Welcome to the August issue of Completely Bromsgrove
And what a bumper edition we have for you this month!
Let’s start by congratulating Bromsgrove teenager Leo Sproson, whose bravery throughout his battle against leukemia has inspired people across the UK. Leo has been named as a finalist in this year’s BBC Young Hero Award. Turn to page 10 for the full story.
Alastair Moseley of the Bromsgrove Society ‘waves’ a fond farewell as the BBC ended long wave broadcasting from the iconic Droitwich transmitters at Wychbold after 93 years. You can find all the details on page 30.
Three success stories can be found on pages 43 to 45. The Feckenham Wake was a soaraway success (page 43) and thousands flocked to the Hanbury Countryside Show (page 44). On page 45, find out how girls and women’s rugby in the region
have been transformed in the space of 12 months.
On the theme of sport, there’s now a World Cup sized gap in our lives! I hope you enjoyed the tournament and England’s historic third place finish.
Now that children are on their holidays, there are so many free events and activities taking place across Bromsgrove district this month. To make the most of your family’s summer, head to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/sanderssummerfun2026
Here’s hoping the lovely warm weather continues!
Remember folks, keep it local!
A message from our MP Bradley Thomas
Just over two years ago I was first elected as the Member of Parliament for Bromsgrove and the Villages.
It remains the honour of my life to be your MP and to be your common-sense voice in Parliament.
When I was first elected, I promised to be an active MP for our wonderful constituency, and I hope you can see I’ve kept my word. I’m one of the most active MPs in the House of Commons having spoken almost 400 times and voted more than 400 times.
I’ll always stand up for Bromsgrove and the Villages and vote in the best interests of the constituency, which is why I voted against the cuts to Winter Fuel Payments, against the Family Farm Tax, the Jobs Tax, the Education Tax, the scrapping of jury trials and to stop the Puberty Blocker Trial for children.
I also voted for a legal annual immigration cap, a two-child welfare cap for a fair welfare system, to abolish business rates for 250,000 retail, hospitality and leisure businesses, to cut the spiralling welfare bill to fund defence, to raise the age limit for social media to 16 and to prioritise brownfield land first to protect our greenbelt. Head to my website to see my voting record.
I’ve always believed that, by working together we really can achieve great things. That’s why, when I was first elected, I promised that, by working together, we could deliver real results for our wonderful constituency.
Whether it’s working together to save Bromsgrove Post Office or to stop the so-called Groveley Garden Village proposals, I’ve kept my promise.
I’ve also secured 7,000 extra GP appointments for Bromsgrove and the Villages, worked with Network Rail to secure a long-term innovative solution to end the flooding saga plaguing Alvechurch station car park, secured new measures to crack down on black market cosmetic procedures, lobbied Network Rail to secure a multi-million pound investment to improve access at Barnt Green station, helped to secure a new fund for listed places of worship and pressured the Government to adopt my policy that demands asylum seekers are required to repay their costs.
I look forward to seeing what else we can achieve by working together in the coming months and years.
It’s also been a real honour to help thousands of residents over the past two years. I never promise that the involvement of the local MP can help achieve the desired outcome, but nevertheless my team and I will always do what we can to help. If there’s ever anything I can help with, then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Email: bradley.thomas.mp@parliament.uk
www.bromsgroverail.org.uk
Have your say on key proposals for passengers
The Midlands Rail Hub is a partnership between five organisations working with Midlands Connect, the West Midlands Rail Executive (WMRE), Network Rail and the Department of Transport (DfT) to deliver Birmingham Moor Street station to Bordesley rail network enhancements.
This is important to passengers in North East Worcestershire because it is an initial part of the wider Midlands Rail Hub programme, firstly to reinstate the six trains per hour service on the Cross City line into Birmingham and beyond to/ from Bromsgrove and Redditch (three to/from each), reduced during the pandemic and not reinstated because of the redevelopment and re-opening of the Camp Hill line, and secondly to add three additional trains per hour to towns and cities south west of Birmingham, e.g. Bromsgrove.
Initial proposals include construction of two new sections of railway track (known as the East Chord and the West Chord) at Bordesley, the expansion of Moor Street station to seven platforms and the partial widening of the viaduct between them to accommodate six tracks. Works at Kings Norton and improvements to Barnt Green are specifically excluded from the consultation and will be subject to a separate process.
From Moor Street Station, trains will travel down the newly re-opened Camp Hill line to join the main line from New Street at Kings Norton and then travel directly south to Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Bristol and South Wales.
This will be of considerable benefit to rail users from Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Bromsgrove and Redditch - a current combined footfall of more than two million per annum and growing in numbers - who will no longer have to travel back to University or New Street stations to catch a train to one of their desired southerly destinations, with all the cost, economic, environmental, social and time benefits this will bring.
BARRUP will be making its representations to The Midland Rail Hub about the plans for the development, and we encourage Completely Bromsgrove readers to respond to the consultation. It’s an easy tick box process - simply log onto www.mrhalliance.co.uk
We were approached by Sable Leigh Consultancy (SLC) to take part in a video on ten years since the opening of the new Bromsgrove station. SLC was heavily involved in the project and is posting the video on its website and on LinkedIn. It was directed by journalist Peter Plisner, who provides the voiceover, and Robert Cholmondeley, the chair of BARRUP, is interviewed.
View the video at https://vimeo.com/120672461 5/23ec6f5ea4?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci
by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk
Inspirational teen in running for BBC award
Bromsgrove teenager Leo Sproson, who has inspired hundreds of people through his bravery during his leukaemia battle, has been named as a finalist for the BBC Make a Difference Young Hero award.
After months of looking for a match, the 17year-old received a stem cell transplant in March, and last month was told he was cancer-free.
Since his diagnosis, Leo’s family have been working with blood cancer charity DKMS to get more people on the stem cell donor register in a bid to improve his chances of finding a match.
A registration day was held in November. More than 700 people signed up to the stem cell register on the day, with many more registering for online kits in response to Leo’s story. The event also raised more than £5,000 for DKMS, which will help the charity with processing the swab kits.
The teenager also shared his story through his Facebook page Leo’s Army in a bid to get other people to join the register.
Leo and his mum Jenna received a surprise visit at home from BBC Hereford & Worcester, who informed them that Leo was a finalist for the Young Hero prize in recognition of his extraordinary work. He will find out if he has won at an event in September.
Jenna said: “We are over the moon with this. Thank you to everyone who nominated Leo. He truly is a hero and deserves this.
“There are lots of amazing inspiring people out there, and all deserve to win. But wouldn’t it be fantastic if Leo won, it’s about time he has some luck.”
BBC’s Make a Difference Awards give local people the chance to recognise those who improve lives where they live. The Young Hero award is handed out to an individual or group of young people under 16 who have made a positive impact in their community or achieved something exceptional. It is one of eight award categories.
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Businesses team up to boost thriving arts group
Whenbusinesses work together to support local causes it is always heartwarming.
Undertakers James Giles and Waseley Hills Crematorium have each donated £500 to the Creative Arts charity, which was established in 2021. The name came about through creativity and art, which are inspiring and help everyone both mentally and physically.
Creative Arts have continued to expand their offering to bring art into diverse and hard to reach communities. They connect young and old, vulnerable and challenged residents, supporting people’s mental health and confidence.
Damien Giles said: “We chose this charity because it makes creativity accessible to everyone. The team remove barriers, build confidence, and give people the chance to express themselves through art, connect with others, and discover new skills.”
Claire Montague, site manager at Waseley Hills Cemetery & Crematorium, explained how money is donated to charities.
“Any metals remaining after the cremation process such as nails, screws and medical implants are removed. The family can request that these are returned to them, but usually they will be recycled and any profits made are returned to the site. Several charities over the year are chosen to donate these to,” she said.
Claire added: “Creative Arts have been working with us since we opened. They attend our open days and other events, as well as supporting us in holding a monthly Bereavement Craft Workshop. This event is free and open to anyone who would like to spend some time learning a new skill and being around like-minded people.”
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The future of Worcestershire’s councils decided
The Government has confirmed plans for the future of local councils in Worcestershire.
From April 1st 2028, the county’s current seven borough, city, district and county councils will be replaced with two unitary councils: one covering North Worcestershire and one covering South Worcestershire.
The decision follows Government consultation and consideration of the two proposals submitted for reorganisation in Worcestershire.
In a joint statement, the seven leaders of Worcestershire’s councils, including Councillor Karen May, leader of Bromsgrove District Council, said: “The debate is now over, and we have a clear direction from the Government. Together we express our commitment to work collectively to make these new arrangements a success for residents, businesses and communities.
“The decision also provides important clarity for staff across our councils, allowing us to fully focus on planning and delivering an effective transition without any negative impact on the services residents currently receive.
“Throughout this process, there have been strongly held and sincerely expressed views about the future structure of local government in Worcestershire. We recognise councils and residents have approached this debate from different perspectives.
“Now, moving forward, our shared priority will be ensuring every part of Worcestershire is properly represented and local voices
continue to shape the decisions which must be made by April 2028.
“Above all, we are united in our determination to deliver high quality, financially sustainable, transformed services that meet the needs of our communities both now and in the future.
“This is a moment of enormous change that will create exciting new opportunities but also great challenge. We will seize these with renewed purpose as we work together to build a strong and sustainable future for the people of Worcestershire.”
Councillors back next step in preparing Local Plan
Residents, businesses, and stakeholders will be invited to help shape the next stage of Bromsgrove district’s new Local Plan after councillors approved the latest steps in the process.
At a meeting of Bromsgrove District Council, councillors agreed to consult on the scope of the Bromsgrove District Local Plan as part of the new nationally prescribed process. This initial ‘scoping’ consultation will run until September 4th.
The decision follows publication earlier this year of summaries of around 8,000 responses received during the previous Local Plan consultation, as work continues on a plan to guide development across the district.
Unlike last year’s consultation, which considered possible development locations and strategy options, this stage focuses on the scope of the plan, rather than specific sites. It seeks views on Bromsgrove’s priorities and challenges, the vision for the district to 2044, the issues the plan should address, and how local communities should be involved as it develops.
The council is also continuing work on evidence relating to infrastructure, environmental impacts, and a revised Green Belt assessment.
Local Plans guide long-term development, covering housing, employment, infrastructure and the environment, while giving communities a say in how their area changes.
Councillor Sue Baxter, cabinet member for planning, said:
“This important milestone keeps us moving forward under the Government’s new plan-making system.
“Comments submitted during previous consultations have not been forgotten and people do not need to repeat points they have already made there. Those responses will continue to help shape the Local Plan as it progresses and we recognise the strength of feeling on these issues.
“This gives people another opportunity to be involved, and it is important to understand that it is not about choosing development sites. It is about setting the foundations for the Local Plan, identifying the objectives it should meet and how local people want to be involved in shaping it. There will be further opportunities to comment as the process continues and we will keep residents informed.”
The Government’s new approach to plan-making is intended to create a clearer, more streamlined process with defined stages for public engagement.
To take part, visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/BromsgrovePlanscoping, email bromsgroveplan@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk, or write to Strategic Planning, Bromsgrove District Council, Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA.
Summer garden is bursting with colour and taste
August is a wonderful month in the garden, full of colour, flavour, and little tasks to keep things thriving.
Why not start by making your own natural fertiliser? Collect a bundle of nettles, pop them into a bucket, cover with water, and put on a lid. Leave them for a few weeks and you’ll have a rich, homemade liquid feed to give your plants a healthy boost as autumn draws closer.
Raspberries and blackcurrants should be at their sweetest now, perfect for summer puddings. Freeze a few handfuls – opening a bag of your own berries in the depths of January will bring back that sunny August feeling in an instant.
Prune wisteria: Give those long, whippy new shoots a trim, cutting them back to five or six leaves. This will encourage lovely flower buds for next year.
Manage strawberries: Tuck strawberry runners into small pots of soil to take root, and clear away any old or dying leaves from your beds to keep them healthy.
This summer has certainly been a hot one so far and August can bring us even more sunshine. Saving water is so important right now so save what you can and water the garden plants late at night to preserve moisture during the evening.
Water and mulch: Keep your borders, and especially containers, well-watered during any dry spells. A fresh layer of mulch will help the soil retain that precious moisture.
Collect seeds: Save seeds from dried flowers like aquilegias and love-in-a-mist for next year – it’s an easy way to grow more of the plants you love.
Sow late crops: As beds clear from early harvests, sow fast growers like radishes, spinach, and lettuce for a tasty autumn treat.
It’s also the perfect moment to sow pansies and violas, ensuring cheerful colour through the autumn months.
Finally, take a quiet moment in your garden. Listen to the birds, notice the gaps, and reflect on what worked and what didn’t this year.
Jotting down a few notes now will help make next year’s garden even better. Every season teaches us something new – and this month, your garden is full of lessons and joy.
By Jules Evans - Stoke Road
Collect seeds
Wisteria
Brown hairstreak butterflies
The county’s most elusive butterflies are on the wing earlier than ever this year…
Difficult to spot they may be but brown hairstreaks are harbingers of the height of summer. With three heatwaves within a matter of weeks this year, though, they were (record-breakingly) out in early July. These striking brown and orange butterflies are usually spotted through binoculars as they dance around the tops of ash trees but they can sometimes be seen along hedgerows or woodland rides as the females descend to lay their eggs on young blackthorn growth.
Not that long ago, I’d have written about how you’d have to go to Grafton Wood nature reserve or the nearby area to spot one but these butterflies are a conservation success story. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers at Grafton and further afield who have liaised with and encouraged local landowners to manage their hedgerows more sympathetically, these tiny flutters have expanded from their stronghold to Warwickshire in the east and Worcester in the west.
Intrepid surveyors (known affectionately as the Thursday ‘Streakers’) head out in the depths of winter looking for their eggs in hedgerows across their known territories and beyond. Tiny, spiky, white and slightly bun-shaped, their eggs are no bigger than 1mm in width so it can be hard (but fun and rewarding) work. They’re usually found nestled between the stem and spine of young blackthorn and, thankfully, are reasonably easy to spot once you’ve got your eye trained. Trimming hedges on a three or four year rotation gives many eggs a chance to survive into spring, when the caterpillar hatches and heads to a blackthorn bud to start eating. Those intrepid surveyors have recently discovered a new tool to help monitor how these little ones are doing. Ian Reilly, a committee member of the Trust’s Bromsgrove and Northeast Local Group that organises activities for wildlife-keen people to
get involved with, is one of those surveyors. He’s recently been involved in night-time surveys for the caterpillars using UV torches (and protective glasses). It seems that the caterpillars fluoresce strongly under the UV light, which makes them much easier to spot and monitor. This phenomenon is shared with some other insects so the team have been recording what else they’ve been seeing at the same time.
At this time of year, though, it’s time to watch for the much more obvious butterflies flitting past or dropping onto a flowerhead to nectar (hemp agrimony is a firm favourite). Look for an orangeybrown butterfly with a ‘tail’ on hind wing. They usually rest with wings closed (look for the ‘hairstreak’ on the underwing) but if you’re lucky enough to see them open, you’ll see dark brown wings with an wide orange crescent on the upper pair of female wings and a hint of orange on male wings.
To keep up to date with talks and walks run by you Bromsgrove and Northeast Worcestershire Local Group, visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ whats-on
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
Brown hairstreak egg by Eleanor Reast
Brown hairstreak in Grafton Wood by Duncan Locke
Revamped playground opens just in time for holiday fun
Families are celebrating the opening of a newly refurbished playground at Upland Grove in Norton, Bromsgrove.
The new playground is more modern and engaging than the one it replaced. It features a varied range of play equipment for children of different ages and abilities, including swings, climbing frames, sensory play panels and other accessible equipment. It is designed to be as inclusive as possible to children with varying needs.
The project, which represents the first major investment in the playground in decades, follows a long period of lobbying by local Liberal Democrat councillors Rob Hunter and Josh Robinson.
“We are delighted to finally secure this new playground for local families,” said Councillor Robinson.
“Play is such an important part of childhood, and this new space will help children build confidence, stay active and make lasting memories close to home.”
Councillor Hunter added: “I’d like to thank the team at Bromsgrove District Council, who have worked hard to get shovels in the ground, and residents who fed into the consultation and shaped what we see before us now. It really has made a difference to the area.”
The playground was commissioned by the district council and informed by feedback from residents. It is part of a programme of improvements which the council has committed to following a campaign by the Lib Dems, with a total of £1.5 million due to be invested in parks and playgrounds across the district this year. It follows similar upgrades to playgrounds in Charford and at Foxglove Way in Lickey End.
Children’s sundial project combines creativity and science
Four years ago, at Bromsgrove’s Stoke Road
Allotments, three inquisitive young children noticed that the shadow cast by a fence post was moving.
As they picked dandelions and placed them along the shadow, then repeated the process later when it had shifted, they unknowingly recreated the basic principle behind a sundial.
The eldest sibling, Olwyn, has since transformed that childhood observation into a permanent feature as part of her Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award.
She painted quarry tiles to mark the hours and used paving stones for the half-hours. One particularly thoughtful detail is the 11am marker, which features a poppy illustration.
Fellow allotment holder and Completely Bromsgrove gardening columnist Jules Evans praised the youngsters.
“The project combines science, creativity and community spirit, turning a simple childhood discovery into a lasting addition to the allotments,” said Jules.
“When gardeners become absorbed in tending their plots, Olwyn’s sundial provides that quiet, gentle way to remind us of what time of day it is.”
Uplifting roof campaign moves closer to target
Earlier this year, Girlguiding Bromsgrove launched a fundraising appeal to replace the ageing roof and suspended ceiling at our HQ in Kidderminster Road.
Thanks to the incredible support of successful grant applications, the local community, volunteers, families and businesses, we are now over 70 per cent of the way towards our £35,000 target.
We now have around £9,000 left to raise before we can begin making the vital improvements that will secure the future of our headquarters for generations to come.
The building is home to Rainbows, Brownies, Guides and Rangers from across Bromsgrove, providing opportunities for girls aged four to 18 to develop skills, confidence, friendships and resilience. It is also regularly used by a variety of local community groups, making it an important and well-loved community space.
We would like to say a huge thank you to the many local cafés, restaurants, pubs and businesses that have generously donated vouchers and prizes for our ongoing fundraising raffle. Your support has been fantastic and is helping us move ever closer to our goal.
If any other businesses would be willing to add to our collection please get in touch, we will be advertising all those involved on social media.
Our popular bra recycling campaign is continuing, with collection points available at multiple locations including our own HQ next to Sanders Park, Burcot Village Hall, Stoke Prior Village Hall, New Starts Bromsgrove, Activate Nutrition Redditch and Longbridge Methodist Church. Every donation helps raise valuable funds while also supporting recycling and sustainability.
We have recently launched a JustGiving page for anyone who would like to support the
appeal directly. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us preserve this important community building and continue providing opportunities for local young people. Scan the QR code or go to: checkout. justgiving.com/c/3967179
As a volunteer-led charity, we rely on the generosity of our community.
If you would like to support us through a donation, sponsorship, raffle prize or fundraising activity, we would love to hear from you. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far.
My health and wellness journey
In the June issue of Completely Bromsgrove , I wrote about my recent trip and how I managed to overcome some serious breathing difficulties. This month, I’m sharing with you why I am so passionate about health and wellness.
My journey began after leaving Watt Close School in Bromsgrove (St. John’s). I went on to study catering at the Birmingham College of Food & Domestic Art, where I developed an interest in nutrition and how food affects our health. After working in the catering industry for several years, I returned to college full-time to train as a beauty therapist, aromatherapist, and hairdresser.
Life then took me in a different direction. I got married, moved abroad, and started a family. In my early thirties, with two young children and a husband travelling extensively for work, I experienced seven years of serious ill health. At one stage, I was confined to bed for a year. I underwent countless tests, including a liver puncture, yet no one could give me a clear diagnosis. That experience changed everything.
I realised I needed to take responsibility for my own health and start learning as much as I could. Then I moved to Asia, and a whole new world opened up. I became a Reiki Master, an Advanced Pranic Healer, and studied Dr Schüssler’s Tissue Salts. I became a distributor for Aura-Soma, a colour and energy system that embraces many aspects of holistic wellbeing.
Over the years, I have continued to study and explore different approaches to health. Then, ten years ago, one of my students introduced me to the world of cellular health. I had the opportunity to meet the founders of the
company and learn the science behind it. I was fascinated from the start.
Since then, I have seen remarkable changes in family members, friends, and clients and universities such as Bath and Sydney have produced white papers on this technology. Today, I combine cellular health technology with many of my therapies and practices I have learned throughout my journey, including tissue salts, sound frequencies, aromatherapy, energy healing, and other holistic approaches which all work in synergy.
My own health challenges taught me that wellness is rarely about one single thing. It is about giving the body the support it needs so it can do what it was designed to do, repair, restore, and thrive.
That is why I remain so passionate about helping others on their own health and wellness journey. If you would like to know more or have a question, contact me at colette@ need4change.com
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Pull up a chair for stunning meteor shower
This month, on the 12th, we have two major events on the same day. There will be a solar eclipse, where a track across Spain will experience a total eclipse, but here it will be deep partial with over 90 per cent of the solar disc obscured.
A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes directly between the Sun and Earth. It only occurs because the Sun is 400 times the size of the Moon, but is also 400 times the distance, so they appear about the same size in the sky.
The early evening eclipse commences when the Moon starts to pass in front of the Sun at about 6.15pm, reaching its maximum coverage at about 7.13pm and ending just after 8pm. I must emphasise that you must never look at the Sun with a telescope or binoculars. Even when viewing with the naked eye, you must wear certified solar eclipse glasses from a reputable supplier, sunglasses are not good enough. It is unfortunate that every time there is a solar eclipse, many people are left with permanent eye damage, because they do not use the correct glasses.
Then on the evening, one of the best meteor showers of the year, the Perseids, reaches its peak. It is caused by debris from Comet Swift-Tuttle, colliding with our atmosphere at around 36 miles per second, where it is heated and vaporises, appearing as a trail of light across the sky.
The best time to see the Perseids is after midnight, but as soon as it gets dark at around
10pm you should see some meteors. This year there is no bright Moon to interfere, so if the sky is clear and you are at a dark location, you can expect to see about 60 meteors per hour.
A few bright meteors (fireballs) may be seen to explode into smaller fragments and can leave a trail lasting several seconds.
I find that the most comfortable way to observe is to use a chair or lounger that allows you to look directly overhead. Find a location away from any direct lighting and avoid looking at your phone. Allow at least 15 minutes for your eyes to become adjusted to the dark and enjoy the spectacle.
Are you interested in astronomy and 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, August 17th, Richard Guest will be presenting a talk on “Backyard Astronomy –Beyond Kingswinford Streetlights”
If you would like to learn more about astronomy, visit www.broms-astro.org.uk
by Adrian Bigland
Step inside the Avoncroft time machine
With summer holidays upon us, where better to spend a day out than Avoncroft, Bromsgrove’s own award-winning museum.
Avoncroft celebrates the buildings where people lived, worked and worshipped in times gone by. Set in 19 acres of picturesque grounds, it is home to more than 30 rescued historic buildings and structures stretching back more than 700 years.
The museum was born out of a campaign to rescue and reconstruct a medieval Town House. In 1962, the property at 2327 Worcester Street was set to be demolished. Volunteers gained permission to dismantle the building and took it to Avoncroft College for storage. They decided to found an open-air museum, which when it opened in 1967 was the first of its kind in England.
One of the star attractions is the Guesten Hall, with its magnificent 14th-century timber roof. Originally part of a complex of medieval buildings around Worcester Cathedral, the roof was saved and brought to Avoncroft in 1969. But it was not until 1987 that a new Guesten Hall was built specifically to show off the roof.
The Mission Church was erected in 1891 to serve the residents of Bringsty Common, Herefordshire. The entire building came as a prefabricated kit that was bolted together on-site to provide a place of worship for 100 people. It was moved to Avoncroft in 1996, where it was rededicated in the presence of the Bishop of Hereford and Worcester.
One of the more unusual exhibits is an open-air shelter from Barnsley Hall Hospital, a former asylum. The shelter was used in one of the hospital’s six ‘airing courts’, where inmates could take exercise and enjoy the outdoors. It was moved to Avoncroft in 2007.
Several of the buildings reflect the area’s rich agricultural history. Threshing barns were used to process and store crops such as oats, barley and wheat. Avoncroft’s threshing barn dates from the 16th century and is of cruck construction. There is also a 18th-century granary from Temple Broughton.
The distinctive windmill came from Danzey Green, Tamworth-in-Arden and is typical of a West Midlands post mill. The four sails are each 18m wide and turn the millstones through a system of gears and pulleys. There is also a small perry mill, a brick building that was used to pulp pears.
The area’s industrial heritage is reflected in a 100-year-old forge, a 19th century chain-making shop, and a nailer’s cottage. The latter stood at Old Birmingham Road, Lickey End and was moved to Avoncroft in 2013.
Another highlight is a 1940s prefab house from Moat Lane, Yardley, one of more than 150,000 built after the war to ease the housing crisis. Alongside is an Anderson Shelter, the WWII air raid shelter made of prefabricated panels bolted together, with steel plates at either end.
The museum also houses the National Telephone Kiosk Collection, comprising GPO and BT phone boxes, AA and RAC emergency phones, and the ‘Tardis’ police call box made famous by Doctor Who.
Find out more at www.avoncroft.org.uk
by Mike Sharpe
A long wave goodbye
On Saturday, June 27th 2026 at 1am BST, the BBC ended long wave broadcasting from the Droitwich Transmitter after more than 92 years.
This local landmark that can be seen for miles around and which is held in great affection by thousands of people living in the area was one of the greatest innovations of its day, marking a new era of audio broadcasting. Although known officially as the Droitwich Transmitter, the masts are in the village of Wychbold and are referred to locally as ‘The Wychbold Masts’.
Taking 14 months to build and costing around £200,000 (equivalent to £20 million today), the BBC made its first broadcast from Droitwich on September 6th 1934, heralding it as: ‘the world’s most modern long wave transmitter’. This marked the dawn of a new era for the BBC as a truly national broadcaster, also being able to reach beyond the UK’s shores. It also put Droitwich firmly on the world map with the town’s name appearing on most radio sets in the 1930s and 1940s.
The two main masts, each 700ft tall, support a network of cables that themselves form part of the transmitter and despite them being no longer needed for long wave frequency for the BBC,
they will, at least for the time being, continue to provide the signal to switch Economy 7 on and off. The two shorter masts on the site are each 500ft tall and continue to be used for medium wave broadcasting.
When built the transmitter boasted a huge twostorey transmission building clad in Portland Stone in Art Deco style, complete with an electricity generating station, extensive electrical control equipment and meeting facilities fitted out to an exceptionally high quality. Sadly, as technology has progressed, the size of broadcasting equipment has shrunk, and the need for such a large premises has reduced, so the building has since been cut back and altered and is a shadow of its former self.
The station is now owned and operated by Arqiva, and is a site of national importance, with its history rooted fair and square in the dawn of British broadcasting.
There are moves afoot to have the masts saved for posterity and ensure that their future and their importance as a local landmark is protected, but
this is a long process and there won’t be an any news on this any time soon.
If you would like to know more about the history of the transmitter and would even like to sit at the original control desk for the station, then visit the Droitwich Heritage Centre where there is an exhibition about the masts including much of the original equipment used to operate the station. Details can be found at www. droitwichheritagecentre.org.uk/visit
There is a G.P.O Film Unit documentary ‘Droitwich the World’s Most Modern Long Wave Transmitter’ made in 1934 showing the construction of the masts, pre-launch testing and how the transmitter worked which is available via the British Film Institute’s free collection: ‘Watch BBCDroitwich online - BFI Player’.
You can also see a recording of the Annual Lecture given by Alastair Moseley Bromsgrove Society on April 9th 2026 in Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School at www.bsoc.co.uk/publications/8-news/2099annual-lecture-now-online.html
B mast with Tee antenn off the top on the left
Mother and daughter in the control room
The Wychbold Masts
by Alastair Moseley Bromsgrove Society
Fockbury Tything Walk
Start and finish – Sanders Park, Kidderminster Road, B61 7JP 1
The Domesday Book named ‘Focheberie’ among the tythings in existence in 1086 and Fockbury has appeared in every subsequent reference. Looking out from its western boundary, views are possible as far as Clee and round to Bredon. Central Fockbury once enclosed large orchards, but few, if any, remain with only road names such as Perryfields and Cherry Orchard providing testimony.
Terrain – Predominantly country lanes and town roads. Relatively flat. 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
Purists wishing to keep to the original boundary should leave Sanders Park via Kidderminster Road, taking the service road as far as possible, before turning left down Whitford Road to again reach the park, now on its western side, but Whitford Road has no pavement along this stretch and should be considered too dangerous, particularly at rush hour. Instead, make your way to the top car park.
With the pond behind you and the playground across to the left, keep the park boundary on your right and head across the field. Approaching Whitford Road, move onto the pavement and at the T-junction, turn left, then cross to take Timberhonger Lane. Pass under the motorway, continuing until, reaching Monsieurs Hall Lane, turn right. As the road climbs the view expands and at the top of the hill, pass The Bailiff’s House on the left, (anyone knowing how it came by the name, please get in touch), then Monsieurs Hall on the right. Drop back down the hill. Carefully cross Kidderminster Road, turning left along the marked footpath to pass in front of The Park Gate Inn (currently closed).
Enter the pub car park and look for the gate and information board at the far end. Follow this path through another gate and at the corner, bear right through a kissing-gate. Pass through another kissing-gate in the facing hedge, then keep to the RH hedge to enter another field before passing a barn. Exit through a gate in the corner and cross the road to find another footpath. Aim 45 degrees right to a kissing gate. Beyond this, keep to the RH hedge. Ignoring the first kissing-gate on the right, maintain your heading to another kissing-gate. Follow this path as it bends right to yet another kissing-gate. Keep to the ridge, until,
bearing left at the way-marker, you reach a gate, after which, steep steps descend to a bridge. After crossing, turn right. Bear left at the next gate and continue to meet the road.
4 5
Turn right along Alfred’s Well before climbing to the junction at the top of the hill and turn left. After winding down, turn right on Snakes Lake Lane, then bear right to reach Fockbury Mill Lane. Cross the motorway and at the roundabout, turn left on Perryfields Road, then at the T-junction, right along Stourbridge Road. Pass Partridge’s Butchers and Sainsbury’s and after cresting the hill, drop down to the mini-roundabout, turning right onto Santridge Lane, then left onto The Flats.
At the far end the road bends right to reach a T-junction. Turn left onto Broad Street and at the next T-junction, turn right and immediately left, first onto Crabtree Lane, then Willow Road. Continue to follow this when it bends sharp left, re-crossing Kidderminster Road and returning to Sanders Park, opposite.
by Neil Beaumont
Fockbury Mill
Alfreds Well
Doorstep crime: How to protect yourself and others
Unexpected callers can sometimes be genuine, but doorstep criminals and rogue traders may use pressure, distraction or false identity to gain access to homes, charge unfair prices or steal property. This guide explains the risks, your rights and the support available through the Nominated Neighbour Scheme.
What is doorstep crime?
Doorstep crime includes nuisance cold callers, rogue traders and bogus officials pretending to be from organisations such as the police, council, utility companies or the water board.
Older and vulnerable residents may be particularly at risk, and victims can be targeted again if their details are shared by criminals. Doorstep crime is never the victim’s fault, and reporting concerns can help protect others. Your rights when dealing with doorstep traders
If a trader calls at your home without being asked, they must give you clear written information before you agree to anything. This should include the business details, the work offered, the total price and your cancellation rights. For most doorstep sales of goods or services costing more than £42, you normally have 14 days to cancel after the contract is made, without giving a reason.
Do not feel pressured into agreeing to work straight away. Rogue traders often create false urgency by saying repairs must be done immediately or an offer is only available that day.
What you should do
Do not agree to work or hand over money on the doorstep.
Ask for written paperwork and take time to read it.
Talk to a trusted neighbour, friend or relative before making a decision.
If you feel unsafe or believe a crime is happening, call the police.
The Nominated Neighbour Scheme
This is a free scheme that helps residents feel safer at home and reduces the risk of nuisance callers, rogue traders and distraction burglars. The resident chooses a trusted person, such as a neighbour, friend or relative, to act as their nominated neighbour. Signage tells unexpected callers that they will only be seen after their identity has been checked.
If the resident does not recognise a caller, they can direct them to the nominated neighbour without opening the door. The nominated neighbour can then check whether the caller appears genuine.
Further advice about doorstep crime, scams, fraud and home safety is available on Bromsgrove District Council’s website: www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/residents/ keeping-safe/older-and-vulnerable-residents
For advice, or to ask about the Nominated Neighbour Scheme, contact Community Safety on 01527 64252 or email communitysafety@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk
Successful arts providers for ReNEW revealed
Following a successful tender process, ReNEW have announced the arts organisations who have been appointed for three major creative commissions.
The Sharing Stories, Shaping Future programme of work sits at the heart of ReNEW’s ambition to grow a thriving cultural landscape in Bromsgrove and Redditch.
Designed to celebrate local pride, strengthen community connections, and create professional arts industry opportunities for young people, the three projects will deliver skills opportunities in a variety of different art forms: digital, visual, and performing arts.
Awe and Wander, a digital arts project, will be led by Overhear Ltd. An innovative project, it aims to connect local communities with nearby green spaces with a particular focus on underrepresented neighbourhoods. Digital creativity will be used to connect people with nature in an accessible, meaningful, and inspiring way.
Cabinet member for health and wellbeing, leisure and culture, Councillor Shirley Webb, said: “Every community has stories worth telling, and these projects will help give young people the skills to bring those stories to life in imaginative and engaging ways. By appointing such wonderful organisations to help us celebrate our heritage, our landscapes, and the people who call Bromsgrove home the ReNEW programme is helping to create memorable cultural experiences that can be enjoyed by everyone.”
Trigger Productions have been appointed to spearhead the Wagons Roll project which centres around performing arts. Inspired by the fairground traditions that have helped to shape local culture since the late 19th century, the project will honour the creativity, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of generations of Showmen and their families.
The third visual arts project will be bought to life by INSTAR. This project will invite residents to share stories, memories, and experiences inspired by the local landscapes helping to shape artistic activity.
Chair for the North East Worcestershire Cultural Compact, Petro Nicolaides, said: “This programme is all about putting local people at the heart of creativity. These exciting commissions will celebrate the stories, heritage, and landscapes that make Bromsgrove and Redditch unique. We are delighted to be working with three organisations that share our vision for community-led creativity and cultural growth.”
All three projects will be developed over the coming months with public engagement activities taking place across the area and finish in late 2027.
For more information, please visit: Sharing Stories Tendered Arts Organisations | Bromsgrove.gov.uk
BMemorable 75th anniversary season for thriving choir
arnt Green Choral has just completed its 75th anniversary season in impressive style.
Originally formed in 1951, the choir now has more than 70 singers and all three of this year’s concerts were complete sellouts.
The season started with the annual Christmas Concert at St Andrew’s Church, Barnt Green where both modern and traditional Christmas songs, community carols, and the now famous after concert mince pie party got everyone in the festive spirit.
In March the choir, accompanied by a 30-piece concert orchestra, performed The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins and Song of the Universal by Ola Gjeilo at Artrix in Bromsgrove. The 300-strong audience found the music “thrilling” and “utterly captivating” The season was completed at the end of June by a performance of Zimbe! Come Sing the Songs of Africa by Alexander L’Estrange. The “infectious” and “joyous” music, reflecting the part music plays in everyday Africa, was performed in Routh Hall by the combined choirs of Barnt Green Choral, Lickey End First School and Bromsgrove Prep School. The choir is now looking forward the coming
season, commencing in September, which will feature Verdi’s Requiem, one of the greatest choral masterpieces ever written. The work is a thrilling fusion of opera, drama and sacred music and captures humanity’s fear, hope, and longing with unforgettable emotional intensity. In summer 2027 the season will conclude with highlights from Handel’s Messiah.
Peter Bould, chair of Barnt Green Choral, said: “This is a challenging programme, and we welcome additional singers to join us for these significant works. We have also established a Young Artist scheme to help fund aspiring singers aged 18 to 30 years. There is no need for previous experience or be able to read music – all you need is a desire to sing.”
Rehearsals, in the Parish Hall, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green start at 7.45pm on Monday, September 7th.
If you think you would enjoy taking part and singing some of the world’s best music, please come along or contact us via our website: www.barntgreenchoral.org
FREE family fun
Families can make the most of the summer break by taking part in Bromsgrove District Council’s annual free fun programme.
Running throughout the school holidays, Summer Fun is a programme of free activities designed to help children, young people, and families stay active, learn new skills, and boost their wellbeing in the great outdoors.
The free activities run through until the 27th August, there’ll be a whole range of activities to enjoy.
Councillor Shirley Webb, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, leisure and culture, said: “Summer Fun is all about giving local families the opportunity to enjoy quality time together during the school holidays.
“There’s something for everyone, whether that’s discovering a new hobby, getting active outdoors or simply making lasting memories with friends and family. We’re delighted to bring another exciting programme to Sanders Park this summer.”
With everything from tennis coaching and freestyle football to science workshops, theatre performances, and circus skills, the programme promises something for all ages and interests.
Every event takes place outdoors and is free to attend, making it a great opportunity to try something new.
For full details, visit: www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/sanderssummerfun2026
Joining Points
Baa-rmy drama is farm
Bring your whole flock to a hilarious, baa-rilliant new breed of mystery at Bromsgrove Arts this month.
From the ‘shear’ brilliance of the script to the all-star voice cast, THE SHEEP DETECTIVES (PG), being screened on August 2nd, is an enjoyable watch for all ages.
George (Hugh Jackman) is a shepherd who reads detective novels to his beloved sheep every night, assuming they can’t possibly understand. But when a mysterious incident disrupts life on the farm, the sheep realise they must become the detectives. As they follow the clues and investigate human suspects, they prove that even sheep can be brilliant crime-solvers.
This year, ANDRÉ RIEU celebrates a spectacular milestone — the 20th anniversary of his iconic summer concerts on the magnificent Vrijthof Square. Captured live in his beloved hometown, this new cinema event marks two decades of music and unforgettable magical summer nights.
VIVA MAASTRICHT! is a joyful tribute to the city where it all began. Joined by his world-renowned Johann Strauss Orchestra and a vibrant ensemble of artists, André brings the spirit, culture, and warmth of his hometown to life in a dazzling new concert.
From timeless waltzes to soul-stirring classics, this landmark anniversary concert promises an evening of passion, joy, and togetherness. Be part of this historic celebration as the Vrijthof once again transforms into a breathtaking open-air ballroom. Screenings are on August 8th, 9th and 26th.
Bromsgrove Arts, the home of Fairfield Flicks and Fairfield Music, is located at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ).
Free parking and a licenced bar. For information and advanced tickets for all events visit www.bromsgrovearts.org.uk
fun for the whole family
WILLOW HILL return to the Bromsgrove Arts stage as part of their UK and Europe tour on August 19th. Named a Rolling Stone Magazine’s “Band to Watch”, Willow Hill, have cemented themselves as one of Nashville’s most unique sensations.
Led by powerhouse husband and wife duo, Alexandra and CT Fields, they deliver a fresh and modern twist on the classic country sound, often described as Lady Gaga meets Kenny Chesney. This distinct sound, infusing feel-good energy, a bombastic live show, and heartfelt storytelling, has helped develop a global fanbase, and up to 200 dates touring per year internationally and nationally, from the US to the UK, Netherlands, Germany, South America, and more.
Sun shines on club’s summer gathering
Holidays, sun and hot food is the title of the demonstration at Bromsgrove Flower Club on Thursday, August 20th.
Demonstrator Leena Patel will design beautiful floral displays for members and visitors to win in our raffle.
Entry is £5 for members and £10 for visitors. You can become a member for £20 this month, which is half price.
We meet every third Thursday of the month at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove, to enjoy complimentary refreshments and the chance to win in our sweepstake as well as the raffle. We also have a bring and buy stall.
For more information, call Penny on 07843 758489 or email pennyingreece@icloud.com
Hilarious adaptation of a classic boating tale
You’re invited to enjoy a balmy summer evening of open air entertainment in one of Feckenham’s most beautiful gardens on Saturday, August 15th at 7.30pm in the company of Jerome as he recounts the hilarious story of his boating holiday along the magnificent River Thames with his two companions and Montmorency the dog.
Join in the fun as Giles Shenton expertly takes the helm and pilots you through the ridiculous tale of men behaving badly while messing about in boats.
This timeless tale of epic adventure is a professional production from Stratford Theatre Company based on Jerome K. Jerome’s hilarious book Three Men in a Boat. It has been adapted for the stage by Simon Downing and Giles Shenton.
Come and enjoy a gloriously funny evening in a lovely garden setting. There’ll be a fully licensed bar. If the weather is unkind, the show will transfer to the village hall.
Tickets 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
Please note that there is no parking at the venue. Patrons will need to park in the public car park at the rear of the village hall, which is a five-minute walk away.
Artrix launches membership scheme with community event
Since reopening nearly two years ago, Artrix has gone from strength to strength. With an eclectic schedule of shows, including tribute acts, local theatre, dance and cinema, plus daily classes run by various local community groups, the Artrix is the goto hub for the arts in Bromsgrove.
Due to the continued success, a new membership scheme has been launched which offers flexible, accessible benefits for theatre and cinema lovers alike.
To mark the occasion, Artrix invited the public to a special launch event. Guests were treated to live entertainment from guitarist Loz Rabone, a complimentary welcome drink and a buffet, all with a backdrop of lovely, summer weather.
Chairman Liam Grazier held a talk in the main auditorium, including the history of the venue and future plans. He also thanked the community for all their support since the theatre reopened.
There are various packages available for anyone interested in becoming a member of Artrix or sponsoring a seat.
Become a Friend of Artrix for £78 a year to receive discounts for cinema viewings, exemption from booking fees and exclusive new release information. Alternatively, join the Standby Club for £30 a year to have the opportunity to purchase discounted tickets on the day of a performance.
To become a member, go to www. uk.patronbase.com/_Artrix/Memberships
The auditorium seats have recently had a revamp. There is now the opportunity to sponsor a seat for ten years for £250, giving you a personalised plaque on a seat of your choice.
For more details visit www.uk.patronbase.com/_ Artrix/Products/Buy?product_id=SC
Wide range of artforms on show as Open Studios week returns
Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week returns from August 22nd to 31st, bringing together more than 180 artists and makers across 100 venues for the county’s largest free visual arts event.
Now in its 11th year, Art Week invites visitors to step inside working studios, galleries, workshops and other inspiring venues, meeting the people behind the work, discovering how it is made and buying directly from the artist or maker.
This year, visitors can explore more than 20 different artforms, with several disciplines appearing for the first time, including willow weaving, digital art and illustrated poetry.
Alongside these newcomers, visitors will discover painters, sculptors, ceramicists, jewellers, textile and glass artists, printmakers, woodcraft, blacksmithing and much more, reflecting the remarkable breadth of artistic talent across the county.
Whether exploring a favourite artist’s latest work or discovering someone new, visitors can enjoy everything from rural studios and converted barns to town centre galleries and shared exhibition spaces, often seeing works in progress, demonstrations and sketchbooks alongside finished pieces. It offers a rare opportunity to experience art in the places where it is created.
New for 2026 is Young Membership, supporting artists and makers aged 16 to 25 and helping encourage the next generation of talent.
Gemma Griffiths, co-organiser and a participating artist, said: “One of the things that makes Art Week so special is the chance to meet artists and makers in the places where they work. Visitors can discover the stories, inspiration and techniques behind the finished pieces while exploring some wonderful venues across the county.
“Last year we welcomed more than 18,000 visits to studios and venues, and we’re looking forward to welcoming even more people this August. Whether you’re planning to buy original artwork, explore a new part of Worcestershire or simply enjoy a fascinating day out, there’s something for everyone.”
Worcestershire Open Studios is a volunteer-run, not-for-profit organisation that supports artists and makers across the county while encouraging people to discover, enjoy and buy original work.
Art Week is free to visit, and many venues offer demonstrations, refreshments and the chance to talk directly with exhibitors.
To plan your visits, explore the interactive map and download the free digital guide, head to worcestershireopenstudios.org
Gemma Griffiths
Volunteers ensure annual Wake is a soaraway success
Feckenham Wake has been a fixture in the village’s calendar for 789 years – ever since the King granted a royal charter for “a fair to be held every year on the feast of St John the Baptist.”
Never ones to turn down the offer of a good party, the Feckenhamsters took him at his word and have obeyed to the letter, though these days it’s always on the Saturday nearest the saint’s day. This year’s was on June 20th.
Like all true community events, the Wake relies on a small army of volunteers. A committee works throughout the year to make the arrangements, book the attractions and do the planning – and then, part way through the week leading up to the big day, things start to appear. Tents, hay bales, signs, barriers – all erected by volunteers.
By Friday evening the village green (The Square) and the Recreation Ground are laid out and the two fields used for parking are ready to receive visitors.
On Saturday morning at the crack of dawn the peace is shattered by the arrival of the first vintage cars. During the morning, attractions, food sellers, performers and huge steam engines arrive and take their places… and then, the band strikes up.
This year the weather was kind. Visitors and locals came out in force and there was much for them to enjoy - whether it was the creations on display in the Craft Village, the Arrow Valley Brass Band, the school’s country dancers, Professor Chandler’s Punch and Judy show or local bands, including the strangely named but entertaining Binky’s Maracas.
All the traditional attractions were there - games for all ages, half a field of shiny classic cars, huge steam engines and the daft dog show. There were some changes. The bars had moved onto the Recreation Ground, and a new Performance Pavilion had sprung up to accommodate not only the bands but the remarkable Thomas Trilby - juggler, stilt walker and all-round entertainer. And then there were the Crimplene Crusaders - two forbidding ladies in headscarves ready to enforce their strict moral code without fear or favour. The ladies came from Vamos Theatre based in Worcester.
There were several troupes of Morris dancers, who traditionally make the Wake a stop on their annual tour. Not all went to plan - the massed take off by hot air balloons was again defeated by weather conditions but most things appeared on time - including the pig roast, a tribute to the dedication of the volunteer cooks who stayed up all night to tend it.
The event aims to give people a good time, to break even and perhaps have a little left over to make things a little better next time. This year’s event amassed sufficient cash for donations to be made to local charities and organisations. Sunday saw the weary troops stowing everything away and later in the week there was a meeting to start planning for next year. The first performers have been booked for June 19th 2027.
The next outdoor event in Feckenham will be the Scarecrow Weekend on October 10th and 11th – another date for your diaries!
Thousands celebrate successful show
The sights, sounds and spirit of the countryside came alive at Park Hall Farm as Hanbury Countryside Show returned for another hugely successful year.
From packed rings and bustling trade stands to cheering crowds around the main arena, the one-day show brought together 14,000 visitors on July 4th for a celebration of farming, rural life and family entertainment.
Crowds gathered throughout the day to enjoy highlights including The Kangaroo Kid, tractor pulling, show jumping, livestock championships and countryside demonstrations, with the showground full of activity from the moment gates opened.
Show manager, Sue Farmer, said: “On behalf of the Hanbury Countryside Show Society, we have been delighted with the turnout.
“The show was incredibly well supported by visitors, exhibitors and traders. There were lots of smiling faces across the whole showground with a real buzz around our countryside show and the local community.”
This year’s show saw a record number of sheep and cattle entries at 602 and 160 respectively, along with 495 horse entries, and a high number of pig,
farrier, classic vehicle and returning poultry entries, showcasing the continued strength of the event and its importance to the local rural community.
Organisers also paid tribute to the 300+ volunteers, and exhibitors, competitors, sponsors, traders and local businesses who help bring the show to life each year.
Attendee Shane Bailey said: “We had a truly memorable day. It really captivates everything to do with rural and country life and there is something for everyone. The atmosphere across the whole showground was just fabulous - it is a permanent date in our diary.”
The show continues to be one of the region’s much-loved countryside events, attracting families, farming communities and visitors from across Worcestershire and beyond.
Planning will soon begin for next year’s event, with the show set to return for its 80th anniversary event on July 3rd 2027.
GALTS celebrate new era for girls’ and women’s rugby
In just 12 months, Bromsgrove RFC have transformed the future of girls’ and women’s rugby in the region.
What began as a determined effort to give girls a place to belong has grown into a thriving section known as Bromsgrove GALTS that now spans from under sixes right through to senior women — a complete pathway that simply didn’t exist before.
This first year has been full of milestones. New players have picked up a rugby ball for the very first time across every age group, and for the first time in club history, girls now have a clear route from minis to senior rugby.
Our under 12s through to under 18s proudly represent Bromsgrove as part of the Mercian Valkyries, a development cluster built from the combined strength of Droitwich, Worcester, Old Halesonians, Kings Norton, and Bromsgrove. Together, these clubs have created opportunities that allow girls to grow, compete, and stay in the sport they love.
Beyond under 18 level, our players now move directly into the Bromsgrove Women’s team, which is entering an exciting new chapter. This season, the women will join the Inner Warrior cluster, alongside other local clubs including Droitwich, Worcester, Malvern, Hereford, Five Ways, and Bournville. This united approach is building depth, confidence, and momentum, with a shared ambition to progress into NC3 by next season.
The GALTS have built friendships, resilience, and a powerful sense of belonging. Most importantly, this first year has shown every girl who walks through our gates that she is part of something exciting and historic — a movement powered by Bromsgrove and strengthened by the combined forces of our neighbouring clubs.
As we step into year two, the message is simple: there is a place for you here. Whether you’re new to rugby or returning to the game, Bromsgrove RFC GALTS would love to welcome you.
Come join the movement, shape the future and play. To get involved, email bromsgroverfcwomenandgirls@outlook.com
League glory still up for grabs
Thelast month has brought a mixed set of results for Avoncroft Cricket Club’s league sides but there is still plenty to play for as we enter the last couple of months of the season.
The First XI have continued their stellar form and, at the time of writing, are on the crest of a ten-match winning streak that sees them sitting top of Division Three. Recent success has been built off the back of contributions from everyone in the squad with batters stepping up at different points when required and wickets being shared around Croft’s deep bowling line-up.
That said, big contributions from key players always coming in handy and recent scores of 126 from Will Baker versus Astwood Bank and 96 from Dean Suter vs Kidderminster and figures of 4-7 with the ball from Ben Huxley against Five Ways all helped to secure crucial victories. With several strong opponents still to play, the First XI will need to maintain their high standards to keep going with their promotion push.
The Second XI have had a more difficult month but still sit in fourth place in Division Eight (Central), just a stone’s throw from the promotion places. The highlight of the last month was undoubtedly a maiden century from Mike Sadowski, who’s made a great impression since joining the club this season.
Mike notched up 101 not out against Harvington as part of a 196-run partnership with James Blow that helped Croft recover from 67-4 to post a matchwinning total. With the ball, it’s been nice to see a return to bowling from Will Sach who has rolled back
the years with a couple of probing and miserly spells.
The Third XI continue to have a positive season and, with three games to go in their shortened campaign, they currently sit in second place in Division Nine (South). While a league title looks slightly out of reach, the team can be proud of their performances over the course of the year.
There have been several key contributions with the bat over the last month from the Third XI’s more experienced players with John Brunt and Matt Palmer both reaching the half-century mark along with two 50s from Akshat Kaul. The bowling continues to be dominated by Croft’s junior stars with Carter Morgan (4-29), Josh Gammon (3-12) and Ollie Sims (3-12) all contributing positive spells of bowling at various points.
Croft’s Sunday XI have had a quieter run of fixtures over the last month but are still sitting with five wins from their nine games, representing a good return for the season to date.
Finally, it was great to see so many members and friends join the club for their Cider and Sausage Festival at the start of July where entertainment was provided by the amazing Dr Cornelius. A massive thanks goes out to the club’s volunteers who arranged the event and those that helped make everything go so smoothly on the day.
by Paul Athey
by Chris Jepson
Fantastic fanzones attract nationwide coverage
What a summer it has been at Bromsgrove Sporting! Firstly, there has been the overwhelming success of the club’s World Cup fanzones. From the group stages to semi-final heartbreak, the UK Electrical Stadium was home to two unique fanzone experiences - an outdoor one on the pitch and an indoor one ins ide the Rousler Bar.
Following England’s group stage matches against Croatia, Ghana and Panama, their last 32 match versus DR Congo saw yet another sell-out crowd outdoors, and a social media frenzy created afterwards, as clips from the BBC and ITV News online gave the club nationwide exposure. This match also saw the second indoor fanzone take place.
England’s last 16 match with Mexico kicking off in the early hours meant the outdoor fan zone couldn’t take place. As a result of this, the indoor fanzone took centre stage - a sell-out crowd of 150 people watched the unforgettable England win. More online exposure from the BBC followed, courtesy of Hereford & Worcester Radio.
For both the quarter final against Norway and semifinal against Argentina, the outdoor fanzones sold out in minutes and the indoor ones soon afterwards; this was testament to the joy, atmosphere and experience that Sporting had created throughout the tournament. The club tried something new, exciting and bold - and the outcome was phenomenal.
Amid the World Cup pandemonium, Sporting’s pre-season campaign got off to a positive start, as Tim Flowers’ men won their first three encounters at Stourport Swifts, Sporting Khalsa and Rugby Town. Among the scorers in these games were imposing defender Ollie Harrison, fans favourite Billy Shaw and strikers Jake Jervis and Jamille Matt - the latter of which joined the club from League Two side Walsall in June.
Sporting’s league fixtures have been released for the new season. They kick off with a visit to Suffolkbased Needham Market, before their first home game against Rushall Olympic on a Tuesday evening.
The Rouslers’ first home Saturday sees them face league newcomers Anstey Nomads; at the other end of the campaign, their final matches of the season see them travel to another newly promoted side, Hitchin Town, on Saturday, April 10th, before the finale at home to Halesowen Town a week later.
The victorious entries of Sporting’s ‘Design a Flag’ competition, which was launched in May, will feature in the iconic Shed End for the upcoming season. Congratulations go to two of the winners, Bella and Bessie.
Sporting’s new kits for the upcoming season were revealed at the start of July via a photoshoot at Avoncroft Museum with midfielders Simeon Maye and Billy Shaw.
For information on these, fixture news and more, head to bromsgrovesporting.co.uk
by Max Banner
Photos
Manager Tim Flowers gives a teamtalk
BIlly Shaw competes for the ball
The World Cup fanzone
The car that really
I had just parted with the latest million doubloons poshmobile that had so many electric/electronic facilities designed to fail, that I’m convinced it was responsible for reducing the current to my electric kettle. It even had power assistance to open the fuel filler flap. (What utter nonsense!).
Naturally that failed and the cost to repair it was robbery plus VAT. Salvation arrived in the form of a bright red small SUV that restored my faith in motor cars. With a 98bhp 1.0 litre 3 cyl. turbo. petrol engine that can whizz you to near 115 mph yet still return near 50mpg, a six gear ‘stick shift’, a manual handbrake and a key to put in the right place - plus a seven-year warranty to fix things that won’t go wrong anyway - it’s a car like the ones they don’t make anymore but Kia do!
The Stonic Pure is such a refreshing change that it’s a ‘classic’. Forget Ford’s Mountain Lion, Renault’s Captivate and VW’s Rock and Roll, the Stonic is a motorist’s motor car.
With a new sporty look and improved cabin design, this family friendly car delivers a package of pleasing attributes for customers looking for quality at a sensible price of £22,195.
City motoring is easy courtesy of practical proportions and safety features, while open road driving and motorway progress are reassuringly rewarding.
is super Stonic!
Modern motorists are rightly fussy when it comes to demanding the very latest driverassist technologies yet at the same time those motorists who insist on the pleasures of controlling their cars with all the skill at their command hate feeling circumscribed by smartness. They want to enjoy driving. At least that is until such time as they are made as redundant as hand loom weavers.
In short, it’s a compromise manufacturers have to make. To put it candidly, a compromise between making a motor idiot-proof and supplying the proper motorist with all the attributes of the proper motor. This variant is specified to just the right level, with all the necessary comfort and safety features you’re ever likely to need.
At the wheel of the super Stonic I felt
that Kia have struck a good balance between opposites - which seem, on the face of it, irreconcilable. The compact size offers the virtues of the small car but without the vices that attend too cramped a space.
While assessing its Stonic’s suitability for 21st motoring it became clear very quickly that here is a Stonic for all seasons, all circumstances and all environments. Not only that, it radiates the kind of striking charisma that is the hallmark of a winner.
Offering stylish passage through city streets and composure on twisty roads and easy cruising on motorways, there’s safe and easy progress to brighten the day. (The test car was brilliant red). I doubt very much that Sonic owners will have reason to feel glum behind the wheel. It’s that kind of ‘pick-me-up and give me a twirl’ kind of car.
by Syd Taylor
