Completely Bromsgrove issue 77 October '25 by completelybromsgrove

Bromsgrove Completely

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

Welcome

October issue of Completely Bromsgrove

The name ‘Rainscourt’ is synonymous with Bromsgrove town centre. The timbered black and white building standing at 108110 High Street conjures up many memories of days gone by. On page 12, Jo Slade shares the life story of Mabel Rainscourt, who passed away on August 9th.

Autumn is now officially with us, and the days are getting shorter. With darkness comes the ghosts and ghoulies of Hallowe’en on October 31st. Turn to page 30 to learn more about the origins of trick or treat time.

Many of our readers will be aware of the important restoration work that is happening to the spire of our iconic St John’s Church. We are pleased to bring you the latest news on this exciting project, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of this month. Head to page 32 for the full report.

I would like to conclude by reiterating just how important it is to support the independent retailers who strive to bring quality and continuity to our High Street.

One retailer that continues to deliver day in day out is Butchers Block, owned by Michelle and Lilith Holsey-Sheppard. For the third year running, the shop is in the running for the best independent retailer crown at the Birmingham Awards. The team at Completely Bromsgrove have everything crossed for them, good luck ladies. Remember folks, keep it local and shop locally!

A message from our MP Bradley Thomas

It’s been a busy few months since Parliament returned following the summer recess.

And whilst the Westminster bubble continues to distract itself, I remain focused on the issues that matter most to you. From saving our greenbelt to access to healthcare to immigration, delivering on your priorities was what I was elected to do and I won’t be distracted.

On the greenbelt, more than 4,600 people have signed my Parliamentary petition to save our greenbelt. Bromsgrove and the Villages is 89% greenbelt and 79% rural, yet the Government has increased our housing target by 85% - eroding our precious greenbelt as we know it, while at the same time reducing Birmingham’s target by 31% - despite the city having at least 140 hectares of brownfield land that could be built on.

I’m fighting to protect our greenbelt because it’s the right thing to do. Once the greenbelt is gone, it’s gone. I’ve also written to the new Housing Secretary to request a meeting to discuss the case to reverse the 85% increase our housing target. He has an opportunity to admit that the Government has got this wrong and to reverse the increase. I hope he accepts my meeting request so we can discuss this face-to-face.

I know access to healthcare is a top concern for residents, which is why its number one in My Plan for Bromsgrove and the Villages.

As part of my work, I recently had the opportunity to visit Worcestershire Royal Hospital. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to speak to frontline

doctors, nurses and healthcare staff on my visit.

While improvements have been made, and through no fault of our medical professionals, challenges remain in our local NHS. I’m committed to working with local health chiefs and the Government to improve the health services that we all rely on.

According to my inbox, immigration remains a major concern for many residents, and it’s my duty as the local MP to reflect these concerns.

I’ve questioned the new Home Secretary in the House of Commons and failed to get an answer to a simple question – will the Government be introducing a cap on inbound migration.

I’ve also backed a Parliamentary motion that demands the Government implements a national strategy to “identify, detain, and deport all” illegal migrants in the UK. Illegally entering our country, for instance via small boat crossing, must never be rewarded. Therefore, if you enter the UK illegally then you should be immediately deported. This, I believe, is the only way to restore confidence in our immigration system.

We must desperately redress the balance in favour of the UK taxpayer. We cannot be in denial about the extent of the cost to the British state. The interests of the taxpayer must be first and foremost. We cannot view them as just being there to shoulder a bill and disregard their legitimate concerns for their communities.

www.bromsgroverail.org.uk

Campaign for better rail connectivity continues

The new West Midlands Railway timetables for December 2025 to May 2026 will be published in December, and it will be interesting to read whether the improvements BARRUP has been campaigning for since the start of the year have been made.

Three major improvements we would like to see are:

The 07.49 departure from Worcester Foregate Street to Birmingham New Street on the Hereford to New Street service, which does not stop currently at Bromsgrove, to be rescheduled. If it did stop, it would be at around 08.15, an ideal time for people to arrive in the town for work or education.

Staying with the Hereford to New Street service, the 21.38 departure from Foregate Street to stop at Bromsgrove. This would be a valuable service for those wanting to return to Bromsgrove from Worcester and beyond.

On Saturday evenings, many people from Bromsgrove go into Birmingham to visit the Alexandra Theatre, the Hippodrome, Birmingham Rep, Symphony Hall, Utilita Arena or other entertainment venues. Currently, the last train back to Bromsgrove on Saturday is the Hereford to Bromsgrove service which leaves New Street at 22.21 and arrives in Bromsgrove at 22.42. In

most cases, this does not leave sufficient time between leaving the venue and catching the train. There are later trains back to Longbridge or Redditch, but passengers have to travel onwards by taxi.

BARRUP’s understanding is that the early finish to services to Bromsgrove on Saturday - on weekdays there are later services - is due to Network Rail wanting to have possession of the tracks between midnight on Saturdays and 6am on Sundays, even though it may not be carrying out any work on the tracks on many Sunday mornings during the year.

We are engaging currently with Network Rail for a more flexible approach to the possession of the tracks, as has happened between Moor Street Station in Birmingham and Stratford upon Avon.

Will we be successful? We shall see in December, and, if not, we are in it for the long game and will continue to argue the case for passengers using Bromsgrove station to have better connectivity.

by Nick Taylor, memsec@bromsgroverail.org.uk

Quality made to measure blinds and curtains

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.

Optimised Care at Bromsgrove Hospital:

Your local healthcareprivateprovider

If you live in Bromsgrove or the surrounding areas, you now have access to exceptional private healthcare right on your doorstep.

Optimised Care Bromsgrove Hospital is your local, independent hospital — designed to deliver fast, transparent, and personalised care in a calm and welcoming environment.

We offer specialist services across orthopaedics, upper limb and lower limb, ENT, gynaecology, general surgery, pain management, urology and more, with leading consultants who are experts in their ﬁelds.

Our private pathways are built around you — minimising wait times, providing clear pricing upfront, and ensuring every step of your journey is handled with professionalism and empathy.

What makes Optimised Care different is our commitment to transparency and trust. From your first enquiry to post-treatment follow-up, we provide clear quotations, consistent communication, and a dedicated team who genuinely care. Please have a look at the reviews on Google and Doctify.

We also believe healthcare should be accessible and informative. That’s why we host regular free patient education events right here at the hospital. October sessions are with Mr Mark Dunbar on October 3rd and 17th , you will get the chance to meet our specialist knee consultant, ask questions,

and explore your options in a relaxed, setting. Whether you’re considering surgery or simply want to understand your condition better, these events are a great way to learn more. Book your free slot at enquiries@optimisedcare.com

If you’re curious about what we offer, we’d love to welcome you for a personal show round. Come and see our facilities, meet the team, and discover how private healthcare can be affordable.

Optimised Care Bromsgrove Hospital is more than just a place to receive treatment — it’s a place where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered. We’re proud to serve the Bromsgrove community and invite you to experience the difference for yourself.

To book a consultation, register for an event, or arrange a visit email enquiries@optimisedcare.com or call us on 0121 269 3333.

at Th e Bromsgrove Hospital

Mabel Rainscourt

1st May 1920 - 9th August 2025

Bromsgrove said goodbye to a much-loved lady, a key figure on the High Street for many years, who has passed away aged 105.

Mabel Rainscourt née Lewis was born at Shatterford, in the Wyre Forest in 1920. She had one brother and six sisters. At school in Kidderminster, she was captain of the netball team. Mabel’s father was a designer in the carpet trade before taking up farming. When severe rheumatism forced him to give up work, Mabel’s mother ran the village stores and a bed and breakfast to provide an income for the family.

The Lewis sisters trained as nurses. Aged 18, Mabel went to Norwich to join one of them. Whilst training, she made a visit home that coincided with the arrival of a certain guest at the bed and breakfast. Oliver Rainscourt, who was on a walking holiday, entered as Mabel was changing a lightbulb. “That’s a nice pair of legs” he said. They kept in touch and when war broke out Oliver joined the Royal Artillery. Mabel gave up her nursing training when they married in August 1940. Whilst Oliver was away, Mabel moved in with his parents in Hagley and became an assistant at their three delicatessen shops.

The eldest of Mabel and Oliver’s four children was born during the war. Mabel and her baby son lived above the Bromsgrove shop, a historic timber-framed building at 108 - 110 High Street dating from the 16th century. She volunteered at the ARP reporting centre in Station Street with Mrs Alabaster. Oliver served in Burma and returned home in 1946. They had three more children who also grew up above the shop.

Rainscourt’s Delicatessen was a must visit shop on Bromsgrove High Street for over six decades, due to the excellent range of products sold and the reputation for quality and service. Homemade pies, faggots or black puddings, from recipes handed down through generations, would attract queues of shoppers. The shop opened in 1940 and was run by three generations of the family, with Mabel involved until she retired in her 80s.

Mabel moved to the Thomas White Cottages Homes on New Road where she lived until just a few months before her death. She was always busy and enjoyed learning new skills, including embroidery, tailoring, upholstery, soft toy making, pottery, calligraphy, sculpture and paper flower making. Mabel was a very sociable person who loved a good cup of tea, enjoyed with her family and many friends. She was a member of Spadesbourne Ladies Club, the WI, and the Bromsgrove Burma Star Association Ladies Group. She was in the Mothers’ Union at St. John’s where she helped with fundraising and arranged the flowers. Mabel volunteered at the League of Friends shop at the Princess of Wales Hospital.

Mabel died peacefully on 9th August 2025. Her funeral service was held at All Saints Church on Thursday 18th September.

Mabel and the shop in 1966

Mabel in recent times

Butcher’s Block Bromsgrove prepare for Christmas!

After a busy summer in the shop, private catering and popular Sunday lunches at The Neighbourhood located on Rubery High St, Lilith and Michelle are now gearing up ready for a busy end of year.

Firstly on October 17th, they will be attending the 10th Birmingham Awards where they are again ﬁnalists in the best ‘Independent Retailer’ catergory. “We are over the moon to be shortlisted for the 3rd year in a row and hoping to make it a hatrick, taking our award tally to 5” says Michelle.

With Christmas now very much in people’s minds, Michelle and Lilith are now taking orders and have their Christmas club open! “We know Christmas can be tough so encourage customers to spread the cost and pay a bit on their cards when they can”.This year’s Christmas hampers will range from £65 to £100 with the ladies announcing a very huge rafﬂe later this month.

For more about local food, private catering, Christmas hampers and the competition, follow them on Facebook@butchersblockbromsgrove

For more about the community work they do follow @butchersblockbromsgrove or visit them on the high street. 53 High Street, Bromsgrove B61 8AJ Tel: 01527 570241

When the October rain falls, save it for next summer

This year’s dry summer will have taught us that water is a precious commodity so look for places in the garden to collect and save water ready for next year.

Local horse stables will be moving the horses indoors soon so the manure will soon have lots of straw in it. Try to collect and store as many bags as you can now. Your rhubarb will appreciate having a couple of bags dropped on top of it so that it can hide until the very early spring next year.

Grasshoppers eat aphids so consider attracting grasshoppers by planting yellow flowers and grow tall grasses. Watch out in your veggie plot though as they do like to nibble on lettuce and sweetcorn, but as a natural aphid eater, they will help to keep your roses clear.

If you buy organic ginger from the supermarket and have some left over, cut it up and put it in compost on a warm window ledge over the winter and you may have your own ginger next summer.

Home grown peppermint and spearmint are natural deterrents for flies so grow your own by cutting the bottom leaves off a stem and putting the stems in water. Watch the roots grow before your eyes and then put them in pots by your doors.

As plants finish flowering check if the seed heads are worth saving to give you free flowers next year, but don’t forget to label them. Sow broad beans for early crops in the spring. Some varieties can grow in pots.

Winter pansies will be for sale on the market and in garden centres. Dot them round the garden for smiley faces to greet you over the cold winter mornings and they make a nice addition to hanging baskets.

As the leaves start to fall from the trees it’s easier to get them up a few at a time and put them into the compost. The ladybirds will thank you for their new nests. Find a place in the garden to let the leaves rot down naturally as this will make great hiding places for bugs. A large pile with twigs will make a safe home for hedgehogs as they start to look for hibernation nesting places.

A memorable day to plant garlic is October 31st (spooky too) and talking of spooky, don’t forget to save the seeds from inside the Hallowe’en pumpkins so that you can grow your own next year.

By Jules Evans - Stoke Road Allotments

Tansy

Winter thrushes

Listen for a ‘tseeeep’ in the evening sky as nights draw in…

I’ve realised over the years that I love most whatever season we’re in; the joy of spring blooming forth, the warmth of summer, the colours of autumn or the frostiness of winter. But at this time of year, I love listening out for the arrival of our winter thrushes. As October rolls on, you can listen for them too; the ‘tseeeping’ of redwings overhead as they migrate through the dark or the chacking of ﬁeldfares in a berry-laden hedge signal the cementing of autumn and the slow spiral into winter.

These two species of bird arrive from October onwards from the chilly weather of Scandinavia, Russia and Iceland. If we’re not too chilly either, they’ll spend winter with us, feasting on worms and grubs from the soil or dining on berries and apples they ﬁnd in hedgerows or orchards. If our weather turns into the beast from the east, they just keep heading south, following warmth and the promise of food.

Redwings are the smaller of the two ‘winter thrushes’, as they’re often referred to. They’re perhaps most similar to our native song thrushes, with brown wings and a spotty breast, but they have a bold creamy-white stripe above their eyes and a red ﬂank under their wing. Fieldfares, on the other hand, are larger with a grey hood, brown wings, white neck and chest that’s dotted with spots; in more mature adults there’s a peachy colouring down either side of the breast. They’re often seen in large ﬂocks and the best view you might get is as they pass overhead – look for white under the wings (their armpits, if you like) of

ﬁeldfares contrasted with the red of redwings.

If you’ve got a fruit tree that’s still got apples, whether on the tree or on the ﬂoor, keep a lookout for these birds amongst your regular feathered visitors. If cold weather really does take hold this coming winter, throw out a few apples and you might be rewarded by these handsome birds joining their blackbird cousins. If you’ve not got space for a tree, why not try growing pyracantha or cotoneaster up an existing wall or fence – you’ll be investing in feathered friends for the future. Perhaps you’ve got some greenspace nearby and can chat to your local parish council or other landowner to plant berry-rich trees to help pollinators in summer and birds in winter. If you’re interested in improving your local greenspace for wildlife, we’ve got a team who can help to get you started – visit www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/ community-action 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

Main photo: Redwing by Chris Farman

Inset photo: Fieldfare by Pete Walkden

Councillor welcomes playground upgrade

Charford recreation ground in Bromsgrove has been upgraded with the support of local councillor Sam Ammar.

Bromsgrove District Council recently agreed to a range of upgrades to playgrounds, with the Charford site being one of the first to be improved.

Councillor Ammar said: “As a local councillor I have been pushing for investment into our area and I’m delighted to see spades in the ground on this improvement.’

The Liberal Democrats have continued to push for further investment in the district’s play areas. Foxglove Way pocket park and Fordhouse Road playground have both had improvements following interventions from councillors.

Council celebrates recognition for safer parking

Bromsgrove District Council has announced that five of their town centre car parks have been officially awarded the prestigious Park Mark status.

New Road, Parkside, Recreation Road South, St John Street and Windsor Street car parks have all been awarded Park Mark status in recognition of the council’s commitment to providing safer, cleaner and more secure parking for residents and visitors to Bromsgrove town centre.

To achieve this certiﬁcation, each car park underwent rigorous evaluation and a comprehensive risk assessment by trained police assessors, looking at key criteria such as designing out crime, quality management, appropriate lighting, effective surveillance and clean environment.

Over the last few years, the council has invested in district car parks to improve the offering for visitors, while also taking steps to design out crime and deter potential anti-social behaviour or criminal activity. For example, recently upgraded lighting systems and improved sight lines across these car parks have significantly improved CCTV coverage and visibility.

Leader and portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, Councillor Karen May, said: “Our ofﬁcers have

worked hard over the past few years to improve district car parks, investing in better lighting, surveillance, and crime reduction tactics, to ensure visitors can park with conﬁdence in a secure and wellmanaged environment. To receive Park Mark accreditation is the cherry on top of the cake, recognising this work and our ongoing commitment to community safety and resident wellbeing.”

Park Mark is part of the Safer Parking Scheme, an initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers, managed by the British Parking Association. It is the only official Police Crime Prevention initiative of its kind, helping motorists identify audited and certified Safer Parking sites. Park Mark car parks are regularly assessed by specially trained Police Assessors and the BPA Audit team against a strict set of criteria.

Motorists can now choose a Park Mark accredited car park online or look for the distinctive signage when choosing where to park in Bromsgrove, knowing that these facilities have been vetted and meet high standards for safety and security.

For more information about the Park Mark scheme, visit www.parkmark.co.uk

Fundraising rally team rise to international challenges

The Pavestone Rally was an unforgettable adventure for director James Giles, his daughter Kerri, son Damien and colleague Andy Edwards from James Giles & Sons Ltd, one that combined long hours behind the wheel, plenty of laughter, and a real sense of purpose.

Starting in Düsseldorf and making our way through Berlin, Malmö, Hamburg before finishing in Amsterdam, we managed to cover a lot of ground with far greater ease than any of us expected. The team ultimately covered 2,123 miles from the Bromsgrove branch and back.

The highlights of the trip had to be Sweden and Amsterdam. Both destinations were on Kerri and Damien’s personal travel wish lists, and they didn’t disappoint. For James and Andy, one of the most anticipated moments was driving across the iconic Øresund and Storebælt bridges and the reality was every bit as impressive as expected, offering spectacular views and a real sense of achievement.

Sweden impressed us with its scenic routes and welcoming atmosphere, while Amsterdam’s vibrant canals and lively streets provided the perfect finale to the rally. These moments were more than just stops on a route; they were memorable experiences that made the journey truly special.

A big part of the rally was taking part in challenges, all while dressed in our fancy dress outﬁts. This element added an extra layer of fun and unpredictability to the trip. Some of the tasks involved interacting with members of the public, which was daunting at ﬁrst but

quickly became one of the most entertaining aspects of the rally. Whether it was persuading strangers to join in or completing quirky challenges, it pushed us all out of our comfort zones in the best possible way.

Of course, the rally wasn’t without its lows. The long drives, while not particularly difficult, did become repetitive at times. Spending hours on the road was part of the adventure, but it reminded us just how much distance we were covering each day. Despite this, we kept each other motivated, and the thought of reaching the next destination helped the miles pass quicker.

Most importantly, the rally was about raising money for some incredible causes, and we’re proud to say we raised £3,215.00 for Huntington’s Disease Association, Teenage Cancer Trust, Variety – The Children’s Charity, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, and CRASH. Knowing that our efforts would make a tangible difference to these charities gave the whole experience a deeper sense of meaning.

Looking back, the Pavestone Rally was an incredible journey, a mix of laughter, teamwork, challenges, and purpose. We came away not only with unforgettable memories but also with the satisfaction of having contributed to ﬁve fantastic charities along the way.

The simple document that could save you thousands

Brits have been warned that neglecting a certain document can often leave them paying thousands of pounds more in inheritance tax.

The alert comes as HMRC released their latest inheritance tax receipts showing £7 billion was collected in the first 10 months of the 2024-25 financial year.

Over half of UK adults have not written a will, according to research from Canada Life. This includes 13% who state they have no intention to write one in the future.

A will can include specific provisions to help minimise tax liabilities. By incorporating taxefficient strategies into estate planning, people can safeguard their assets for future generations and prevent unnecessary stress and even disputes for the administrators and beneficiaries of an estate. This could save them having to pay unnecessary inheritance bills.

The Office for Budget Responsibility predicts that approximately one in ten deaths will incur inheritance tax by 2029-30. This is double the proportion seen in 2023-24, meaning significantly more estates will face inheritance tax liabilities within a decade.

Changes to inheritance tax rules starting in 2027 will affect even more families. For the first time, Pension pots will be included in peoples estates for inheritance tax calculations. The Chancellor has also extended the freeze on nil rate bands (IHT allowances) until April 2030!

From April 2026, changes to business and agricultural property relief will impact estate planning. The ﬁrst £1m of combined business and agricultural assets can still be passed on tax-free, but any amount above this threshold will be taxed at 20 per cent.

The Will Partners would encourage people to regularly assess the value of their estate, including up-to-date property valuations. Estate planning can be complex, and seeking professional advice can help individuals navigate the rules, mitigate potential liabilities, and ensure they pass on as much wealth as possible. Call us on 01527 877313 to arrange an appointment.

Luxury Winter Break

Book your winter break in the stunning Salcombe estuary of Kingsbridge.

Oﬀering breathtaking walks and scenery along with artisan shopping and excellent eateries for all tastes.

The property sleeps up to 6 and is situated within a gated complex with private secure parking. Call George on 07951 424277

To learn more about what Kingsbridge has to oﬀer checkout their website www.hellokingsbridge.co.uk

Chadwich Tything walk

Lay-by

Wildmoor Mill

Terrain : Generally easy, though some off-road paths require care. One particularly long uphill climb. We recommend downloading the What Three Words app. Introductory notes to these Tything walks can be found in the June issue or at: Completely Bromsgrove June ‘25 issue 73 issuu by completelybromsgrove - Issuu

Begin at the waymarked gate at the back of the pub car park, turning right then left, continuing to a lane. Turn right then left to recover the path, climbing this and three further stiles in succession. Emerging on another lane, continue ahead. After a sharp right hand bend walk 200 metres to a footpath on the left. Cross to a stile and in the next field spot a field-gate opposite, aiming left of it to a kissing-gate. Keep left in the next two fields. At an elbow of the second, find a gate onto a track.

Head for the farmhouse. Before reaching it pass through a gate on the right. Keep left beside a shed to another kissing-gate. Diagonally left, cross the field to a footbridge. At the end of the next field is a right hand gate, then another on the left. Follow this path to a stile and road, turning right into Catshill. Continue. Before the road bends left, turn left onto Golden Cross Lane. Progress to a T-junction, turning left. At the A38, Marlbrook crossroads, use the crossing to the opposite pavement. Turn left, then immediately veer right down a drive and right again, continuing to the end and a hidden path, turning left. Cross

the field to a path between gardens and stream. Reaching a road, turn left then right down Cottage Farm Lane and on to a footpath. At the next road keep ahead, then stagger left and right. Bend right, finding a path between garages, then left at the road.

A long walk uphill, first to a crossroads, continues up Beacon Lane, becoming Beacon Hill at the junction with Monument Lane. After the road bends left, enter Lickey Country Park via a path on the right, then go left, following the path tight to the road. Looking through the trees at the roadsigns, pass the ‘Sharp Bends’ sign and the chevrons, then, just as you see the first reflector bollard, find a scramble down to the road.

Cross over to an unmarked path. Follow this, ﬁnally dropping to a gate, turning right then left across a bridge and left again onto Holywell Lane. The road rises then drops and after a sharp left then right-hand bend, turn right to Lizzie’s Farm. (Tea and ice-cream?) Continue onto a grassy path. If avoiding the cows, continue following the path ahead, (see the map), otherwise, turn immediately left into trees. Walk behind the farm building to a stile. At the end of the right hand fence line, veer right, crossing to an underpass. Out again, veer left then right, following the right hand hedge to a kissing gate. Your route is via the lane opposite. Cross carefully, returning to The Wildmoor Oak.

by Neil Beaumont

Start and ﬁnish - The Wildmoor Oak.

Enjoy each day your way at Chandler Court

At Care UK’s Chandler Court care home in Bromsgrove, you can enjoy each day your way, whilst enjoying luxurious surroundings and receiving awardwinning care from our dedicated team.

We treat everyone who joins us at Chandler Court as individuals, so that you can take your life with you on your journey into care. You’ll be supported to continue much-loved hobbies such as gardening, baking or boules. With the support of our expert team, you may also wish to try new things, making plenty of new friends on the way!

It’s all about lifestyle

At Chandler Court our team is passionate about supporting you to enjoy a fulﬁlling life, full of meaningful experiences.

When you join us, we’ll work with you and your family to learn all about your needs, interests and preferences – even the way you like your tea in the morning - so we can create a care plan entirely tailored to you.

Is there a goal or wish you’d love to fulﬁl? We’ll do our best to make it happen. Recently, Care UK residents have enjoyed all sorts, from ballet performances, to riding ziplines and ﬂying planes! If you prefer the quiet life, you’re welcome to enjoy a pamper in our beauty salon or take a stroll in our beautiful, landscaped gardens.

Our Lifestyle team always have a full itinerary of exciting activities to get involved in should you wish. There’s everything from cheese and wine evenings, to live entertainment and gentle exercise classes. We’re often joined by local groups, charities or schools too, so residents feel connected to local life.

Everything under one roof

Chandler Court is a purpose-built care home where every luxury has been thought of. There’s a

coffee shop, hair salon, cinema, bar, and beautiful landscaped gardens. We also have our very own minibus, so you’re welcome to join us on day trips to nearby garden centres and parks.

Trust us to care

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 10,000 families across the country trust us to care for their older loved one.

To ﬁnd out more about Chandler Court, please call 01527 903 670 .

Chandler Court care home

Recreation Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court

Join us for our upcoming event

Let’s talk about dementia

Wednesday 15th October, 2pm - 4pm

We will shine a light on some aspects of dementia that you’re not often told about, why a loved one might be behaving differently and what you can do to support them.

Enjoy each day your way at Chandler Court

At Care UK’s Chandler Court care home in Bromsgrove, you can enjoy each day your way, whilst enjoying luxurious surroundings and receiving award-winning care from our dedicated team.

It’s all about lifestyle

At Chandler Court our team is passionate about supporting you to enjoy a fulfilling life, full of meaningful experiences.

Is there a goal or wish you’d love to fulfil? We’ll do our best to make it happen. Recently, Care UK residents have enjoyed all sorts, from ballet performances, to riding ziplines and flying planes! If you prefer the quiet life, you’re welcome to enjoy a pamper in our beauty salon or take a stroll in our beautiful, landscaped gardens.

Everything

under one roof

Chandler Court is a purpose-built care home where every luxury has been thought of. There’s a coffee shop, hair salon, cinema, bar, and beautiful landscaped gardens. We also have our very own minibus, so you’re welcome to join us on day trips to nearby places such as Worcester Racecourse or Lickey Hills Country Park.

Trust us to care

At Care UK, we’ve been delivering high quality, person-centred care for over 40 years. That’s why over 8,000 families across the country trust us to care for their older loved one

To find out more about Chandler Court, please call 01527 903 670

Chandler Court care home

Recreation Road, Bromsgrove, B61 8DT careuk.com/chandler-court

Halloween’s spiritual and historical roots

It’s that time of the year again, Halloween, observed each year on October 31st, is a holiday layered with centuries of history, myth, and spiritual meaning. While today it is often associated with costumes, candy, and spooky decorations, its origins lie in ancient seasonal festivals and religious observances that bridged the worlds of the living and the dead.

The roots of Halloween can be traced back more than 2,000 years to the Celtic festival of Samhain. Celebrated in regions that are now Ireland, Scotland, and parts of northern France, Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter—a season often associated with death.

The Celts believed that on the night before the new season, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead grew thin, allowing spirits to cross over. Bonfires were lit to ward off harmful spirits, while offerings of food were left to honour deceased ancestors. People wore costumes to disguise themselves from wandering souls.

With the spread of Christianity in the early Middle Ages, the Church sought to integrate existing pagan customs into Christian traditions.

In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1st as All Saints’ Day, a time to honour saints and martyrs. The evening before became known as All Hallows’ Eve, which over time evolved linguistically into Halloween. November 2nd, All Souls’ Day, was added as a day to pray for all the faithful departed, further entwining themes of death, remembrance, and spiritual passage.

When Irish and Scottish immigrants brought Halloween customs to North America in the 19th century, they merged with other harvest and autumn celebrations. Turnip lanterns carved in Ireland to ward off spirits became pumpkins in the New World, giving rise to the now-iconic jacko’-lantern. Trick-or-treating evolved from earlier European practices like “souling” and “guising,” where the poor would go door-to-door offering

prayers for the dead in exchange for food.

Bobbing for apples goes way back to the Romans, who brought it to the Celtic lands. Back then, apple bobbing was part of a harvest festival honouring Pomona, the goddess of fruit and trees. In some traditions, it was a way for young people to try to predict who they’d marry.

Witches have been part of Halloween stories for centuries, often representing wise women or healers who were deeply connected to nature and herbs. The broomstick, or “besom,” was more than just a cleaning tool. It symbolised sweeping away negative energy and making space for new beginnings. Over time, witches became spooky story characters, but the original idea was about transformation and power, two things Halloween is still all about!

In modern times, Halloween has shifted toward community festivities and entertainment yet beneath the commercial trappings, echoes of its spiritual past remain. The themes of transformation, death, and the unseen world continue to inspire both reverence and creative expression. For some, it is still a sacred night for ancestor veneration, meditation, and seasonal reflection. For others, it is a playful escape into the fantastical.

Ultimately, Halloween’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to weave together the ancient and the modern, the sacred and the secular. It invites us to face the mysteries of existence, whether with solemn ritual, joyful celebration, or a playful scare and to remember that, like the seasons, life and death are part of the same eternal cycle. by Colette

Garside

Historic engravings revealed during restoration

Friends of St John’s held the third and ﬁnal Spire Project ‘Side-by-Side’ Open Day for Heritage Open Days which also launched the latest season of Cake & Coffee Concerts in the church.

The Orchestra of St John played an extremely uplifting hour of wonderful orchestral music by Mozart and Haydn to an audience of over 150.

After the concert many of the visitors stayed to learn about the Spire Project, engage with the Design Team and try their hand at stone carving and pointing - this was popular amongst our younger visitors.

On show was a section of the new stainless steel masonry rod, generously donated by Phil Morris of UKF Group, who popped down to take a look and meet the team. The stainless-steel rod replaces the iron rod which had rusted and caused the stone to crack, thus requiring the urgent restoration work. Thanks to traditional Blacksmith Darren J Broome who works in a 500-yearold Smithy near Bridgnorth, the new masonry rod was modelled with threads to match those found in the cast iron hood from the top of the old spire. The cast iron hood and weather vane rod above will be retained.

At the top of the iron rod, sits the weathervane cockerel. The cockerel was returned to St John’s, midway through his current restoration, showing off engravings on his tail which detail the people involved in the last spire restoration. An article found in the Messenger archive by Bromsgrove Society’s Pat Tansell, revealed that the cockerel was off his lofty perch in 1892 for re-gilding when his tail was engraved, making the copper weather cock much older than previously thought.

The archive newspaper also reported the cost of the Victorian restoration was £360. Money had been raised from local people to pay for the works. We know from Simon Henderson’s book Fairly Mounted on a Hill – the history of the church and its people, that restoration work to the spire had taken place three times in the 1800s, and the iron rod had been previously replaced.

Throughout the centuries skilled craftsmen have played their part in keeping the town’s beloved landmark restored for the benefit of residents and visitors. The same is true today, and I hope that the history books of the future reflect the skills, care and attention to detail that has been given to the latest chapter in the church’s long history.

The 2025 Spire Project has been made possible, thanks to the generous support of many organisations and individuals, both locally and much further afield. Most recently we were delighted to receive another generous donation from a friend of St John’s in New York State, USA.

Ms Susan R Klenk has sponsored the 2025-26 Cake & Coffee Concert Season.

The final work on the spire will be completed by the end of October, and the scaffolding is due to be dismantled during November, bringing this important project to a close, and securing the ancient spire structure for generations to come.

by Jo Slade

The weathervane cockerel

Conservation Contractor Mike Curry, Stainless Steel donor Phil Morris with Architect Matt Faber and Project Manager Jo Slade.

A short history of Tutnall

Lying on the north-eastern edge of Bromsgrove town, the hamlet of Tutnall is an overlooked location with an interesting history.

Historically, the area was known as “the township of Tutnall and Cobley” and was part of the parish of Tardebigge. Cobley is another hamlet about two miles further north. Both locations are mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086 as ‘berewicks’ (subdivisions) of the manor of Bromsgrove. Although situated in Worcestershire, administratively the area was part of Warwickshire until 1844 and became a separate civil parish in 1866.

During the 19th century, life in Tutnall centred around Hewell Grange, a grand country house constructed on the site of an earlier medieval hall. Its owner Robert Windsor-Clive had grown rich through inheritance and income from the South Wales coalfields and set out to build himself and his wife a statement house.

Lord and Lady Windsor, later the Earl and Countess of Plymouth, commissioned the architects George Frederick Bodley and Thomas Garner for the project, which was built between 1884 and 1891.

the early 18th century and was partially rebuilt during the 19th century. The building is now a nursing home.

Tutnall stands at the top of the famous Tardebigge locks on the Worcester & Birmingham Canal. Comprising 30 narrow locks over a distance of two-and-a-quarter miles, it is the longest flight of locks in Britain.

In the 1911 Census, Tutnall & Cobley had a population of 506 spread across 129 properties. Of the 22 agricultural holdings in the parish, 19 were tenanted. The main agricultural crops were wheat, oats, mangolds (a form of beet), turnips and swedes, and beans. It was a significant fruitgrowing area, with its orchards supplying nearby Birmingham. Many of these orchards were removed in the 1970s and 1980s as their competitiveness declined and the land was needed for other purposes.

Constructed in the Jacobean style, it has been called “perhaps the last Victorian prodigy house” . The surrounding park was landscaped in the 18th century by Capability Brown and Humphry Repton – both leading lights of the English landscape garden movement – and is Grade II listed.

After World War II, Hewell Grange was used by HM Prison Service as a borstal and later an open prison before closing in 2020. As yet, the future of this important site is undecided.

Another notable building is Tutnall Hall, on the Alcester Road, a former farmhouse that dates from

A land survey taken in 1910 found that of the 3,777 acres in Tutnall and Cobley, 90% was owned by the Earl of Plymouth, while seven percent was owned by two other families – the Moores and the Peytons. Large farms and smallholdings predominated, with around 20 properties each having more than 50 acres. Four – Brockhill, The Grange, Wheeley Farm and Hewell Woods – each had more than 300 acres. The first three of these can still be found on modern maps.

Today, Tutnall & Cobley is an integral part of Bromsgrove district and forms part of Tardebigge ward, as well as retaining its own parish council. by Mike Sharpe

Tutnall Hall

Hewell Grange

Set your sights on distant wonders

In October, earlier sunsets allow familiar objects in the summer sky to remain visible well into the evening, but also with autumn constellations emerging in the eastern sky. This month I will show you how to use star hopping to find the furthest object that can be seen with the unaided eye.

You’ll need a dark sky without interference from the Moon, so after 8pm during the second half of the month will be best. Get away from artificial lights and allow time for your eyes to become dark adapted.

Locate east and look up to find the W-shaped constellation Cassiopeia. Using the last two stars in the W, draw an imaginary line until you reach a medium bright star, Almach. Then turn 90 degrees to find the star Mirach. Then another 90 degree turn and imagine a line for a similar distance. If the sky is clear, you should see a misty patch. This is The Andromeda Galaxy, the closest major galaxy to our own Milky Way, but is still so distant that the light from its estimated one trillion stars takes 2.5 million years to reach us. Try later in the evening if not visible, as it will be higher in the sky and less affected by light pollution. If you have binoculars or a telescope the Andromeda Galaxy is easier to find. Appearing as an oval, but even, then you are only looking at its core. Long exposure photographs will reveal its outer spiral arms which cover an area in the sky six times the size of the full Moon.

If you do have a telescope, take a closer look at Almach. It is one of the finest coloured double stars in the sky with a gold coloured primary and blue secondary. If you see any meteors (shooting stars), particularly late evening onwards, they may be from the Orionid meteor shower which peaks on October 21st.

Created by dust from Comet Halley, while not the richest shower in the calendar, Orionids are known for being bright and fast, with meteors often leaving glowing trains (trails) which can last for many seconds.

If you’re interested in astronomy, why not join the Bromsgrove Astronomical Society? The club usually meet on the first and third Monday of each month at Bromsgrove Rugby Club. We also do outreach, have an annual quiz and a star party.

At our meeting on October 20th, Dr Ben Gompertz is presenting “Neutron Star Mergers: Nature’s Gold Factories”.

Visitors are always welcome and if you would like to learn more, visit www.broms-astro. org.uk

Adrian Bigland

Smiles aplenty and classic Redford in new cinema season

The FeckenOdeon Cinema Society is showing two films to warm

It doesn’t get more French than a drama about cheese. (15) which is being shown on Monday, October 20th at 8pm, is the first feature from director (and part-time farmer) Louise Courvoisier.

This coming-of-age story about a teenager from a struggling family of comté-makers is set in the remote region of Jura. Left alone to look after his sister, 18year-old Totone comes up with a daft get-rich-quick

scheme to make €30,000 in a comté competition. How hard can it be to knock out a prizewinning wheel?

Titled Vingt Dieux in French, the film has English subtitles.

Based on a true story, The Old Man and The Gun (12A) is being screened on Saturday, October 25th at 7.30pm.

When you’re a veteran actor who has decided to retire you might as well have fun in your final role. Iconic Hollywood actor and director Robert Redford, who died last month at the age of 89, does just that in this good-humoured caper in which he plays Forrest Tucker, an infamous criminal and escape artist, who breaks out of San Quentin State Prison to embark on a crime spree using his age and charm as a cover

It’s a role that could have been written for Mr Redford and he plays it with gusto, aided and abetted by Sissy Spacek and Tom Waits.

The FeckenOdeon is Feckenham’s community cinema based at Feckenham Village Hall, High Street, Feckenham, B96 6HN. Tickets for all ﬁlms can be booked online through feckenodeon.co.uk , by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at The Rose & Crown and The Village Shop in Feckenham.

Autumn delights in store at friendly ﬂower club

Atthis month’s meeting on October 16th, Bromsgrove Flower Club will be welcoming Sarah Fenton, a ﬂoral designer and national demonstrator from Telford whose theme is “A Floral Delight”.

Come along to All Saints Church Hall in Burcot Lane to watch the making of beautiful flower arrangements. You could win one in our raffle or find treasures on our bring and buy stall.

Before her demonstration at 2pm, Sarah will be asked to judge our in-house competition entitled “Spooky Goings On!” All members are invited to bring along their own creation and will be given a free raffle ticket.

When you arrive, you will be greeted with a hot drink, biscuits and a warm welcome. We are a very friendly club, and we all enjoy a quiet afternoon relaxing and watching a master at work. The fee is £5 for members and £10 for visitors.

Uplifting music and

The Bromsgrove Arts team have put together a high-quality line-up for October.

We start the month with Foxpalmer & Sam , on Saturday, October 4th at 8pm. Fern from Foxpalmer will bring to the stage a unique mix of rock, Americana style folk and lush indie, a striking sound, as captivating as it is different. Martin and Sandy from Sam band will be performing songs drawing on their love of blues, classic soul, jazz and singer songwriter genres.

Our ﬁnal screening of National Theatre Live’s Inter Alia will be on Sunday, October 12th at 7.30pm. This new play stars Rosamund Pike as Jesica, a karaoke singing judge, who deals with plenty of intense cases in the courtroom, many of which focus on sexual assault; however, she is forced to confront this topic differently when the theme of sexual assault enters her life in a much more personal way.

Tim Marriott returns to the stage on Wednesday, October 15th in Jack’s Ashes . Tim plays Jack, a former professional cricketer, who after giving his team talk sees wickets tumble. As Jack pads up to be the last man in, the play offers a humorous insight into the mental frailties that can cloud the mind and the distractions that can lead to ruin.

Singer-songwriter Amit Dattani makes a welcome return on Saturday, October 18th at 8pm. Amit is a singer songwriter known for his unique brand of roots-driven guitar and striking lyrical originality. His wry lyrics, mellifluous guitar and warm vocals have earned radio play on BBC 6 Music and BBC Radio 2.

tense drama to savour

In The Ballad of Wallis Island, which is being screened on Wednesday, October 22nd at 2.30pm, Tim Key plays Charles, an eccentric lottery winner who lives alone on a remote island, who dreams of getting his favourite musicians Mortimer-McGwyer (Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden) back together. His fantasy quickly turns into reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles tries to salvage his dream gig.

Ricky Cool and the In Crowd will be back again on Saturday, October 25th at 8pm with another brilliant stage show. Be prepared for an evening celebrating musical styles that have become synonymous with the best in popular music.

Featuring one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s finest musical scores Love Never Dies on October 22nd at 7.30pm continues the story of The Phantom of the Opera. The year is 1907. It is ten years after his disappearance from the Paris Opera House, and the phantom has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives among the screaming joy rides and freak-shows of Coney Island. All that is missing is his love – Christine Daaé.

From Nashville to Bromsgrove, Willow Hill return to our stage on Wednesday, October 29th at 8pm. Led by powerhouse husband and wife duo, Alexandra and CT Fields, Willow Hill deliver a fresh and modern twist on the classic country sound.

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

Take your Christmas ofﬁce party outdoors

When it comes to ofﬁce Christmas parties, many companies instinctively think of restaurants, bars, or function rooms. But why settle for the usual sit-down meal when you can give your team a Christmas celebration they’ll be talking about well into the New Year?

This festive season, S4F invites businesses to step outside and embrace a unique tradition: clay shooting parties.

Clay shooting has long been associated with festive gatherings. Since the early 1900s, the landed gentry enjoyed this exhilarating pursuit with friends and family over the holidays. Today, it has evolved into a highly accessible activity that combines the thrill of competition with plenty of laughter and camaraderie. At S4F , based at the Oaklands Outdoor Pursuits Centre in Hanbury, you can treat your colleagues to a party that’s as memorable as it is fun.

A clay shooting party provides the perfect blend of excitement, team bonding, and festive cheer. Whether you’ve got absolute beginners or seasoned sharpshooters in your team, everyone is catered for. Expert instructors ensure that first timers quickly get into the swing of things, while experienced participants can battle it out for the much-coveted title of “Hot Shot” of the day.

For groups looking for something a little different, S4F also offers laser clay shooting. Using high-tech equipment, participants fire an infrared beam at clay targets, experiencing the feel of a real shotgun without cartridges, noise, or recoil. It’s a brilliant option for indoor spaces or venues where live shooting may not be suitable, making it versatile for corporate entertainment of all kinds.

What makes S4F particularly appealing is flexibility. While their Worcestershire base offers a stunning countryside backdrop, the

team can also bring the activity directly to you, provided licensing requirements are met. That means your office grounds, hotel, or private venue could become the setting for an unforgettable Christmas competition.

Packages for all corporate activities are tailored to suit group sizes and budgets, ensuring that whether you’re planning a small team gathering or a full company celebration, everyone can join in. More than just a party, it’s an opportunity to boost morale, reward staff for their hard work, and create memories that will last well beyond December.

So, this year, swap the tinsel and turkey for targets and trophies. With S4F ’s festive clay shooting parties, your Christmas celebration promises to be a real hit.

For more details, call Mark Treverton on 01527 575141 , email mark@shooting4fun.co.uk , or visit www.shooting4fun.co.uk

Revenge is sweet for spurned TV cook

What happens to a TV food programme presenter when she’s “let go” by the network… and suddenly her face doesn’t fit?

Nobody will employ her so perhaps she’d better try to do it herself. Perhaps she can make her own cooking programme and get it shown on the internet. It can’t be that hard…can it??

In Badapple Theatre Company’s Crumbs, which is being staged at Feckenham Village Hall on Saturday, October 18th at 7.30pm, you can be in the studio audience when our hero goes it alone as she tries to re-style herself within the fast-paced and cut-throat world of inﬂuencers and social media millionaires. We follow her hilarious slips and trips in her live baking show as she tries to keep the lights (and the oven) on in the face of almost certain doom.

Written by Kate Bramley, this comedy comes to Feckenham straight from a sell-out run at York Theatre Royal. One woman, one oven, a certain amount of smoke… and even the promise of a piece of cake at the end.

Completely Bromsgrove Oct 2025_Stoke Prior Club.qxp_Layout 155mm w x 110mm d 24/09/2025 16:15 Page 1

Crumbs is a professional show coming to Feckenham as part of the Live & Local programme. Supported by Arts Council England, Worcestershire County Council and Redditch Borough Council. Tickets for shows at Feckenham Village Hall are on sale at The Village Shop and The Rose & Crown. You can also book by phone on 0333 666 3366 or online at www.feckhall.org

BRING CASH FOR RAFFLE & BETTING. £1 PER BET.

20% of the total bets from each race will be donated to HB9 charity. The remaining pot will be shared as prize money!

FRIDAY 17 TH OCTOBER 7.30PM FREE ENTRY TICKET REQUIRED 18+

Luxury tourer with

When Audi decided that as a mark of distinction they should not produce anything as common as an ‘estate’ car, they designated an estate variant as an ‘Avant’.

Having put the A5 Avant 2.0 TDi to the test, it has to be said that Audi hit the bullseye. To use refined language, the £48,850 A5 2.0i Avant is a ‘belter’.

From the moment one sees its prepossessing, panther-like profile, one knows that here is a machine contrived to make men out of mice and ladies out of lettuce leaves. It doesn’t just ‘sit’ on the road - it squats like a purposeful beast with a purity of form that mirrors elegant engineering.

The interior offers top comfort and there’s a feeling of assurance that tells you all is well with the world.

With room for five to stretch out and for six if you must, plus a large luggage area that, with the seats down, would have a Welsh dresser banged to rights. There’s no better car for the busy executive or the family holiday. You’ll love the concatenation of everything from user-friendly providers of music and information to ambiance enhancing equipment systems.

that sports car feel

The finest Bose sound system, the three touch screens, the head up display - the list goes on. There’s every adjunct to modern technological motoring that you can think of and standards of construction are so high that you won’t find a spot of mediocrity anywhere.

Driven by the latest 204 PS 2.0 litre diesel engine with mild battery assistance and driving through the dual clutch automatic gearbox to the front wheels, there is whopping torque at low revs and enough power to reach 150mph. All is delivered unobtrusively.

You slip through the air with so little turbulence, thrusting forward in a motion that is more ‘willed’ than mechanically contrived. At the same time, diesel consumption, for me, was

about 55 to 60 mpg. Which meant that this Audi could have a range of near 700 miles - so it is the perfect long-range express.

Sniff the open road, apply featherlight pressure to the throttle and - lo and behold - you are a ‘sun god’ in a chariot, belting along with the alacrity of a raging torrent of technological might. With almost neutral handling, it goes where it’s told and rides beautifully too. This is a load carrier that feels like a sports car. A luxury tourer that takes off like a rocket and clings with the talons of a tiger.

It is a lovely car that’s as smooth as a single malt and as surefooted as a chamois, letting you enjoy the silky sweet serendipity of serenity.

by Syd Taylor

Croft’s future secure as juniors end on a high

Avoncroft Cricket Club will be looking to carry forward their late season momentum into 2026 after a strong end of the season saw both the First and Second XIs climb up their respective tables.

After ﬂirting with a relegation battle in the early stages of the season, the First XI looked a different side after the halfway stage as their talented youngsters came to grips with the demands of Division Three.

A string of impressive performances in the ﬁeld, backed up some battling efforts with the bat saw Croft record six wins from their last nine completed games, giving them sixth place and a top half ﬁnish.

As he had done throughout the season, Croft’s inspiration with the bat was Duncan Roke. In tense circumstances, Duncan stood strong in the ﬁnal match of the season to break the 1,000 run barrier for the season – the ﬁrst Croft player in history to reach the milestone!

The bowling plaudits were more equally spread, with eight bowlers reaching double figures in their wickets tally. The Athey family (Paul, Matt and Ben) contributed 61 wickets between them, while Josh Cound (18), Alex Richardson (17), Ben Huxley (16) and Jonny Sproule (14) all starred at different moments in Croft’s charge up the table.

The Second XI also had a positive end to the season with some late wins also ensuring a top half finish as they ended the season in fifth place in Division Eight (East). Alex Brunt recorded the only century of the season for the Seconds with a typically belligerent knock of 117* against Droitwich.

Special mention goes to youngster Jack Sears who got better and better through the season, scoring 364 runs and narrowly missing out on his first senior century after twice passing 90! Not to be outdone by Croft’s youth ranks, 73-year-old Andy

Pittam defied the aging process to top the wickets tally with 19 victims at an average of under 17.

As expected, Croft Third XI’s ninth place finish is likely to consign them back to Division Nine cricket next year but they didn’t go without a fight, bowling Kidderminster out for 94 in the final game of the season to record their fourth win – a great effort from a young team playing at the same level as their Second XI counterparts.

The similarly youthful Sunday XI can look back positively on another successful season that saw them win six out their ten games in captain Ben Huxley’s ﬁrst year at the helm. His 466 runs, along with Joe Simon’s 14 wickets, going a long way to rewarding the side with a several memorable wins throughout the course of the summer.

In a perfect finale to one of the warmest, driest cricket seasons on record, the final game of the season saw Croft’s Under U11s side travel to Worcester for the final of the County Pairs tournament against familiar rivals Barnards Green. In a match dominated by the ball, valuable runs from Mo Sultan and Josh Walker helped drag Croft to a respectable score of 90-7 in their 16 overs.

Despite a swift start, Barnards Green were strangled in the middle overs by Euan Danks (2-7), Alfred Clark (2-3) and Freddie Gregory (1-2) and were limited to 73-7, leaving Croft to lift the county title by 17 runs – a ﬁne end to a season that also saw them ﬁnish runners-up in the premier league title race.

Massive congratulations to all the juniors that represented the club this year across 13 different boys and girls’ teams – enjoy your winter and we’ll see you all again in the new year! by Paul Athey

Back to winning ways with a welcome double

After a difficult August, Bromsgrove Sporting turned a corner in September with a pair of impressive wins.

Scott Adey-Linforth’s men picked up their first home victory of the season, courtesy of a comprehensive 3-0 win over Banbury United. An own goal was followed by Gus Sanches and Jack Newell getting on the scoresheet to ensure Sporting would pick up three points.

respected, Richard recently retired from playing football, having enjoyed a hugely successful career as a no-nonsense midfielder.

Their next fixture was a visit to Leicestershire-based Barwell - the same fixture last year saw the Rouslers win a dramatic encounter 3-2. This season’s match wasn’t as nail-biting, but Sporting ran out victorious once again, by two goals to nil. Both goals in this game were scored by players netting their first for the club, as defender Luke Softley and Aston Villa loanee Charlie Pavey helped make it backto-back wins.

This was the first time Bromsgrove had won consecutive games with clean sheets since autumn 2021, while, in terms of league football, this last happened way back in spring 2019, before Sporting had played a single minute of Step Three football.

Recent new signings for Bromsgrove include the aforementioned Pavey, who has impressed thus far in a Sporting shirt, along with club record appearance holder Aaron Roberts, who returned to the club after a short spell with Redditch United, and Brad Stretton, who counts Coventry City, Oxford City and Alvechurch among his former clubs.

He was recently playing at Racing Club Warwick but made the decision to retire from playing a few weeks into the new season. At Alvechurch, he took on a player-assistant manager role, and he’s looking forward to building his experience in management with Sporting.

The men’s first team have been notching up the wins and this has been no different for the women’s side either, as they won their opening two matches of their season.

A 4-1 home win in the FA Cup over Kingfisher, which was watched by more than 400 fans, was followed by a win in their league opener, as they beat Droitwich Spa, thanks to goals from Nat Sabin and Beth Breen.

After losing the opening three matches of their season, Sporting’s Under 21s made it fourth time lucky with a 2-1 win against Cadbury Athletic Under 21s with goals coming via Alemi Obey-GM and an own goal.

For the latest club news and updates, head to bromsgrovesporting.co.uk

by Max Banner

Luke Softley wheels away after scoring against Barwell

Charlie Pavey jumps for joy

Photos by Chris Jepson

Ash Carter with his victory cry

Accountants return winning score in fundraising quiz

Ateam from Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants proved they’re not just good with numbers after scooping first place at a charity quiz night.

The quiz, held at Bromsgrove Golf Centre Centre, was the ﬁrst charity event organised by councillor Sam Evans, who is also the chairman of the council.

All money raised from ticket sales and a rafﬂe went to the his chosen charity, The Basement Project

This local charity provides help and support to young people in the area, helping them to live independently. Services provided include a foodbank, a drop-in centre, workshops, and mental health support.

The evening saw teams from local businesses battle it out across several rounds. The team from Ormerod Rutter were

pleased to secure first place and look forward to future fundraising events.

Ormerod Rutter Chartered Accountants is a Worcestershire firm with offices in Droitwich and Bromsgrove. They offer a wide range of accounting, tax and advisory services.