Issuu

Issue 88

Kings Norton Coaches see page 21

October 2026

Completely

Bromsgrove

RGS Worcester Sixth Form

Open Morning Saturday 10 October

Book now at www.rgsw.org.uk

2 Completely Bromsgrove

RGS Worcester knows who it is and what it stands for, and that clarity of purpose runs through everything it does. The School manages to hold together academic excellence and genuine pupil wellbeing ZLWKRXW VDFUL΋FLQJ RQH IRU WKH RWKHU - Tes Award Judge

RGS Worcester Sixth Form

Open Morning

Saturday 10 October 2026 Leading Independent Education in the West Midlands

www.rgsw.org.uk Completely Bromsgrove

Welcome to the October issue of Completely Bromsgrove

ith nights noticeably drawing in and mornings getting lighter later, we must remind ourselves that October is the middle month of meteorological autumn. Plus, on October 25th we will be gaining an hour when the clocks move forward.

With nights noticeably drawing in and mornings getting lighter later, we must remind ourselves that October is the middle month of meteorological autumn. Plus, on October 25th we will be gaining an hour when the clocks move forward. In this issue we bring our younger readers valuable careers advice. Turn to pages 10, 11 and 14 for inspiration which may prompt some fresh thoughts about your future plans. Staying with the theme of young people, we pay tribute to Leo Sproson’s amazing achievement of being named a BBC Young Hero on page 12. Leo received the accolade for inspiring hundreds of people to join the stem cell register, which we featured in the joint December 2025 and January 2026 issue. Congratulations Leo from the Completely Bromsgrove team.

recently reached the ripe old age of 100. What a milestone for Alber t and for Bromsgrove too. Turn to page 26 to find out more about this wonderful chap. Continuing the celebrations, West Midlands Safari Park has welcomed an endangered red panda cub to the fold. Keepers from the safari park have confirmed that after giving the cub its first health check following its bir th in June it is in great health and has been identified as female. The cub has been named Omari. Turn to page 40 for the full stor y. Last but cer tainly not least, our final congratulations go to the HB9 charity based in Aston Fields, who were highly commended at the BBC Hereford & Worcester Make a Difference Awards. Find out more on page 62. Didn’t they all do well!

From our young readership we move to a distinguished elderly gentleman, Alber t Malin, who

Contents

6 Bradley Thomas MP 8 Rail Matters 10 Kings School 11 British Motor Museum 12 Leo’s Hero Award 14 ReNEW Arts Future 16 S4F Team Building 17 Car Park Closure 18 Health 20 Men in Sheds

Completely

4 Completely Bromsgrove

40 53

26 Albert Malin 100 28 History 30 Timberhonger Walk 32 Butchers Block 36 Gardening 38 Worcs Wildlife Trust 40 Safari Parks New Baby 42 Recycling 44 Astronomy 45 Roger Jones 40 Years 47 Feckenham Village Hall

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

Best wishes Michele Ford

49 Flower Club 50 Bromsgrove Arts 52 Spooky Saturday 53 Feckenham Scarecrows 54 Artrix 56 Malvern Theatre 57 FeckenOdeon 58 Drive Time 60 Avoncroft Cricket Club 61 Bromsgrove Sporting FC 62 HB9 at BBC Awards

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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A message from our MP Bradley Thomas T

he BREP nightmare is going to continue much longer than Worcestershire County Council promised us.

The county council recently confirmed to me that the overall completion date has been officially delayed for a second time. Residents and businesses were first told BREP would be completed by December 2025 or early 2026. This was then pushed back to December 2026 and now the county council has said the project won’t be completed until spring 2027. In light of this fur ther delay, I wrote to Councillor Tom Wells, cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transpor t, to ask what penalties the contractor will face as a result of this second delay. His response was lacklustre, but I’ll continue to hold him and the council to account. After two official delays, Bromsgrove has lost faith in the county council when they say BREP will now be completed by spring 2027. That’s why, back in August, I wrote to the Transpor t Secretar y Heidi Alexander and urged the Secretar y of State to instruct National Highways to review this scheme and administer it to completion. I’ve grown increasingly frustrated with the county council’s handling of this major project, and I took this step as I believe they lack the exper tise to deliver a scheme of this impor tance. And given the Depar tment for Transpor t is

6 Completely Bromsgrove

providing the majority share of the funding for BREP, I also asked the Transpor t Secretar y a series of questions around how this scheme is being delivered. The Minister for Roads replied last month and sadly the Government completely ignored my plea to inter vene. It’s clear that it is washing its hands of any responsibility and absolving itself of its duty to ensure BREP is completed as soon as possible and with respect to taxpayers. In his response, the Minister has simply regurgitated the information he’s been provided by the county council. That’s not accountability, this is capitulation. BREP is a shambles. Residents and businesses are at the end of their tether with the constant delays and roadworks. The delays are hampering our local economy and damaging Bromsgrove’s reputation. I continue to believe the severe negative impact on Bromsgrove of how this scheme is being delivered warrants unprecedented inter vention by National Highways. While the Government and the county council attempt to explain away the delays, I will continue to hold them both to account to ensure BREP is completed as swiftly as possible and on budget. Email: bradley.thomas.mp@parliament.uk

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Time to embrace station improvement opportunity B

ARRUP is a member of the Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership (WCRP) which was founded in November 2019 and is celebrating its seventh anniversary next month.

The purpose of WCRP is to work with the three train operating companies (TOCs) - West Midlands Trains (WMT), Cross Country Trains (XC) and Great Western Railway (GWR) - to adopt and improve the 18 stations in Worcestershire. WCRP’s aims are fourfold: To engage with local communities to improve station facilities and encourage support for rail use. To encourage the formation of Station Adoption Groups to enhance station environments and build local pride in the facilities. To improve station accessibility by sustainable travel plans. To suppor t links between stations and local businesses. Since its beginnings WCRP, which receives funding from the three TOCs, has grown steadily. It now employs two par t-time CRP officers and will shor tly encompass Colwall, Ledbur y and Hereford stations too. To date, 12 stations have been adopted, the latest being Alvechurch, though disappointingly no potential adopters have come forward for Bromsgrove and Redditch stations. You may be wondering what sor t of activities a Station Adoption Group, which is made up of volunteers, carries out. They lend a helping hand to keep the station well maintained and projects can include gardening, painting and installing ar twork and information boards, working to make the sites more welcoming for the local community. Recently the adopters of two stations -

www.bromsgroverail.org.uk

8 Completely Bromsgrove

Droitwich Spa and Kidderminster - have created flower arrangements following funding granted through WMR’s Station Adoption Fund. The new displays at Kidderminster were planted by the Kidderminster Mainline Station Adoption Group, which is made up of ten volunteers from Wyre Forest and District U3A. At Droitwich Spa the planting was carried out by Friends of Droitwich Spa, who aim to enhance biodiversity through their projects. There is also a poetr y initiative at the station. Continuing the biodiversity theme, at Worcestershire Parkway station local primary schools, in conjunction with the Bee Friendly Trust, have launched a Worcestershire Parkway Eco Area. In 2025 there was a Rail to Ale initiative in Worcester, in conjunction with CAMRA, promoting Foregate Street and Shrub Hill stations in the city and recently there have been Wellbeing Walks from the stations, in conjunction with university students. This year there has also been a WCRP Destination for Every Station tourism campaign at seven stations. Disappointingly, Bromsgrove was not one of them, but we have expressed a wish to be such a station in the future, because of the untapped potential in the town and district for day and shor t stay tourism. Bromsgrove has a rich railway histor y, which should be built on and celebrated, and at what better place than the station?

by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk

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Outstanding results, diverse pathways: King’s students ready for the future T

here was plenty to celebrate at King’s Worcester this summer as students achieved an impressive set of A level results, opening the door to a wide range of exciting oppor tunities in higher education, apprenticeships and future careers.

This year’s Upper Sixth cohor t completed 427 A levels alongside an extensive programme of enrichment designed to develop confidence, leadership and real-world skills. Academic success was matched by outstanding performance in the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), with twothirds of candidates achieving the top A* grade in one of the strongest years on record. Students excelled across a broad spectrum of subjects, with par ticularly strong results in ar t, fur ther mathematics, chemistr y, psychology, religious studies and modern languages. Across the cohor t, students achieved an average of 143 UCAS tariff points, broadly equivalent to three A grades at A level, reflecting both ambition and dedication. For many students, the next step will be university, with places secured at leading institutions including Oxford, Cambridge, Exeter, Bath and Bristol. Others are choosing increasingly popular degree apprenticeships, combining professional experience with higher education. This year, a record number of King’s students secured prestigious placements with organisations such as Goldman Sachs, BakerHicks, St. James’s Place and KPMG. Beyond the classroom, Sixth Form students embraced oppor tunities through the school’s Electives programme, gaining nationally recognised qualifications in areas ranging from core maths and spor ts leadership to British Sign Language, digital skills and the Gold Ar ts Award. Notably 60% of core

10 Completely Bromsgrove

maths students achieved the top A grade. Reflecting on the achievements of the cohor t, Headmaster Ben Charles said: “These results represent far more than academic success. They reflect years of hard work, resilience and personal growth, and I am immensely proud of all that our students have achieved. What is particularly encouraging is seeing young people pursuing such a diverse range of pathways, from leading universities to degree apprenticeships and professional careers. They leave King’s not only with outstanding qualifications, but with the confidence, curiosity and character to thrive in an ever-changing world.” Among the cohor t are five aspiring medics, all of whom secured places at their first-choice universities. Others will go on to study subjects as diverse as engineering, conservation biology, criminology, interior architecture, musical theatre and business management, highlighting the breadth of ambition and talent that characterises this year’s leavers. Discover more about King’s Worcester at their forthcoming Open Events: Senior and Sixth Form Open Morning – Saturday, September 26th, Senior and Sixth Form Open Week – October 12th to 16th, Sixth Form Open Evening – Tuesday, November 10th.

Motor museum hosts inspiring STEM career days B

ritish Motor Museum will par tner with Playground Games to host two exciting STEM Careers Days on October 13th and 14th. KS2 students will have the chance to explore realworld STEM skills and discover how their interests and school studies could lead to future careers. Each day runs from 9.30am to 2.30pm, when students can enjoy an interactive talk about careers in the games industr y with Becky Kalam, community and outreach project manager at Playground Games, who make Forza Horizon 6. There will be an oppor tunity to explore the Forza Horizon 6: The Experience exhibition, to learn more about careers in the games industr y and tr y out the gaming simulation rigs to see those different roles in action. The day also includes trails and engaging museum tours, plus hands-on workshops with the learning and archive teams, exploring inventions, innovators, and the skills needed for future success. Claire Broader, the museum’s learning and engagement officer, said: “We’re passionate about supporting the next generation of technicians, engineers and scientists and believe that, whatever your background or strengths, the world of STEM has something to offer ever yone.” Funding by Playground Games is available to suppor t eligible schools with the cost of student places, par ticularly where these costs

might otherwise prevent pupils from taking par t. Eligibility is based upon the school’s percentage of free school meals exceeding the national average. Limited places are available - offered on a first-come, first-ser ved basis. The museum also offers a travel suppor t fund open to all schools to help cover the cost of coach transpor t. This has been made possible through the suppor t of Ar ts Council England. STEM Careers Days are a major par t of the Gaydon-based museum’s calendar of community and education activities. Schools interested in taking par t in future STEM activities can contact Claire Broader at learning@britishmotormuseum. co.uk or phone 01926 896237. For more information, visit the website at www. britishmotormuseum.co.uk/learning/schools/ primary/primary-stem-careers-days Completely Bromsgrove

Brave Leo continues to make a difference C

ourageous Bromsgrove teenager Leo Sproson has won the BBC Young Hero Award for inspiring hundreds of people to join the stem cell register. The 17-year-old was presented with the award at the BBC Hereford and Worcester Make a Difference Awards ceremony. Leo had a stem cell transplant earlier this year to treat acute myeloid leukaemia. Through the Leo’s Army Facebook page, he highlighted the donor shor tage and helped five other patients find matches of their own. His aunt, Kate Best, has penned this hear tfelt tribute to him. “Now that the excitement of tonight is starting to sink in, I wanted to write something a little more personal about why Leo’s Army has meant so much to me. This isn’t about taking anything away from Leo as the award belongs completely to him. I couldn’t be prouder of the young man he has become and ever ything he has endured. “But behind Leo’s Army, there has always been a personal reason why I have pushed so hard. A few years ago, my friend lost her beautiful little girl, Alice, to leukaemia. I saw what that disease did to a child and to a family. “When my nephew was diagnosed with leukaemia, it hit somewhere in me that I can’t really explain. Leo is my nephew, but Jenna is my sister. And the truth is, the thought of losing Leo terrified me not only because I love him, but because I genuinely don’t know how Jenna would have carried on without her son. “I needed to do something, I could make some noise, anyone who knows me knows I’m quite good at that. I

12 Completely Bromsgrove

made posters. I made leaflets. I shared posts. I talked about the stem cell register to anyone who would listen, and probably quite a few who didn’t want to. “We organised a huge stem cell registration drive and got around 700 people signed up to the register. Since everything we have done with Leo’s Army, six people have been contacted as potential stem cell donors. “Watching my nephew receive the BBC Young Hero Award, I felt prouder than I can explain. Not because of the award itself, but because of what it represents. Leo took something horrendous that happened to him and somehow, along the way, inspired something that could potentially save other people’s lives. That is Leo’s Army. “I’m proud of Jenna, of our whole family and ever y single person who has shared a post, turned up, supported us, registered or simply listened. And yes, I’m a little bit proud of myself too. “Because when I felt completely helpless, I decided the one thing I could do was make people listen. And I’ll keep doing it. For Leo, for Jenna, for those six potential donors and for ever y family still waiting for their match.”

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Completely Bromsgrove

Get creative to make your voice heard Y

oung people aged 16 to 24 in Bromsgrove are being invited to shape the future of ar ts and culture in their communities.

As par t of the exciting Sharing Stories, Shaping Futures programme, ReNEW are recruiting aspiring creative producers to work alongside ar ts organisations (Trigger – performing ar ts, Overhear – digital ar ts, INSTAR – visual ar ts), influence creative projects, and help ensure that young people’s voices are heard and represented in cultural activities across the area. The programme offers par ticipants the chance to connect with like-minded people, gain valuable experience, develop leadership and decisionmaking skills, and work directly with experienced ar ts professional in a friendly, suppor tive environment. One of the creative producers, Lauren, said: “I chose to become a creative producer because I think it will be a fantastic opportunity to learn from professionals in the performing arts and gain experience behind the scenes, as I hope to become a theatre director and writer in the future. I think my favourite aspect of this project is that it’s by and for the people of Bromsgrove and Redditch.” Creative producers will have oppor tunities to shape ar ts activities that celebrate local areas, engage with communities and their stories, helping to strengthen pride of place, and reflect the interest and experiences of young people in the area.

14 Completely Bromsgrove

They will gain first-hand insight into how creative projects are developed and delivered, building confidence and skills that can suppor t future education, employment, and volunteering oppor tunities. Bromsgrove District Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, leisure and culture, Councillor Shirley Webb, said: “We want to empower young people to share their ideas, build connections and help shape the future of creative activity in their area. Through the support of arts professionals and organisations, participants have the fantastic opportunity to gain new experiences, develop their confidence, and make a real difference to cultural life across Bromsgrove.” The programme is designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and accessible – providing a space safe for everyone to have their voices heard, connect with other young people, and develop their cultural interests. With only ten places available on each project, young people are encouraged to apply now to avoid missing this unique oppor tunity to gain hands-on experience, influence local creative projects, and make their voices heard. Visit www.linktr.ee/renewcreative today to find out more and submit your application or send an email to renewinfo@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

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Give the team something to aim for this Christmas F

or many businesses, the Christmas get-together follows a familiar pattern: book a table, order a meal and hope ever yone enjoys themselves. This December, S4F is inviting local businesses to do something a little more memorable. Set in the Worcestershire countr yside at Hanbur y, S4F offers corporate clay shooting experiences that combine fresh air, friendly competition and a distinctly British countr y atmosphere. Clay shooting has long been associated with the English countr yside, and a crisp winter’s day provides the perfect backdrop for this quintessential countr y pursuit. For business owners looking to reward their team at the end of a challenging year, it offers something ver y different from simply going out for lunch or drinks. A clay shoot gets ever yone involved, creates plenty of conversation and gives colleagues the chance to encourage one another, compete and share an experience they are likely to remember long after Christmas is over. It can also be a great leveller. Previous shooting experience is not required, and beginners are welcome. All equipment is provided, with tuition available as required, allowing complete novices to enjoy the experience alongside those who may have shot before. S4F is run by Mark Trever ton, who has been delivering shooting activities for more than 30

16 Completely Bromsgrove

years. His experience helps ensure sessions are enjoyable, well organised and suited to the abilities of each group. There are plenty of reasons to get outside during the winter months too. When so much of the working day is spent indoors, often in front of screens, time spent in the countr yside can provide a welcome change of pace. Fresh air, movement and time away from the usual workplace environment can help people switch off, reconnect and simply have some fun together. While the setting feels wonderfully rural, the practicalities are covered. The Hanbur y site has plenty of free parking, toilet facilities and the Mess Hut, providing somewhere to gather, warm up and enjoy complimentar y tea, coffee and hot chocolate. Whether you are planning an end-of-year thankyou, a Christmas team social, a client event or a reward for staff, a winter clay shoot offers a refreshing alternative to the usual festive routine. To book or find out more, contact Mark on 01527 575141, email mark@shooting4fun.co.uk, or visit www.shooting4fun.co.uk

End of the road for car park

tourbridge Road car park in Bromsgrove has closed permanently.

Residents, visitors and businesses are being encouraged to make use of the range of alternative parking facilities available across the town centre, with a number of car parks located close to key shopping and leisure destinations. Bromsgrove town centre continues to benefit from a substantial parking offer, with six car parks in walking distance of the High Street including School Drive and Parkside, providing capacity for shoppers, workers and visitors. Por tfolio holder for economic development and leader of Bromsgrove District Council, Councillor Karen May, said: “We recognise that any change to parking arrangements may take some adjustment for visitors and understand that people will have different views on the closure of Stourbridge Road Car Park. However, there is still ample parking available at alternative sites close to the town centre. “While this is a significant change, it also marks the beginning of a major investment in this part of the town centre, that will create jobs, attract footfall and support

the local economy. This is an important step in helping to secure the long-term vitality and growth of the town.” Signage will be installed to direct motorists to nearby car parks, and information on parking locations can be found on the council’s website. For more information about town centre parking, visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/residents/my-place/parking/ our-car-parks

Completely Bromsgrove

What are you growing in your garden?

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

ver the years of writing an ar ticle each month, I have begun to realise that perhaps I may have been looking at health from the wrong direction. After all my years of studying, teaching and being a therapist in the world of health and colour, I have come to see our body in a ver y different way.

Physical

Mental

Emotional

Spiritual

18 Completely Bromsgrove

Our body is our garden. October is a month when we naturally tend our gardens. We prune, dig up plants, move things to different places and clear away the leaves that have fallen. Nature reminds us that sometimes things need to be removed to make space for something new to grow. Perhaps this is a good month to look at your own internal gardens and ask yourself: “What needs pruning, removing or changing?” Let’s take a closer look. Physical Garden – What are you putting into and onto your body daily? Mental Garden – What thoughts are you allowing to take root? Emotional Garden – Which emotions are you nurturing, and which ones could you begin to let go of ? Spiritual Garden – What gives you meaning, connection and inner peace? Over the last 40 years I have had to tend each one of these gardens individually. During my own years of ill health, family situations and living abroad I had to learn what each of them needed. In my Physical Garden, I have become ver y aware of what I put into my mouth and onto my skin daily. In my Mental Garden, I have learnt to make allowances for myself and for others, and to look at situations differently. In my Emotional Garden, I have learnt that I cannot always be ever ything to ever yone and in my Spiritual Garden I meditate ever y day. Teaching the language of colour has also helped me connect all four gardens together. This is where my four garden booklets became so relevant to me. I wanted to create somewhere for people to pause, reflect and ask themselves a few simple questions about their own gardens. Because your garden is your garden. Nobody else’s. What are you growing? You don’t have to change ever ything overnight. Just give yourself five minutes this month to stop, pause and look around. If you would like a little help with your own discover y, my free garden booklets are by Colette Garside available to download at: need4change.com

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Shedders rise to Twiddle transformation challenge T

hanks to the suppor t of the community and local businesses Ormerod Rutter, Bluebird Care (Bromsgrove & Redditch) and Broad Street DIY, Twiddle Board Day returned to Bromsgrove Men In Sheds recently.

As September is World Alzheimer’s Month, the Bromsgrove Shedders decided to host a community session, inviting members of the Ormerod Rutter and Bluebird teams to get involved in transforming ever yday items into something meaningful for local people living with dementia. Twiddle Boards are activity boards fitted with familiar and tactile items that can help people living with dementia by encouraging focus and easing restlessness, in addition to prompting memories and helping to create valuable moments of connection. To prepare for the day, the Shedders put out an appeal for donations of safe, sensor y and engaging items such as locks, chains, switches and fidget spinners that could be used to help make the Twiddle Boards. Long-standing suppor ters and sponsors of Bromsgrove Men In Sheds, Broad Street DIY responded to the appeal, with director Lisa Warren bringing a box full of items to the Shed.

20 Completely Bromsgrove

The visit also provided the Shedders with the oppor tunity to present Lisa with Broad Street DIY’s 2026 Shed Share Cer tificate as a ‘thank you’ for the business’s continued suppor t for the group. Jo Hughes of Age UK Nor th Worcestershire said: “We would like to say a massive thank you to all those that donated items and to ever yone that has been involved in the production of the Twiddle Boards. Each of the boards is unique in design, but they are all an engaging resource.” The finished boards are being given to Bluebird Care customers in addition to other organisations suppor ting local people living with dementia. Bromsgrove Men In Sheds is a key par t of Age UK Nor th Worcestershire’s Groups & Activities. The concept originates from an Australian project star ted in the 1990s, called Men’s Sheds, as a way of tackling loneliness and social isolation in older men where retirement can mean loss of status and contact. For more details, contact Jo Hughes on 01527 570490 or email jo.hughes@ ageuknorthworcs.org.uk

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Award winning care homes

Chandler Court care home, Bromsgrove Dementia cafe Wednesday 14th October, 2.30pm - 3.30pm Meet other carers and their loved ones over a cuppa and cakes, share experiences, take part in a reminiscence activity and meet our dementia experts.

Dysphagia and nutrition Wednesday 25th November, 2.30pm - 3.30pm Join us for an interactive workshop detailing how we support those living with swallowing difﬁculties (dysphagia) to continue to live well.

To attend please call 01527 958 612 or email melanie.chapman@careuk.com

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22 Completely Bromsgrove

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Happy 100th birthday T

he Completely Bromsgrove team would like to send warm bir thday wishes to Alber t Malin, who recently turned 100.

Alber t was born in Birmingham in 1926, one of eight children. At the tender age of 13, World War Two broke out and his school days came to a sudden end. He found himself working in a timber factor y, but didn’t really enjoy the job. When he reached 15, he joined the Royal Warwickshire Home Guard. This was the star t of his war years and the 18 months ser ved turned Alber t into a man. Even though Alber t’s father was an army man, Alber t’s childhood reading consisted almost entirely of maritime books, so it was no surprise when he pleaded with his mum to let him sign up as a Royal Navy boy sailor. Leaving behind his family and childhood sweethear t Ruby Taylor, Alber t embarked on his war journey, ser ving on the gruelling Arctic convoys during the conflict as an able seaman on HMS Oxlip. Nearly freezing to death on many occasions, Alber t encountered many distressing scenes, and he was par t of the D Day landings along with many other landmark battles. A hear twarming inter view Alber t gave about his war years can be accessed via this link www.legasee.org.uk/ veteran/albert-malin

Young Albert in his Naval uniform

26 Completely Bromsgrove

On November 24th 1945, Alber t married his childhood sweethear t Ruby. He left the Royal Navy two years later and the couple went on to have a son Colin. Another family member who also resides in Bromsgrove is Colin’s cousin Joanne Malin, a newsreader for BBC Midlands Today. Ruby sadly passed away in 2014, but Alber t continues to live independently in the home in Bromsgrove where he has resided for the past 40 years. Many residents will often see Alber t in his buggy on the High Street where he still enjoys doing his own shopping. He still likes to be par t of any event that is held at the War Memorial site in Market Street, as a mark of respect for the many lives that were lost during World War Two. After the VJ Memorial Celebration held at the War Memorial on August 22nd, a celebration of Alber t’s 100th bir thday was honoured by his fellow British Legion members, who along with friends were treated to a buffet. A cake was presented but unfor tunately, due to family commitments, Alber t was unable to attend. He was presented with the cake a few days later. It is such an honour that Alber t chose Bromsgrove as his forever home, and we would like to wish him many more happy years in the town.

Albert & his childhood sweetheart Ruby on their Wedding Day November 24th 1945

to Albert

Rememberance Day ceremony at the War Memorial, Market St. Completely Bromsgrove

Cathedral reveals its remarkable secrets

HISTORY

orcester Cathedral is one of our county’s most outstanding buildings and an architectural gem.

There has been a religious building on the site since at least 680. In 983, Saint Oswald expanded the cathedral and established a monaster y. The present building was begun by Saint Wulfstan in 1084. During Anglo-Saxon times, Worcester was one of the most impor tant monastic cathedrals in the country. It was a centre of great learning, which continued into the later Middle Ages, when its Benedictine monks studied subjects such as theology, medicine, law, history, mathematics, physics, and astronomy. Some of these medieval university textbooks still survive today in the Cathedral Library. The monastery suffered under Henry VIII’s persecution and was dissolved in 1540, at which point some of the last monks became the ﬁrst Dean and Chapter. After being badly damaged in the English Civil War, a major rebuilding programme was under taken during the late 1600s. Over the 18th to 19th centuries there were several campaigns to restore par ts of the Cathedral, including extensive work by the Victorian architect Sir George Gilber t Scott. Examples of many styles of English architecture can be seen here, from Norman, Transitional Norman, Early English and Decorated through to Perpendicular. The Chapter House dates from the 12th century and is thought to be the ﬁrst round Chapter House in the world. Another notable feature is St Wulfstan’s Crypt, begun in 1084, which is thought to incorporate Saxon foundations. The impressive medieval cloisters and the beautiful Early English Quire and Lady Chapel are remnants of the cathedral’s monastic past. The tomb of King John – famous for issuing the Magna Car ta – sits in front of the high altar. He is one of the few English monarchs not to be buried in Westminster Abbey. The cathedral also houses the tomb of Prince Ar thur Tudor, the eldest son of Henr y VII. He died in 1502, meaning that his younger

brother, who became Henr y VIII, succeeded to the throne instead. In the 1980s Worcester was the first English cathedral to employ a full-time archaeologist. The current cathedral archaeologist, Fiona Keith-Lucas, is responsible for safeguarding the heritage within the Cathedral Precinct, which is a scheduled monument and contains many listed buildings. Just outside the cathedral’s main door lies an underground chamber full of human bones. In the 13th centur y it became quite common to store bones displaced from large churchyards in a cr ypt with a chapel above. Here, a priest would say prayers for the souls of the dead stacked neatly below. Worcester’s charnel cr ypt was the earliest in the countr y and is the only one still in use today. Fiona will be talking about her work, including the recent excavation of the cathedral’s charnel cr ypt, at the Bromsgrove Society’s meeting on Tuesday, October 20th. Her presentation is entitled: ‘Dr y Bones: Medieval Archaeology from the Charnel House at Worcester Cathedral’ and begins at 7.45pm at the Methodist Centre, Stratford Road.

by Mike Sharpe

28 Completely Bromsgrove

Completely Bromsgrove

Timberhonger Tything Start and Finish – Bungay Lake Lane, B61 9DR

fter turning down Bungay Lake Lane from Kidderminster Road, the lane bends hard right then, after a number of lefts, straightens out. As it does so, ﬁnd a farm gate on the right and broad verge on the left, where you may park. Like all tythings configured by the Anglo Saxons, Timberhonger once had to suppor t ten freeholders and their families. Then par t of Feckenham Forest, it was a relatively small tything, suggesting that the land provided significant work felling the trees that were to fuel Droitwich’s salt

works. Little evidence, save its name, now remains. This is now sheep and hare territor y, with foragerich hedgerows, but, with so many of the original boundaries no longer navigable, this route involves considerable detours.

1 6 Terrain – Quiet countr y lanes, open fields and sheltered bridleways with little in the way of gradient, makes this one of our gentlest and most pleasant walks. It is also one of the shor test. We recommend downloading the What Three Words app. Introductor y 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 0

Navigable Route Unnavigable Tything Boundary Road Other Local Footpaths

Water Courses 0

1.0km

Field/Property Boundaries What Three Words Checkpoint

Navigable Route 30 Completely Bromsgrove

Walk down Bungay Lake Lane and away from Kidderminster Road. When reaching the end, turn left onto Timberhonger Lane and, after a few hundred metres, take the bridleway on the right, opposite Warridge Lodge Farm. Pass through two fields to a gate in the hedge, ahead. Cross the next field, in the direction of the farm buildings and in the fur ther distance, the masts at Wychbold. Pass through the next two gates to reach the farm. Turn right before the first RH barn. As you enter the field, turn left. Pass through the gate ahead of you, then immediately right through another and into a field. Keep the field boundar y on your right to enter a second field. Aim to pass below the central swag of the electricity cables with the Droitwich masts 45° left and a wooded hill 45° right. At the far side, in the LH corner, find a bridge across a stream. 2 Follow the field boundar y clockwise to a kissing gate, then maintain your direction with the field boundar y on your left. Reaching the corner of the next field, cross a stile, keep to the left and continue. At the end of the next field, drop down to a bridleway and turn right. Reaching Timberhonger Lane, veer right. 3

At the first LH junction, turn left onto Newhouse Lane and at the end of the first field on your right, take the marked bridleway. 4 When this bends sharply left, keep ahead on a footpath, 5 with a hedge on your left to reach a gate and a footbridge. Maintaining your heading, the path becomes a shallow, tree-lined gully. As the path begins to rise again, but before it reaches the level of the fields on either side and before it emerges from amidst the trees, look for a large prone tree-trunk atop the RH bank. (There is a footpath at the top of the opposite bank.) 6 Climb this RH bank, skir t the tree-trunk and head across the field to a gate on the far side and a footbridge. Turn left. Stay within this field, do not pass through the wide gap into the next, then follow the LH boundar y as it meanders to reach a stile and a plank bridge in a hedge. Aim 45° left, or, if crops are in the field, follow the boundar y clockwise to reach a gap in the hedge in the far left corner, emerging back onto Bungay Lake Lane.

1.0km

by Neil Beaumont

Completely Bromsgrove

Butcher’s Block

help local causes, whilst celebrating 8 years. Back in August, the popular high street independent again held an annual fundraiser to celebrate 8 years on the high street. “August is our favourite month as it allows us to give back and show our appreciation to the community” Again supporting Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer they also helped Girlguiding Bromsgrove with their new roof appeal. “We know how tough things are right now so, we are pleased to be able to support the 2 great local groups, even just a bit.” Right now the ladies are all focused on Christmas with their Christmas Club alreaday open. “Christmas is an expensive time of year, so we’ve already opened our Christmas Club so that people can start putting a bit of money away each week. They are working at still having a budget friendly hamper too and follow @butchersblockbromsgrove for more about their hampers and Christmas community initiatives.

53 High Street, Bromsgrove B61 8AJ

32 Completely Bromsgrove

Tel: 01527 570241

New autumn-winter menu

launches at TOPLOAF!

fter an amazing summer here at TOPLOAF Bromsgrove, we are excited to enter the new season with the launch of our brand-new autumn-winter menu! Available from 1st October, the TOPLOAF menu now features some delicious new brunch options: Chorizo Benedict, Bacon Avocado Toast, Bodega Brioche, Apple Crumble Oats, Apple Crumble Pancakes and Mushroom Toast. We’re also excited to announce that our famous TOPLOAF Full Monty Breakfast is now being served all day until 4pm every day!

With two new lunch favourites: The Hunter’s and The Cuban, and the return of the popular winter-warming Loaded Jacket with plenty of tasty ﬁllings to choose from, we think we have something for everyone! And, of course, no autumn menu would be complete without some indulgent seasonal drinks! Alongside our usual favourites, you can now enjoy our Pumpkin Spiced Latte, Toffee Apple Crumble Latte and Cinnamon Roll Latte — each available hot or iced, so you can enjoy your autumn favourite whatever the weather. Whether you’re popping in for breakfast, meeting friends for brunch, warming up with a Loaded Jacket for lunch, or treating yourself to a seasonal latte and something sweet, there’s plenty to enjoy at TOPLOAF this autumn and winter. Access the full menu online at www.toploafbakery.co.uk

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34 Completely Bromsgrove

Completely Bromsgrove

Winter pansies

GARDENING

Plan ahead for a successful spring O

ctober is a good time to prepare the garden for colder weather, make the most of autumn materials, and plan for strong growth next spring. Water and compost Another dr y summer has shown that water is precious, so look for more places in the garden to collect and save water ready for next year. Buy a water butt to attach to your guttering downpipe to collect rainwater more efficiently. Local stables will soon move horses indoors, which means manure will contain more straw. Tr y to collect and store as many bags as you can now. Who doesn’t love free compost! Your rhubarb will appreciate a couple of bags of manure dropped on top so it can rest until early spring. Wildlife-friendly gardening Grasshoppers eat aphids, so consider attracting them by planting yellow flowers and growing tall grasses. As leaves fall, collect some gradually and add them to the compost; ladybirds will appreciate the new nesting material. Leave another pile of leaves to rot down naturally, creating hiding places for bugs. A larger pile of leaves and twigs can provide a safe hibernation place for hedgehogs to over winter. Grow your own Home-grown peppermint and spearmint are natural fly deterrents. Take stems, remove the bottom leaves, place them in water, and pot them up once roots appear. Sow broad beans now for early spring crops. Some varieties can be grown in pots on the patio.

36 Completely Bromsgrove

Help hedgehogs hibernate

Plant garlic at the end of October as they love frost on them for germination. Save seeds from Halloween pumpkins so you can grow your own next year. When cutting back roses cut some of them on the diagonal and put them in potting compost and they may star t growing and give you free roses next year (I did this last year and now have five new rose bushes for free). Seasonal flowers and colour As plants finish flowering, check whether the seed heads are wor th saving for free flowers next year, and remember to label them. Winter pansies will be available on markets and in garden centres, so dot them around the garden for cheerful colour on chilly winter mornings. When emptying pots clean them out straight away to save a job for the next planting season. Wash the inside of greenhouses and tidy up – a great way to stay warm too. Star ted your Christmas list yet? Does it include anything for the garden? Now that has made you think hasn’t it! By Jules Evans - Stoke Road Allotments

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A golden crest

Goldcrest by Wendy Carter

Bounce into the world of the UK’s smallest bird… One of my favourite places in October when there’s an easterly wind in the air is the east coast of England. It’s here that many of our feathered winter visitors make landfall and it’s wonderful to watch them come streaming in over your head – redwings and fieldfares, blackbirds and robins. I’m always amazed that Europe’s smallest bird also makes this immense journey over the Nor th Sea and I’ve seen bushes full of them seeking food after a long and tiring journey. It’s no wonder that birdwatchers used to call them woodcock pilots and thought that they rode on the back of the bigger birds! Whilst we have our own population of these beautiful birds, their numbers are swelled from October onwards by ones arriving from colder par ts of Europe, seeking our milder temperatures. Goldcrests are smaller than a wren and weigh about the same as a 10p coin. They’re a fabulous blend of moss greens and buffs and have a striking golden crest set in black on their crowns; if you’re ever lucky enough to see a raised crest, they’re something to behold. These insectivores are unlikely to visit your feeding station but you might be lucky enough to have goldcrests using your garden already. If you have thick hedges and shrubs, and particularly if you have conifers, you should keep a look out for them; the conifer could be a perfect breeding spot. They’re so small that they don’t need huge territories so providing there’s a good nesting place and plenty of connected feeding opportunities, your garden might be their perfect home. In winter they’re often found mixed in with

38 Completely Bromsgrove

flocks of blue, great, coal and long-tailed tits as they follow a circuit looking for food; listen for the constant high-pitched calling of birds telling each other which way to go next. They can be tricky to catch sight of because they’re just so agile, delicately flitting between the leaves and hanging upside down at the drop of a hat. They even have grooved feet to help them grip conifer needles as they bounce through the branches, feeding on small inver tebrates as they move. Goldcrests have a rarer cousin that it’s also wor th looking out for. Firecrests are similar in size and appearance but they have a black eye stripe, lined with white, which gives them a ver y different look. They breed in small numbers in the south of England and even in a mild Worcestershire winter they’re thin on the ground and much less likely to be spotted; but it’s always wor th looking. To find out more about making your space more welcoming for wildlife, visit www. worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlife-gardening

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

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Endangered red panda cub is growing strong K

eepers at West Midlands Safari Park near Bewdley have completed the first health check on an endangered red panda cub, confirming it’s a girl.

The fluffy cub was born in June to the park’s resident red panda couple - mum, six-year-old Mei Lin and dad, eight-year-old Sanka. Now at around three months old, keepers and the park’s vet performed a health check, microchipping the cub, taking ID photos and conﬁrming the sex. Following the check, keepers chose the name Omari, meaning ‘light’ in Nepalese, as a tribute to one of the areas where red pandas are from in the wild. Head keeper of the discovery trail, Vicky McFarlane, said, “Now that the red panda cub is almost three months old, keepers and vets have carried out the ﬁrst full health check. After checking the cub is in great health and microchipping, the vet was then able to give us the big gender reveal. Each red panda cub born here at the park is incredibly special as their numbers in the wild are dangerously low with it estimated that there are fewer than 10,000 remaining. “As always, Mei Lin has been a brilliant, experienced mum to her little girl and as the cub gets bigger and more curious, she will start to spend more time out of the nest box exploring her habitat with her mum and dad.”

40 Completely Bromsgrove

Mei Lin arrived at the park in August 2021 and was joined by male, Sanka, in March 2022, as par t of an EEP (EAZA Ex-Situ Programme), which is a collaboration between European zoos to conser ve endangered species. Red pandas are sadly listed as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature), due to threats such as the loss, degradation and fragmentation of their habitat, caused by human activities. They live in the Eastern Himalayas at high altitudes, in broadleaved forest with bamboo underneath, which is their main food. While scientists are not sure exactly how many red pandas are left in the wild today, numbers are vastly reduced from historic levels, with the biggest threat being the disappearance of their specialist habitat, caused by humans. Guests can see the red panda family at Red Panda Retreat, located in the Safari Walk area of the park, which is included in the admission price. More information is available on the Park’s website: www.wmsp.co.uk

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Wasting less and recycling more shouldn’t be a chore B romsgrove residents are being encouraged to take a second look at the items they throw away.

The Rescue Your Recyclables campaign shines a spotlight on ever yday household items that can be recycled but too often end up in the rubbish bin. It aims to highlight how simple items from around the home can be transformed into new products when recycled correctly, helping to conser ve resources and reduce waste. Councillor Peter Whittaker, Bromsgrove District Council’s cabinet member for environmental ser vices and community safety, said: “Many of us are already good at recycling the obvious things, but there are still lots of ever yday things ending up in general waste that could be recycled instead, cutting waste costs. “Take a second look before you throw something away. Toothpaste tubes, aerosol cans, balls of clean foil, all these items could be given a new life if recycled correctly. By rescuing more of these recyclables from the black bin, residents can waste less and recycle more.” Residents are encouraged to check what can be recycled at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/bins where there’s also a handy recycling locator tool to explore the range of recycling options.

42 Completely Bromsgrove

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Ring a date to cast an

eye on stunning Saturn

aturn, the second largest planet in our Solar System and famous for its rings, is often regarded as the most beautiful planet to view through a telescope. Throughout October, Saturn will be ideally placed for observation in the evening sky. As a bonus, the rings, which have been almost edge on for the last year, are now starting to open up adding to its splendour.

To the naked eye, Saturn appears as a bright ‘star’ although being a planet it doesn’t twinkle. It rises in the east, reaching maximum altitude due south around midnight. It is unfortunate that Saturn currently resides in the constellation of Cetus, which has no bright stars and so can make the planet difﬁcult to locate. Fortunately, on two dates in October a gibbous Moon is nearby which will make it easier to spot. On the 23rd Saturn will be to the lower-left of the Moon (see image). The following day, the Moon will have moved east with Saturn then being to its lower-right. Saturn’s rings are not a solid object, but are instead composed of billions of pieces of water ice orbiting the planet and reflecting the light from the distant Sun. Although 160,000 km across, the rings are only ten metres thick and can disappear from view when edge-on. Any astronomical telescope should reveal the rings, plus Titan, the brightest of Saturn’s 293 moons. Titan is the second largest moon in the solar system, larger even than the planet Mercury. It has a dense atmosphere and is the only world, besides

44 Completely Bromsgrove

Earth, that has rivers, lakes and seas. Not of water, as Titan at -179ºC is far too cold, instead they are formed of liquid methane, which we know as natural gas. Weather exists on Titan too, with a methane circulation where it collects, evaporates and falls as rain, much as water does on Earth. The Cassini/Huygens probes showed Titan to have complex hydrocarbon chemistry, similar to that of the early Earth and so is thought to be a place where life, albeit not as we know it, may possibly exist. If you are interested in astronomy, on Monday, October 5th, Bromsgrove Astronomical Society is holding an open evening, with displays, talks and demonstrations, plus telescopes, which will be pointing at Saturn (weather permitting). On Monday, October 19th, Professor Elizabeth Stanway presents a talk titled “Cosmic Catastrophes”. We meet at Bromsgrove Rugby Club, and you can find more information, including details of events, visiting and membership on our website at: www.broms-astro.org.uk

by Adrian Bigland

Dedicated Roger celebrates four decades of service B

romsgrove based composer and director of Christian Music Ministries Roger Jones is celebrating 40 years since his licensing as a lay reader in the Birmingham Diocese.

The 40th anniversar y of Roger’s licencing will be celebrated on October 11th at Holy Trinity Church in Lickey when Bishop Esther Prior will honour his four decades of dedicated ministr y, worship leadership, and creative outreach. Roger’s contribution to Christian worship has been widely acknowledged. In 2016, he received the Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship, presented by Archbishop Justin Welby, acknowledging more than 40 years of work as a composer, evangelist, worship leader, and speaker. His music, musicals, and teaching resources have been used by churches and schools throughout the UK and internationally, shaping worship and inspiring countless individuals.

Completely Bromsgrove

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Beautiful songs, sung beautifully

comedy a cappella show combining beautiful close harmony singing and quirky songwriting, with much laughter and even improvised singing sessions, the Pocket Choral Society features four experienced singers blending into one. Singing unamplified, the quar tet bring their own songs and new arrangements of songwriters such as Lennon and McCar tney, Lou Reed, Flanders & Swann and Tom Waits to Feckenham Village Hall on Saturday, October 24th at 7.30pm in a performance entitled Please Drive Carefully. This is a professional show coming to Feckenham

as par t of the Live & Local programme, suppor ted by Ar ts Council England, Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Borough Council. Tickets for shows at Feckenham Village Hall are on sale at The Village Shop and The Rose & Crown. You can also book by phone on 0333 666 3366 or online at www.feckhall.org

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Tips and tricks from the best in the biz Want to learn the “tricks of the trade”? That’s the theme of Emma Remington’s demonstration at the next meeting of Bromsgrove Flower Club on Thursday, October 15th at 1.30pm. We meet at All Saints Church Hall in Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove on the third Thursday of every month and we would love you to join us. There are complimentary refreshments and the chance to win one of Emma’s designs in our rafﬂe. Members are invited to bring along their interpretation of the title “Changing Seasons” for the monthly competition. Entry costs £5 for members and £10 for visitors. For fur ther information, call Penny on 07843 758489 or email pennyingreece@icloud.com

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Hilarity, horror and

illed as “Bill Bailey meets The Archers”, THE POCKET CHORAL SOCIETY visit Bromsgrove Arts on Saturday, October 3rd.

This a cappella touring show combines beautiful close harmony singing by four experienced performers and quirky songwriting, with much laughter and even improvised singing sessions.

DON’T GO INTO THE CELLAR returns to the stage on Sunday, October 4th with A PANDEMONIUM OF POE, a show in which the audience gets to choose which Edgar Allan Poe tales are performed. Take your pick from The Black Cat, The Tell-Tale Heart, The Fall of the House of Usher and many more. Poe is played by award-winning actor Jonathan Goodwin, who brings this full-blooded gothic melodrama to life in a show scripted by himself, and directed by Gary Archer.

KATEY BROOKS takes to the stage on Saturday, October 17th. Growing up inside a cult, Brooks found refuge in song. A rebellious ar tist that resists formula, the award-winning singer, songwriter and producer brings a seamless blend of Americana, folk and pop to listeners’ ears. Brooks’ vocals have featured on records by Brian May (Queen), Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones), Nick Mason (Pink Floyd) and Paloma Faith.

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harmonies combine RIDE AWAY/À BICYCLETTE! is being screened as par t of the French Film Festival UK 2026 on Wednesday, October 21st. Director Mathias Mlekuz stars in a ﬁctionalised version of the real-life bike pilgrimage he took with his co-star and actor friend Philippe Rebbot. They travel from the west coast of France to Istanbul to pay homage to Mathias’ son Youri after his untimely death. An unforgettable road trip across Europe, filled with moments of intense emotions and occasionally bursting with laughter, this journey becomes an oppor tunity for these two friends to explore their friendship and pay tribute to Youri’s memory. In French with English subtitles.

From Stratford Theatre Company comes THREE MEN IN A BOAT on Wednesday, October 28th. Join Jerome (Giles Shenton) as he recounts the hilarious story of his boating holiday along the magnificent River Thames with his two companions and Montmorency the dog.

There’s a JUNIOR FLIX screening for the school holiday on Thursday, October 29th. The toys are back in Disney and Pixar’s TOY STORY 5 (PG), and this time it’s toy meets tech. Woody, Buzz, Jessie and the rest of the gang’s jobs are challenged when they come face-to-face with Lilypad, a brand-new tablet device that arrives with her own disruptive ideas about what is best for their kid, Bonnie. Will playtime ever be the same? Bromsgrove Ar ts – the home of Fairfield Flicks and Fairfield Music - is located at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ). There is free parking and a licenced bar. For information and advanced tickets for all events visit www.bromsgrovearts.org.uk

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Park poised for Spooky Saturday

amilies across the district are being encouraged to mark their calendars as the popular Halloween Light Trail returns to Sanders Park this autumn for an evening of seasonal surprises, illuminated fun and new themed zones for 2026.

Taking place on Saturday, October 31st, the free community event will see the park transformed after dark, creating a magical Halloween experience for visitors of all ages from 5pm until 10pm. Hosted by Bromsgrove District Council, the annual event has become a favourite for local families and Halloween lovers, attracting thousands of visitors each year to enjoy the unique atmosphere. Portfolio holder for leisure and culture, Councillor Shirley Webb, said: “The Halloween

Light Trail is one of the highlights of our events programme and always brings a fantastic atmosphere to Sanders Park.” “We’re looking forward to welcoming residents and visitors for another memorable evening.” More details about what visitors can expect from this year’s event will be announced soon, along with FAQs and event information. For the latest updates and event announcements check the district council’s social media platforms or website.

www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/halloween-light-trail-sanders-park

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Follow Scarecrow Trail

for fun-packed weekend F

eckenham villagers have been letting their imaginations run riot in preparation for this year’s Scarecrow Weekend.

Residents have been busy making the most imaginative, weird and wonderful displays to delight, enthral, amuse and (sometimes) scare. It’s an ideal day out that’s become a firm favourite with visitors wanting to enjoy an early autumn outing in a picturesque rural setting. This year’s event will take place on Saturday, October 10th and Sunday, October 11th and the Scarecrows will be on parade from 11am to 4.30pm each day. There’ll be a Scarecrow Trail to follow with maps available at the star t on The Square (village green) - where you’ll also find a tea tent with a mouth-watering array of cakes to be washed down with tea, coffee or soft drinks - as well as a sizzling grill. There’ll be games and novelties for the youngsters plus exhibitions and demonstrations by the ar tists and craftsmen of Feckenham Ar tisans with the chance to buy items – perhaps a bit of early shopping for Christmas? Organisers are expecting more than 40 scarecrow creations for ever yone to enjoy – and to judge. The visiting public will vote to choose the Best Scarecrow. Voting slips will be distributed at the star t of the trail. The winners will be announced on Sunday afternoon.

This event is just for fun – admission and maps will be free of charge. There’s free parking too. Satnav users should enter postcode B96 6HQ. Proceeds from the tea tent, etc will be used to maintain Feckenham’s village green.

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Unwrapping a winter of entertainment at Artrix

r trix Bromsgrove is gearing up for two months of live enter tainment, music, comedy, family shows and festive fun, with an exciting programme running throughout November and December. From classic rock and legendar y pop tributes to family adventures, ballet, comedy and a spectacular Christmas pantomime, there is something for audiences of all ages as the venue heads towards the festive season. November gets off to a spectacular star t with A Night at the Musicals – A Candlelight Concert on November 1st, followed by The Carole King and James Taylor Songbook (5th) and Blackmore’s Blood (6th). Across the rest of the month, we welcome CODA - A Tribute to Led Zeppelin (7th), Boyband Legends (13th), Hounds of Love - The Kate Bush Celebration (19th) and The Upbeat Beatles (20th). November draws to a close with Genesis Connected on Friday 27th and Rhiannon - The Fleetwood Mac Show on Saturday 28th. There is plenty for families and comedy fans to enjoy too. Kids (and parents) will love theatre show A Big Egg on Saturday 7th and on 14th and 15th, we see the return of the Creative Art Showcase. Big laughs arrive on Sunday, November 8th with Canadian comedian Tom Stade and conclude with Tiny Tim on Saturday 21st. Heading into December the cur tain rises for

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our major festive production, Rapunzel: The Tangled Pantomime, which runs from Friday 4th to Wednesday 30th. This year’s panto promises a magical, musical and mar vellously muddled adventure, following Rapunzel as she plots her escape from her tower, falls in love and escapes the clutches of the wicked witch. With plenty of comedy, music, adventure and festive fun, it is set to be a highlight of the Christmas season. Music fans are also well catered for, with The Best of Bublé - Home for Christmas on Monday 7th and Monday 14th, followed by The Ogretones - #1 UK Shrek Tribute Band (15th), Olly Murs Tribute (16th), Elton’s Song - Beyond the Yellow Brick Road: Christmas Edition (17th) and Des Coleman’s Hollywood Christmas Extravaganza (21st) The celebrations continue right through to New Year’s Eve, with the NYE Rapunzel Kids Day Party on Thursday, December 31st, giving younger audiences the chance to celebrate the end of 2026 with a fair ytale twist. Head to www.artrixbromsgrove.co.uk to buy tickets for all the above shows.

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Partridge poised to ﬂy in iconic role B

ritish actor, singer, presenter, writer and director John Partridge, known for his long-running role as Christian Clarke in BBC 1’s EastEnders and extensive range of West End credits from CATS to Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, will don the iconic mask as the refined and sadistic Dr Hannibal Lecter in the world stage play premiere of The Silence of the Lambs. The play’s extensive national tour will stop off at Malvern Theatres from January 26 to 30 2027. When FBI trainee Clarice Starling is sent to interview the psychiatrist and infamous murderer Hannibal Lecter, it’s hoped his brilliant mind will help catch the sadistic new serial killer, Buffalo Bill. Another girl is missing, and time is running out. But Dr Lecter has questions of his own, and now Clarice must decide: keep a safe distance, or let Hannibal ‘The Cannibal’ into her head? Acclaimed television writer and playwright Gina Gionfriddo brings Thomas Harris’s gripping literary masterpiece to the stage in a new modern adaptation directed by Curve’s Nikolai Foster. Gionfriddo’s theatrical adaptation delves into the psychological tension of Thomas Harris’s novel, drawing the audience deep into Clarice and Lecter’s intelligent, intricate, and bone-chilling game of cat-and-mouse, as the FBI scramble to catch Buffalo Bill, a serial killer still at large. John Partridge says of his casting in the upcoming tour: “How often does an actor get to play a role that by simply saying the character’s name, it takes your breath away. It’s a huge honour, and I intend to savour every morsel of it.’’ At just 16, John left college to join the original UK tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, later transferring to the West End production at the New London Theatre to star as Rum Tum Tugger. He reprised the role in the official filmed version opposite Elaine Paige and John Mills. On screen, John is widely known for his long-running role as Christian Clarke in EastEnders (BBC, 2007 to 2016). His screen work also includes Involuntary Activist (Iris Prize/BBC) and Cleopatra (Netflix). A well-known television personality, John won Celebrity MasterChef (BBC) and has appeared on The Real Full Monty (ITV), Taking the Next Step (CBBC), Tumble (BBC) and Battlechefs with Marco Pierre White (Watch). For ticket information, visit www.malvern-theatres.co.uk

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Danish dilemmas and a famous ﬁlm noir O

ctober’s programme at The FeckenOdeon Cinema Society combines dark comedy and an alltime classic. First up on Friday, October 16th at 8pm is THE LAST VIKING (15), an audacious blend of dark comedy, post heist narrative, and family drama. At its hear t is Anker (Nikolaj Lie Kaas), newly released after a 15 year prison sentence for bank robber y. His one consolation during his incarceration has been that his brother Manfred (Mads Mikkelsen) has safely hidden the loot. Returning home, he discovers that Manfred now believes he is John Lennon. This would be merely eccentric if not for one crucial complication: Manfred buried the stolen money years earlier and no longer remembers where. The film is in Danish with English subtitles. The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham. 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.

THE THE THIRD MAN (PG) is being screened on Saturday, October 31st at 7.30pm. This true classic, which was shown in our first season, is being revisited as part of our 25th anniversary celebrations. With a script by Grahame Greene and direction by Carol Reed, this is a terrific thriller in which Holly Martins (Joseph Cotten) – an American writer of cowboy stories – comes to Vienna to visit his old pal Harry Lime, only to be told he has died - or has he? Orson Welles lurking in the sewers and Anton Karas’ haunting zither theme make for a suitably sinister atmosphere, perhaps appropriate for a Halloween show.

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The stylish, self ‘I

f it’s not broke, don’t fix it’. This applies particularly to the sensible concept of the estate car (or ‘tourer’). If practical motoring is your aim, an estate car will take you far along the road to perfection.

One of the best is the new, built in Britain, £35,595 Toyota Corolla Touring Sports: a functional family/ business tourer to sweep away the blues. It’s a splendid self-charging hybrid. A smallish battery drives the electric motor and takes its charge from recaptured energy through braking, so there are no worries about ﬁnding the nearest public charge point. You call at the parish pump and ask the attendant to ‘ﬁll ‘er up’ with petrol. This Corolla serves up sweetness without the nasty afterbite of hefty fuel costs. It’s an outstanding family estate that is a pleasure to drive. You are also reassured by the ten-year warranty if you have it serviced at a Toyota dealer.

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With a jolt of volts, you’re on a roll with a double of power for propulsion when needed. The 176bhp Hybrid Synergy Drive system comprises a 2.0 four cylinder petrol engine and an uprated 131kW electric motor driving through a CVT transmission which conveys a feeling of a continuous powerband. Over half a century ago, the estate car was functional and ‘worthy’; but mundane. Now, responding to demand for interesting cars, the new Corolla Touring Sports fulfils that demand.

DRIVE TIME

- charging Corolla You get enjoyment behind the wheel, and you know you are doing the right thing for the right reasons, at the right time and at the right pace. Surprisingly, it is deceptively smooth and rapid. It also claims an ‘overall economy figure’ of 61.4 mpg. Driven gently I easily achieved 75 mpg. The styling is appealing. Inside, it’s attractive and beautifully assembled with quality materials. Seats are comfortable, there’s room to stretch out in the front and back and a large luggage space. A proliferation of airbags protects you and there’s even an ‘e-call’ system that alerts emergency services and gives your precise location should you crash.

All features for comfort, convenience and safety are there plus typical Toyota fixtures and fittings such as good ergonomics, quality, assembly and bomb-proof durability. I was impressed by the seamlessly smooth performance, secure handling and fine ride qualities: and the relaxing driving experience. Surely the time has come to jettison uncertain connotations that append to the ‘hybrid’ label and accept that Toyota has indeed ‘squared the circle’ and achieved what one might call ‘total motoring’. In the twinning of internal combustion and ingenious electrics, the Corolla is a bright spark. It deserves the imperial thumbs-up for spooning our future medicine in a sublimely acceptable way.

by Syd Taylor

Completely Bromsgrove

AVONCROFT CRICKET CLUB

Lucky for Croft as promotion secured 2

026 proved to be a very successful year for Avoncroft Cricket Club with the First XI winning their first promotion for 13 years, finishing second in Division Three and earning their place into Division Two – a world of pink balls and coloured kit – for 2027! After an incredible run of form that saw them win ten successive league games in the middle of the season, the last month was a ner vier affair. The season came down to the final two games – victor y at home to Redditch would secure a place in Division Two for the first time since 2009 with a fur ther victor y away at already promoted Brockhampton also needed if the league title was to be secured. The first of these challenges was met with success, although not without some tricky moments and it was left to Will Baker to drag Croft over the line. Baker scored a magnificent 191* out of a team total of 274 – the last 166 team runs coming after Croft were seven wickets down with his teammates contributing just 16 of those! Croft needed nearly all of those runs to win as Redditch reached 249 all out with Matt Athey and Josh Cound taking three wickets each. With promotion secured, the First XI travelled to champions Brockhampton for a winner takes all finale. Croft were beaten by the better team, dismissed for 151 before Brockhampton chased down their target for the loss of four wickets. Will Baker finished the season with 1,400 league runs at an average of 100 but there were plenty of other batters of note – newcomer Dean Suter deser ving a par ticular mention for his 671. Croft had three bowlers finishing in the top 10 of the league wicket takers, with Josh Cound (38), Ben Huxley (33) and Jonny Sproule (30) all proving a handful.

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The Second XI finished their season on a charge, winning their last four games to finish in four th place in Division Eight. Chris Pitt was the leading run score in both the team and the league with 662 while James Blow (438) and Will Sach (430) were both in the top 7 league run scorers as well. With the ball, the evergreen Andy Pittam led the way with 28 wickets (four th in the league) at a barely believable average off 11.7 and was well suppor ted by captain Max Jukes (22) and youngsters Will Lewis and Evan Walford who both impressed with 15 and 14 wickets respectively. Not to be outdone, Croft’s juniors had another successful year ; the highlight being the Under 12s winning the County Premier League in style, losing just one league game all season. This was the first time Avoncroft have won a T20 premier league and the success can now sit alongside the various county cups that the club have won over the 13 seasons since the junior section was relaunched. Many thanks go out to all of the junior coaches that have helped provide such an enjoyable environment for our boys and girls to prosper alongside the many other volunteers that have worked behind the scenes keeping the club going, producing incredible playing surfaces and creating welcoming social environments for ever yone to enjoy. Hopefully ever yone enjoys a restful winter and we go again in 2027!

by Paul Athey

Photos by Chris Jepson

Josh Dugmore, Dan Trickett-Smith and Lamin Barrow celebrate a goal

Joy of six straight wins for buoyant Sporting B

romsgrove Sporting’s FA Cup victory over Leek Town in September was their sixth win in a row, as the Rouslers’ impressive start to the season has continued.

This run of six matches began with a 2-1 derby day win at Redditch United, with Billy Shaw and Lamin Barrow bagging the goals. Barrow and Shaw, along with Dan-Trickett Smith, were on the scoresheet when Sporting beat Bishop’s Stortford 3-0 next time out, before Barrow scored the only goal in another Worcestershire derby, versus Worcester City, in the August Bank Holiday Monday fixture at Sixways. Next up was their opening game in this season’s FA Cup, as they beat Nuneaton Town 2-0, thanks to goals from centre back Ollie Harrison and Shaw. Arguably Sporting’s biggest win of the season to date came next, as a Harrison header saw Bury Town’s 100% start come to an end, after seven successive victories. This win resulted in Tim Flowers’ men drawing level in the league table with the Suffolk outfit, whilst also notching up their fourth clean sheet in a row in the process. This six-match run concluded with victory over Leek, with Barrow and former Walsall man Jamille Matt scoring in a 2-1 win for Bromsgrove. Barrow’s scintillating start to the campaign duly saw him rewarded with a contract until the end of the season; since joining from Fairﬁeld Villa in the summer, the lively attacker has wowed crowds with performances full of ﬂair, panache and - most importantly - goals! He also won the August player of the month, with an incredible 64% of the fans votes. Sporting welcomed striker Josh Toluwaloju on loan from Premier League side Coventry City, while Tamworth loanee Adam Jasper returned to the fold for the Leek match, after missing several weeks

after suffering a concussion and subsequently going through the related protocols. Off the pitch, numerous important commercial partnerships have been announced, with Newmedica, Star Legal Solicitors, Danton HR & Training and MKM Building Supplies all pledging their support for Sporting, as the club’s new era of ownership has got off to a positive start. The relationship with MKM has seen them sponsor the club’s famous Shed End stand, which is now adorned with the company’s distinctive yellow and blue branding. It’s not just Sporting’s first team that has enjoyed early season success; both the Under 21s and Under 18s have been racking up the wins and find themselves towards the top end of their respective tables, while the Ladies recorded their first win of the season when beating Dudley Town Ladies away from home. The club’s Colts and Girls sides have also seen their seasons get into full swing. For all the latest news from Sporting, head to bromsgrovesporting.co.uk Lamin Barrow moves with the ball

by Max Banner Completely Bromsgrove

Foundation commended at

prestigious BBC awards H

B9 - The Harry Bennett Foundation has received a Highly Commended accolade at the BBC Hereford & Worcester Make a Difference Awards, recognising the charity’s commitment to helping people experience the life-changing benefits of spor t.

Andy, Yvette and Charlotte Bennett attended the prestigious awards ceremony at The Cour tyard in Hereford, joined by friends who have suppor ted both the family and HB9 since the foundation was established in 2020. The annual BBC Make a Difference Awards celebrate remarkable individuals, charities and community organisations whose work has a positive impact on the lives of others across Herefordshire and Worcestershire. HB9 was one of four finalists shor tlisted in the Active Award categor y, which recognises those using physical activity and spor t to improve the lives of people within their communities. The category was won by 81-year-old Hereford judo teacher Stan Cantrill, with HB9 receiving a Highly Commended Award for its work suppor ting individuals and teams across a wide range of spor ts. For the Bennett family, the recognition marks another impor tant chapter in a charity born from unimaginable loss. HB9 was founded in memory of Andy and Yvette’s son, Harry Bennett, who died from sepsis in 2020. Harr y had a lifelong love of spor t and understood the friendships, confidence, wellbeing and sense of belonging that it can create. Today, the foundation carries that passion forward by helping others access spor ting

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oppor tunities and the physical and mental benefits they can bring. Whether through par ticipating, spectating or simply finding connection through spor t, HB9 is committed to ensuring that more people have the oppor tunities and resources to experience its transformative power. Andy Bennett said: “It was an honour to be recognised for the support HB9 gives to young people across so many different sports - not simply those Harr y himself played and loved. We have never sought recognition for what we do, but it was a real privilege to attend and to share the evening with so many inspirational people, organisations and community groups from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.” Six years after HB9 began, the Highly Commended accolade is a fitting recognition of the growing impact being made in Harr y’s name - and of the many spor ting dreams the foundation continues to help make possible. If you would like to suppor t HB9 and help create more oppor tunities through spor t, please scan the QR code to donate or visit www.justgiving.com/hb9

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