Bromsgrove Completely
Welcome to the April issue of Completely Bromsgrove
It’s good to know that we are now finally heading in the right direction towards warmer weather and more daylight hours. I don’t know about you, but for me spring is such a glorious time of year with everything bursting into life.
Hopefully at the same time this issue is being dropped onto doormats, mums across the region will be being spoiled by their loved ones and I’d like to wish wonderful mums a Happy Mother’s Day.
Moving on to the magazine, we feature the High Sherriff of Worcestershire Charles Moyle JP, who has been very busy travelling to local businesses and presenting awards. Turn to pages 16 and 17 to learn which businesses he has been visiting, and which have received the High Sherriff Award for outstanding contribution in Worcestershire.
An important date for the calendar is May 1st, when residents of Bromsgrove and the wider district will be able to cast their vote in the Worcestershire County
Council elections. You can find out about Bromsgrove Lib Dems, Conservative Party and Labour Party candidates on page 24. Please note that all political parties were contacted by Completely Bromsgrove including Green Party, Reform UK and Independents. Our magazine does not have affiliations to any political party.
Finally, congratulations are due for Butchers Block, who entered the 2025 British Pie Awards and were presented with a bronze award for their rabbit pie. Well done to Michelle and Lilith.
Until next month, remember folks, keep it local and support your High Street and independent retailers.
Very best wishes
Michele Ford
Care Homes in
Begin your next chapter in a warm, welcoming home where you’ll receive care with dignity and kindness. Whether for a short stay or longer term, our cosy care homes offer quality care, peace of mind for you and your family, delicious meals, and activities to support your wellbeing, day and night.
A message from our MP
Over the past few months, I have been focused on futureproofing banking provision in Bromsgrove.
It follows the impending closures of Lloyds and Halifax which will mean Bromsgrove High Street has lost four banks in just three years. If we’re not careful Bromsgrove could become a banking desert, and we can’t allow that to happen.
I’m committed to ensuring residents can continue to access face-to-face banking services and cash services too.
The direction of travel is not looking good for the future of physical high street banks, which is why Bromsgrove needs a Banking Hub.
Whilst the way people bank has changed, and banks have responded accordingly, there will always be a need for people to be able to access face-toface banking and cash services.
We need to act now so we avoid a situation in the future where Bromsgrove has no banking provision at all. That’s why I’ve been campaigning for a Banking Hub, and I want to thank the hundreds of residents who have signed my petition to show their support.
As part of my ongoing efforts to futureproof banking provision, I recently met with the chief executive of LINK, John Howells. LINK decides which communities get Banking Hubs. I’m grateful for his time and for the opportunity to discuss banking provision in Bromsgrove.
I’m pleased LINK is committed to continually reassessing the situation in Bromsgrove to avoid a situation where we become a banking desert.
I’m pragmatic about how we secure banking provision in Bromsgrove. As long as residents can continue to access face-to-face banking services and cash services that’s all that matters.
In the coming weeks and months, I will continue to work hard to find practical and pragmatic solutions to a problem which isn’t just impacting Bromsgrove, but towns up and down the country.
I’m an optimist by nature and I’m hopeful there’s a way forward to futureproof banking provision in our town.
Your chance to take county council to task on rail travel
www.bromsgroverail.org.uk
Worcestershire County
Council elections take place on May 1st, giving voters in North East Worcestershire the opportunity to reflect on what the council has done in the last four years to improve rail services and station facilities.
Since the opening of the new four platform station at Bromsgrove in July 2016, BARRUP, and its predecessor BRUG, has argued for the Nottingham to Cardiff Cross Country Trains service to stop at Bromsgrove to enable people to travel directly south to Cheltenham and South Wales and, by changing trains at Cheltenham, to travel onto Bristol and the South West.
This means there will be two services travelling up and down the key routes between Birmingham, Cheltenham, Bristol and Cardiff but passengers from North East Worcestershire cannot access them at Bromsgrove, despite a combined footfall at our four stations of 1.9 million people.
In February 2020, the new Worcestershire Parkway station, at which the Nottingham to Cardiff service stops, was opened. However, this multi-million pound station is of little use to passengers from North East Worcestershire, even though we have helped pay for it, because we can’t reach it directly.
Therefore, we do not have the benefit of an 11 minute direct journey to Parkway to catch GWR services to Oxford, Reading and London Paddington, or the 28 minute direct journey to Cheltenham, and then onward. Instead, we must travel to Worcester Foregate Street and then change onto the GWR services there, adding unnecessary cost and time.
In May BARRUP understands that another hourly service is being introduced by Cross Country Trains which stops at Parkway, but once again it is not stopping at Bromsgrove.
When your local candidate seeks your vote, ask what, if elected, they are going to do to enable the Cross Country Services south to be accessed at Bromsgrove station because BARRUP believes the present county council has done nothing.
You could also ask them what the council is doing to restore the Cross City services, previously three trains each to and from Bromsgrove and Redditch, but now reduced to two, into New Street via University.
No wonder passengers from North East Worcestershire react with some cynicism when county councillors say that rail travel in Worcestershire is important for economic, environmental and social reasons.
by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk
Minor injury unit expansion is well underway
Work to construct a new minor injury unit (MIU) at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital in Bromsgrove has begun.
Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, which operates the unit at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, has committed £1.6 million to redesign and construct a new, larger minor injury unit.
Once complete, the new unit will boast five treatment rooms, a dedicated resuscitation bay, specialist eye injury facilities, and a plaster room - all aimed at improving patient experience and streamlining care.
Located on the ground floor of the main hospital building, the new unit will be conveniently located next to the existing X-ray department, streamlining the patient journey and enhancing diagnostic efficiency.
Denise Lewis, director of finance at the trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see work progressing on the new MIU. Once complete, the unit will provide a more comfortable, seamless service for our patients, improving their overall experience.”
Fay Hildred, matron at the Princess of Wales Community Hospital, added: “We’re all very excited
about the expansion and the benefits it will bring to both patients and staff.
“Demand for Bromsgrove MIU has grown significantly in recent years, so this investment ensures we can continue to provide high-quality care in a facility fit for the future.”
Bromsgrove MIU is open daily from 8am to 8pm, staffed by experienced emergency nurse practitioners who treat a wide range of minor injuries, including sprains, strains, minor eye injuries, and minor burns.
Throughout the build, the existing unit remains fully operational, ensuring minimal disruption to patient care.
Patients requiring treatment for a minor injury can walk into any of Worcestershire’s MIUs without an appointment, and NHS 111 remains available for anyone who is unsure whether MIU is right for them.
The new unit is scheduled to open later this year. For further information on local minor injury units visit www.hacw.nhs.uk/MIU
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Cover Bromsgrove, Kidderminster, Stourbridge, Droitwich, Redditch & South Birmingham. 18
Town centre street clearance complete
Before work
Demolition works are now complete on the site of the old fire station and library on Windsor Street.
The site was acquired by Bromsgrove District Council in March 2022 from Worcestershire County Council and Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority. For eight years, the site had been derelict after the library was relocated to its current Parkside location and the fire station to Slideslow Drive.
The works are part of a wider scheme of projects across Bromsgrove funded by the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund.
Cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, Councillor Sue Baxter, said: “Completion of the demolition of the Windsor Street site is an excellent step towards the area coming back into use for a better Bromsgrove.
“Bringing a brownfield site back into use is a long process to ensure safety, protecting the longevity of any project. It is imperative we get this right and I’m
delighted the work is progressing well.”
The funding for the Windsor Street project included acquisition, demolition, decontamination, and remediation of the key brownfield site. This equates to the removal of derelict buildings to make way for a new development suitable for a range of uses.
The district council are currently exploring possible uses for the site
with the goal to increase footfall and dwell time in Bromsgrove town centre, strengthening the local economy. The next stage involves contractors removing contaminated soil and continuing to monitor the ground water to ensure the site is safe to develop on.
began and after (below)
Bathroom trends for 2025
For over 55 years, Bennetts Bathrooms has been leading the way in stylish and functional bathroom transformations, across Bromsgrove and beyond. As homeowners seek a balance between luxury and practicality, this year’s trends bring exciting innovations to elevate your space. From sleek finishes to smart technology, here’s what’s hot in bathroom design this year.
Statement countertop basins
Concrete vessel basins are redefining modern bathroom aesthetics with their raw, industrial charm. These striking countertop basins add sophistication and practicality. Available in various finishes, they pair beautifully with natural wood or matte surfaces for a contemporary touch.
For a sleeker look, ceramic and glass countertop basins in bold black or soft pastel tones offer stylish alternatives, allowing homeowners to personalise their space effortlessly.
Black fixtures for a modern edge
Chrome fixtures are taking a backseat as sleek black finishes rise in popularity. From taps and
showerheads to enclosures and towel rails, black accents create a high-end, contemporary aesthetic. Whether opting for a monochrome theme or a bold contrast against neutral tones, matte black elements add understated luxury.
Clever storage & smart lighting
Maximising storage without compromising style is essential in modern bathroom design. Bennetts Bathrooms incorporates smart solutions like hidden compartments, pull-out shelving, and drawer organisers for clutter-free spaces.
Motion-activated LED lighting inside drawers, makes morning and nighttime routines effortless. Soft-close hinges on drawers and doors further enhance the seamless, refined experience.
Smart mirrors & tech enhancements
Stealth mirrors with hidden LED lighting offer glare-free illumination, while heated demister pads prevent fogging - no more wiping away steam after a hot shower. Bluetooth-enabled mirrors let you wirelessly stream music or podcasts, transforming your bathroom into a personal retreat.
Sustainable water-saving features
As sustainability takes centre stage, Bennetts Bathrooms integrates eco-friendly solutions that conserve water without compromising performance. Dual-flush toilets, low-flow taps, and efficient showerheads help reduce water consumption while ensuring that your new bathroom is as environmentally conscious as it is stylish.
Visualise your dream bathroom with pro virtual worlds
See your dream design before it becomes a reality. Bennetts Bathrooms uses Pro Virtual Worlds software to create stunning 3D designs, providing customers with an immersive virtual reality experience of their future bathroom. Explore different layouts, finishes, and features, before any work begins.
Book a consultation and take the first step toward your dream bathroom. Call 01527 870440 or pop into the showroom on Sherwood Road.
1 Haydon House, Alcester Road, Studley B80 7AN 07592 303104 or 07910 289565 www.acsinteriordoors.co.uk
A family run business offering a personal touch for your window dressings. Established for over 30 years. Visit our large showroom to browse samples of materials and blinds and receive some friendly advice.
opening hours : Mon – Thurs 9am to 5pm | Fri - 9am to 4pm | Sat – 10am to 3pm
LLP Units 6&7 Aldi Business Park, 84 Sherwood Road, Aston Fields Bromsgrove, Worcs B60 3DR T: 01527 831940 E: office@supablind.co.uk www.supablind.co.uk
District charities welcome High Sherriff
The High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Charles Moyle JP, was welcomed to Bromsgrove by Councillor Sam Ammar, the chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, recently.
Together, they toured the district, visiting various charities recommended by district councillors who joined them at different times throughout the day.
Their day began at Catshill Foodbank followed by a visit to Councillor Ammar’s chosen charity for the year, Age UK. Afterwards, they proceeded to the Alexandra Hospital to meet with the Breast Cancer Bromsgrove and Redditch Support Group before returning to Bromsgrove to visit the Harry Bennett Foundation.
During the visit, Councillor Ammar said: “It’s inspiring to see the dedication of these organizations and the positive impact they have on our community. It brings pride to my heart to be the chairman of Bromsgrove when I see so much love and selflessness everywhere. It never ceases to amaze me how much people give; Bromsgrove is a beautiful place because of its people.”
The chairman and the High Sheriff enjoyed lunch at The Red Lion, a friendly pub in Alvechurch, before concluding their day at the Alvechurch Larder. There, they savoured a cup of tea and freshly baked banana cake made by one of the volunteers from Ripe Bananas, highlighting the larder’s mission to reduce food waste.
A second visit is planned this month where Councillor Ammar and the High Sheriff will be visiting two charities in Wythall.
High Sheriff presents Awards to community heroes
The High Sheriff of Worcestershire, Charles Moyle JP, attended the Cake and Coffee Concert on Saturday 15th March in St John’s Church to present the High Sheriff Award for outstanding contribution in Worcestershire to a group of community champions.
The morning’s concert “The Bailiff’s Dinner” came about following the Court Leet’s archiving project. During the cataloguing process a discovery was made that songs were sung at the dinners in Victorian times. Current Court Leet members performed a selection of the songs for the concert. Helen Voyle had worked tirelessly to catalogue every item in the archive. This work was recognised with an award.
The High Sheriff said that for the past 40 years one voice has been a constant in Bromsgrove, bringing news to residents during occasions of national importance, and promoting the work and activities of many local organisations. For his dedication, loyalty and commitment Bromsgrove’s Town Crier Kevin Ward was presented with an award.
Next to receive an award was Pat Tansell. A Bromsgrove resident since birth, well known and liked, Pat has spent her life championing and promoting Bromsgrove’s rich history and keeps up to date with local current affairs, always positive and accurate with the information she shares.
Steve Cowperthwaite received an award in recognition of his dedication to the arts in Bromsgrove. Steve organises the Cake and Coffee Concerts, is Choir Master, Organist and Director
of Music at St John’s Church, he is also Chair of Bromsgrove Arts Alive and a very active Trustee at Bromsgrove Community Arts – the organisation keeping Artrix Arts Centre and Theatre open for all.
With the scaffolding rising around the church’s tower, heading up to the top of the spire to restore the cracked section, the team from Friends of St John’s – Jo Slade, Sheila Vincent and Hilda Roxborough were each given the High Sheriff’s Award to thank them for their efforts to raise £386,000 during 2024 which has enabled the work to be undertaken this year.
The award ceremony concluded with the awarding of The High Sheriff Medal to Jo Slade in recognition of the number of community projects and organisations Jo is involved in, the work she does for those organisations and the contribution made to the community.
The High Sheriff, Charles Moyle, said he was delighted to present the awards, which recognise exceptional work and remarkable contributions to the community in Bromsgrove, to extraordinary people, all of whom spend their lives enhancing the lives of fellow citizens in the county.
by Jo Slade
Top tips for a thriving April garden
Sew peas for healthy and nutritious pea shoots which will adorn any summer salad. Just keep pinching the shoots off and they will keep growing. They can live happily in a pot or straight into the ground.
Fill a pot by your backdoor with compost sprinkle lettuce seeds over the top and then add a bit more compost and wait a few weeks for your own fresh lettuce leaves every day and no need to get ready washed bags from the supermarket. Sew more seeds a few weeks later to extend the growing season. If you have room outside the kitchen door sew radishes and rocket to spice up the salad even more. Cress sewn on a window ledge completes the salad and keeps growing all summer long.
Comfrey is a great herb to grow for the bees and to use as a liquid fertiliser for trees and plants in the garden. Cut off some leaves and put them in water for six weeks in a watering can. The leaves can also be cut and put straight into the compost bin as a soil additive.
Time to start the pumpkin seeds that you saved from your Halloween decorations. Place them in water for a day or so and then put them into a pot until the seedlings are established. If you are adventurous the flowers from a pumpkin can be dipped in batter and deep fried or used raw in a salad. Pumpkins spread and make good ground cover to keep the weeds at bay. Identify an unused spot in the garden and scatter some wildflower seeds to attract the butterflies and bees, your plants will appreciate them as pollinators later in the year. If you find a raspberry plant for sale, or ask around your friends for a free one, you won’t be sorry as you will get lots of raspberries for your breakfast cereals. Watch out as they do ‘run’ so
you will get more than one plant after two years but who doesn’t love a free plant.
Marigolds bring beneficial insects such as ladybirds that prey on garden pests and can be bought as plug plants from the garden centre or the market.
And finally, get your pots washed out and ready to grow on any seedlings. It’s still too early to plant most things out as we still might get a late frost, but clean pots will make the potting on job easier and quicker. And don’t forget to label your seedlings or you may get peas where you wanted pumpkins.
By
Jules Evans - Stoke Road
Pumpkin seeds
Pea shoots
Potted lettuce
Raspberry plant
A haven for birds
Just off the A38 between Droitwich and Bromsgrove is a hidden gem that’s loved by birds and birdwatchers alike. It’s not quite like being at the seaside but the area’s salty geology attracts a rather unusual inland find.
Avocets are the jewel in the spring and summer crown of the Christopher Cadbury Wetland Reserve at Upton Warren. These black and white wading birds return to Worcestershire’s saline-saturated inland shores each February, ready to find a mate and settle down for the season to raise their young. They’re unmistakeable, wading through water on their long, pale blue legs and using their razor-thin, slightly upturned bills to sift through silt to find juicy morsels to eat. Thanks to salt deposits running under the middle part of Worcestershire, The Flashes at Upton Warren has plenty of saltmarsh. Usually found on the coast, this unusual inland habitat attracted a pair of avocets in 2003 (the UK’s first inland-breeding avocets) and word spread amongst the avocet community – today we expect around 50 of the birds to spend the warmer months with us.
They might be the highlight but they’re not the only birds that are spotted at Upton Warren. The site is split into two – the saline pools of The Flashes and a large freshwater lake known as The Moors. The two are separated by Aztec Adventure’s sailing centre and the River Salwarpe. Visitors are often delighted with views of resident birds like great-crested grebes, reed buntings and bullfinches; lucky visitors might catch a glimpse of an elusive Cetti’s warbler. In spring and autumn, however, most birdwatchers are hoping for birds passing through on their migration from wintering to breeding grounds or those coming to breed here in Worcestershire. Breeding birds include avocets, little ringed plovers, reed warblers and shovelers. Those passing through might include dunlin, bar-tailed godwit, green sandpiper or ruff but you never know what might also appear and many rarities have been
seen over the years.
Over the past 15 years, thanks to generous funders including visitors to Upton Warren and Worcestershire Wildlife Trust members and supporters, we’ve been able to improve islands for birds to breed on and have dug channels for them to feed in, we’re constantly managing the reedbed and are restoring the saltmarsh. It’s not all about the birds, we’ve also replaced two birdwatching hides and done major repairs to another in the last 10 to 15 years. And we couldn’t, of course, do any of this without our fantastic team of volunteers who do so much around the reserve. If you’ve offered your support in any way, a big thank you from us and the birds!
There are seven hides from which you can watch birds and Upton Warren can be visited seven days a week. Trust members can visit for free but nonmembers must buy a £5 permit to take a look; visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/nature-reserves/ upton-warren for more information.
Keep up to date with us...
- X x.com/WorcsWT
- Instagram instagram.com/worcswt/ - on Facebook facebook.com/worcestershirewildlifetrust - on Bluesky bsky.app/profile/worcswt.bsky.social - on YouTube youtube.com/c/WorcswildlifetrustUK1
by Wendy Carter, Worcestershire Wildlife Trust
Photo: Avocet – Ric Harding
Wildlife welcome at spruced up pond
The North Worcestershire Water Management team at Bromsgrove District Council have recently completed some maintenance work along the Spadesbourne Brook at Lickey End Recreation Ground, including the reinstatement of a large pond area which had filled with sediment over several years.
This pond area will capture rainwater and runoff from the adjacent land. It will also take some water from the brook during high-flow conditions.
The aim of this pond is to help to slow the flow and attenuate some flood water from the watercourse and provide important habitat for wildlife such as water voles. It is looking quite bare and muddy at present, but several plants such as marsh marigold have been retained, and the site should naturally re-vegetate during the spring.
NWWM are aware that flooding on the highway is an issue here. The work that has been completed is not designed to stop that from happening as the flooding does not generally come from the watercourse, but the team are in discussion with Worcestershire County Council’s highways department, who are responsible for draining the road, to see what else can be done locally to help reduce flood risk.
Chandler Court care home, Bromsgrove
VE Day street party
Thursday 8th May, 4pm - 5.30pm
Join us to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Enjoy an afternoon of delicious food, entertainment, and dancing as we celebrate the spirit of the 1940s.
Carers support café including dementia cinema club
Last Friday of the month, 2pm - 4pm
Unwind with a cuppa and home-baked treats with fellow carers while your loved one watches a movie at our dementia cinema club.
Trusted to care
To book please call 01527 958 612 or email
rebecca.pearce@careuk.com
Dementia care, led by experts
At Chandler Court care home in Bromsgrove, rated Good by the CQC, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred dementia care. Guided by the latest academic evidence, our dementia specialists support each resident to live life to the full.
Purpose-built facilities
Chandler Court care home has been purposebuilt, with both luxury and comfort in mind. Everything from colour schemes, signage, and furniture to the design of our crockery, has been carefully chosen to support residents living with dementia live as independently as possible.
Each floor at Chandler Court is divided into smaller suites that create a calm atmosphere, keeping hustle and bustle to a minimum.
Chandler Court also has a Namaste care room and trained Namaste care practitioners, who provide a calming sensory experience using soothing lighting and gentle hand massage, for people living with advanced dementia.
Care you can trust
We work with academic partners and respected leaders in the field, to ensure we stay up to date with the latest approaches to care.
The Association of Dementia Studies at The University of Worcester helps us to create a bespoke training programme, whilst Dr Nori Graham - former chairman of Alzheimer’s Society and honorary Vice-President of Alzheimer’s Disease International - assists in developing a holistic and forward-thinking approach to the delivery of dementia care.
Living well with dementia
Our dedicated team work with you and your loved one to deliver a care and lifestyle plan entirely tailored to their unique needs and preferences. Our busy activities schedule
is always packed with meaningful activities that support your loved one to lead a fulfilling lifestyle.
Our newly refurbished dementia suite offers interactive ‘life skills’ stations for residents living with dementia to enjoy, including craft and embroidery stations, doll therapy stations and gardening stations.
At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high-quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 9,000 families trust us to care for their older loved ones.
To find out more about the quality dementia care on offer at Chandler Court care home, call 01527 958 612.
Chandler Court care home
Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court
Liberal Democrats to stand in all seats in May elections
Bromsgrove’s Liberal Democrats have announced that they will be standing in all seats at the Worcestershire County Council elections on May 1st.
The Liberal Democrats are currently the largest opposition party on Bromsgrove District Council where they have been holding the Conservativeled coalition which runs the council to account.
Lib Dems are seeking to grow their number of councillors on the county council and have unveiled their candidates for the four divisions that fall within the town of Bromsgrove and are soon to announce their other five candidates.
In Bromsgrove Central, Councillor Josh Robinson is seeking a second term to continue the progress he has made over the past four years by standing up for residents and solving local issues. Josh has been a fierce opponent of the BREP scheme which has seen hundreds of trees felled on the A38. He has also been supporting events on the High Street over the past four years to encourage footfall into the town, but more is needed. Bromsgrove needs an identity and a reason for people to visit, if reelected Josh will be pushing this further.
Councillor Sam Evans, who represents the Oakalls, Parklands and Harwood Park on the district council is standing for the Bromsgrove East Division, which also covers Blackwell, Upper and Lower Bentley, Finstall, Burcot and Aston Fields. Sam has lived in Bromsgrove all his life and is passionate about improving the area where he lives and grew up. He has also been a strong voice for residents by standing up against the A38 plans. In addition, he has also been opposing the Family
Farm Tax which will hit working family farms hard and the cut to the Winter Fuel Allowance.
The current chair of the district council, Councillor Sam Ammar is standing for the Bromsgrove South Division. She currently represents the residents of Charford at district level and has a keen interest in business, public transportation and local farming produce. She has been opposing cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance and has campaigned against the introduction of VAT on school fees. Sam has also been championing better public transport, including calling for a U-turn on the recent 50% hike to the bus fares.
Councillor James Clarke, who represents Sidemoor on the district council is standing for the Bromsgrove West Division. James raised his family in Bromsgrove, sending his children to local state schools and he has managed and coached local junior football teams. He has been calling for a new council-led traffic relief study as he feels the flawed BREP scheme will not adequately tackle congestion which continues to worsen. James has also been a strong opponent to the 82% hike in housebuilding targets and believes brown field sites should be prioritised over Green Belt. He has been calling for more affordable housing to be prioritised over executive homes, where new houses are built.
The Liberal Democrats are also standing in Alvechurch, Beacon, Clent Hills, Woodvale, and Wythall.
bidding for your county council vote
In the upcoming Worcestershire County Council elections on May 1st, the Bromsgrove Conservatives are set to field nine candidates across all the divisions, aiming to strengthen their representation and address key local issues.
The candidates and their respective divisions are as follows:
Helen Jones – Bromsgrove South For the past 18 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving residents as a district councillor. I now want to build on the strong relationships I have with various partners to ensure you have the county councillor you deserve.
Rita Dent – Bromsgrove West I am a dedicated public servant with a history of representing the Bromsgrove community through various roles in local government. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to engaging with residents.
Adam Kent – Wythall As the county council’s cabinet member for economy and skills, I have been at the forefront of driving economic growth and job creation across the county. My leadership has helped attract investment into the county.
Shirley Webb – Woodvale It has been a pleasure to represent Woodvale since 2017. I am passionate about prevention work for adult social care and love working with the community on projects such as orchard planting.
Karen May – Clent Hills. Although I have served as a parish councillor for 19 years, it is through my role as the leader of Bromsgrove District Council since 2019, having been elected in 2015, that I have become deeply engaged in addressing the real needs of our communities.
Kit Taylor – Bromsgrove East In my role as the chairman of the Fire Authority I am committed to ensuring front line services are protected and expanded. I am also dedicated to continuing to support schools and sports clubs.
Danny Bromage – Alvechurch I’m a veteran with 25 years’ experience of serving my country, a dedicated Worcestershire foster carer, and a passionate advocate for our community. I’ve spent my life leading, problem-solving, and delivering results in high-pressure environments.
Adrian Kriss – Bromsgrove Central I will improve bus services and active travel especially around schools and improve traffic flow, thus also reducing air pollution. I wish to bring back PACT meetings, or the community equivalent, so that your local voice can once again be heard.
Anita Dale – Cofton As an experienced parish and district councillor I now want to represent you on the county council to ensure our area stays a great place to live.
Conservatives bidding for your county council vote
Bromsgrove Labour Party
Candidates for County
Council Election
Alvechurch
Beacon
Bromsgrove West
Bromsgrove Central
Bromsgrove East
Bromsgrove South
Clent
Woodvale
Wythall
1st May 2025
Tony Godfrey
Peter McDonald
Esther Gray
David Hopkins
John Cochrane
Ian Woodall
Laura Rollins
Sheridan Bellingham
Adrian Lee
Key Manifesto Pledges
Education: Ensure children have school places in their local schools, especially around new large developments
Transport: Campaign for residents to be able move around easily in our town, whether by bus, bicycle or car; whether able or disabled, young or old, by improving local transport links to the Community Hospital, the town centre and the train station
Transport: Reduce road closures and the impact on local traffic of road repairs
Planning: Campaign for better co-ordination of County Council and District Council planning responsibilities to ensure adequate provision of transport links, school places and healthcare provision across the District
Public Safety: Work with relevant agencies to address anti-social behaviour
Social Care: Ensure residents receive speedy access to GPs, Hospitals, and effective social care
Libraries: Oppose any further closures of public libraries
Waste Management: Ensure good access to waste and recycling sites to help avoid fly tipping
Bromsgrove West
Esther Gray Beacon Peter McDonald Bromsgrove Central David Hopkins Bromsgrove South Ian Woodall
Promoted
Accountants rise to Just-One-Thing challenge
With Age UK BRWF’s new, permanent, charity shop opening in Bromsgrove this spring, CEO Amanda Allen approached the team at Worcestershirebased Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants to see if they could help.
The new shop is in the former Shoe Zone premises on the High Street.
Amanda said: “Most of us have unused items that we have been holding onto, not sure what to do with, taking up space within our homes. By donating a single item that you no longer use to one of our charity shops you can make a difference for local older people, helping us to raise funds so that we can continue providing much-needed local services, including our free information and advice and befriending services.
“The challenge I set the Ormerod Rutter team was to look around their homes and to identify ‘Just-One-Thing’ to donate to help with stocking our new store. I have been completely taken aback by the response and the team’s generosity.”
Donated items were collected from Amy Cooper, Marketing Manager based at Ormerod Rutter’s Bromsgrove office, by Amanda and members of Age UK BRWF’s Retail team.
Amy said: “We are proud to continue supporting Age UK BRWF in their incredible work within our local community. Their dedication to helping so many people through various projects is truly inspiring, and we wish them all the best on the opening of their new shop.”
“Our previous pop-up store in Bromsgrove town centre enabled us to gain invaluable experience of having a dedicated furniture shop, but it also demonstrated the benefits of having a physical presence on the high street, helping us to engage and connect with more people and to raise awareness of our local work,” Amanda added.
“The support that we received from the community was also fantastic, and I hope that the Ormerod Rutter’s team’s response to my challenge will inspire others to take action and give their unwanted items a second life by donating to our store.”
Age UK BRWF now has eight charity shops across North Worcestershire. If you work for a local business and, like Ormerod Rutter you could help by organising a collection of donations at your workplace, call 01527 570490 or visit www.ageuk. org.uk/brwf/shops
A showspectacular garden will hospicesupport
Birmingham-based business F.B. & Sons Lawns & Landscapes have announced an exciting partnership with Primrose Hospice & Family Support Centre which will see them showcasing a unique show garden called St Godwald’s Retreat at the prestigious RHS Malvern Spring Show.
The garden will then find its forever home after the show in the grounds of Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove, providing a safe and tranquil space for anyone to enjoy.
Marc Harbourne-Bessant from F.B & Sons Lawns & Landscapes said: “We knew that we wanted to design a garden space for a hospice as we are all too aware of the incredible work hospices do across the country. From our first visit to Primrose, we could see how vital their work is to support patients and families.
“While we are aiming for a highly coveted Gold Medal at RHS Malvern, our sheer inclusion in the show will hopefully raise awareness of the work that Primrose does. That is enough of a reward for us!”
The garden will have many special features including the temporary move of the Primrose memory tree and ‘wind telephone’, while not physically connected, the wind telephone can be used to share news or feelings with our loved ones who have died. The telephone will be housed in a hand-built gazebo to give shelter and sanctuary for anybody to use.”
Angelique Dalton, chief operating officer at Primrose Hospice, said: “We are so privileged and thrilled to have been approached by F.B & Sons Lawns & Landscapes.
“The opportunity for the hospice to be part of the RHS Malvern Show is incredible and would not have been possible without the support of the team. We are all so excited that the garden will be transported and planted here at the hospice after the show has finished. This will enable the patients and clients we support, as well as our volunteers and staff, to benefit from this beautiful garden.”
If you are planning on visiting the show, be sure to visit the garden. Find out more at: www. primrosehospice.org/events/rhs-malvern-spring-show
St. Godwald’s Retreat for RHS Malvern Spring Show drawn by Marc Harbourne-Bessant
From Left to right: Marc Harbourne-Bessant and Darryl Harbourne-Bessant from F.B. & Sons
Local butchers wins national pie award
3rd – 9th March was British Pie week. Bromsgrove’s all female butchers, Butchers Block once again entered this prestigious and highly contested awards event, which was held in the home of the famous pork pie, Melton Mowbray.
Over 800 pie makers entered with over 900 pies, including an entry from Lilith, one half of the much-loved Butcher’s Block. Hailing from the east Midlands herself, Lilith knows just how stiff the competition is. This year she entered with her gluten free rabbit pie.
The tasting took place for best in class from each of the 26 categories, with prizes of Gold, Silver and Bronze awards for judges’ favourites. Receiving the news on Friday 14th March, that she had been awarded bronze for her entry.
Speaking to Completely Bromsgrove, Lilith said “I’m absolutely over the moon to win this award, especially for my pies! I’m the only business locally that makes gluten free pies which are sold on the High Street and I have worked long and hard to build up a dedicated following of my gf pastry. As the first pie my
dad made for me, this win is extra special!”
The team aren’t stopping there, with plans to enter more Awards this year and they are launching a monthly roast dinner pop up on Mother’s day, where money from every meal sold will be donated to The Basement Project.
“We are very excited to collaborate with The Neighbourhood in Rubery as we bring something fresh to the High Street.
We’ve supported the venue since day one and I’ve already made guest chef appearances there, so it made sense to take my monthly roast pop up to them with an inclusive menu for gluten free, vegan and vegetarians.”
For more about Lilith and Michelle follow Butcher’s Block Bromsgrove and to book for their roast dinner, contact @ theneighbourhood direct.
Order now for Easter
Whether you are having a feast with the family or a quiet Easter with your partner - we have lots of delicious options for your Easter feast!
Order your preferred cut of local lamb, prepared ready for you to roast Fancy an Easter wellie? Lilith is again making Lamb Wellingtons, perfect for two! These are only available on an ordered basis priced at £25 eachGet your order in NOW to avoid disappointment!
We are also ordering turkey crowns and capons too We guarantee whatever you fancy this Easter - we have your choice of meat ready for you!
Keep following us @theneighbourhood in Rubery for details on our new monthly roast dinner pop up!
Expert care. From Mum’s living room.
Fountain of knowledge available in Bromsgrove
Did you know Bromsgrove District Council has one accessible place that has everything there is to know about local services and support available?
The Bromsgrove and Redditch Knowledge Bank is a website built in partnership between council officers and our voluntary sector partner BARN (Bromsgrove and Redditch Network) to create a complete local services directory.
Leader of Bromsgrove District Council, Councillor Karen May, said: “The Bromsgrove Knowledge Bank is a fantastic tool for residents to find out about local services, delivered by a range of organisations across different sectors, that they previously may not have known about.
“An increased awareness of this directory will encourage community cohesion and use of local services as well as promoting a better Bromsgrove for all. I’d like to thank everyone who has worked on this project and made it possible.”
The council community services team maintain the Knowledge Bank internally, with statutory services, with help from BARN who focus on voluntary and community sector organisations.
Gary Roskell, CEO of Bromsgrove and Redditch Network, added: “This has been a great partnership.
Our work with the voluntary and community sector means that we’re able to make sure the Knowledge Bank includes as many of those amazing local services as possible, with the team at the council making sure all the statutory services are listed too.”
The complete Bromsgrove and Redditch Knowledge Bank for all local services can be found at knowledgebank.bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk
VE Day in Bromsgrove
After more than five and a half years of total warfare, in May 1945 the residents of Bromsgrove were able to celebrate the end of the war in Europe and look forward to better times ahead.
The end of hostilities had been eagerly anticipated, and the announcement finally came on the afternoon of Tuesday, May 8th. Under the headline, End of The War Against Germany, How Bromsgrove Celebrated VE Day, The Bromsgrove, Droitwich & Redditch Weekly Messenger, the district’s main newspaper, reported that Prime Minister Winston Churchill had given “the joyfully awaited message” , with a two-day public holiday being declared.
By Tuesday evening, “the display of flags that had begun to appear in the streets and from houses developed into a full red, white and blue blossom” , noted the Messenger, with streamers from side to side of the High Street and “patriotic emblems in practically all the shop windows.” Of particular note was “the Red Cross Gift Shop with its Union Jack framing for a large picture of Mr Churchill, the great statesman who has rallied and led the nation throughout a terrible ordeal.”
Church services were held throughout the district, including at St John’s (led by the Vicar, Rev. F.G. Shepherd), All Saints, St Peter’s Roman Catholic Church and most of the Free Churches.
As night drew in, bonfires sprang up in many streets, and people gathered round to join in community singing or dance to gramophone music. The council had arranged for the spire of St John’s to be floodlit, which brought out the town’s bestknown landmark “in all its beauty by electric light”. The tower of Barnsley Hall Hospital was also lit up and had British and Allied flags flying from the top.
Impromptu dances were held in St John’s Church Hall and Catshill Senior School.
On Wednesday, May 9th, children’s street parties were held, where youngsters enjoyed sandwiches, tea and cake. At Burcot Lane, Rev. E. Lumley, the Vicar of All Saints, reminded those present that the war was not yet over and “the greatest feast would be that which would come after Japan had been beaten.” In the evening, effigies of Hitler and Mussolini were burned on a bonfire.
The Cottage Hospital received a barrel of beer for each ward, donated by a Birmingham firm, which the Messenger noted “greatly enlivened the festivities among the Service patients” . At All Saints Hospital, which was being used by American forces, the soldiers entertained local children and distributed sweets (‘candy’) and other gifts.
The local MP, Sir John Wardlaw-Milne, sent a message. He praised “the steadfastness and endurance of the people of the British Empire” and called on his constituents to help build “a new and better world to maintain peace, to secure full freedom for nations and individuals, to ensure happy homes and families, and to provide security against want and distress.”
No-one who was there in May 1945 would forget the occasion and the sacrifices that had been made, and nor should we.
by Mike Sharpe
VE Day Party at The Pleck, Sidemoor
Discovering a celestial beehive
April marks a time of transition in the night sky. Many familiar winter objects, including several planets, have disappeared into the twilight, with only Jupiter in Taurus and the fading Mars in Gemini still visible, but observing during the sometime milder evenings of spring can reveal some new or unfamiliar objects.
The Beehive Cluster (aka Messier 44) is a lovely open cluster in the constellation of Cancer. From a dark site, the bright, large cluster is visible with the naked eye as a blurry patch. A better view is with binoculars or a small telescope which will reveal up to around 100 stars. The Beehive is one of the nearest clusters to the Earth at a distance of 577 light years and is composed mainly of young hot stars, with an age of around 600 million years. By comparison, the sun is 4.5 billion years old. Unfortunately, Cancer is a rather dim constellation, so the best way to find the Beehive is looking south mid-evening from a dark site when there is no moon, so the first and last weeks of April are ideal. Then use a chart or app, e.g. Stellarium Mobile to locate Pollux and Regulus. Draw an imaginary line between the two and the Beehive should be visible around the mid-point.
The Lyrid meteor shower peaks on April 22nd and fortunately this year there is no bright moon to impact the view. The Lyrids are formed from debris left behind by the long-period Comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher.
For the best view observe from late evening onwards. Find a dark site, or at least away from bright artificial lights, allowing at least 15 minutes for your eyes to get accustomed to the dark. Meteors will appear to radiate from a point in the north east, but will be visible across the sky. To avoid getting a stiff neck, a reclining chair or garden lounger is ideal and under good conditions you can expect to see around 15 meteors per hour. Many bright Lyrids leave persistent trails which can last several seconds.
If you are interested in astronomy, did you know about the Bromsgrove Astronomical Society? We usually meet on the first and third Monday of each month at Bromsgrove Rugby Club and also do outreach, have an annual quiz and a star party.
The AGM will be held on April 7th, followed by a talk by Dr Steve Barrett titled “Solar Max”.
Visitors are always welcome, so if you would like to learn more about astronomy, or how to finally use that telescope you received at Christmas, head to www.broms-astro.org.uk
by Adrian Bigland
Star chart to locate the Beehive Cluster
The Beehive Cluster
Game-changing Redox Gold takes UK by storm
Every so often, a health game-changer comes along, and Redox Gold is one of those.
We all know that good health is our greatest asset because, without it, life can take a very different path. I know this from personal experience when I had two very small children, and my health was compromised for seven years. When you are told ‘we cannot do anything, and you will be in a wheelchair by the time you are 40’ this focuses the mind. I just wish these molecules had been available during this time, as I personally know my fight for good health would have been easier. Fortunately, I am a long way from a wheelchair now.
Redox molecules are native to our own bodies and Redox Gold is an advanced signalling technology gel, infused with molecular gold, delivering relief and recovery in minutes. Redox Gold (the gold) is not absorbed by the skin. The gold particles are small enough to act as a catalyst but not small enough to be absorbed and so are referred to as micro gold, eliminating the risk of bio accumulation.
The gold used in the product is molecular gold, pure 100%, 24 carat gold. In addition, Redox Gold contains a higher ratio of redox molecules, however it is a different species, pH and viscosity to Renu28 that I’ve written about in the past.The gold is referred to as a noble metal which means it does not undergo oxidation and remains stable.
If you love walking, going to the gym, running, cycling or any form of exercise this product is for you. It raises your performance, increases your own natural antioxidants and aids quicker recovery from exercise. The chart shows the results of a study from Bath University on the efficacity of Redox Gold and you can see that even if you have cells that are compromised it still works.
Redox Gold gives relief to tired overworked joints and muscles and cools and soothes to help you move more easily. It provides a relaxing sensation and helps to destress the body. These thermographic images show the relief of using Redox Gold under strict controls within 15 minutes.
I am already hearing from health professionals how people are getting relief and recovery from this product. Contact me at colette@ need4change.com for more information or to order. Alternatively, visit https://shopasea. com/need4change
Fascinating tales from a unique community
Anew exhibition entitled Revealing the Hidden Stories of The Showmen Community is one of the highlights of the 2025 season at Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings in Bromsgrove.
For many years, the museum has had a Showman’s wagon in its collection and Steven Hearn, its head of collections and interpretation, has created a new multi-sensory exhibition in which the wagon, which was built in 1910 by renowned carriage builder George Orton for the Redditch-based showman Tom Clarke, takes centre stage.
The Showman’s wagon is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, featuring detailed etched glass, rich Spanish mahogany furnishings and hand painted ceilings. It is now used to explore the broader context in which it sits.
The exhibition, which opens on Saturday, 5th April, illustrates the history, traditions and way of life of a unique community which has made a significant contribution to the cultural landscape of this country. This community is also underrepresented, misunderstood and frequently the victim of discrimination and prejudice.
First-hand accounts, previously hidden collections and archival material, original artworks, hands on interactive elements and associated smells and sounds will help to tell the story of showpeople in an engaging and accessible manner for audiences of all ages.
The project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund via the Association of Independent Museums’ New Stories, New Audiences grant, which has enabled Avoncroft to work collaboratively with the Showmen Community to capture their personal stories and recollections and to transform the space into a fairground-themed exhibition.
For more details, visit www.avoncroft.org.uk or call 01527 831363
Learn to play the saxophone
Alan Withers, Saxophonist, flutist, and clarinet player has played with all the greatest names, too many to mention, but this is your opportunity to learn from one of the best!
Whether you are an absolute beginner or you want to progress further, Alan is all about what suits you!
His patience and knowledge is second to none, and he certainly isn’t about one size fits all. Alan’s method of teaching is sensitive to each individual student, young or old, everyone is guided and listened to so each individual can learn at a pace that suits them!
Half Hourly Session is £15 | Full Hour Session £30
For more information, or an informal chat call Alan on 07531 147689
Agents appointed in cultural and commercial hub project
Bromsgrove District Council has appointed local agents to oversee the marketing of the commercial building at the former Market Hall site in the centre of the town.
The new Commercial Building, which is part of a wider regeneration project on the former market hall site, will be made up of space for up to two food and beverage operators, more than 1,000sq metres of premium office space over three floors, and a roof top terrace overlooking the town.
Andrew Lewis, director of commercial agency at GJS Dillon, said: “We are extremely pleased to have been appointed to manage the letting of the commercial space, within this new multi-purpose development. This development will provide much needed office space within the town centre, offering high quality space whilst also being next to the amenities and facilities within Bromsgrove town centre. As a local agent, it is very exciting to be a part of this project, which will be a huge boost for Bromsgrove’s economy.”
The wider project also comprises the Pavillion Building, a multi-purpose community building, and public realm connecting the two together. The site has been vacant since 2010.
Cabinet member for economic development and regeneration, Councillor Sue Baxter, said: “The new Commercial Building brings excellent new opportunities for businesses of all kinds to call Bromsgrove their home. The creation of premium spaces, along with the rest of the project, will attract a range of businesses to
further our goal of making Bromsgrove better, creating a safe, varied, and inviting place where residents will be able to spend their leisure time.”
The former Market Hall site is being transformed to reconnect the high street, regenerate a key brownfield site, encourage new businesses, and improve the public realm by including renaturalisation and reducing opportunity for crime by improving security. The project has been funded thanks to £14.5 million from the UK Government via the Levelling Up Fund.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Karen May, said: “A commercial and cultural hub at the heart of Bromsgrove, along with the work to improve the natural environment, will go a long way to increasing the leisure and business opportunities that the town has to offer the surrounding area. The appointment of GJS Dillon is the next exciting step in creating a hub which residents can be proud of.”
The project is currently expected to be completed in early 2026, with tenants moving in shortly afterwards.
If you would like to find out more, contact GJS Dillon on info@gjsdillon.co.uk or 01527 872525. GJS Dillon are only responsible for floorspace within the Commercial Building, more information on the Pavillion Building will be made available in due course.
at Celebrate magical musical anniversaries
Join us at Artrix in April for an array of dazzling shows.
We kick off the month by celebrating the 20th anniversary of Billy Elliot the Musical , brought to us by CinemaLive on 1st April . The venue’s cinema showings have been hugely successful so far, and later in the month on the 15th we will be marking the 25th anniversary of Miss Saigon
As usual, we have a wide selection of fabulous tribute acts hitting the stage. We have legends galore on the first weekend of the month, with Abba Gold on 4th and The George Harrison Project on 6th . We also welcome Desperado – Eagles 11th , G2 Definitive Genesis 12th , Billy Joel 18th and Guns n Roses Experience 20th
Head back to the 80’s with the Wild Boys on 10th or celebrate the finest in country music with Country Superstars on 19th
We end the month with a spectacular Easter pantomime as local theatre group The Enchanted Group present Sleeping Beauty: Happily Ever After from 24th-27th . Described as a modern twist on the classic tale, this is a must-see family friendly panto full of laughter, romance, and adventure. Tickets for all performances are available at www.artrixbromsgrove.co.uk/ or via the onsite box office which is open on Wednesday and Saturday between 10am and 12noon.
The friendly Lickey End Social Club where everyone is welcome!
Live music events throughout the year, fundraising for The Primrose Hospice. Non-members are more than welcome to come along and share our evenings enjoying local musical talent. Friday nights are intimate and held in our lounge area, whilst Saturday nights are in our large concert room which has a fantastic dancefloor to dance the night away. All events are on our Facebook page. Please come along and see what else our Club has to offer, including member benefits!
Live music in April!
Saturday 5th April - Strictly Abba Tribute - (NOW SOLD OUT)
Saturday 12th April – The Quik Beats , Iconic 1960’s Soul and R&B
Friday 18th April – Hannah Bowen , awesome vocalist that has to be heard!
Friday 25th April – Jack Read , local superstar, need we say more?
Other events happening in April, non-members welcome!
Monday 7th April - MG Club , a local group of MG car enthusiasts
Sunday 27th April – Jackpot Bingo , 7.30pm
Dancing every Tuesday Night
Slimming World classes run every Wednesday morning
West Coast Swing dance lessons run every Wednesday night
Spring into a floral fantasy world
Is spring here at last? Bromsgrove Flower Club members certainly hope so and are starting to celebrate.
We meet on the third Thursday of the month at 1.30pm at All Saints Church Hall in Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove. This month’s theme is Floral Fantasy and the demonstrator on April 17th will be the award-winning Penelope Harrison.
Please come along, enjoy complimentary refreshments, meet people who love flowers and even bring your own arrangement if you are a member. You will be able to look forward to an afternoon of relaxation, beautiful flowers and a chance to win one of the demonstrator’s creations.
We also have a great bring and buy stall, a sweepstake to win and lots of friendly faces. We look forward to seeing you there.
The Dance Floor Hannah Bowen
Brain-tickling and word-mangling with popular poet
Comic poet, humourist, and singer Rob Barratt visits WORDS in Bromsgrove Library on Tuesday, April 29th at 7pm.
In recent years Rob, who is Dudley-born and Cornwall-based, has appeared at folk, literature and arts festivals across the British Isles and Australia. He returns to Bromsgrove by popular request, following a well-received gig at last year’s Bromsgrove Folk Festival.
Rob’s brain-tickling, word-mangling performance combines clever word play, verse and song with satire, parody and audience participation, dealing with such important topics as squid, data driven education, Neanderthal politics and the weather in Scotland, but beneath the humour lurk serious issues.
Tickets cost £12 each and can be obtained from www.ticketsource.co.uk – type Brain tickling and word mangling in the search bar - or send a cheque
to WORDS , Sycamore House, Rigby Hall, Rigby Lane, Bromsgrove, B60 2EW, enclosing an SAE and your email address if you have one.
Divine programme with sinister undertones
Music inspired by divine and evil will be performed by the Midland Sinfonia at Feckenham Village Hall on Saturday, April 5th at 7.30pm.
Entitled The Good, The Bad and The… the programme will include Elgar’s Elegy for Strings, music from Bernard Hermann’s iconic soundtrack to the film Psycho, John Tavener’s ethereal Song of the Angel, Charlie Daniels’ irrepressible The Devil Went Down to Georgia and Shostakovich’s deeply emotional Sinfonia for Strings (from String Quartet No.8 Op.110) which is dedicated
to the memory of the victims of fascism and war.
The Midland Sinfonia is a professional orchestra which aims to bring quality live classical music to the communities of North Worcestershire, performed by local professional musicians. The orchestra is based in Alvechurch.
Tickets for this concert are on sale at The Village Shop in Feckenham and online at www.feckhall.org
Finding serenity and cunning allotment criminals
April’s programme at the FeckenOdeon Cinema Society offers quiet calm and dodgy goings-on in the competitive growing world.
First up on Friday, April 11th at 8pm is Perfect Days (PG), a beautiful tale woven by master German filmmaker Wim Wenders and acclaimed Japanese actor Koji Yakusho. Hirayama (Koji Yakusho) works as a public toilet cleaner in Shibuya, Tokyo. His is a calm, quiet existence. Every day, he wakes up at the same time, gets ready the same way, and works the same way. Though his life may seem monotonous, no two days are ever the same. A fascinating portrait of a happy man and his perfect days – finding beauty and serenity in the most unexpected places.
Swede Caroline (15) is being screened on Saturday, April 26th at 7.30pm. This British mockumentary’s theme is dirty tricks in the cutthroat world of competitive marrow-growing.
As Caroline readies herself for the championship, her prized marrow plants are stolen, and her life turns upside down, so she hires two private detectives, who discover more than mere thievery is going on beneath the allotment surface. This film will make you laugh - and want to grow your own vegetables.
The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham, B96 6HN. Tickets for all FeckenOdeon films can be booked online through feckenodeon.co.uk, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Rose & Crown and The Village Shop in Feckenham.
Grab your running shoes to raise charity cash
There’s still time to bag your place in Bromsgrove 10K and 5K for Blood Cancer UK on Sunday, May 11th.
The event takes place at Bromsgrove Rugby Club in Finstall, where there are changing rooms, sports massages available, free car parking, a bar and stalls.
The run was first held in 1989, six weeks after Bromsgrove branch founder Nicole Harris lost her nine-year-old son Marc to leukaemia. The branch has raised almost £1,200,000 since it was formed in 1988 and every penny raised from this event will go directly to finding a cure for 137 blood cancers.
At the start of the race, there will be a 45-minute road closure order in Walnut Lane. The 10K will start at 11am and the 5K five minutes later. Chip timing is used.
All finishers will receive a medal, and there are prizes for first, second and third places in male and female categories, seniors, over 35s and veterans
in both runs. Juniors aged under 16 also receive prizes for first male and female in the 5K.
Register online at RiderHQ - Bromsgrove 10k and 5k for Blood Cancer UK 2025
The entry fee is £24 for the 10K and £20 for the 5K. Please note that the event is limited to 500 entrants and children must be over 15 to take part in the 10k run. Under 12s must be accompanied during the 5K.
You can register on the day for £30 for both distances but will need to be at the club before 10am. If you raise over £30 before the event, you will receive a running vest or t-shirt on the day.
You can also set up a JustGiving page.
For more information, contact Nicole Harris at nicnoelharris@aol.com
More bang-er for your buck
Tardebigge Community Hall was jam packed on March 8th as hungry folks tucked into full plates of tasty food in support of Britain’s Biggest Breakfast in association with Bromsgrove Farmers Club.
People turned up from far and wide to support the event with a donation entitling them to a slap-up breakfast.
Helen Hirons, who organises the event every year along with other dedicated volunteers, told Completely Bromsgrove that they had raised £5,353 this year. The proceeds will be split between Cancer Research and Primrose Hospice, with the tombola takings going to Stourport-based charity Headway.
Bradley Thomas, MP for Bromsgrove, also attended. He spoke to many of the attendees and showed his support for the farmers.
Massive congratulations to Helen and all involved in the event.
Folk and family films
A night of contemporary, 21st century folk-inspired music from Joe Bayliss is Bromsgrove Arts’ offering on Saturday 5th April at 8pm.
Influenced by John Martyn, Damien Rice and Nick Drake, Joe will be joined on stage by Mike Seal, renowned upright bass player. In support is Eddy Morton, founder member of The New Bushbury Mountain Daredevils.
Don’t miss the smash hit comedy Yours
Sincerely from rising comic star Will Jackson on Sunday 6th April at 7.30pm. Based on real-life correspondences, storytelling and lip sync cabaret collide in this queer coming-of-age comedy about the complications of 21st-century communication.
From National Theatre Live, seven-time BAFTA Awardwinner Steve Coogan plays four roles in the world premiere stage adaptation of Stanley Kubrick’s comedy masterpiece Dr Strangelove , which is being screened on Sunday 13th & Wednesday 23rd April at 7pm. This explosively funny satire, about a rogue U.S General who triggers a nuclear attack, is led by a world-renowned creative team including Armando Iannucci.
André Rieu celebrates his 75th birthday in 2025 and the King of the Waltz invites you to a boat party with the Johann Strauss Orchestra as they sail through his hometown of Maastricht.
The Dream Continues is a new tribute to André’s childhood dream of one day forming his own orchestra and travelling the world. Screenings are on Saturday 12th April at 7pm and Sunday 13th April at 2pm and a drink is included in the admission price.
feature this April
From Smokescreen Productions, there’s live drama with the return of Tim Marriott in The Appraisal on Wednesday 16th April 7.30pm. Head of department Nicky wants to get on with her job, but her boss Jo has other ideas. A two-hander dark comedy, Appraisal is a power play of manipulation, subtext and subterfuge, exploring the explosive consequences that can arise out of a seemingly innocent conversation.
Paddington in Peru will be screened on Thursday 17th April at 11am and squash for the children is included in the admission price. Pack your marmalade sandwiches because Paddington and the Browns are off to Peru in search of Aunt Lucy in this heartwarming family adventure.
Wicked , the multi-award-winning untold story of the witches of Oz, will be screened on Wednesday 23rd April at 2pm. The film stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning recording artist Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.
Step into The Magic Room on Wednesday 30th April at 7.30pm for an exclusive night of parlour magic and entertainment. Enjoy a spellbinding evening with Ed Sumner and Damon Conlan, who are two of the finest magicians in the world. The show blends incredible mind reading, visual magic, stand-up comedy and audience interaction to create an unforgettable theatrical experience.
Bromsgrove Arts, the home of Fairfield Flicks and Fairfield Music, is located at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ).
Free parking and a licenced bar. For information and advanced tickets for all events visit www.bromsgrovearts.org.uk
Success story that
If the new Qashqai is anything to go by then Darwin was right. Evolution ensures that the strong survive. A truism that sits comfortably with the latest ‘third generation’ model.
Long ago it was one of the first family SUVs. Progressive evolution through turbulent times has kept it at the forefront of motoring technology, making it into the class leading product that it is today. Now styling tweaks denote the attractive new model - but in no way do they indicate the quantum technological leaps within.
There is, however, one constant. Those in the know have always known a Qashqai as one of the best in its class and have pronounced positive verdicts on the range of outstanding and appealing features consistent throughout its history.
From the respect-inducing revised styling to the
even more sophisticated and enjoyable driving experience today, the Qashqai successfully crosses the ‘T’ of the crossover formula. No wonder it is Nissan’s most successful vehicle to date with over a million worldwide sales since launch.
As I put the £42,980 OTR, five seat Tekna+ E-Power auto variant through its paces, I was impressed by the impeccable road manners, its constant acts of courtesy to driver and passenger, its confidence-inspiring commitment in everything it does to dealing out the best possible hand.
There’s nothing to beat a car that ticks all the boxes. You want a car that doesn’t crowd you
ticks all the boxes
in; a car that demands deference yet deflects envy; a car that’s compact enough for nimbleness and yet capacious enough for proper comfort; a car that pursues the horizon with a no-compromise poise and assurance, belying the crossover tag. The new Qashqai is all these and more.
Top quality materials are everywhere in the new interior and there’s as much hi-tec as you could reasonably need, with an easy to use 12-inch touchscreen to control necessary functions.
There’s head up display, a 3D all-round camera and magic safety interventions. An attentiveness warning tells you to sit up straight and sharpen up and the driver’s seat even has a massage function.
In this variant the three cylinder 1.5 petrol engine
serves as a generator to keep the battery power unit topped up - so it is electric power that drives the wheels. You have 188bhp altogether at your disposal. With this, of course, comes quietness and super smoothness as you whoosh effortlessly along: all the way to 105mph if you dare. There’s plenty of torque for most situations making for easy overtaking. At cruising speeds it’s quiet - as you would rightfully expect in a car of such substance and quality.
Nissan needs no reminding that theirs is a name to be reckoned with - and with this in mind one knows that their products are just that little bit more considered. You get a lot for your money and the bonding process is rapidly completed so that before you know it you have come to regard the Qashqai as a member of the family. If you plough your money into a Qashqai, furrowed brows will be a thing of the past.
by Syd Taylor
Sporting set sights on Premier Central survival
Bromsgrove Sporting have continued to pick up positive results, as the club looks to move away from the relegation zone and cement Southern League Premier Central status for next season.
February ended with a pulsating 3-2 victory at Barwell, where record appearance holder Aaron Roberts scored the winner deep into additional time. Moving into March and the Rouslers recorded their first home win of 2025, as they comfortably beat AFC Sudbury 3-0, before recording a hugely respectable 1-1 draw against promotion hopefuls AFC Telford United.
As if the victory at Barwell wasn’t enough, Sporting did the same thing when they visited Cambridgeshire outfit St Ives Town in the middle of March - not only did they win 3-2 again, but they also scored their winner right at the death, this time courtesy of an incredible 25-yard free kick from Carter Lycett.
Recent additions to the squad include striker Reece Styche and versatile left-sided player Taylor Morrison. Styche, who previously worked with manager Scott Adey-Linforth at Stourbridge, had a brief spell with Sporting just before the pandemic, while Morrison comes to Bromsgrove having previously played for league rivals Stratford Town and Alvechurch.
Gibraltar international Styche joined Sporting from AFC Telford United; heading in the opposite direction was midfielder Luke Rowe, who joined the Shropshire side in February.
Following Rowe’s departure, the captaincy was naturally taken on by vice-captain Reece King, who has quickly become a fans’ favourite after joining in the summer.
The outstanding season that talented Jamie
Meddows has been enjoying has continued, with the attacker receiving the February player of the month accolade, voted for by fans.
At the Telford fixture on March 8th, Sporting marked International Women’s Day. Entry for women was reduced to half price, while tickets for girls under 16 were free. Girls from various Sporting youth teams walked out with the players before the start of the game and, at half time, a huge group of those girls, along with players from the club’s Ladies and Ladies Development sides, did a lap of honour around the pitch to celebrate their achievements and symbolise just how important female football is at Sporting. The club was honoured to have Bromsgrove District Council chair Sam Ammar as a guest too.
The club is celebrating Non League Day on March 22nd with an exciting collaboration with La Liga side Athletic Bilbao and Bank Holiday Sunday at the start of May sees Sporting hold a Party on the Pitch music festival - head to the club’s website for more details.
Sporting’s U21s enjoyed a four-match winning run across February and March, which culminated in an impressive 2-1 win at Bilston Town U21s in the MFL Challenge Bowl. In terms of the Colts youth set-up, the Under Tens recently won the Winter Cup and both the Under 14s and Under 18s have reached cup finals.
For the latest Bromsgrove Sporting news, including updates on all the club’s sides, visit bromsgrovesporting.co.uk
by
Photos by Chris Jepson
Reece King, Carter Lycett & Taylor Morrison
another crucial win
Max Banner
Aaron Roberts appreciates a good result
