, opening up new places to explore and encouraging everyone to get outside and discover how walking boosts your health and your happiness. Walking comes with lots of benefits, and everyone should have the chance to enjoy them –

not just those Roman legions!

For more information contact group secretary Peter Davies on 07772 458130.

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Audi A3 TFSIe is the I

t was a double treat for Aunt Maud: she of venerable age and punctilious propriety.

Before you ask, what has an aged relative got to do with a road test? Well, she used to rally Rileys back in the 1950s and knows the difference between a drop stitch and a dropped clutch. Last week she demanded: “What is a hybrid my boy?”

The technically minded of all-conquering knowledge need read no further. They will understand at the glissade of a slide rule what hybrid means. Lesser mortals be astonished, for when Audi takes the high road to the hybrid future you can guarantee the result will squeeze a whistle from a ukulele.

Just as internal combustion ironed out the need for steam power, today eco-conscious electricity shows the way ahead. And if one is allowed to mix metaphors, the result is plain sailing. Indeed, when writing about hybrids, mixing metaphors is, perhaps, de rigeur.

Aunt Maud’s eyes lit up as she appraised the gleaming acme of modernity of the Tango Red Audi

44 Completely Bromsgrove

A3 Spor tback 40 TFSIe 204 P.S. S Line S Tronic A3. It was easy to see why.

When Audi does hatchbacks the world expects them to do it in style. And style means purpose with a splash of panache for there’s a hint of Lamborghini, which Audi owns, in the DNA. Never has functionality looked so appealingly purposive.

Some might say that it is a posh Golf because it shares the same floorplan, but they would be so wrong. The A3 is in a higher league than the Golf and as for its Mercedes A Class rival, well in my view the Audi is far superior.

We tootled off, or rather launched in the manner of a bolt of lightning desperate to catch a train.

The wonder of it was the complete absence of accompanying thunder, merely the air of a shifting sigh of silent passage.

DRIVE TIME

best of both worlds!

How was I to explain the technical stuff? I pointed out that the 204 PS 1.4 litre turbo petrol engine lived up front under the bonnet to drive four wheels if and when needed and operated in conjunction with an electric motor powered by lithium batteries that can be recharged by ‘plugging in’ - and that they can be used in isolation when you elect to drive silently for up to 41 miles. A six speed S tronic automatic gearbox gives imperceptible ratio changes.

Charging the batteries is simple. At home you just plug in, leave it overnight and 41 miles are yours.

And when you’re out and about charging points are growing in number.

Taking a deep breath, I described how one can opt from a selection of modes - battery only, petrol only while saving the battery for city use, or petrol and battery together for rapid acceleration. A driver selects a mode from Sport, Comfort and Efficiency.

I pointed out that the technicalities deploy the best of modern technology in the service of drivers, passengers and the environment. This £41,005 Audi sets everything on a silver platter.

Any driver will relish being totally in command of a modern marvel of technologically rich transpor tation - a vehicle in which imperceptible transitions between power sources, both conventional and innovative, occur. In my view, few driving experiences today equal this Audi when it comes to inducing a constantly reassuring nexus of finesse.

Did I mention the economy? When I told Aunt Maud that Audi claims 217 mpg, she cried: “Why! I could afford to run one of those.” I said nothing. Even so my silence failed to equal the eloquent noiselessness of the swiftly flowing A3 Sportback and to prevent her nodding off I played Haydn’s Emperor’s Hymn on the super sound system.

by Syd Taylor

Completely Bromsgrove

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Photos by Chris Jepson

Players run to fans to celebrate another victory against Halesowen

Winning run lifts Sporting out of drop zone A

scintillating festive period kickstarted an impressive seven match unbeaten run for Bromsgrove Sporting, that pulled the Rouslers out the relegation zone.

Wins against Royston Town and Stratford Town before Christmas were followed by a Boxing Day victory over Stourbridge and a valuable point at Spalding United. The new year got off to a great start, courtesy of a 2-0 win at Halesowen Town, while the streak was concluded with a home draw with Hitchin Town and a midweek success at Bishop’s Stortford.

In player news, the exciting Billy Shaw returned to the club after leaving for Redditch United earlier in the season, while midfielder Jordan Lyden, who has Premier League experience with Aston Villa, joined at the start of December.

squad, with club record appearance holder Aaron Roberts recently reaching the milestone of 300 appearances and midfielder Jack Newell hitting the 100 appearance mark on New Year’s Day. Both players received specially made awards from chairman Rod Brown to mark their respective achievements.

Meanwhile, the two most recent player of the month awards went to right back Aksum White, who won the accolade for November, and attacker Jamie Meddows, the recipient for December.

At Sporting’s match against Leiston in mid-January, there was a very special guest, as Dutchman Vincent van der Lugt enjoyed part of his stag do as a mascot.

Manager Scott Adey-Linforth, who Get in! Defender Carter Lycett enjoys the moment A supporter of Ajax, he was a fan of the took the job in November, has built a Sporting kit due to the red and white management team comprising assistant manager Darryl Knights, who he previously worked with stripes and duly wore the strip as he strode out with the team onto the pitch, as well as enjoying a tour of at Stourbridge, first team coach Karl Fellows, a former the ground and other fun activities.

Sporting player, and goalkeeping coach Ryan Pratt, who is embarking on his second spell with the club.

Sporting’s U21s side cruised to an 8-2 win at Solihull The club has also been buoyed by the news that Solihull Moors loanee Fin Holmes’ deal has been extended to the end of the campaign and defender Ash Carter, who joined in October, has committed himself to Bromsgrove for the remainder of this season and next season too.

There have been plenty of celebrations within the

46 Completely Bromsgrove

Sporting in their first fixture of 2025. In further good news, U21s star Archie Thurston made his debut for the first team in the win over Bishop’s Stortford.

For the latest Bromsgrove Sporting news, including updates on Ladies, Ladies Development, Veterans, Colts and Girls sides, head to

by Max Banner bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

Time for a test drive.

With 0% APR!

The all-new TUCSON is here at Hyundai Bromsgrove, and there’s never been a better time to upgrade.

From city streets to country roads, the all-new TUCSON delivers a perfect blend of style, space, and cutting-edge technology. And now, you can drive it home with 0% APR – making it easier than ever to start your next adventure.

To book your test drive, contact our team:

01527 872071

sales@hyundai-bromsgrove.co.uk

Paul Rigby Group Hyundai Bromsgrove 12 Station St, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, B60 2BS www.paulrigbygroup.co.uk/hyundai Completely Bromsgrove

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