Begin your next chapter in a warm, welcoming home where you’ll receive care with dignity and kindness. Whether for a short stay or longer term, our cosy care homes offer quality care, peace of mind for you and your family, delicious meals, and activities to support your
Now that spring is well and truly with us, with beautiful blossom on the trees and the sun shining, I hope that as many of our readers as possible can get out and about to appreciate the wonders of nature.
In our May issue we bring you the exciting news that staff from Meadow Ward, located within New Haven at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, have been shortlisted for a prestigious award. Turn to page 8 to read the full story.
The Canal & River Trust charity share an update on Tardebigge Top Lock, the longest flight of locks in the UK. Turn to page 12 for all the details.
Congratulations to the team at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings in Stoke Heath, who have been awarded two gongs at the annual Visit Worcestershire
Tourism Awards. The museum was named small visitor attraction and volunteer Andrew Hurley was the winner of the unsung hero category. You can read more about the awards ceremony on page 30.
Without further ado, I’m going to leave you good folk in peace and all the Completely Bromsgrove team hope you will find much to enjoy in this month’s issue.
Remember folks, keep it local and support our independent retailers or lose them!
Very best wishes
Michele Ford
In recent weeks and months, you may have heard a lot of discussion about the future of our local councils, that’s because the Government is imposing council reorganisation on us.
Essentially, the Government wants to abolish Bromsgrove District Council, and Worcestershire County Council, and form a new so-called unitary authority. We’ll have one layer of local government rather than the two we have now.
The unitary council will provide all council services. This should streamline services, reduce waste and duplication and ultimately save council taxpayers’ money.
What shape this new unitary authority takes has yet to be decided. There are some who want to split Worcestershire in two with a north and south unitary authority. This will not fly with Government which has said that their parameters are clear: that local government will be restructured and that any new councils are to have a minimum population of 500,000, anything less will not be considered. Note that Worcestershire has a population of just over 600,000.
I’m totally against splitting our county in two. One Worcestershire council is the best outcome for you, the council taxpayer and would protect our green and rural spaces against Labour’s assault on Bromsgrove’s greenbelt.
I don’t see the point in abolishing district councils to then form two unitary authorities and duplicate services at greater cost to the taxpayer. This would be a false economy while potentially making some complex services including SEND even more challenging to access due to multiple authorities covering the Worcestershire area.
A report by Price Waterhouse Coopers found a
single unitary authority for Worcestershire will save over £20 million in year one, whereas two unitaries will save just over £4 million over 11 years.
And the risk of closer links with Birmingham is real – something which is being pushed by some in other political parties.
Why would we want closer links with bankrupt Birmingham City Council where rubbish has been piling up on streets due to the bin workers’ strike, and council tax is increasing by 21%. Bromsgrove taxpayers deserve better than to subsidise bankrupt Birmingham City Council.
Birmingham would love Bromsgrove’s council tax base. They would hoover up your council tax and you would get less in return.
As this restructuring will see new councils form the building blocks of a long-term strategic authority with mayoral powers over it, we need to be mindful of the implications of this.
We must also protect the green buffer between Birmingham and Bromsgrove district. With our district being 89% greenbelt, the prospect of house building across the district and across our greenbelt could massively increase if our area became part of any council that has an affinity with West Midlands Combined Authority or Birmingham.
Worcestershire has a distinct identity, and it would be a travesty to see our historic county split in two. I’ll be fighting to keep our county together as One Worcestershire, delivering excellent services, at excellent value.
Many of you will have read in the local media about the successes of the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings in winning the “Small Visitor Attraction of The Year” Award, and the “Canary and Kitchen” Restaurant winning the “Taste of Worcestershire” Award, in the recent “Visit Worcestershire” Tourism Awards 2024/5 Event at the Malvern Showground
BARRUP understands that the former Ibis Hotel in Aston Fields is due to reopen as a Travelodge in May. Also this month, Cross Country Trains will have two more services stopping at Worcestershire Parkway station, southwards between Manchester to Bristol and northwards between Plymouth and Edinburgh.
What links these four facts? The answer is the opportunity to grow Day and Short Stay Tourism in Bromsgrove through increased use of the railway station as a gateway to the town.
Once visitors have arrived at the station via the existing West Midlands Railway services, from Lichfield and Birmingham New Street to the north, or Hereford and Worcester to the south, and all stations in between, they can catch either the 145 or 145A hourly bus service or the Worcestershire on Demand bus service, or take a short taxi ride, from the station to the Museum.
Similarly, if visitors want to try the Canary and Kitchen or stay at the Travelodge, then both are only a short walk from the station.
Thanks to six different bus services calling at
the station, visitors can travel directly to the town centre and across North Worcestershire to visit various tourist attractions.
The opportunity to grow day and short stay tourism business in Bromsgrove, with all the ensuing benefits to the local economy, would be even greater if at least one of the Cross-Country Services stopped at Bromsgrove, widening extensively the geographical area from which visitors can travel either directly, or with only one change to Bromsgrove.
According to the Office of Road and Rail Statistics, from April 2023 to March 2024 the footfall at Bromsgrove station was 591,650. At Worcestershire Parkway it was 339,060 - yet Cross-Country Services stop at Parkway, but not at Bromsgrove.
To make a positive difference to tourism in the town and wider district, local politicians must put pressure on Cross Country Trains to have at least one of its services stop at Bromsgrove.
by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk
Staff from Meadow Ward in Bromsgrove have been shortlisted for a prestigious award for their involvement in Meadow Green – an innovative dementia garden.
Ward manager Sarah Taylor, occupational therapist Clare McFadyen and their colleagues on Meadow Ward have been named as finalists in the People’s Choice category at the 2025 Design in Mental Health Awards. The nomination recognises their enthusiasm and vision in creating Meadow Green – a bespoke therapeutic outdoor space that supports patients living with dementia.
Located within New Haven at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove, Meadow Green is a thoughtfully designed outdoor garden area that encourages safe interaction and meaningful activity for patients with dementia.
Unlike traditional dementia-friendly spaces that use false building façades, Meadow Green offers real, functional environments. Growing evidence shows that these active spaces can be far more effective in supporting care goals and improving patient outcomes.
A standout feature of Meadow Green is its adaptable buildings, which can be transformed into a barbershop, hair salon, café, or post office using props and decorations. The garden also includes a potting shed, creating a series of spaces that encourage purposeful engagement and provide opportunities for reminiscence and routine.
“We set out to create an immersive, interactive space where patients could safely partake in everyday activities that support their wellbeing and treatment plans,” said Sarah.
“For people living with dementia, simple activities like going to the shop or gardening can have a positive impact on their wellbeing, but these are rarely possible during a hospital stay. Meadow Green changes that.”
Jonathan Emery, landscape architect at DSA Environment & Design said: “Sarah and Clare outlined their vision for an innovative outdoor dementia ward inspired by world leading practice. Most unusually however, it was immediately evident they both had a tremendous passion and energy to make Meadow Green special and ensure its long-term success.”
In 2024, the garden was named as the Best Outdoor Space. This year, it’s hoped that the innovation and enthusiasm shown by the staff behind its creation will be recognised through the People’s Choice Award.
After investigations revealed that the 200-year-old lock wall is in need of restoration, the Canal & River Trust is undertaking urgent works to Tardebigge Top Lock on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal to keep the longest flight of locks in the UK open and available for boats.
The charity is stabilising the brick- lock wall. The lock is a heritage listed asset, and the works will be done with the utmost care; dismantling the minimum number of historic bricks. Once the necessary Listed Building Consent is in place, it will be expertly rebuilt reusing as many bricks as possible.
Engineers had hoped to carry out the heritage repairs alongside other planned maintenance work on the lock flight this winter. Unfortunately, thorough investigations show that the work can’t wait, and an extensive and costly repair is required immediately. The problem was initially highlighted by boaters who were having trouble navigating the lock. This type of feedback plays a valuable part in supporting the Trust’s rolling inspection programme.
The Trust is working closely with councils in Bromsgrove and Redditch to agree the scope of the restoration work and expects to invest more than £500,000. The navigation will remain closed until the repair work is completed and regular updates will be given on the charity’s website. The exact timeline of the works will not be known until the wall has been dismantled and full investigations completed. Indicatively, the Trust expects the flight to remain closed until the end of August.
Ascending the flight, the last winding hole is above Lock 23 and boats will not be able to turn around beyond this point. The towpath will also be closed with a diversion in place using local footpaths.
Situated on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal, Tardebigge is the longest lock flight in Britain, with 30 locks carrying narrowboats 220 feet uphill and downhill over two-and-a-quarter miles. The top lock is particularly deep because it was the site of an experimental vertical boat lift before it was replaced with a conventional lock. Opened in 1815, the canal was dug out by hand for the transportation of porcelain pots and Cadbury’s chocolate, and is now popular with leisure boats, cutting into the heart of Birmingham at Gas Street Basin.
Local people are also being invited to get involved with caring for the canal, including at
Tardebigge. The Trust is looking for conservator volunteers to help clear weeds, reeds and overgrown bushes along towpaths and locks. For more information, visit https://volunteer. canalrivertrust.org.uk/opportunities/84913conservator-volunteer-worcester-birminghamvegetation-team-2025-03-05
This month, kitchen and bedroom design specialist, AK Fitted Interiors, advises our readers on maximising their kitchen’s storage.
From freestanding coffee machines and hot chocolate makers to air fryers and waffle makers, the latest gadgets in kitchenware are often in danger of taking over all available worktop space. We’ve compiled a list of five of our favourite storage options that tick the boxes for both functionality and aesthetics.
Le Mans corner units - Named after the famous racetrack due to their curved, swivelling design, these units consist of two or more pull-out shelves that glide out smoothly, providing easy access to items stored in the corner. They are particularly useful for storing pots, pans, and bulky kitchenware that are often difficult to retrieve from standard corner cabinets. Their ergonomic design ensures that no space is wasted while maintaining a sleek, streamlined appearance. Additionally, their soft-close mechanisms add a touch of luxury and prevent noisy operation.
Pantry cupboards – A practical and organised storage solution for dry goods, small appliances, and kitchen essentials. They are often designed as tall, narrow units with adjustable shelves, internal lighting, pull-out drawers and baskets, and even door-mounted racks to maximise storage capacity.
Floor to ceiling cabinets - Ideal for creating a seamless, built-in look while maximising storage space vertically. These tall cabinets offer extra storage for rarely used items such as seasonal cookware, serving platters, or small appliances. They are particularly advantageous in smaller kitchens. Combining closed cabinets with open shelves can also create a visually balanced design. Furthermore, incorporating glass-fronted upper cabinets can make the space feel lighter while providing display opportunities.
Island pan drawer units - A kitchen island with pan drawer units offers an excellent opportunity to add substantial storage while maintaining a clean, modern look. These wide, deep drawers are perfect for storing large cookware, mixing bowls, and even small appliances. Unlike traditional cupboards, island pan drawers provide a top-down view of contents, making it easier to find items without rummaging. Dividers and organisers further enhance the functionality of these drawers, keeping lids, baking trays, and utensils neatly separated. By incorporating electrical outlets or charging stations into the island, you can also store and use small appliances conveniently.
Base cupboards with drawers - Replacing standard base cabinets with drawers is one of the most effective ways to enhance kitchen storage. Unlike cabinets with shelves, drawers offer easier access to stored items without requiring you to bend or reach into the back. Base drawers are highly customisable, with options ranging from deep drawers for pots and pans to shallow ones for cutlery, utensils, or spices. Internal organisers, peg systems, or drawer dividers can keep contents tidy and prevent shifting when opening or closing. Many modern kitchens also feature hidden or push-to-open drawers.
View these storage solutions at our recently refurbished Bromsgrove showroom on Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, which is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm. Free parking directly outside. Half price fitting with all orders until the end of May. Call AK on 01527 835924 or visit www.akfittedinteriors.co.uk
If you planted lettuce how about popping a chive plant next to it to keep the pests away?
Buy perennials rather than annuals as they will save money in the long run. Keep weaving climbers through trellis and tie in sweet peas so that they don’t blow over in strong winds. Keep a close eye on the weather to check for late frosts. If the weather is looking good get those seedlings ready by hardening them off but be ready to bring them in or cover them up if the temperature drops too quickly.
Now that your spring bulbs have died down and turned brown, it’s time to clear the foliage away; snap off the dead flower heads before they make seed to help them concentrate all their energy in producing next year’s blooms. It’s good practice to place a marker by any bulbs in the ground so that you won’t risk chopping through them later; you can mark where they are in the ground with short canes or sticks.
May is the month where strawberries flower and the fruit begin to form which can make a tempting feast for slugs, birds and squirrels. To protect the young fruit, add a layer of net over the plants. You’ll also want to protect the new fruit from the mud to prevent it from rotting; using mulch is the perfect way to do this. The most common type of mulch for strawberries is straw; place this on top of the soil around the plant.
Take time to sit and watch the wildlife in your garden. Did you sow wildflower seeds? How are they doing? They probably won’t be in flower quite yet but are the butterflies and bees heading to your spring bedding plants?
The lawns will be growing like crazy now so keep up with the mowing. Start with the blades high for a couple of weeks while the roots have time to grow. Any clover flowers will feed the bees.
Late May or early June is the time to reduce the number of small fruits on freshly planted trees, if fruit set is excessive on apples and pears. Too many small fruits will take away the energy needed to create healthy shoot growth and root growth. Those pesky slugs will be heading for your favourite blooms so keep topping up the beer traps and as extra protection put crushed eggshells around your favourite plants. Growing nasturtiums will draw the slugs to them and not to your beloved blooms. The leaves and flowers can be eaten in salads if the slugs don’t get to them first.
Now is the time that stinging nettles will be getting a grip but if you have the space in your garden why not let a few grow. As well as being delicious, nettle tea is reputed to help combat several ailments, including eczema, asthma, hay fever and muscle aches. Just steep a few fresh tips in boiling water, removing them when the water goes slightly green, to avoid bitterness. Nettles are key to the survival of butterflies, as they are the primary food source for many caterpillars including those of the comma, tortoiseshell and peacock. Without nettles caterpillars would go in search of alternative food sources - probably one of your favourite plants.
Sorrel is easy to grow from seed or can be bought as young plants, and is happy in sun or light shade, in most types of soil. Plants live for several years, dying back over winter then re-sprouting from the ground in spring.
Dill is a great companion plant that is often overlooked in the UK. Dill seed heads are a great flavouring in soups and many other dishes. Put them in for ten minutes and then remove them as they can overwhelm dishes.
By Jules Evans - Stoke Road
Hoverflies are masters of disguise…and they need our help!
Our humble hoverflies often fly under the radar. Perhaps it’s no surprise; their ability to mimic other insects fools even human eyes. To protect themselves from predators, they play lookalikes with bees, wasps and even hornets – insects that are much harder for a predator to deal with than the stingless hoverfly family. Their various colours and markings have inspired rather distinctive names – you may have read about Batman hoverflies in this magazine last year but have you come across footballers, marmalades, leaf-lickers or plumehorns? I bet you have but you just didn’t know it at the time. Next time you see something yellow and black land on a flower or a leaf in your garden or local greenspace, take a closer look. Lean in gently and see if you can see whether there are one or two pairs of wings –one pair and you’ve got yourself a hoverfly, two pairs and it’ll be a bee or wasp. If you’ve got a hoverfly, check out the eyes…if they meet in the middle you’re looking at a male whereas if there’s a gap between them, you’ve spotted a female. As well as going unnoticed, they’re also underappreciated. In fact, most flies are overlooked when it comes to how they help us humans; they’re fabulous pollinators and are only really bested by the bees when it comes to pollinating our crops and flowers. They also have another super power. The larvae of lots of hoverflies munch on aphids so if you’re looking to control the pesky plant-nibblers in your garden, look no further than attracting hoverflies.
Populations of hoverflies, like many other species of wildlife, are declining; an estimated 44% since
the 1980s. Can we turn you into a hoverfly hero? Can you give them a helping hand where you live? It’s easy enough to do – you can start by making sure you’ve got lots of pollen and nectar rich plants in your garden or local greenspace. The larvae of some hoverflies live in gloopy wet conditions like rot-holes in trees. These have the delightful name of rat-tailed maggots and one of the best things about them is that they have a periscope-like breathing tube…out of their bottom! You can recreate the conditions of a rot-hole by adding a hoverfly lagoon in your garden, consisting of a container with water, dried grass, fallen leaves, twigs etc.
You can find out more about the fascinating lives of these sunshine-bright insects and how you can help them by downloading your free copy of our ‘be a hoverfly hero’ booklet, written in conjunction with the RHS, from https://www. worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ wild-about-hoverflies
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by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
Living with stroke, Parkinson’s or cerebral palsy can present daily challenges, but conductive education could provide the support you need to regain control and confidence.
Megan Baker House (MBH), based in Herefordshire and serving four counties, is now operating from a new location at Newsong Community Church, 39 Broad Street, Sidemoor, Bromsgrove, B61 8LW. Following the closure of Life After Stroke Centre we are continuing to offer specialised sessions every Wednesday for individuals affected by these conditions. You are more than welcome to come and chat with us between 9.15am and 4pm on Wednesdays.
Conductive education focuses on building new neural connections in the brain, much like neurophysiotherapy. Structured sessions guide participants through progressive movements, starting with a lying programme before advancing to sitting, standing, and walking. Each task is broken down into manageable steps, ensuring achievable progress. Stroke and cerebral palsy programmes emphasise steady, controlled movement, while Parkinson’s sessions are designed to encourage active mobility and independence.
Conductive education is a therapeutic approach designed to improve the functional independence of individuals with motor disorders, particularly those with neurological conditions like cerebral palsy. One of the key benefits of conductive education is its holistic focus on the individual’s cognitive, emotional, and physical development.
By emphasising the integration of movement, communication, and self-awareness, conductive education encourages participants to take an active role in their rehabilitation. It enhances their ability to perform everyday tasks independently by developing motor coordination and strength.
The approach fosters a sense of empowerment and selfconfidence, as individuals gradually realise their potential to accomplish tasks they may have once thought impossible. Each programme is tailored to meet the specific needs of the individual, ensuring that progress is made at a pace that is challenging yet achievable.
Conductive education also emphasises social interaction and group learning, which helps individuals build communication skills and social connections. For families and caregivers, it offers strategies to support the individual’s progress outside of therapy sessions, strengthening the overall care system.
To help you experience the benefits first-hand, we offer a free consultation along with three complimentary sessions obligation-free. Find out more at meganbakerhouse.org.uk , contact Sue Mechan at sue@meganbakerhouse.org.uk or call 01531 633840.
Members, sponsors and supporters came together to celebrate the official opening of the New Bromsgrove Shed by the chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, Councillor Sam Ammar.
Following the relocation of the Shed from Stoke Prior to a shared unit with H2o Restoration Limited in Finstall, the Bromsgrove Shedders have been working hard to set up a new workshop and machine room, which was properly unveiled at the opening.
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.
Having previously visited the Shedders at Stoke Prior, Councillor Ammar spoke about its importance, adding: “There is no pressure, you don’t need to talk about anything, but if you want to, it is there. You stop and you have a coffee, and it is just such a lovely place.”
Shedder Phil, who along with Shedder Rich supported Councillor Ammar with the cutting of the ribbon, spoke about the personal boost that the Shed had given to him.
The opening was also an opportunity to thank all those whose support is so important. Sponsors including Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants, bdht, Better Together, Broad Street DIY Ltd, Bluebird Care Bromsgrove & Redditch, Jukes Insurance Brokers, F B & Sons, Lawns & Landscapes, Eaton Limited and Whiting Landscape Ltd were presented with their Shed Share Certificates.
There is still work to do, but the Shed is now back to operating six sessions a week including a mixed session on a Thursday afternoon open to anybody aged 50 and over.
If you, or anybody you know, might be interested in joining and/or supporting Bromsgrove Men in Sheds contact Jo Hughes at Age UK BRWF on 01527 570490 or email jo.hughes@ageukbrwf.org.uk
Alternatively, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf to find out how you can get involved.
Falls prevention in later life
Wednesday 18th June, 2pm - 4pm
Join us to hear advice on how to reduce the risk of falls in older age, from simple balance exercises to tips on how to fall-proof your home.
Carers support café including dementia cinema club
Last Friday of the month, 2pm - 4pm
Unwind with a cuppa and home-baked treats with fellow carers while your loved one watches a movie at our dementia cinema club.
Trusted to care
To book please call 01527 958 612 or email
rebecca.pearce@careuk.com
The CQC rating awarded by the Care Quality Commission recognises the person-centred approach and expert care at Care UK’s Chandler Court care home on Recreation Road in Bromsgrove.
Home Manager, Lilly Dahms, says, “It’s wonderful to have gained an overall ‘Good’ rating in ‘Safe’, ‘Effective’, ‘Caring’ and ‘Responsive’ categories. It’s testament to our team’s hard work.”
“We’re proud of the person-centered care we provide to every resident,” explains Lilly, “and the report highlights our dedication to enabling residents to ‘live their lives according to their wishes and preferences’. The report praises our team for ‘interacting with people with kindness and respect’, observing a ‘calm and relaxed atmosphere’. Inspectors also emphasized that activities at Chandler Court ‘promoted independence, health and wellbeing’ whilst ‘people were supported to maintain relationships important to them.”
At Chandler Court, the team get to know your loved one like a member of their own family, supporting them to lead fulfilling lifestyles; whether it’s continuing a much-loved hobby, making new friends or achieving a lifelong goal.
“At Chandler Court, we put your loved one at the heart of their care, supporting them to maintain independence and make choices around the way they’d like their care to be delivered,” says Lilly. “Our CQC inspection report highlights this, stating that ‘People’s care and support plans guided staff on how to promote their independence, choice and control’.
Residents were keen to echo this feedback to the inspectors, commenting that they ‘couldn’t be in a better place’.
Safety and reassurance, always
“Moving your loved one into a care home can be a difficult decision, and we recognise the importance of feeling you’ve made the right choice, ” says Lilly. “That’s why we were delighted to hear relatives’ feedback to the inspectors. Relatives commented on the safety of their loved one since moving into Chandler Court, and the reassurance they feel with the support of the team.”
To find out more about the expert care at Chandler Court, call 01527 958 612
Chandler Court care home
Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court
Ihave written several articles about ASEA Redox Signalling Molecules and this month I’m taking a deeper dive into how important these molecules are to our everyday health.
In the intricate tapestry of cellular communication, redox signalling molecules emerge as pivotal players, orchestrating a symphony of biochemical interactions within the body. The term “redox” itself derives from the fusion of reduction and oxidation, reflecting the fundamental processes through which these molecules exert their influence. At the heart of redox signalling lies a delicate balance of electron transfer, a phenomenon that governs the interplay between oxidation and reduction reactions.
Redox signalling molecules are a class of compounds that serve as signalling messengers, transmitting critical information between cells to regulate various physiological processes. Unlike traditional signalling pathways mediated by hormones or neurotransmitters, redox signalling operates at the molecular level, relying on the exchange of electrons to convey messages. This unique mode of communication allows cells to swiftly respond to changes in their environment, adapting and coordinating their activities in real-time.
Understanding the intricate dance of redox signalling molecules provides insights into the physiological processes that underpin health and disease. Dysregulation of redox signalling has been implicated in various pathological conditions, ranging from inflammatory disorders to neurodegenerative diseases. Harnessing the power of redox signalling is opening new avenues for therapeutic interventions, offering a nuanced approach to modulating cellular responses and promoting overall well-being.
managed to stabilise these molecules outside of the body and it has been leading this field for the past 17 years. ASEA redox signalling molecules provide a supplement that supports and enhances the body’s natural redox signalling processes. The benefits are as follows:
Redox signalling plays a role in regulating gene expression. By influencing redox signalling, it may positively impact the expression of genes related to cellular repair, regeneration, and overall wellness. The mitochondria, often referred to as the powerhouse of the cell, are critical for energy production. Redox signalling helps optimise mitochondrial function, potentially leading to increased energy levels and improved cellular efficiency. Redox signalling is intricately linked to the immune system. A balanced immune response by modulating redox signalling could contribute to a more effective defence against pathogens and a reduction in inappropriate immune reactions.
As with any health supplement, individuals considering its use should consult with healthcare professionals, and reliance on scientific evidence is crucial for assessing the product’s efficacy and safety. Please note that ASEA Redox is not a treatment or cure for any disease or medical condition.
I am offering a 10% discount on all ASEA products . Just go to https://shopasea.com/ need4change and use the code Need4change for your first purchase. For more information, email colette@need4change.com
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Charlotte Elizabeth (Betty) Webb MBE died on March 31st at the age of 101. Here we pay tribute to a strong and humble lady, whose efforts during World War Two helped to bring about peace.
In 2019 I was honoured to be asked by the Bromsgrove Royal British Legion Branch to interview Betty for a recording which would be shown at the Remembrance Concert at Artrix.
Betty welcomed us to her home with a tray of tea and biscuits, she had laid out papers, photographs and maps for us to look at before we chatted about her life during and after the war. Betty was sharp and quick, with an incredible memory of her life during the war. She talked about growing up in the Herefordshire countryside and being home schooled by her parents.
In 1941, aged 18, Betty was studying domestic science at college in Shrewsbury, but, along with a friend, decided she wanted to do more for the war effort. They both signed up and in seemingly no time at all were stationed at Bletchley Park, with very little understanding of the importance of what they were doing, and having signed the official secrets act, no ability to ask questions or talk about it. Betty took this very much in her stride, she was confident in the orders she was following and carried out the tasks set to the best of her abilities.
When the war in Europe ended, Betty was stationed at The Pentagon, as the war with Japan continued. When she returned to civilian life, she remained
sworn to secrecy, and unable to speak about her time at Bletchley or in the USA, not even to her parents. In the 1970s, when the ban was lifted, she didn’t find it easy to talk about that time at first, as she had remained quiet about it for so many years.
Betty was recognised for her contributions with an MBE in the 2015 Birthday Honours and in 2021 her work at Bletchley Park was recognised by the Government of France, with an appointment as Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honour). In 2023 she was invited to King Charles’ coronation where she sat in the front row.
Thankfully, Betty was able to embrace her memories, not only locally but as a key figure who was regularly invited back at Bletchley Park to talk about her time there. Betty was very humble about her contributions, saying she was one of many, she was warm and genuine, open and strong. With Vintage Class Singers, I met her again, a few times, including singing at her 100th birthday at a party held at Grafton Manor, and a commemorative event at Hartlebury Castle where a large crowd gathered to listen to her talking about her experiences.
Betty was an inspiration to many, her positive attitude and warm presence will be remembered by all who met her, and she will be greatly missed.
by Jo Slade
Avoncroft Museum, in Bromsgrove, secured two prestigious accolades at the Visit Worcestershire Tourism Awards, small visitor attraction of the year and recognition for volunteer Andrew Hurley as winner of the Worcestershire’s tourism unsung hero category.
The awards ceremony, held at Three Counties Showground, celebrated the county’s outstanding contributions to tourism and hospitality.
Avoncroft Museum’s achievements underscore its commitment to both preserving and showcasing Worcestershire’s rich architectural heritage while at the same time providing a highquality experience to visitors of all ages.
Museum director Zoe Willems said: “We are delighted to receive this important award reflecting the incredible dedication and achievements of Avoncroft’s small team of staff and volunteers. I am also thrilled that Andrew Hurley has received long overdue recognition for the passion he has shown in developing the National Collection of Telephone Kiosks, one of the most fascinating and popular parts of the collection.”
Winning these awards not only brings pride to Avoncroft Museum but also ensures qualification to represent Worcestershire at the National Visit England Awards for Excellence in June.
Avoncroft Museum invites everyone to explore its unique collection of historic buildings, take part in its popular events and workshops and experience first-hand the excellence that these awards recognise. For more information, visit www.avoncroft.org.uk
It’s amazing how having an enjoyable time looking at a lovely garden, then relaxing with a tea or coffee and a piece of homemade cake can make such a difference to others who may have health related or other issues to cope with. This is the essence of the National Garden Scheme.
The scheme encourages ordinary people who love gardening to open their gardens to the public, charging a small entrance fee and providing refreshments. That small effort in 2024 allowed the scheme to pass on a massive £3.5 million to charities like Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Parkinson’s UK and a host of others. Gardens in Worcestershire played their part by raising a county record of more than £87,000, beating the previous record by nearly £4,000, and the target for 2025 is to raise even more.
One of the highlights of the 2025 season will be the reopening of gardens in Alvechurch, with 13 separate gardens open over the weekend of June 7th and 8th for the bargain price of £7.50 – that’s less than 60p per garden.
Among them will be Stephanie and Chris’s Wychwood House garden, a one acre plot started in 2018, when the couple completed their new eco-friendly house. There are some mature and newly planted trees, together with shrubs, wildflowers, sculptures, formal pond and a curved drystone wall that Chris added in 2020 having been on a short course to learn the technique.
This is Chris and Stephanie’s tenth year of opening for the National Garden Scheme, having previously opened their former home in the village, The Shrubbery. The couple were presented
ten-year award in February by Laura Steel from the NGS main office.
But you don’t have to wait until June to visit a lovely garden and help provide support for those who need it most, as another local garden, Oak Tree House, near the Marlbrook (now Miller and Carter) is open on Sunday, May 18th and again on Monday, May 26th.
This is a garden stacked full of plants, water features and interesting artefacts. You even get access to the garden next door as well, for the princely sum of £4, and there’s a small display of art created by garden owners, Di and Dave Morgan, who are celebrating 20 years opening for the NGS.
Another local garden well worth a visit is 2 Brookwood Drive, Barnt Green, a multi-themed mature garden with water features, colourful borders, formal white garden, wildlife pond and large rhododendrons which give a colourful display in late spring. This garden is open on May 25th and July 6th with a £5 admission fee.
Both Oak Tree House and Brookwood Drive gardens are also open, by appointment, for private visits for groups of at least ten people in May, June and July.
There are other NGS gardens open further afield in Redditch and Droitwich Spa, and all are listed in the county leaflet available from most garden centres, or visit www.ngs.org.uk
With the Spire Appeal project well underway the team at Friends of St John’s are putting together events for visitors to understand the details of the project and showcase the heritage crafts and skills used to preserve and restore our landmark, Grade I Listed building.
Both “Side by Side” Open Days will be held at St John’s in the afternoon following the popular Cake and Coffee Concerts - on Saturday 24th May the harpist from The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire will be performing and on Saturday 12th July there will be a joyful summer concert with The Singing Villeins and the Thompson-Cox Family Jazz Quartet.
Following on from the concerts, visitors will have the opportunity to be “Side by Side” with the experts from the Spire Project team and learn about their heritage craft skills. It is hoped that both afternoons will include:
Stonemason’s Corner with the teams from Philips & Curry and Lewis Allard & Son Stonemasons who will teach visitors about the materials and stone used in the project and let them have a go at carving a piece of sandstone Engineer’s Corner where visitors can join our Structural Engineer and a STEM Ambassador as they demonstrate how the spire has remained as a landmark for the town for 500 years, using a model of the church and a fan.
Engage with the Architect, study the technical drawings to understand what has been happening on the spire and the plans to fully restore it.
Meet the church historian Simon Henderson who will chat to visitors about the history of the church and run the ever popular hunt the keys game.
View a video presentation about the Spire Appeal to find out how the money was raised and how it is being spent!
Local enthusiast Steve will bring his photos of the pair of Peregrine Falcons who have been seen in the churchyard for many years.
There will be refreshments available and a chance to have a go on the organ too.
We look forward to welcoming you to St John’s on Saturday 24th May and Saturday 12th July for our “Side by Side” Open Days where you can learn about heritage, the Spire Project and the heritage skills being used.
Find out more through the website www. stjohnsfriends.co.uk
by Jo Slade
The lengthening daylight makes astronomy in May a later evening pursuit, being 11pm before it’s dark enough to observe. In April we looked at the (still visible) Beehive open cluster in Cancer. This month we look at the Great Globular Cluster in Hercules, better known as Messier 13 (M13).
To find M13, you’ll need binoculars or a small telescope. Find a dark location and allow at least 10 minutes for your eyes to become dark-adapted. Look east for bright white star, Vega. Then look to the right and up slightly to find another bright (orange tinged) star, Arcturus. Follow an imaginary line from Vega to Arcturus and about a third of the way along identify four stars that make a “keystone” shape. Using binoculars, scan along the line between the two stars on the right side of the keystone and you should see a hazy patch, that’s M13. A telescope gives a better view when, on a good night, individual stars start to be resolved.
M13 is made up of more than 300,000 stars and is 145 light years across. If the earth was in a globular cluster, the night sky would have hundreds of stars as bright or brighter, than the brightest stars we currently see. Open clusters are comparatively close, but globular clusters are at the periphery of our galaxy. Indeed, so far away that light from M13 takes 25,000 years to reach us.
Also, around May 5th or 6th look out for a close approach (conjunction) of the planet Mars with the Beehive cluster and the peak of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower, formed by debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.
Unfortunately, the radiant, i.e. the area of the sky from where the meteors appear to originate, doesn’t rise in the eastern sky until the early
hours and so the best view will be shortly before dawn. However, the peak stretches over several days and as the moon isn’t a problem, observers can expect to see around 10 meteors per hour. These fast meteors often leave glowing “trains” or trails which can last for many seconds.
If you are interested in astronomy, why not join Bromsgrove Astronomical Society? We usually meet on the first and third Monday of the month at Bromsgrove Rugby Club. We also do outreach, have an annual quiz and a star party.
On May 19th we have a talk by Simon Banton titled “Astronomy of Stonehenge”. Visitors are always welcome, so if you would like to learn more about astronomy, visit www.broms-astro.org.uk
by Adrian Bigland
This year marks 80 years since the end of World War Two, with Victory in Europe (VE) Day on May 8th 1945 and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on August 15th 1945.
At Bromsgrove Arts’ VE 80TH Anniversary 1940s Night on Saturday, May 3rd we remember those at home and abroad who served during the conflict, whether they be in the armed or civilian services, seeing us through some of Europe’s darkest days for the free society that we enjoy today. With entertainment from vintage singer Miss Ruby Rouge’s Frolicking 1940s Show and a fish ‘n’ chip supper, this is a night not to be missed
Starring Jeremy Jordan and Frances Mayli McCann, Bonnie & Clyde the Musical is an awardwinning production that re-tells the true story of America’s most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Recorded live at London’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane, discover the electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of a nation at our screening on Sunday, May 4th.
Set in the influential New York music scene of the early 1960s, A Complete Unknown, which will be screened on Sunday, May 11th, follows Bob Dylan’s (Timothée Chalamet) meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts.
Experienced rural tourers MumboJumbo will be performing their final show on Saturday, May 10th. The eclectic singer/songwriting trio of Richard Hughes, Phil Bond and Oliver Carpenter sit somewhere in the folk, blues, and acoustic areas of music and bring excellent rapport with village audiences. The band write about everything from old soldiers to 19th century cartoon characters.
The delightful Worcestershire/ Birmingham based folk band Found In A Field take to the stage on Saturday, May 17th. They draw influences from long-lost ballads, Victorian music hall, eccentric poetry, PreRaphaelitism, quirky stories and scratchy old records.
Turn up the volume when West Midlands funk band Cantaloop perform live on Sunday, May 18th, with their recognisable and original brand of popular funk music combined with digital beats. Expect to experience a feast of musicianship with styles including funk, punk, soul, jazz, electro and hip-hop. Fast, upbeat melodies are fused with engaging and moving performances that embody unity and community.
The librarian of Weeping Bank returns on Wednesday, May 21st to read another chilling tale from his private collection, ‘Pock’ Weeping Bank feels like the kind of village that doesn’t want to be found. And with good reason. This seemingly quaint little place in the countryside has an unnervingly long history of ghost stories, and other tales of witchcraft, possession and devilry. Tales that most residents would like to ignore, but have instead been meticulously researched, and mercilessly read across England by the village’s own librarian, author Alan Smith.
In We Live in Time on Wednesday, May 28th, Almut (Florence Pugh) and Tobias (Andrew Garfield) are brought together in a surprise encounter that changes their lives. As they embark on a path challenged by the limits of time, they learn to cherish each moment of the unconventional route their love story has taken, in filmmaker John Crowley’s deeply moving romance.
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
All age groups will enjoy Feckenham Wake, which is being held at The Square and Recreation Ground on Saturday, June 21st from 12.30pm.
In 1223 King Henry III issued a charter giving the people of Feckenham the right Royal right to hold an enormous fair every year. As loyal subjects the people felt duty bound to comply and, with occasional lapses to accommodate wars and plagues, they’ve been organising a huge celebration ever since.
This year’s event promises a full-on festival of fun. If you have little ones, they’ll be climbing, bouncing, and giggling their way through games and adventures. Competitive parents can step right up for the Trial of Strength or perhaps the life-size table football will catch your eye. And let’s not forget Fido – the Fun Dog Show is back and barking with excitement.
More than 100 gleaming classic motors will be lined up in a Classic Car Show Other attractions will include Professor Chandler’s Punch and Judy Show , The Arrow Valley Brass Band , All Round Voices Choir , Massed Morris Dancers and a stupendous Fairground Organ . Circus performer Thomas Trilby will again prove that it is possible to juggle on stilts whilst riding a unicycle.
There’ll be lots to see and plenty to eat and drink – a real ale bar, a prosecco bar, cream teas, a pig roast, pizzas, home-made samosas, ices and candy floss.
Entrance is free though there is a small charge for parking. Feckenham is just south of Redditch on the B4090. Satnav users should enter the postcode B96 6QH.
For more details, visit www.facebook.com/FeckenhamWake
Take to the skies with a wartime icon
As a slightly belated contribution to the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations the FeckenOdeon presents an epic, sweeping tale of determination, vision and courage on Friday, May 23rd at 8pm.
Spitfire (PG) is the story of an aeroplane that was forged in competition, shaped as the war clouds gathered, and refined in the white heat of combat – going on to become the most famous fighter plane ever made.
The film features spectacular aerial photography of the plane in action as well as the recollections of the people who built at and who flew it. Spitfire also explores how this extraordinary plane thrives today and how it has become an international icon.
The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham, B96 6HN. Tickets for all FeckenOdeon films can be booked online through feckenodeon.co.uk, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Rose & Crown and The Village Shop in Feckenham.
Head to Tardebigge Community Hall on Saturday, June 14th for an afternoon of homemade treats and great company while supporting Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre.
You’ll also be able to browse a fantastic range of pre-loved clothes and homeware for sale from their pop-up charity shop. They will also be welcoming donations of your pre-loved items to raise further funds across their shops.
The hospice will be asking for a £6 donation per person which will include a hot drink and your choice of a delicious cake. There’s no need to book.
Fundraiser Gabrielle Grubb said: “We would love as many people as possible to join us at our very first Primrose Tea Party. We hope that it will become a tradition as part of our Go Yellow campaign, not just with us hosting, but with our community coming together to create their
own tea parties and raising vital awareness and funds.”
The public are being encouraged to host their own tea party or fundraising event as part of the campaign. For more information visit: www.primrosehospice.org/ events/primrose-tea-party or call 01527 889796.
As a registered charity it costs Primrose Hospice £1.95 million to provide care and support for free to those who need them. Every penny raised through the Primrose Tea Party event will help the hospice to support more families and people living with lifelimiting illnesses.
This month Bromsgrove Flower Club welcomes Jane Cowan and her demonstration entitled “Animal Magic”
Jane is one of just a handful of people in the UK to be awarded a Masters Diploma in Professional Floristry – the highest qualification available so we are sure of a beautiful afternoon. Come along and join us at All Saints Church Hall in Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove on Thursday 15.5.25 at 2.00pm.
Members are invited to bring their own arrangements under the title of “May the Foliage be with You” or bring a Flower of the Month. Both competitions will gain you a free Raffle Ticket to go into the draw for one of Jane’s lovely arrangements.
We have an extensive Bring and Buy, we offer complimentary refreshments, a lucky Sweepstake and you are sure of a relaxing enjoyable afternoon. Members and visitors are reminded that we have an ongoing Food Bank collection, so if you have anything you can bring for that we would be most grateful. Come along and meet new friends
If the thought of a new BMW M440i Coupe doesn’t make the adrenalin flow, there’s no hope for you and you might as well get your sprung walking stick and take to the fells.
At first sight - just hard beauty: priority of form mirrors elegance of engineering. This car has the looks and the presence to surpass the promised performance and is as good as current technology can make it,
Studiously classy without being flashy, no traces of extrovert flamboyance have been allowed to penetrate that fortress of Teutonic urbanity. The M440i Coupe displays a coherence of spirit and metal that nothing from rivals can approach. And for me, a long- forgotten sensation of heady excitement returned as I inhaled the intoxicating charisma. It promised motoring delights and past thrills that I thought were irrecoverable.
From every which way the new BMW M440i XDrive Coupe variant, which starts at £60,725, looks the part. A sleek, racy-raked thoroughbred
ready to switch on the 374bhp at your command. Yet it’s so vice free that you won’t find a more user-friendly motor for mundane pottering too.
Inside this two-door, four seat coupe you sit fairly low in a whisper quiet cocoon that’s as accommodating as a luxury suite. You have every electronic aid you need - and for your delight there’s a ‘lots of watts’ top quality sound system.
This new M Series is as swift as the wind, as supple as a gymnast: and good old intelligent four-wheel drive ensures extra safety. The 3.0 litre, in-line six-cylinder powerhouse of a petrol (remember that) engine is as smooth as silk and can take you to 155mph as the eight speed automatic transmission imperceptibly does its work.
As for stopping, it boasts brakes that pull you up like an arrester cable on the USS Enterprise. All this and yet it returns around 35 mpg overall with 40 mpg plus when driving unnaturally gently. The chassis has, of course, all the necessaries to give brilliant dynamics and the sumptuous cabin has all the electronics watching over you to ensure you are protected from getting out of control if you are clumsy in your driving because you are so comfy and relaxed.
Duty bound to be objective, I looked hard for faults. My driving gloves gripped the best steering wheel I’d gripped for years because it controlled with deft precision and satisfying feel, a tautly set-up muscular athlete of a car - but yet a machine that springs no surprises.
Naturally I explored the dynamic abilities and have to tell you
that if you pull the trigger in ‘Sport Plus’ mode you embark upon a ballistic adventure. You are held comfortably in place on the road.
Engineering and design parameters, quality and performance are, in my opinion better than some Germanic rivals which, at much higher prices, are badged delusions worshipped only by the impressionable. To be blunt, it will ‘blitz’ some Porsche models. As for a Mercedes CLE, well just try one and feel the difference.
This BMW is pitched at those who see nothing wrong with a little impish indulgence and who are also canny enough to recognise true qualities.
The M440i delivers a knockout punch to rival manufacturers who must be left gasping for breath. It generates new excitement, garnering accolades. It’s called ‘going places’.
by Syd Taylor
After an unusually dry spring, Avoncroft Cricket Club are raring to go for the start of the 2025 season. Following a successful 2024, with Third XI promotion and several junior league titles, the Stoke Heath-based club will be looking to continue their growth over the next few months.
The First XI have a new captain in the form of club stalwart Dan Elliott, who will be ably supported by Duncan Roke as vice-captain. They will be hoping for more consistent availability in 2025 to ensure that there is enough experience around to nurture the impressive junior players who burst through into the first team last year. The league campaign begins with a trip to titlefavourites Himbleton, before they welcome Old Elizabethans to the John Sutcliffe Memorial Ground for their first home game of the season.
The Seconds and Thirds have both retained their inspirational leadership from 2024, with Chris Pitt and Jason Patel continuing to hold the reins this season.
After a restructure across the lower levels of the Worcestershire County League, both sides find themselves in the same tier of cricket. This will prove an interesting challenge for each team, with the Seconds capable of mounting a strong title challenge with a bit of luck at the right times, while the Thirds
will be excited to pit their wits against stronger opposition having been promoted in the restructure.
In an exciting development for the club, youngster Ben Huxley has picked up captaincy duties for the Sunday Friendly XI, taking his first important step into a leadership role.
Avoncroft’s junior section has grown beyond all recognition over the last five years, with the club running 12 different junior sides in 2025 across boys’ and girls’ cricket. The club is still keen to encourage more youngsters into cricket, so please check the club’s Play Cricket website and social media channels for more information about how to get involved.
Places in the mixed squads are tight in some age groups, but we are very keen to grow the number of girls that are getting into cricket for the first time so would love to hear from any girls keen to try things out.
by Paul Athey
“You dirrrtttyyy old man!”
You wouldn’t think it was possible for this ‘rag and boning’ duo to still be at it after all this time, but here they are! Albert is still a dirty old man and Harold is as pretentious as ever! Come and join Steptoe & Son for all the hilarious conflict that our four classic episodes have to offer! See your favourite moments from the smash hit BBC television series, being performed for you live on stage – just make sure you don’t step in a present from Hercules the horse on your way in
Steptoe & Son was first seen on our screens in 1962, running for 8 series and 57 episodes, ending in 1974. It starred the wonderful Harry H. Corbett and Wilfred Brambell, as the warring father and son, trying to cope with their ailing business and having to put up with each other along the way!
Cattle Productions Ltd. brings you their adaptation of the original episodes in a brand-new production, from Director Dan Lewis. The show has many hugely funny moments and we hope we’re going to make the original writers, actors and programme, very proud! So far our audiences, who are attending in their hundreds, are LOVING IT and we’d love for you to join us too!
What: Steptoe & Son - LIVE!
Where: Halesowen Town Hall
When: May 16th 2025 / 7:30pm - 9:30pm
Supporting Local Charity: The Dudley Group
NHS Foundation Trust, who support everybody in the community with various medical needs
Age Rating: 12+
Tickets: www.steptoeandsontour.co.uk or from the Halesowen Town Hall Box Office ( www. boroughhalls.co.uk / 01384 812812 )
Price: £18.50
Our performances always support a local charity with every show we do and so far we’ve raised nearly £20,000 for many wonderful charities across the UK, so you get to have a laugh and it’s all for a good cause too!
‘AROLD!!!!!!!
We are in the process of raising money for the local charity THE DUDLEY GROUP NHS FOUNDATION TRUST, which we feel is a very worthy cause, as it supports everybody in the community with various medical needs.
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