Completely Bromsgrove issue 20

Issue 20

July 2020

Completely

Bromsgrove

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Welcome

W

elcome to the July issue of Completely Bromsgrove.

I must start on a positive note by saying that it’s great to see the market back in the town centre and the reopening of non-essential shops. I walked along the High Street during the first week they were up and running again and the vibe was upbeat. The town was busy, everyone seemed happy and the sun was shining - what a difference a week can make!

Whilst we are certainly not out of the woods yet in respect of the pandemic, I’m sure you are all with me in stating the obvious - stick to the two metre safe distancing rule and let’s keep Bromsgrove as safe and risk free as possible.

Our Women in Business profiles have received an excellent response and for this issue we had the privilege of spending a socially distanced hour with the lovely Lizzie Monk of Lizzie’s Farm Shop.

Her passion for farming knows no bounds and it was an absolute delight to find out how she has grown three successful businesses.

We also turn the spotlight on Aston Fields. This vibrant area of Bromsgrove has been one of the jewels in the crown when it comes to serving the community.

I’ll close my column by saying that it is a relief to see so many of our businesses open again. I hope Completely Bromsgrove readers appreciate just what the High Street, industrial estates and surrounding villages have to offer. On that note I would like to add – please keep it local!

Very best wishes,

Michele Ford

5

16 26 31

Contents 5 6 8 10 12 14

A Statement from Our MP Women in Business Crafty Hearts Council News Gardening Fresh Hope for Artrix

Completely

16 18 20 22 23 24 25

Worcs Wildlife Trust Primrose Hospice Age UK Volunteers Recipe Wildmoor Oak Help Out Health and Wellbeing The Bird Box

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

4 Completely Bromsgrove

26 27 28 29 30 31

Dudley Zoo Competition Aston Fields in Lockdown Bromsgrove Society Talks Bromsgrove Society 40th B’grove Sporting F.C. Avoncroft C.C. Mourn John

From us at all at Completely Bromsgrove:

THANK YOU NHS!

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.

A statement from our MP

D

uring this challenging period, our community has shown great strength, resilience and determination to defeat this virus.

This is an unprecedented challenge and the greatest threat our country has faced in decades. However, I know that we will get through this – together.

Our collective effort, including the work of our amazing front-line responders, has enabled us to move past the peak of this disease. During that time, our health system was not overwhelmed, with enough spare beds, ventilators and hospital capacity at all times. For ten weeks, our families and neighbours came together to Clap for Our Carers, who have our enduring gratitude for their work and sacrifice.

Guided by the science and data, we can now move towards a phase of recovery and make changes to the existing measures. As we do so, the Government will set up a system of Covid-19 Alert Levels, which will be overseen by a new Biosecurity Centre designed to assess the spread of the virus. Furthermore, the NHS Test and Trace programme has been established. By testing for the virus and tracing its spread, we will be able to help control the virus, support our community and protect the NHS. More now than ever, to keep the infection rate down, the good common sense of the British people is needed.

We have made great sacrifices to get this far, so we must not risk this progress. That is why staying alert, adhering to the social distancing guidelines and controlling the virus is so important.

As the lockdown restrictions are slowly and cautiously lifted, we can begin to return to some aspects of normal life. One such example is the reopening of local businesses. This has been a challenging period for local

business owners, and I am delighted to see that they can now reopen, provided they have put the necessary safety measures in place. Supporting our local businesses across Bromsgrove District will help to restart our economy and allow high streets across the country to spring back to life.

Important work also continues on the development of a vaccine. The Government has committed over £250 million and established a taskforce to accelerate the development of this. It will be a truly collaborative effort, with the Government, industry and academia working together towards the single goal of producing it as fast as possible.

As they have done throughout this period, I know our communities will rise to the challenge ahead. The establishment of at least 20 formal support groups, and the kindness of neighbours, friends and family has been inspiring to see. It is a reminder that we will always have far more in common. So, as we move forward, let’s maintain that spirit, support each other and as Her Majesty the Queen said, “we will succeed” and “we will meet again”.

As ever, if you require my assistance, please do email sajid.javid.mp@parliament.uk Completely Bromsgrove

5

Customer focused Lizzie sets sights on success on three fronts T

he coronavirus pandemic and ensuing lockdown have resulted in many challenges for Bromsgrove businesses, not least its hard-working and innovative independents.

Completely Bromsgrove caught up with one of the district’s best known – and cheeriest – business owners, Elizabeth Monk.

Lizzie, as she is affectionately known, recounted the story of how the pottery studio, Lizzie’s Farm Shop and tearoom have evolved at Chadwich Manor Farm over the past 15 years.

Having always lived on the farm, the eldest child of John and Valerie, Lizzie loved being a farmer’s daughter and admits her dad is her “hero”. Her artistic and practical flair led her to study ceramic design at university in the Potteries and after graduating, she worked for the Department of Education and Employment in Stoke-on-Trent where she was responsible for writing NVQ standards.

After approximately three years with the DEE, Lizzie, who has a brother named Jonathan, began an

6 Completely Bromsgrove

apprenticeship at Whichford Pottery in the Cotswolds and in 2005 she moved back to the farm.

At that time, her father John was a dairy farmer. Due to the drop in milk prices, he made the heart-wrenching decision to sell off the dairy herd and moved into beef and sheep farming.

Although Lizzie is very hands on where farm matters are concerned, she saw an opportunity to open a pottery studio and started running courses and offering children’s parties. The studio is still as busy 15 years on with enthusiasts coming from far and wide to buy a unique piece as all Lizzie’s work is only sold through her studio.

With help from her parents, Lizzie opened the farm shop in 2012. Initially the farm sold meat boxes from their own home bred beef and lambs. As well as the beef herd, John bought Valerie two Highland cattle to

WOMEN IN BUSINESS

Lizzie with James, her Supreme Champion Highland bull

celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary.

been in tears as they just don’t want to leave.

“If I’m honest, I think Dad bought them more for himself and I really don’t think Mum was terribly impressed,” said Lizzie with a smile.

“My vision has always been to share my passion for farming with everyone. The livestock at Chadwich Farm have a stress-free life and when their time of life comes to that point their meat can be bought from the very farm where they have lived all their lives.”

But what started out as a hobby with just the two Highland cattle turned into a passion. The herd grew and now the farm has more than 70 cattle. Lizzie started to sell their meat through the farm shop too.

During our visit, we had the pleasure of meeting James, Lizzie’s prize Supreme Champion bull who was victorious at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show and Malvern Three Counties Show in 2019. James is home-bred and will continue to live his idyllic life on the farm with his girlfriend and their two calves, one born in 2019 and the other who arrived this spring.

Lizzie’s appetite to run another business led to the opening of the tearoom in 2014. Many visitors are walkers as the Monarch’s Way passes through the family’s land and the tearoom is an ideal place to take a break and enjoy a drink and bite to eat. It is also popular with families looking for a good value place to stop while travelling on the nearby M5.

“What makes me smile is when parents and grandparents bring along children who love to pet the other animals kept on the farm,” said Lizzie.

“There are goats, a donkey and chickens whose eggs are sold through the farm shop. Sometimes children have

If you want to know exactly where your food comes from and have an interest in the environment, Completely Bromsgrove would recommend anyone to pop along to Lizzie’s Farm Shop.

During the pandemic Lizzie has had to close the tearoom and gallery, and has been running the farmshop single handed. It is open Thursday to Saturday 105pm and 10-4pm Sunday. The tearoom and gallery are scheduled to reopen at the start of July in line with government guidelines.

Lizzie added that she had seen a lot of younger families using the farm shop during the lockdown who were reluctant to venture out to the larger supermarkets and hopes that they will continue to be customers throughout the summer and beyond. www.lizziesfarm.co.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

7

Anna-Kate’s crafty hearts idea brings joy to community B romsgrove student Anna-Kate Morris has combined her joint passions of crafts and caring to produce fabric hearts which are spreading hope and joy throughout the community

The 17-year-old, who attended South Bromsgrove High School and will be studying paramedic science at the University of Worcester from September, told Completely Bromsgrove how the idea came about.

Anna-Kate said: “As I love crafts and helping people I decided to put the two together and spoke to a couple of friends who were interested.

“I miss my grandad Harry as I can’t see him at the moment so I thought of everyone else who is in the same position. He doesn’t use technology very well so by giving us both a heart I felt I had a little piece of him with me.

“I posted my idea on Facebook and soon people got in touch and wanted to help. I set up my own Facebook group and it just grew from there.

“We’re sending hearts to care homes. Residents keep one and send one to family members who are unable to visit. Maternity wards are giving one to mum and baby and another to the birthing partner or other family member.

“Sometimes the hearts aren’t being sent in pairs but are being given to hospital patients to bring some joy.

Staff are being given them as a thank you and to give to their family as they don’t see them very often.

“Funeral homes are burying one heart and giving some to the bereaved family. So far we’ve distributed more than 11,000 hearts, mainly in Worcestershire though there are some that have gone further afield.

“All are packaged in a sealed bag with a ‘thank you’ label and we hope to bring some joy.’ The hearts are quarantined for three days before being passed on.

“We’ve received thank you messages and photos of people holding the hearts which makes all of our efforts worthwhile.”

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Share your story and be a part of living history

C

hildren and young people in Worcestershire are being invited to take par t in an exciting Time Capsule project.

We are living through an important historical time and Worcestershire Children First want to capture the experiences of young people living in lockdown.

Children and young people have the opportunity to share their stories - the highs, the lows, the memorable and the every day. They can do this through photos, drawings, video, craft, paintings, music, poetry, however they want to get involved.

They can create something on their own or work together with friends, youth groups or with their school.

Charlie Dickens, Participation and Engagement Manager in Worcestershire Children First said: “We have all made big changes to our lives during the Coronavirus outbreak which we could not have imagined a few months ago. We would like to hear how these changes have felt to children and young people across Worcestershire and what they have been doing to keep busy during this time.”

time capsule is a great way for children and young people to creatively share their experiences and be part of history.”

Entries from children and young people are already coming in. The team have received poetry, paintings, drawings and even a photo board from children of all ages.

To contribute to the Worcestershire Children First time capsule, please email a picture of your creation to youthvoiceteam@worcschildrenfirst.org.uk.

If you have a physical artwork you would like to be included, please contact the team and they will arrange to collect it once it is safe to do so. www.worcestershire.gov.uk

This time capsule won’t be buried. It will be displayed online over the coming months for us all to look back on in the years to come.

The Youth Voice team are also investigating where the time capsule could be based physically once we can all go out safely again.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “We are currently living through a momentous time that will be written about in history books. This virtual

£40,000 town centre boost A

masterplan to create a vision for Bromsgrove Town Centre up to 2040, has received a boost thanks to a successful £40,000 bid.

The money has been provided by the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) via a funding pot that they have established to help support towns and local centres.

The funding has specific criteria and is focused on providing support for master planning work; studies that identify issues concerning connectivity and accessibility; and action plans that will deliver activities to support local businesses and enhance local offers.

Bromsgrove District Council Leader Karen May said: “I am absolutely delighted we have managed to attract £40,000 from the GBSLEP.

10 Completely Bromsgrove

“This was a competitive bidding process and we submitted an expression of interest to secure funding for Bromsgrove Town Centre.

“The work will consider a whole host of issues and will be subject to wider consultation, as well as helping to provide information to feed into the Local Plan Review process.

“This funding award will ensure that we can continue with our plans to build an even better Bromsgrove and we will keep everyone updated with more announcements as the project progresses.”

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11 

GARDENING

Hurrah for the Hosta!

T

he Hosta is a herbaceous perennial that is tough and winter hardy, grown primarily for their impressive foliage which is varied in both size and colour range.

Hostas vary in size, some no more than a few centimetres across up to the giants that can grow into an enormous clump of up to a metre across making a dramatic statement in any garden. They are useful for planting in damp or shady places where many other plants might struggle, but some with wonderful lush bright foliage are perfect for brightening up any gloomy corner. The yellow leaved Hostas will endure more sun and are a better performer in a sunnier spot. Whilst they do produce upright flowers mainly in pastel shades of white, pink or lilac, it is primarily grown for the foliage and some gardeners remove the flowers to preserve the quality of the leaves. The hosta with it’s luscious foliage is unparalleled for accent and ground cover effect.‘Halcyon’ will make a dense clump of blue-green oval foliage which is particularly slug resistant. Some varieties are far more resistant to slug damage which becomes more prevalent as the season moves on.

The big issue with growing Hostas is their desirability to slugs and snails, there are many treatments to help reduce damage like crushed eggshells sprinkled under your Hostas. Coffee grindings are also helpful if thickly mulched around your plants as the slugs find it difficult to move over the coffee. Copper bands are also good as they don’t like crossing it.There are also a variety of organic remedies to deter the pests. However if you love your Hostas come what may, then having a display

of lacy leaved specimens is something some fanatics to the Hosta are prepared to live with. On a visit to Prince Charles’s Highgrove garden i noted that his Royal Highness’s Hostas were decimated by slugs and were so holey they resembled a lace tablecloth, but for him with his organic principles he was prepared to accept them in his garden that way and I and many other Hosta growers can go along with that.

Hostas are a moisture loving plant and it’s probably true to say if you want your plants to grow quickly and to maximum size to look good all season then give as much water as you can. Easy to divide in the spring when growth is at its fastest, top dress with a little high Nitrogen feed early in the season. Chicken manure pellets gently forked into the soil will feed your plants perfectly. I enjoy my hostas they are tough versatile and adaptable plants and if you collect the more resistant varieties to slugs then you will be rewarded with a fabulous plant perfect for any patio pot or container and their saving grace is that they are totally disease resistant.

Karl Strawbridge

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Jobs in the garden for July Deadhead any repeat flowering perennials to promote more flowers Cut back hardy geraniums to get a second flush Divide clumps of Iris, trim the tops and replant Keep picking sweet peas Boost your Tomato crop with a liquid tomato feed

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13 

Fresh hope - Artrix could remain as arts venue T

he former Artrix building could remain an arts venue in the future after Bromsgrove District Council had its bid to buy the assets accepted by the insolvency firm.

Last month members made an urgent decision to release funds from council coffers to secure the purchase of assets associated with Artrix and other costs.

Council leader Karen May said: “The money has been released to enable the council to make an offer for the purchase of the assets helping to ensure that all options for the future of the venue are retained and supporting the efforts being made to enable the building to continue as an arts venue in the future.

“We are pleased to say that our offer has been accepted and that the council now own the assets associated with the venue of which it is the landlord. The money will also provide funding for security and maintenance of the building and for the holding trust to receive some professional advice to help and guide them in the decisions that it will need to make moving forward.”

Ms May added: “It is very early days and the future of this building is still uncertain but we understand how important this venue is to our community. This support will ensure as far as possible that the continuation of an arts facility remains firmly on the table in these difficult and uncertain times.”

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15

by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust

16  Completely Bromsgrove

Local wildlife needs your help

W

hen was the last time you spotted a loveliness of ladybirds or a flutter of butterflies?

As part of our Doorstep Wildlife campaign that I wrote about in the last issue, we’re asking for your help.

It’s important to know where our wildlife is and in what numbers – without this information we’ve only got anecdotes and memories to tell us whether wildlife is doing well or not so well. In 2019’s State of Nature report, for example, records showed that the UK is one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries and that one in seven of our species is at risk of extinction. Locally, we can use the information to see what species of wildlife needs a helping hand, what are bucking the trends and even whether wildlife is arriving from further south as our climate changes. These local wildlife sightings are held by Worcestershire Biological Records Centre (WBRC).

This is where you can join a growing army of citizen scientists; we know that many of you in Bromsgrove are wildlife-lovers who are keen to make a difference.

Helping wildlife comes in many forms, from creating a hedgehog highway in your garden to planting nectar-rich plants for pollinators, but submitting a record of wildlife that you spot also really helps us to know how wildlife and our environment is doing and, perhaps, changing.

We need your help to help us find out more about six easily-identified species of insects. The six species have been chosen because they should be fairly widespread across Worcestershire but we’d love to know whether this really is the case. Small tortoiseshells, for example, were once our most common butterfly but they’ve suffered a massive 75% decline in the last 40-50 years so just how common are they these days? Changes in our climate means that hummingbird hawk-moths may arrive in the UK in bigger numbers and possibly even survive

our winters. The colouring of marmalade hoverflies can tell us whether the larvae grew up when it was cold or warm and this can help us to understand whether they were born in the UK or abroad.

If you’ve spied a seven spot ladybird or been captivated by a common carder bee, head to our website and let us know www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/wildlifesightings. We’ve got a simple form to complete but we will need a photo in order to verify your record – even a blurry one will do.

If you’d like to help insects where you live then take a look at www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/actioninsects for ideas and suggestions.

Keep up to date with us: www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust Follow us on Twitter @WorcsWT Watch us on YouTube www.youtube.com/c/WorcswildlifetrustUK1 Photos:

Opposite page: Clockwise: 7 spot ladybird - Rachel Scopes, Marmalade hoverfly, - Bob Gillmor, Large red damselfly - Pete Cheshire, Small tortoiseshell - Pete Smith, Common carder bee - Nick Upton/2020VISION This page: Hummingbird hawk-moth - Wendy Carter Completely Bromsgrove

17

Primrose launch virtual fundraiser as demand for services surge P

eople can join a new vir tual fundraising campaign to get them active and suppor t their local hospice as it sees a surge in demand.

Pace for Primrose has been launched as Primrose Hospice continues to provide care and support during the pandemic to palliative care patients and bereaved families.

People are being asked to use their allotted exercise time to do a sponsored walk, run, jog or cycle to raise money so the hospice can continue to deliver its services in north east Worcestershire.

“We need your help to ensure we can continue to deliver our palliative and bereavement services to over 1,000 people living in our community in nor th east Worcestershire.”

People can sign up by visiting www.givepenny.com/ charity/primrose-hospice People should use their allotted exercise time to take part in the challenge and follow Government guidelines.

While Primrose cannot run its groups at the moment, including its day hospice, staff have been busy transforming the service so it can continue to operate safely.

These include keeping a distance of two metres when out in public and not taking part in the challenge with someone who is not part of your household.

However, with events postponed or cancelled fundraising for the hospice will be greatly affected.

At the same time, staff are seeing a surge in demand for its services and expect to see more people wishing to access its bereavement services over the coming months.

Primrose Hospice receives just under 15 per cent funding from the NHS and must independently fund just under £1.5 million annually.

Sally Insley, Fundraising Manager at Primrose Hospice, said: “Pace for Primrose is a really fun challenge which will get people moving and give them something to do while at home.

“You can walk, run, jump on your rowing machine or exercise bike and raise money for your local hospice.

“Primrose Hospice is continuing to provide many of its vital services but we will see a big gap in fundraising with events cancelled or postponed and our charity shops closed.

“Last year, our Fundraising Team (excluding shops) received £151,000 from March 1 to April 30 but this figure will be drastically reduced this year.

18 Completely Bromsgrove

“We can’t wait to see what people have decided to do and look forward to seeing their pictures and videos on our dedicated Facebook group too,” Sally added.

Pace for Primrose is one of three vir tual fundraisers the hospice has created.

People now working from home are being asked to donate what they would have spent on takeaway coffees or commuting costs to Pounds for Primrose while people can add a song to the hospice’s Spotify list through Playlist for Primrose.

For more information, visit www.primrosehospice. org/support-us/fundraising/pace-forprimrose or join our dedicated Facebook group by searching Pace for Primrose supporters group.

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19

Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest

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Celebrating Volunteering J

une is typically the time of year that organisations come together to celebrate and say ‘Thank You’ for the contribution millions of volunteers make across the UK. In these extraordinary times the contribution of volunteers is perhaps more visible than ever before, but the experiences of the last few months are also helping to ‘change the face of volunteering’ and to show that we can all do ‘something’ to help make a difference.

Volunteers are such an important part of the Age UK BRWF team. As part of Volunteer Week 2020 Age UK BRWF launched its Volunteer of the Year Award in memory of one of the charity’s volunteers, Sue Davidson. Speaking about Sue, Age UK BRWF’s CEO Sam Humphray said,

treat me equally. This opportunity has allowed me to connect with lots of different people. By interacting with people of a variety of ages it helps to create a better understanding of society, as well as the opportunity to share different experiences and learn new skills.”

“Sue was a remarkably intelligent and sociable woman and so symbolised all that we are about as a local charity.

By launching this award in Sue’s name, we can ensure that her contribution to Age UK BRWF is a lasting one, whilst helping to inspire and recognise others.”

Reflecting on her time with Age UK BRWF Tara said; “Working with Age UK has helped round me as a person, becoming more confident with myself by achieving even small things on a daily basis that make me feel good when helping others. It is also incredibly beneficial for work experience and your CV when applying for future jobs, colleges or universities. We have been volunteering for a year and a half now and still absolutely love it! Due to Covid19 we haven`t been able to work in the shop recently and we really miss the atmosphere of laughs so we`re looking forward to going back. The shops were already such an important part of the charity, and we are going to need to raise their profile more than ever once we can start to move out of this current crisis. So to all young volunteers, I would encourage you to come out of this crisis with a positive helping attitude and to get involved with your local Age UK BRWF shop - you are not only helping a local charity but also your community, the economy and the environment!”

Please see below for details on how to make a nomination.

As a charity, Age UK BRWF is keen to promote intergenerational opportunities to help our communities become ‘more inclusive’ and more ‘age friendly’. We all benefit when our communities come together, and intergenerational relationships help us all to feel ‘better connected’ and to help improve wellbeing. Nowhere is this more evident than in our Retail shops.

Retail Volunteers Elle Douglas and Tara Mole initially joined the team through their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Speaking about why they wanted to get involved with Age UK BRWF, Elle said; “We chose a charity shop as I have always believed in the importance of charities and knew that helping out and working there would be part of a process that would benefit people who are needing the services that charities like Age UK give”.

Elle also commented on the welcome that they received adding; “I don’t feel like a younger volunteer because they

20 Completely Bromsgrove

To nominate your Age UK BRWF Volunteer of the Year and/or to find out more about volunteering please visit www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf/get-involved/ volunteer/ or contact Jo Hughes ( Tel 01527 868855/ Email: Jo.Hughes@ageukbrwf.org.uk)

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RECIPE

Soy & chilli chicken with mango and avocado salad

Serves 2 Preparation: 20 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes What you need: 2 chicken breasts, sliced into 4 2 tbsp Kikkoman Soy Sauce 1 tbsp orange juice 1 green chilli, de-seeded and finely chopped 1 avocado, peeled and cut into chunks ½ red onion, thinly sliced 100g fresh spinach leaves 1 tbsp olive oil Small handful of torn basil leaves 1 mango, peeled and cut into thin strips Fresh limes to serve

www.kikkoman.co.uk

22 Completely Bromsgrove

How to do it: 1 Pre-heat the grill.

2.Mix the soy sauce, orange juice and chilli into a bowl, toss in the chicken and leave to marinade for 5 minutes.

3.Place the chicken onto the grill tray and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning half way through.

4.In a salad bowl mix the olive oil with the spinach leaves, avocado, red onion and basil leaves.

5 Divide between serving bowls. Top with mango slices and the soy and chilli chicken. Serve with limes on the side.

KCals per serving: 420 Fat per serving: 21.7g Saturated fat per serving: 4.3g

www.lovebritishfood.co.uk

Restaurant fighting hunger & food waste T

he Wildmoor Oak Pub and Restaurant in Bromsgrove has been helping to provide free healthy meals for vulnerable people in the community during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Like many restaurant owners, Chef Lorenzo Richards had to look at new ways to maintain an income when he had to temporarily close his premises to the public in March. He set up a takeaway service for customers, available Wednesday – Sunday, but also wanted to do something to help those struggling during lockdown.

Lorenzo seized on an initiative to recycle food from supermarkets and warehouses that would otherwise be destroyed. Donating his time and passion for cooking, Lorenzo and a team of around five staff volunteers, have been turning the raw ingredients in to a variety of healthy dishes – including vegetarian and vegan options. Dishes have included pasta bakes, fish in sauce and curries. Over 300 meals are produced every Tuesday in the kitchen at The Wildmoor Oak. Lorenzo has been working in partnership with FoodCycle in Longbridge, a national charity established in 2009, with a vision for a society where no one is hungry or lonely. FoodCycle provides the ingredients and then collects the prepared meals each Wednesday from The Wildmoor Oak. The meals are distributed to anyone in need, such as lowincome families, asylum seekers and refugees, the elderly, and people dealing with mental health issues.

Lorenzo’s food has also been enjoyed by staff at West Midlands Ambulance Service.

Jody Beswick from FoodCycle said: “We would like to express a huge thank you for the effort Lorenzo and his team put in to supporting us with our food parcel service. Many people delay ordering their parcels as they are now aware that Wednesday and Thursday are ‘Lorenzo food day’ and we’ve actually seen an increase for parcels on these days. The volunteers get a buzz when the food arrives at our hub as they are eager to see what Lorenzo’s team have prepared. The Wildmoor Oak has been bringing a bit of happiness to the people we try to help in these challenging times.”

Chef Lorenzo said: “We are proud to have been able to make use of our restaurant facilities and culinary skills to help others who are struggling during the pandemic. Every year almost 2 million tonnes of surplus food is wasted by the UK food industry! This initiative helps stop this massive waste of food whilst having a positive impact on the local area by helping those in need.”

For more information visit facebook.com/wildmooroak Completely Bromsgrove

23

HEALTH AND WELLBEING

C

Why is Vitamin D so important?

ommonly known as the Sunshine Vitamin, for decades vitamin D’s claim to fame was its role as calcium’s trusty escort, helping our bones absorb essential minerals.

In the 1800s when many people had tuberculosis, sunshine was known to have curative powers and sick patients flocked to sanatoriums in sunny places to soak up the healing sunshine.

Cod liver oil, also a rich source of vitamin D, has been around for decades as a preventative for infections, colds and flu. Studies show that vitamin D regulates many functions in the body, including hormone balance, metabolism, blood pressure, bone density, fighting cancer and immune function (ever notice that people tend to get colds and flu in the winter when the sun is low?).

But a recent flood of research has revealed that vitamin D does much more. “There is a vitamin D receptor on every one of our cells,” says Michael F. Holick, PhD, MD, author of The Vitamin D Solution. “And those receptors are there for a reason.” Many reasons—all our bodily functions seem to rely on the nutrient, and studies show that it is key to helping prevent everything from migraines to cancer.

The trouble is, most of us—53% of women, 41% of men, and 61% of kids—have insufficient levels. Though our bodies naturally produce the vitamin from the sun’s UV-B rays, these days we don’t absorb nearly enough sunlight to manufacture an adequate amount and during winter most of the UK gets so little sun, making this impossible.

How have we become so deficient?

We get very little Vitamin D from our diet and the rest is gained from sunlight. We need the sun to strike bare skin, what does this mean?

• No sunscreen • No clothes • No sunglasses • We need that sun between 11am and 2pm • Do not shower until the following day to allow the skin to absorb as much as possible.

Vitamin D is made from the action of cholesterol in the skin and sunlight. Animals and birds make Vitamin D in their fur and feathers. They ingest it as they preen or groom themselves.

Today the general population has less exposure than ever because we cover up to prevent over-exposure.

We have the overuse of high factor sunscreen and the constant wearing of sunglasses this stops the production of Vitamin D. DO take a supplement: If your levels are above 30 ng/ml (or you haven’t been tested), Holick suggests 2,000 IU daily for adults and 1,000 IU for kids. If your levels are below 30 ng/ml: Take 5,000 to 6,000 IU daily for a couple of months, then 2,000 IU. The supplement can be found in a tablet or spray form that you spray into the mouth and has a nice peppermint taste.

DO get tested: Your doctor is unlikely to order the test unless he or she suspects osteoporosis. But everyone should get tested especially those with a family history of cancer or autoimmune disease.

DON’T assume you get enough from your diet: D is found naturally in fatty fish, eggs, liver, and some cheeses, but none of these sources contain enough to meet your daily needs. (You’d have to eat 95 eggs to come close.)

DO get some unprotected sun exposure – safely: A physician’s recommendation is 10 to 15 minutes on your arms and legs every day.

by Colette Garside colette@thegarsides.net

24 Completely Bromsgrove

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The Bird Box - Bromsgrove

T

he former Market Hall site in the centre of town is set to become a brand new nesting box for the whole community!

The Bird Box will be an event, cultural, and performance space for residents and businesses to enjoy.

Due for completion soon, The Bird Box is being developed

by Bromsgrove District Council’s Economic Development and Regeneration team, NWedR to create a space that will attract ideas, initiatives and activities that can take shape nest, grow and migrate!

Work is nearly complete on the bright, open space next to

Waitrose in the town centre where there will be eye catching, freestanding foliage displays and seating to provide the backdrop for performances, pop up food and drink kiosks, attractive seating areas, artistic display stands and mini exhibitions.

The idea is to encourage and attract community groups and businesses to book the space and contribute to the wider cultural offer in Bromsgrove Town Centre.

The space is divided into social spaces that are bookable in their own or collectively. Local businesses are encouraged to book the space for food events, creative workshops, exhibition displays and entertaining performances.

Contact enquiries@nwedr.org.uk Completely Bromsgrove

25

COMPETITION

Win family pass to rebranded Dudley Zoo and Castle

T

his year marks the 950th anniversary of the building of a motte and bailey castle in Dudley and in celebration Dudley Zoo and Castle has officially rebranded and returned to the name it last used almost two decades ago.

Zoo director Derek Grove said “The Castle’s anniversary milestone provides the perfect opportunity to implement our long-held ambition to readopt the trade name Dudley Zoo and Castle (DZC).

in 2009 received World Monument Status.

“The zoo and castle, which is at the heart of the 40 acre site, have been intrinsically linked since 1937 and we felt the inclusion of ‘castle’ within our name will aid the continued promotion of the 11th century monument and the zoo as a whole”.

Much of the animal collection is linked to international conservation and breeding programmes and several of our global projects have received awards. Endangered species include Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers, Bornean orangutans, Tibetan red pandas, Rothschild giraffes, Madagascan lemurs and Humboldt penguins – DZC has the UK’s largest parent-reared colony.

The zoo which opened in May 1937, covers an area of approximately 40 acres. This unique site includes two scheduled monuments – an 11th century castle and limestone caverns – and 12 Grade 2 listed Tecton buildings (four Grade 2*).

The idea to convert Dudley Castle’s grounds into zoological gardens came from its then owner, the third Earl of Dudley, who chose a team of Modernist architects to design the zoo. Using reinforced concrete they created a revolutionary new design of building: Tectons.

The structures have stood the test of time and eight decades on Dudley Zoo has the world’s largest single collection of Tectons, which

Today the Tectons are boosted by a variety of animal housing, paddocks and enclosures which are home to our wide variety of 200 species.

Completely Bromsgrove has four family tickets (two adults and two children) to give away. All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is answer the question and send your entry in the post marked ‘Dudley Zoo & Castle tickets’ by Monday 20th July.

Only one entry per household please and editor’s decision is final.

Admission to DZC must be pre-booked by calling 01384 215313 anyone who just turns up without a confirmed time slot for entry, will be turned away due to us adhering to the government guide lines. www.dudleyzoo.org.uk

WIN family pass to rebranded Dudley Zoo and Castle Just answer the following question “When did the zoo open?” then fill in this form, cut out and post to: Dudley Zoo & Castle Competition, 11 West Road, Bromsgrove. B60 2NG. All entries must be in by Monday 20th July 2020 Answer .................................................................................................................................

Name ....................................................................................................................................

Address ............................................................................................................................... .............................................................. Telephone ............................................................ e-mail ....................................................................................................................................

26 Completely Bromsgrove

Self-sufficient Aston Fields thrives during lockdown T

he Aston Fields area of Bromsgrove has long prided itself on its ability to offer residents everything they need on the doorstep.

From Banners the family butchers and the Co-op/Post Office to the dentist, hairdressers, barbers, dog groomer, carpet shop, several restaurants, takeaways and other small businesses, the community is well served for all of its daily needs – plus the occasional treat of course!

Aston Fields is also the home of Bromsgrove railway station, which has recently been rebuilt. It was the construction of the station which led to the opening of New Road in July 1865 to enable townsfolk to take the train to travel to work in Birmingham and Worcester.

Since the lockdown began in March, small communities across the UK have stepped up to the plate to ensure that residents have access to fresh food while adhering to Government advice to only leave their homes if absolutely necessary.

Having food stores close by has also meant that people, particularly the elderly, have not had to worry about travelling to large supermarkets in Bromsgrove.

Although lockdown restrictions are now being eased with non-essential shops now back open, it will take several months before we get back to life as it was before.

This ‘new normal’ doesn’t just apply to the village centre. The nearby trading estate hosts a wide range of businesses including car repairs and MOT specialists, glazing companies and replacement door and window companies to name just a few.

Returning to the retail sector, Claire George, manageress of the Co-op, had her own crisis to deal with at the height of the pandemic.

Claire’s father Peter George contracted Covid 19 and was taken seriously ill, leaving the family devastated.

With Peter in a coma in intensive care at Worcestershire Royal Hospital and looking like he was slipping away, the family called on the players of his beloved West Bromwich Albion football club.

After the words of encouragement from manager Slaven Bilic and players past and present were read to Peter, a lifelong Baggies fan, he began to recover and is now happily enjoying early retirement at home in Redditch. We would like to wish him and the family well for the future.

Here at Completely Bromsgrove we’re sure that Aston Fields will continue to serve residents of all ages with a smile and sincerely hope that people will ‘buy local’ to ensure that businesses can recover after the pandemic and provide future job opportunities for the area.

Completely Bromsgrove

27

Bromsgrove Society Summer Season Talks – via Zoom!

O

n three consecutive Wednesdays in July beginning on the 1st at 2.30pm, there will be a free afternoon talk hosted online using the Zoom platform.

These talks are being held in place of the cancelled Summer School and will cover aspects of local history and how to get involved in our local heritage.

1st July 2020 at 2.30pm The History of Perry Hall with Julian Hunt There is more to Perry Hall than the Housmans.

Bromsgrove Historian Julian Hunt will introduce us to Roger Lowe, the leading Royalist at the time of the Civil War, Benjamin Humphrys, the 18th century linen manufacturer, and John Adams, worsted manufacturer whose sister married a Housman.

He will attempt to dispel some myths about the picturesque ruins to the south east of the house, and he will tell us how Perry Hall came to be a hotel!

8th July 2020 at 2.30pm Tracing Your Ancestors in Worcestershire with Mike Sharpe Mike is a professional genealogist, researcher and writer with a passion for unear thing the past and telling a good story. His talk will provide an introduction to tracing your family history within the historic boundaries of Worcestershire. Mike explains the key sources, both online and offline, for tracking down your ancestors within the county, what the various record sets contain and where they are held.

Sources covered include censuses, parish registers, wills, the poor law, apprenticeships, and legal records.

15th July 2020 at 2.30pm The Bromsgrove Guild and Where to See Their Work When the Lockdown is Over! with Quintin Watt Former Head of History at South Bromsgrove High School and former chairman of our Local History Group, Quintin Watt will tell us about the well respected Bromsgrove Guild. His presentation will provide a brief overview of the Bromsgrove Guild’s interesting story.

Quintin will feature some examples of the Guild’s work - in various media - and tell us where to see pieces locally, in the Black Country and in other places close to its birthplace, when the lockdown is over!

Participation in the talks is free of charge and is open to all. Please register for the talks in advance at www.bsoc. co.uk and a link to join the talk online will be sent to your email address 48 hours before the talk date.

28 Completely Bromsgrove

The Bromsgrove Society Celebrates its 40th Anniversary!

B

ack in the late 1970s public concern was growing in the town as several centuries old and well-loved buildings were falling into disrepair and facing the threat of demolition.

Many people were anxious about how the character of the town would change should the destruction of buildings such as The Mitre Inn, Stoke Prior Mill and Farm House and the old Workhouse happen. When the Stratford Road Almshouses were demolished without notice a steering group was formed to make the feelings of the public known.

by supporting applications to list them. The Society has been influential in a number of key directional decisions, worked with partners to organise large events – like the Sanders Park 50th Anniversary Celebration Party and has supported many other organisations in the town to achieve their aims and objectives through The Society’s grant scheme.

Concerned residents Chris Pancheri and Jennie McGregorSmith wrote to the Council and the local newspapers to drum up support for the formation of a new civic society which would promote pride in the town and district whilst encouraging an interest in conserving and enhancing the built and natural environment.

The Society’s 500+ members and others who are interested in the local area, are encouraged to attend regular organised activities including the series of monthly talks, an Annual Lecture, a three-day Summer School, history walks and other events. The Society produces regular newsletters, the annual Rousler publication, along with ad hoc publications relating to Bromsgrove’s history and has a website packed with interesting information and historic photographs.

On Tuesday 13th May 1980 over 200 people packed the inaugural meeting and the new local history and civic society for the district, The Bromsgrove Society, was formed.

Over the last 40 years the Bromsgrove Society has continued to promote an interest in local history and works hard to ensure the built environment and character of the town and district is preserved, keeping an eye on planning applications and supporting other initiatives within Bromsgrove.

Society members continue to research new areas and find new information all the time. A recent project by the Society, in partnership with the L. G. Harris Trust, has seen the digitisation of The Bromsgrove Messenger from 1860 to 1921. Fully searchable editions will be available online soon. The Society has published a number of books relating to the history of the town and has a new book Bromsgrove:The History of a Market Town currently in production. It has helped to save buildings from demolition

To celebrate the 40th Anniversary, The Society had intended to host a social function after the AGM in July. Sadly this now can’t happen, but there will be an opportunity to mark the occasion and cut a cake in the future, and the AGM will be held via an online platform, in line with Charity Commission guidelines.

The anniversary is recognised with the publication of a booklet Pride, Preservation, Progress: 40 Years of the Bromsgrove Society, written by society member Mike Sharpe and sent to all members with the June newsletter. Anyone wishing to join the Society to receive a copy and to support the Society’s aims and objectives can find application details on the website www.bsoc.co.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

29

Despite pandemic, work continues for Sporting D espite the lockdown restrictions, work has continued during the close season at the Victoria Ground with distancing measures being observed.

At the end of May a state-of-the-art irrigation system was installed with eight sprinklers embedded in the pitch allowing groundsman Steve Dipple better control of the watering of the grass that can now be done from his mobile phone!

Then in early June, work was completed on refurbishing the roof of the main stand replacing old asbestos cladding with coated steel panels and at the same time named after the Bromsgrove student, Thomas Jones who tragically died in Worcester two years ago. Thomas was a player with one of Sporting’s junior teams. It is hoped that another match will be played at the Victoria Ground to remember him once the lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Although no honours were awarded this season, Sporting did have some success off the pitch being awarded third place in their league for the match day programme by a prestigious national organisation who act as a coordinating body for football programmes.

The set up of the women’s team continues to go well and they will play matches at the Victoria Ground on Sunday afternoons once football gets going again.

Unfortunately though, the Club have decided that they will not field a team in the Midland Floodlit Youth League next season. There is now a busy and active Colts set up that have the ability to run teams at under 18s level.

Anybody interested in playing for our women’s or Colts teams should send enquiries to hello@ bromsgrovesporting.co.uk.

Meanwhile Sporting are still helping in the current crisis by opening the Victoria Ground every Tuesday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for donations to local food banks.

Photos show the main stand now named the Thomas Jones Stand and the new irrigation system in action taken by our groundsman, Steve Dipple using his drone camera.

See www.bromsgrovesporting.co.uk for more information.

by Phil Baker

30 Completely Bromsgrove

AVONCROFT CRICKET CLUB

John Fletcher

Avoncroft mourn loss of club stalwart

C

lub chairman Rod Braithwaite rounds up the latest news from Avoncroft CC.

“Since my last update, the club has sadly lost another great servant. John Fletcher, a well-known and respected dentist in Bromsgrove for many years, suffered from health issues in recent times and died of Covid 19 in May. “John was a hard-hitting opening bat and a very fine ‘keeper, especially standing up. He served the club for 40 years as treasurer and was also a trustee. His widow June hopes that there will be a commemorative event later in the year when lockdown is eased.

“The committee is delighted with the response of players and supporters to its requests for financial backing. More than £3,000 has been donated through advance subscriptions and donations. Should there be no cricket, or very little, this season then players can opt to carry their subs over and decide next year whether they wish to help further.

“Paul Athey and Mark Wood have been successful in winning some grants from the local council and Sport England, which will greatly help to tide us over our commitments this season and assist in our ongoing plan for new nets.

“Chris Pitt and his small band of ground workers/ exercisers have made huge strides in maintaining the square and with local assistance the outfield is now fit for purpose. We would be able to play immediately when we get the go-ahead from the ECB. The committee, in a recent Zoom meeting, spent time examining the guidelines for nets. We hope to offer a practice facility but the safeguarding situation is complicated at present.

“The ECB has not set any probable start date for cricket at club level. From what little information we have, we are hopeful that some cricket will be played before the end of the season. It is unlikely to be league cricket, probably all friendlies perhaps based on our existing fixture list. Naturally, players will make their own decisions on whether they play after seeing what the safeguarding conditions are.

“We will, of course, keep members up to date with any developments which will promote the game again as soon as possible. Many thanks to everyone for their help so far and we hope to see more of you very soon. In the meantime, stay healthy and make sure others do as well.” www.avoncroftcc.co.uk

Completely Bromsgrove

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