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Issue 85

July 2026

Completely

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2 Completely Bromsgrove

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Welcome to the July issue of Completely Bromsgrove

A

s I write this introduction, the mercur y is set to hit 30 degrees Celsius, with temperatures staying at these levels for the following days. I am old enough to remember the summer of 1976, when from June 23rd to July 7th temperatures soared to 35.6 degrees.

This ‘scorcher’ of an issue star ts with congratulations for Josh Robinson, who is the new chair of Bromsgrove District Council.

Staying with council news, it seems that we may soon be seeing movement on the brownfield site in Windsor Street, formerly the fire station, where the land is being cleaned in preparation for affordable housing. Head to page 18 for an update.

July 12th is Bromsgrove Carnival day. Turn to page 40 where you will find the full programme, along with details of the cinema screenings in Sanders Park the previous evening.

Bromsgrove Festival continues until July 19th, with so many amazing performances for all ages to enjoy. Visit www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk/ whats-on for more details.

Turn the page to read about how the council are cracking down on litter louts. This is a pet hate of mine as I despise seeing discarded rubbish strewn along grass verges and hedgerows.

I do hope they stick to their word!

On an extremely hot and sticky day, all I will say to close is: Remember folks, please keep it local!

6

34 43

Contents

28

6 Bradley Thomas MP 8 Rail Matters 10 New Chairman for BDC 12 Air Quality / Primrose 14 Gardening 16 Worcs Wildlife Trust 18 Council News 20 Litter Louts

Completely

22 Health 26 HB9 28 Men in Sheds 29 Boys Brigade 30 Astronomy 31 History 32 Burcot Walk 34 Broad St DIY

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

4 Completely Bromsgrove

Very best wishes Michele Ford

36 Flower Club / FeckenOdeon 38 Bromsgrove Arts 40 Bromsgrove Carnival 41 St Godwalds Sports Festival 42 Avoncroft Cricket Club 43 Bromsgrove Sporting FC 44 Drive Time

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

T

A message from our MP Bradley Thomas

here’s a common sense answer to most things in life, and the same applies to the Government’s housing policy.

As you probably know, the Government is planning to bulldoze all over our green belt. Despite the fact that Bromsgrove and the Villages is 89% greenbelt and 79% rural, it has made the decision to increase our constituency’s housing target by 85%.

At the same time, the Government has reduced Birmingham’s target by 31%, even though the city has at least 140 hectares of brownfield land that could be built on.

Our green belt is under attack like never before, but it doesn’t have to be this way. There’s so much more the Government could be doing.

According to the latest State of Brownfield 2025 repor t from The Campaign to Protect Rural England, there is enough brownfield land capacity in England to suppor t a minimum of 1.41 million new homes, of which 55% already have full or in principle planning permission. Essentially, the Government could meet 94% of its 1.5 million new homes target just by building on brownfield alone.

Also, according to Action on Empty Homes, there are also more than one million empty homes in England that could be brought back into use.

I believe in a brownfield first approach to housebuilding. That’s why, in Parliament, I’ve voted to prioritise development on brownfield sites first to protect the green belt. However, the vote failed

6 Completely Bromsgrove

to pass after the Government used its majority to vote it down.

I’m not stopping there and am continuing the fight to protect the green belt by launching another Parliamentar y petition that demands the Government builds houses on brownfield land first.

My latest petition also demands the Government set out a strategy to bring these proper ties back into long-term use and, when houses are built in the right locations, they should only be built when the accompanying infrastructure is provided.

I believe that, if the Government builds houses on brownfield land first and brings empty proper ties back into use, the 85% increase in Bromsgrove and the Villages’ housing target could be reversed, saving the green belt and protecting the constituency from excessive development.

I won’t stop fighting until it sees sense and reverses the increase in our housebuilding target which will destroy our precious green belt as we know it.

More than 3,100 people have already signed my petition. If you agree with my brownfield land first approach, then add your name to my petition by visiting my website or by scanning the QR code.

Together, let’s send a strong message to the Government that we’re not going to stand by while they bulldoze over our green belt.

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Completely Bromsgrove

7

Bromsgrove Station circa 1887

www.bromsgroverail.org.uk

Still room for improvement

as ‘new’ station turns ten J uly 2026 is the tenth anniversar y of the opening of the ‘new’ Bromsgrove station, and people who have moved here since then may not be aware of the town’s long and proud association with the railway.

The plans for the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway were approved in a meeting at the Star Hotel in Worcester in September 1835, and it was opened in stages, with ser vices on the Cheltenham to Bromsgrove section commencing in June 1840.

A horse drawn omnibus took passengers to and from The Golden Cross in the High Street to the station. In 1865 New Road was built from the High Street to the station, and the suburb of Aston Fields grew up around the station.

To reach Birmingham, the line had to be constructed over the one in 37.7 incline of the Lickey Hills, the steepest main line gradient in the countr y, and banker engines were required to assist the trains to climb the Lickey Incline.

The daddy of them all, Big Ber tha, became a well-known feature of the railway network, and gained worldwide recognition, which helped put Bromsgrove on the map.

The main locomotive works of the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway were located at the south side of the station, and later became the carriage and wagon works for the Midland Railway Company. The Wagon Works, as they became known, were major employers in Aston Fields, and

8 Completely Bromsgrove

Scaife Road, Moorsom Way, Rutherford Road, and McConnell Close, named after men who were prominent in the early days of the railway, are built on the former site.

There have been several previous stations, but the new station, and the electrification of the line to Bromsgrove in 2018, meant that it became one of the two destinations at the southern end of the Cross City Ser vice (Redditch being the other). This is the busiest urban railway in the countr y after the London Underground and overground ser vices, running trains to and from Lichfield via Birmingham New Street, as well as being an interchange station on the ser vices between Hereford and New Street.

However, the station’s full potential, with its four platforms, booking office, direct connectivity with six bus ser vices and the WoD bus ser vice, a 350 space car park, and a direct ser vice south to Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Newpor t and Cardiff, which does not stop currently but could do so, is not being realised.

Ten years on, BARRUP will keep campaigning for this key gateway to Bromsgrove.

by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk

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Completely Bromsgrove

9

“Fair Chair” for Bromsgrove district

B

romsgrove District Council has elected a new chairman for the year ahead.

Councillor Joshua Robinson will be the third youngest person to wear the chain of office. He will be joined by wife and fellow district councillor Siobhan Robinson as his consor t.

“I am absolutely honoured by this and want to thank council colleagues for their faith in me and their support,” said Councillor Robinson.

“I intend to be a “fair chair”. I want to use the next 12 months to bring people together and look forward to getting out and about into our communities.”

Councillor Robinson’s charity for the year ahead will be Touchstones.

“For over 14 years, they have worked quietly but consistently within local communities, supporting more than 2,000 children and young people aged between five and 21 who have faced one of childhood’s most difficult experiences; the death of someone they love,” he said.

“I look forward to working closely with them to raise awareness and much-needed funds. I hope residents across the district will join me in supporting this important cause.”

Touchstones is a truly local charity, founded by local people, run by local people, suppor ting local families across Bromsgrove and North East Worcestershire.

The charity provides specialised help and support to children before grief becomes a crisis. Through tailored one-to-one bereavement counselling, children and young people are supported to understand their feelings, manage anxiety and trauma, rebuild confidence, and rediscover hope.

Vicki Quar ton, bereavement support lead at Touchstones, said: “We are absolutely thrilled and deeply grateful to be chosen as the chairman’s charity for the year. Experiencing the loss of a loved one is incredibly hard for any child, and they deserve the very best help and support that can be provided.

“More and more people across the district are turning to us for this help, so this wonderful opportunity means we will be able to wrap our arms around even more local families, ensuring that no grieving child in our community has to walk through their darkest days alone.”

The chairman will help to raise funds for his chosen charity at civic events across the district this year.

10 Completely Bromsgrove

Outgoing chairman Councillor Sam Evans held fundraising events for the Basement Project.

The charity will be receiving £3,000, which also includes a contribution of £1,500 from the district council’s ward fund.

Councillor Evans said: “Over the last year it has been an honour and privilege to meet the people who work tirelessly within our communities to make our district a better place in which to live.

“I am delighted to have raised money for the Basement Project and the amazing work it is doing locally in helping young people with housing issues.”

Councillor Bakul Kumar was elected vicechairman at the council’s annual meeting.

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Completely Bromsgrove

Have your say in air quality survey

B

romsgrove residents are being invited to take par t in a sur vey about air pollution.

The questionnaire aims to capture insights into issues like awareness and use of local air quality tools, lifestyle changes to improve air quality, and communication preferences on this important topic.

It is being carried out by Worcestershire Regulator y Ser vices (WRS), which works on behalf of the district council, and delivered in par tnership with Worcestershire County Council.

An evaluation was previously carried out in 2024 and respondents voiced concerns about public health, the environment, urban planning and quality of life. This informed strategies to reduce air pollution exposure and promote air quality information, including making improvements to behavioural change workshops taking place in schools and community groups.

It is hoped the new sur vey results will continue to help make a difference to the future of work to improve air quality and will see more engagement with communities to achieve this.

Bromsgrove district councillor Kit Taylor, whose

por tfolio covers climate change, said: “The quality of the air we breathe can impact our health. By working together and identifying and making sensible changes we can make a big difference.”

Based on results, future air quality messaging will be tailored to ensure key stakeholders can play their par t in combatting air pollution.

The county council’s public health consultant Matt Fung added: “While we live in a beautiful, predominantly rural area, air pollution can still affect our daily lives. This survey is a great opportunity for people to share their views and help us understand what small changes could make a difference, whether that’s reducing car emissions outside schools or thinking about how and when we use solid fuel or wood-burning fires.

“We know people make choices for many different reasons, and we want to work together to find practical, realistic ways to improve air quality for ever yone.”

The sur vey closes on July 31st and anyone over 16 can complete it. Visit www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/ all-services/pollution/air-quality/

Refresh your home and support a good cause P

rimrose Hospice & Family Support Centre is calling on Bromsgrove residents to donate preloved items, helping to raise vital funds that support patients and families across the area.

Whether it’s furniture or other quality household goods, your donations can go a long way. From sofas and dining sets to clothing, homeware, books, and brica-brac, ever y item sold in Primrose shops helps fund essential care and suppor t ser vices.

Donating has never been easier. You can book a free furniture collection online in just a few clicks via the Primrose Hospice website, and the team will arrange a convenient time to collect your items.

Prefer to drop things off yourself? Donations are always welcome at the four Primrose Hospice shops across Bromsgrove and Redditch, where the team will be delighted to receive your pre-loved goods.

Ian McRoy, retail manager at Primrose Hospice, said: “As an independent charity, we rely on the generosity of our community. Recently, we’ve seen a decrease in the number of donations coming through, so ever y item really does make a difference to the people we support.

“Donations – whether furniture or ever yday items – help us raise the funds we need to continue providing vital care

12 Completely Bromsgrove

to those who need it most. If you’re looking to give your home a new look, we’ve got a brilliant selection of quality goods, and ever y purchase helps support local people.”

Find out more and book your collection at: www.primrosehospice.org/support-us/shops/donategoods-furniture or call 01527 598644 or 01527 401416.

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GARDENING

Reap reward for your effort in joyous July A

s the days grow longer, make the most of your outdoor space and enjoy ever ything the season has to offer.

A simple dish filled with water and a few stones can become a welcome resting and drinking spot for tired bees, while the birds will appreciate it too.

If your herbs are thriving, now is a great time to freeze or dr y them so you can enjoy homegrown flavours throughout the winter months.

Jobs for July Prune willow trees and place the cuttings in water to grow more free willow trees. Willow can later be woven into beautiful pea and bean suppor ts, which look especially charming once the fresh growth appears.

Dandelion leaves can be added to salads and cost absolutely nothing to grow. Years ago, they were commonly eaten, yet today they are often dismissed as weeds — quite unfairly, as they are both tasty and nutritious.

Save hollyhock seed heads and store them in a labelled envelope ready for next spring. If you don’t have any of your own, ask a gardening friend kindly and star t growing your own generation of these stunning tall flowers.

Keep deadheading sweet peas to encourage flowering for as long as possible.

Water pots, hanging baskets, and newly planted shrubs daily, ideally in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation.

Feed tomatoes, chillies, and other fruiting crops weekly with a high-potassium tomato feed to boost yields.

Raise the cutting height on your mower to leave the grass slightly longer during dr y spells so it stays green and retains moisture.

14 Completely Bromsgrove

Feed Chillies

Prune trees

Deadhead regularly: Pinch off spent blooms on bedding plants, annuals, and roses to encourage continuous flowering through late summer.

Cut back perennials: Tidy up faded hardy geraniums and delphiniums to promote a second flush of flowers.

Prune Wisteria: Tidy up wisteria by pruning the long, wispy side shoots from the main framework back to about five leaves.

Most impor tantly, take time to enjoy the birdsong. Blackbirds sing beautifully throughout the day, and a quiet moment in the garden on a sunny afternoon will bring a smile to your face.

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Completely Bromsgrove

15

Rose chafers

Photo David Smith

here’s a new beetle on the Worcestershire block…have T you seen one yet?

Not long ago, in this beautiful county of ours, there was only one thumbnail-sized metallicgreen iridescent beauty. Noble chafer beetles are found in traditional orchards and old fruit trees across Worcestershire; they’re rare and it’s a red-letter day if you happen to bump into one.

But you were on safe ground of identifying it correctly if you did.

Now, though, all bets are off. A couple of years ago, the Trust’s president and lifelong naturalist, Harr y Green, was astonished to find a small population of rose chafers in a garden in Pershore. These jewel-like beetles almost sparkle as they feed amongst flowers and although they look similar to noble chafers, you’re unlikely to find them in the same places. Noble chafer lar vae grow up munching dead and decaying wood within old fruit trees but rose chafer lar vae are more likely to spend their lar val days feeding on rotting vegetation in compost heaps and amongst leaf mould, recycling nutrients back into the soil.

This makes it much more likely that one will turn up in your garden or local greenspace.

Adult rose chafers grow to about 2cm in length.

Their bodies are covered in fine hairs that collect pollen as they move from flower to flower; it’s not just bees and butterflies that are important pollinators. The larvae spend two, sometimes three, years feeding on rotting vegetation before pupating in late summer. They emerge as adult beetles in spring, when you might start to spot them nose-deep in roses, brambles, hogweeds and other flowers.

With one or two exceptions, rose chafers have been restricted to southern counties but with our changing climate, life fur ther nor th is becoming easier. We’ve recently heard that they’ve been spotted in a garden in Worcester… are they elsewhere in the county and we just don’t know about it? We’d like you to keep a

16 Completely Bromsgrove

Photo Wendy Carter

look out for these dazzling beetles and tell us if you spot one in your local area or in your journeys around the county.

Look for a large, shiny green beetle with cream markings on the wing cases. Because wildlife hasn’t read our rule books, the colouring can be a little varied, especially in different lights, and the cream marks can also var y in appearance.

One thing that doesn’t change, though, is the ‘V’ shaped mark where the wing cases meet just below the thorax (small of the back). They love the sunshine and are par ticularly fond of open flowers. As you can imagine with a large body, they’re quite clumsy and loud fliers so you’ll hear one coming if it’s on the wing!

If you think you’ve seen one, snap a photo or two and upload them to our shor t form at www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-sightings where our team of volunteers will be delighted to hear from you and put another dot on Worcestershire’s rose chafer map.

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

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Completely Bromsgrove

17

Council scrutiny collapses as

chairman loses confidence of committee

C

onser vative-led Bromsgrove District Council’s pick to scrutinise their work has failed in gaining the trust of a key council committee, leading to the council failing to be able to scrutinise key decisions.

The decision came after years of inaction within the committee.

Independent councillor Alan Bailes expressed the frustrations of many on the committee that over the past year the board has not fulfilled its role as effectively as it should and areas where concerns were raised early ultimately have not been sufficiently scrutinised, if at all.

“A number of serious issues have gone unchallenged, and they are exactly what this committee should be scrutinising and in many of these areas, we as a committee have fallen short,” he added.

At the meeting, Councillor Peter McDonald (Labour) and Councillor Charlie Hotham (Independent) were proposed to chair the committee.

After multiple attempts the vote remained tied at 5–5, with Labour and Conservative councillors voting for Councillor McDonald, and Independent and Lib

Dem Councillors backing Councillor Hotham.

Liberal Democrat Councillor James Clarke said, “As the newest member of this council, I have been left in despair at how this key committee is being run.

We have failed to properly scrutinise key decisions, which is not how we get the best for residents”.

The meeting was adjourned after multiple attempts to break the deadlock.

“The Lib Dems will always ensure we are tr ying to get the best outcomes for residents and so we were delighted to back the nomination of a wellrespected previous chair from the Independents,” said Councillor Clarke.

“The committee will now meet again next month, where election of the chair will be the first item on the agenda.”

Housing agreed for Windsor Street site B

romsgrove District Council’s cabinet has agreed plans to move regeneration of the Windsor Street site to the next phase of its development.

The decision paves the way for the brownfield town centre site to become the location of up to 50 new homes with a strong focus on creating affordable housing, subject to the preparation and approval of an outline planning application.

The site is currently undergoing the second phase of remediation works, suppor ted by external funding, to make the land safe and ready for future development.

Cabinet member for planning and strategic housing, Councillor Sue Baxter, said: “I am delighted to see this important site move forward to the next stage of development. It is a significant step towards bringing underused land back into productive use and creating a place that will benefit residents for years to come.

18 Completely Bromsgrove

“Our remediation works on the site to date are laying the foundations for a quality housing development which will help make Bromsgrove an enjoyable place to be.”

The work completed so far is helping to prepare the site for redevelopment and suppor ts the council’s wider regeneration plans for the area.

Bringing brownfield land back into use will help meet local housing needs while reducing pressure to develop on the Green Belt. The next step for Windsor Street includes seeking outline planning permission.

To keep up to date with all council news, simply search Bromsgrove District Council on social media.

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Council clamps down on litter louts L

itter louts who drop rubbish from vehicles could face fines of up to £250 as Bromsgrove District Council clamps down on environmental crime.

Members voted to empower civil enforcement officers to issue Litter Penalty Charge Notices (Litter PCNs) if they spot rubbish being thrown out of cars. The officers are already out and about on the streets enforcing parking regulations and issuing Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).

According to a report from Worcestershire Regulatory Services (WRS), the organisation which carries out enforcement action on behalf of the council, utilising these officers will provide another avenue to ensure individuals that litter from vehicles are caught.

The agreed par tnership working will allow the council to send Litter PCNs to the car owner or keeper responsible if an offence is witnessed. The fine is £250 but reduces to £125 if paid within 14 days.

District councillor Kit Taylor, whose por tfolio covers WRS, said: “While this will not detract from the day to day job of parking enforcement officers if they do see someone littering they can do something about it.

“Hopefully this will also act as a deterrent and prove that this council will not tolerate people disrespecting our district and making it an eyesore for our residents and communities. The message is loud and clear please keep your rubbish in your car until you are able to dispose of it correctly if you want to avoid a fine.”

Over the next few months equipment and licenses will need to be updated to issue the fines for a go live date later this year.

Members have also agreed to adopt the Bromsgrove and Redditch Enforcement Policy, written

by WRS, which replaces the Joint Environmental Enforcement Strategy. The new policy complements the council’s ability to enforce Fixed Penalty Notices on a range of environmental crimes including flytipping whilst also educating residents and businesses on how they can legally dispose of their waste.

The council’s cabinet member for environmental ser vices Cllr Peter Whittaker said: “As set out in our Council Plan increased environmental enforcement will

20 Completely Bromsgrove

help to protect the beautiful environment of our district.

“It shouldn’t be down to our place team and litter pickers to clean up our district especially if it has been dropped in the road, placing them at risk. Let’s be proud of Bromsgrove and don’t drop rubbish in the first place.”

Members of the public who witness littering are asked to repor t it at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/reportlittering

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21

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Summer is here, are you off on holidays to sun, sea and sand?

L

ife could not be better Yes? However, how many of you once you star t to relax you get a feeling you are coming down with a cold. Or the boss is still tr ying to contact you even though you are on holiday. This is where Redox comes in big time. Over the months I have written so much about these amazing molecules I think a picture is wor th a thousand words.

You absolutely need this in your suitcase when you travel.

The Renu 28 is fantastic for sunburn, mosquito bites that itch, swell and weep, great if you fall and scrap your hands and knees and the Redox Gold is amazing for pain anywhere.

Personally, I never travel without these in my hand luggage or suitcase. I take it to the beach if you are bitten by sand flies and I am never without it anywhere.

To get these amazing products either contact me on colette@need4change.com or to buy direct just go to www.aseaglobal.com/enUS?webSiteName=need4change if you are asked for a code it is Need4Change.

General skincare Skin surface renewal: fine lines & wrinkles After shaving After sun Anti cellulite Put it everywhere allpurpose solution for the skin

Before Renu 28

After Renu 28

Comforting relief Faster recovery Rapid cooling sensation Use it where you need it; targeted solution for your body to help it move easily and freely

by Colette Garside

22 Completely Bromsgrove

Hands-on, results-driven physiotherapy with treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and focused on patient satisfaction.

Struggling with back pain, sports injuries, stiff joints or recovery after surgery?

At Physio & Health Matters Bromsgrove, we help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love.

Bromsgrove Offer:

50% OFF Your First Physio Appointment

60-minute full assessment & treatment Hands-on physiotherapy every visit Expert, caring physiotherapists Personalised treatment plans Trusted locally for 26+ years We regularly treat: • Back & neck pain • Sports injuries • Sciatica • Arthritis • Knee, hip & shoulder pain • Post-op rehab Tel: 0330 134 4652 | email: reception@physioandhealthmatters.com website: www.physioandhealthmatters.com

Completely Bromsgrove

23

Be first. Be ready.

Mitsubishi is back.

And so is the Mitsubishi L200

Stourport: 01299 827 867 Bromsgrove: 01527 579 877

24 Completely Bromsgrove

FIELDS

sales@fieldsofbromsgrove.com Completely Bromsgrove

25

The four teams who took part in the inaugural HB9 T10 Cricket Tournament at Avoncroft Cricket Club

Community comes together for first HB9

T10 Cricket Tournament

G

lorious sunshine, fast-paced cricket and community spirit helped make the first HB9 T10 Cricket Tournament a huge success, raising more than £2,000 for The Harr y Bennett Foundation.

Around 200 people gathered at Avoncroft Cricket Club in Stoke Heath on Sunday 24th May for an afternoon of spor t, fundraising and family enter tainment. The event brought together four teams - Friends and Family, Staff and Invitational, Harr y’s Friends, and Bromsgrove Cricket Club playing in suppor t of HB9, the charity created in memor y of Harr y Bennett.

Suppor ters relaxed pitch-side, enjoying a packed cricket schedule alongside food and refreshments from Pizza Heaven, Manny’s Eats and Thomas Ices.

Fundraising was boosted by a busy raffle, with prizes kindly donated by S4F, Worcestershire County Cricket Club, West Bromwich Albion FC via Lisa Reynolds, and Ever ton FC via Ross Hughes. Stoke Prior Spor ts & Country Club donated a weekend family pass for its Priorfest festival, while Andy Moseley of Kings Nor ton Rugby Club donated a hat signed by Welsh rugby legend Shane Williams.

On the pitch, Bromsgrove Cricket Club took victor y in the final with a score of 171, ahead of Friends and Family, who finished on 158. Paul Hutchins was named Man of the Tournament after scoring impor tant runs and helping the Friends and Family team reach the final.

The event was the brainchild of 21-year-old Henr y Smith, one of Harry Bennett’s friends. Henry, alongside Josh and Alfie Bullivant, helped set up the Bennetts Boots initiative in 2020 following Harr y’s sudden death from sepsis at just 16 years old.

26 Completely Bromsgrove

Event organiser Henry Smith with Andy Bennett, who established The Harry Bennett Foundation following the death of his son Harry in 2020

Henr y played a central role in bringing the tournament together, coordinating volunteers, rallying the four teams and organising the food and ice cream vans.

Following its success, HB9 has confirmed that the tournament will become an annual fixture in its fundraising calendar.

Henr y said: “I cannot thank ever yone involved in the event enough. It was a wonderful day of cricket, community and support for The Harr y Bennett Foundation.”

The Harry Bennett Foundation, also known as HB9, helps people through the power of sport, supporting individuals and teams so more people can experience the physical, mental and social benefits of taking part.

Anyone who would like to suppor t the charity’s work can make a donation at: www.justgiving.com/charity/hb9

Butcher’s Block

looking great at eight Saturday, August 1st marks eight years of Butcher’s Block on the High Street.

In true charitable fashion, Michelle and Lilith are toasting the occasion by raising money for local charities. This year, they are again supporting Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer and one other charity to be announced.

The fundraising will run throughout August. Lilith will be on the High Street on August 1st, serving up her popular street food in exchange for a charity donation. Every single penny donated on the day will go back to support others in the town.

The duo will again be running a raffle with some incredible prizes. For £2 a strip you could be in with a chance of winning £50 to spend in store, pie ‘n’ mash for four at The Neighbourhood, Sunday roast for two at The Neighbourhood, a meal for two at Verraco Lounge or a selection of Dude Food sauces. More prizes to be announced soon.

Follow the ladies @butchersblockbromsgrove on Facebook to keep up to date with all their community initiatives and fundraising.

53 High Street, Bromsgrove B61 8AJ

Tel: 01527 570241

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27

Shed load of support for community scheme

A

housebuilder has continued its suppor t for the Age UK Nor th Worcestershire group, Bromsgrove Men in Sheds, with a donation to its Shed Share Scheme for a fifth consecutive year.

Barratt Homes West renewed its sponsorship for the scheme which helps people to stay connected and active.

Jo Hughes, deputy CEO at Age UK North Worcestershire, said: “The Shed is not just about making things – it is about making connections, supporting mental and physical health, reducing isolation and creating a sense of purpose. It just works, but it only continues ‘working’ because of the amazing support that the Bromsgrove Shed receives, which is why we are so grateful to Barratt Homes for renewing its sponsorship.”

Men in Sheds, which was originally introduced to the UK by Age UK Cheshire in 2008, tackles loneliness and isolation in older men, where retirement can mean loss of status and contact.

The first Bromsgrove Shed was set up in The Craft Centre at Stoke Prior in December 2015 before the group moved to larger premises on the Metal and Ores Industrial estate in April 2016. When those premises were put up for sale in 2024, the future of the Shed was at risk but fortunately an area within a shared unit was identified and, in November that

28 Completely Bromsgrove

year, the Bromsgrove Shed relocated to Finstall.

Under its former name of Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch and Wyre Forest, the charity launched its annual Shed Share Sponsorship Scheme in 2018 to help support the cost of running and developing the group.

Local businesses and organisations can sponsor a Shed Share for a year and, in return, sponsors will receive a cer tificate, as well as having their suppor t recognised in a variety of ways by Age UK Nor th Worcestershire and the Shedders.

The Shed provides a space for anyone to work on DIY projects or furniture reclamation and enjoy the community spirit.

Adrian Evans, managing director at Barratt Homes West Midlands, said: “We have supported Bromsgrove Men in Sheds for five successive years now and are always keen to hear of the charity’s latest projects. The Shed is a popular hub for Worcestershire’s men to get together, collaborate on projects and make the most of the social inclusion available to them.”

For more information about the community scheme, visit the Age UK North Worcestershire website.

Boys Brigade members

celebrate major milestone N

ine Senior Section boys have made histor y after becoming the first members from the Second Bromsgrove group to attain the prestigious President’s Badge, the second highest award within The Boys’ Brigade.

The awards were presented by Ed Spalding, head of PE at Parkside Middle School and former first XV captain at Bromsgrove Rugby Club, during the company’s annual display and awards night 2026, held in front of family, friends and suppor ters.

The President’s Badge recognises commitment, leadership and ser vice, with candidates required to complete a demanding programme of challenges and activities. Achieving the award marks a significant milestone both for the young people involved and for the company itself.

the recipients on their dedication and praised them for setting a high standard for future members of the company.

The evening also celebrated the achievements of members across all sections of the company, with awards presented for effor t, attendance and progress throughout the year.

More details about Second Bromsgrove Boys’ Brigade, the annual awards night, weekly activities and joining the adventure with us are available through our Facebook page - Bromsgrove BB.

Speaking at the event, Mr Spalding congratulated

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29

Watch for a skyful of stars A lthough during July it isn’t dark until after 11pm, the warm evenings of summer can allow night owls to see the wonders of the night sky in relative comfort, especially if you have a reclining chair and some binoculars or a small telescope. With the full moon not until the 29th, mid-month will provide the best time to observe.

High up in the southern sky, Vega is the bright star in the parallelogram shaped constellation Lyra. Together with Deneb and Altair, they form the Summer Triangle which, despite its name, is visible well into the autumn. In mythology, Cygnus was a swan, although the five central stars are often known as the Northern Cross.

Our own galaxy, the Milky Way passes through this area and scanning the area with binoculars will reveal hundreds of stars, plus several open clusters. If you have a telescope, look at Albireo.

To the naked eye, it appears as a single mediumbright star, but a telescope reveals it to be a beautiful coloured yellow/blue double star.

Follow the Milky Way towards the horizon where you will find the teapot shaped Sagittarius and its neighbouring constellation Scorpius. You are now looking towards the core of our galaxy. It is unfortunate that from the UK this is always close to the horizon and so not at its best, but if you’re on holiday and can observe these from southern latitudes in a dark sky, the view can be spectacular.

This area is rich with star clusters and nebulae, with far too many to detail here. I would suggest

30 Completely Bromsgrove

using the free phone app, Stellarium Mobile as an aid to finding the Messier (M) objects to observe either with the naked eye, or better with binoculars or a small telescope.

In Scutum, there is M11 (Wild Duck Cluster).

In Sagittarius, there is M8 (Lagoon nebula), M20 (Trifid nebula) and the Sagittarius Star Cloud, M24.

In Scorpius, the M6 and M7 open clusters, plus the bright star Antares which has a distinct red hue, especially in binoculars. There are also Messier objects in Cygnus, Hercules and Ophiuchus.

If you are interested in astronomy, did you know that there is a Bromsgrove Astronomical Society? We meet at Bromsgrove Rugby Club on the first and third Monday of each month. Visitors are always welcome and your first visit is free.

On Monday, July 20th, Dr Jeni Millard, host of the popular podcast Awesome Astronomy and a presenter on BBC TV, will be presenting “To the South Pole, Modern Day Lunar Exploration”.

If you would like to find out more, visit: www.broms-astro.org.uk

by Adrian Bigland

Charford Mill

HISTORY

Discovering the long lost Oakalls

L

ong before Regents Park Road and Royal Worcester Crescent were par t of the Bromsgrove landscape, the Oakalls was a thriving farming community.

Records as far back as 1250 talk of ‘Okholt’ and later of ‘Oakhalls’. Sitting alongside the road from Bromsgrove to Alcester and Stratford, the area comprised The Oakalls (farm), Slideslow Farm and Hopgardens Farm. During the 17th and 18th centuries flax and hemp were grown, as well as hops for use in brewing. Often the same person owned or rented both the Oakalls and Hopgardens.

One of the Oakalls’ first known occupants was Henry Dugard, a clergyman and Master of Bromsgrove Grammar School between 1606-1611.

His son William Dugard moved to London and became a prominent suppor ter of Oliver Cromwell.

In 1827 Dr Collett, a retired surgeon who was living at the Oakalls, caused a furore when he tried to prevent a new road coming across his land. He got two magistrates – who were his friends – to sign an order to stop this “useless and unnecessar y road”. The townsfolk, including Mr Ellins of nearby Rigby Hall, launched an appeal and got the decision over turned. The case set a precedent for other road schemes across the countr y.

After Collett died in 1832, the Oakalls was let to other tenants. It was described as having seven bedrooms, kitchen, dair y, brewhouse, coach-house, stable, with garden, paddock, and shrubberies, comprising in total four acres. The stagecoach to and from London passed daily. Another adver tisement of the period mentions a thriving orchard and a well-stocked fishpond.

By the mid-19th centur y, potatoes had taken over as the main crop. The crop nationally was prone

to blight and tragedy struck in the mid-1840s with potato famines in Ireland and the Scottish Highlands.

Bromsgrove growers joined experimental programmes to find remedies. The crop continued to carr y an element of risk and in 1872 it was repor ted that potatoes in Bromsgrove were “diseased to an alarming extent”.

The Oakalls passed through a succession of owners and tenants during this period. A newspaper repor t of 1846 noted that the “Oak Halls” had been “robbed of all the wall fruit and onions, together with a number of fowls, rabbits etc.”

Edward Perkins, who moved to the Oakalls around 1855, represented a new type of occupant.

A successful nailmaster from Bromsgrove, he was moving to a larger house with land, on the outskir ts of the town. Perkins occupied himself with charitable works, including the Mechanics Institute, the Windsor Street Congregational Chapel, and Independent Sunday Schools.

A post-war tenant was Joan Winn, a former actress and mother of the actor and writer Geoffrey Winn.

He wrote par t of his autobiography whilst staying at the Oakalls around 1966-67.

The final occupants were Edgar Marsland, a Black Countr y industrialist, and his wife, who lived there until the 1980s. In 1987 planning permission was granted to demolish Oakalls house and the Hopgardens farm buildings for housing.

Hopgardens was the first to go, disappearing under the foundations of the new Redditch Highway.

by Mike Sharpe

Completely Bromsgrove

31

Burcot Tything Walk Start and finish – The Cross at Finstall, B60 1EW

B

1

urcot was one of the original tythings mentioned in William the Conqueror’s Domesday Sur vey and again in ever y reference since. Unfor tunately, so many of the original boundaries are no longer navigable, cut through by a railway, pushed aside by a golf course and blocked by impenetrable hedges.

3

5

4 6

2 1 Terrain – Predominantly country lanes with few pavements. Relatively flat. There is one shor t stretch where a stout sick and thick trousers are recommended, though an alternative route is suggested.

We recommend downloading the What Three Words app.

Introductory notes to these Tything walks can be found in the June 2025 issue or at: Completely Bromsgrove June ‘25 issue 73 issuu by completelybromsgrove - Issuu

32 Completely Bromsgrove

0 km

0.5 0 km

0.5

The Cross Inn

1 Turn right out of the car park and after 150m turn right on a marked footpath, also signed ‘Woodfield’. Continue through the first gate, bear left at the second, through the third, then turn left, back to Alcester Road and turn right. Use the LH pavement. Arriving at the first junction, turn left onto Tutnall Lane, bend left after Tutnall Hall, then, after passing the Manor House, veer left up a drive, with a footpath sign and the house name ‘Inceva’. 2 Keep to the RH fence then, straight ahead, pass to the left of the steps. If blocked, skir t anti-clockwise. Climb the stile and turn right, removing then replacing the tape. Cross the field and find a stile in the opposite fence. At the next stile, emerge onto Hewell Lane. Turn right.

At the crossroads, turn left onto Stoney Lane, signed Blackwell and Alvechurch. Down the hill, pass the hospital and at the crossroads, take Agmore Lane on the left. Reaching a T-junction, turn right. Immediately before the first cottage on the left take the marked footpath directly across the golf course, listening for shouts of “Fore” as you cross the fairway. Through the opposite gate, turn right onto a lane and right again opposite Blackwell Adventure. Re-enter the golf course,

taking a RH gate to pass in front of the clubhouse.

Beyond, find a broad pathway that keeps the fairway with the plethora of bunkers to your left.

Angling slightly right, arrive at a kissing gate and turn left down Blackwell Road. 3 At the first junction, turn left on Linthurst Newton and enter Blackwell. Over the bridge, continue through the village, finally reaching a crossroads. Turn right up St Catherine’s Rd, signposted Lickey, pass the school and up to the top. Turn left down Spirehouse Lane. Wind down between the trees to reach Burcot Lane. Turn left. After 50m, cross and take the ser vice road.

After rejoining the main road, immediately take the footpath on the right. (Without a stick and long trousers, consider continuing along the road, rejoining the route at the 6th .)

Entering the field, veer left, diagonally away from the road. After approximately 100m and after passing two established oak trees on the left, take a track heading up the RH bank through the left and last of the gaps in the hedge/tree boundary. 4 (See photo.) Veer left behind the trees continuing parallel to the lower field. On this underused path, the oft overgrown nettles and brambles can make it difficult to pick out the exact line, but maintain your direction. When the path drops to a stile and lane, turn left, 5 to reach a T-junction. 6 Turn right and cross to the far pavement.

Pass Burcot Forge and the Village Hall. Veer right at the mini roundabout, then right down Pikes Pool Lane. After passing under the railway bridge, keep to the LH side of the road, then climb the stile on the left. Turn immediately right, climbing another stile, then holding to the RH hedge for 150m, before looking for a stile in the RH hedge.

Climb over and rejoin the road. Pass under the road bridge, turn left and return to The Cross.

4 Walking route

by Neil Beaumont

Completely Bromsgrove

33

TV personality Huntley Thawe captivates his audience

DIY event with a difference is resounding success A

round 60 ladies keen to learn different skills, tips and tricks attended a Bromsgrove store’s annual Ladies DIY Night.

The first 30 arrivals at Broad Street DIY received a ticket to claim a free goody bag containing a variety of DIY essentials, and the event kicked off with complimentary refreshments in our kitchen showroom followed by an introduction to the store from founder Tony Warren.

Attendees were able to watch various demonstrations and to get involved by having a go at different DIY tasks and asking questions about future projects they are planning, with a variety of industr y professionals on hand to help. This advice ser vice is available both in store and over the phone – anyone can pop in or call and get help from our team seven days a week.

Gardening exper t Reg Moule from BBC Hereford & Worcester was our guest speaker, and he proved ver y popular with his extensive knowledge and passion for his subject. Compere for the evening was TV personality Huntley Thawe, who also hosted an interactive decorating demonstration showing cutting in techniques.

Steve from Leaky Blinders Plumbing Services was busy helping the ladies practise their silicone and caulking skills using the guns and different tools.

Another busy demo station was Martin from CT1 who guided them through their range of specialised adhesives and silicones, offering bespoke goody bags with all purchases including a free product.

Drill stations were set up in our timber area to give ladies an oppor tunity to tr y drilling holes in

34 Completely Bromsgrove

BBC Hereford & Worcester’s Reg Moule giving gardening tips

brickwork, and to learn about the different fixings for plasterboard.

Any items purchased on the evening were discounted by 10% and there were also raffle tickets on sale with more than 20 prizes on offer, many of which were donated by local businesses including Bayleys of Bromsgrove, Chapters Hair, EmK Beauty, Big Dave’s Café, Short & Curly’s, Butcher’s Block Bromsgrove and The Swan at Upton Warren. We raised £460 for our chosen charity Worcestershire Mind, which provides suppor t for mental health issues.

We could not have held this event without the suppor t of our staff members and suppliers. Broad Street DIY is passionate about teaching more people about DIY and will be looking to stage more events in the future. Follow our Facebook page for updates and information.

BROAD STREET DIY LTD AWARD-WINNING FAMILY RUN LOCAL BUSINESS SINCE 1979

DECORATING ESSENTIALS IN STORE We stock a wide range of paints in store as well as an extensive Dulux Colour Range If we don t stock the colour you need in most cases we can order it into store for you

Our Harris stand has all the decorating tools you need for your DIY projects including roller trays, brushes and scrapers.

DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE

PLEASE SEE OUR SOCIAL MEDIA FOR OUR OPENING HOURS www.broadstreetdiy.co.uk

128 Worcester Road, Bromsgrove B61 7AG

01527 873555

Completely Bromsgrove

35

Be inspired by club’s summer gathering I

f you’re a fan of inspired design and gorgeous colours, come along to the next meeting of Bromsgrove Flower Club at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B60 1AF on Thursday, July 16th at 1.30pm.

Members and visitors will receive a warm welcome, free refreshments and the promise of a beautiful afternoon.

You could even win one of the lovely designs produced by our visiting demonstrator Claire Bond or our sweepstake, find a treasure on the bring and buy stall and make a new friend.

Members are invited to bring along their own arrangements with the title of “On the Beach”. The entrance fee is £10 for visitors and £5 for members. To become a member from July is only £20, which is half price.

More information at pennyingreece@icloud.com or Tel: 07843758479

Radical thinking turns failing school upside down

A

n inspirational comedy drama set in a struggling Mexican school is FeckenOdeon Cinema Society’s July offering.

Radical (12A), which is being screened on Friday, July 17th at 8pm, shows that even the hardest of hearts can be won over by a mix of good humour and imagination.

José Urbina López Elementar y, in the city of Matamoros, in nor th-eastern Mexico, is one of the poorest performing educational establishments in the countr y. The battle-wear y staff consider it a win if more than half of the pupils just show up to class.

A new teacher joins the school and turns the tired, rote-learned routine upside down – literally.

The kids arrive to discover that Mr Juárez, or Sergio, as he prefers to be called, has upended the tables and turned them into lifeboats in the shark-infested waters of the classroom.

The FeckenOdeon is a community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, B96 6HN. Tickets for all 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.

36 Completely Bromsgrove

Completely Bromsgrove

37

Timeless glimpse into T

hanks to National Theatre Live, LES LIAISONS DANGEREUSES (15 TBC) will be screened at Bromsgrove Ar ts on Sunday, July 5th.

BAFTA award-winner Lesley Manville joins Aidan Turner in a striking new staging of Christopher Hampton’s celebrated adaptation of the classic novel, where among the glittering salons of the super-rich, one misstep can mean ruin. Marquise de Mer teuil is a master in the ar t of survival. Alongside the magnetic Vicomte de Valmont, they turn seduction into strategy and weaponise desire. But when their alliance collapses into rivalry, the battle between them threatens to destroy everyone in their path.

Making return visits to our stage on Saturday, July 11th are two acts for you to enjoy. First, 21st century folk -inspired music from JOE BAYLISS & MIKE SEAL and then AMIT DATTANI, a singer songwriter known for his unique brand of roots-driven guitar and striking lyrical originality.

There’s a family movie to enjoy on Wednesday, July 15th. KANGAROO (PG) is a hear t-warming family comedy about ex TV personality, Chris Masterman, who becomes stranded in an Outback town outside Alice Springs. There, he teams up with 12-year-old indigenous girl Charlie. The pair form an unlikely friendship and work together to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned joeys in the remote but stunning Outback community — an endeavour that proves to be life-changing for them both.

38 Completely Bromsgrove

lives of the super-rich Take a journey through 700 years of music on Saturday, July 18th with DANIELLE SAXON REEVES. Danielle will guide you through the development of musical instruments and will be performing some tunes on both replica and original period instruments.

Another family movie, with two screenings arranged, on Wednesday, July 22nd and Thursday, July 23rd is THE MAGIC FARAWAY TREE. Adapted from Enid Blyton’s beloved novel, the film centres on Polly (Claire Foy), Tim (Andrew Garfield), and their three children — a modern family forced to relocate to the remote English countryside.

As they adapt to their new lives, the children discover a magical tree and its extraordinary and eccentric residents, including treasured characters Moonface (Nonso Anozie), Silky (Nicola Coughlan), Dame Washalot (Jessica Gunning), and Saucepan Man (Dustin Demri-Burns). At the top of the tree, they are transported to spectacular, fantastical lands, and through the joys and challenges of their adventures, the family learns to reconnect and value each other for the first time in years.

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

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Carnival returns for family fun weekend G

et ready to pack your camping chairs, gather the kids, and celebrate the town’s biggest weekend of the year.

Bromsgrove Carnival is back on July 10th and 11th, transforming Sanders Park into a vibrant hub of live music, outdoor cinema, community parade, and incredible street food.

Run entirely by local volunteers, this year’s event is dedicated to raising essential funds for local charities.

The weekend kicks off on Friday afternoon with a double feature outdoor cinema event on the park’s back field. At 4pm the gates open for Zootropolis 2, which starts at 5pm.

Enjoy the open sky, and watch Nick and Judy on the big screen in an epic family adventure.

The gates open for the evening showing at 7pm. Unleash your wild side for the ultimate 2000s par ty classic Coyote Ugly, which star ts at 8pm. Tickets for the cinema are £2 per child and £3 per adult (plus booking fee) via Skiddle, with free parking on the back field.

On Saturday, the traditional carnival spirit takes over Bromsgrove with non-stop entertainment from morning until evening. The party officially starts in the town centre at 12pm.

Cheer on the lively walking parade as it weaves through the town, bringing with it a spectacular wave of colour, music, and community joy.

Once inside the park, visitors can explore a bustling market village packed with independent

Saturday Event tickets

Zootropolis tickets

40 Completely Bromsgrove

Coyote Ugly tickets

stalls, local charities, a traditional funfair, dance performers and so much more from 10am to 8pm.

Music lovers are in for a treat this year. The main stage features a stellar lineup of top-tier talent performing throughout the afternoon, including Roy Wood’s actual touring guitarist, alongside acts playing all your favourites from pop to country. Whether you want to dance or simply sit back in the sunshine and relax with family, the soundtrack to the day is fully covered.

A hand-picked selection of local street food vendors will be serving up everything from loaded nacho boxes to sweet treats, alongside a fully licensed bar for the adults and quality coffee stalls for a quick pick me up.

As the event is run by volunteers and relies on the suppor t of these independent traders to fund the large digital screens and infrastructure, organisers kindly remind guests that outside food and drink, with the exception of sealed bottles of water, are not permitted inside the food and cinema areas, but you’re welcome to enjoy a picnic elsewhere in the park if you wish.

Admission to Saturday’s main event and the food and entertainment village is free to attend, making it a budget friendly highlight of the summer.

For the latest updates, or to secure your tickets, search for Bromsgrove Carnival on Skiddle.

: [L-R] Luke Bibby, Claire Hancock (Hank) and James Sargent

Sport, music and family fun coming to St Godwalds Park

B

romsgrove Cricket, Hockey and Tennis Club is set to bring its three spor ting sections together for the first time with the launch of the Bromsgrove Spor t and Music Festival.

Taking place at St Godwalds Park, Aston Fields, on Saturday 11th July 2026, the 12-hour event will run from midday to midnight and promises a packed programme of live spor t, music, food, family enter tainment and community celebration.

Founded in 1842, BCHTC has long been par t of Bromsgrove’s spor ting life, and this new festival aims to showcase ever ything the club has to offer, both on and off the field.

One of the headline attractions will be Bromsgrove Cricket Club 2nd XI playing a Worcestershire County League match, giving local cricket fans the chance to enjoy countylevel action in the close-up surroundings of a community club. On the hockey pitch, the pace continues with a seven-team West Midlands Hockey Tournament, bringing together local players for a competitive day of club spor t.

The tennis section will also be adding to the excitement with a one-point tennis tournament, where competitors will battle it out for a £200 bar card prize. For families and beginners, there will be dedicated Tr y Tennis sessions, offering the chance to pick up a racket and get involved in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Younger visitors will be well catered for too, with face painting, two bouncy castles and a range of

family-friendly activities.

The festival atmosphere will continue off the pitch, with live music from Unknown Pandas, suppor ted by local Bromsgrove bands The Beacons and D’coust - James Nye & Paul Hanson featuring Sarah Feltham. Food will be provided by Ascotts, while indoor and outdoor bars will ser ve a selection of drinks, including local ales.

The clubhouse and an outdoor marquee will also become a major viewing hub, with screens showing the Wimbledon Ladies’ Final and a World Cup men’s quar ter-final, ensuring festivalgoers do not miss any of the summer’s biggest spor ting moments.

Andy Potter, the chair of the General Committee, said: “This is a massive milestone for us. Combining the prestige of a Worcestershire 2nd XI match and the high stakes of a £200 tennis challenge with the excitement of the World Cup is exactly how we wanted to launch this new tradition.

It’s a 12-hour marathon of ever ything that makes our club great.”

Tickets are £15 adults, £7.50 juniors (aged 12 to 18), £40 for a family ticket, and free for under-12s, although registration is required.

For tickets and full event details, visit www.bromsgrovechatclub.com/events.

Completely Bromsgrove

41

AVONCROFT CRICKET CLUB

Winning streak steers Croft towards title tilt

2

026 continues to build towards what could be a memorable year for Avoncroft Cricket Club with all three league teams finding themselves in promotion contention as we reach the halfway point of the season.

At the time of writing, the First XI are riding the crest of a wave with seven successive league victories which have catapulted them up to second place in the table.

New signings Will Baker and Dean Suter have made a massive difference to Croft’s batting line up, with their 515 and 334 league runs respectively proving the mainstay of several well-constructed innings.

After a slow star t, the bowling unit have stepped back to their 2025 performance levels with Josh Cound, Matt Athey, Jonny Sproule, Paul Athey and Ben Huxley all pushing their wicket tallies into double figures in the first half of the season. With a top of the table clash with Five Ways and a T20 cup semifinal imminent, the Firsts will be hoping their current run of form carries them forward to further success.

After a strong star t, the Second XI have stuttered a bit over the last couple of weeks, but they remain in third place in their league and still ver y much in the promotion hunt.

Club stalwar ts Chris Pitt and Will Sach have made their usual impressive contributions with the bat, both averaging over 50 as we edge towards the halfway point in the season. The standout batter has been youngster James Blow who has taken a big step forward this year with nearly 300 runs to date.

Captain Max Jukes has been a consistent, positive presence with the ball with 15 wickets, ably

42 Completely Bromsgrove

suppor ted by a band of young seamers pushing for first team places.

The Third XI are also challenging near the top of the table; their five wins and two defeats being good enough for second place with six games to go in their shor ter season. Captain Damian Hampton has been leading the way with the bat, scoring 218 runs at an average of 31 while Ravi Verma’s 14 wickets (with a single-figure average) have made a big difference in keeping opposition scores in check.

Not to be outdone, the Sunday XI are also on a good run of form with five wins in the early stages of the season. Mainstays Ben Huxley and Jack Seers have regularly set the platform for success with 600 runs between them to date while Evan Walford has continued to take a step forward with his batting, averaging nearly 60 from his five knocks.

Wickets have been shared around the plethora of young bowlers getting their first taste of adult cricket this season – special mention goes to 14year-old Stan Clark who’s averaging 12 with the ball in his first three adult matches.

All in all, things couldn’t have gone much better for Avoncroft in the first two months of the season – who knows how things will play out but it’s going

by Paul Athey to be exciting to see!

Photos by Chris Jepson

Retained players Jordan Lyden and Billy Shaw (right)

Sporting boost ranks with quality signings T

he busy times in the exciting fresh chapter at Bromsgrove Sporting have shown no signs of relenting, as the club gears up for another new season.

As is always the way at this time of year, the new additions have been pouring through the door - a whopping seven of these have come from Hednesford Town. Their decision to go full time following promotion to National League North has proven hugely beneficial to the Rouslers, with the signed septet all coming to Bromsgrove as a result of not being able to make the necessary commitments to professional football.

Fresh from back-to-back promotions with the Pitmen, goalkeeper and former Rousler Tony Breeden, defenders Chris Hussey and Ollie Harrison, midfielders Simeon Maye, Joe DoyleCharles and Dan Trickett-Smith, and striker Jake Jervis have all joined Tim Flowers’ side.

Breeden isn’t the only ex-Sporting player to be returning, as full back Josh Dugmore became the club’s first summer signing when joining from Alvechurch. Defenders Brad Bood and Hayden Reeves have both arrived from Stourbridge, former Premier League player Kieron Freeman has joined from Alfreton Town and, perhaps the most marquee signing has been forward Jamille Matt. The Jamaican has moved to Sporting following his departure from League Two club Walsall, during which time he

made 140 appearances, wore the captain’s armband, and became a firm fans’ favourite.

Retained players for the upcoming campaign include popular playmaker Billy Shaw, who made his 100th appearance for Sporting last season, midfielder Jordan Lyden, who is also taking on a coaching role, and defender Jaden Charles, who impressed with his performances after joining in November.

Sporting’s pre-season schedule has been confirmed four away matches at Stourport Swifts, Sporting Khalsa, Rugby Town and Bedworth United will be followed by home matches against Cymru Premier outfit Trefelin BGC, recent promotion winners Malvern Town and National League North side Hereford.

The league season finishing at the end of April hasn’t stopped the UK Electrical Stadium being a hive of activity - European finals for both Aston Villa and Arsenal were shown on big screens with attendees also getting to see the stunning new look Hangry Moose burger restaurant at the ground.

These were perfect tasters for the World Cup, as Sporting created a fanzone experience for England’s matches that provided unforgettable memories for everybody who was lucky enough to be there. The first of these was the Three Lions’ opener against Croatia, which Thomas Tuchel’s men emphatically won 4-2. All 80 tables were full, with a mixture of ages present and an incredible atmosphere, which was wonderful to see.

For more information on this, and all the latest from Sporting, head to the new look website bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

by Max Banner Completely Bromsgrove

43

Experience serenity A

blue Hyundai Tucson N Line Ultimate, in its latest incarnation, breathed inspiration into a grey day. It’s a car that satisfies all the targets set by the overseers of civic probity. With low emissions, this compact sporty family SUV doesn’t feast heavily on the planet’s resources.

By some miracle, Hyundai’s N line magic has applied adroit alchemy so that driver satisfaction has not been sacrificed on the altar of Puritan purity. It’s an enjoyable and inspiring car to drive.

Marty Robbins famously sang a song about an Arizona Ranger. It was called Big Iron. And like a rugged ranger out to serve the needs of the family, the Tucson - named after the legendary Arizona city - irons out problems connected with family SUV transport.

Of course, cars must be recognisably different and better than - the competition. This being one of Hyundai’s most successful models, it is a winner - now with more dramatic styling.

44 Completely Bromsgrove

The Tucson joins a band of SUVs that includes the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Volvo XC40. Facing such stiff competition, it needs to be good. It certainly is.

You get engineering excellence and the refreshed styling is both rugged and at the same time non-threatening. Out and about, onlookers were reassured that I was not driving an ecowarrior’s nightmare but a pleasant and middle class vehicle.

DRIVE TIME

and super efficiency I was using a £36,235 N Line Ultimate variant which is competitively priced. It’s a surprisingly good example of 148bhp from the 1.6, fourcylinder traditional petrol engine driving through a slick six speed manual gearbox. That’s enough power to take you to 120 mph if you are wicked.

The Tucson chimes with the times in its sleek and sensible SUV configuration. Much dearer cars struggle to match its specification, never mind exceed it. In fact, it is one of the best medium SUVs, giving far more than one expects. Highway economy, not highway robbery is the Hyundai watchword, with 40/45 mpg easily achieved.

Inside it’s airy, with good visibility and there’s a smugness that comes from being perched fairly high. Comfy, roomy in the cabin and with large luggage space, it’s tastefully subdued and well appointed. It’s obviously of top standard and looks durable too.

Modern as modern can be, you get electric ‘this ‘n that’ and lots of aids to keep you safe.

Smooth cruising at high speed is quiet and relaxing, with everything spinning sweetly and easily once the delightful petrol engine is warm. Slip quietly away when you say ‘cheerio’ to the vicar and once around the corner you will be surprised how lively this Tucson is. It’s the perfect encapsulation of a modern super efficient family transportation podule that marks you out as discerning.

It handles beautifully, rides very well and is an all-round proper SUV for today.

‘Does it do everything wonderfully?’ I hear you ask. Possibly not. But what it does do is turn every drive into a safari of serenity - an enjoyable progress which makes aspiration redundant. When driving the new Tucson N Line Ultimate you are certain of one thing. You have already arrived.

by Syd Taylor

Completely Bromsgrove

45

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