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Saturday 27th
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Saturday 20th
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Saturday 11th
October 13+ & 6th Form
Welcome to the August issue of Completely Bromsgrove
This issue brings you an update on the Nailers Yard development, turn to page 10 to catch up on its progress. Also in the town centre, Bromsgrove market has received national recognition, head to page 12 for the full story.
Residents are being urged to share their views on a new strategy to guide future growth and improve the area for generations to come. I’m sure anyone who needs to use any of the roads in and around Bromsgrove this month will be pulling their hair out in dismay at the number of closures and the disruption that blights our town. All comments on this hot topic should be directed to Worcestershire County Council: www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/traveland-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/ roadworks-and-live-updates
Friends of St John’s Church member Jo Slade brings us an update on an important landmark, the spire of St John’s Church, which is being repaired to ensure it remains a beacon of the town for many decades to come. Anyone wanting to support this extensive repair can donate via www.stjohnsfriends.co.uk/st-johns-
spire-appeal/ See page 20 to learn more.
And, keeping with the local history theme, the sails of the iconic Danzey Green Windmill sited at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings are turning once again. Head to page 22 to find out more, and if you are looking for something to do during the summer holidays, Avoncroft is a great day out for all ages. Check out the summer programme at www. avoncroft.org.uk
Let’s hope this warmer weather continues throughout the school holidays, and whatever you are up to in the coming weeks, don’t forget there is lots happening on the doorstep for the whole family. Pop to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/events/ events-in-bromsgrove/fun-filled-summer-in-sanderspark for details. All events are FREE!
Michele Ford Very best wishes
A message from our MP Bradley Thomas
Our precious greenbelt is under threat from the Government’s decision to increase the mandatory housing target for Bromsgrove and the Villages by 85%.
The stark reality of what this means for our constituency hit home in recent weeks following the publication of Bromsgrove District Council’s Draft Local Plan for future housing development which had to be revised following the Government’s increase in our target. 9,000 new homes are being forced on us by the Government.
Angela Rayner, the housing secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, has dismissed my concerns in the House of Commons, and she is demanding these thousands of homes are built – even if it means building on the greenbelt.
The formula the Government used to calculate our local housing need is flawed. Why? Because whilst our target has been increased by 85%, the Government has reduced Birmingham’s target by 31% - that’s despite the city having at least 140 hectares of brownfield land that could be built on. It’s not right and it’s not fair, especially when Bromsgrove district is 89% greenbelt and 79% rural.
The target being imposed on us is mandatory. Bromsgrove District Council has had to revise its Local Plan – it simply had no choice.
As you may know, the district council is currently conducting a consultation on its Draft Local Plan. The council must conduct this consultation. Failing to do so could see Whitehall civil servants take
over, leaving the district council out of the process completely. That means no local democratic accountability. We can’t allow that to happen.
I can assure you that you have my full support in opposing proposals that will destroy our countryside, which aren’t designed to the highest standards and where there is no new supporting infrastructure.
And in recent weeks I have ramped up my efforts to protect our precious greenbelt by launching a parliamentary petition.
The petition demands the Government justifies the flawed formula used to calculate the 85% increase in Bromsgrove’s housing target and to rebalance the housing target so that Birmingham takes its fair share.
It also demands that the planned 85% increase in our housing target is reversed, in addition to the reversal of the reduction in Birmingham’s housing target to ensure the burden is shared in a fair and proportionate way and only allow new houses to be built when the accompanying infrastructure is provided.
The petition will be presented to the Government in Parliament this autumn. You can sign it by visiting www.bradleythomas.org.uk
Last July I was elected with a mandate to fight to protect our greenbelt and that’s exactly what I’ve been doing.
Cross Country snub direct trains call
Bwww.bromsgroverail.org.uk
ARRUP has been writing the Rail Affairs page for this magazine for more than four years and the question which is asked most often is why it is impossible to travel directly south to Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham Spa, Bristol, Cardiff and beyond.
The answer is because of the refusal of Cross Country Trains (XC Trains) to stop either, or both, of its services which stop at Parkway and Cheltenham at Bromsgrove, even though Bromsgrove station was opened in July 2016 as an interchange station with four platforms, one of which, platform one, is scarcely used.
BARRUP has pressed XC Trains several times, and for many months, on this issue. The company has been slow to respond, but in April this year, we received a reply.
One of XC’s arguments is that there is insufficient time to call at Bromsgrove and maintain its stops at Parkway. BARRUP accepts that timetabling is a complex matter, but questions whether XC Trains has ever investigated in depth how the hourly Cardiff to Nottingham service could stop at Bromsgrove.
XC argues also that an additional stop in the Cardiff to Nottingham services would also have the: “unwelcome effect of increasing crowding on these services, as they are quicker than the local trains to University and Birmingham, which would encourage their use by commuters”
Bearing in mind that there are three West Midlands Railway trains an hour from Bromsgrove to University and since New Street, and one of
which, the service from Hereford and Worcester, after Bromsgrove stops only at University and New Street, since BARRUP received the letter, XC Trains has introduced stops at Parkway on its Plymouth to Edinburgh services. These services also stop at New Street and will be used by passengers from Parkway travelling directly into Birmingham. How much overcrowding would there be on the Cardiff to Nottingham services if they stopped at Bromsgrove?
Finally, XC Trains argues also that it is a longdistance train operator. BARRUP has pointed out that, in the case of Bromsgrove to Parkway and Cheltenham, it has a monopoly on the direct line, and that currently the Nottingham to Cardiff services stop at stations with a lower footfall than that at Bromsgrove.
Also, it would be less expensive, and possibly quicker, for actual and potential passengers from Redditch, Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Longbridge, Northfield, Kings Norton, Bournville and Selly Oak stations to travel to Bromsgrove to catch the services directly south, thus increasing demand.
The battle continues!
by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk
Nailers Yard progress celebrated
Bromsgrove District Council, alongside key project partners, gathered to mark a significant milestone in the Nailers Yard redevelopment – the completion of the site’s steel framework.
Representatives from the council’s Regeneration Team, the council cabinet, Kier, and Arcadis came together at the former Market Hall site in the heart of Bromsgrove to celebrate the progress made on the transformative town centre project.
The event featured speeches from some of those in attendance, all highlighting the importance of the development in revitalising the area for both residents and visitors. The ceremony concluded with the symbolic tightening of the final bolt in the steel frame, signifying a major step forward in the build.
Leader of the council and cabinet member for strategic partnerships, economic development and enabling, Councillor Karen May, said: “Watching the frame take shape over the past few months has been truly exciting. Our mission to enhance Bromsgrove for residents, businesses, and visitors continues with this ambitious project. Nailers Yard represents a fantastic opportunity to diversify Bromsgrove’s town centre offering, attract new businesses, and provide highquality spaces for community use.”
Once complete, Nailers Yard will feature a commercial building designed for premium office space and food and beverage operators, as well as a versatile community building known as The Pavilion. Its open-plan ground floor will host creative exhibitions, markets, and other community events throughout the week. The surrounding public area will also be enhanced as part of the scheme.
Tony Shenton, regional director of Kier Construction Eastern & Midlands, said: “Nailers Yard is
an exciting project that we are proud to be a part of. The modern transformation of this former Market Hall site is designed to support the revitalisation of the High Street, and we hope it will benefit the community of Bromsgrove for decades to come.”
Deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for finance, Councillor Sue Baxter, said: “This development is set to become a vibrant commercial and cultural hub for Bromsgrove. Alongside the re-naturalisation of Spadesbourne Brook, Nailers Yard will enhance our leisure and business landscape. The ability to accommodate a wide range of businesses and community groups in such high-quality facilities will make Bromsgrove an even more attractive place to live, work, and enjoy.”
With the site having remained vacant since 2020, the completion of the steel frame marks a significant achievement in the journey toward revitalising the area. The project is on track for completion in early 2026.
Cllrs and Representatives infront of the structure
Market ‘full of heart’ is national champion
Bromsgrove Market has received national recognition for its campaign to celebrate its ‘market town’ history, as well as its loyal traders and customers.
The recognition comes from the National Association of British Markets (NABMA) after a successful ‘Love Your Local Market’ (LYLM) campaign.
Bromsgrove Market was awarded as one of eight accolades of ‘LYLM Champions’ for the 2025 campaign.
David Preston, chief executive of NABMA, said: “This year’s LYLM has once again proven the value of markets at the heart of our communities. Across the country, we’ve seen creative, inclusive and joyful campaigns that celebrate the diversity, resilience, and spirit of our traders and market teams. The 2025 champions exemplify what makes markets special — bringing together tradition and innovation to support local economies and social connection.”
This included putting on community events alongside the market and filling the council’s social media channels with stories from the traders as well as quotes on why they love coming to Bromsgrove.
NABMA judges said: “Bromsgrove’s campaign was full of heart. Through daily trader posts and community storytelling, they gave centre stage to as many traders as they could like Martin’s Fishmongers and Barrett’s Fruiterers.
“The tone was authentic and upbeat, and the campaign cleverly used #MadeByMarkets to reinforce local identity. Bromsgrove also encouraged customers to share their market moments, building two-way engagement.
“The campaign was supported by active social media from Bromsgrove District Council on Facebook and the @betterbromsgrove Instagram channel — giving consistent, friendly visibility to local traders throughout LYLM2025.”
Leader of Bromsgrove District Council and portfolio holder for strategic partnerships, economic development and enabling, Councillor Karen May, said: “Bromsgrove Market being lauded on a national scale is fabulous for the town. Bromsgrove is a historic market town, and the community still love and support the market, so to have it praised nationally is a proud moment for everyone involved. With continued support we can make Bromsgrove Market better than ever before.”
Market days are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9am to 4pm, follow the social media channels to find out which traders will be there the night before each trading day.
Entrepreneurs and traders who are interested in the opportunities the market offers can visit www. bromsgrove.gov.uk/market for more information.
Council seeks views on development strategy
Residents of Bromsgrove district can now share their views on a new strategy to guide future growth and improve the area for generations to come.
The strategy outlines how local plans could meet Government-set growth targets, including 9,000 new homes by 2043 and the infrastructure to support them.
A new online consultation platform makes it easy for residents to provide feedback on all aspects of the strategy and its alternatives, from the vision and supporting evidence to housing locations and infrastructure needs.
Councillor Kit Taylor, portfolio holder for planning, said: “This is set to be the council’s most thorough planning consultation ever. We’ve doubled the consultation period to take account of any summer holidays, introduced a powerful new online platform, and are scheduling in-person events across the district.
“The officers have identified what appear to be the most sustainable locations for growth. Now we need your input. This information is vital to shaping a strategy that will evolve as new data comes in.”
The consultation also invites input from infrastructure providers such as the NHS, education, utilities, and transport services.
The draft identifies 21 potential housing sites, selected from 400 developer-suggested locations, based on sustainability and infrastructure.
Of the proposed sites, just under a third of the future homes are in Bromsgrove. One-third of the sites are spread across Barnt Green, Catshill, Wythall, Alvechurch, Hagley, and Stoke Prior, with each allocated 340 to 600 homes. The final third is a single large site in Frankley, adjoining Birmingham.
The consultation runs until September 22.
Visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/BromsgrovePlan or Alvechurch, Bromsgrove, Catshill, Hagley, Rubery, and Wythall libraries for materials.
If you have any queries, contact bromsgroveplan@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or call 01527 881211. Information events will follow.
Gardening jobs for August
There are still plenty of jobs to do in the garden this month but don’t forget to take time to sit back and enjoy all that you’ve achieved.
Collect nettles to make a good natural fertiliser. Put the nettles in a bucket and cover them with water, put a lid on it and a few weeks later you will have a great free feed to add extra nutrients to your plants as the autumn approaches.
Raspberries and blackcurrants will be fully ripened and adorning your desserts but how about freezing them to brighten breakfasts during the winter.
If you have a good crop of lavender how about cutting some and putting them in a paper bag to dry. Put it in the airing cupboard to make your bedding smell lovely.
It’s time to put some second cropping seed potatoes in a dark bag or in a pot with compost for your Christmas day lunch.
Sow pansies and violas for autumn colours in your beds.
While you are sitting in your garden enjoying the birdsong how about making a list of lessons learned from this year! Gaps, time wasted on plants that didn’t like your garden, sowing different seeds next year?
If the kids or grandkids are bored already, here
are just a few things that you can get up to in the garden that might help, and the fresh air will help them to sleep.
The little ones can sow beetroot, pak choi, spring onions and radishes to keep them busy and they will grow quickly.
Counting bees and butterflies and naming birds from their song and keeping a daily tally.
Hiding cars or dinosaurs in the borders is always fun.
Creating stories from the clouds is a very creative way to spend a cloudy day or you could make a bug hotel from bamboo canes tied together and jammed into a wooden box. Make a den with a line suspended above the ground and an old sheet or curtain and put their favourite toys in there - only kids invited in their ‘special place’ unless invited by them of course. Put out shallow bowls with stones and water in to create a bee drinking station and set the children the goal of counting the visitors.
These are gardening memories that they will treasure in their hearts.
By Jules Evans - Stoke Road
Tansy
Dementia care, led by experts
At Chandler Court care home in Bromsgrove, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred dementia care. Guided by the latest academic evidence, our dementia specialists support each resident to live life to the full.
Purpose-built facilities
Chandler Court care home has been purpose-built, with both luxury and comfort in mind. Everything from colour schemes, signage, and furniture to the design of our crockery, has been carefully chosen to support residents living with dementia live as independently as possible.
Each floor at Chandler Court is divided into smaller suites that create a calm atmosphere, keeping hustle and bustle to a minimum.
Chandler Court also has a Namaste care room and trained Namaste care practitioners, who provide a calming sensory experience using soothing lighting and gentle hand massage, for people living with advanced dementia.
Care you can trust
We work with academic partners and respected leaders in the field, to ensure we stay up to date with the latest approaches to care. The Association of Dementia Studies at The University of Worcester helps us to create a bespoke training programme, whilst Dr Nori Graham - former chairman of Alzheimer’s Society and honorary Vice-President of Alzheimer’s Disease International - assists in developing a holistic and forward-thinking approach to the delivery of dementia care.
Suzanne Mumford - Head of Nursing, Care and Dementia at Care UK - closely supports colleagues at every level to implement and review care practices that help us deliver the very best of care for people living with dementia.
Living well with dementia
Our dedicated team work with you and your loved one to deliver a care and lifestyle plan entirely tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Our busy activities schedule is always packed with meaningful activities that support your loved one to lead a fulfilling lifestyle.
Our newly refurbished, Dementia-friendly suite offers interactive ‘life skills’ stations for residents living with Dementia to enjoy, including craft and embroidery stations, doll therapy stations and gardening stations.
At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high-quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 10,000 families trust us to care for their older loved ones.
To find out more about the quality Dementia care on offer at Chandler Court care home, call 01527 903 670
Chandler Court
Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court
Join our upcoming event
Carer’s support café including dementia cinema club
Last Friday of the month, 2pm - 4pm
Meet fellow carers and share experiences while your loved one can sit back and watch a movie at our dementia cinema club.
To book please call 01527 903 670 or email rebecca.pearce@careuk.com
Colossal crickets
The UK’s largest cricket has been seen in Worcestershire…have you spotted one?
Last year I took my dad to Suffolk for a short break. He was looking for birds when I noticed a movement in the field margin to my right…three ginormous crickets. I called dad over as I was fairly sure he’d never seen great green bush-crickets before…and I was right. He spent the rest of the day commenting on how he couldn’t believe we’d got such magnificent insects in the UK. Of course, we’ve got lots of amazing insects but sometimes we need something a bit unusual to remind us of this.
The easiest way to tell a grasshopper from a cricket is that the former have short antennae whilst the latter have very long antennae. Now imagine one of those green, long-legged crickets that you might already be familiar with…but on steroids! Great green bush-crickets can grow up to 7cm in length.
They particularly like hanging out in tall vegetation, from meadows and hedgerows to gardens and allotments. They’re more usually found in the south and east; Worcestershire has never been on their radar…until now.
About 10 years ago, a single great green bushcricket was found in the far south of the county. The search began! Several naturalists tried to find more to establish whether this lonesome cricket was looking for a new territory or whether a colony had already sprung up. None were found. Until this year when one was spotted in the very north of the county. Does this mean that they’ve been here all this time, spreading through the county without us spotting them?
That’s where you come in. Can you put more dots on our map and help us to understand whether
these giants of the cricket world are here to stay?
The one found earlier this year was a nymph so we know a female must have laid eggs at least two years ago (it takes a minimum of two years for the eggs to develop). Where else might they be?
Adults are large and green with very long wings, a brown stripe running along the back and very long antennae. Females have a long ovipositor (egg-laying organ) at the end of their body that they use to lay their eggs into soil. You may hear the males ‘singing’ to the females, which they do by rubbing their wings together to create a long loud whirrrrrrrrring sound. You might hear them but they can be frustratingly difficult to spot; their colouring provides perfect camouflage as they hunt through the vegetation looking for flies, caterpillars and other insects to munch on.
If you spot what you think is a great green bush-cricket whilst out and about, take a photo and send it to us via our short form www. worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings
Keep up to date with us... - X x.com/WorcsWT - 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
Great green bush-cricket by Wendy Carter
The castle where history was made
Hartlebury Castle, near Kidderminster, has played a prominent role in the history of our county. Over the years, it has been a centre of ecclesiastical and administrative power in Worcestershire, with its resident bishops involved in some of the major events of British history. These days, it serves as one of Worcestershire’s museums, helping to preserve our county’s story.
The land that Hartlebury sits on was granted to the Bishop of Worcester in the late ninth century. In 1268, Henry III made Godfrey Giffard the Bishop of Worcester and granted him the right to fortify Hartlebury’s building, creating Hartlebury Castle. A few years later, in 1282, Edward I stopped at Hartlebury to collect reinforcements on his way to Wales to defend against a rebellion.
During Tudor times, the young Princess Mary (later Mary I) stayed at the castle aged ten, when her journey to Ludlow was cancelled due to plague in the town. In 1575, Elizabeth I stayed at Hartlebury for a night on her way to Worcester with a party of 100 people. Entertaining her entourage cost the incumbent, Bishop Bullingham, a fortune.
Bishop Hurd, who held office during the late 18th century, left a lasting impact on Hartlebury. In 1782, he set up a library, which later became known as the Hurd Library. On one occasion, King George III, Queen Charlotte, three of the princesses and the Duke of York visited him. They enjoyed tea, coffee, chocolate, fruit, jellies and similar for breakfast in the Hurd Library, and then paraded in the garden in front of 8,000 people.
Famously, the next Bishop, John Whitgift signed the paper to allow William Shakespeare to marry Anne Hathaway. The document can still be seen in the Worcestershire Archives at The Hive in Worcester.
Hartlebury was held by the Royalists (the forces of King Charles I) throughout the English Civil War. A garrison of 120 men was stationed there, commanded by Captain William Sandys. After the Parliamentarians’ victory, the castle was used as a prison for Royalists. Parliament elected to demolish the building but, fortunately, this proved too expensive, and it was sold to a local landowner.
Bishop Hurd continued to grow his library throughout his long tenure, until his death in 1808. By this time, it was one of the most important collections of books, manuscripts, maps, prints and other artefacts in the Midlands. It remains the only example of an Anglican bishop’s library remaining on its original shelves.
In 1966, Worcestershire County Council opened the County Museum in the castle’s north wing. The Church of England owned the building until 2007, when the castle and surrounding land was sold to the Hartlebury Castle Preservation Trust.
The history of Hartlebury Castle and some of the artefacts it holds is the subject of the Bromsgrove Society’s local history talk on Tuesday, September 16th. This is the first meeting of the 2025-26 season and, as usual, starts at 7.45pm at the Methodist Centre, Stratford Road. Visit the website for the full programme. www.bsoc.co.uk by Mike Sharpe
Bishop Hurd library
Spire restoration
Amomentous moment in the long history of St John’s Church has been reached, thanks to the generosity of many local people and national funders.
Way back in 2017, hairline cracks were noticed in the sandstone top of the ancient spire. Emergency repairs were quickly carried out using resin to fill the cracks and stainless-steel bands to hold the cracking section together. These have been inspected each year and renewed when required.
In February this year, following a successful fundraising campaign, the first stage of the restoration project began with the scaffolding being built. A two-month delay in erecting the scaffolding followed the discovery of peregrine falcon eggs on a waterspout (gargoyle) near the tower top, but in early July the large scaffolding structure was completed.
The team of restoration contractors from Phillips and Curry quickly got to work dismantling the internal counterweight and with the help of stonemasons from Steve Allard and Son the weather vane, top knot and lower
courses of solid stonework were removed.
The removal of the stone courses revealed a heavily rusted iron rod running through the centre of the stonework. Although this iron rod and linked counterweight system had been successful in keeping the spire standing tall for centuries, the rusting iron had expanded and caused the stones to crack. In many of the stones the crack ran down both sides and was wide enough to put your hand into it. Thankfully the stainless-steel bands had worked to keep the structure safe, but the urgency of the work was confirmed by the extreme rusting found.
Visitors to the ‘Side by Side’ Open Day on Saturday 12th July were able to see the removed top knot, which was still attached to the weather vane spine rod, and have their photo taken with the cockerel, removed from its lofty perch whilst the restoration works take place.
Lewis Allard and Ben Curry remove the spire top
work begins
Through August and September, the spire top will be rebuilt with new sandstone and a stainless-steel central rod. The weathercock will be re-gilded before returning to the top of the spire. Whilst the scaffolding is in situ, stonework repairs to the tower parapet will be carried out along with repointing on the spire.
Those interested in finding out more can attend the Heritage Open Day on Saturday 20th September or visit the Friends of St John’s website www.stjohnsfriends.co.uk
Rusted vane rod is exposed
Mike Curry inspects spire base pointing
by Jo Slade
Historic windmill turns again after repairs
The sails of the iconic Danzey Green Windmill are turning once more, marking a triumphant moment after five years of stillness.
Following a significant restoration effort, the 200-year-old mill, which is the only working post mill in the West Midlands, has returned to operational glory at the Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings at Stoke Heath, near Bromsgrove.
The restored windmill was officially reopened last month by Mike Field, a highly experienced millwright and miller who led the original reconstruction of the windmill at Avoncroft Museum in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
“We’re honoured that Mike returned to reopen the windmill he helped save more than 50 years ago,” said Zoe Willems, director of Avoncroft Museum. “This is a celebration of craftsmanship, community, and continuity.”
Originally built about 1820 in Danzey Green, Warwickshire, the Avoncroft Windmill is a traditional post mill, the oldest surviving type of windmill in Britain. In its original working life, it ground grain for local farmers.
By the 1960s, it was facing demolition, but was dismantled and relocated to Avoncroft in 1969, where it was painstakingly reconstructed under the guidance of Mr Field and a dedicated team of experts and volunteers.
The windmill has been a centrepiece of the museum ever since, not just as a static exhibit, but as a working machine operated by trained staff and volunteers to show visitors the power of wind-driven milling.
By 2019, the list of necessary repairs had reached a level where it was decided to temporarily halt sailing the mill until repairs to a number of key structural elements could be completed.
Staffing and funding constraints after the pandemic delayed the repairs and although some work remains to be done the mill is now ready to return to sailing. Subject to suitable wind conditions, the mill will sail every Saturday until the end of August.
Repairs to the windmill have only been possible thanks to the generous financial support from Bromsgrove Court Leet, Bromsgrove Rotary Club, Droitwich Preservation Trust and the Midlands Mills Group plus donations from members and the public.
To ensure the windmill continues to operate long into the future, the milling team has reformed and together with new volunteers is being trained to safely sail the mill, preserving the centuries-old skills required to harness wind power and grind grain. Under Mr Field’s expert supervision, these volunteers will soon be demonstrating the windmill in action to the public, continuing the living heritage approach that makes the museum so distinctive.
Continued commitment to community is club’s aim
The Bromsgrove Unionist Club (BUC) is in its 112th year and the club and its members are committed to supporting the local community.
Captain Noel Chavasse VC was the only man to be awarded the Victoria Cross twice during World War One and he sadly lost his life at Passchendaele in 1917. His gravestone in Bromsgrove cemetery has been restored using funds raised by members organised by the president Trevor Rice and steward Paul Ward. The Last Post Association based in Ypres, has also received a donation of 800 Euros.
The club hosted a VE Day event in May, where proceeds from the raffle and tombola also resulted in a donation of £880 for Help for Heroes. We are very proud that several charities have benefitted from fundraising events to support their work.
The BUC is fortunate to sit in beautiful grounds which members and their families use regularly. The recent beautiful weather has seen the facility used to maximum effect. The garden is private and accessible.
A marquee is also situated in the garden where events are held including bands, skittles, psychic evenings, and cheese and wine tasting. This is also available for hire to members and non-members, whatever the occasion.
The clubhouse has a snooker hall with three tables and a large bar area which can also be sectioned off for small meetings and/or a quiet space. This is a safe, inclusive space that you can visit on your own or with family and friends to enjoy a coffee and a roll or a drink from the bar including Bathams, a firm favourite, or an array of wines. Guinness Zero is particularly popular.
We are conscious that the community faces challenges and often being able to meet people, engage in a quiz, play dominoes, snooker, darts or join the ladies’ section for theatre events or a visit to a restaurant can benefit your emotional and physical wellbeing.
Sitting in the gardens which have beautiful established greenery, plants and hanging baskets is also beneficial and you can occasionally hear the bands playing opposite in Sanders Park. Many members tell us the friendly nature of the BUC has really helped them.
Have you visited the club, do you know a member or have you seen details of our events at www.bromsgroveunionistclub.co.uk We would be pleased to welcome you at any BUC event.
President Trevor Rice and steward Paul Ward
The club Gardens
Ladies on VE Day
T.Rice President BUC, presenting a cheque to the Last Post Assoc Menin Gate Ypres
Beating the Bounds Walk –
Terrain : This is a good route for families, being mainly on paved paths and roads, however, those sections that lack pavements require extra care. Some off-road paths could become muddy. There are some steady upward inclines, one steeper.
Parking: Sanders Park, Kidderminster Road, B61 7JP, ///hedge.button.rail
Introductory notes to these Tything walks can be found in the June issue, or at: Completely Bromsgrove June ‘25 issue 73 issuu by completelybromsgrove - Issuu
We recommend downloading the ‘What3Words’ app
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– Buntsford Tything
Start and Finish - Sanders Park, Kidderminster Road, B61 7JP 1
Someof the Manor’s yields were mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Not so Buntsford, but it was named by the time Queen Eleanor was Lord of the Manor in 1278. Hugging the watercourses that marked a large part of the boundary, this tything walk, which starts in Sanders Park in Kidderminster Road, offers possibly the most varied of vistas—from hidden footpaths in our industrial heartland, through new and not so new estates, to a stretch of farmland that offers wonderful views across Worcestershire.
Take the path past the café, keeping the tennis courts and school to your left. Follow Spadesbourne Walk to reach the road. Continue ahead along Brook Road to T-junction, turning left on Shrubbery Road and left again onto Worcester Road. Pass the Court Leet pub, then use the pelican crossing to pass immediately in front of Bromsgrove School gates, taking the footpath to meet Manor Court Road. As this road bends right, turn left into a short cul-de-sac, at the end of which are steps to the left leading to Charford Road. Turn left, reaching an information board detailing Charford’s development. Continue and cross the A38 onto Stoke Road.
Turn first right into Sherwood Road. Follow the road, bending left, then take the next turn right keeping to Sherwood Road and continue to the T-junction at Morrisons. Turn left. The road bends right behind Roman Glass. Before it bends back left, at the junction with Buntsford Park Road, an unmarked path leads down to the left, immediately in front of a Severn Trent pumping station. This path brings you alongside the Sugarbrook. Still bounded by industrial units, it is an oasis of peace. Pass between
industrial units before crossing a drive, continuing along the path to reach the road, Buntsford Hill. Turn right up the hill to Avoncroft Museum, taking the lane that passes its gates to reach the A38. Cross carefully, climb the steps opposite into the estate and the path crossing the bottom end of a cul-desac. After crossing two more roads, at the third, turn right then immediately left to pick up the path once again. Climb the stile and continue along the driveway, picking up the path after crossing the next road, before reaching Dark Lane. Upon reaching the main road, turn right and at the junction with Worcester Road, turn right again, crossing onto the left-hand pavement. After 50 metres, turn left on the drive to Grafton Manor.
Before reaching the manor, look for a drive marked as a footpath to the right. At the end of the drive climb the stile and continue over a second stile into a copse. Pass through a gate and follow the path right to another gate then a path left. Climb a further stile and turn immediately right through the next gate. Reaching the top of the hill, the views are worth the effort. Pass through the kissing-gate and follow the path down to Whitford Road.
With the new Whitford Heights estate to your left, reach the west of Sanders Park. Re-enter here if you wish to avoid the un-pavemented section of the busy Whitford Road, otherwise, continue to the junction with Kidderminster Road, before turning right, downhill towards town, concluding by reentering Sanders Park on its eastern side.
by Neil Beaumont
View from Whitford
The pumping station on the path to Sugarbrook
French guests receive warm welcome
The annual exchange visit between Bromsgrove and the town’s twin commune in France, Saint-SauveurVillages took place in June.
This year was Bromsgrove’s turn to host and the party from Normandy arrived by coach at Parkside Hall to be welcomed by the new chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, Councillor Sam Evans and the chairman of Bromsgrove International Link (BIL), Roger Westbury.
The visitors then spent the remainder of the afternoon and evening with hosts in their own homes, though some visiting for the first time had a look round the Bromsgrove area.
This year coincided with the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two and in recognition of this commemoration, a visit to Coventry was arranged that included a guided tour around both the old and new cathedrals. The focus was on recognising the contribution made by so many people eight decades ago and the hope for peace in a troubled world.
St Sauveur Lendelin, as the commune was known before a recent local government reorganisation, was liberated by the American 1st Army led by General Omar Bradley on July 28th 1944 and a nearby manor, Le Château des Mares was used as a headquarters by General Eisenhower for the Battle of Normandy. Prime Minister Winston Churchill was a guest in August that year.
The evening of the Coventry visit was spent at Barnt Green Social Club for drinks and a buffet supper.
Twinning visits are an attempt to build friendships
and cultural links and to foster good relations between communities. Much time was spent making comparisons on life here and there and it wasn’t a surprise to find that we have a lot in common.
Plans are now in progress for a 2026 visit by the Bromsgrove group to the village, which is located around 40 miles south of Cherbourg.
New members are always welcome to join BIL which also organises social events during the year. Further information is available on the association’s website, www.bromstwin.org.uk
by Phil Baker
In Coventry with Lady Godiva Outside the Town hall
Outside the new cathedral
Luxurious Luxembourg
Luxembourg is Europe’s smallest and richest country, not only in wealth, but in history too.
The capital city, Luxembourg’s old quarters and fortifications have Unesco World Heritage site recognition as it is renowned as one of the most heavily fortified places in Europe.
Dating back to the tenth century the fortress was built on rock foundations and over the years many different rulers like the Spanish, French, Austrians and Prussians added to its construction. In the 1600s the ‘Bock Casemates’ were added - a network of underground tunnels carved into the rock beneath the fortress. They could hold thousands of people and were used to hide soldiers, store weapons, and protect people during attacks and were even used as shelters during World War II.
Today you can still walk around the remains of the fortress and explore the tunnels, crypts and chambers underneath. The Chemin de la Corniche, or ‘Europe’s most beautiful balcony’ provides wonderful views over the city and the Notre Dame cathedral is also worth a look.
As well as being steeped in history the Old Town, with its quaint winding streets, leading to squares lined with cafes, bars and restaurants or hidden gems tucked away in back streets, is perfect to meander around.
In contrast the city centre boasts a range of shops and it is easy to travel between sites as public transport is free, clean, frequent and reliable!
Nestled between France, Germany and Belgium Luxembourg is easily reachable from either of these countries in just a matter of a couple of hours and this is what we did as part of a campervan trip.
We entered Luxembourg via Vianden, home to one
the most iconic castles in Europe. Vianden Castle is a beautifully restored medieval fortress perched on a hilltop and offers stunning views over the town and the Our Valley. It is one of the most interesting castles I have visited with the ruins being expertly preserved yet accessible to view and the restorations can be freely explored. I’m not usually one for reading lots of info boards but a really short film depicting the castle’s history at the start meant I enjoyed the exploration of the castle much more.
We had lunch in the Old Town but ‘didn’t have time’ for the chair lift before heading off to the capital which was 90 minutes away – although you could also travel between the two on the free buses!
Unfortunately we were only in Luxembourg for two nights but there’s plenty more to see – from its vineyards well known for their Cremant and Riesling to impressive walks and scenery in the Moselle Region
We accidentally stumbled on Luxembourg as part of a bigger trip but it is definitely the perfect city for a mini-break and there are flights available from London.
But if you are travelling by car across Europe this Summer it is well worth spending a stopover for a night or two en route to wherever you are going!
by Anne-Marie Harley
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Stressed out? Your skin might be too
We’ve all had those weeks — endless deadlines, poor sleep, and a mirror that reflects a version of you that looks more tired, dull, and older than usual. It’s not just your imagination. There’s a real biological link between stress and your skin’s health, and it centres on something called the collagen-cortisol connection.
Most of us know that collagen is key to keeping our skin firm, smooth, and youthful. But fewer people realise that cortisol, your body’s main stress hormone, breaks down collagen and does so more aggressively as we age. It’s a recipe for premature aging, especially during stressful seasons.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, making up about 30% of our total protein content. Think of it as the glue holding everything together — from your skin, bone, teeth, nails, hair, eyes, connective tissue, organs and cartilage. Here are some key facts you should know about collagen:
Gram for gram it’s stronger than steel and it makes up 30% of your body’s protein, 70% of the protein in skin and 80% of the protein in bone. It also makes up the lining of your arteries, organs and intestines.
We lose collagen as we age. By the age of 20 we start to lose collagen from our skin at the rate of 1% per year, by 50 we have lost 25% and by 75 we have lost 50%.
Signs that you need more collagen: Wrinkled skin, sagging skin, brown spots and rough texture skin, brittle hair and nails, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, joint pain, leaky gut, cardio-vascular disease and liver damage.
Benefits of collagen are: Reduces skin aging, improves elasticity/hydration, increases fat loss and muscle gain/ strength, reduces joint pain and stiffness, supports cartilage health, improves bone mineral density, bone growth and reduces tendon/ligament injuries and tendonitis. The good news! While we can’t eliminate stress, we can support our collagen and help our skin recover with RedoxRadiance. Achieve your beauty
goals and empower your natural beauty with this daily collagen support supplement that is beautyfocused, body-optimised, and stomach-friendly. By using the same collagen profile as your body and delivering exact amino acid ratios for skin collagen support, this plant-based formula also provides natural antioxidant support thanks to ingredients like Chilean maqui berry and copper. Added minerals such as zinc and vitamin C help to promote collagen production and protection. Simply add one stick pack to eight to 12 ounces of water and enjoy a more radiant complexion. To order, visit aseaglobal.com/need4change or contact me on colette@need4change.com
Breakfast Come and join us for
- served 7 days a week from 8am - 11.30am
Lunch & Dinner served from 12noon - 9pm Monday - Saturday Sunday Roast 1 Course £17.95 | 2 Courses £21.95 | 3 Courses £26.95 - Served from 12noon - 7pm Delicious Visit vernonhanbury.co.uk or follow our social media pages to keep up to date for future events etc.
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OPENING HOURS: BAR MON - SUN : 12noon - Late FOOD MON - SAT 12noon - 9pm - SUN : 12noon - 7pm OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK - Call 01527 821 236 to make a reservation or email info@vernonhanbury.co.uk
August Bank Holiday Monday 25th
Join us for a FUNday with the whole family! We look forward to welcoming you! Special Occasion?
Let us help you celebrate and make your ‘Wedding or Special Occasion’ one to remember! Speak to Annie now on 01527 821 236 to discuss your requirements
Double celebration for Lizzie’s team at Hanbury Show
Hanbury Show saw more success for the team from Lizzie’s Farm near Bromsgrove with Eilidh winning the three-year-old heifer class and then being named female champion and breed champion.
Lizzie and the Monk family are absolutely delighted with her success and the icing on the cake was two-year-old bull Louis scooping first prize in his class.
“The pinnacle of the show for me is always the grand parade of livestock, where all the different breeds of cattle, sheep and pigs are walked around the main ring, showing British Farming at its best,” said Lizzie.
“It is sometimes difficult to fit showing into our already busy farming calendar, but I believe it’s an important part of our year. It shows the public what we do and why it is so important to buy British and support our farmers.
“We desperately need their support if Britain is to carry on farming. Farming can also be an isolated life, the shows bring everyone together and even though it is a competition everyone
helps each other. We all have a good catch up and laughter can be heard throughout the showground.”
Eilidh and Louis are now safely back at Lizzie’s Farm awaiting their next outings to Burwarton Show in Shropshire on August 7th and Moreton Show on September 6th. In the meantime, you can visit Lizzie’s Farm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am to 5pm and on Sunday from 10am to 4pm to meet more of the wonderful characters. Dudley the Donkey is a firm favourite with visitors, Stanley and Badger are friendly Highland cattle and Lizzie’s most recent additions, Elsie and Mabel, the Kunekune piglets, love nothing more than meeting visitors for a belly rub. Everyone is welcome at Lizzie’s Farm. Entry is free but Lizzie just asks that visitors use the tearoom, farmshop and gift shop.
Dudley the Donkey
Piglets - Elsie & Mabel
Time to salute a procession of planets
Last year we saw a parade of planets in the evening sky. This month, early risers should see a repeat in the pre-dawn sky, many of which will be visible for much of August.
From the beginning of the month, in the eastern sky, the brightest planet Venus approaches the largest planet Jupiter. On the 12th they will be at their closest (conjunction) and will be a spectacular site in binoculars or telescope. At the same time, in the southern sky, to the left of the gibbous Moon you will find the ringed planet Saturn. Above Saturn lies the distant ice-giant Neptune, although this will require a star chart and telescope to locate it.
Coincidentally, the nights of the 12th & 13th mark the maximum of the Perseid meteor shower. This is one of the richest showers of the year and is formed by debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle. Unfortunately, this year the near full Moon will obscure all, but the brightest meteors. For the best views, after midnight try to find a location where you can avoid directly seeing the Moon. Then looking up, you should see meteors hit our atmosphere and burn up at heights above 80km. The Perseids are known for producing bright fast meteors leaving long trains (trails).
On the 20th, Venus & Jupiter will be joined by the thin crescent Moon, providing a great photo opportunity. As dawn approaches, from around 5am, using Jupiter and Venus as markers, trace an imaginary line towards the horizon. You will
need a clear horizon, but you should be able to see the elusive planet Mercury.
The closest planet to the Sun, Mercury can be difficult to locate and is never seen in a dark sky, with the best views lasting only a few weeks each year. Mercury is the smallest of the planets, only slightly larger than the Moon and has a similarly cratered surface, but it is a planet of extremes. From Mercury, the Sun appears three times larger than the view from Earth. The sun-facing side reaches 430 degrees C, which is hot enough to melt the metal lead. In contrast, on the nightside the slow rotation of Mercury and lack of an atmosphere drops the temperature to -180ºC.
If you’re interested in astronomy, why not join the Bromsgrove Astronomical Society? The club usually meet on the first and third Monday of each month at Bromsgrove Rugby Club. We also do outreach, have an annual quiz and a star party.
Rob Junuszewski is presenting ‘Amateur Astronomy – The Future’ on August 18th.
Visitors are always welcome, so if you would like to learn more about astronomy, you can find more details at: www.broms-astro.org.uk
Adrian Bigland
Back to the beginnings
In the Welsh town of Port Talbot, 1942, Richard Jenkins (Harry Lawtey) is a wayward schoolboy, caught between the pressures of his struggling family, a devastating war, and his own ambitions.
However, a new opportunity arises when Richard’s natural talent for drama catches the attention of his teacher, Philip Burton (BAFTA winner Toby Jones). Taking Richard under his wing, the young man, who later changed his name to Richard Burton, thrives thanks to Philip’s strict tutelage and the guidance of kindly landlady, Ma Smith (Academy Award nominee Lesley Manville).
As the acting world comes within Richard’s reach, the burden of his past risks holding him back forever. Watch National Film Award best drama nominated Mr Burton at Bromsgrove Arts on Sunday, August 10th at 7.30pm.
Inspired by the true story of a disillusioned Englishman who went to work in a school in Argentina in 1976 comes The Penguin Lessons , which is being screened on Wednesday, August 20th at 7.30pm. Expecting an easy ride, Tom (Steve Coogan) discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. However, after he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach, his life is turned upside-down.
In The Amateur , being screened on Wednesday, August 27th at 7.30pm, Charlie Heller (Rami Malek) is a brilliant, but deeply introverted decoder for the CIA working out of a basement office at headquarters in Langley whose wife is killed in a London terrorist attack.
When his supervisors refuse to act, he takes matters into his own hands, embarking on a dangerous trek across the globe to track down those responsible, his intelligence serving as the ultimate weapon for eluding his pursuers and achieving his revenge.
of Welsh acting legend
Step into a night of music, romance, and celebration with André Rieu’s Waltz the Night Away . An all-new summer concert captured live from the stunning Vrijthof Square in his beloved hometown of Maastricht is coming to the big screen on August 30th and 31st.
Every year, the Vrijthof transforms into a grand ballroom as André and his Johann Strauss Orchestra invite audiences of all ages to waltz under the stars. With timeless melodies and beautiful waltzes, this concert will take you on a journey filled with joy, love, and heartfelt emotion.
a
Bromsgrove Arts, the home of Fairfield Flicks and Fairfield Music, is located at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ).
Daniel takes to the skies for fitting causes
Completely Magazine distributor Daniel Sheridan is tackling a 14,000ft tandem skydive to raise funds for the RAF Benevolent Fund and the RAFAC 479 Rubery squadron.
Aston Fields resident Daniel, who has been with the squadron for the past three years and is currently a corporal, wants to help these two organisations as much as he possibly can as they both do fantastic work.
Every moment of the thrilling descent will highlight his commitment to giving back to the RAF community, inspiring others to support those who serve and to contribute generously to two amazing causes.
The RAF Benevolent Fund provides lifelong practical, emotional, and financial support to serving and former members of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and their families. They offer a wide range of services, including financial assistance, emotional well-being support, relationship counselling, and help with housing and care. The fund relies on donations to continue its work and supports more than 44,700 people annually.
The Royal Air Force Air Cadets (RAFAC) provides young people with a wide range of opportunities for personal development, including aviation-related activities, adventure training, and qualifications useful for both civilian and military life.
Cadets participate in activities including flying, gliding, shooting, sports, and adventure training, while also developing leadership skills and a practical interest in aviation and the RAF.
Daniel hopes to raise as much money as possible for the two organisations by taking on a tandem skydive on his 16th birthday in December this year. He has set up a GoFundMe page at https:// gofund.me/423dc10c
Movie and stage stars shine bright at Artrix
An array of tribute shows, theatre, dance and so much more will be thrilling audiences at Artrix in Bromsgrove over the coming months.
From July 31st the venue will be hosting the National Drama Festival, a three-day celebration of the very best amateur theatre across Britain.
In August we will be freshening up the venue ready for a spectacular September line up. There are fabulous films and theatre shows
to look forward to, with Conclave (3rd), The Salt Path (10th), Ocean with David Attenborough (17th) and Inter Alia (18th).
Comedy also makes a welcome return with Canadian funny man Tom Stade making his Artrix debut on 11th September.
The Artrix isn’t just a place for shows. We also offer conference facilities and regular group booking spaces. Drop us a message to find out more or to arrange a show round.
As always, we have an incredible line up of tribute acts including Con Jovi (September 6th), U2 (12th) and Pink (13th)
It’s full speed ahead for this year’s pantomime, Treasure Island . This mesmerising production is brought to you by local theatre company Half Tail Productions, and promises laughs, action and sensational songs, all put together by a local cast to entertain the Bromsgrove community.
Tickets for all performances are available at www.artrixbromsgrove.co.uk/ or via our onsite box office which is open on Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 12pm.
Tuneful theme to club gathering
Bromsgrove Flower Club invite you to join them for a beautiful relaxing afternoon at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, on Thursday, August 21st.
We will be entertained by the experienced demonstrator Jo Davis, who comes from the South Midlands, with her designs for “Blooms and Tunes”
Join in the fun by bringing along a jam jar with your own arrangement or a flower of the month from your garden and you will receive a free raffe ticket to win one of Jo’s beautiful floral designs.
Included in the entry fee of £5 for members and £10 for visitors are complimentary refreshments and a very warm welcome. The meeting starts at 1.30pm.
Discover county’s creative side at August art week
167 artists & makers visit 105 venues see how it’s made workshops exhibitions demonstrations meet local creatives be inspired!
www.worcestershireopenstudios.org
Worcestershire Open Studios returns this August for its biggest year yet and it’s completely free to attend.
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, the countywide art event will feature 167 local artists and makers opening their doors across 105 venues where visitors will find a friendly welcome and leave inspired. Running for ten inspiring days from August 16th to 25th, visitors can step inside working studios, meet artists, and explore a wide range of work, from painting and ceramics to jewellery, textiles, and printmaking, all set against the beautiful backdrop of the Worcestershire countryside.
With 24 artists and makers taking part in the Bromsgrove area, there is plenty to see on your own doorstep as well as further afield.
Perfect for the August bank holiday, the event offers exhibitions, workshops, live demonstrations, and the chance to buy original artworks and handmade gifts.
Plan ahead with the interactive map and digital guide at www. worcestershireopenstudios.org Free printed guides will also be available at local outlets.
Whether you’re an art lover or simply curious, this is the year to explore the wealth of creative talent that Worcestershire holds.
Due to school holidays we have limited music functions in August, however; Saturday 9th August – Northern Soul night with DJ in the main function room, all welcome.
Friday 29th August – Killerstream in the main function room, all welcome, fundraising event, tickets available from the club. Further details can be found on our FaceBook pages.
The club is family friendly, small beer garden at the rear of the club – pets welcome, pop in when passing and enjoy a refreshing drink in the sunshine and if you fancy, a game of pool on our family pool table at just 50p per game.
Usual clubs and meetings as per usual. www.lickeyendsocialclub.co.uk
SUMMER FUN
sanders park 2025
DRAGON FLY ARTS & CRAFTS
Mondays 21st July - 25th Aug
Drop-in 10am – 3pm
Additional charges apply
GLAMBA DRUMMING WORKSHOPS
Fri 25th July
Thur 7th & Fri 29th Aug
Drop-in 12pm - 4pm
NATURAL HISTORY
TRAVELLING MUSEUM
Wed 6th Aug 10am - 3pm
(1 show every hour)
BUBBLEOLOGIST
Thur 14th Aug
Every 30 mins from 11am - 3.30pm
Join us for a season packed with excitement, laughter, & unforgettable memories! Here’s what’s in store
STEVE KAOS CIRCUS WORKSHOPS
Tue 22nd & Wed 30th July Wed 13th & Wed 27th Aug
Drop-in 12pm - 4pm
CLIVE CHANDLER’S PUNCH & JUDY SHOW
Tue 29th July & 19th Aug 12pm, 1.30pm, 3pm
WILSON’S FUNFAIR KIDDIES CORNER
Wed 6th Aug 10am - 3pm
Additional charges apply
HULA HOOP SHOW & WORKSHOPS
Thur 21st Aug
Shows at 11am & 12.30pm Workshops at 11.30am & 1pm
No booking required - drop in & join the fun!
All activities are FREE unless otherwise stated.
For more info please see www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/events Sanders Park, Kidderminster Rd, Bromsgrove, B61 7JP
Classy Crosstrek with
Some premium brands are the choice of buyers of the parvenu kind. In contrast, choosing Subaru sets you apart as someone who is discerning and self-determining. A Subaru exudes class, not flash.
If you want style, SUV capability and sterling pedigree in these days of fast living, who better than Subaru - a manufacturer of four-wheel drive cars who got there first and has had the opposition playing catch-up ever since.
The crossover concept is often, in the hands of other manufacturers, too compromised. Subaru makes no such mistake. It cleverly adapts the SUV’s appearance to today’s style-conscious imperatives while underpinning an attractive car with hardware that does the business in the best possible way.
You can take it off-road and still look fit to cut a dash down the Kings Road. The Crosstrek dovetails dynamism and performance with versatility and underpins it with Subaru’s trademark all-wheel drive for superior all-weather
and off-road ability. This can really handle off-road conditions where others would flounder.
Inside the large and airy cabin there’s plenty of room for five. Cabin architecture is dynamic and distinctly tough and yet there’s a feeling of intimacy. There’s plenty of storage space, seats are comfy, and the driver enjoys the benefits of good ergonomics from the high driving position.
Well equipped with climate control, cruise control and a reversing camera to name but three, and all the safety aids to make you invincible, the rugged Crosstrek - with its fiveyear, 100,000 mile warranty - is the sort of vehicle that’s ideal for battling everything from the busy highway to the bumpy forest track.
indestructible streak
Prices starting from £34,995 aren’t too bad when you consider that even a top-of-the-range medium size hatchback costs a prince’s ransom.
As you would expect with a Subaru, there’s the trademark four cylinder horizontally opposed engine - and this, of course, is low slung to give all the benefits of a low centre of gravity with the resultant good handling and surefootedness which that brings.
It’s an excellent engine. At the bottom of the rev range there’s ample torque and the brilliant offroad X mode optimises the four-wheel drive. The CVT transmission can be controlled by paddles but leaving it to its own devices is best. It’s a gutsy and willing car that pulls well so that you don’t need to overuse the six ‘gears’. (Not ‘gears’ really but ‘steps’ in the CVT transmission).
The 134bhp 2.0 litre unit with mild hybrid assistance can take you to over 120 mph. Silky
smooth and silent are not for this Subaru when working hard, yet back off the throttle on the motorway, set the cruise control and it’s comfortable and relaxing.
I liked the Crosstrek because it felt tough and indestructible and naturally, the car’s dynamics on or off road are excellent. Fuel consumption on test was around 38mpg overall which considering the car’s very broad capability, is acceptable.
Interestingly, my companion on the test was equally well-mannered, stylish and capable of unsurpassed versatility, being a concert hall flautist.
“What a superb vehicle!” she cried. “A veritable symphony of a mechanical polyphony.”
I kept my attention on the road and on the subtle and reassuring Subaru. With that ‘Boxer’ engine punching clever beneath its belt it was plus points all the way.
by Syd Taylor
Sound out motor museum’s fab new expo
The British Motor Museum at Gaydon has launched a new sound-based exhibition which will run until spring 2026 in the new Rubery Owen Gallery. Its centrepiece is a Rolls-Royce once owned by John Lennon.
From the favourite tunes we play when we’re driving, to the songs that were inspired by motoring cities; push button radios to streaming podcasts; the sensation of our favourite engine noises to the quietness of modern cars; sound, music and the motor car have always had an emotional connection.
Beep-Beep, Yeah!: The Sounds and Songs of the Motor Car explores this connection from the engine rumble to the rhythm of our favourite tune and examines why the sounds we listen to in our cars can influence the way we drive.
Visitors can immerse themselves in the sound experience through a range of interactive elements such as tuning a 1970s radio, feeling the noise of a BRM V16 P15 race car engine, or sitting inside a 2022 Bentley Bentayga to experience its incredibly powerful audio systems.
The exhibition also features a 2019 Wells Vertige Prototype demonstrating how music shaped an
entire design while, on the other end of the scale, is the 2018 Nissan Leaf whose electric motor is so quiet it generates a pedestrian warning sound as a safety feature.
Throughout the exhibition is the connection between cars and music and this link is demonstrated by the star car of the exhibition, a white 1965 Rolls-Royce Phantom V, once owned by John Lennon. The car appeared in the Beatles film, Let It Be.
To find out more about the exhibition visit www.britishmotormuseum.co.uk or email enquiries@britishmotormuseum.co.uk
Sun shines on Croft’s all-action season
What a change 12 months makes. In 2024, the cricket season at Avoncroft was delayed a month by waterlogged pitches and terrible weather; this year the teams have got used to playing on scorched grass and in blazing temperatures. It’s important to be adaptable as a social cricketer in England these days!
While the weather hasn’t been changeable this year, performances on the field have been a bit up and down. Avoncroft’s First XI have struggled to impose themselves in Division Three but have been competitive enough in the games that matter to pick up five wins, leaving them in ninth place (out of 12) with a third of the season to go.
Croft’s batting has been totally dominated by Duncan Roke whose 731 runs in 13 innings leaves him as comfortably the highest run scorer in the whole league so far. With eight games still to go, Duncan has a chance of becoming the first Croft player to score 1,000 league runs in a season.
On the bowling front, things have been completely different, with nine players making solid contributions to success on the field. This bowling depth, along with a youthful team that are raising the bar in terms of fielding standards, stands the Firsts in a good position for future success.
Avoncroft’s Second XI continue the story of onfield ups and downs, with six wins and five defeats leaving them solidly in mid-table in Division Eight (East). Notable recent performances have come at both ends of the age spectrum. Sixteen-yearold Jack Seers posted his highest ever score (91) in a recent game against top-of-the-table Bredon while 72-year-old Andy Pittam continues his Indian summer, so far taking 15 wickets at an average of 12 and going for a miserly 2.5 runs per over.
Things are starting to look up for the Third XI
following the initial struggle of stepping up into Division Eight (West); having lost their first six games, the Thirds have now won three of their next six to lift themselves off the bottom of the table. Runs have still been hard to come by but the return of Matt Palmer (64* in the latest win against Old Swinford) and some cameos from Damian Hampton and Brent Burford have kept Croft in their recent games. With the ball, 14-year-old Evan Walford has impressed with ten wickets while Pratham Madaan and Akshat Kaul have added some guile to the bowling ranks as part of Croft’s recent upturn in fortunes.
Finally, Croft’s Sunday friendly XI have put in some impressive performances, winning four of their seven games so far this season thanks to some incredible junior performances. Four separate junior players (Hayden Smith, Ben Athey, Cooper Bridgewater and Callum Hooper) have all posted individual scores over 90 in the season so far, with Hayden’s 117* against Hagley the top score to date. In addition, captain Ben Huxley has also added to the junior successes with 280 runs at an average of 47.
With the ball, James Livesey’s 5-8 still stands apart as the top bowling figures for the season, but there have been some other good contributions from Croft’s younger players with both Joe Simon and Rhys Pate picking up 3-fers in recent games.
All-in-all, the Croft players have enjoyed the sun on their backs and the successes on the pitch so far this season. by Paul Athey
Sporting all set for Premier challenge
Bromsgrove Sporting’s Southern League Premier Division Central season begins in August and they will be kickstarting proceedings with a home match against Hertfordshire-based Bishop’s Stortford.
Sporting’s first game on the road will be a short trip to Alvechurch, which also happens to be the Rouslers’ first midweek game of the season.
When fixtures are released, many people swiftly check the festive encounters - this season, Bromsgrove take on Redditch United at the UK Electrical Stadium on December 27th, before travelling to Halesowen Town on January 3rd.
Scott Adey-Linforth’s men will finish their season at home to league newcomers Real Bedford.
Before the league matches commence, Sporting’s pre-season schedule ends with an encounter against Hungerford Town.
Pre-season began with victories against Romulus and Stourport Swifts - the latter fixture seeing striker Kobe Hall bag a hat-trick. Hall joined in the summer after leaving Kidderminster Harriers - this is his second stint at Sporting, having enjoyed a brief loan spell with the club during the 2023-24 season.
Morris stepped up from Bromsgrove’s new under 21s side to the first team towards the back end of the 2024-25 season. Hoping to follow in his footsteps will be fellow under 21s alumni George Gillon, Fin Carson and Josh Burgess, all of whom have signed first team forms this summer.
Another new addition who has made a positive impact in pre-season is Tom Edge - the highly rated central midfielder has previously enjoyed successful spells with Boston United, Rushall Olympic and Alvechurch.
As well as making new signings, Sporting have continued to retain players from last season’s squad - defenders Bo Morris and Taylor Morrison were the most recent names to be announced as staying.
Away from the pitch, another fans forum took place in mid-July, in which the panel included Scott Adey-Linforth, chairman Rod Brown, assistant player-manager Paul McCone and director of football Iain Queen. For Queen, this was his first fans forum as director of football, having taken on the post in June. He is ideally placed for the position, having been involved in the club’s youth set-up over the past few seasons, including overseeing Sporting’s partnership with Colmers School and Sixth Form College.
Sporting midfielder Jordan Lyden has been revealed as the new football coach on the club’s football education pathway with Colmers - he currently holds a UEFA B football coaching licence and is an experienced coach in the local area.
Jordan and the team will be wearing new home and away kits this coming season designed by S66 Sportswear.
For the latest news, including updates on all the club’s sides, head to bromsgrovesporting.co.uk
by Max Banner
Jordan Lyden modelling both
Director of Football Iain Queen with Jordan Lyden
Manager Scott Adey-Linforth gives a team talk
Photos by Chris Jepson except above by Craig Boardman
