Bromsgrove Completely
Pupils develop academically and personally, which creates a highly focused learning atmosphere and supports pupils’ success in their learning.
RGS Worcester
Open Mornings
Senior School 11 - 18 years
Saturday 20 September 2025
Sixth Form 16 - 18 years
Saturday 11 October 2025
Welcome to the September issue of Completely Bromsgrove
As I write this we are in the middle of August, so it seems a little strange that by the time this issue drops on your doormat, or you pick one up while out and about, the nights will have started drawing in and we will be seeing dewy grass first thing in the morning, a sure sign that autumn is on its way!
Of course, September also brings the start of a new school year. Whether your children are setting off on their education journey, taking up a university place or anything else inbetween, we wish them well. We are super excited to bring you the news that the Healing Horse Sanctuary has secured new premises for a town centre shop. Turn to page 12 to find out where they are now located so you can pop in and chat to their friendly volunteers.
Staying with charity events, James Giles Funeral Directors took part in the Pavestone Rally across Europe to raise charity funds. Turn to page 28 for the full article and to find out how you can donate and support their cause.
Also in this month’s issue, Bromsgrove History Society share details of the forthcoming Heritage Open Days (HODS) across our region. Head to page 34 for all the information you’ll need and start putting those dates in your diary.
And finally, we give a shoutout to Bromsgrove Sporting FC, who have kicked off the new season in entertaining fashion. Turn to page 46 for the latest results and news from the UK Electrical Stadium. Maybe you’d like to join their team of brilliant volunteers?
Remember folks, keep it local!
Very best wishes
Michele Ford
Explore the excellence of The RGS Worcester Family of Schools
The award-winning RGS Worcester Family of Schools provides a first-class education for pupils aged two to 18 years, offering a choice of four outstanding independent schools across the West Midlands.
With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care, and a wealth of co-curricular opportunities, The RGS Worcester Family is a destination for those seeking an exceptional educational journey.
Delighted to receive an ‘Independent School of the Year’ Award and ranked as the top co-educational day school in the West Midlands at A Level by The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’, the pupils achieve exceptional academic results.
Breaking into the top five in the region in the Sunday Times ‘Parent Power’ Schools Guide 2025, above all local competition at A Level/GCSE combined, over 95% of RGS students achieve their first-choice university or apprenticeship course.
RGS Worcester gives exceptional choice and opportunity through its outstanding co-curricular provision. In sport, more than 20 sports are provided with opportunities for all, alongside programmes to develop athletes to a high level. The performing arts are exceptional with 18 drama productions and more than 30 music concerts annually, encouraging participation and developing confidence. Clubs and societies range from debating to driving a Greenpower racing car. With more than 140 activities each week, these incredible opportunities provide a well-rounded education.
RGS Worcester is a global leader in digital learning and AI as the first school in the world to receive the AI Quality Mark Gold Award from the Good Future Foundation. A unique ‘futures-ready’ course ensures pupils are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. An award-winning careers provision with the national Quality in Careers Standard gives all pupils expert guidance in planning their career pathways and higher education opportunities. This forwardthinking approach sets RGS apart in preparing pupils for their bright futures ahead.
The RGS Family transport network, consisting of our own minibus and coach services, spans across the West Midlands making it easier than ever to join RGS. Pupils now travel significant distances to come to The RGS Family of Schools.
Whether you choose to start your child’s journey at RGS Springfield Nursery, at one of our two co-educational prep schools RGS Dodderhill or RGS The Grange, or at our senior schools – RGS Worcester (co-educational, 11 to 18 years) or RGS Dodderhill (girls only, 11 to 16 years), your child will enjoy the very best independent education.
We invite you to visit The RGS Worcester Family of Schools during our open mornings to experience first-hand what our schools can offer your child. Our pupils and staff look forward to welcoming you, so please do come and join us.
Leaders foster a supportive environment that prioritises pupils’ wellbeing and promotes the school’s this contributes to a positive culture in which pupils can thrive.
ISI Inspection Report 2024
RGS Dodderhill
Open Morning
Senior Girls School 11 - 16 years
Nursery/Prep School 2 - 11 years
Saturday 27 September 2025
A message from our MP Bradley Thomas
Although Parliament was in recess over the summer, it certainly didn’t mean that my work as your MP stopped - far from it!
I held eight coffee mornings as part of my summer coffee morning tour that stopped off across Bromsgrove and the Villages.
Getting out and about across the constituency and making myself as accessible as possible is a promise I made to my constituents – and I keep my promises.
I got to talk to residents about the issues that matter most to them. You won’t be surprised to learn that the main topic of conversation at my coffee mornings was the Government’s 85% increase in our housebuilding target and the impact on the greenbelt.
Residents 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.
If you haven’t done so already, please do sign my Parliamentary petition to save our greenbelt. I’ll be presenting it to the Government in the House of Commons in the autumn. You can sign it by visiting www.bradleythomas.org.uk
I’ve also invited the Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary, Angela Rayner, to Bromsgrove and the Villages so she can see for herself the destruction her 85% increase in our housebuilding target will inflict upon our greenbelt.
Also, I’ve been visiting businesses across the constituency to get a sense of how they’re doing, particularly after April’s tax hikes for employers.
Our economy isn’t in a good place right now, and local businesses are working hard to weather the storm.
It doesn’t have to be this way. We need a Government that understands business and backs risk takers. Speaking with local business leaders we discussed what our country needs to do to reindustrialise the UK and reinvigorate manufacturing. Only then will we reverse the fortunes of our stagnant economy.
The conversations I’ve had over the summer help me to better represent you in Parliament.
“There is an extensive range of extra-curricular activities programme provides ample opportunities for pupils to develop new skills and talents.
ISI Inspection Report 2025
Open Morning
Nursery/Prep School 2 - 11 years Saturday 4 October 2025
Welcome progress on two fronts for rail travellers
www.bromsgroverail.org.uk
I n June this year, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves announced she is providing funding for the Midlands Rail Hub.
This £1.75 billion plan, co-sponsored by Midlands Connect, the DfT and the West Midlands Rail Executive, will deliver faster and more frequent connections across the West Midlands, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and into Wales, resulting in more regular or new rail links to Bromsgrove and beyond.
Part of the MRH plan is to build two ‘chords’ at Bordesley, one of which, the ‘west chord’, will consist of improvements between Bordesley and Moor Street station, giving access to and from an enlarged station from the South West and South Wales, and allowing additional trains to and from Hereford, Worcester, Bristol and Cardiff.
It is also proposed to reconfigure and rebuild Kings Norton station, bringing its two currently derelict centre platforms into use and providing a platform for the planned shuttle service between the station, Pineapple Road, Kings Heath, Moseley and New Street stations, so that it can handle the increased services.
BARRUP will be closely monitoring plans for the MRH and how they affect the services at Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove and Redditch stations, and will try to ensure that our key aims are met. These include:
An hourly semi-fast train south down the mainline, stopping at Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham Spa and then beyond.
The restoration of three Cross City trains an hour to and from both Bromsgrove and Redditch.
The stopping of all New Street to Hereford services at Barnt Green, allowing passengers from Redditch and Alvechurch, as well as Barnt Green, to travel more easily to Bromsgrove, Droitwich, Worcester and beyond.
Anything to do with railways takes a long time to come to fruition, with the number of different organisations involved in the decision-making process. Barnt Green Parish Council, under the chairmanship of Robert Cholmondeley, must be congratulated on its success, after a ten-year battle, in getting Network Rail to install three lifts at Barnt Green station.
The work should be completed by late autumn, making it easier for passengers to access all four platforms at the station and improve their journeys.
The next challenge is the installation at the station of improved digital destination boards, so that rail travellers can see more clearly which train to catch, when, and from which platform!
by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk
Happy news straight from the horse’s mouth
The Healing Horse Sanctuary has opened a new fundraising gift shop near Bromsgrove High Street to raise funds for the horses and ponies in its care.
Councillor Sam Evans, chair of Bromsgrove District Council, carried out the official unveiling and the retail team welcomed in customers, many of whom used to visit the former shop in the town centre.
Launched in 2008, the registered charity has rescued many horses and ponies over the years. The horses now bring joy to all they connect with through one to one therapy sessions, which have helped lots of children and adults over the past 17 years. The charity also offers meet and greet experiences with a guided tour, which can be booked through the website, and open days.
The charity is self-funded and volunteers are often busy fundraising through various events from meditation evenings and pre-loved clothing sales to Elvis tribute nights and Christmas fayres.
At the new shop, customers can discover gifts, ornaments, vases, journals, greeting cards, cushions, organic incense, crystals, hand-made candles, bath salts, hand-made crystal sun catchers, buddhas, trinket holders, bags, socks, scarves, mugs, soft toys and plants plus The Healing Horse Sanctuary mugs, hoodies, and T-shirts.
Upstairs you can find preloved items, a bargain corner, vintage and antique items, upcycled and hand painted furniture, former show-home furniture, cushions and framed pictures.
You can also enjoy a cup of tea and a cake and chat with the friendly team.
The Gifts of Love shop, at 5 Chapel Street, is open
every day except Wednesday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm. All profits will support rescued horses, ponies, chickens and cats.
Visit www.thehealinghorsesanctuary.com for more information, follow the charity on Facebook or email
Thehealinghorsesanctuary@gmail.com
Councillor Sam Evans
Designed and delivered
Situated in one of Worcestershire’s picturesque villages, this stunning kitchen project is a prime example of the bespoke installation offered by AK Fitted Interiors: a local kitchen specialist, with over 40 years’ experience, known for their craftsmanship, attention to detail, and complete project management service.
Designed and installed as part of their home extension, the kitchen blends the timeless charm of a period property with a fresh, modern aesthetic. The homeowners wanted a kitchen that honoured the character of their home while offering contemporary comfort, and the result is a beautifully balanced space that does just that.
At the heart of the project is a painted in-frame kitchen, crafted in Yorkshire and tailored to the family’s needs. Every cabinet has been custom-built, reflecting the quality and longevity you’d expect from traditional joinery but with a clean-lined finish that feels right at home in today’s interiors.
The open-plan layout includes a generous island, painted in charcoal, with seating for eight. It is perfect for everyday family life and casual entertaining as well as offering a relaxed dining area framed by full height glazing that opens onto the garden.
Key features include a breakfast pantry, Everhot cooker, Quooker CUBE sparkling water tap and wine fridge. In addition, AK designed a dedicated utility room to keep household cleaning equipment discreetly out of sight while offering additional storage and a secondary sink area, all in matching painted cabinetry.
AK Fitted Interiors handled the full kitchen journey, from the initial design consultation to the final fitting. Their experienced team worked closely with the family to refine the layout, choose finishes, and coordinate with the wider extension works. Communication was key throughout, ensuring every detail was delivered exactly to plan.
The homeowners are thrilled with the result, describing the finished kitchen as “a modern take on a traditional kitchen,” brought to life with craftsmanship and care. “We’re so pleased with our new kitchen from AK,” they shared. “The quality is outstanding, and we honestly can’t believe we get to enjoy the beautiful family kitchen we’ve always dreamed of. Thank you!”
For AK Fitted Interiors, this is what it’s all about: delivering not just luxury kitchens, but complete peace of mind. As a trusted, independent specialist, they offer a full-service experience that takes care of everything, so clients can simply enjoy the process and, of course, the end result.
To see more of AK’s bespoke kitchen projects or to arrange a consultation, visit their two storey showroom in Bromsgrove at Saxon Business Park, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, B60 4AD, call 01527 835924 or visit www.akfittedinteriors.co.uk
Gardener’s autumn almanac is full of key tasks
The days may be getting shorter, but there are still plenty of jobs to tackle in the garden.
It’s not too late to propagate lavender. Using a sharp knife cut just below where new growth emerges from a stem. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting leaving around two inches exposed. Cut as many as you can and pop them into compost with plenty of water and you should have some free plants to give away as extra Christmas gifts (sorry to mention Christmas in September).
Sow chard, kale, carrots and winter hardy peas to give you vegetables through the winter. Now is the time to make sure your strawberry runners are pegged into the ground to get the new plants ready for next summer. Something as simple as a stone on the roots of the baby plant will help it to root.
Cover bare areas by sowing green manure such as crimson clover which can be dug into the soil in the spring to create a great soil conditioner and will stop weeds from gaining a foothold. Slug and snail patrols need to be carried out daily and feel free to pop them onto the bird table for extra nutrients for the birds.
Prune your summer fruiting raspberries by cutting back at ground level the brown stems. The raspberries will thank you next summer with even more fruit. Autumn fruiting raspberries can be cut as soon as they have finished fruiting.
September can bring fine sunshine to remind us that summer isn’t quite over so think about bulbs and bedding plants that can go into the borders. The garden centres may have some bargains. Hanging baskets and pots will need regular watering and dead heading to squeeze very last flower out of them but also start planning what can go in there next for winter colour.
Collect sunflower seeds and sweet pea pods ready for next spring but leave some for the birds to eat. Check out the hedgerows around Bromsgrove for blackberries to make blackberry and apple pie. A truly majestic childhood pie which memories are made of.
The bug hotels you have built will be getting checked out by all sorts of insects now while they prepare for the winter so keep an eye out for visitors. While sitting in your garden admiring the fruits of your labours, think about what worked well this year, what was too much hard work, what made you smile every time you looked at it. Was there a corner that drew your eye to it every time and which you might want to expand on next year? A garden gives us a fresh palate of colours every year and you can be your own Van Gogh every year.
By Jules Evans - Stoke Road Allotments
Tansy
English mandrake
Nature’s baubles are adorning our hedgerows…
As I write in mid-August, the shiny orange-red berries of white bryony are already joining the reds of ripening blackberries brightening hedgerows across the county. Would it surprise you to learn that this scrambler is the UK’s only native member of the cucumber family? Perhaps if you take a closer look at the delicate flowers, the winding tendrils and the five-lobed large leaves, you can start to see the resemblance to the more familiar veggies you might grow in your garden or allotment?
Despite this connection, all parts of the white bryony plant are poisonous; it contains a compound that produces an incredibly strong laxative effect. This is something that undoubtedly affected many people in the past who were sold bryony roots as mandrake. Mandrake, which has long been used as a pain-killer and is said to have magical and aphrodisiac properties, is hard to grow in the UK so unscrupulous charlatans would dig up the similarlooking white bryony root and fashion it to look like mandrake. This must have happened so frequently that its alternative name is English mandrake. You’d have to hope that the taste and smell is so unpleasant that many who were sold it realised the mistake before too much harm was done.
It may be poisonous but there are stories from East Anglia of horses being fed tiny amounts of the dried root each day to put a shine on their coats. In her 1857 book “Wild Flowers”, botanical illustrator Anne Pratt refers to the root being applied to areas of the body affected by rheumatism in spite of contact with the sap being known to cause inflammation. Today, controlled use of bryony continues to contribute to medical treatments.
Other names for white bryony include the Devil’s turnip and snake root because of the white tuberous roots we’ve already heard so much about. These names, though, belie the elegance of the flowers, the beauty of the leaves and the colour that the berries bring. The berries form underneath the flowers and only on the female plants; as the flowers die, the bulbous ovaries underneath them turn from green to orange to red.
White bryony’s flowers are loved by pollinating insects and there’s a bee that relies just on this one plant; they bryony bee has yet to be seen in Worcestershire but we’re always looking out for it. It’s also home to a rare ladybird – a small, rust-orange, eleven-spotted ladybird that arrived in southern Britain in 1997 from the continent, probably as a result of our changing climate. This attractive small beetle eats the leaves of bryony and has been steadily moving north, although it’s yet to be seen here. Will you be the first to spot one in Worcestershire? Let us know if you do 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
Main photo by Rosemary Winnall
Inset photo by Amy Lewis
There’s another lunar eclipse on the way
There will be an opportunity to see the second total lunar eclipse of 2025 on the evening of September 7th.
It should be easier to observe than the March eclipse, but it will require a completely clear view of the eastern horizon, ideally from a high point, as the eclipse will be happening at Moonrise.
A lunar eclipse occurs when the full Moon passes into the Earth’s shadow, and not to be confused with a solar eclipse, which is where the new Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun.
Lunar eclipses don’t happen every month, as the orbit of the Moon is inclined and so it often passes just above, or below, the cone of the Earth’s shadow. Sometimes the Moon passes through the edge of the shadow, causing a partial eclipse, but this month the eclipse is total.
During the eclipse, the light from the Sun is refracted by the atmosphere of the Earth, giving rise to a deep red colour and the reason why this is often known as a “blood Moon.” The intensity and darkness of the colour varies for each eclipse. On this occasion the rising Moon, being just after sunset, will be in a still bright sky. If the eclipsed Moon is particularly dark, this could make it tricky to find.
When the Moon rises above the eastern horizon at 7.39pm the eclipse will already be total, with the entire lunar surface in the main (umbral) shadow. Scan along the horizon, using binoculars will help, to locate the Moon.
Totality itself ends just a short time later at 7.52pm. As the umbral shadow recedes, the brightening edge of the Moon will start to appear, although with the Moon still less than two degrees above the horizon.
By 8.22pm, the Moon will have reached about five degrees, by which time only about 50% of the surface will be in umbral shadow. At 8.56pm the main part of the eclipse ends.
If you have a camera with a telephoto lens, the eclipse could present a photographic opportunity, particularly if you have an interesting subject in the foreground. If you miss it, there will be another lunar eclipse visible on August 28th, 2026.
If you’re interested in astronomy, why not join the Bromsgrove Astronomical Society? The club usually meets 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.
Mike Frost will be presenting “SouthWest Special – a Bluebonnet Eclipse” at the next meeting on September 15th.
Visitors are always welcome, so if you would like to learn more about astronomy, head to www. broms-astro.org.uk for more information.
Adrian Bigland
Butcher’s Block have huge response to their annual charity day!
Bromsgrove’s favourite Butcher’s Block held their annual charity event on Saturday 2nd August, again raising money for 3 great independent charities, to celebrate 7 years on the high street.
“The response we had on the day was incredible,” said Lilith who exchanged her hot food for charitable donations.
“We had both charities - Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer and The Basement Project visit us through the day, and they were pleased to announce, after making £600 on the day, that they are on track to hit £900 by the end of August.”
“Because we choose 3 charities to support each year, our goal is always to get a minimum of £300 each. That doesn’t seem like a lot, but actually can help locally.“
Lilith and Michelle also fundraise through launching their Sunday dinners on Mothers Day this year.
Working with ‘The Neighbourhood’ on Rubery high street, they donate £3 from every dinner served at their pop up, which goes to local causes. These take place on the last Sunday of every month, with the money going back into the local community!
For more about the community work they do follow @butchersblockbromsgrove or visit them on the high street.
Discover the master antioxidant you’ve never heard of
September is here, and with the football and rugby seasons underway, we all need to be aware of taking care of our bodies.
I want to talk about something that might just be the ultimate VIP of your body’s health crew, glutathione. It is a naturally occurring antioxidant produced by your own body. In fact, scientists and health experts often call it the “master antioxidant” and for good reason. Blood levels of glutathione are considered one of the most accurate indicators of your overall health.
Glutathione wears many hats. It helps fight free radicals (those nasty little molecules that damage cells), keeps your vitamin C and E levels functioning properly, supports cell repair, collagen production, and even assists in wound healing. Oh, and it plays a huge role in keeping your immune system strong and kicking.
It is also essential for detoxifying the body. It helps flush out heavy metals like mercury, which we can be exposed to from food, water, and pollution. Think of it like a personal internal cleaning crew that never sleeps until it runs out of energy, that is.
And unfortunately, that happens more often than we’d like. Stress, poor diet, pollution, lack of sleep, basically all the things we deal with daily, can deplete our glutathione levels. That’s when things start to go downhill. Low glutathione has been linked to aging, chronic disease, and a weakened immune system.
Naturally, people want to boost their levels. Many people turn to L-glutathione supplements or amino acid precursors like cysteine, glycine, and glutamic acid. While these can sometimes help, the results can be hit or miss. Glutathione supplements are mostly destroyed by stomach acid before they can do much good. And even if you take the precursors, you must be super consistent, think three times a day, and that gets pricey, fast.
Some folks go even further and get glutathione injections, which work but let’s be honest, who wants to go for a needle every day?
Researchers from Bath University and Sydney University have been exploring something called Redox technology, and a new product called Redox Gold. This approach taps into your body’s own “master glutathione switch,” basically encouraging your body to produce its own glutathione more efficiently and sustainably.
Instead of relying on expensive supplements or inconvenient injections, this technology helps activate your body’s natural ability to maintain healthy glutathione levels. It’s like flipping a switch and letting your body do what it does best — heal, protect, and thrive.
Glutathione is one of the most powerful tools your body must stay healthy. With advances in redox science, maintaining optimal levels might just be easier than ever. To buy Redox Gold just go to https://need4change.com and click on the health and wellness link or contact me at info@need4change.com
by Colette Garside
Tything walk – Shepley
Start and Finish - Barnt Green Inn, B45 8PZ
ome of Bromsgrove Manor’s yields were mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. Not so Shepley Yield, but it was named by the time Queen Eleanor was lord of the manor in 1278 and unlike some of the others, has
Turn left out of the car park then left again up Cherry Hill Road. Reaching Cherry Hill House on the left, turn right onto the Lickey Hills, initially towards the visitors centre. Finding a circular concrete ground marker, walk on 10 metres taking the path to the right. After some distance
the path meets the RH field margin and a gate. Keep ahead 30 metres until the path veers left, away from the stream. Veer left again, meandering through the trees for 150 metres, to cross a brook. Continue, taking occasional detours around fallen trees and mud patches.
Terrain : This tything walk begins by entering deep woodland on the Lickey Hills, where walking boots are recommended. Later, there are extensive stretches or un-pavemented roads, requiring particular care, some with fairly long gradients. Parking: The Barnt Green Inn has kindly agreed to allow walkers to use their car park. We recommend the What Three Words app. Phone signals are inconsistent in parts of the Shepley area, so we advise downloading and entering the appropriate code-words whenever possible.
Open the what3words App. In the search box type ’///’ followed
Introductory notes to these Tything walks can be found in the June issue, or at: Completely Bromsgrove
The Forest
After a further 50 metres the path bends sharply left and slightly uphill. Very shortly after, it bends left again, then immediately right, to continue uphill. Reaching a fork, veer right to pass a broken bench and up to a bridlepath. Cross the bridlepath diagonally right, taking the path uphill once again, keeping the stream on your left. Emerge into a glade with branching paths. Keep ahead and climb the stile, crossing a small field to another stile, then an unmade lane and a junction with Twatling Road.
Take the driveway opposite, marked ‘19b 19c 21’, to a path taking you on to cross Plymouth Road and on again to Brookhouse Road. Turn right. Continue for two miles. Rising towards Upper Marlbrook, pass a 30 mph sign then turn left onto Staple Flat. Rise again, passing another 30 mph sign, then down to meet Old Birmingham Road. Turn left to the M42-J1 roundabout.
Walk anti-clockwise using the crossings, continuing down the A38, the Forest pub to your left. Again, use the crossing, now passing in front
of the Esso station, before reaching School Lane. Turn left here and at the end, right, down Alcester Road, heading towards Burcot. After losing the pavement for a while, find it again on your left and a short while later turn left along Spirehouse Lane. After some distance the road rises fairly steeply to pass Hunters Hill College. Beyond, turn right onto St. Catherine’s Road into Blackwell.
Pass Blackwell First School and at the crossroads, turn left onto Linthurst Newton. Pass through Blackwell until the road bends sharply right, crossing the railway. At the T-junction turn left. Shortly, find a gate on the left to access a new footpath running parallel to the road. Emerging, pass under the motorway. Immediately, a bridge to the left re-crosses the railway.
Just in front of the bridge, find a path by the fence. This runs along a bridge between the road and the railway, at the end of which, a pavement takes you into Barnt Green. Continue through the village and out the other side. Reach a T-junction and turn left to return to the start.
by Neil Beaumont
The Barnt Green Inn
Barnt Green Village
Entrance gate to Lickey Hills Country Park
Bromsgrove care home is proud to be CQC rated ‘Good’
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.”
Person-centered care
“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.
Promoting choice and independence
“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 903 670.
Chandler Court care home
Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court
Funeral directors hit Europe’s roads for charity rally
Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Studley based funeral directors, James Giles & Sons Ltd, will be participating in the 2025 Pavestone Rally, one of the construction industry’s biggest charity fundraising initiatives.
Director James Giles, his daughter Kerri, son Damien and colleague Andy Edwards will form one of at least 30 rally teams who will buy their own rally car for less than £2,000 and then undertake an exhilarating four-day journey through northern Europe to raise money for five charities. Each team must raise a minimum of £2,000 for charity and is encouraged to wear fancy dress to match a theme which is set for every day of the event.
Covering Germany, Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands, this year’s rally is raising funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust, the Variety Children’s Charity, CRASH and Lighthouse Construction Charities. Each team also gets to nominate a charity of their own choice with the James Giles team choosing to support Huntington’s Disease Association.
James Giles said: “As family owned and run funeral directors, we are committed to honouring the values
of kindness and compassion in everything we do and to supporting people from all walks of life.
“When we first heard about the rally from a former participant, we knew we wanted to be involved. The rally gives us the chance to make a real difference to some deserving charities as well as to enjoy what promises to be an enjoyable four days taking part in an event which has been described as a mixture of Wacky Races and Top Gear!”
Now in its fifth year, the 2025 Pavestone Rally has set a fundraising target of £250,000, exceeding the £217,000 raised last year. To support the James Giles & Sons Ltd team, please visit: https:// sponsorme.charitiestrust.org/event/32d18f85568b-4204-99ac-b7e6c29d5f73 or go to our Facebook ‘James Giles & Sons Ltd’ or our Instagram @jamesgiles_sons to follow our journey and to also see our pinned posts to donate through there too.
A new spire top for St John’s
If you’ve been in Bromsgrove in the past couple of months you are likely to have seen the landmark spire at St John’s Church adorned with scaffolding. As we reported in the August edition of Completely Bromsgrove the top 2.5 metres of the Grade I Listed building have been removed, because the internal iron counterweight rod had severely rusted, causing the stone to crack.
A team of skilled stonemasons in Worcester removed the cracked spire top and are working hard to build a replica spire top to restore the top of the 200ft structure.
This traditional craft work is taking place at Steve Allard & Son’s workshop where the team take the stone from large, 2 to 3 tonne pieces of sandstone, straight out of the quarry, through two different saws to reduce them to a manageable size. With a template drawn from the original spire, the stone pieces go through a process of hand drawing and hand carving to create each new course.
Sixth generation stonemason Lewis Allard is leading the team, he said meets tradition here in our Worcestershire masonry yard. Our talented stonemasons are hand-carving these intricate sections for the new spire at St John’s, shaping each curve from beautiful Locharbriggs sandstone. Every piece is a blend of craftsmanship, heritage, and dedication which will ensure this landmark will stand proud for generations to come.”
The old spire, with all its cracks on show, has been reassembled in the workshop. It stands tall but looks a little worse for wear next to the newly carved stone pieces. It is thanks to Dawson Steeplejacks, who scaled the spire on ladders annually to repair the top section since the cracks first appeared in 2017, that the spire has remained safe until these urgent restoration works could take place.
Friends of St John’s Chairman and Project Manager Jo Slade said “We could not have asked for a better team of professionals to work on this large-scale project to safeguard our heritage at St John’s. With Oliver Architecture and Structural Engineer Ian Ceney managing the technical designs and drawing, and Restoration Builders Philips and Curry with support from Allard’s stonemasons, our beloved building is in safe hands.”
Anyone wanting to chat to the team or try their hand at the heritage craft skills of lime pointing and stone carving can attend the Spire Project ‘Side-by-Side’ Open Day on Saturday 20th September during the Heritage Open Days Festival. It’s free to attend, starts with a concert at 10.30am and continues through the day until 3pm. Visit www.stjohnsfriends.co.uk to find out more.
by Jo Slade
The old spire
Newly carved stone course
Court Leet supports Lammas Festival
Members of Bromsgrove Court Leet attended Avoncroft Museum during the Lammas Festival of Bread and Beer for assizes on the goods made and produce sold at the Museum.
It was a beautiful summer day, with a gentle breeze. Perfect conditions for the newly restored Windmill to be sailing.
The Bailiff, Mark Robinson, with Court Leet Officers, Tythingmen, Ealdormen and Affeerors made their way, in procession, to the windmill field. They stopped en route at the Threshing Barn where reenactors from Colonel Nicholas Devereux’s Regiment were demonstrating threshing and winnowing. These traditional methods were used to extract grain from the freshly cut wheat, getting it ready to be taken to the mill.
At the windmill, volunteers from Avoncroft set the mill sailing and talked the visitors through the history of the building, showing them how it was used to turn the grain into flour. Tythingman David Coulson took on the role of the grain tester. One of David’s ancestors had been a miller, so he was able to test the quality of the grain with confidence.
Following the Lammas Festival Service held in the Mission Church the group made their way to the lawns outside the Toll House. Here, ale supplied by local brewery Brew61, which is sold in the museum’s shop was tasted by Ale Tasters Rod Laight and Cy Day. They also sampled ale which had been hand brewed in a very traditional way by the reenactors from Colonel Nicholas Devereux’s Regiment. All ales were found to be good and wholesome, and the Bailiff presented certificates and sprigs of evergreen which traditionally would have been hung above the door of the brewery or inn as a sign that the ale had been tested and was fit for consumption. In medieval times, most people would not be able to read the certificate.
The Bellman knocked on the door of the Toll House to summon the baker, who had spent the morning baking bread in the brick oven and churning butter, by hand, from milk. Tythingman David Coulson, armed with the ancient handheld
scales, weighed the bread. The baker cut the bread and it was sampled, adorned with the freshly churned butter and homemade jam. A baker from the Regiment came forward with a loaf which had been made in a clay oven using flour which had been threshed, winnowed and milled on the site the previous day. Everyone agreed that all the bread was delicious and the Bailiff presented certificates and evergreen sprigs to both bakers.
Honey made in bee hives on the site, where the bees pollinate the wild flower meadows, was judged by Ealdorman Jo Slade who said it was a very lovely, golden colour, that it was sweet to taste with hints of summer flowers. She encouraged all visitors to buy a jar from the shop and the Bailiff presented the Museum Director, Zoe Willems, with a certificate and evergreen sprig.
Members of the Court are always pleased to support Avoncroft Museum and uphold traditional rights and practices, keeping Bromsgrove heritage alive.
by
Jo Slade
Bailiff Mark Robinson presents certificate and sprig to Graham the Miller
The Bromsgrove Society contributes to Heritage Open Days
Running from 12th to 21st September with the theme of Architecture, there’s plenty to see and do around Bromsgrove during this year’s Heritage Open Days Festival. Thanks to Pat Tansell, the Bromsgrove Society has arranged four events, some of which are new for 2025, and are contributing to one of the events. All HODs events are free to attend.
On Tuesday 16th September, The Greenhouse at Barnes Close in Chadwich between Lydiate Ash and Rubery will be open from 10am to 3pm. Visitors can see many original features in the building and view an illustrated history display. The house was built in the early 1930s for Henry Cadbury, a member of the chocolate making dynasty. During WWII it was home to Millfield House Salvation Army Children’s Home, then from 1946 Birmingham Youth and Sunday School Union used Barnes Close as a residential and day conference centre. Today, The Greenhouse at Barnes Close is a place offering new ways to support people and communities to flourish.
At 2pm on Tuesday 16th, within the above event, artist and architect Clare Nisbet-Clossick will talk about the 20th Century Architecture of Bromsgrove. The topic will be the growth of post-war housing, with new ways of living and the impact of new building materials. This creation of the ‘modern home’ in the early 20th century, makes Barnes Close a relevant and topical location for the presentation.
In partnership with Legacy Martial Arts, the former chapel in Windsor Street will be open on Wednesday 17th September, between 11am and 2pm. The Grade II Listed building has a Greek Revival style entrance with Doric columns and retains some original features plus sandstone blocks from an earlier chapel.
Visitors can view the 1968 stained glass window by Hardman Studios commemorating stained-glass artist A J Davies and Bromsgrove Guild craftspeople, a WWI memorial and 1890s decorative scripture tablets. Plus local architect John Cotton’s 1880s alterations and renovation work.
St John’s Court Open Afternoon takes place on Saturday 20th September between 2pm and 4pm. Now a nursing home, this Grade II Listed building was originally the vicarage for St John’s Church and was later used as council offices. The central section, by architect Henry Day, was built in 1848 and features Jacobethan revival gables and an oriel window above the entrance. Bromsgrove Urban District Council extended the building in 1939, architect C. E. Bateman, and a further extension was added in the 1960s. Visitors are invited to the residents’ lounge to see a display about the history of the building, its former occupants and some of its features.
At All Saints Church on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th September there’ll be another chance to see the Society’s exhibition about Benjamin Sanders and the Button Factory. Many of the Button Factory’s employees attended the church. Visit www.heritageopendays.org.uk for full details and any changes. by Jo Slade
Bromsgrove Congregational Church circa 1929
Reverend Paterson and family at Bromsgrove Vicarage
Landmark celebration for Barnt Green Choral
Barnt Green Choral begins its 75th consecutive season of choral singing this month.
This is a massive achievement, both for the current choir and for those from the past, and, to mark this anniversary, the whole year is planned to be filled with celebration, joy, and happiness.
In particular, the choir has chosen to perform The Armed Man – A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins at its showpiece anniversary concert in the Spring. 2026. This is a highly popular work, well-loved by virtually everyone and an icon of modern choral music.
The concert will take place at the Artrix in Bromsgrove and will include cinematic visuals to accompany the emotive music. The concert will also include a performance of Song of the Universal by Ola Gjeilo and will be an event not to be missed.
Peter Bould, the chair of Barnt Green Choral, said:
“We wanted to choose a concert for everyone. All the singers are thrilled to take part, and I’m sure all the concertgoers will love hearing and watching the performance.
“A number of new singers have already contacted us, wishing to join the choir specifically to sing Karl Jenkins and The Armed Man. If anyone else would like to join us, then please get in touch.”
Rehearsals for the concert start at 7.45pm on Monday, September 1 2025 at the Parish Centre, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green, B45 8NR, and then weekly thereafter during school term time.
Anyone wishing to join the choir should email us at info@barntgreenchoralsociety.org or contact us via our website. We look forward to welcoming you.
19 SEPT : 7.30PM
Our autumn eclectic
As part of events to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War Two, and as part of this year’s Heritage Open Days, Bromsgrove Arts will be screening the recently released Chinese documentary film The Sinking of the Lisbon Maru on Saturday, September 13th at 2pm. It is a free screening, booking is advisable.
The Lisbon Maru was a Japanese ship carrying 1,816 British POWs from Hong Kong to Japan in 1942. She was torpedoed by the US submarine USS Grouper and sank, leaving only 973 survivors. The documentary is in Chinese and English with Chinese and English subtitles.
Based upon the book of the same name, The Salt Path is the story of husband and wife, Raynor (Gillian Anderson) and Moth (Jason Isaacs) Winn’s 630-mile trek along the beautiful but rugged Cornish, Devon and Dorset coastline. After being forcibly removed from their home, they make the decision to walk in the hope that, in nature, they will find solace and a sense of acceptance. With depleted resources, every step along the path is a testament to their growing strength and determination. The Salt Path, which will be screened on Sunday, September 14th at 7.30pm, is a journey that is exhilarating and liberating in equal measure.
In The Friend on Wednesday, September 17th at 7.30pm, writer and teacher Iris (Naomi Watts) finds her comfortable New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Bill Murray) dies suddenly and bequeaths her his beloved 150lb Great Dane. The dog, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones, his looming presence constantly reminding her of her friend’s problematic choices in both life and death. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with the animal, she begins to come to terms with her past, her lost friend, and her own creative inner life.
entertainment mix
There’s live music on Sunday, September 21st when former ELO star Phil Bates takes to the stage with his Up Close and Personal Show . After he left ELO 2, he toured with the Eleanor Rigby Experience so expect reworkings of his favourite Beatles songs alongside timeless ELO hits. He will also perform his own songs.
Rosamund Pike and Suzie Miller are a dream collaboration in National Theatre Live’s Inter Alia , which is being screened on Wednesday, September 24th on 2.30pm and 7.30pm, and on Sunday, October 12th at 7.30pm. This new play from Prima Facie playwright Suzie Miller stars Rosamund Pike as Jesica, a karaoke singing judge, who deals with plenty of intense cases in the courtroom, many of which focus on sexual assault; however, she is forced to confront this topic differently when the theme of sexual assault enters her life in a much more personal way.
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
Come along and feel starstruck!
September will see a new demonstration entitled “It’s All In The Stars” at Bromsgrove Flower Club.
Bridgette Manton will be making us all starry eyed at 2.00pm on Thursday 18th September at All Saints Church Hall Burcot Lane Bromsgrove.
Why not come along and enjoy a complimentary cup of tea with biscuits, watch a masterclass of Flower Arranging and have a chance to win one of the beautiful creations made by the talented Bridgette.
The in-house competition for members is “Harvest Festival” so have a go and gain a free raffle ticket. Browse our Bring and Buy, full of all kinds of treasures, and take a chance on the Sweepstake!
We are a warm friendly club who always welcome new visitors so come along for a beautiful peaceful afternoon.
Could you give a shift?
Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre is fortunate to have 370 incredible volunteers who take on a wide range of roles—from maintaining our beautiful garden to ensuring our charity shops are well-stocked with donations for our customers.
Each year, 78 dedicated volunteers generously give 23,868 hours of support across our five shops, keeping them running smoothly seven days a week.
Karen has been volunteering at our Headless Cross shop for seven years.
“We have 22 volunteers here who I help to look after, it’s wonderful to see everyone’s friendship flourish as it becomes a social circle for us all. We often go out for coffee & cake and a Christmas meal which is lovely.
I’ve got so many memorable moments from volunteering here. A lot of customers who visit the shop enjoy having a chat with us as we might be the only people they speak to that week, so if we can provide that for them it’s definitely worth doing. I get a great sense of achievement from knowing we might have helped that person and made them smile.
The hospice benefits hugely from you volunteering but
it’s also about what our volunteers can get out of it too. We’re very flexible across all the shops, whether you can do an hour or ten hours, we’re grateful for any support. The volunteers all support each other and I’m really proud of that. We’ve always got a cup of tea and piece of cake on the go – so how could you resist that?”
There are plenty of ways to support Primrose Hospice’s charity shops—whether by donating your pre-loved items or giving your time as a volunteer. They’d be delighted to hear from you: www. primrosehospice.org/support-us/shops/our-shops or call 01527 871 051
Civic reinvigorates
Beloved by everyone from the curate’s wife to captains of industry, Hondas are the cars that offer technological excellence that is one step ahead. Fine engineering in the ‘precision’ automotive camp is where their strength lies. Perhaps that’s why, when you want reliability, one name stands above others.
Never having stopped evolving, the Civic is one of the best cars of its time - benefitting from wide ranging developments. There have been plenty of aesthetic changes inside and out but not one is attention seeking.
The Honda Civic 2.0 MMD eCVT Advance is a car that is probably the market leader in its class. ‘Onwards and upwards’ cars like this re-invigorate the market - and re-invigorate the driver too, for the Civic pushes good sense and reliability to a high level.
A four-cylinder 2.0 litre petrol engine combines with two electric motors and a CVT transmission. The petrol engine drives the wheels when travelling at high speeds, but most of the time it generates electricity for the small battery pack. In stop-start traffic it switches
off altogether. There’s 181bhp on tap which will take you to ‘fast enough’ and yet the claimed fuel consumption is over 56 mpg. It’s probably the best hybrid system to date - helping to make the Civic so smooth and refined. Being Honda, reliability is assured.
Slide onto the comfortable seat and into the roomy environment of reassurance and promise. The interior of the top spec advance version, with sunroof and Bose sound system, is of higher quality now. You realise that here is a repository of refined transportation. Start up and take to the road and you’ll leave your blues behind as civic values predominate over crass modernism.
market and motorist
You’ll love the Civic for its ability to do all that you want of it in the best possible way, showing that Honda has gone better than many rival manufacturers and raised the bar.
A superbly capable chassis, with re-tuned suspension and steering, gives agility, letting you slalom through bends with the grace of an athlete. It feels balanced, poised and taut - and with an improved ride quality too. Spearing along on twisty roads is grin-inducing and if you engage ‘sport’ mode, this car really flies.
There’s more than just value for money (from £32,995 to £40,680 for the advance version) and you’re rewarded every time you drive. I tried hard but had no complaints. Most, I feel sure, will
be more than satisfied with the performance and with the frugality too.
This is an up-to-the-minute car, but it embodies traditional values of worth. It carries with it, its own oasis of calm, courtesy of silent running. If you’ll forgive me for saying so, the Civic takes the palm, setting the seal on civilised transportation and acquiring a legendary reputation for copper-bottomed reliability.
Say what you like, but there aren’t many cars that can manage this and put a smile on your face as well. We’ve all heard of ‘civic virtue’ - well here is a virtuous Civic that does not require a town crier to draw attention to the benefits. Cruising along some key words floated into my consciousness - like engaging, fluid, polished, refined, quality and image. These slip easily into the Honda’s lexicon. Oyez! Oyez! The Civic hybrid is the car for today.
by Syd Taylor
Youngsters add vim and vigour to Croft’s season
With the season drawing to a close over the next few weeks, there’s still a lot to play for at Avoncroft Cricket Club.
The First XI have been on a good run of form, with four wins in their last six games pulling them away from the relegation zone, and they are now only a few points off a place in the top half of Division Three. Their second half resurgence has been built off the back of some impressive bowling and fielding displays, with the youthful make-up of the First XI really helping to add energy and vigour to the performances.
Duncan Roke continues to act as the mainstay for the batting unit – his 874 runs to date leaves him within shooting distance of becoming the first Avoncroft player in history to score 1,000 league runs in a season. Bowling plaudits have been shared around more equally, with Paul Athey currently leading the way in the wickets race with 23.
The Second XI have had a shakier second half, with a lack of consistency with bat and ball contributing to a disappointing run of form. Despite this, they still sit in sixth place in Division Eight (East) with two games to go and it would take a strange set of results to drag them into the relegation places.
Will Sach continues to anchor the batting line up, maintaining a batting average above 30, while Pete Smith’s return to the side has given some extra penetration to back up the positive performances from Max Jukes and Andy Pittam.
As anticipated, the Third XI have found their rise into Division Eight (West) a big step up and, with two games to go, they look certain to return to Division Nine for the 2026 season. That’s not to say there haven’t been a number of positive performances that will stand Croft in a good position for next season.
New signing Akshat Kaul was going well with the bat, averaging over 50, before suffering a recent injury and Croft’s conveyer belt of junior players has come up strong again with Evan Walford and Will Lewis both stepping into regular adult cricket and making a strong impression.
A return to Division Nine is no bad thing given the role that the Thirds play as a stepping stone for juniors into adult cricket. The Sunday XI have played well when they’ve managed to get on the pitch, although the continued demise of Sunday friendly cricket has seen a few occasions where the opposition have been unable to field a side.
When they have played, the side have performed well under the leadership of Ben Huxley, winning five of their nine games. Huxley himself has top scored with 362 runs while Joe Simon tops the wicket takers with 11. by Paul Athey
Sporting’s season off to a pulsating start
The beginning of Bromsgrove Sporting’s new league season has certainly thrown up plenty of action. An opening day 2-0 defeat at home to Bishop’s Stortford was followed by a 2-1 victory at Alvechurch, where late goals from Luke Benbow and Kobe Hall ensured the Rouslers would take all three points away from Lye Meadow, in what was a Worcestershire derby to remember.
Sporting’s next encounter would be a home match against Spalding United - there was more drama served up here, but it was deflation instead of elation that Bromsgrove would be feeling afterwards. Goals from Billy Shaw and Hall saw Scott Adey-Linforth’s men race into a two goal lead but Spalding, nicknamed the Tulips, managed to level up proceedings at 2-2 before netting an injury time free kick to leave the Sporting faithful dejected.
More new additions have been made to the squad, including pre-season trialists Koby Arthur, Gus Sanches, and Romehl Critchlow. Exciting attacking midfielder Koby has previously played first team matches at Birmingham City and has had recent spells with the likes of Stourbridge, Rushall Olympic and Barwell. Gus is a pacey winger who is no stranger to Sporting fans, having impressed during a spell at the club a couple of seasons ago. Romehl is a lively midfielder, who has formerly plied his trade at the likes of Solihull Moors and Hednesford Town.
Sporting have also added centre back Luke Softley to their ranks, joining from Hungerford Town, who Bromsgrove beat 4-1 in the final game of their pre-season schedule. Luke has family ties with Bromsgrove football, with his dad Richard having played for Bromsgrove Rovers.
The club is looking for people to join the brilliant band of volunteers, with stewards and turnstile operators needed, as well as anybody who can contribute to the club’s media team in a videography capacity. If you’re interested in matchday roles, whether that’s stewarding or filming, contact hello@ bromsgrovesporting.co.uk for more information.
In commercial news, the club was pleased to announce that Bromsgrove District Council’s commercial waste services will once again be their official waste partner for the upcoming 2025-26 season. This will be the fourth consecutive season in which Sporting has partnered closely with them –their logo once again features on the front of Sporting’s home shirt this season, as well as prominent advertising around the UK Electrical Stadium.
Bromsgrove’s under 21s and Ladies sides have been in friendly action ahead of their prospective seasons getting underway - the Ladies have recorded wins over Dudley Town and SJB Ladies, as plenty of new signings have had their first experiences of playing in a Sporting shirt.
For the latest club news and updates, head to bromsgrovesporting.co.uk
by Max Banner
Luke Benbow in green roars in celebration after goal at Alvechurch
Kobe Hall and Adam Harrison all smiles after Alvechurch win
Koby Arthur in action
Photos by Chris Jepson
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