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Issue 78 November

Completely

2025

Bromsgrove

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Welcome to the November issue of Completely Bromsgrove

T

he days are getting shorter by the minute but on the plus side, nature is still giving us plenty to smile about, including the wonderful array of autumn colours on trees and bushes. The abundance of berries this year is truly spectacular.

For the walkers among our readers, I’m sure you’ve been taking advantage of Neil Beaumont’s Tything walks, which have been written for all of us to enjoy what’s on our doorstep. Please note an incorrect word on page 25 of the September issue (number 76). In the final paragraph, second line, the word ‘bridge’ should have read ‘ridge’. I’m sure those of you following the directions will have worked this out, but apologies if it has caused any confusion.

November brings bonfires and fireworks aplenty, and I’m sure many of our readers will be attending an organised display. If you are having your own bonfire par ties at home, then please turn to page 28 to read an ar ticle from the British Hedgehog Preser vation Society.

Our resident health contributor Colette Garside shares her tips on the impor tance of looking after our pets and wildlife during bonfire season on page 29.

6

Contents

12

6 MPs Message 8 Lib Dem’s 10 Rail Matters 12 Emma Brack Author 13 Butchers Block 14 Willowbrook Garden Centre 16 The Gate 18 St. John’s Spire Renovation 22 History

And another happening this month is the Christmas Markets in the High Street on Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd November. Turn to page 43 for the full list of events across the two days.

Remember folks, keep it local, and suppor t our array of independent retailers who strive to bring us that unique shopping experience.

Very best wishes Michele Ford

30

24 Gannow Walk 26 Worcs Wildlife Trust 27 Gardening 28 Hedgehog Rescue 29 Health & Wellbeing 30 Button Art Table 31 Kings School 32 Barnt Green Choral Society 33 Creative Arts

Completely

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

4 Completely Bromsgrove

October 15th at the Methodist Church Centre on Stratford Road, the Bromsgrove Society invite you to step back in time and discover ‘Bromsgrove on the Home Front’ to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two. Turn to page 22 for all the details.

46 34 Artrix 36 Astronomy 38 Bromsgrove Arts 40 Feckenham Odeon 41 Flower Club / Lickey End Club 42 Xmas Bazaar / Lights of Love 43 Christmas Markets 44 Drive Time 46 Bromsgrove Sporting FC

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

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

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

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Completely Bromsgrove

5

A message from our MP Bradley Thomas

F

or most people our high streets are a barometer of how well they feel their town and village is doing.

And if you’ve been down to Bromsgrove High Street recently, I’m sure you will have seen that another shop has closed. That’s more job losses and another unit sat empty while taxes for businesses are going up under this Government.

So many of us have seen how our town centres have changed over the past few decades. That said, compared to many towns across the countr y, and even here in Worcestershire, Bromsgrove is faring much better than many others.

But for many, and they’re right to feel this way, our town and village high streets have seen better days.

To reverse the decline, we must acknowledge the factors that have contributed to that for so long; and the rise of the internet is a predominant one.

This means we’re all par t of the solution too. If each household in Bromsgrove and the Villages spent an extra £5 per week in the local economy, it would keep about £12 million a year in it and our high streets would benefit.

We need a two-pronged approach to revitalising our high streets at a national and a local level.

Nationally, we urgently need business rates changes. The system has not been updated to keep pace with changing retail habits and the business environment that we seek to create, with a new incentive of investment.

This is why I am delighted that the Conser vative Par ty has announced that if we win the next

6 Completely Bromsgrove

election, we will abolish business rates for all high street shops, pubs and hospitality businesses. This will save thousands of pounds per year for more than 250,000 businesses across the countr y.

There are solutions at a local level that can be implemented too. I’m keen to see local councils taking a much more active role in championing their towns and communities as destinations for investment. They should be asking questions like: What is the quality of the built environment? Which natural, cultural and heritage assets are the hooks to attract high-quality investment from big names, from investors or even from local entrepreneurs who want to create a sense of vitality in their area while creating a living for themselves?

In Parliament I’m working hard to get the Government to encourage and suppor t as many councils as possible in the creation of local investment prospectuses that will drive unique investment to capture and catalyse the potential of each of our places. At the same time, it must make the difficult choices that will enable them to reduce taxes on businesses and consumers.

I want to see the Government focus on how we can empower local councils to help them catalyse investment in Bromsgrove and the Villages and suppor t the renewal of our high streets. If we get this right, focus on our high streets, and join the dots on the factors that make our area thrive, then we can really make a difference.

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Completely Bromsgrove

7

County council’s unwanted Christmas present for residents T

he Reform UK administration running Worcestershire County Council has come under fire from residents of the Oakalls and Parklands.

Roadworks on Regents Park Road faced fierce opposition, but the county council decided to go ahead with the works in July. They are par t of the A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme (BREP) roadworks which have caused significant delays and traffic chaos for more than a year.

While the works to Regents Park Road were originally planned to take place for three months, it has been revealed that completion is now delayed until the end of 2025 leaving residents with the prospect of fur ther traffic chaos and difficulty accessing more than 900 homes on the Oakalls and Parklands.

Bromsgrove’s Liberal Democrat Councillors have been opposing the BREP project from its inception.

Sam Evans, the councillor representing the Oakalls and Parklands, said: “Plans to remove both trees and the parking bay in exchange for a small cycle path at the end of Regents Park Road with the

8 Completely Bromsgrove

A38 are unnecessar y and will result in little if any benefit for residents. To make matters worse, the Regents Park Road works are lasting way beyond the initial three-month time frame and are set to be completed at the end of the year.”

In May, Bromsgrove’s Lib Dem county councillors wrote to the new Reform administration requesting that the Regents Park Road works be halted with a full and proper review of BREP be carried out.

Three days later, Reform UK posted on social media pledging to “pause and review all incomplete works, including Regents Park Road”, and “cancel unnecessar y schemes that add cost and disruption without clear benefit.” Despite this, the council continued full steam ahead with BREP and star ted the Regents Park Road works.

Bromsgrove’s Liberal Democrats continue to stand up for residents and hold the administration to account for BREP.

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Councils urged to

improve rail connectivity B

y the time you read this article, the result of the by election for Worcestershire County Council’s Bromsgrove South Ward will be known. This is impor tant as Bromsgrove Station is an integral par t of the ward.

BARRUP is an apolitical organisation, and simply requests that district and county councillors, of whichever party, representing wards in Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove and Redditch, campaign vigorously for better rail services to and from, and improvements to, the four stations for the economic, environmental and social benefits that these will bring.

If we consider Cross City ser vices, in 2020, before Covid, there were six trains an hour travelling between Bromsgrove and Redditch, University, New Street and stations beyond.

Because of the drop in demand due to the pandemic, two of these services were removed and have not been reinstated since then, because the opening of the Camp Hill Line in 2026 means that there will be insufficient capacity at Kings Norton station until it has www.bromsgroverail.org.uk been redeveloped later in the decade, to accommodate the reinstatement of the extra two Cross City services.

As a result, for probably the ten years since 2020, the four stations will have lost two of their Cross City services.

If we consider the Hereford to New Street Ser vice, as raised in last month’s column, there is the need for the 7.49am depar ture from Worcester Foregate Street to stop at Bromsgrove at around 8.15am, which currently it doesn’t, to bring people into the town for education and work reasons.

F= 1@EK8>< 8E; +I< 'FM<; There is also a need for the service to stop at ?I@JKD8J <:FI8K@FEJ Barnt Green on an hourly basis so that people from Alvechurch, Barnt Green and Redditch can travel 8E; FCC<:K89C<J directly to and from Droitwich, Worcester and beyond. .8KLI;8P Again, as raised last month, people need a late night ser vice on Saturdays from New Street to K? )FM<D9<I Bromsgrove, so that they can return to the town 8D LEK@C GD having been into the city for an evening out. .KF:B I8;C<P 1@CC8>< #8CC And don’t let’s get started on the imperative for ?LI:? -F8; I8;C<P "I<<E Cross Country Trains services to stop at Bromsgrove so 2FI:J -2 passengers from North East Worcestershire can travel -<=I<J?D<EKJ /<8 F==<< (@E:< +@<J directly south to Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham 8M8@C89C< 8CC ;8P Spa and beyond, instead of via the convoluted and !I<< G8IB@E> expensive methods we must currently use.

To sum up, there is much for our local politicians to do to improve rail connectivity in Nor th East Worcestershire.

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by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk

10 Completely Bromsgrove

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11

Life’s defining moments inspire bookwriting debut I

decided that I wanted to write a book a few years ago, but I could never really pinpoint what it was that I wanted to write about, so it was a project that I benched for some time.

The answer revealed itself to me in May 2024 during one of my darker moments as I battled depression and anxiety, having suffered previously with this on and off over the years. This was exacerbated in par t by dealing with chronic pain.

During times of heavy mental fog and physical difficulty, I found myself drawn back to something which had always been a sanctuary to me – taking long walks in nature with my camera tucked under my arm on early mornings while the rest of the town slept.

In these moments of exploring hidden valleys and footpaths that meandered under beautiful trees, I would take note of the wildlife around me and spend time photographing deer, foxes, and numerous bird species, among other animals, when they chose to make their presence known.

I learned a great deal about myself and discovered that my passion for exploring beyond the confines of my home, to find out what lay around the corner, kept me feeling mentally and physically strong. I found that even when I experienced pain, I was still motivated to get up with the morning light and walk as far as I could, experiencing nature.

This book, which I’ve titled Just Around the Corner, has been a labour of love as I have woven together my encounters with animals and nature through photography. Each chapter takes readers on a visual journey through landscapes which some of you may recognise from your own neighbourhood. It also describes a different chapter in my journey as I reflect on that I have discovered along the way about dealing with physical and mental pain. Some of the chapters contain photographs of these encounters to illustrate these defining moments in my life.

My book is now available on Amazon as a Kindle eBook and in paperback. This journey would not be possible without the beautiful cover ar t designed by Tom Whalley, who can be found on Instagram at toms_drawings_and_antiques.

By Emma Brack

12 Completely Bromsgrove

If you are looking for inspiration to step outside and seek a path to feeling better or are simply curious to know what lies in our beautiful surroundings, join me on this journey through the pages of my book, so you can discover what lies just around the corner.

Heat is on for hard-working High Street duo

B

romsgrove favourites Butcher’s Block have gone from strength to strength since opening on the High Street seven years ago, creating a butchery for the town to be proud of.

However, it hasn’t been all plain sailing, as joint owner Michelle explained.

“With insane energy costs, rates, rent, fluctuating product costs and the relentless summer of roadworks across Bromsgrove, 2025 has been one of our hardest years in business yet,” she said.

“We’re very proud of what we’ve brought to Bromsgrove, but we’ve reached a stalemate where budgets for new equipment are concerned.”

With the hot food and catering side of the businesses in high demand, the business is in desperate need of replacing their oven at a cost of more than £2,500.

After raising more than £6,000 for local causes over the last seven years, Michelle and Lilith felt embarrassed to do a fundraiser for themselves.

They’ve opened up to their regular customers about the difficulties in finding money to replace equipment and many said they’d support them if they crowdfunded for a new oven.

“We’ve finally decided to put ourselves first and are doing our biggest raffle to date to help raise money towards a new oven,” said Michelle.

“This year we’re giving away one of each of our festive hampers to lucky winners with raffle tickets costing £5 per strip.”

The ladies will still be supporting charities this Christmas with the gift tree for The Basement Project. They will also have a memory tree where people can hang a decoration in memory of a loved one, any donations will support Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer.

Tickets for the raffle are available in store. Follow @ butchersblockbromsgrove for more details about the festive season and the crowdfunding page link.

For more about the community work they do follow @butchersblockbromsgrove or visit them on 53 High Street. Bromsgrove B61 8AJ

Tel: 01527 570241

Completely Bromsgrove

13

Wonderful Willowbrook

M

any readers will have visited, driven past or even worked at Willowbrook Garden Centre on Stourbridge Road just outside Bromsgrove.

But what many of you might not know is that owner Simon Reynolds is a Bromsgrovian through and through. When he was still at school, he got a job at the then Kingfisher Nurseries as a Saturday boy, which proved to be the start of his career in horticulture.

After seeing the sad demise, in 2007 Simon saw an oppor tunity to acquire the site and turn his vision into reality.

Willowbrook Garden Centre, as it is known today, has cer tainly been transformed into what is undoubtedly a one stop shop, with everything under one roof - a comprehensive plant centre headed by Nigel, who is the ‘Plant Centre Manager’.

An Extensive giftware range, greeting cards, frozen foods; and of course, as we get closer to the festive period, their amazing show-stopping Christmas shop.

While plants are still at the heart of the business, Simon pointed out that year on year, they are growing more of their own plants which are sold on site.

With addition of the new cabinet, Willow Tree Restaurant has in turn received an upgrade. It cer tainly is well wor th a visit if you’ve either never been, or not for a while.

The staff who work alongside Simon are always ready to assist customers, whether it be with tips for the garden, help with plants, advice to find that perfect gift, or just helping to load goods into the car. They are all extremely helpful and knowledgeable.

While chatting to Simon, I asked if he had now realised his vision. His reply was that in all honesty, he never thought he would have achieved what he has today and is proud of his achievements.

With a wr y smile, he said: “I expect something else will catch his eye, what that will be at this moment I’m not sure, but to keep the business fresh, it has to be an ever-revolving door.”

Visitors can spend an entire day at the garden centre, star ting with a hear ty home-cooked breakfast, followed by lunch and one of their famous afternoon teas, which are not to be missed.

The addition of Willow Tree Restaurant has attracted customers from far and wide, with many returning frequently. I am par tial to a full English breakfast on a Sunday morning and frequently meet friends and clients alike as there is ample parking.

Tucked away in the kitchen, Jackie works her magic. Everything is homemade and their most recent acquisition, the ice cream cabinet made in Italy, enables her to make the most delicious Italian gelato, plus incredible frozen ice-cream cakes.

With Christmas now ver y much on people’s minds, Willowbrook has a wide range of events happening during December, including Breakfast with Santa, Cooking with Mrs Claus and Christmas Afternoon Tea to name just a few.

14 Completely Bromsgrove

stronger every day grows Now’s time to plant Now’s thethe time to plant

by Michele Ford

For the full programme, head over to their website where ever ything is listed and can be booked. All events must be booked in advance

and remember to keep checking back as more

The only place to meet and thisasAutumn events will eat be added each one gets fully

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All Christmas events available to book online Open 9.00-5.30 now Monday-Saturday, 10-5 Sunday www.willowbrookgc.co.uk Don’t forget to follow us now on for more great offers and gardening ideas

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Completely Bromsgrove

15

Bright new chapter

T

here’s something special about a space that feels instantly inviting — light streaming through the windows, the gentle buzz of conversation, and a sense that you’ve stepped into somewhere both fresh and familiar. That’s exactly what you’ll find in our brand new dining space.

Flooded with natural light, the new restaurant area offers an open, air y atmosphere that’s perfect for relaxed lunches, cosy dinners, and those special celebrations wor th lingering over. The addition of our new cour tyard brings a breath of fresh air — an outdoor oasis designed for al fresco dining that will truly come into its own during the spring and summer months.

As the festive season approaches, our new restaurant also makes the perfect setting for Christmas dining — from intimate gatherings with friends to lively group

16 Completely Bromsgrove

celebrations, it’s a space made for good food, great company, and plenty of cheer.

Tuck into the best of both worlds - vibrant TexMex flavours, hear ty pub classics, and a Sunday roast that’s a well-established local favourite. Our menu is all about bold tastes, generous por tions, and dishes made to share (or keep all to yourself). Whether you’re in the mood for fajitas with a kick, comfor ting favourites done right, or the perfect roast with all the trimmings, we’ve got you covered.

As an independent pub and restaurant that’s been proudly owned and operated by the same family since 1976, we’re excited to be opening this new chapter

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Completely Bromsgrove

17

From left: Project Manager Jo Slade, Structural Engineer Ian Ceney, Stonemason Lewis Allard and Conservation Contractor Mike Curry.

Spire at St John’s is restored T he long-awaited restoration of the landmark spire at St John’s Church has been completed, and the regilded weather vane cockerel returned to his lofty perch to enjoy the view for decades to come.

The new spire stonework was hand carved at the stonemason’s workshop in Worcester before being transported to Bromsgrove and hoisted up to the top of the scaffolding which has surrounded the tower and spire for most of the year.

The team from Conser vation Contractors Phillips and Curr y led by Mike Curr y, with suppor t from Lewis Allard and his team of stonemasons, have gradually rebuilt the new spire to retain its status as the tallest church spire in Worcestershire. Taking into consideration the weight of each car ved stone, it was impor tant to take time to add each level to allow the mor tar between the stone courses to set a little before more weight was applied on top.

Working to the technical design drawings from Conservation Accredited Structural Engineer Ian Ceney, the team built the newly carved stone around the stainless steel masonry rod, which will hold the weathervane in place above it and the counterweight system below.

The top and bottom of the stainless steel masonry rod is threaded to enable the stonework to be secured with stainless steel anchor plates at the joints between the stone courses. The threading also allows for the old cast iron weathervane casing joint to be secured in place on the top of the head stone.

The Spire Appeal and subsequent Spire Project are the result of a huge amount of effor t and dedication from many people. Individuals and

18 Completely Bromsgrove

funding organisations put their trust into the team when they pledged money to be used to restore Bromsgrove’s ancient and significant Grade I Listed landmark building. Subsequently the wonderful team of professionals and skilled conser vation personnel have carried out the work with the utmost care and attention to detail.

The church has been a beacon for the town, its residents and visitors for hundreds of years, and this impor tant work will ensure that it remains for many generations to come.

The Spire Project has been made possible thanks to the National Lotter y Heritage Fund and Lotter y Players, National Churches Trust, Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Droitwich Preser vation Society, L G Harris Trust, Benefact Trust, Listed Places of Worship VAT Grant Scheme, Laslett’s Charities, Grimley Trust, Limoges Trust, Edward Cadbur y Charitable Trust, Mark Masons of Worcestershire, Bromsgrove Carnival Charity Fund, Bromsgrove Cour t Leet, Bromsgrove Institute Trust, Bromsgrove School, Bromsgrove Society, Bromsgrove Rotar y and many generous individual suppor ters boosted by gift aid.

Friends of St John’s team are incredibly grateful to ever yone who has suppor ted this

by Jo Slade impor tant project.

Completely Bromsgrove

19

Join us for our next events

Chandler Court care home, Bromsgrove Falls prevention in later life Thursday 13th November, 2.30pm - 4pm

Monthly Tai Chi class Second Tuesday of the month, 10.30am - 12.30pm

Carers support café Including dementia cinema club

Last Friday of the month, 2pm - 4pm

Trusted to care To book please call 01527 903 670 or email rebecca.pearce@careuk.com

20 Completely Bromsgrove

Advertising Feature

Enjoy each day your way at Chandler Court At Care UK’s Chandler Court care home in Bromsgrove, you can enjoy each day your way, whilst enjoying luxurious surroundings and receiving awardwinning care from our dedicated team.

We treat everyone who joins us at Chandler Court as individuals, so that you can take your life with you on your journey into care. You’ll be supported to continue much-loved hobbies such as gardening, baking or boules. With the support of our expert team, you may also wish to try new things, making plenty of new friends on the way!

It’s all about lifestyle At Chandler Court our team is passionate about supporting you to enjoy a fulfilling life, full of meaningful experiences.

When you join us, we’ll work with you and your family to learn all about your needs, interests and preferences – even the way you like your tea in the morning - so we can create a care plan entirely tailored to you.

Is there a goal or wish you’d love to fulfil? We’ll do our best to make it happen. Recently, Care UK residents have enjoyed all sorts, from ballet performances, to riding ziplines and flying planes!

If you prefer the quiet life, you’re welcome to enjoy a pamper in our beauty salon or take a stroll in our beautiful, landscaped gardens.

Our Lifestyle team always have a full itinerary of exciting activities to get involved in should you wish.

There’s everything from cheese and wine evenings, to live entertainment and gentle exercise classes.

We’re often joined by local groups, charities or schools too, so residents feel connected to local life.

Everything under one roof Chandler Court is a purpose-built care home where every luxury has been thought of. There’s a coffee shop, hair salon, cinema, bar, and beautiful landscaped gardens. We also have our very own minibus, so you’re welcome to join us on day trips to nearby garden centres and parks.

Trust us to care At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 10,000 families across the country trust us to care for their older loved one.

To find out more about Chandler Court, please call 01527 903 670.

Chandler Court care home Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court

Completely Bromsgrove

21

HISTORY

T

Looking back at life during WWII he Bromsgrove Society invite you to step back in time and discover ‘Bromsgrove on the Home Front’ at a free drop-in event to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two.

The event takes place on Saturday 15th November between 10am and 4pm at the Methodist Church Centre on Stratford Road, Bromsgrove. Ever yone is welcome, there’s no need to book, just come along and find out about life in and around Bromsgrove during 1939 to 1945.

Displays and exhibitions will be provided by volunteers from Avoncroft Museum, the Bromsgrove Branch of the Royal British Legion, Bromsgrove School, The Nor ton Collection Museum, Remember the Fallen, Lickey Hills Local Histor y Society and Worcestershire Police Histor y.

The Bromsgrove Society’s own illustrated displays will include the results of research under taken by Vice-Chairman Pat Tansell.

Items of memorabilia collected by a local couple will be exhibited along with “Dig for Victory” and “Make Do and Mend” displays created by Bromsgrove Society volunteers. All Saints Church will be providing information from their archive about how the war affected church members and residents of the parish at home and overseas. All the displays and activities will be suitable for all ages.

Visitors to the free event will be able to read and hear extracts from audio recordings made twenty years ago for the “Bromsgrove’s War” project. Some of the display material created during the project will be on display again, thanks to the Nor ton Collection Museum. In advance of the event, the

22 Completely Bromsgrove

team from The Lemon Tree Café will be making a Woolton Pie using an authentic war time recipe.

The pie will be on show next to information about rationing and war time cooker y.

Age UK Nor th Worcestershire are getting involved by gathering memories from people who remember the War. They would love to hear your personal or family stories about the Home Front in Bromsgrove. To share copies of written memories, documents or pictures, please drop them off at the Age UK Shop, 140 High Street by Saturday 8th November in a sealed envelope marked ‘Home Front event’. Memories can also be shared on the day or by contacting Pat Tansell in advance via email newsletter@bsoc.co.uk Matthew Vivian, a local award-winning freelance film maker, is making a shor t film about the event and the Home Front in Bromsgrove. He will be filming items relating to the Home Front in Bromsgrove and visiting the sites of the public air raid shelters in Bromsgrove.

The Methodist Centre’s Coffee Bar will be open for refreshments during the morning.

This look back at Bromsgrove eighty plus years ago has been made possible thanks to grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund administered by the District Council, the Andrew Harris Charitable Trust and Bromsgrove Ar ts Alive, who

by Jo Slade were all keen to suppor t the event.

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Completely Bromsgrove

23

Open the what3words App. In the search box type ’///’ followed

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Sandhills Farm

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Gannow Green

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New Inns Lane

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24 Completely Bromsgrove

km

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Kent Road

5

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Tything walk – Gannow Start and finish – Waseley Country Park, 1 Gannow Green Lane, B45 9AT. (Pay at machine car park)

T

he purpose of this series is to take walkers to the outer edges of Bromsgrove’s ancient tythings. Gannow is the nor thernmost and this route possibly the most diverse, from surprising urban pathways to, maybe, the most beautiful of the manor’s panoramas.

Terrain: Generally easy under foot, though maybe muddy after wet weather. There are just a couple of places where long trousers and a stick might be useful. We recommend downloading the What Three Words app.

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

1 Turn left out of the car park, cross the motorway, then right up Newtown Lane. After 75 metres take the footpath to the left, joining Monarch’s Way. Downhill, approach a hedge-line, aiming for the middle and a kissing-gate, then another alongside a memorial tablet honouring three Wellington crew members. Keep ahead through a wildflower meadow and into the woods, down to a junction, take a few 2 With your back to the footbridge, steps right. face the stile. Push through the undergrowth to its right and a clear path emerges on the other side, running parallel to the stream, before veering left, up a bank to a field, then progressing anticlockwise to reach the far left hand corner, then a gate and road. Turn right. 3 After the road bends right, continue until out of the trees and after the road bends right again, cross to a gated track to Sand Hills Farm. The gravel path turns to grass, leading to a stile, then an underpass, then another two stiles. Keep ahead, reaching a track that becomes a road, then a track again. Veer left through barriers onto a track called Princess Diana Way. 4 At the next barriers keep right. Cross the road and pick up the path

on the other side. Bend left then turn right. After passing the end of Kent Road turn right at the next pedestrian footpath marker. Cross the road and the footbridge, following the path to cross another road, then on to reach New Inns Lane. Cross over and continue to Callow Brook Lane using the right hand pavement. Reaching Windmill Avenue on the right, turn here, then on to Rea Avenue on the left. As this road bends right, take the footpath on the left. Veer right behind the houses, cross the footbridge and turn right onto Barrington Road, then right again onto Hillview Road and second left onto Woodlands Road.

5 At the T-junction, turn right, onto Gunner Lane, the end of which turns into a track and bends left. At the top of the hill take the footpath and gate opposite, then the kissing gate on the right and immediately left up steps. Through the next gate keep left and turn left at the following gate. After ten metres turn >90° hard right.

Straight ahead, pass through the next gate. 6 Enjoy the panorama. Drop down the hill, reaching a field line and a gate to the right. Go through it, turn right again. Go straight across at the next gate and drive, eventually reaching a road. Go straight across again to cross the motorway, left at the lane and right at the road.

Turn right at the next road, Day House Bank, to return to the car park.

by Neil Beaumont

Completely Bromsgrove

25

Common pipistrelle bats

by Tom Marshall

Bats, bats, bats Let’s bust some myths about our wondrous flying mammals…

Did you know that they don’t all hang upside down? Or that whilst they’re sometimes called flying mice, they’re genetically closer to humans than mice? How about the fact that they’re not actually blind and won’t get caught in your hair?

Whilst some bats, like lesser horseshoes, do hang upside down in open spaces, plenty of others much prefer to crawl between hanging wall tiles, under roof tiles or in crevices in brick, stonework or tree bark. And whilst many have adapted to live amongst our buildings, others (rare Bechstein’s bats, for example) are still reliant on woodland for both roosting and foraging.

Bats can see but they rely on echolocation to find food so their ears are their dominant sense when it comes to finding their way. Echolocation involves emitting a sound and using the return of its echo to ‘see’ what’s ahead, whether it’s the movement of an insect (target and eat) or the size of your head (avoid). Each species of bat calls on a different frequency and you can listen for this if you have an electronic bat detector.

Common pipistrelles can eat up to 3000 insects each night so providing plenty of habitat for insects in gardens, green spaces and landscapes is impor tant to suppor t a whole foodchain.

Unsurprisingly, perhaps, there’s an evolutionary war raging between bats and their prey. Some moths have developed the ability to understand what individual bat sounds mean – one kind of click for ‘spotted’ and another for ‘strike’ - and can respond appropriately. Some moths, for example, have developed the ability to ‘squeak’ and whilst it’s thought that this was first used by males to

26 Completely Bromsgrove

attract females, it also serves to confuse hunting bats. Others simply fly erratically or drop out of the sky. Some bats are known to use clicks that aren’t able to be picked up by moths but the jury is still out on whether that’s a response to moth evasion techniques or to wider environmental conditions.

What we do know is that bats need wellvegetated dark corridors in which to hunt and feed efficiently. Our desire to illuminate our night-time world with bright white lights can have negative effects on both bats and their prey. Enter Worcestershire’s Cody Levine – a bat exper t and ecologist for the County Council. Following his pioneering work, key spots for bats along our roads are now being fitted with bat-friendly red lights to ensure we can protect and help these amazing animals to thrive. You can find out more about Cody’s work when he visits our Bromsgrove Local Group at Amphlett Hall (Crown Close, off Market Street) on Monday 10th November. For more information about the evening, visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/whats-on

Keep up to date with us...

- 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

GARDENING

Time to encourage our feathered friends

Christmas cactus

N

ovember is the ideal month to star t making sure the birds keep coming to your garden.

Birds will eat aphids and slugs so encourage them into your garden over the winter, and they will keep coming back over the summer next year.

Robins, blackbirds and house sparrows stay in the UK so find somewhere safe for the birds to eat from. They will also eat any late appearing slugs and snails and scratch about in the ground and pots for snail eggs.

Watch out for the European bird visitors such as redwings and fieldfares who will be eating up the leftover berries and any bugs that may have used them as hiding places.

Check that any pots aren’t waterlogged as this will rot the bulbs or plants inside. Move any tender plants in pots close to the house or fence to protect them from frosts and wrap tender plants in plant fleece.

If you want later blooming bulbs in the spring, November is an ideal time to plant them and you can plant bare-root or container-grown fruit trees and bushes including apples, pears, plums, cherries, raspberries, blackcurrants, gooseberries, and blueberries.

It’s an excellent time to plant dormant bare-root trees because they can establish a healthy root system before spring growth begins.

Keep clearing up leaves as they fall and put them in bags as they make great compost, or you can

use them as layers in plant pots and then layer with soil or compost. Be careful when raking up the leaves in case there are hibernating wildlife using the leaves as a nest.

To get your Christmas cactus to bloom during the festive season you need to star t in early November as it requires a period of cool temperatures and a lower amount of natural light.

About four to eight weeks before the desired bloom time, reduce watering and keep the plant in a cooler room (around 10 to 13°C) with a minimum of 12 to 14 hours of darkness per day.

Move the plant to a brighter and warmer spot as soon as the plant produces flower buds and hopefully you will have a cactus full of blooms for your Christmas dinner table.

It’s now time to weatherproof the polytunnel before the winter sets in and give it a good clean as that is one less job to do in the spring.

Tape up any tears and check the metalwork isn’t rubbing on the cover.

Empty out any pots, turn them upside down to dr y the compost out and then stack them up ready for next year. The compost can be mixed with leaves or rotted horse manure to enrich it.

By Jules Evans - Stoke Road Allotments

Completely Bromsgrove

27

Remember Hedgehogs

this Bonfire season T

he British Hedgehog Preser vation Society (BHPS) has issued a three-point-plan to help reduce the risk of harming hedgehogs during bonfire season.

Fay Vass, chief executive of BHPS, said: “We’re asking people to #RememberHedgehogs and help keep the wildlife living in our gardens safe from harm.

“A bonfire pile looks like a perfect readymade home to a hedgehog seeking a safe winter nest to hibernate in. They have no idea we’re about to set light to it.

“Take a few minutes to think as it can really help save the lives of hedgehogs, other wildlife and pets.”

BHPS is asking us all to Stop, Move and Check this November : 1. Stop – do you need to have a bonfire? Can you attend a community event, or mark the occasion in a more wildlifefriendly way? The fewer bonfires there are, the fewer wildlife casualties there will be.

2. Move – if you do decide to have a bonfire, only build it on the day you plan to light it. Move all collected materials to a new site just before burning, in case hedgehogs, other wildlife or pets have decided to hide inside.

3. Check – before lighting from one side only, check the entire bonfire pile carefully for wildlife and pets. Shine a torch inside the pile and gently lift each section with a pole or broom as you look.

Never use a spade or fork as these can cause great harm. Also listen out for the huffing sound of a hedgehog which has been disturbed.

Fay added: “It’s vital to remember hedgehogs at this time of year and to give them the best possible chance to escape the danger of a lit bonfire that they’ve mistaken for a safe haven.”

28 Completely Bromsgrove

If you do find a hedgehog in your unlit bonfire heap: Gather it up with its nest and place in a high-sided box with plenty of torn newspaper, towelling or straw. Ensure the lid has air holes and is firmly secured - hedgehogs are great climbers.

Use gardening gloves or a folded towel to handle them – those spikes are sharp.

Put the box somewhere safe and quiet, such as a shed or garage well away from the festivities and offer the hedgehog some meaty cat or dog food or cat biscuits and water.

Once the embers are totally dampened down that night, release the hedgehog under a hedge, bush or log-pile near where it was found, with its original nesting materials and some more food and water.

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Remember, remember the fifth of November but don’t forget our animals B

onfire Night can be magical for many people, with the skies filled with colour and light. But for our furry and feathered friends, it can be one of the most frightening nights of the year. Fireworks are loud, unpredictable, and often overwhelming to animals of all sizes, from pets in our homes to horses in fields.

I still remember one experience from my own childhood. During a thunderstorm, while my family and I were at the cinema, our German Shepherd panicked in the house alone. By the time we returned, the poor dog had tried to hide in the bed, tearing apart the quilt in his desperation. It was a clear reminder of just how terrifying loud noises can be for animals.

Sadly, fireworks can cause a similar kind of trauma.

For pets, the combination of bangs, whistles, and flashes can trigger stress and fear. Cats may bolt, dogs may tremble or bark uncontrollably, and horses can become dangerously spooked. Even small pets like rabbits or birds may suffer, sometimes with serious health consequences. With that in mind, it’s vital that we take steps to protect them.

The first and simplest action is to keep pets indoors. Dogs and cats should be brought inside well before nightfall, and small animals like rabbits or guinea pigs should have their hutches moved into a sheltered shed or garage if possible. Horses and livestock are safer if stabled overnight, with plenty of hay to distract them.

If you are planning fireworks yourself, consider alternatives. Silent fireworks are now available and create a beautiful display without the trauma of noise. Better still, think about attending a public firework event or a drone light show, where the disturbance is less widespread.

There are also many natural and gentle remedies that can help reduce stress in animals. I often recommend Bach Flower Rescue Remedy. A few drops added to drinking water, sprayed lightly on their fur, or rubbed gently into the pads of their paws can help calm nervous pets. Some owners also find herbal supplements like chamomile or valerian (safely prepared for animals) to be helpful but check with your vet before introducing new remedies.

Creating a calming environment at home is also key. Keep curtains drawn to block out the flashes and turn on the television or soothing music to muffle outside sounds. For dogs, having a favourite blanket or toy nearby can give comfort, and for cats, providing high perches or cozy hiding spots helps them feel safe. Even birds such as budgerigars benefit from a cover over their cage during the loudest periods.

Finally, your own behaviour matters. Animals are sensitive to our emotions, so staying calm, relaxed, and reassuring will help them feel secure. Resist scolding them for showing fear; instead, offer comfort and companionship.

Fireworks may be tradition, but so too is kindness and care for those we love. With some thought and preparation, we can make November 5th a celebration for people without it being a night of fear for animals. For more information contact colette@need4change.com

by Colette Garside

Completely Bromsgrove

29

Button Art Table presented to Library

A

Bromsgrove Society project concluded with a new table presented to the Librar y to celebrate an impor tant par t of the town’s histor y.

In 2023, The Bromsgrove Society asked Laura Brodrick from Think Big Picture to deliver an ar t and heritage project celebrating the legacy of the Sanders family, and the Button Factor y which was later managed by the Nicholls family. Laura developed an idea which reached out to the local community to share memories through a creative project to make a table.

Free community workshops, led by Laura, were held at Bromsgrove Library, the Duke of York pub in Sidemoor and during a Creative Art Showcase event. Many people attended the workshops and together they created a piece of art using buttons of various sizes and colours. Participants reminisced about the Sanders family and their factories whilst adding to the design. Many attendees had once worked at the Button Factory or had family members who had worked there, and they wanted to share their stories and fond memories. Some people brought their own buttons with them to add to the artwork as they shared memories, sparked by those buttons.

Due to the popularity of the project, the memories recorded at the workshops, plus additional research undertaken by Bromsgrove Society Vice-Chairman Pat Tansell, the project was extended. In March 2024 an exhibition which drew together the stories and research, was held in the Old Button Factory on Windsor Street. Thanks to a fortunate coincidence, the building, which had been empty for many years since Daub and Wattle Pottery had closed, was now newly restored and renovated by local builder Elliott Nash. The exhibition included displays of information about the Sanders Family and their contributions to Bromsgrove, along with examples of their work. It was attended by over 300 people.

Also on display at the exhibition was the button artwork which had been created in the workshops. Following its completion, Peter from Age UK North Worcestershire’s Men in Sheds, led a project to make a table which incorporated the piece of button art. The finished table has been donated to Bromsgrove Library to be seen and enjoyed by all.

The project was funded by the Cultural Compact for Nor th-East Worcestershire’s ReNew project administered

by Bromsgrove District Council.

The Bromsgrove Society is extremely grateful to ever yone who par ticipated in this collaborative project to celebrate the Sanders Family and their legacy, and encourages people to visit the Librar y to view the table.

by Jo Slade

30 Completely Bromsgrove

King’s Worcester Sixth Form: Preparing students for bright futures K

ing’s Worcester Sixth Form continues to distinguish itself as a place where academic excellence and personal development go hand in hand. This year’s A level students achieved outstanding results, with almost all securing their firstchoice university place. Impressively, over three-quar ters progressed to leading Russell Group institutions, including Durham, Exeter, Birmingham and Bristol.

Modules for a changing world At King’s, all students study three A levels, with some opting for four, but their experience extends far beyond traditional qualifications. This year’s cohort was the first to complete the pioneering KSW Electives Programme, which allows students to gain nationally recognised qualifications in areas such as the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), Core Maths, Sports Leadership, the Gold Arts Award, Sign Language, TEFL and Digital Skills. Results were particularly strong, with 21 students awarded an A* in the EPQ and further top accolades across the board.

Skills for Life These additional qualifications not only enhance university and apprenticeship applications but also ensure students stand out in the world of work.

Alongside this, the Life Skills Programme provides practical knowledge for adulthood, covering topics such as Personal Finance, Cookery, Car Maintenance, DIY and Study Skills. Modules are continually updated to reflect the demands of a changing world, with new courses in digital literacy, climate change and environmental studies.

Beyond the Classroom The oppor tunities do not stop there. Sixth Formers are encouraged to enrich their experience through a wide range of activities, from Young Enterprise, spor ts teams and Model United Nations, to the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, CCF and mentoring younger pupils. External speakers and alumni networks provide valuable real-world insights, equipping students with the confidence and resilience to thrive beyond school. Alongside this the sporting provision is second to none, meaning there is something for everyone at every level.

Stepping into the future With excellent careers guidance, specialist UCAS support, and a forward-looking curriculum, King’s Worcester ensures its students are fully prepared for life’s next steps. In an increasingly competitive landscape, King’s Sixth Formers shine not only for their academic achievements but also for their independence, versatility and leadership. They leave ready for university, apprenticeships, employment— and the oppor tunities of the future.

Discover more about the opportunities at King’s Sixth Form on a private tour or at their for thcoming Open Evening 11th November.

Completely Bromsgrove

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Thriving choral society lays

foundations for future success

A

fter another year of major success, Barnt Green Choral has taken steps to strengthen fur ther both its organisation and capability.

In 1951 the founders would never have dreamed that 75 years later the choir would still be going from strength to strength. For seven and a half decades the Bromsgrove ar ts scene has been enhanced by the choir’s splendid renditions of some of the world’s best choral music.

The last 12 months has been par ticularly busy. The choir provided the music at the annual Waseley Hills Crematorium Memorial Service - always a moving occasion where comfor t and solace are provided to those who have been bereaved during the last year.

This was followed by the choir’s annual spring concert featuring Sir John Rutter’s Magnificat and Requiem.

The accompanying chamber orchestra included a wonderful harpist from the Birmingham Conservatoire, and a personal “good luck” message was received from the composer himself just prior to the concert. The summer concluded with a performance of highlights from Mary Poppins the Musical and involvement, along with Bromsgrove Community Choir, in Alexander L’Estrange’s modern cantata AHOY. From the star t of 2026 the choir is making fur ther major improvements by consolidating its structure and constitution. Barnt Green Choral will remain

32 Completely Bromsgrove

a registered charity but has also been recognised by the Charity Commission as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO).

Chair of trustees Peter Bould said: “We have introduced a new and modern constitution which is strong and robust. The choir is growing rapidly – at the star t of this term twelve new singers have joined – and we now have nearly 70 members. The new structure will provide a solid framework for both individual singers and the choir to thrive, grow, and, most impor tantly, enjoy their music.”

This season the choir will deliver a performance at Ar trix, Bromsgrove on March 28th, 2026 of The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins and Song of the Universal by Ola Gjeilo.

New members are always made welcome, and it is still not too late to join now and sing in this concer t. Those with little musical experience or knowledge are par ticularly encouraged to come along, learn how to sing, and enjoy the experience.

All you need is an inner desire to sing. Please contact Barnt Green Choral at: info@barntgreenchoralsociety.org.uk

Creative opportunities for all T he Creative Arts Showcase team have had a busy summer with pop ups at Hanbury Show, BDHT free family community days, free craft sessions at Avoncroft Museum, the Avoncroft Arts Creative Café and support for Worcestershire Open Studios.

Add to that Sip & Paints in Bromsgrove, Paint & Tapas at The Bell Belbroughton, giving all communities the oppor tunity to get seriously hands-on.

Ar trix is the host venue for this year’s Creative Ar t Showcase on the weekend of November 8 and 9.

Tickets are available at the box office and via Eventbrite.

Activities include a Samba Band, Rock Choir, Salties Folk, youth acting and Ukrainian dance plus vir tual reality taster sessions, where you can visit anywhere in the world with National Geographic.

Create your own unique ar t with Tilt Brush or enjoy Meta gaming. You can also watch Florence Nightingale – The Lady with the Hammer, an Oddsocks production in the style of Horrible Histories.

Also on the agenda are free ar t and craft for families, a silent disco, make and take mini seasonal workshops and ar tisan food, including a Ukrainian cafe, food and drink plus the addition of Pizza heaven.

Bradley Thomas, MP for Bromsgrove and the Villages, said: “I’m looking forward to visiting this event again this year, it’s a haven of small businesses and unique creative talent. It’s heartening to see what a difference grass roots organisations can make to improve community cohesion.”

This year Creative Ar t Showcase has expanded its popular Creative Friends community initiative. This low and no-cost programme for ar ts, crafts and wellbeing has been a huge success in Bromsgrove.

Annmarie Hulley, project manager, said: “We are thrilled to see how quickly this initiative took off. Thanks to funding from the National Lotter y Community Fund, we can offer creative opportunities to people who may not have the resources to access them otherwise.”

If you would like to be par t of the volunteer team, email www.creativeartshowcase.org/get-involved

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33

What’s On at Artrix

in November!

B

eat the winter blues with an incredible line-up of shows, screenings, and live performances this November at Artrix.

Tribute Shows You’ll Love Kick things off with The Stevie and Luther Show (Friday 7th), followed by This is Celine UK (Sunday 16th). Later in the month, enjoy Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison (Thursday 20th & Friday 21st) and finish with the dazzling Bowie Show (Friday 28th).

On the Big Screen Our CinemaLive and Royal Opera House Live series bring world-class productions straight to Bromsgrove. Don’t miss Bat Out of Hell (Monday 3rd), comedy legend John Cleese Packs It In (Tuesday 18th), and the breathtaking ballets La Fille Mal Gardée (Wednesday 5th) and Cinderella (Tuesday 25th).

Showcasing Local Talent We’re proud to host this year’s Creative Art Showcase (Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th), which includes an abundance of local performers and businesses, plus a VR experience and a brand new production by Oddsocks Theatre Company – Florence: the lady with the Hammer.

Local favourites also join in November, including All Round Voices community choir (Wednesday 12th) and Half Tail Productions with their final performance of The Pillowman (Saturday 1st).

Panto Season is Coming!

December brings a swashbuckling adventure with our family pantomime Treasure Island! Join Jim Hawkins and his crew as they face the notorious Long John Silver - perfect festive fun for all ages.

Tickets are available online at www. artrixbromsgrove.co.uk or at our onsite Box Office (Wednesday & Saturday 10am–12pm).

34 Completely Bromsgrove

Full List of the Shows in November: CinemaLive: Bat Out of Hell Monday 3rd November ROH Live: La Fille Mal Gardée Wednesday 5th November Stevie and Luther Show Friday 7th November Creative Art Showcase Saturday 8th November and Sunday 9th November “A Good Time All Round” - All Round Voices Wednesday 12th November Johnny & June The story of Johnny Cash & June Carter Thursday 13th November Genesis Connected Saturday 15th November This is Celine UK Sunday 16th November Cinemalive: John Cleese Packs It In Tuesday 18th November Barry Steele’s Roy Orbison Thursday 20th November and Friday 21st November ROH Live: Cinderella Tuesday 25th November The Simon and Garfunkel Story Wednesday 26th November The Rat Pack - Christmas In Vegas Thursday 27th November Jean Genie - The Bowie Show Friday 28th November

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35

November nights offer

treats galore for stargazers L

ast month I covered how to find the Andromeda Galaxy, which is still on view, but if you have binoculars there are plenty of other objects to see in the autumn sky.

Full Moon is on November 5th, so the best time to observe will be from mid-month onwards. As always, try to find a dark site away from direct lights and allow time for your eyes to become dark adapted.

The image shows the eastern sky at 8pm.

Capella is the brightest star in the region and, due to turbulence in our atmosphere, often twinkles strongly when low in the sky. To the lower right is the orange star Aldebaran, at the bottom of a horizontal > shaped pattern of stars called The Hyades.

Look up and slightly to the right to find The Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters and is the brightest open cluster in the night sky. Six stars can usually be seen with the unaided eye, but the view with binoculars is spectacular, with more than 30 stars visible. Most are young hot blue stars, only around 100 million years old, compared to our Sun which is 4.6 billion years old.

To the upper left is the constellation Perseus.

Our own galaxy, The Milky Way, passes through this area and it is rich with star clusters and nebulae. One of the nicest is the Double Cluster, a pair of open clusters (NGC 869 and NGC 884), which in a dark sky are just visible to the naked

36 Completely Bromsgrove

eye, but are much better with binoculars. Finally, to the upper right is the Andromeda Galaxy.

Observing later in the evening, after 10pm, will also reveal the brilliant planet Jupiter rising above the eastern horizon, but the view will be much improved during December and January.

An excellent addition to observing the night sky is the free mobile app, Stellarium Mobile, which will give more detailed information.

The Leonid meteor shower peaks on November 17th. Best viewed from late evening onwards and with no interference from the Moon, fast bright meteors leaving fine trains (trails) can expect to be seen.

If you’re interested in astronomy, why not join 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.

On November 17th our speaker Gary Poyner will be presenting T Corona Borealis – The Jewel in the Crown.

Visitors are always welcome and if you would like to learn more, visit www.broms-astro. org.uk

by Adrian Bigland

Learn to play the saxophone

Alan Withers, Saxophonist, flutist, and clarinet player has played with all the

greatest names, too many to mention, but this is your opportunity to learn from one of the best!

Whether you are an absolute beginner or you want to progress further, Alan is all about what suits you!

His patience and knowledge is second to none, and he certainly isn’t about one size fits all. Alan’s method of teaching is sensitive to each individual student, young or old, everyone is guided and listened to so each individual can learn at a pace that suits them!

Half Hourly Session is £15 | Full Hour Session £30 For more information, or an informal chat call Alan on 07531 147689

Completely Bromsgrove

37

Music, stage & comedy

U

nited by their love of good music, good songs and great playing, Pete Hyde & the Vieillards will be on the Bromsgrove Arts stage on Saturday, November 1 at 8pm. The band members are all established artists that have performed internationally, and their show will include R&B, jazz, country, reggae, blues, soul and funk.

Get ready for the ultimate rock experience roars onto the big screen as Bat Out of Hell - The Musical promises a spectacle that will leave you breathless. The cast of the West End production will bring Jim Steinman and Meat Loaf ’s iconic anthems to life in this heart-pounding show being screened on Sunday, November 2 at 7.30pm.

Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown) joins forces with her real-life daughter Bessie Carter (Bridgerton), playing mother and daughter in George Bernard Shaw’s incendiary moral classic Mrs Warren’s Profession, being brought to our screen

by National Theatre Live on Sunday, November 9th at 7.30pm. Vivie Warren (Carter) is a woman ahead of her time. Her mother (Staunton), however, is a product of the old patriarchal order. Exploiting it has earned Mrs Warren a fortune – but at what cost?

Don’t Go Into The Cellar returns to our stage on Wednesday, November 19th at 7.30pm with Diary of a Nobody. Jonathan Goodwin plays hapless and humourless Charles Pooter, whose mundane existence provides the setting for this comedic look at suburban life with wife Carrie and their friends, Cummings and Gowing. Nothing much happens, which is precisely the point in this sparkling late Victorian comic tale.

38 Completely Bromsgrove

legends combine here

Being screened as par t of the UK-wide French Film Festival, on Wednesday, November 26th at 2.30pm, Love Affairs(s) Les Choses Qu’on Dit, Les Choses Qu’on Fait, sees Daphne, three months pregnant, alone with her boyfriend’s cousin Maxime. For four days, while waiting for his return of her boyfriend, Daphne and Maxime get to know each other and share intimate stories that bring them closer.

At the age of 85, John Cleese sets off on what might be his final European tour – five countries, 16 cities and 23 shows.

John Cleese Packs It In, which is being screened on Wednesday, November 26th at 7.30pm, is a wr y, behind-thescenes por trait of a comedy legend on the road.

Experience an unforgettable celebration on Saturday, November 29th at 8pm, as Westlife take centre stage at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall for a fun-filled night of nostalgia honouring 25 years of chart-topping music. The band will be joined by the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra.

The Midland Concert Orchestra kicks off the Christmas season with a concert that will include some festive tunes on Sunday, November 30th at 7pm. Relax with a glass of wine from the bar while listening to the orchestra play swing and popular music from across the decades, including Cole Porter, Gershwin, Irvine Berlin and Rogers and Hart.

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

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Books and Bob combine in our November line-up

C

ulture vultures will love the two films being shown at The FeckenOdeon Cinema Society in Feckenham this month.

First up on Friday, November 14th at 8pm is The Bookshop (PG). A sleepy town is shaken from its postwar complacency when recently widowed Florence (Emily Mortimer) opens a bookshop promoting the latest in modernist fiction.

As if her championing of books like Nabokov’s

Lolita wasn’t enough, Florence also manages to upset local bigwig Mrs Gamart (Patricia Clarkson).

Before long the town will be awash with intrigue and Florence will have to rely on the support of her sole ally, reclusive bookworm Mr. Brundish (Bill Nighy).

Critically acclaimed A Complete Unknown (12A) will be screened on Saturday, November 29th at 7.30pm.

Against the backdrop of tumultuous cultural upheaval and a vibrant music scene in New York in 1961, an enigmatic 19year-old from Minnesota arrives with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music.

The story culminates in the groundbreaking and controversial performance that reverberates worldwide. Timothée Chalamet stars and sings as Bob Dylan.

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

40 Completely Bromsgrove

Festive flower arrangements on show at our friendly club W e’re getting ready for Christmas! Bromsgrove Flower Club will be welcoming NAFAS demonstrator Christine Ramsey who will share her “Vintage Christmas” designs.

And you can win one of these fabulous arrangements in our Raffle. Bring along a creation of your own for our “Reflections” competition and you will receive a free Raffle ticket.

Also guaranteed are welcome refreshments and a warm invitation. We meet on Thursday 20th November at All Saints Church Hall in Burcot Lane Bromsgrove, doors open at 1.00pm.

Come along and browse our Bring and Buy stall, take a chance on the Sweepstake and enter the Raffle for a beautiful arrangement. We look forward to seeing you.

Entrance £5 for members and £10 for visitors.

The friendly Lickey End Social Club

where everyone is welcome!

L

ive music events throughout the year, fundraising for The Primrose Hospice. Non-members are more than welcome to come along and share our evenings enjoying local musical talent.

MAK Muisc

Live music in November Saturday 15th November – The Precursors SKA Band – doors open at 7:30pm, entry is £5 Friday 21st November – MAK Music – in the B60 Music Lounge Saturday 22nd November – Northern Soul Friday 28th November – Billy Smith - in the B60 Music Lounge Monday 3rd November - MG Club, a local group of MG car enthusiasts Sunday 30th November - Jackpot Bingo, 7.30pm Dancing every Tuesday Night Slimming World classes run every Wednesday morning West Coast Swing dance lessons run every Wednesday night

The Precursors

www.lickeyendsocialclub.co.uk All events are on our Facebook page. Please come along and see what else our Club has to offer, including member benefits!

Room Hire - Both our function room and lounge are available for hire – you don’t need to be a member to book.

The Dance Floor

Friday nights are intimate and held in our lounge area, whilst Saturday nights are in our large concert room which has a fantastic dancefloor to dance the night away Completely Bromsgrove

41

Traditional Christmas Bazaar returns to All Saints’ Church

C

hristmas is approaching and All Saints’ Church, Burcot Lane, would like to invite you and your family to their annual traditional Christmas Bazaar. Taking place this year on Saturday 29th November, in the Church Hall, this event is a fantastic way to star t getting into the Christmas spirit.

Stalls include cakes, tombola, raffle, jigsaws, books, including an ‘All things Christmas’. There will also be an oppor tunity to grab a bargain on the White Elephant stall.

Refreshments will be available, doors open between 2-4pm and entry is free.

Throughout December the church will host an array of festive services as well as welcome children from local schools along with their families. The traditional Nine Lessons and Carol service on Sunday 21st December at 6pm is a lovely way to take a short time out of the busy build-up to Christmas. Further details of the festive schedule will be available over the coming weeks.

The team at All Saints look forward to welcoming you to their Christmas Bazaar and would like to wish all in Bromsgrove a Happy and peaceful Christmas.

Primrose Hospice

Lights of Love returns

F

or many, Christmas is a season of joy and celebration — but it can also be a time of remembrance.

Primrose Hospice’s Lights of Love returns this year, offering you a meaningful way to pay tribute to your loved ones. Anyone who has ever felt the grief of bereavement can dedicate a light, whether or not their loved one received care from Primrose, regardless of age, and no matter how near or far they live.

Once Primrose has received your donation and tribute, every name is then displayed around their trees in Bromsgrove and Redditch, where each twinkling light represents a life loved and will shine brightly throughout the festive season.

Names will also appear on a beautiful online Lights of Love display, where you can share heartfelt messages and even upload photographs

42 Completely Bromsgrove

in memory of your loved one.

If you would like a quiet moment to reflect, a Book of Remembrance will be available at Primrose Hospice. In addition, a special remembrance service will be held at St Godwald’s Church on Saturday 13th December at 4pm.

They hope you gain comfort in the knowledge that by remembering your loved ones you are helping them to support patients with life-limiting illnesses and bereaved families in North East Worcestershire.

Find out more about Lights of Love and how to dedicate your light here: primrosehospice. org/events/lightsoflove or call: 01527 889796 or email: fundraising@primrosehospice.org

Bromsgrove Christmas G

Markets are back!

et ready for two days of festive fun on Bromsgrove High Street on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November as the Christmas Markets return to light up the days and kick start the festive celebrations.

Situated in the Event Space at the Argos end of the High Street you’ll find a host of additional market stalls with a Christmassy vibe. They’ll be a host of independent, local traders selling their much-loved gifts, decorations and produce. Plus the market will be supporting local charities.

Stall holders will include The Denim Upcycler household and fashion items made from upcycled denim clothing; The Embroidery Sprite – handmade plush toys; My Little Pink Shed - upcycled picture frames made into personalised dog lead hooks and key racks; Charming Creations – beautifully decorated vases, sewn items, candles, Christmas decorations, advent calendars and gifts; Romsley Gems - handmade genuine gemstone jewellery; Fruitfields - apple juice, honey, cider, oaty cookies, Christmas hampers; My Treasure Toys - selling wooden vegan homewares and toys made from sustainably sourced wood; Dragonfly - crystals, jewellery, Christmas baubles and bottle lights.

The Cancer Research Shop will be selling Christmas gifts, cards and decorations, St Basils will be raising funds by selling crafts and a tombola, St John’s Church will have a bottle stall and the students from Chadsgrove College will be selling gifts and decorations crafted by themselves during term time.

This year, Bromsgrove Festival has teamed up with organiser Friends of St John’s and will be offering a free Festive Photo Booth where a member of the team will take photos of you and your friends and family, in a seasonal setting, on your own phone. The

photos can be used for gifts, cards or social media posts. Photograph store Foto Factory are offering special discounts during the market days to anyone wanting to print the pictures straight away. Why not create a fantastic and unique gift for a loved one.

There’s entertainment on both days and a performance space hosted by Jammersley Entertainment, with seasonal music, games and give-aways to create a fun and festive atmosphere.

On Friday 21st November the markets will celebrate local talent with a “Sign and Sing” performance by the students from Chadsgrove College who this year will be joined by other local school pupils. On Saturday there’ll be a full day of entertainment from local groups including Rock Choir and Stagecoach, a taste of Panto from All & Sundry, plus the sound of sunshine from Sounds of Steel, and all your sing-a-long Christmas favourites with Vintage Class Singers. Plus, supreme stilt walker Steve Kaos will be joining in with his unicycle juggling street theatre.

Bromsgrove Christmas Markets has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Grants for High Street Events are administered by Bromsgrove District Council to improve pride in place.

Everyone is encouraged to join the two days of festive fun and help to light up the High Street.

by Jo Slade

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43

Premium package H

aving covered a fair number of miles behind the wheel of new compact SUV the KGM Actyon (The name is a combination of ‘Act Young’ and ‘Act On’), I am pleased to extol its virtues and pronounce positive verdicts on its range of outstanding features.

This well-made Korean vehicle with a pedigree of some standing formerly carried the respected SsangYong brand name. With attractive coupe styling, it offers a premium package at a price (£38,649) prospective customers are likely to find tempting.

Externally it presents pleasing contours that, while conforming to modern trends, convey an interesting individuality. It certainly has presence, yet there are no hints of vulgar assertiveness.

Rather it exudes a confident and tasteful degree of poise: so much so that at the local Land Rover dealer it was mistaken for a Range Rover Evoque.

A top class motor in other words, befitting those who like driving in style and looking stylish as they drive. No wonder it has hit the market

44 Completely Bromsgrove

running. With underpinnings similar to the KGM Torres but bristling with new tech, the Actyon reaches greater heights; buying into today’s motorists’ preference for a compact, yet roomy and uncramped multi-purpose car that is stylish even when box-ticking practical considerations.

The well appointed, fuss free cabin boasts the latest in driver and passenger essentials. It is packed with high tech kit, and two 12-inch screens control most functions. A few minor adjustments to seating and mirrors and I was ready to press the starter button.

DRIVE TIME

at a tempting price Quality Nappa leather seating and comprehensive equipment ensure a first class lounge ambience, delivering a feeling of positive engagement. It puts you at ease straight away and the generous room adds to your comfort.

Everything you touch delivers tactile satisfaction, be it upholstery, trim, or the delightful ‘crystal’ gear selector. All combine to deliver a feeling of positive engagement.

Such refinement is only found, of course, where design parameters are exacting both in inception and execution: the SsangYong tradition written into the new KGM ensures that. Passengers too, were delighted with their experience and when asked to guess the price I was genuinely shocked when almost double the list price was suggested.

The 161 bhp 4 cylinder 1.5 turbo petrol engine quickly lived up to its promise.

Responsive, quiet and smooth, it delivers about 120mph and punchy acceleration to

match. Used gently I achieved nearly 40 mpg and enthusiastic use reduced this to around 33 mpg.

The engine connects its power to the road via a six speed Aisin auto gearbox which is seamless in operation, adding to the effortlessness of driving the Actyon.

At the wheel you feel unflustered and confident. This KGM is sufficient for all sensible needs. The suppleness of a well-balanced chassis and suspension set up lets it ride the bumps while clinging to the bends in a refreshingly undemonstrative manner. It makes for safer motoring in that the driver feels relaxed but at the same time fully engaged with the kinetic satisfaction derived from being in control of sophisticated engineering. Seldom have I felt so comfortable and safe in a sub £50,000 car.

And so, I enquired of my passengers, how they were fairing? Were they enjoying the smoothness of the journey? The canine said it all with an emphatic “Bow WOW!”

by Syd Taylor

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45

Sporting hit heights after shaky start to season A

fter big wins against Banbury and Barwell in September, Bromsgrove Sporting continued their fine form into October, with wins in both the Premier Division Central and FA Trophy.

The Rouslers kicked off the month with an FA Trophy fixture that once again saw them travel to Leicestershire-based Barwell - they cruised to a 3-0 victory, chalking up their second win in the competition.

This was followed by two home matches in the league; a 2-2 draw with Bury Town and a 2-0 win over Stamford. These results helped propel Bromsgrove to be one of the league’s form teams - at one point placed behind only the unbeaten Harborough Town in a table of every side’s last five fixtures.

A visit to Harborough came after those two home games - Sporting only lost this game 1-0, but they were unlucky to take nothing away from it, with the display a massive indicator of just how far the team had progressed from their disappointing start to the season.

and has also picked himself up an interesting sponsor Player of the Month New Jersey-based Tim Reeb.

Gus Sanches Despite coming from America, he has done an ancestry search and found out that family on his father’s side lived in Bromsgrove and, therefore, he decided to become a Sporting fan.

The September player of the month award, as voted for by the Sporting fans, went the way of forward Gus Sanches. He scored in matches against Banbury and Quorn and had a starring role in the Barwell game. The best was yet to come though, as he scored a stupendous opener in the victory over Stamford, volleying the ball home with an aerial finish.

A change to the management team at Bromsgrove saw Ryan Pratt leave A new addition who has been his role as goalkeeping coach, being catching the eye of the Sporting Manager Scott Adeyreplaced by Matt Ballard, who returns faithful is James Sanderson. Joining Linforth celebrates for a second spell with the club. on loan from League Two side Notts County until December 31st, he made the best Bromsgrove’s Ladies went on a four-match possible start when scoring on his debut in the winning streak in the league to kick off their FA Trophy win over Barwell. He then dazzled on season with a bang, while the highlight of the his home debut against Bury Town, putting in an Under 21s’ October was a vital 4-0 home win over impressive showing. local rivals Redditch United.

Another loanee who is continuing to turn on the style is Charlie Pavey, who has joined from Aston Villa. He scored a classy goal in the Bury win

46 Completely Bromsgrove

For the latest club news and updates, head to bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

by Max Banner

Photos by Chris Jepson

Players celebrate another win

Completely Bromsgrove

47

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