cb 80 issuu

Issue 80

February 2026

Completely

Bromsgrove

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Welcome to the February issue of Completely Bromsgrove

W

e kick off 2026 with a bumper issue which includes a collaboration with family run 5 Star Doors and Conser vatories who bring you an extensive 16 page supplement on how this one stop company offers all you require in the way of home improvements or renovation. Turn to page 25 to star t the 5 Star journey!

We also bring you so many great ar ticles and news stories from around the district, star ting off with Mazen Salmou, who came to Bromsgrove in 2019 from his home in Damascus, Syria. On 15 January, six years and two months after arriving in Bromsgrove, Mazen was granted British Citizenship.

Turn to page 10 to read the full ar ticle.

Following on to another amazing achievement is the completion of St John’s church spire. Last year we were able to take the journey thanks to Jo Slade and The Friends of St John’s who brought us each stage of the rebuild. Finally, the scaffolding is completely down, and the spire will now stand proud for what we hope is many years to come. We can

6

Contents

18

6 Bradley Thomas MP 8 Rail Matters 10 Mazen Salmou 12 HB9 Anniversary 13 Broad St DIY 14 Chadsgrove College 16 Gardening 17 Lib Dems 18 Worcs Wildlife Trust 22 St John’s Church Spire

Last, but cer tainly not least, we give a nod to the month of St Valentine’s. On the 14th day of Februar y many readers will be lavished with flowers, chocolates and cards from loved one’s, but I just want to give you this piece of histor y.

The word Valentine derives from ‘valens’ meaning strong, healthy and powerful. And we hope that our readers have a healthy 2026!

Remember folks, keep it local!

Very best wishes Michele Ford

46 54

24 New Bin Lorry Fleet 25 5 Star Windows Feature 41 Creative Arts 42 Tything Mysteries 43 History 44 Chadsgrove Celebrations 45 Gifted Students 46 Shan Moule Tribute 47 Glenys Blackfoot Tribute 48 Astronomy

Completely

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

4 Completely Bromsgrove

only say a massive thank you to everyone involved and congratulate you all on a spectacular job!

Turn to page 22 for a fitting completion.

49 Health 50 Toploaf 52 Travel 54 Bromsgrove Arts 56 Artrix 57 Roger Jones 58 FeckenOdeon 59 Flower Club/Feckenham Hall 60 Drive Time 62 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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T

A message from our MP Bradley Thomas

he reorganisation of our local councils may sound quite dr y and boring, but please bear with me as it’s more impor tant than you may think. It’s impor tant because this is about your council tax and the ser vices you receive.

This has all come about because the Government wants to abolish our district councils and county council to form, what they call, a single unitar y authority. This will be the largest local government reshuffle in over 50 years.

It represents a defining moment for our county, one that offers either the opportunity to deliver better value for money to residents or, conversely, the risk of seeing par ts of the county pushed involuntarily into becoming an extension of Birmingham.

The required aims of the new council are clear: financial sustainability, good value for money, high quality services, and an ambition of continued improvement.

They are the foundations required to protect our communities, and safeguard essential services.

There are two options on the table. One, a single unitar y authority for the whole of Worcestershire.

Two, to split Worcestershire into a nor th and a south unitar y authority.

Looking at the two options ahead of us, there is only one that will achieve the needs of the local community. That is one unitar y authority that keeps Worcestershire together.

The harmony between rural tranquillity and accessible urban life is par t of what makes Worcestershire a fantastic place to live. Any reorganisation that happens must be in recognition of, and respectful of, our distinct need, and only One Worcestershire unitary authority will protect this.

6 Completely Bromsgrove

The creation of two unitar y councils would do the opposite. It would weaken our voice, dilute our identity, and place our future in the hands of those who do not understand us.

We’re already at risk of urbanisation from the unprecedented housing targets being forced upon us despite the consistent local objection.

As a constituency composed of 89% greenbelt land and approximately 8% brownfield land, our housing targets have increased by 85%. Meanwhile Birmingham, with at least 140 hectares of brownfield land, has seen its targets cut by over 30%.

One unitar y council is also the most sensible financial decision. Across the countr y, we have seen many councils struggle with rising costs. Without a sustainable model, residents pay the price through higher taxes, reduced ser vices, or both.

Reorganising local government alone will not resolve all the financial challenges facing councils.

Even with structural change, there will continue to be rising demand on council ser vices, but a single, financially resilient authority will be the most responsible way to safeguard public money and ensure that essential ser vices remain secure.

I was able to put all of this to the Local Government Minister during the Parliamentar y debate on local government reorganisation in Worcestershire. I hope she listens because the stakes could not be higher.

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New services offer more options for Bromsgrove passengers B

ARRUP is pleased to advise late evening passengers travelling from Worcester Foregate Street to Birmingham New Street that, following our discussions with West Midlands Railway, the December 2025 timetable sees the 21.36 ser vice from Foregate Street to New Street now stopping at Bromsgrove at 21.53.

Although it does not stop at University, passengers can change at Bromsgrove onto the 22.03 Cross City ser vice which does.

A major addition to WMR ser vices in the spring/summer of 2026 will be the opening of the Camp Hill Lane service from Kings Nor ton to Birmingham New Street. Three new stations at Pineapple Road, Kings Heath and Moseley Village are being built and passengers on the Cross City South Services from Bromsgrove, Alvechurch, Barnt Green and Redditch stations will be able to alight at Kings Nor ton station and catch the twice hourly service which terminates at New Street.

WMR is confident that these new ser vices and stations will prove popular with passengers.

Disappointingly, we have not yet been successful in persuading WMR and Network Rail to allow the 7.49 train from Foregate Street to New Street, which passes through Bromsgrove at circa 8.15, to stop at the station. It would be advantageous if it did, both for bringing people into the town at an impor tant time of the working and educational day, and for people travelling from Bromsgrove to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, the University of Birmingham and Birmingham City Centre.

8 Completely Bromsgrove

Neither have we been successful in the introduction of late Saturday night ser vices to Bromsgrove from New Street. Rest assured that both these objectives remain priorities, and we will continue to work on achieving them but change on the railways is a slow process!

On Februar y 1st, West Midlands Trains, which is the operator of ser vices under the WMR and LNWR brands, was transferred into public ownership. However, we are advised that in the shor t/medium term, this will not have an impact on train ser vices, timetables and stations.

Finally, the Office of Road and Rail footfall figures for April 2024 to March 2025 have been published, and they show that at Bromsgrove station footfall has increased by 17.64%, up from 591,650 to 695,994. Footfall has also increased at Alvechurch (up by 8.16%), Barnt Green (up by 9.91%) and Redditch (up by 7.30%), Travel by rail from the four WMR stations in Nor th East Worcestershire continues to grow, and BARRUP will continue to push for improvements to ser vices and stations to encourage more people to travel by train.

by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk

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Mazen Salmou receives the cer tificate of British Citizenship from Deputy Lieutenant Nicholas Wentwor th-Stanley

Mazen Salmou gains British Citizenship

S

yrian born Mazen Salmou arrived in Bromsgrove in 2019 having fled from his home through a United Nations resettlement programme.

Maz, a well-known TV News presenter living in Damascus, was no longer safe to stay in Syria. He moved to the UK as a refugee with no money and unable to speak English. In his first week in Bromsgrove he volunteered at a Keep Bromsgrove Beautiful litter pick in Sanders Park, where his community embracing character was apparent.

in Bromsgrove, as part of his PGCE course. He became very popular with the students who were inspired by his story and positive outlook on life.

During the Covid-19 Pandemic Maz made daily deliveries of prescription drugs to residents who were shielding and couldn’t leave their homes. He cycled many miles each day. A train on the Great Western Railway was named after him, recognising his ser vices to the community during that time.

On Thursday 15th January 2026, six years two months after arriving in Bromsgrove from Damascus, Mazen Salmou was granted British Citizenship in a ceremony held at The Hive in Worcester. Of the award Maz said “Being granted British Citizenship did not feel like the completion of an administrative process alone. Rather, it felt like an affirmation of my belonging to a system of values I have come to know closely throughout the years I have spent in this country.

Values present in daily interactions, in respect for individuals, and in the high level of professionalism that characterises public institutions.”

Since then, Maz has gained a MA in Data Journalism from Birmingham City University, a PGCE in English from Worcester University and recently began a PhD. His success comes because of the three goals Maz set for himself – to improve his English, to advance his education and to give something back.

A genuinely positive and determined individual, Maz was able to improve his English to the point where he was teaching English to students at local schools

10 Completely Bromsgrove

Thankful for the suppor t he received and the oppor tunity to live and settle in the UK, Maz was keen to become a British Citizen, and set his mind to learning ever ything required.

We extend our congratulations and thanks to Maz, for his contribution to Bromsgrove.

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From left: Cllr Samuel Evans, Andy Bennett, Ian Smith, Cllr Sam Ammar

Community leaders visit HB9 on sixth anniversary I

n Januar y, as the Harr y Bennett Foundation marked the sixth anniversar y of Harr y’s passing, the charity welcomed a special visit from Ian Smith, High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Cllr Samuel Evans, Chairman of Bromsgrove Council, and Cllr Sam Ammar, Worcestershire County Councillor.

The visitors spent time learning about HB9’s work across the Bromsgrove area, which suppor ts local individuals and teams to access the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of sport - whether through par ticipating, spectating, or finding connection and belonging through shared activity.

Harry Bennett tragically died from sepsis on 17 January 2020, aged just 16. His sudden death deeply affected his family and friends. Determined that Harry’s energy and love of spor t would live on, his parents, Andy and Yvette Bennett, established the Harry Bennett Foundation to create something positive from an unimaginable loss.

The HB9 brand is a tribute to Harry’s iconic number 9 jersey - worn as a centre forward in football and a scrum half in rugby. The Foundation’s mission is to harness spor t’s life-changing impact, helping more people experience improved confidence, resilience, connection and wellbeing.

Andy Bennett said: “As we remember Harry and mark six years since we lost him, this visit meant a great deal. We’re grateful for the encouragement shown and for the support in helping us spread the word about HB9, so more local people can benefit from the lasting legacy Harry left behind.”

12 Completely Bromsgrove

Ian Smith, High Sheriff of Worcestershire, said: “It was a very special visit. I loved hearing how Harry’s family has turned the most heartbreaking tragedy for any parent into a force for good, supporting a wide variety of people helping them benefit from the power of sport and the lifelong bonds it creates. It was a privilege to meet Andy and learn about the legacy of his remarkable boy.”

Cllr Sam Ammar added: “I have the utmost respect and admiration for Harry’s parents. Out of the deepest grief they spend their lives making other children happy. If you want to raise money for charity, I hugely recommend HB9.”

Stoke Prior Sports & Country Club is backing HB9 this year and will host a fundraising Quiz Night on Friday 27 February. Entry is £3 per person, with teams of up to six. With great prizes and a brilliant atmosphere, it promises to be a fun night out - all in suppor t of a powerful local cause. To book your team, visit www.justgiving.com/page/ stokepriorclubhb9, make your £3 per person donation, and include your name and “Quiz Night 2026” as the reference.

If you would like to donate directly to the Harry Bennett Foundation, please visit www.justgiving.com/hb9

Harry in his beloved football kit

Family run store dedicated to meeting your DIY needs B

road Street DIY was established in 1979 in the Sidemoor area of Bromsgrove and later moved to larger premises at the current Worcester Road location.

Three generations of the Warren family are involved in the day to day running of the business alongside their valuable team, consistently promoting the helpful customer ser vice and sound advice that has kept us going for so many years.

We are open seven days a week for a total of 64 hours giving you plenty of time to visit at your convenience.

In store we offer a timber cutting ser vice, key cutting, glass cut to size and a multitude of products for all your DIY needs, such as plumbing, ironmonger y, tools, decorating supplies, paint and more. Items not kept in stock can often be ordered in and normally arrive within a couple of days.

We also offer a personal shopper service where one of our knowledgeable team can gather all the items on your list, saving you time, and be available for any advice.

The nearby Landscaping Yard in Factor y Lane hosts a large variety of building aggregates, decorative stones, decking and slabs to suit a range of projects.

We also supply both feather edge and lap fencing panels, and gates which can be made to measure.

Our fleet of four deliver y vehicles are available to bring your goods to your door six days a week, with most orders qualifying for free local deliver y. The yard telephone number is 01527 870205.

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Back row left: Cllr Sam Ammar, Council Leader Karen May, Cllr Shirley Webb.

Middle from left: CEO John Leach, Chairman Cllr Sam Evans, Monitoring Officer Claire Felton.

Front row: students with their teachers from Chadsgrove College.

Chadsgrove Students get an interactive look at Local Democracy T

here were mic checks and mock debates this week at Parkside, as students from Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College enjoyed an interactive visit to learn more about how the council works.

On Wednesday 21st Januar y, seven students, Tutors and Learning Suppor t Assistants, along with local dignitaries attended a special session at Parkside. Thus offering students the oppor tunity to learn more about how local democracy works and the roles of councillors and officers.

Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, Cllr Sam Evans, said: “It was lovely to see the students so engaged and enthusiastic about learning how local democracy works.”

“They asked thoughtful questions, weren’t afraid to get involved, and brought a brilliant energy to the mock debate. Opportunities like this are so important in helping young people feel confident about having their voices heard.”

The visit began in the Parkside Committee Room, where the students were welcomed by the Chairman Councillor Sam Evans, before meeting Council Leader Karen May, Councillor Shirley Webb, Councillor Sam Ammar, Chief Executive John Leach and Monitoring Officer Claire Felton for a shor t discussion about their roles and council meetings.

14 Completely Bromsgrove

Following this, the group headed to the Parkside Suite, which had been set up ready for a full council meeting, giving students a chance to experience the chamber layout.

They got to test out how the microphones work and enjoyed an informal mock debate run by the Chairman, providing greater understanding of how decisions are made.

The basis of the mock debate was a question that students had decided: “How do you think we can make politics interesting and relatable to young adults like us?”

Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College Ambassador, Jules Evans, said: “It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to get an insight into how decisions are made locally and to see firsthand the roles that councillors and officers play.”

“Experiences like this really help make politics more accessible and relatable, and our students came away inspired, informed, and excited to continue learning more.”

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15

GARDENING

Get fruity and savour the flavours Seed planting

Crocus

D

o you love a fruit salad but have leftovers? Have you thought about growing your own fruit from them?

Fruit can be fiddly but with long nights still ahead of us a glimpse of summer might be wor th it.

Strawberr y seeds are on the outside of the plants so dr ying out the skins will give you seeds that can be planted in a thin layer of compost and put on a warm windowsill, you never know, you might have your own strawberries by the summer!

If you have raspberr y canes in the garden, they may be pushing runners up through the ground and they are new plants ready to give you fresh fruit so keep an eye out for them. Talking of raspberries, autumn fruiting canes should be cut down to just above ground level in Februar y.

To grow a lemon from pips, wash and dr y the pips, then plant them about 1-1.5 cm deep in a small pot with moist, well-draining soil or a citrus-specific compost. Keep the pot in a warm, bright spot (around 21 degrees is ideal), ensuring the soil stays damp, and keep them indoors in a warm room during winter. Be patient, as it can take several years for a tree grown from seed to produce fruit but it will be fun to watch the growth over the years.

16 Completely Bromsgrove

In Februar y, you can star t sowing seeds for vegetables like cauliflower, leeks, and cabbage, as well as cold-hardy options like kale and peas. It’s also a good time to star t plants like tomatoes, peppers, and aubergine indoors, and sow hardy herbs like parsley and coriander. For flowers, star t sweet peas, petunias, and snapdragons for a head star t on the growing season.

If you have a compost bin don’t forget to add any cardboard and vegetable peel to it. If you like a fresh coffee, you can add coffee grounds and tea bags to your compost too.

The garden will have bulbs coming up now and the crocus flowers give a sense that spring is round the corner. Clear any fallen leaves or weeds from round them so that they can grab all the sunshine that they can get.

Check the wrapping on your delicate plants and that pots are secure before the March winds begin. Keep putting fresh water out for the birds as they will appreciate the gesture.

By Jules Evans - Stoke Road Allotments

Reform-led council ‘struggles to fix basics’ W orcestershire County Council, led by Reform UK, has been accused of failing to fix the basics after a lamppost in Bromsgrove town centre remained unrepaired for more than 500 days, with no confirmed date for action.

Liberal Democrat councillor Josh Robinson has been pushing for this repair for over a year.

Councillor Robinson said: “Our High Street needs the support from both councils, which includes them fixing issues in a timely manner. The lack of urgency and update from the county council makes you question whether they really care for our town.”

“While the county council wastes taxpayers’ money on the A38 programme, they are failing to fix the basics.”

“It is not just the lampposts on the High Street, it is numerous other issues. The bridge on Little Lane has been shut for months without any timescale for it being reopened. They are just passing the blame to other councils.”

The Lib Dems are calling on Reform UK to get back to basics and ensure Bromsgrove continues to see improvements.

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Photo by Andy Karran

Ravens calling S

leek black acrobats. Flipping upside down, tumbling through the air. Looking for all the world as though they’re enjoying every moment of being in their element.

If you’ve ever been lucky enough to watch ravens spor t in the wind, you’ll know what a mesmerising sight they can be; their diamondshaped tails fanning out and the birds calling to each other with a deep ‘cronk’.

Whilst we usually think of birds settling down to breed in the warmer months of spring, ravens are already well on their way with bringing up a family. Impressing each other with aerial displays in autumn, ravens pair for life and, once eggs are laid in late Februar y or early March, youngsters are hatching from early April. If you’ve got a pair near you, you may have noticed them proclaiming their territor y with loud cronking calls.

We usually think of them as birds of crags or cliffs but they were once common in towns and cities. Over the last decade or so, numbers of ravens have been bouncing back from decades of persecution and they’re once again being found in old haunts. As you wander, look up into tall trees for a telltale tangle of twigs and branches that make up a raven’s nest.

Ravens are the UK’s biggest member of the cor vid family and, just like their cousins, they’re avian Einsteins. Numerous studies have shown that by the time they’re just four months old, their problem-solving and cognitive skills can rival both the great apes and seven-year-old children!

They can also make tools and can remember and identify human faces, able to distinguish and react differently depending on whether someone has previously threatened them or rewarded them.

At the Trust we know a lot of people who are keen to learn more about Worcestershire’s wildlife and one of those is Mike Metcalf. Mike’s followed the fortunes of our county’s ravens for more than ten years, checking out new and existing sites to try and discover how many ravens make their home here.

They often choose large conifers that were planted decades ago in parks and larger gardens. The more he observes them, the more fascinated he finds them and their complex social relationships. If you think you’ve got ravens nesting near you, drop me a line wendy@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org and I’ll let Mike know.

Ravens may have settled down by now but our smaller birds are still in the throes of wooing their par tners. Why not woo your par tner for Valentine’s Day by renting a nest on one of our nature reser ves? Renters receive updates about who’s snuggling into their box as well as an invite to see the residents later in the year. Visit www. worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/shop for more info.

Keep up to date with us...

- Facebook facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust - Instagram instagram.com/worcswt/ - Bluesky bsky.app/profile/worcswt.bsky.social - YouTube youtube.com/c/WorcswildlifetrustUK1

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

18 Completely Bromsgrove

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royalmotorways

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15/01/2026 15:25

Completely Bromsgrove

A Lasting Legacy B

y mid Januar y the last of the scaffolding had been taken down from St John’s Church, and the area returned to how it was prior to the almost twelve-month project to restore the spire and tower parapet stonework.

As a lasting legacy the top section of the spire, which had cracked and was removed and replaced, has been rebuilt at the base of the tower. This rebuilt spire apex will ser ve as a legacy to celebrate the many people, who over many centuries, built, added to and restored Bromsgrove’s magnificent Grade I Listed church building. The oldest stonework in the church is from the 12th centur y and as such the rebuilt spire apex stands to celebrate those who have contributed for almost one thousand years. We wont ever know how many people this amounts to, but our gratitude, and the legacy, is for them all.

It is understood that the spire was added to the top of the tower in the middle of the 15th centur y.

It’s hard to imagine how they built it without any mechanical assistance for lifting or stone cutting.

We know that restoration work was carried out on the spire a number of times during the 19th centur y with the recently removed spire section

22 Completely Bromsgrove

dating from the 1892 restoration which followed a lightning strike. Rebuilding the apex of the spire at ground level in the church allows us to remember the past, and be reminded that each generation must play their par t to keep our beloved church building at the hear t of Bromsgrove’s community.

The names of the people who were pivotal to the 1890s restoration were carved into the top stone on the spire, and so for this most recent restoration, names are carved into the newly carved top spire stone. From the carvings made over 120 years ago we can read J.H.B. (Joseph Blackburn, steeplejack), J.W.Rose (Sexton at St John’s Church) and D.Ellis. In 2025 the names Allard (Stonemason) Ceney (Structural Engineer) Curry (Restoration Contractor) and Oliver (Architect) were carved into the top stone. The names of the Friends of St John’s Trustees, Jackson, Moule, Roxborough, Slade and Vincent, along with the date, are carved into the collar stone underneath.

at St John’s church Since October 2024 the bells at St John’s have been silent.

Concern over the impact of bell ringing on the severely cracked spire over the winter meant they could not be rung, and no ringing was possible whilst scaffolding covered the tower and spire.

It is hoped that the bells will ring out across the town again in the Spring. The Architect will carr y out a final inspection of the works by drone, in early March, to check that all the mor tar joints are fully cured. The delays caused by the nesting falcons last spring pushed the stonemason’s work and repointing well into the late Autumn.

The weather has a big impact on the curing capacity of the mor tar and it is impor tant that the joints are fully cured before ringing can take place again.

Friends of St John’s would like to take this final oppor tunity to express our most sincere thanks to ever yone who has suppor ted the Spire Project. The suppor t came in myriad ways, and ever yone’s contribution has helped to achieve the impor tant restoration of the spire and tower parapets, for the benefit of our community and for generations to come. It is our hope that when people pass by and look up at the church spire, they feel proud and inspired to have played a positive par t in the latest chapter in the long, long histor y of Bromsgrove’s landmark church building. Thank you.

by Jo Slade

Completely Bromsgrove

23

New bin lorries roll out in Bromsgrove A

fleet of 15 new bin lorries is arriving in Bromsgrove district to keep household waste and recycling collections running smoothly.

The modern vehicles are replacing older refuse trucks that have reached the end of their service life.

It is par t of the district council’s ongoing commitment to delivering efficient, reliable, and resilient waste collection ser vices for residents.

Councillor Karen May, leader of Bromsgrove District Council, said: “Good planned investments in our vehicle fleet help ensure reliable bin collections and efficient ser vices for our residents.”

Refuse collection vehicles typically need replacing ever y seven years to maintain reliability, owing to the heavy mechanical demands of the job.

Bromsgrove’s fleet empties around 2.6 million bins a year across an 84 square mile district.

To suppor t that, the district council allocates a capital budget of about £4.5 million to a strategic vehicle replacement programme.

That is designed to protect services from suffering too many problems over time and suppor t the council’s busy garage team to spend less time fixing breakdowns and more time maintaining a wide fleet of local service vehicles, which as well as bin lorries, includes sweepers, mowers, tankers, and vans.

24 Completely Bromsgrove

The arrival of the new bin lorries also prompted the replacement of Bromsgrove’s wheeled household bins, as the district had been the last in the countr y still using a legacy bin design that had become incompatible with modern UK-standard lorries.

Those bin swaps are almost complete, and, like the bins, new bin lorries have been coming in to replace their obsolete counterpar ts area-byarea. The council is now gearing up to write to its garden waste customers to arrange their new brown bins in the new year, as the last leg of the big bin changeover.

Councillor May added: “We had to replace the bins because new trucks simply can’t empty those old ones. But it will benefit taxpayers because it brings us fully in line with the national standard across the board. That’s more efficient than before, and when you’re going round a big district emptying millions of bins, efficiency really matters.”

The old trucks are sold for par ts and scrap, with the proceeds going back into the public purse to reduce pressure on council tax.

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Completely Bromsgrove

25

The 5 Star Brand!

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Whether upgrading a traditional home or a modern extension, our FENSAaccredited team delivers excellence. We offer ultimate peace of mind with a 20year guarantee (including 10 years insurance-backed). From our local showrooms to your front door, we are proud to be the region’s most trusted name in home improvements. Quality you can touch. Service you can trust.

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26 Completely Bromsgrove

Supporting the return of the Worcester Warriors!

5 Star’s roots in Worcestershire run deep. That’s why we’re proud to be official partners of the Worcester Warriors and Sixways Stadium, supporting the triumphant return of elite rugby to the region.

At the heart of this partnership is the impressive 5 Star Windows Suite— the largest hospitality space at the stadium. Whether you’re attending a Warriors match, a Worcester City FC fixture, or a local event, our brand sits at the very centre of the action. From pitch-side advertising to stadium-wide presence, we’re proud to stand alongside the local community and celebrate the return of top-level sport to Sixways.

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Completely Bromsgrove

27

hup! to date with the latest way to extend?

This latest hup! (pictured here) transformation near Droitwich showcases why hup! is the future of home expansion. While this homeowner chose a traditional base, the precision-engineered walls and roof were installed with incredible speed.

The result? This stunning living space completed - from base start to final plastering and electrics - in just over three weeks. Remarkably, hup! panels are far slimmer than traditional brickwork with cavities, providing a larger internal room without increasing the external footprint. Despite being sleeker, they are more thermally efficient than standard builds and offer immense structural strength. As a verified Ultra Installer, 5 Star delivers a move-in-ready, highperformance extension faster and cleaner than ever before. Minimal disruption, maximum space, and ultimate warmth.

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28 Completely Bromsgrove

Preserving Heritage with Modern Performance Living in a listed building or conservation area shouldn't mean compromising on comfort. At 5 Star, we are specialists in navigating the delicate balance between local heritage and 21st-century efficiency. Our Residence Collection is a masterpiece of design, accepted by many local councils for its authentic "wood-look" aesthetics that satisfy strict planning requirements. For those replacing traditional steel frames, our slimline Aluminium alternatives offer the perfect "Crittall-style" look with vastly improved thermal performance. From expert guidance on regulations to period-accurate hardware, we ensure your home retains its timeless character while gaining the warmth and security of a modern 5 Star installation.

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Completely Bromsgrove

29

Composite Door Case Study!

This customer in Worcestershire chose a stunning Agate Grey composite door from our popular Forte range, featuring the elegant Clover design with Trio Diamond glass. They were looking for a front door that offered both style and security, and the Forte range provided the perfect balance. The soft Agate Grey finish gives a modern yet timeless look, complementing the property’s exterior beautifully. The Clover design adds a touch of character and detail, while the Trio Diamond glass brings in natural light without compromising on privacy. Our expert installation team ensured a seamless fit and finish, enhancing the home’s kerb appeal and energy efficiency.

The customer was delighted with how the new door instantly transformed the entrance, offering improved insulation, durability, and peace of mind thanks to the door’s high-security locking system. This installation is a great example of how a carefully chosen colour and design can elevate any home’s exterior, while delivering long-lasting performance and minimal maintenance.

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30 Completely Bromsgrove

Internal Doors Internal doors have transformed from basic room dividers to stylish design elements in modern homes. Inspired by Crittall-style steel, these contemporary doors feature slim, steel-look profiles that add visual lightness and architectural interest. They are crafted for beauty and durability, with robust powder coatings to withstand everyday use.

A recent installation in Barnt Green showcased these ultra-slim frames, creating stunning room transitions that blend industrial chic with lasting quality. To experience their effortless glide and precision finish, visit our showrooms in Kidderminster or Worcester, where our designers can help you create a "5 Star" statement for your home.

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Completely Bromsgrove

31

Windows Our best-selling Extreme double & triple glazed windows don’t compromise!

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Upgrading a lovely semi in Bromsgrove or a rural retreat in Dodford, our range is limitless. From Tilt & Turn designs through Bays, Sash, and French — everything’s available in Aluminium & high-performance uPVC—you might even want our authentic "wood-look" Residence collections.

Ensure your home stays whisper-quiet and thermally efficient with traditional Casement windows that preserve the character of Finstall homes to Flush frames in Barnt Green, we provide the ultimate choice in Worcestershire.

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32 Completely Bromsgrove

The Truth About Trickle Vents When UK building regulations changed to require trickle vents in replacement windows, many were sceptical. However, these small, clever additions have become a game-changer for home comfort. Far from letting the "warmth out," trickle vents provide a controlled, constant "check-up" of fresh air. This tiny amount of background ventilation is the ultimate defence against moisture, significantly reducing the risk of mould, mildew, and stale Odors. By keeping your air moving without creating a draft, they create a healthier living environment. Today, our wise customers wouldn't have it any other wayenjoying a home that stays warm, fresh, and condensation-free.

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Completely Bromsgrove

33

Difference between an Orangery & a Conservatory Conservatories and orangeries both offer light-filled spaces, but differ in structure and style. Conservatories use more glass, including a fully glazed roof, ideal for maximizing light and garden views. Orangeries have a solid structure with brick pillars and a partially solid roof, providing a more roomlike feel and blending with the main house.

In essence, conservatories are light and garden-focused, while orangeries offer a substantial, comfortable atmosphere. The choice depends on your desired look and function.

If you're unsure, 5 Star offers a free design service to tailor a space to your lifestyle and property, ensuring an extension you'll love.

Orangery

Conservatory

34 Completely Bromsgrove

Open up your home with Bi-folding and French Doors Bi-folding and French doors transform a home's look and feel by increasing natural light and connecting indoors with the outside, creating brighter, more open spaces. Bi-folding doors offer a contemporary feel with wide glass panels that fold away, available in materials like aluminium and uPVC, suitable for modern and traditional homes.

French doors provide a timeless, elegant look, opening from the center, and are also available in aluminium and uPVC. Both options offer versatile designs, materials, and finishes, allowing for personalization and practicality.

www.5starwindows.co.uk | 01562 60800 Completely Bromsgrove

35

Kidderminster Showroom Located just 10 miles and a 21-minute drive from the heart of Bromsgrove, our Kidderminster showroom is an invitation to experience your future home.

Wander through full-scale extensions and explore modern lifestyle-sized conservatories to truly feel the space, including the region’s first indoor hup! display.

Everything is here for you to test - open the bifolds, lock the Forte doors, and explore our vast window range. You’ll find no pushy sales staff, just expert guidance, and the best free coffee in town. Whether you’re just starting to dream or ready to build, jump in the car - we’re closer than you think. Free Parking outside the door. Open 7 days a week!

Scan for directions

www.5starwindows.co.uk | 01562 60800

36 Completely Bromsgrove

Worcester Showroom Celebrating ten years in Carden Street - just 14 miles and 28 minutes from Bromsgrove - our recently refreshed showroom features a £250,000 investment in your home's future. Explore our dedicated hup! centre to see how insulated panel technology transforms living spaces faster than ever before.

With up to 65% of our work coming from repeat clients, we are a trusted part of the community. Why not pop over to see the latest Forte collections and bespoke window designs in a relaxed environment? Our friendly team is ready to help, the atmosphere is inspiring, and the kettle is always on. Look at your own pace; we’re just a short drive away. Free Parking outside the door. Open 7 days a week!

Scan for directions

www.5starwindows.co.uk | 01562 60800

Completely Bromsgrove

37

Puzzle Page Can you spot the words concealed below?

Windows Door Conservatory Hup! Orangeries Balustrades Roofs Showrooms

07 www.5starwindows.co.uk | 01562 60800

38 Completely Bromsgrove

Completely Bromsgrove

39

The 5 Star Difference: Why Our Customers Choose Us At 5 Star, we don’t just meet industry standards; we redefine them. Here are ten reasons why we are the region’s first choice for home improvements: 1. Design & Visualise Without Limits We provide a bespoke design service at no cost, refining plans to match your vision and budget. Using advanced superimposing technology, we can show you exactly how your new windows, doors, or hup! extension will look on a photo of your actual home before you spend a penny.

2. The 20-Year Triple Guarantee While the industry standard is 10 years, we provide a comprehensive 20-year guarantee on virtually everything we sell, covering every part. For total peace of mind, we also pay the premium for an independent, insurance-backed guarantee on every FENSA installation.

3. Our Dedicated Professional Team From our in-house Health & Safety team conducting full risk assessments to our full-time, expert service engineers, we manage every detail. Our modern, meticulously maintained fleet ensures our engineers arrive safely and look professional on your driveway.

4. A Trusted Local Legacy We aren’t a "faceless" national firm. We are a family-run business with deep roots in the Worcestershire community, proudly sponsoring local icons like the Worcester Warriors. When you choose 5 Star, you are supported by a neighbour, not a distant head office.

5. Fully Accredited & Industry Approved Your home is in the safest hands. 5 Star is FENSA Approved, FCA Authorised, and a Trustmark member. As a verified Ultra Installer, Origin Premier Partner, and Atlas Approved installer, we meet the highest benchmarks for quality and security in the UK.

Ready to start your journey? Visit our showrooms or call us today to experience the 5 Star difference for yourself. www.5starwindows.co.uk | 01562 60800

40 Completely Bromsgrove

Creators celebrate successful showcase and plan for 2026 I

n the five years since it star ted, Creative Ar t Showcase (CAS) has attracted a large following among likeminded people in the community.

Annmarie Hurley, who manages the free Lotter y funded Creative Friends programme, said: “It’s been a ver y exciting journey, quite a whirlwind, but it’s worthwhile to see how happy we make people.”

Showcase 25 moved to the Artrix for its annual extravaganza of ar t, craft and performance, and it proved to be an excellent venue. Visitor numbers more than doubled this year to more than 2,000, making this the most successful showcase yet.

The different layout enabled the CAS team to offer three new aspects, VR experience, Family Silent Disco and a full production by Oddsocks, the professional touring theatre company.

The venue was fur ther enhanced by hot food provided by Ukrainian café Golden Wheat and Pizza Heaven, making it suitable for everyone to enjoy a highly affordable community fun day out.

Lead trustee Dominic Baker said: “The volunteers on site over the weekend were amazing with more than 90 of them giving their time, energy and experience free to make it a happy and safe environment for ever yone in the community.

“Artrix volunteers and our team worked as one joined up force which made life so much easier for all of us. We can’t say a big enough thank you.”

The team at CAS is moving forward under the direction of Mr Baker, a community leader with strong management skills and the right credentials to embed creativity into our communities.

Look out for the launch of the Young Creators Online exhibition and workshop oppor tunities in early 2026.

Creative Arts Showcase is run entirely by volunteers, and everyone is welcome to get involved. Whether you’re passionate about art, craft, performance, administration and management - or just want to help support a vibrant community event, there’s always a role for you. To learn more or volunteer, contact info@ creativeartshowcase.org, call 07818 830988 or visit www.creativeartshowcase.org Completely Bromsgrove

41

Hewell Grange, ancestral home of the WindsorClives, Earls of Plymouth and Lords of the Manor of Bromsgrove.

Can you help solve the Tutnall tything mysteries?

N

ext month sees the return of Completely Bromsgrove’s regular tything walks feature and a renewed invitation to ‘beat the bounds’.

Planning this walk has been a challenge, not that the walk is difficult, but because the original tything boundary has, so far, proved impossible to identify.

In my introduction to these walks, published last June, I outlined the Anglo-Saxon origins of our tythings and suggested that, at the time of William I’s Domesday Census, the names of five of these tythings - Burcot, Fockbury, Timberhonger, Town and Woodcote - would be recognisable to us today.

Having since uncovered an up-to-date census translation, I can now add Comble, Sher venhill, Ashborough, Grafton, Cooksey, Willingwick, Chadwich and Tutnall. The first five of these, including Grafton, have not been referenced again as tythings in any of my research, though Ashborough is par t of Padstone Tything and Grafton, a manor in its own right. It is the boundar y of the last of these, however, Tutnall, that is the location of our next walk.

Tutnall continued to be cited as a Bromsgrove tything until at least 1504, but sometime after that it was linked with Cobley and through boundar y changes, has been par t of both Worcestershire and Warwickshire. Maps consistently show them as a large, combined parish.

Mystery 1 – Where does Tutnall end and Cobley begin?

The problem is exacerbated by the understandable absence of footpaths across Hewell Grange. Being a prison site may be enough of an

42 Completely Bromsgrove

explanation for why pre-existing rights-of-way have been lost, but in fact these may have disappeared some time before the prison was established. In 1542 Henry VIII demanded that the Windsor family hand over their grand southern estate at Stanwell, near Windsor, and offered them the Bordesley Abbey estate as compensation. Reluctantly, but with little choice, they accepted. It would be no surprise were we to discover that the Windsors, later to become the Earls of Plymouth, chose not to allow continued public access across their new estate.

Mystery 2 - Was Henry VIII’s avarice the reason Tutnall ceased to be a Bromsgrove tything?

If any readers can shed any light on these questions, please get in touch.

Notwithstanding the problems faced in Tutnall, these published walks do attempt to adhere as closely as possible to the original boundaries as we understand them to be. As a result, they may occasionally trace some less picturesque routes, but all who choose to join in this exploration of our ancient rights of way are guaranteed surprises, whether a path on your doorstep that you didn’t know existed, or a glorious vista that stops you in your tracks.

The history behind Bromsgrove’s Anglo Saxon tythings and previously published walks can be found in the online issues of Completely Bromsgrove, starting with June 2025, at Completely Bromsgrove June ‘25 issue 73 issuu by completelybromsgrove - Issuu

HISTORY

T

Whitford Mill

Bromsgrove Cotton Mill.

Sketch by John Cotton

Exploring the mills of the Battlefield Brook

he Battlefield Brook rises on the western side of the Lickey Hills, near to Chadwich Manor.

The earliest mention of a water mill here is in a manorial record of 1232 and this mill was generally known as Chadwich Manor Mill. Further down the valley was Chadwich Mill, which had a long and narrow mill pond and stood opposite the present-day Chadwich Farm.

The brook next passes the Wildmoor Oak public The Lower Mill, later known as the Cotton Mill, house and fills the mill pond of the Wildmoor Mill. was one of the most significant in the town. During Like Chadwich Mill, it had ceased to operate by the medieval times, it served as the manorial mill late 19th century. The building on Mill Lane remains, and changed hands many times as the Manor of with Wildmoor Mill Business Park adjacent.

Bromsgrove passed through a succession of noble Further down was Fockbury Mill (also known as families. The Crown appears to have sold its rights to Catshill Mill), in Fockbury Mill Lane. This busy mill the mill around 1620, after which ownership passed belonged to several important Bromsgrove families, through a series of local millers. including John Taylor of Dodford who married into the In 1779, the Lower Mill was put to a more Barnsley family of Barnsley Hall. It, too, had industrial use. It was conver ted become redundant by around 1900 but first for spinning cotton and the mill and the miller’s house survive. then, in 1791, was taken Next was an ancient fulling mill, over by the industrialist John variously known as Walk Mill or Adams, who adapted it to spin Washing Stocks. Though long gone, it is worsted yarn. Adams became remembered in the names of a nearby a major figure in the town and farm and a water pumping station on eventually moved into Perr y the Stourbridge Road, both of which Hall on the Kidderminster are called Washingstocks.

Road.

After traversing the Kidderminster In the 1850s, the Cotton Road, the Battlefield Brook turns Mill was acquired by the Swimming bath in the basement south-east into Whitford Vale. Whitford of the former Cotton Mill Sanders family. The mill itself Mill was a three-storey, stone-built was demolished in 1892, structure, on what is now Whitford Road. It is first after which the basement was used as a public mentioned in 1269 and in 1774 was described as swimming bath. In 1951, on the death of Mar y having two pairs of stones used for grinding wheat, Beatrice Sanders, the site was given to Bromsgrove oats and corn. A sale adver tisement of 1851 lists a Urban District Council for use as a public park. brewhouse, stabling and other outbuildings, as well On the south side of Sanders Park, the Battlefield as a large garden and two acres of ‘rich meadow Brook joins the Spadesbourne Brook. The mills on land’. The mill was demolished in the 1960s and a this combined section of the lower Spadesbourne bungalow now stands on the site, near the junction will be covered in a future ar ticle.

by Mike Sharpe with Timberhonger Lane.

Completely Bromsgrove

43

Celebrations of life-changing work T

he 3rd December marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Staff and students at Chadsgrove Educational Trust Specialist College held a celebratory afternoon to thank their Community Champions who have helped provide inclusive opportunities over the past year.

This year the event also tied in with the national campaign promoting specialist further education (FE) colleges, and the life-changing work they do to build independence and life skills for adulthood.

Among those invited were STEM ambassador Nicola Knowles, Bromsgrove Town Crier Kevin Ward, Jules Evans from the Royal British Legion, Bromsgrove District Council chairman Sam Evans, Jo Slade, councillors Shirley Webb (Catshill) and Sam Ammar, prison officers from HMP Hewell, along with Bromsgrove Standard editor, Tristan Harris. The Community Champions were presented with a cer tificate and a gift for their contribution to suppor ting students’ educational progress and were treated to tea, coffee and cake prepared by the students. Students Ellie, Dylan and Jess shared examples of the reasons they chose Chadsgrove College and the positive impact their specialist education program has had on their lives and the progress they have made. The Specialist FE College campaign highlights the establishments’ key aims, including unlocking education, transforming lives and having a lasting impact on the students who pass through their doors.

College Principal, Deb Rattley thanked the

44 Completely Bromsgrove

Community Champions for the support they provide for students to experience new opportunities and develop skills for adult life. She also thanked the dedicated staff who went ‘above and beyond day in, day out’ to ensure young people could have a say in their futures. She stated: “I felt very strongly about all young people having the freedom of choice when it came to further education, so we set up the college nearly 10 years ago with just five students to offer opportunities to those aged 19 and over. Since then, we have grown and I want to say a huge thank you to everyone for all their help and support over the years.” She also stated, “We need to maintain who we are and what we are as well as continuing to develop our college provision to enable us to support even more young people to access the right opportunities to ensure they can thrive in adulthood in their communities.”

Everyone had a fantastic afternoon students are looking forward to working with the Community Champions in the New Year on lots of exciting projects. If you feel you could offer a work, volunteering or community opportunity for the students at Chadsgrove College, please email LBlakeman@chadsgrovecollege.co.uk or call: 01527 871 511 Option 2 or Ex 400

Gifted students to report on local news S pecialist FE education students at Chadsgrove College are excited to put their skills to work writing articles for Completely Bromsgrove.

Their unique writing formula will see them reviewing people places and facilities of Bromsgrove. They look forward to getting involved in the local community that will include and welcome everyone.

The interesting writing technique they use is illustrated right (Jess’s letter) and below (Dylan’s and Ellies letters), these are examples of how college has/is making them more independent and develop new skills preparing them for adult life.

They are all written using pictures with the words to enable early or non-readers to be able to ‘read’ /communicate. It is an excellent tool for making materials accessible and inclusive.

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Completely Bromsgrove

45

Shân Denise Moule 1958 to 2025 W

e pay tribute to a greatly valued and much loved friend of our town, Shân Moule, who died last year aged 67.

Shân was a familiar face to so many people in Bromsgrove throughout her life. Whenever you saw Shân, wherever she was, she greeted you warmly and made you feel welcome. She was bright spirited and full of fun and laughter. Her cheery character and infectious laughter ringing out, would brighten up every moment. She is missed by all who knew her.

Shân made a hugely positive impact on our town throughout her life. She lived on the High Street as a child, attended local schools and made many friends. After school she had a live-in job at the Golden Cross Hotel, whilst training as a Dental Nurse. She graduated in 1983 and worked as a Dental Technician until the spring of 2001 when she became the Practice Manager at Miller House Eye Clinic. Shân ran the eye clinic for Dr Das in both Bromsgrove and Upton on Severn, moving in later years to Chapman’s Optician on the High Street, before taking early retirement to be a full time Grandma – perhaps her favourite position!

Many people will remember Shân as the welcoming Church Warden at St John’s or the life and soul of the Christmas Markets and Fair Day Elizabethan Markets, not forgetting her long standing position with the Princess of Wales Fundraising Committee and the Bromsgrove Carnival. She was also a key figure at St Andrew’s Church, Charford and Millfields School where she joined the PTA. Shân had a strong Christian Faith, attending St John’s Church for most of her life, following in the footsteps of her parents.

She was involved in the Sunday School during the 1980s and 1990s before being elected to the position of Church Warden in the early 2000s. She held this post for twenty years, serving under three vicars and holding the church together during two interregnums. Shân was passionate about every aspect of the church – worship, welcome, restoration, community, events, friends and fun! Shân was an important team player during the Landmark Appeal, started ‘Fundraisers R Us’ to raise money for the church and was a Trustee of the Friends of St John’s. She organised medieval banquets for the Bailiff and Court Leet in the church hall, Swinging 60s and 70s nights, Burns Night and Passover Suppers and more – they were all Shân’s ideas.

Shân was creative, renowned for beautiful Easter Gardens in church, painting and crafts.

She was inspired by holidays by the sea and weekends away with friends and family. She was loved by everyone. An extraordinary, unique person who was encouraging, optimistic, calm and diplomatic. She suffered with a rare, debilitating neurological disorder over the last three years and spent her final year in care at Chandler Court.

We send our condolences to her husband, sons, grandchildren and extended family.

by Jo Slade

46 Completely Bromsgrove

Tributes paid to former councillor and cycling enthusiast

T

he family of Glenys Blackmoor are grateful for all the tributes paid to her by people in Bromsgrove and the surrounding area following her recent passing.

Glenys was active in community matters most of her life, serving as a county councillor, parish councillor and school governor as well as being an active member of the town’s twinning association, cycling club and a youth centre volunteer.

Born in Birmingham in 1936 but moving to Catshill at an early age with her parents Frank and Eva Franks, many of her family were active in trade unions and politics with several serving as councillors in Birmingham. Her parents were also very politically involved with both sitting on Bromsgrove and Worcestershire councils.

Glenys followed in their footsteps and served as the county councillor for Worcestershire’s Bromsgrove South division from 2005 to 2009, specialising in issues to do with young people and children especially adoption and support for families.

She also sat on Catshill & North Marlbrook Parish Council for 20 years again taking a particular interest in matters for younger people. She also served on the governing bodies of both Catshill First and Middle schools.

Although taking a keen interest in local affairs, Glenys’s other passion, and that of the rest of her family was cycling. She was involved with a number of local clubs but mainly with Bromsgrove Olympique for whom she competed when younger and once her racing days were over, she taught children how to ride and helped coach the competition teams. Famously she rode from Bromsgrove to county council meetings in Worcester to promote cycling and sustainable transport.

In addition, she was a committee member of Bromsgrove International Link (formerly the Bromsgrove & District Twinning Association) visiting the twin towns of Gronau and Saint-SauveurLendelin several times as well as hosting German and French visitors at her home in Catshill.

Glenys initially used to help with the family’s market gardening business but in later years ran Brookside Flowers supplying wedding and funeral flowers, bouquets and table decorations for local people and organisations.

Glenys died on December 21st and her funeral was held on January 22nd at Waseley Hills Crematorium, attended by many people from her busy life along with members of her large family.

She is survived by her two sons Michael and Mark, daughter Amanda, seven grandchildren, 13 greatgrandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Completely Bromsgrove

47

If that star isn’t twinkling, it’s probably a planet T

he long nights of February give plenty of opportunity to observe the night sky during the early evening, if the sky is clear. The constellations and objects of the winter sky, described in the last edition of Completely Bromsgrove, are well worth seeking out.

With the largest planet in the solar system Jupiter at its best, it will be easy to find all month. Just look in the eastern sky mid-evening for the brightest “star-like” object and that will be Jupiter. Unlike bright stars which can twinkle strongly, Jupiter and other bright planets remain steady. Twinkling is due to turbulence in our atmosphere, which affects stars much more than planets. If you see a bright object in the night sky that doesn’t twinkle, it is probably a planet.

Binoculars or a telescope will reveal the four brightest (Io, Europa, Ganymede & Callisto) of Jupiter’s 97 moons, which nightly can be seen to change their position as they orbit the mighty planet. Phone apps are available which will identify them and predict their movement.

Mid-month also gives an opportunity to see the inner planets, Venus and the elusive Mercury. On February 18th from around 6pm find a location with a clear western horizon. You should see a thin crescent Moon and below it the planet Venus.

Above the Moon will be the tiny planet Mercury. Binoculars will make it easier to find.

48 Completely Bromsgrove

Mercury is the closest planet to the Sun and as it is only ever seen in twilight it can be difficult to find, with the best viewings lasting only a few weeks each year. Mercury has a cratered surface, like our Moon, but is a planet of extremes. On the sun-facing side the scorched surface reaches 430ºC, hot enough to melt lead, but on the night side the temperature plunges to -180ºC. During Spring,Venus will become a prominent object in the evening sky, but by late February Mercury will have disappeared. If you miss it on the 18th, all three objects can be seen the following evening, but this time the Moon will be above both planets.

At Bromsgrove Astronomical Society’s meeting on Monday, February 16th, Dr Steve Barrett is presenting a talk on Gaia. Over 12 years, the Gaia satellite charted two billion stars to make a 3D map of our galaxy, plus discovering exoplanets and the largest stellar-made black hole in our Milky Way galaxy.

Visitors are always welcome, so if you would like to learn more about astronomy, you can find more details at: www.broms-astro.org.uk Adrian Bigland

Embrace the

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

year of the Crimson Horse

Embrace the year of the Crimson Horse As another year begins, I felt inspired to start it in a slightly different way—by sharing something that has become a meaningful part of my personal growth. After spending many years living in Asia, I developed a deep curiosity about the wisdom traditions embedded in everyday life. Over time, this curiosity evolved into a genuine passion, and the past twelve months I have immersed myself in the study of Chinese Metaphysics.

This journey has included exploring interconnected disciplines such as health and wellness philosophy, Feng Shui, and the I Ching. Together, these systems form a holistic framework that emphasises balance, harmony, and proactive wellbeing.

What resonates most strongly with me is how these ancient teachings encourage deeper self-awareness. By recognising our energetic patterns and tendencies, we can make more informed choices that support long-term health. This reflects a core principle of Chinese medicine: prevention is more effective than treatment.

Understanding both our strengths and vulnerabilities allows us to take simple, intentional steps to stay centred and well.

A

One accessible way to begin is by identifying your Chinese zodiac animal. Each sign

has itsit ownin health offering guidance on areas ofway strength by and those that may s another year begins, I felt inspired to start a focus, slightly different sharing benefit from extra care. It’s not about predicting illness but empowering yourself with awareness. something that has become a meaningful part of my life and personal growth.

After spending many years living in Asia, I developed a deep curiosity about the wisdom traditions woven into everyday life. Over time, this curiosity grew into a genuine passion, and during the past 12 months I have immersed myself in the study of Chinese metaphysics.

This journey has included exploring interconnected disciplines such as health and wellness philosophy, Feng Shui, and the I Ching. Together, these systems form a holistic framework that emphasises balance, harmony, and proactive wellbeing.

What resonates most strongly with me is how these ancient teachings encourage deeper self-awareness. By recognising our energetic patterns and tendencies, we can make more informed choices that support long-term health. This reflects a core principle of Chinese medicine: prevention is more effective than treatment. Understanding both our strengths and vulnerabilities allows us to take simple, intentional steps to stay centred and well.

One accessible way to begin is by identifying your Chinese zodiac animal. Each sign has its own health focus, offering guidance on areas of strength and those that may benefit from extra care. It’s not about predicting illness but empowering yourself with awareness.

According to the Chinese calendar, February 4th marks the transition into the Year of the Crimson Horse in 2026, symbol of vitality, movement, and change. It’s an ideal time to reassess goals and strengthen healthy habits.

According to the Chinese calendar, February 4th marks the transition into the Year of the Crimson Horse in 2026, symbol of vitality, movement, and change. It’s an ideal time to reassess goals and strengthen healthy habits.

As I continue my studies, I look forward to sharing more insights. My guiding motto remains: As I continue my studies, I look forward to sharing more insights. My guiding motto “Prevention is better than cure.” remains: “Prevention is better than cure.”

Animal

Health Focus / Potential Weakness

Recommended Wellness/Healing Practices

Rat

Gallbladder issues; sensitive to criticism

Morning pages/journaling

Ox

Digestive system complaints (earth sign)

Yoga Nidra (meditation for relaxation) ASEA Biome

Tiger

Digestive system, heart, and eyes; prone to stress

ASEA Biome for digestion/calming meditation routines; focus on balanced lifestyle

Rabbit

Liver, gallbladder, arms, legs, and

Morning walks/runs; gratitude

back

journaling; aromatherapy

Dragon

Muscles, capable of absorbing large pressure

Guided meditation; mindful choices & using ASEA Renu 28

Snake

Respiratory and circulatory systems (fire sign)

Green juice or smoothies; introspection and rest, ASEA Via Source.

Horse

Heart; highly productive but needs rest

Deep breathing exercises; rest and protect the heart during midday

Goat

Digestive health; sensitive nature

Practicing gratitude, ASEA Biome

Monkey

Bladder; witty but can be hyperactive

Loving-kindness meditation; immuneboosting activities. ASEA drink

Rooster

General gut health; prone to impatience

Add gut-healthy foods and drinks to the diet

Dog

Prone to depression/pessimism; loyal nature

Immune-boosting activities; exercise; avoid overworking

Pig

Triple Burner (energy regulation); can be easily taken advantage of

Rejuvenating floral baths

For more information contact me at colette@need4change.com

For more information contact me at colette@need4change.com

Completely Bromsgrove

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Sophie uses her loaf W

e often hear about young people of today struggling to find the right job, and that it’s tough out there. Bucking the trend is former South Bromsgrove High School student turned entrepreneur Sophie Preston, who at the tender age of 23 has kick-star ted 2026 with a new business in Aston Fields.

After finishing school, Sophie headed to the University of Worcester where she achieved a first class honours degree in marketing. From a young age, her dream was to open her own coffee house and baker y, and she has worked at many hospitality establishments since the age of 16 to build up her knowledge and experience of the sector.

At a time when many businesses in this sector are finding it tough, Sophie, along with her good friend and business par tner, 19-year-old Matt Dawes are forging ahead with their venture TOPLOAF Eater y, located on Sherwood Road on Aston Fields Industrial Estate.

Sophie heads up a team of 17 employees and is looking for more willing and able staff to join her on this exciting journey.

Matt is operations manager, and has worked in hospitality since

he was 14, and mum Karen can be found on site baking cakes and other delights.

This local girl’s mantra is most definitely keeping it local as she uses High Street based Butchers Block for bacon, sausages and meat products and Meadow Mill Baker y, who are situated just around the corner at Silver Birch Business Park.

GTAccess, also located on Sherwood Road, and other local Bromsgrove businesses and trades, were instrumental in supplying TOPLOAF during the six-month refit. Reclaimed tables and other equipment were sourced from a local salvage warehouse.

The family team, together with Matt, also made many of the fixtures and fittings that help to create a warm and welcoming environment.

Toploaf waitresses ready to serve you

50 Completely Bromsgrove

to launch business Even though the actual unit is a warehouse, still staying true to its origins with steel girders and painted breezeblock walls, the industrial feel is softened with calming plants, music and festoon lighting.

TOPLOAF is open to everyone, whether you’re a mum with a little one looking for a safe space to meet friends, or a dog walker – the business is dog friendly, and offer water bowls and treats for four-legged companions. Busy workers can place their order via phone or email and there is also a takeaway service.

clubs, businesses and the wider public. So just pop in and say hi!

TOPLOAF can be found at Unit 8A, Sherwood Road Industrial Estate, Aston Fields, Bromsgrove, B60 3DR and on all the usual social media channels. You can also email info@toploafbakery.co.uk or call 01527 395996.

As a Bromsgrovian, it is heartwarming to see young people taking bold steps to deliver quality and leadership and I would most definitely urge Completely Bromsgrove readers to head over and sample their tasty offerings, whether that is a full English breakfast, a sweet treat or just a drink.

Sophie has given Sherwood Road a fantastic venue that is so much more than just another coffee house. Over time, this space, which is also wheelchair friendly, will become a thriving community hub as she wants to offer it to

Completely Bromsgrove

51

Walk like an Egyptian F

ancying some Winter sun and having never been to Egypt before, we chose a week, all-inclusive, adults only break at the Kaisol Romance resor t, in Sal Haseesh.

Landing at 10pm and after navigating the ver y chaotic airpor t (don’t forget your £50pp cash for entr y) we finally found our bus transfer. The driver promptly climbed up a ladder on the side of the bus and his friend handed our cases to him and he secured them with rope, to the roof!

The next morning we woke to glorious sunshine and views of the private beach – securing sun beds was easy – and there was a heated pool to lounge

52 Completely Bromsgrove

around as well as an unheated rooftop pool.

Let’s talk buffet – absolutely amazing boasting fresh fried fish, chicken, roast meats, sumptuous salads and the desser ts….wow! Satisfyingly the hotel was a par t of the Love Food Hate Waste initiative and saw only 10kg of wasted food a day – great news as the gorgeous breakfast pastries appeared as a hot pudding at lunchtime!

in the hot winter sun!

The resor t was self contained – and there was enough to do with activities including yoga, and the spa and lots of trips available. We took the free hotel shuttle bus into Hurghada one evening – just 20 minutes but it felt like a million miles. A cacophony of sights, smells and sounds greeted us – shopkeepers tempting us in to tr y their wares – 1dollar! – food stalls, cars honking their horns and crowds of locals gathered. We eventually turned a corner to the marina - a different vibe – restaurants, bars, music all along the waterfront which you enter through a secure

area. We returned to Hurghada the next day for a snorkelling trip – the Red Sea is full of colourful sights - and we also enjoyed a camel and horse ride. We were in Egypt over Christmas and it was all ver y tastefully done with understated décor and a Christmas Eve gala and for our first festive getaway it was wonderful, But if you just fancy some Winter sun, Egypt is a great choice! We went with Tui and judging by the number of people at Manchester airpor t, Winter breaks are the new Summer holidays!

By Anne Marie Harley

Completely Bromsgrove

53

A fabulous February of W

hat have our intrepid explorers found? Wipe the winter blues away and join Rain or Shine for an evening of side-splitting spills and thrills in a theatrical tour-de-force for all the family when they perform Agatha Appleton and The Peril of The Pyramids, on the Bromsgrove Arts stage on Sunday, February 1st.

Inspired by the music of the 1930s, 40s and 50s from Benny Goodman, Charlie Christian, and Artie Shaw to Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and the tango of Astor Piazzolla, on Saturday, February 7th, relax to Swing From Paris as they perform their Parisian-flavoured jazz and gypsy swing.

In Dead Of Winter, being screened on Wednesday, February 18th, a grief-stricken loner (Emma Thompson), driving in a blizzard gets lost among backroads near a Minnesotan lake and stops for help at a remote cabin in the woods.

Here she discovers a young woman (Laurel Marsden) kidnapped by a desperate couple (Judy Greer, Marc Menchaca) who are armed and intent on murder. Isolated and without cell service, this unlikely hero realises she is the woman’s only hope of survival.

54 Completely Bromsgrove

music, movies & theatre There’s an afternoon movie on Wednesday, February 25th. In Four Mothers. Edward (James McArdle), an anxiety-ridden gay man in his thirties, is scheduled for a tour of the US to promote his breakout novel. But his elderly mum Alma (Fionnula Flanagan) is recovering from a stroke, and Edward is her primary carer.

To compound his difficulties, his three friends decide to take a weekend break to Gran Canaria for Maspalomas Pride and dump their own mothers on the doorstep of the small Dublin semi that Edward shares with Alma.

Tom Hiddleston plays the eponymous everyman Charles “Chuck” Krantz, in The Life Of Chuck, the evening movie on Wednesday, February 25th.

Three stages of Chuck’s life are explored, in reverse order. In the first, Chiwetel Ejiofor (Marty Anderson) plays a weary middle-school teacher trying to keep it together as the world crumbles around him. In act two, we see Chuck as an accountant in his late 30s. He’s facing tough times, but he makes a spontaneous, joyful dance connection with a heartbroken woman to a street busker’s vigorous drumbeat. Finally, in act three, we go back to Chuck’s childhood growing up in a possibly haunted house with his grandparents.

After wowing our audience in 2023, Calypso Moon return on Saturday, February 28th. This all-female vintage jazz band have a passion for the music of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, made famous by stars such as Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Doris Day.

Bromsgrove Ar ts, the home of Fairfield Flicks and Fairfield Music, is located at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ).

Free parking and a licenced bar. For information and advanced tickets for all events visit www.bromsgrovearts.org.uk Completely Bromsgrove

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Big laughs, iconic bands and cinematic magic at Artrix F

ebruary is set to be a blockbuster month at Artrix Theatre, Bromsgrove, with a packed programme of comedy, cinema, powerful performances and world-class tribute acts celebrating some of the biggest names in music.

The month kicks off in spectacular style on February 3rd with comedian Milton Jones’ unmistakable one-liners, surreal storytelling and rapid-fire wit.

On February 5th, Artrix offers something truly unique with R.E.M. X Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. This is a magical fusion of silent film and live music as the cult classic is reimagined with a live R.E.M. inspired soundtrack.

Soul, Motown and pure musical joy take centre stage on February 6th with Roy G Hemmings TSOP & Motown, delivering timeless hits and irresistible grooves that promise to have audience members dancing in their seats.

Dance lovers won’t want to miss ROH Live: Woolf Works on February 9th, a stunning Royal Ballet production broadcast live, bringing bold contemporary choreography and cinematic storytelling to the big screen.

The hits keep coming with a run of arena-worthy tribute acts. A Head Full of Coldplay lands on February 12th, followed by Eclipse – The Pink

56 Completely Bromsgrove

Floyd Experience on February 13th, delivering epic soundscapes and unforgettable live performances.

Valentine’s Day on February 14th is celebrated in style with Let’s Hear It for the Girls, a feel-good tribute to iconic female artists and an ideal night out for music lovers. February 20th sees the return of the fabulous John Hindle, with his King of the Road Tour, before rock legends take over the stage with Mothership: Led Zeppelin on February 21st and Bon Jovi Forever on February 22nd, bringing stadium anthems to an intimate live setting.

Bromsgrove’s top comedian Fat Theo returns to the Artrix stage with his incredible show The Contender on February 26th, before the month ends on an unstoppable high with two crowdpleasing favourites: ABBA Gold on February 27th followed by the infectious anthems of That Britpop Band on February 28th.

Tickets are available online at www. artrixbromsgrove.co.uk or at the onsite box office, which is open on Wednesday and Saturday from 10am to 12pm and on Monday from 6pm to 8pm.

We are thrilled to announce that Roger Jones returns to Bromsgrove Baptist Chu on Saturday, 28th March 2026 at 7pm to present an update of his musical ‘Angel Voices’.

Welcome return of revamped musical P

‘Angel Voices’ was written on the book of Revelation and concentrates on the thr W’s of Worship, Warfare and Wholeness.

This is a major update of the musical written in 1993, with new typesetting, some new keys and edited songs.

rolific writer Roger Jones returns to Bromsgrove Baptist

Roger Jones and his wife have been in full-time music ministry sin Church onMary Saturday, March 28th at Christian 7pm to present an 1984 and together with a small team, run Christian Music Ministries. Formerly a update of his musical Angel Voices. music teacher in inner-city Birmingham, Roger is well-known throughout the UK a Roger by choirs from Hemel Angel Voices ismusicals based on the book abroad for his Christian and has written 25is joined to date. of Revelation and concentrates on

Hempstead, Kidderminster, Nottingham

This is a major update of the work

Performances of Roger’s previous

and various parts of Birmingham, together an the three W’s of worship, warfareHempstead, and Roger is joined by choirs from Hemel Kidderminster, Nottingham with musicians fromaround around the UK.UK. wholeness. various parts of Birmingham, together with musicians from the

works at Bromsgrove Church written in 1993, with new typesetting, Performances of Roger’s previous works at Bromsgrove BaptistBaptist Church have bee have been a spectacle and brought joy some new keys and edited songs. spectacle and joy to those watching and taking part. to those watching and taking par t.

Roger and his wife Mar y have been Tickets can be purchased by in full-time Christian music ministr y contacting since 1984 and together with a small Your ticketsteam canrun beChristian purchased contacting events@cmm.

Musicby Ministries. org.uk who Formerly a who musicwill teacher in innerevents@cmm.org.uk provide you with a link orwill by provide you city Birmingham, Roger is well-known scanning the following QR code. with a link or throughout the UK and abroad for his by scanning the Christian musicals and has written 25 QR code. to date.

SCAN QR CODE TO BOOK

Completely Bromsgrove

57

Musical dreams and a Chaplin classic F

ilm lovers have two magical movies to look forward to at the FeckenOdeon Cinema Society in Feckenham in February.

First up on Friday, Februar y 13th at 8pm is 2024 French release

The Marching Band (12A).

Thibaut is an internationally renowned conductor who travels the world. When he learns he was adopted, he discovers the existence of a younger brother, Jimmy, who works in a school cafeteria and plays the trombone in a small marching band.

Ever ything seems to set them apar t, except their love of music.

Sensing his brother’s exceptional talent, Thibaut decides to remedy the injustice of fate. Jimmy begins to dream of a different life.

City Lights (U) is being screened on Sunday, February 28th at 7.30pm. Even though the talkies had taken over by 1931, Charlie Chaplin preferred to work without dialogue and, in this tale of the love between the Tramp and a blind flower girl, his insistence pays off.

The film is both hilarious and intensely moving - one of the finest of its kind. It has a dedicated musical score composed

by Chaplin himself. The film has been painstakingly restored, you’ll never believe that it’s 94 years old, and this is a rare chance to see it as Chaplin intended – on the big screen.

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. The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham. B96 6HN

58 Completely Bromsgrove

Add some floral colour to your afternoons B

romsgrove Flower Club is back for 2026 with a fabulous list of demonstrators for the months ahead, star ting with the former chair of NAFAS, Katherine Kear.

Later in the year we will be welcoming Delyth Price, twice a Chelsea Flower Show winner, and local favourite Andrew Lloyd will join us in May. The club meets on the third Thursday of the month at 1.30pm. We offer complimentary refreshments, a bring and buy stall, a sweepstake to win and a chance to win one of the demonstrator’s designs to take home.

Subscriptions for the year remain unchanged at £40, then the entrance fee is £5. Non-members/visitors will be charged £10.

Come along to All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, on Thursday, Februar y 19th. We look forward to seeing you.

Morganisation in how The Beatles got me a job with Elo ‘This is more than just a concer t—it’s a journey through time, rich with nostalgia, musicianship and engaging stor ytelling’.

Led by Dave Scott-Morgan, a former member of the legendar y Electric Light Orchestra (ELO), the performance weaves together classic rock anthems, original compositions and well-loved ELO hits in a way that captivates audiences of all ages.

This show will resonate strongly with fans of classic rock, offering a mix of the familiar and the fresh.

Dave’s songwriting career spans decades, with credits that include The Move, The Uglys, and Magnum, alongside his contributions to ELO’s ‘Secret Messages’ and Jeff Lynne’s ‘Armchair Theatre.’

This is a professional show coming to Feckenham Village Hall on Saturday 7th February at 7.30pm as par t of the Live & Local programme. Suppor ted by Ar ts Council England, Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Borough Council.

Tickets for shows at Feckenham Village Hall are on sale at The Village Shop and The Rose & Crown. You can also book by phone on 0333 666 3366 or online at www.feckhall.org Completely Bromsgrove

59

A pure and proud G

enesis is the premium brand owned by Hyundai. I have been driving a facelifted and improved single motor, rear wheel drive Pure variant of the £54,115 Genesis GV60 SUV hatchback. There is no drama to be had behind the all-electric GV60 wheel: simply a demonstration of what a top modern motor manufacturer can deliver.

In today’s motoring world, some cars are brash, flash and wanting in good taste. I ask myself what really is ‘better’ about the likes of Mercedes, Bentley and even Rolls Royce.

Different marketing most certainly - but better engineering? I doubt it. Genesis standards are top notch and driving one shows that you are discerning and have good taste.

In the real world a Genesis is just as functionally fulfilling as cars of those brands that we have been subliminally brainwashed into believing are the ones to go for. A GV60 is a draft of cool sanity in a stultifying hothouse market of marketing pressure. It represents a stride forward in electric motoring. Crisply styled, it points towards tomorrow.

60 Completely Bromsgrove

The GV60 ticks all the boxes regarding SUV practicality and comes through with all cells shining. Now that the battery has gone from 70 kWh to 84 kWh, a charge from a fast charger can give you a 348-mile range. Power output is 229 PS which is more than enough on our roads.

You feel special the moment you take the wheel. The GV60 Pure’s forte is that it is exceptionally smooth and silent. Electric motors are, of course, quiet in operation, but this often draws attention to road noise and other intrusive sounds and vibration.

DRIVE TIME

statement of poise The GV60 is one of the quietest electric cars the quietest of the quiet maybe. Genesis having prioritised the sound of silence. And with 19inch wheels the ride is supple and comfortable.

Inside it is terrifically habitable and packed with equipment. Top quality materials give a premium feel and every adjunct to safe, comfortable and relaxing travel is there. Naturally you have five-star safety. Pure is not the top spec version but you would be hard pressed to find anything lacking. The driver instrumentation and controls are intuitive and multiple functions are controlled from the large touch screen: it even has facial recognition technology. A futuristic touch is the crystal ball on the centre console

which spins for your delight to reveal the drive selector, letting you choose comfort, sport or eco modes.

This is the sort of car that makes you feel like a better person. As a driver you feel completely in control with no information overload and you and your passengers are as comfortable as if you were relaxing in your favourite armchair.

With this Genesis you know to expect comfort, performance, style, safety and a warm acknowledgement from other drivers who are suspicious of undue ostentation.

Quite simply the GV60 knocks its rivals dizzy with a classy functionalism that does not eschew a proud statement of poise. It takes the desirable concept of electrification and fine tunes it to a point where it has won numerous awards.

by Syd Taylor

Completely Bromsgrove

61

Tyrone Lewthwaite celebrates a goal

Positive return for Sporting favourite Flowers B romsgrove Sporting are pleased to welcome back Tim Flowers, in his second spell as manager.

The Premier League winner’s first stint in the Sporting dugout was in 2024 where, as caretaker manager, he steered the club to league safety.

Flowers returned in December and moved quickly to bring in Bromsgrove and Stourbridge legend Leon Broadhurst as his assistant. As a player with Sporting, Broadhurst was captain, swiftly becoming a firm fan favourite in the process.

Also joining the staffing team as goalkeeping coach is Dan Price.

Local to Bromsgrove, he worked with Flowers at Redditch United and counts Hereford United and Coleshill Town among his former clubs.

season with Bromsgrove before departing for a brief spell at Shifnal Town, whilst Robinson rejoins the club where he was the second highest scorer last season.

Loanees to have recently joined include defender Ethan Young, from Peterborough Sports, and combative central midfielder George Wynne, who comes with an impressive reputation from Birmingham City’s academy.

The club was also overjoyed to secure the signing of goalkeeper Rory Brown. Originally joining on loan from Solihull Moors, Sporting moved speedily to make his move permanent after being released from the National League outfit.

Early results have been steady for Flowers and his team - these included solid 1-1 draws against Defender Luke Softley and play-off hunting Redditch United and midfielder Billy Shaw were players in-form Bury Town. The Rouslers also Welcome back Manager Tim Flowers of the month for November and progressed to the semi-final of the December respectively.

Worcestershire Senior Cup, via a penalty shootout Club record appearance holder Aaron Roberts win at Worcester Raiders two days before Christmas. has been named Sporting’s new captain - the centre There have been plenty of new faces through the door. In defence, centre back Kyle Rowley has joined from Stamford - he previously played under Flowers at Redditch. Up front, Bromsgrove signed imposing striker Tyrone Lewthwaite, who hit the ground running with goals in his first two games against Redditch and Halesowen.

back said he was privileged to have been chosen to wear the armband.

Two familiar faces, full back Jack Kelly and striker Theo Robinson, have returned. Kelly started the

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

by Max Banner

62 Completely Bromsgrove

On Christmas Day, the club opened its doors to anyone in need of some company. Whether that was somebody on their own, or a small family feeling isolated, The Rousler Bar provided a place for a chat, a drink and some festive cheer.

Photos by Chris Jepson

Aaron Roberts fist pumps after a goal

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63

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