The Village magazine April 2019 by The Village

TheVillage April 2019

villageonline.co.uk

NEWS & FEATURES from Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Blackwell, Burcot Cofton Hackett, Finstall, Hopwood, Bordesley, Rowney Green, Lickey Lickey End, Marlbrook, The Oakalls . . . and everywhere in between!

inside

TheVillage

Issue 200 April 2019

Bringing you village life for more than 20 years

Friendship for Seniors Page 15

Wildlife Hero Page 27

Editorial: Editor: Sally Oldaker Publisher: Richard Peach The Limes Alvechurch Worcestershire B48 7RR

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Running the World Page 30

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visit: villageonline.co.uk The Village (ISSN 1466-3376) is published by Platform Publishing & Media Ltd (Reg Office: 87 Hewell Rd, Barnt Green, B45 8NL) and printed by Buxton Press in Derbyshire. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any errors made in advertisements or for claims made by any advertisers which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. All material submitted for publication is done so at the owner’s risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publisher for its return.

A Bug’s Life Pages 44–48

Seeing the Future Page 54

Cover: A wren sings to welcome the spring, pictured by Village reader Paul Wilde.

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Village News

The cast and crew of 7 Days, a film about Birmingham marathon runner ‘Blind Dave’ Heeley, celebrate the film’s premiere at The Birmingham Rep. An audience of 300 guests watched the film, made by Cofton Hackett producer Nigel Davey and Hopwood directors Ian and Dominic Higgins and filmed at Hillscourt Hotel and the Lickey Hills. 7 Days follows Dave’s life from diagnosis at the age of 10 to him running seven marathons in seven days

and raising millions for charity. It involved many local actors, including Sarah Manners and Vicky Hall from Barnt Green, Charlie Boswell from Blackwell (as young Dave), and presenters Tom Ross and Suzanne Virdee. Jack Lane played Dave as an adult, and the Harry Potter twins Oliver and James Phelps also had roles. The film will also be shown at West Bromwich Albion football club in May – more information can be found at www.pixelrevolutionfilms.com

Station lifts derailed

opes of investment to pay for the long-promised lifts at Barnt Green Station have been dashed, but parish councillors are determined to keep up the pressure on Network Rail. Parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley told councillors that Network Rail’s application for money under an Access for All scheme had failed. “I am very concerned about it

because it is now three and a half years since the new footbridge was put in,” he said. “Also there is no recognition of the fact that it is part of something that Network Rail has done and it has not followed the law relating to disability discrimination. “I think it is a point of principle and we should not give in. We know it is causing local people concern

Library responses raise hopes County council officers are “reeling” from public responses to the consultation on libraries. Alvechurch parish chairman Andy Humphries told councillors he had heard from Carol Brown, the Service Manager for Libraries and Culture at Worcestershire County Council. The county had received around 1,300 responses and may recategorise individual libraries, taking these comments into account. Coun Humphries reiterated that the PFI status of Alvechurch Library also had to be considered. The threat to Alvechurch library

was also considered by Barnt Green parish councillors after county councillor Charlie Hotham told them: “I get the impression that we are making a bit of headway. “Alvechurch had a library as part of the school until, 15 years ago, someone decided it should go into a PFI with £46,000 rent costs a year.” Parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley said: “This review is purely cost-cutting. It is not that they have got a strategic vision. Initially it was £1 million, then £800,000, then £600,000 – and the £600,000 was presented as ‘good news’!”

and I think we need to reply to the Department for Transport expressing disappointment and also point out the legal position.” Coun Charlie Hotham said: “Perhaps we are coming from the wrong angle. The DfT provides money for Network Rail to do the work, so we might be better approaching the Minister for Disability.” Agreeing, Coun Cholmondeley added: “I think we have to close the loop. The bottom line is we know what happened: Network Rail never submitted a proper budget for electrification and since then we have been fobbed off.” n The parish council is also asking Network Rail to resolve the problem of water running off the temporary road installed during the construction of the new £1 million Cofton footbridge and making the bridle path “impassable” where it meets Bittell Farm Road. “This winter has been dry and yet it is dreadful,” said Coun Hotham. “We need to tell NR that it is their road and they need to sort it out.” The Village

April 2019

Village News

Putting the people first

ndependent councillors in The Village area have been delighted with the response to their appeal for candidates and helpers in the local elections on May 2. The number of prospective candidates intending to stand has now reached double figures, and includes people from a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Kate Van der Plank, who represents Alvechurch Village Ward at Bromsgrove District Council, told The Village: “These are people who already have a track record for getting involved and making a difference

in their local communities. From the feedback we have been getting, it’s clear that voters are looking for community minded councillors who will focus on getting the job done.” Urging villagers to vote for the person, not the party, she added: “National party politics is really not relevant at this level – our priority is always to the people we represent.” The Village View: Page 23 n Liberal Democrat candidates have outlined their vision for the area and pledged to put local residents first by working with other moderate coun-

cillors. Local branch chair Janet King, candidate for Lickey Hills Ward, said a key priority was protecting the Green Belt from overdevelopment: “New homes need to be planned carefully. We need the right homes in the right places with the right infrastructure”. Rob Hunter, standing in his home ward of Lickey End and Norton, said: “The Conservatives have completely failed to address the chronic traffic congestion in our area. We need better public transport and the time has come to have a proper debate about a western by-pass.”

New homes planned for village sites

Eleven new houses could be built on the site where Fresh@Burcot Garden Centre currently stands, if planning permission is granted. The development, which includes three homes described as “affordable”, would have one access point on Alcester Road and one on Pikes Pool Lane. Some residents have voiced concerns about privacy, road safety and Green Belt development, while others say they would welcome extra housing. Burcot is not part of a parish, but Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council made a statement expressing “sadness that residents will lose this business, and we have concerns regarding impact on the highway, in particular the access from Pikes Pool Lane.” n An outline planning application to build 25 houses on Lye Meadow when the site is vacated by Alve church Football Club has been submitted. The club plans to move to a new ground at The Hayes, between Hopwood and West Heath, which is due to be ready for the 2020–21 football season.

The Village

April 2019

The Cross Inn at Finstall was declared Pub of The Year 2019 by the Redditch and Bromsgrove branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). The pub reopened a year ago after being taken over by Black Country Ales, and was also CAMRA’s Pub of the Season for summer 2018. The award was presented during a “tap takeover” event with guest ales from the Fixed Wheel brewery and cheese tasting with Fowlers of Earlswood. Above: Licensee Ryan Carr (centre) with Angus McMeeking (director of Black Country Ales), Adrian Fowler (owner of Fowlers of Earlswood), Black Country Ales area manager Anthony Walker, and CAMRA branch chairman Gez Quinn.

Gated homes ‘blocking footpath’

A new public right of way through the CALA homes site from Fiery Hill Road to Cherry Hill Road, Barnt Green, is impassable because of locked gates to some of the new houses, parish councillors heard. “Because it is very upmarket, they have gated it in so you cannot, as a pedestrian, gain access,” said Coun

Charlie Hotham. “I have been in contact with the planning officer on several occasions about this and she is adamant that this is a public right of way. “There is no way out of it for CALA. It will have to be done. The residents of Barnt Green should have access through because it is a right of way.”

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Village News

Villagers enjoyed a concert by The Choir With No Name at Alvechurch Baptist Church, where the recent Christmas Tree Festival had raised funds for the choir as well as a homeless shelter. The Birmingham-based choir, one of four in the UK, is made up of people affected by homelessness.

‘One-lane road’ danger fears “dangerous” parking on Station Road in Alvechurch is to be addressed by the county council’s Highways department after residents and councillors expressed concerns. The parish council heard that reduced parking space in the unfinished railway car park was causing “overspill” on to Station Road, described by Coun Adrian Smith as “a one-lane road” with near-misses and people having to go up on the kerb to get past. District councillor Charlie Hotham held a meeting with residents, some of whom called for double yellow lines. “The situation around the bend adjacent to School Lane is dangerous and I have discussed this with the Highways engineer who is in initial agreement,” Coun Hotham later told The Village. “Worcester will only put double yellow lines down where a traffic hazard is identified, so a more detailed assessment will now be carried out. Residents in the vicinity would be consulted on any potential scheme, but this is the first stage of quite a lengthy process.” n Rail commuters blocking parking spaces are thought to have prompted a new control system at The Victoria pub in Barnt Green. Parish councillors heard that bollards had been installed at the car park to prevent people parking there from early morning. “It looks like it is only going to be open during the pub’s business hours,” said Coun Hotham.

The Village

April 2019

The concert, which also featured poems read by church members, raised £639 for the choir after expenses – in addition to proceeds from the Festival which raised £820 each for the choir and St Basil’s Shelter in Birmingham. A “Reverse Advent Calendar” also received sweets, toiletries and gifts for the choir.

Parish reveals barrier code

ALvechurch Parish Council voted to give residents of Meadow Lane an access code for the height barrier to The Meadows, in the wake of an incident in January and a “storm” on social media. The barrier was installed at the playing fields’ entrance in November, meaning the gates did not have to be kept locked to deter traveller incursions. Emergency services were given the access code to open it. However, an ambulance called to Meadow Lane in January was unable to turn around at the bottom of the lane, partly because the driver did not have the code. “This provoked a storm on Facebook, based on misunderstandings,” parish chairman Andy Humphries told colleagues. He added that the council had spoken to the ambulance service to ensure all properties on Meadow Lane were “flagged” to show they required a code, and would also contact the fire service and police. Having voted in December to keep the barrier closed, councillors requested another debate to decide whether or not to give the code to residents – as recommended by the council’s Youth, Sport and Recreation committee.

There were suggestions that a small group of “responsible” residents could hold the code, but some councillors were concerned that it could be abused by people using it for regular shopping deliveries. Coun Sue Lambert pointed out that other streets had similar problems, and Coun Humphries asked why Meadow Lane should be a special case: “We have to separate convenience from actual safety.” Coun Adrian Smith said: “We need to be a caring council. If someone is having a one-off delivery of a large item, we could give dispensation.” Coun Marc Worrall said: “We could lose control over access. It sets a dangerous precedent. We invited residents to attend meetings or to submit ideas, but nobody has.” Coun Martin Ball argued that the barrier was originally installed to keep travellers out: “The residents aren’t likely to trespass, so there’s no reason not to give them the code.” Coun Humphries said he was looking into installing extra signage, and that the response from Highways had been positive. Councillors eventually voted 6–5 to give out the code upon request, subject to conditions. The council has informed residents of the plan.

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Village News

Agency ‘failing over tip’ The Environment agency has come under fire for its “failings” over Marlbrook Tip from Bromsgrove’s lead planning councillor. Coun Kit Taylor, portfolio holder for planning services at the district council, criticised the Government agency at the latest tip working group meeting. “The planning department at Bromsgrove gets a kicking every time because of the failings of the Environment Agency,” he said. “The Environment Agency needs to up its game. I would suggest that it gets on with it, comes to its conclusion and possibly uses its emergency powers so that the planning department can get on with looking after planning for the people of Bromsgrove.” Coun Taylor was speaking at the end of a meeting where representatives of both the planning department and Environment Agency said

they were waiting to see what would happen next in the 25-year saga. Environment Agency Reservoir Safety Manager Tony Deakin reaffirmed that their own inspection had concluded the balancing pond on the former tip was safe, but they were still waiting for the site owner to put in a planning application to bring on 68,000 tonnes of extra material to ensure it remained safe – as recommended by the site owner’s engineer. He said the owner’s engineer had now “stepped down” and they were waiting to hear who the new engineer would be. Bromsgrove’s head of planning, Ruth Bamford, said the council had not received a planning application, and as far as she was aware there had been no further tipping since a 28-day “temporary stop order” had expired on February 22. “We have heard there is a new panel engineer. I suggest we see

what view of the world the new engineer takes. I may not envisage any more tipping, but you all have my mobile number if necessary.” County and district councillor Charlie Hotham pointed out that bringing the extra 300mm of “restoration soil” had been made a requirement five years ago and a statement back then had said “the Environment Agency would take suitable enforcement action if this was not carried out”. Coun Hotham added: “Why haven’t you taken any action to ensure that this has been done?” Mr Deakin said: “Our aim as a regulator is to encourage the owner to carry out the work.” Mike Adams, of Lickey Community Group, said only a public inquiry could resolve the matter, but chairman Coun Richard Deeming closed the meeting without putting the proposal to a vote.

Picnic winner picked

preparations for Alvechurch’s Picnic in the Park on Sunday May 26 are well under way and the event now has its official logo, chosen from entries into the annual competition. A record number of entries made the choice very difficult, but the colourful winning design was created by 10-year-old Winnie Padmore. Organisers would like to thank all participants. As in previous years, visitors to the event at The Meadows can enjoy a full entertainment programme and more than 50 food and activity stalls; new attractions this year include a display of vintage motorcycles and an opportunity to join in with a game of walking netball. Speed demons can compete in the Go-Kart Challenge – visit www. alvechurchpicnic.org for more details, the rules and online entry form. The Picnic begins at 11am with the Dog Show before an afternoon of entertainment and activities from

The Village

April 2019

12noon until 5pm when you can head over to the Cricket Club for more live music, karaoke and family fun. The raffle offers prizes such as a day’s boat hire from Alvechurch Boat Centre, £100 voucher from At Home with Lou and a season ticket for Alvechurch FC. Tickets will be on sale soon in The Lounge and in the Square on the mornings of April 6 and 13, with all profits going to The Lounge and the Hopwood Play Equipment Project.

Above left: Second-place design by Freddie Poynton (aged 7). Above right: third-place logo by Joseph Watt (aged 8). Top: Winnie with her design.

Village News Round-Up

Blackwell

residents were left confused when dog mess left on village pavements was highlighted with brightlycoloured “chalk spray” in a parish council initiative. Councillor Anna Boehm told colleagues that some people thought they were being unjustly accused of not picking up their pet’s waste, but once villagers realised what it was for, they were generally supportive. “It helps people to avoid stepping in the mess, and it has raised awareness – there has not been so much poo since,” said Coun Boehm.

The

“Save Our Fields” graffiti daubed around Lickey by an unknown activist dubbed “Tanksy” is still in place as the parish lengthsman was unable to remove it with white spirit, Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council heard. Clerk Lisa Winterbourn said that the affected road sign may need to be replaced – but that Virgin, whose junction box on Old Birmingham Road was also targeted, may decide to repaint it.

Parish

councillors in Alvechurch were relieved to learn that a planned closure of the A441 in Hopwood was “not as bad as it first seemed”. A communication from the county council’s Highways department had indicated a closure between Longbridge island and Hopwood island, but county and district councillor Charlie Hotham reported that the “patching” work would probably only require one lane at a time to be closed, and would take place at night. Clerk Tammy Williams said that it was “tricky” to get more information from Highways, as emails from them to the parish office cannot be replied to.

An initiative

to give villagers a better understanding of the planning process has been developed by Alvechurch Parish Council. Coun Marc Worrall told colleagues he wanted to ask Bromsgrove District Council to consider improving the information it gives out, including how to object to applications. Parish councillors supported the move, although Coun Adrian Smith said “getting Bromsgrove to change its ways would be difficult.”

Building

work at the junction of Hewell Lane and Fiery Hill Road, Barnt Green, is causing a “major problem” because of workers’ vehicles, parish councillors heard. “They are parking right up to the junction and anyone coming around the corner can’t see them,” Coun Charlie Hotham told parish councillors. PCSO Mark Hyder told the meeting that police “no parking” cones placed on the road to control the problem had been stolen.

Barnt

Green parish councillors disagreed at their monthly meeting over whether a fence around CALA’s new balancing pond by Kendal End Road is safe. But it was pointed out that as it was on private land it was outside the council’s remit.

The Village

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The Village

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Village People

Friendship for seniors

he Lounge café and youth project in Alvechurch has expanded its offering with a new project aimed at helping senior citizens. The “Friendship Matters” group has been designed exclusively for older people in the village who are at risk of loneliness and isolation, and will meet on Mondays from April 1. The latest member of The Lounge team is Leeana Fitzpatrick (right), an expert in this field who is planning some lively and interesting sessions for the new initiative. Leeana said: “I am very excited to be joining the team as the lead on the Friendship Matters project and I look forward to getting to know the community over the coming weeks. If you haven’t met me already, pop into the café on Mondays from April 1 for a coffee and a chat.” Bill Ulyett, Chairman of The Lounge Trustees, said: “While the after-school

diner and youth club have seen increased demand, we now recognise that there is also a need to help our senior citizens. The new project is a great milestone for us and shows how we are adapting to support our wider community.” In the three years since a crisis meeting was called to address the future of The Lounge, the dedication and hard work of the trustees and

management team have ensured that not only was it saved, but that its future was secure. The premises have been updated and revitalised, there’s a new team in place and the café is attracting more and more regular customers. The Lounge Lottery has launched with almost 100 active players. “With support from Alvechurch Parish Council, local councilors and members of the wider community, we have been able to give employment opportunities to more than a dozen local people, some on their first steps into working life,” adds Bill. Volunteers are always welcome, particularly in the management team and youth support. If you would like to know more, contact The Lounge on 0121 445 5512, email manager@ alvechurchlounge.org.uk or pop in, sample the offerings and find out more.

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Dance donation

A barn dance at Rowney Green Village Hall raised £760 for Redditch charity Where Next Association, which creates working and social opportunities and teaches life skills for people with special needs. The charity’s life president and trustee John Williams said: “We are so grateful for the support given by ACE Rowney Green, the community group who did all the work, and to the people who came, risked the dance floor and gave so generously.” Where Next runs two horticultural nurseries in Redditch and Studley plus a light assembly and wood work shop. The latest cash is likely to go towards a defibrillator. Above: Mathew Gilbert, CEO of Where Next, volunteer Elizabeth Hailstone, Louise Croxton of ACE Rowney Green, and John Williams.

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Village VillageViews Views

Bonfires have the pote Dear Editor – I agree entirely with the view expressed by Michael Lewis, (Village Views, March 2019), with regard to the selfish menace of bonfires. No sooner has the bright weather arrived in Cofton Hackett than – you’ve guessed it – a bonfire spoils the clean, sunny fresh air with foul-smelling toxins. During the hot months it’s torture having to close windows, when people should be in the garden enjoying sunshine. As Mr Lewis quite rightly stated, there is ongoing “talk about air pollution,” yet although our neighbour, Birmingham City Council, is to charge motorists and buses to enter the city centre from January 2020 if these vehicles don’t meet strict emission limits, there is no mention of garden bonfires which have the potential to cause severe breathing problems for toddlers, youngsters and of course the elderly. Much is also said about woodburning stoves, yet they are clean when properly fitted. It is frustrating when Cofton residents wash their cars, only to find some selfish idiot lights up a filthy bonfire, covering hard work with dust and ash. Even when bonfire smoke reduces visibility on Barnt Green Road to just a few feet, it’s hopeless calling the police. Trying to make an accurate assessment of air quality when bonfires become part of the equation is hopeless and makes for false readings. Now I am not so mean as to suggest that the November 5 Bonfire

Have your say . . . about anything! 22

The Village

April 2019

Night celebrations should be curbed; they are part of the nation’s heritage. However we do need a new Clean Air Act to curb garden bonfires and if the law is ignored, then fines. I propose £10,000 for the first offence, £25,000 for the second and £100, 000 for a third. It sounds a lot but bonfires have the potential to kill people with asthma. Footnote: Where is our resident astronomer? No sign of him in the March 2019 issue! John A Ridarta, Cofton Hackett The Editor writes: Brian Watkiss took a break in March but he’s back this month, on page 54.

Planning process is unacceptable

Dear Editor – I would like to point out to John Williams (How to object to plans, Village December 2018) that the planning process is very clear even if unacceptable: 1) Planning application is submitted to the Local Authority and if it ticks the numerous information requirements the application will be registered as valid. 2) The Local Authority will notify neighbours to inform them of the proposal. 3) Once registered the application is considered by professional

email: editor@villageonline.co.uk

or write to: Letters, The Village, The Limes, Swan Street, Alvechurch B48 7RR Please include your name and address – even if you request them to be withheld from publication. We reserve the right to edit submissions for reasons of space or legality. The deadline for the next issue is April 15.

ntial to kill

advisers to the council, whose detailed knowledge of planning legislation should enable them to make an informed recommendation. The elected lay committee, who in my experience have limited expertise in any aspect of local government, will make a decision. If the application is refused the applicant has the right of appeal to the Secretary of State. In my view the system is not fit for purpose, as leaving the quality of our built environment in the hands of butchers, bakers and candlestick makers is the unacceptable face of democracy. After all, do you take your X-rays into the grocer’s for interpretation? David Barton, Weatheroak, Alvechurch

Stranger than fiction!

Dear Editor – I have just read your article on the Marlbrook Tip fiasco (You really couldn’t make it up, Village March 2019). It would be extremely funny if it was not true! I live on the Old Birmingham Road and witnessed all those lorries going past our houses, that shook our windows as they went by. The reason I’m writing to you is with regards to my frustrating dealings with Bromsgrove District Council’s head of planning, Ruth Bamford – please don’t hold your breath on her input on Marlbrook Tip. Name and address supplied

More letters overleaf

Where’s Vinny?

nine-year-old Molly Powner, of Cofton Hackett, was the latest winner of a Mini Vinny in our monthly competition. If you want to win one for yourself, you’ll need to try to locate the little hedgehog hiding somewhere in this magazine (the one shown above is just a guide!). Just tell us where he’s hiding via phone, email or post – please include your contact details, especially if leaving a voicemail message – and we’ll draw a winner at random. The closing date is midnight on the 18th of every month. We’ll let you know if you’ve won and you can collect your Mini Vinny from our office – and pose for a photo with your prize!

TheVillage View . . .

he local elections fall at an awkward time for this magazine: we have to go to press with this issue before the deadline for nominations, while the elections themselves are to be held on May 2, within a couple of days of our next issue landing on doormats. Naturally, we don’t want to miss our chance to have a say, so we’ll be having two bites at this political cherry – one now, and one next month, which we hope many people will get to read as they head to the polling stations. And when we say “political” we mean this very much with a small “p”. No party politics, please. Regular readers will know we have welcomed the breath of fresh, independent air that has blown through district and county government around here. Villagers have rejected candidates standing for big national political parties and have given their votes to independent councillors who have no party axe to grind, just a desire to improve the lives of the people who live around here. Independent candidates have been successful in Barnt Green, Hopwood and Alvechurch and they hope to continue that success on May 2 – and possibly even expand upon it into other parts of The Village area. If you get chance, read and listen to what they have to say over the coming weeks and think about giving them your votes. It’s got to be better to be represented by an independent, community minded villager than someone who will be told how to vote by their party.

ahh . . . the birds are singing, the clocks are springing forward (to where they should remain, by the way) and households are hanging out their washing to dry in the fresh air. For many of us, it is the best time of year as we shake the winter out of our bones and relish the chance to get into the garden and sort out the winter debris. For some, however, it brings out a smouldering menace . . . (see the page opposite). We’ve said it before (this is our 200th issue, after all), so won’t labour the point for too long, but we’re living in the countryside where having bonfires has always been a way of life. As long as nothing noxious is being burned, and you wait until dusk before lighting up, it can hardly be considered to be antisocial behaviour. And one thing is for sure, by night time there won’t be any washing hanging out to spoil – or so you might expect. An acquaintance of this magazine was saying the other day that he had been itching to get his bonfire going in Cofton Hackett, but on the previous two evenings he had been thwarted . . . by his neighbours leaving their washing out on the line all night! The Village

April 2019

Village VillageViews Views continued from previous page

Stuck in the mud

Dear Editor – Barnt Green has recently been blessed with its very own balancing pond, located at the Foxhills housing estate. This vast, deep, steep-sided, muddy-bottomed, wet hole is accumulating litter (35 pieces at a recent count), which can’t get out after it falls in and sticks in the wet mud. It’s a bit of a mess. I wonder if the developers have a plan to deal with it. Jim Rowan, Cofton Hackett

Help us find Heinz

Dear Editor – My family used to live at Scarfield Farm. My mother, who is now 92, remembers with fondness the prisoners of war who helped out on the farm. She remembers Heinz, who made my parents a clock out of old car bits for their wedding. She thinks they were housed in a camp in Tanyard Lane. She remembers cleaning and preparing an out house for them but says they weren’t allowed to stay over. Can anyone give me some leads on this? We would love to trace Heinz and his family. Pammy Michell, Alvechurch

Lawn being used as field

Dear Editor – Yet again the left-hand side entrance to Greenbank in Barnt Green is being used as a field. Cars parked at school drop-off and pick-up time use the opposite pavement. This then causes cars driving into and out of Greenbank to have to use the managed lawn area to enter and exit. This piece of land is managed by a resident and paid for by the resident. Could we ask, again, that people take a bit more care and consider where and how they park. Greenbank resident

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The Village

April 2019

ALVECHURCH PARISH COUNCIL Are you confused about planning? For planning-related matters, please refer to the NEW “Planning Information” page added to the Parish Council’s website. This covers:

• A simple Guide to the Planning System • Guidance on how to comment, support or object to applications • Relevant links and contact details

Alvechurch Parish Council is working for you! www.alvechurch.gov.uk/planningInfo Parish Office tel: 0121 447 8016 Email: assistantclerk@alvechurch.gov.uk Crown Meadow First School & Nursery, Alvechurch

Nursery Places September 2019 Are you thinking about Nursery care for your child from September 2019? We have places available at our purpose built Nursery setting where children are led by a qualified teacher and support staff. We believe the Nursery is an extension of the home and members of staff create a safe, secure and stimulating environment. If you have a child who will be 3 years of age prior to September, visit our website where you will find a copy of our ‘Parents’ Information Booklet’ and Nursery application form to register your interest in a place. For more information about our Nursery, please contact the School Office either by email at office@ crownmeadow.worcs.sch.uk or by telephoning 0121 445 4540. Together we: Dream ~ Believe ~ Achieve ~ Succeed

The Village

April 2019

Village People

Keith’s a wildlife hero

ickey resident Keith Woolford has been named as a “Worcestershire Wildlife Hero” for his work at High House Wood in Lickey. The awards, given by the Worcestershire Wildlife Trust as part of its 50th birthday celebrations, acknowledged the work of 37 people from around the county, all of whom received a framed certificate and a speciallycommissioned badge at the awards evening at their WWT headquarters. After several visits to High House Wood, vice-chairman of the Trust Graham Martin (pictured presenting the award to Keith) was suitably

Planting new life on canal F

ollowing the demolition last year of the decaying bridge over the Dead Arm on the WorcesterBirmingham Canal in Alvechurch, the Canal and Rivers Trust has replanted the area with trees and climbers. Sarah Brice of the C&RT and Mary Green of the Worcester-Birmingham and Droitwich Canal Society planned a replanting with native species where the work had been done. Sarah brought volunteers from C&RT and they were joined by more volunteers from the canal society, Alvechurch Village Society and Alvechurch Parish Council. On the old wall left behind from the bridge, which has unsightly graffiti, they put netting and planted native ivy, rose and hop to climb up it. On the other spaces they planted

impressed by its management to nominate Keith for his part. “It was certainly a real team effort with my fellow members and I’m very pleased to accept the award

native cherry plum, wild cherry, field maple, sallow, spindle, guelder-rose, hawthorn, burnet-rose and holly. These are all flowering and fruiting species, so in time will provide good habitats for insects and birds. Andy Humphries, chair of Alvechurch Parish Council, thanked Sarah for the care taken in the whole project to maintain this important wildlife site around the Dead Arm. The area between the two arms is an excellent example of naturallyregenerated woodland, teeming with wildlife. As well as seeing swans pass, the volunteers saw the first brimstone butterfly of the season while they

acknowledging this,” said Keith. “We are indebted to the support given by Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council and all the volunteers who help litter-pick, clean our bench and more. High House Wood holds regular community events , such as a “bat evening” and the planting of a fruit tree to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. There have also been two trail wildflower planting initiatives with the aim of reintroducing native flowers. If you are interested in learning about future events at High House Wood or wish to volunteer, email keith@friendsofhhw.uk

were planting in late February. Everyone involved hopes that local people will look after these trees and enjoy them for years to come. Top: Andy Humphries and Mary Green with volunteers. Above: Sarah Brice with C&RT volunteers. The Village

April 2019

Oakalls Village

Once upon a time . . . N

Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.

ineteen children at Finstall Pre-School celebrated World Book Day on March 7, dressing up as their favourite literary characters. Among the book characters represented was a very hungry caterpillar, a cat in a hat, a couple of Snow Whites and a tiger who wanted some tea! A special book swap formed part of the day’s activities, which also included reading stories and playing musical games. Four-year-old Olivia said: “I dressed up as the Room on the Broom witch. The cat is the best animal the witch shares her broom with. I love dressing up on World Book Day.” Thomas, also aged four, was dressed as Thomas the Tank Engine. He said: “I’ve got the whole set of Thomas books. Percy is my favourite train.” Two-year-old Arriya commented: “My favourite book is Meg and Mog. My Daddy reads the stories to me.”

First School pupils

Teacher Emma Martin said that the children really enjoyed sharing their books. “They all love stories,” she added. “They’ve been excited all week about dressing up today.” Following the event at the Pre-school, Finstall First School celebrated World Book Day on March 8. The costumes included Ben from Gangsta Granny by David Walliams; Harry from The Scarecrows’ Wedding by Julia Donaldson; and Blaze the Unicorn, from the Unicorn Academy books by Julie Sykes. Zach, aged seven, was dressed Pre-School pupils

as Wally. “I have five Where’s Wally books. They came in a big box. I love trying to find Wally on all the pages.” Six-year-old Holly said: “I’m Tabby McTat – which makes me a boy for the day! It’s a brilliant book. There’s a sad bit in the middle but it has a happy ending.” Matthew Mason, deputy head at Finstall First School, stressed the importance of celebrating World Book Day. “At a time when young people spend so much time using digital devices it is really important to reinforce the joy of reading a printed book. “There is something special about physically turning the page as a story unfolds. Reading books together in school helps children develop listening skills and encourages group discussion.” WHAT A LOAD OF RUBBISH! A litter pick took place on the Oakalls on Saturday March 23, as part of the Great British Spring Clean campaign. More details will follow in the May issue. Please contact me with your news, views and concerns about any aspect of life on the estate. Email: oakalls@villageonline.co.uk

The Village

April 2019

Village People People Charity Village

Running around the world A

former Marlbrook resident has helped raise more than £17,500 for a disaster response charity by taking part in a year’s worth of tough events. Damian Lewis, who was born and brought up in the village but now lives in London, launched his “Running for Rubicon” campaign last May to raise funds for Team Rubicon UK – a charity that unites the skills of military veterans with first responders to deploy emergency response teams to disasters in the UK and overseas. He gained first-hand experience when he spent two weeks as a volunteer in the British Virgin Islands in the aftermath of the 2017 hurricanes. As a runner with Bromsgrove and Redditch AC since the age of 10, Damian based his campaign around running, with team or individual events every month.These have included a Tough Mudder, stair

running, a Wolf Run, 165km Santa Run and a 24-hour Round The World relay involving 60 runners around the world. A highlight was completing the Three Peaks Challenge in 24 hours with a 19-strong team who climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon, finishing with just 10 minutes to spare. Damian included three solo challenges “to gain a personal sense of

what it feels like to be broken and then keep going, and to raise awareness of the fact that's what survivors of and responders to disasters do all the time”. One was a marathon in the Sierra Nevada in July, which he completed in seven hours despite never having run a marathon nor done any fell running or climbing. In November he travelled to Oman for the desert Ultramarathon, running 165km over five days carrying sleeping gear, safety equipment (including an anti-venom pump!) and food. Damian’s ultimate challenge comes in April when he will attempt the famous Marathon des Sables. Competitors run 260km in the Sahara desert over six days, again carrying all their own equipment and food. To donate to Team Rubicon UK or to get involved with their events, visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/ running-for-rubicon

A haven for pollinators

The creation of a “pollinator-friendly” patch in Barnt Green is due to begin this month, with wild flowers and grass planted to attract insects. Resident Rachel Banner was asked to represent the parish council at the Worcestershire Pollinators Conference last year, and later helped to identify a suitable site near the mini island at the end of Hewell Road. Sowing and planting was originally going to take place last autumn, but bad weather and an injury to Rachel’s back meant it had to be delayed. The ground has now been prepared ready for work to begin on April 1, with Rachel assisted by current and former parish chairmen Robert Cholmondeley and Alun Davies. If this trial is a success, it is hoped that other patches can be created – and a “pollinator corridor” linking Barnt Green with Cofton, Lickey and Alvechurch.

The Village

April 2019

FOUR villagers have decided to put their fears aside and jump out of a plane to raise money for the Primrose Hospice in Bromsgrove. Vicki Stiles, Katie Chinn, Ollie Wilson and Declan Kings, all colleagues at Armstrong Bell in Stoke Prior, have signed up for a skydive in Banbury on September 14. They aim to raise a collective £2,500. To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/parachuteforprimrosesept19 Above: Katie, Declan, Ollie and Vicki with Primrose Hospice fundraiser Anna Wilson.

10 Years Ago From TheVillage archive

finstall cycling star Jess Varnish was on the cover of our April 2009 issue, while inside she told The Village about her dreams of competing at the Olympics.

September 2013 – the dig-

IN THE NEWS: gers arrive There were concerns that a new waste incinerator could be built “on our doorstep” in north Redditch. Elsewhere, Alvechurch Village Hall was preparing to celebrate its 80th birthday, and Rowney Green Peace Hall had received lottery cash for more facilities.

village runners were in training for the London Marathon. Nina Hobson and Kerry Grady of Barnt Green (above left) were running for The Prostate Cancer Charity and Whizz Kids, while Barnt Green butcher Steve Read and Gemma Hares of Alvechurch (above right) were raising funds for the Foundation for Study of Infant Deaths. lickey end youngster Lucy Dearn and her Boston terrier, Roxxi, had been successful at Crufts, winning a reserve challenge certificate for reserve best bitch in their category. Lucy, aged 12, had been showing Roxxi for 10 months and had won an array of awards. The Village

April 2019

Village Health

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Enjoy a social drink J

ulie Ward, a qualified counsellor Julie. “It will be the best thing you and coach who specialises in ever did. Everyone should learn alcohol-related issues, offers what works for them, and it really one-to-one support to individuis that easy. All you have to do is als who would like to learn how to turn up, relax and listen to one of reduce their alcohol intake or to our personal alcohol coaches who stop altogether. will take you through the process. “You know how most people enMost people find it interesting and joy a social drink…well, you can get therapeutic.” back to drinking socially instead “Many of us struggle to keep our of at home or going over the top alcohol levels down. . . because, when you are out. It can be done after all, it is a drug and that’s the but you just need to learn how!” Julie’s service, ACT Alcohol, can teach you your own personal formula to social drinking, and it will only take one hour a week for four weeks. “It’s a short amount of time to invest when you can achieve such benefit to your health, Louise Julie finances and relationships,” says

Village Health

nature of the beast! It’s all too easy to put it off for another time, when life will surely be easier,” adds Julie. “When you understand your own personal formula then long-term control is achievable. The key is to learn simple rules and strategies for yourself that when applied guarantee immediate results. It’s not difficult to learn, it doesn’t take very long and it will be the best thing you ever did!” Text “short course” to 07434 286826 and one of the team will respond immediately, or call 01527 878162 to book an appointment. Find more information by visiting www.actalcohol.co.uk or searching ‘ACT Alcohol‘ on Facebook . Advertisement feature

Effective hair-loss solution A

non-surgical hair-loss treatment with instant results and virtually no downtime is now available in Alvechurch. Jackie Nash, a trained cosmetic tattooist, uses scalp micropigmentation to create the appearance of a full head of shaven hair, which can help to restore confidence and a more youthful look. The pigment is implanted into the balding areas of the scalp, replicating the look of natural hair follicles. The treatment can be used at any stage of hair loss and is an instantly effective and longlasting solution. Based at The Mill House Clinic, Jackie works closely with each individual client to create a bespoke hairline that they are happy with. The three-part treatment is carried out over a few weeks, with each session taking approximately

The Village

April 2019

three to four hours depending on individual requirements. Only the highest-quality equipment and pigments are used, and Jackie is fully licensed and insured and follows rigorous hygiene procedures. Jackie’s background as a trained artist means she can use her professionalism, attention to detail and artistic flair to create the most natural-looking hairlines. As part of her training, she worked with one of the leading scalp micropigmentation practitioners in the country.

Contact Jackie to book a free no-obligation consultation: Tel: 07917 866648 or 0845 539 2164 jackie@jackienashaesthetics.co.uk www.jackienashaesthetics.co.uk Right: Jackie at work.

Above: Before and after treatment.

20 Years Ago From TheVillage archive

Our april 1999 cover showed St Mary’s Church, Wythall, which had been rescued from ruin by a developer intending to turn it into offices – but a group of residents hoped to buy it for community use.

September 2013 – the diggers arrive IN THE NEWS: The Village reported on lots of new developments in the area, such as the refurbishment of the ‘New’ Cramar Cat Sanctuary at Hopwood, the amenities at Rubery Great Park, the progress of the new motorway services, and the upcoming launch of the Rover 75. We also discovered how Roberts Corner in Alvechurch got its name!

Barnt green Scout leaders (including Michael Docherty and George Cochrane, above) had launched an appeal to raise £250,000 for a new village Scouting centre. Plans had been drawn up for a new building to replace the existing hut, built in 1932. young skaters, including Angus (left), were using street furniture such as the handrails at Alvechurch railway station while they waited for the new village skate park at The Becks to be completed – it had been much delayed by bad weather. The Village

April 2019

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Village Health

A decade of expert Eye Opticians of Barnt Green celebrates its 10th birthday with a brand new look.

t’s 10 years since Eye Opticians opened a branch in Barnt Green’s Hewell Road, and countless villagers have had their eyecare needs looked after by Shafik Haji and his team. The practice is now sporting a smart new look, but the friendly service and wide choice of affordable and designer frames remains constant. “We believe in giving the best service and going out of our way to make customer satisfaction a priority,” says Shafik, who qualified as a dispensing optician more than 30 years ago and founded the original branch of Eye Opticians in Edgbaston. “From the eye test to choosing your glasses, we aim to make the journey enjoyable and fun, as well as giving the customer the best product for their needs.” Eye Opticians offers some of the best frames from around the world, along with quality Japanese and Ger-

The Village

April 2019

man lenses at the most competitive prices – all backed with a two-year guarantee and offer price guarantee. Prices start at just £49 (frames and lenses) for those who want simple glasses that are still on trend. Along with exclusive brands like Cartier and Chanel, the designer collection has grown to encompass the likes

of Gucci, YSL, Tom Ford, Oliver Peoples, Etnia and Modo. Shafik has recently introduced new brands from France and Italy designed specifically for women, such as Res Rei, Lara D and Coco Song. For gents there are brands like Lindberg, Starck, Jf Rey and Cutler & Gross. Meanwhile, children’s frames start from £9. Services include standard eye examinations, enhanced eye examinations, dry eye clinics, and a full contact lens fitting service including varifocal contact lenses. Eye Opticians also provides clinics to diagnose and manage conditions like visual stress and photo-sensitive migraines. The firm is always investing in the latest technologies for both Barnt Green and Edgbaston, to give the most advanced eye examinations. Equipment such as the VisionX 120 diagnostics, Heidlberg Spectralis OCT and Zeiss HF3 visual fields screener is the gold standard – as used in eye hospitals – for the early detection of glaucoma, macular degeneration and other conditions. By monitoring changes over time the prog-

eyecare

Advertisement feature

Owners and loaners at the 2018 Gaydon handover

Right: Shafik Haji nosis is much better. And it’s not only clients’ eyes that are looked after – Eye Opticians even supplies and fits hearing aids in partnership with The Hearing Care Partnership. Shafik would like to thank customers for their support over the past 10 years: “We’ve enjoyed every minute of being in Barnt Green and we’re hoping to celebrate 20 years here!” To celebrate this milestone, Eye Opticians is giving customers a special offer (see below), and also holding an Open Day at the Barnt Green branch on Saturday April 6. Pop along between 9am and 5pm to see the latest collection of Tom Ford frames and sunglasses, and take advantage of special offers and a prize draw.

28 Hewell Road, Barnt Green: 0121 445 4545 44 Islington Row, Edgbaston: 0121 456 5676 www.eyeopticians.co.uk Follow us: @eyeopticiansgo

The Village

April 2019

Village History

Share scouting memories

arlbrook resident Mike Dodman, whose family has a three-generation connection with the 1st Lickey Scout Group, is trying to document its history – which dates back more than 100 years. He is very keen to make contact with any former scouts who were in the group in the 1940s, 50s, 60s or 70s, who are still living in the local area and would be willing to chat about their memories. Readers may remember meeting at the Scout Hut on Rose Hill (now a private house) or helping with the group’s successful fundraising jumble sales. Mike also wants to try and find a family with a four-generation link with 1st Lickey. The eventual aim is to publish the group’s history online. If you can help, contact Mike at mfdodman@gmail.com, 0121 445 2663 or 07866 389528.

Above: The Scout pack in November 1961, with Scoutmaster Howard Squire in the centre. Mike tells us that Howard lived on Rose Hill and was a WW2 Spitfire pilot (although he spent much of the war in a POW

camp). He was a teacher before and after the war. His wife was also a teacher, at the C of E infant school at the top of Rose Hill – this building became the Scout Hut from the 1950s to 2005.

The Village

April 2019

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Village Finance

Advertisement feature

Ringing the changes of the new tax year

he tax year 2018/19 ends on Friday April 5, which means it’s time to start planning for the new tax year and tie up the loose ends of the old one. Planning for the new tax year is now affected by the shift of the Budget schedule to autumn. The result is that changes announced in October, or in Scotland’s December Budget, have now passed into legislation in time for the new tax year. So, what does 2019/20 hold in store?

A higher personal allowance The first £12,500 of income for most people in the UK will be free of income tax from 6 April 2019. An increased higher rate threshold, outside Scotland The higher rate income tax threshold (the personal allowance + the basic rate band) will rise to £50,000 for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. This considerable jump of nearly 8% could mean it is worth reviewing how married couples and civil partners own their investments to ensure income falls into the right hands. In Scotland, the threshold stays unchanged at £43,430. An increased national insurance contributions (NICs) upper threshold The UK-wide upper threshold for full rate NICs (12% for employees) will also increase by nearly 8% to £50,000 from 6 April, potentially clawing back some, or in Scotland, almost all of your income tax savings. However, the increase does offer more scope to potentially gain benefits from salary sacrifice arrangements for pension contributions. Personal pensions The lifetime allowance will rise by almost £25,000, to £1.055 million, for 2019/20 – roughly enough to buy a

Tie up loose ends and plan for changes to savings and pensions, writes Martin Pryor.

65-year-old a guaranteed inflationproofed income of around £34,000 a year, based on current annuity rates. The annual allowance and its associated taper limits remain unchanged. So it’s all the more important to check whether you have any unused allowance from 2015/16 to carry forward before 6 April arrives, given you can only carry forward the previous three tax years, and the opportunity disappears.

Employer pensions The minimum level of pension contributions for automatic enrolment increases from 6 April 2019. For employers, the minimum rate rises from 2% to 3% of ‘band earnings’ (£6,136–£50,000 in 2019/20), while employees must pay enough to bring the total up to 8% including tax relief. As the band’s upper limit has risen in line with the NIC upper threshold,

there is a double sting if you earn above £46,454.

Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) Only the Junior ISA investment limit will increase in 2019/20, and that by only £108 per year. It will be the third successive year the overall ISA limit has been fixed at £20,000, a reminder of the wisdom of contributing as much as you can each year (including 2018/19, if you have not already done so). One popular ISA variant, the Help-to-Buy ISA, will disappear for new investors (aged 16 upwards) from December 2019. Capital gains tax (CGT) The CGT annual exempt amount increases to £12,000 in 2019/20. The new annual exempt amount could result in a potential tax saving of up to £2,400 (£3,360 in the case of residential property). If you have not used your 2018/19 exemption, combining the two with sales straddling the tax years could remove £23,700 of gains from tax. That might provide the funds to top up ISAs and pensions. The value of tax reliefs depends on your individual circumstances. Tax laws can change. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice. The value of your investment, and any income from it, can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. For specific tax advice please refer to your tax specialist or accountant. n Contact Pryor Portfolio Management for more information: Tel: 07961 162818 martinpryor@ppm-ifa.co.uk www.ppm-ifa.co.uk The Village

April 2019

Village Weather

Soggy start to spring M

Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.

arch brought quite a change from the spring-like weather of February, although temperatures stayed above average despite the wind and rain. There were a few ground frosts to start the month, but no cold weather to really mention – very different from last year’s heavy snow. It had been very wet up until the 20th, especially on the 5th (16.3mm) and the 12th (16.2mm).

March 2019 (to the 20th) Mean Max 10.8C 0.8 above average Mean Min 4.2C 1.8 above average Mean 7.5C 1.3 above average Rainfall 68.7mm 153% of average Sunshine 47.9 hrs 51% of average There was a very cold start to February, with a hard frost of –5.2C on the 3rd. It then became more changeable and wet up to the 10th, but was drier with little rainfall (1.9mm on the 18/19th) until we had 3.4mm on the last day of the month. The most noteworthy thing was the level of sunshine– 115.6 hours in Alvechurch, 191% of the local average.

February 2019 Mean Max 11.1C 3.8 above average Mean Min 1.7C 0.8 above average Mean 6.4C 2.3 above average Rainfall 38.4mm 73% of average Sunshine 115.8 hrs 191% of average Winter 2018–19 (Dec, Jan, Feb) Mean Max 9.0C 2.0 above average Mean Min 2.3C 0.8 above average Mean 6.4C 1.4 above average Rainfall 184.1mm 97% of average Sunshine 298.9 hrs 187% of average

Outlook There is considerable uncertainty in the April forecast, but during the first week it looks most likely that changeable conditions will become established. Wet and windy weather may be interspersed with drier and brighter spells. By the middle of the month, there is a possibility that more widely-settled weather may return. Temperatures will probably start off a little warmer than average, but may fall nearer to normal for a time early in the month.

More information at www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com You can see an improved HD weather-cam, updated at one-minute intervals, at: www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com/webcam_alvechurch.php

The Village

April 2019

Mark Meads

Mortgage, Equity Release and Protection Specialist If you would like to talk in confidence about your financial needs and future financial planning, please contact me directly on 07730 011897 or mark.meads@villagefinancial.co.uk, for an initial discussion to see how I can help you and your family.

Village Financial Solutions Ltd, The Coppice, Rowney Green Lane, Rowney Green, Worcs B48 7QF

Tel : 07730 011897 Email : mark.meads@villagefinancial.co.uk Village Financial Solutions Ltd is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network. PRIMIS Mortgage Network is a trading style of Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Village Sport Alvechurch FC move into a crucial phase of the season.

s we went to press, Alvechurch FC were sixth in the league with two games in hand, and still hoping to make the play-offs. The team had a rather depleted February with only three matches played. The well-documented postponement away at King’s Lynn was followed by two must-win home games. Basement club Bedworth Town visited Lye Meadow and a dominant ’Church performance secured the points with a comfortable 3–0 victory, the highlight being a superb goal by Taylor Morrison. This was followed by a performance against Biggleswade Town that many claimed was the best under the current management team. A 2–1 victory was the least they deserved against a very strong side that had beaten AFC convincingly earlier in the season. The one blip during the month was a disappointing 2–0 defeat away at Leiston. In a game of few chances, two Alvechurch errors gifted the opposition their goals and it was a long journey home for everyone who made the 400-mile, eight-hour round trip to the east Sussex coast. March began with a 1-1 draw at play-off rivals AFC Rushden & Diamonds, then an important 4–2 home win over struggling Lowestoft Town. Unfortunately the rearranged fixture at King’s Lynn ended in a 1-0 defeat.

Action from the match at Leiston (Photo/ Ian Macvie)

Making every gam The vital away game against Stourbridge FC has been switched to Friday April 19 (Good Friday), with a 7.30pm kick-off. Stourbridge have wanted to experiment with Friday night football and asked for a switch, and ’Church were happy to oblige. Due to continued success on the pitch, Lye Meadow must be constantly upgraded to keep up with FA ground regulations. At each level, the ground has to meet more stringent rulings. The main stand has been extended to accommodate more seating and the changing rooms have been enlarged to new regulations ensuring step 3 football will be played at Lye Meadow next season.

Above: Manager Ian Long and captain Ash Carter receive the Team of the Month award from Biggleswade Town chairman Maurice Dorrington (centre).

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April 2019

l Alvechurch FC won the league’s Team of the Month award for the first time thanks to their success in January. Despite losing to Banbury on New Year’s Day, a run of good results secured 13 points from a potential 18. Brothers Kyle and Taylor Morrison both won awards for February. Central defender Kyle was declared Player of the Month, a testament to his recent dominant performances. Taylor scooped Goal of the Month for his strike in the vital 3–0 win against Bedworth – a strong run down the left flank before cutting in and shooting across the keeper. Alvechurch have bolstered their forward line by signing Joe Phillips from Welsh League side Aberystwyth Town. Joe has been training with Alvechurch for several weeks but had to wait for clearance from the Welsh FA before making his debut. With the long term injury to Lee Chilton, Joe is a welcome addition to the squad. The midfield has also been strengthened by the signing of Tom Tonks from Stourbridge FC. As well as offering different options in midfield, he also takes a long throw-in which is yet another attacking threat. Manager Ian Long wants to add more firepower, and has put in a seven-day offer for proven goal scorer Levi Rowley, currently playing for

Village Youth Sport

Action from the draw at AFC Rushden & Diamonds (Photo/ Ian Macvie)

me count

Bedworth United. If this bid is successful he could play a vital role. Former Alvechurch under 18s manager Tyrone Henderson and first team coach Oliver Harthill have taken over the management role at Midland Football League Division 1 side Littleton FC. The pair have already made an impact with experienced new signings and climbing out of the relegation zone with some impressive results.

Cup success for village U10s Alvechurch Athletic FC U10s triumphed in the Central Warwickshire Youth Football League Winter Cup Winter Cup after a nail-biting final against Silhill Saints U10s. Alvechurch dominated the first half with plenty of shots but no goals. Then, 30 seconds from half time, the opposition scored. But after a shaky start to the second half, Alvechurch grabbed a scrambled equaliser and went on to blast home another three to earn a well-deserved 4-1 victory.

The team was formed four years ago as part of the Alvechurch FC Youth section, and has a great team spirit and plenty of talent. Next season they will start playing 9-a-side and need to recruit a few more players. Trials will take place during training sessions on Thursday evenings throughout May – if your child is currently in Year 5 and is interested, contact the manager Andy Padmore on 07500 125880 or andypadmore@googlemail.com

l Suited & Booted returns to Lye Meadow on Sun May 26, featuring seven live bands, a reggae room and DJs from 10am until late. Early bird tickets available for £10 or pay on the door (£20). Full details at www.suitedbooted.co.uk l For more info or sponsorship enquiries, please contact Trevor Ball at saintsarehot2@btinternet.com or visit www. pitchero.com/clubs/alvechurch Follow the club on Twitter @Alvechurch1st

fixtures

All league fixtures unless stated Tues Apr 2 Leiston (H) 7.45pm Sat Apr 6 Kettering Town (A) 3pm Sat Apr 13 Coalville Town (H) 3pm Fri Apr 19 Stourbridge (A) 7.30pm Mon Apr 22 Banbury Town (H) 3pm Sat Apr 27 Needham Market (A) 3pm

n An Emerging Schools Festival for Year 10s took place at Kings Norton RFC, Hopwood Park, as part of the Greater Birmingham RFU Team’s mission to support and promote rugby in Birmingham senior schools. Kings Norton RFC volunteers, Kings Norton Juniors President Ron Bunce and Club Secretary Ian Nelson supported the event by preparing the pitches and clubhouse. The students from four Birmingham schools all enjoyed their experience at Hopwood Park and the club hopes to support the programme again in future. Ron Bunce said, ‘’We would be pleased to have the boys join us at Kings Norton RFC, where we have teams for boys and girls in all age groups and need more players’’. More information from Jim Williams on 07905 342510 or email wjames177@hotmail.com The Village

April 2019

Mary Green reminds us of the important role played by ‘pests’.

ollowing last month’s article about hedges (and the lovely reader’s letter that echoed it), I have been horrified by some of the roadside hedge cutting done this winter. I turned off the canal down Grange Lane near Alvechurch which had hedges flailed right down like pieces of Weetabix, and the birdsong went absolutely silent. Down Scarfield Hill, once a really old varied hedge with woodland flora underneath, it’s been chopped down square to under a metre – only a foot high in some places. It’s set back from the road with a decent verge, so wasn’t causing any danger to traffic. Then I found the same in Cofton Church Lane, a really quiet dead-end lane. It must be deliberate. These hedges will be useless for removing diesel particulates or hosting insects and birds and although they will grow back, the shape and structure of the trees will have been ruined. I wrote last month about wrens, but all common birds have amazing habits and stories. The way they lay and hatch their eggs is fascinating. For a start, why lay eggs, which are vulnerable in the wild, rather than keep them safe and warm in their bodies like mammals do? The answer is that birds need to keep the weight low so they can fly, and they have too hot a body temperature for young. Eggs need shells to protect them, so birds have to eat a lot of calcium. They get much of this from eating snail shells. One of the reasons that some birds are in decline is the lack of snails, killed off by our habits. Some of our most common birds, great tits and blue tits, have complicated ways of making sure their eggs hatch and chicks grow. They can delay fertilisation for up

The Village

April 2019

Caterpillars to a week after mating. Once the eggs are laid, they can grow or lose feathers on their breasts to warm or cool their eggs and control their hatching. They are waiting for the hatching of the specific caterpillars their chicks feed on, the winter moth, which feed on fruit trees, whose leaves’ arrival is dependent on the

warmth of the spring. It seems strange: when the weather is cold they don’t warm their eggs so much, but when it’s warm they warm them up. This is to delay hatching in cold weather, and speed it up when it’s warm and the caterpillars will be there. Birds vary in how fully developed they are on hatching: blue and great tit chicks are still naked and blind when they hatch. But the parents’ clever Great tit timing means they have a good chance of survival. Some birds are even cleverer than this. Different groups of cuckoos lay different patterned eggs to match those in the nests of the birds whose nests they lay eggs in. In return, some potential host birds have evolved complicated patterns

Village Country Diary Bee on scabious

Small copper butterfly on ragwort

and snails on their shells to stop cuckoos imitating them. Cuckoos depend on the tiger moth caterpillar especially, so we lose them where there isn’t their preferred insect food, as well as where the host birds disappear through lack of habitat. As April comes, think about all this going on in the hedges around you, and hope a cuckoo comes around Bittell as it has in recent years.

The mention of caterpillars and snails is a reminder of some of the wildlife we tend to destroy or at best neglect. It has been estimated that we are losing insect species at twice the rate of birds and mammals. Yet there are campaigns to save tigers and elephants and red kites, but not for insects. We all love insects when they are pretty, like the butterflies we see at Caterpillar

Snail

this time of year. I look out for the first brimstone (pale yellow) – which I saw in February this year! – and orange tips, and see tortoiseshells and peacocks emerging from hibernation. Even so, some gardeners will destroy caterpillars in their gardens and then try to attract butterflies to pollinate their flowers! Nobody likes slugs and snails, it appears, and a particularly nasty kind of slug killer is only now being banned in this country. The same is true of gnats and midges, flies and ants. Look in any garden centre or hardware store and it’s full of products to kill them. Yet people put up bat boxes, having destroyed their food. There’s a lovely line in the film Nine to Five where a woman reads continues overleaf The Village

April 2019

Village Country Diary Oak and ashhills, leaves, Ant Cooper’s Hill Scarfield Dingle

Ladybirds continued from previous page

through her shopping list: “. . .cat food, dog food, ant spray, rat poison.” That just about sums up our odd attitude to animals. So, it’s not surprising that the reasons given for declining insect numbers include habitat (which we destroy usually for convenience and profit), pesticides (which we use on purpose), pollution and climate change (which we have done accidentally). Most people only notice the lack of insects when they see that their windscreens and headlights don’t get covered with squashed flies in the summer. Or they worry about honey bees, with-

The Village

April 2019

out realising that hundreds of other insect species also pollinate plants. Even I find it hard to love midges in Scotland! Does it matter, since insects are a nuisance to our lives? It does. They are a crucial part of ecology, providing food for birds and small mammals as well as pollinating flowers without which we wouldn’t have vegetables and fruit. Each insect, each type of butterfly, has its own preferred plant

food, so we need the diversity of our natural habitat, not to pick and choose plants and “weeds”. One of the problems is that we have tended to see Interlinked nature as a hierarchy. In medieval times it was called the Great Chain of Being: starting with God and other heavenly bodies, going through humans to the higher animals (mammals and birds) then lower animals like snails and insects, then plants at the bottom. Mating Christians were insects supposed to respect the whole chain as being necessary and interdependent, but not to see the elements as equal. Noah only saved animals, not plants. While we were only capable of killing small numbers of animals and plants, this probably worked on the surface, although even early farming methods and hunting changed habitats and led to loss of species. Today people still seem to see Mating nature like this. We are aware of the common blues need to conserve wildlife, but we

Snow on yew

Cabbage white

usually mean mammals and birds, not insects and plants. We know that whole complex habitats are needed for health and sustainability, but we carry on using insecticides and herbicides and flailing hedges. Really, the order should be reversed. Plants are most important as they make up the basic habitat. Then the small creatures like insects and molluscs, and the plankton and krill in the sea, build up the next layer of existence. Only if we have them do we have the habitat for birds, red squirrels, red kites and Sumatran tigers. And us. Intensive agriculture is the prime reason for loss of habitat. Only a small part of the planet has been built on for cities or concreted over as roads, but a lot of it is farmed. Some methods of farming, like raising cattle and sheep on rough pasture and unsprayed meadows, are fairly sustainable: they donâ€™t deplete the soil and they make good wildlife habitats. Too much intensive stock rearing, though, leads to pollution of air, soil and water. Arable farming is worse, as it leads to destruction of trees and hedges, herbicides killing â€œweedsâ€? (i.e. native wild plants) and pesticides killing insects. Half of our farmed land no

Banded demoiselle

Habitat for small creatures

continues overleaf The Village

April 2019

Village Country Diary continued from previous page

longer provides the earthworms that thrushes need. It worries me that people can see the issues with farming meat, but not wheat and soy beans and rice. I must admit I haven’t given enough attention to insects and will try to learn more about them. In my pictures, some of the bees may be hoverflies! We can start with the interesting St Mark’s fly which comes out in April – it’s large and black with trailing legs, looking a bit dangerous but quite harmless. It loves untidy flowering hedges and hangs around field gateways. Or we can look at the lovely anthills by Scarfield Dingle (a field of old pasture, “unimproved”) and hear the green woodpeckers that feed from them. You can help in your garden by leaving untidy piles of woody and leafy bits, planting lots of native flowering plants and some foreign ones that flower earlier and late in the season, getting rid of mown lawn and, of course, not using “pesticides.”

Winter robin

Bee on hogweed

Hawker dragonfly

I wrote the poem in spring last year, in Peck Wood. I hope our lovely early spring continues this year.

Gatekeeper butterfly on fleabane Tortoiseshell

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April 2019

Blue

Blue is not sad. Blue is the colour of joy I stand in the middle of the wood Blue surrounds me, my nose full of scent My eyes a-dazzle, a-dance, alive Under the huge oaks, golden green Rising with life after the long winter Branches curling, arching, embracing Curvy, unlike the straight ash and beech A womanly tree, not the male of legend. The bluebells grow from its roots, the sky Grows from its tips, the pale forget-me-nots Mist over where the blue was lacking. The deep valley was carved by ages but People’s work has made this wood, kept it Like a huge flower in their hands Cupped and overflowing with blue For me to stand, and claim my life back from winter.

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April 2019

Village Gardening

Natural water sw Hannah Genders explains the benefits of an all-natural pool.

here is a real craze at the moment for wild water swimming or swimming in natural water – I think it may have started with the wonderful book Waterlogged by Roger Deakin. In it he journeys from one end of the country to the other via any outdoor swimming places, from rivers to mill ponds and the sea. His own story is fascinating, as he lived in a moated house and swam in the moat every day. He was also responsible for the Common Ground movement which celebrates local diversity and helped to save many of our heritage orchards. Sadly, he is no longer alive, but if you haven’t read it, do get the book – all of his writing is excellent. Anyway, I digress. The passion for swimming in natural water has become so popular, I believe, because it brings us close to and in touch with nature. We are all realising now how toxic chlorine and the other chemicals are in a normal swimming pool – I’ve had a number of people tell me they can only swim in a chlorinated pool once a week because of the effect on their skin. As some of you will know, we have converted a chemical pool into a natural swimming pool – or probably more accurately a swimming pond, as in my situation I am reliant on the plants to do the work of cleaning the water. In its simplest form, the plants grow and take out the nutrients in the water (we know plants do this

The Village

April 2019

from the soil). This cleans the water and it is then pumped back into the swimming zone. The plants are kept clear of the swimming zone, so you swim in naturally cleaned water but not in weed or mud like normal outdoor swimming. As with any water feature it is very wildlife-friendly. Ours has newts, both great crested (a protected species) and smooth; dragonflies; a few frogs (but not many); and great diving beetles, to name a few. Once the plants grow up it’s beautiful and flowers throughout the summer. The combination of plants is absolutely key to making this type of pool work and I’ve found it fascinating to learn about

a whole new area of horticulture that I didn’t know before. It’s such a massive subject that you can never know it all. The maintenance is quite straightforward. Like any gardening work, the plants need cutting back in spring and autumn and the leaves removed – you are trying to create as clean a system as possible to prevent algae build-up. Most people ask about temperature; you can heat these pools, which most people do with solar power or renewables. Ours regularly gets up to 20 degrees in the summer and as you are continually pumping the swimming water into the shallow warm water where the

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Good water quality in Hannahâ€™s pool

plants are, it warms up well. Some people cover the swimming area at night as this is the time when most of the heat is lost. I always knew this project would be a learning curve and as with anything you do for the first time, I would do it differently next time â€“ understanding much more the need for the water to stay in the regeneration (planted) zone for as long as possible. As part of the ongoing adventure I have also met and am working with a company called Poolscape, who are based in Hereford and have been building these pools for more than 30 years. The technology has come over from Austria and Germany where it has been developed and used in thousands of pools, and these systems are now available here. If you want a very clean, contemporary look, it is possible to have a natural swimming pool without the planted area â€“ this is called a Living Pool and it continues overleaf

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April 2019

Village Gardening

Water lily zone in Hannah’s pool continued from previous page

means you are still swimming in chemical-free water. The technology operates on two systems: a skimmer that continually filters the water and a second system that runs a biological filter and takes the phosphates out. My preference is for some planting, as the wildlife element for me is so much part of the experience and the planting edges look stunning. As a gardener I also find the planting combinations used fascinating; there are some fast-growing reeds that do the bulk of the nutrient

uptake, grown in a clean gravel bed without soil so no nutrient is added. The water is then “polished” by other plants, particularly a water lily bed with oxygenators growing in the shade underneath. The added benefit is that this water lily area is perfect for newts. In my pool they live in this bit most of the time when they are in the water, and I have added an oxygenator called Water Milfoil (Myrophyllum spicatum) which has a fern-like leaf – the newts lay and wrap their eggs in the leaves. It is important not to swim in Love2Stay pool (Ian Thwaites Photography)

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April 2019

these pools with anything on your skin, such as suntan lotion, as it unbalances the water, so a shower before can be necessary. But the feeling on your skin afterwards is soft and invigorating. I’m sure you can tell that I am a fan, particularly where people have converted an ugly, run-down swimming pool into a natural pool with all the wildlife benefits it brings, plus they are beautiful to look at. Most of these projects are still in private homes, but there are more now in public spaces and that is a great development. The experience of swimming in one of these natural pools is so different to swimming in a normal chemical pool. The best way to experience it is to try it, and you can do this at a place called Love2Stay just outside Shrewsbury – you can stay in an eco-lodge, camp or caravan and swim in a wonderful, natural, award-winning pool. It’s a familyfriendly place too. www.love2stay. co.uk If you are interested in your own natural swimming pool project, do give me a ring sometime.

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Village Stargazing

Take-off to the future N

ow, where were we? Ah yes, space. Did you see the SpaceX Crew Dragon in action? Wasn’t that amazing? It performed perfectly, docking itself with the Space Station and returning to land in the Atlantic Ocean with equal precision. Its Falcon 9 launch was like something from science fiction, with the first stage landing itself on a recovery vessel while the second stage was still pushing on to orbit. It was reminiscent of the heady days of the Apollo missions except Crew Dragon is much larger than the Apollo command module. This month should see the launch of a Northrop Grumman Cygnus vehicle with supplies for the ISS on the 17th. This craft has to be grabbed by the ISS crew and docked manually and, looking a bit like a dustbin carrying a pair of parasols, it just doesn’t seem so sci-fi. Then, later in the month, we should have the launch of another spacecraft designed to carry people, Boeing’s Starliner. This will be another unmanned test flight to the ISS, using a more conventional launch vehicle and, indeed, Starliner looks more like an updated Apollo but, again, much larger. Unlike the days of Apollo, it is now very easy

The Village

April 2019

Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.

to find out if these craft are visible here in Alvechurch: just go to www. heavens-above.com. On a more down-to-Earth note, as it were, would you believe Mars is still visible in our evening skies? Looking south-west as soon as it gets dark, Orion is still dominating this part of the sky, although no longer centre stage. To his right is the bright star Aldebaran and further right still are the Pleiades, much lower now and

“The Northrop vehicle looks a bit like a dustbin carrying a pair of parasols” starting to get lost in the murk near the horizon. Between these last two, sits Mars, now looking more like an unremarkable star and not so easy to find. During April, the southern night skies are dominated by Leo, just to

the left of south as it gets properly dark, and Gemini, just above Orion. The twins are easy to spot with Castor sitting above Pollux, these being their heads and their bodies represented by two lines of faint stars trailing away to the right and down. Vertically below Gemini is one of the brightest stars in this part of the sky, Procyon, in Canis Minor. Actually, this “constellation” consists of just two stars, the other sits just above and to the right and is called Gomeisa, which I thought was in the Canary Islands. If you’re out early enough, Sirius might still be shining like a headlight further down near the horizon. Leo is easily recognised, looking like a lion standing proudly guarding his patch of sky from Orion and Gemini, with his foot on Regulus, the brightest of his stars. In between Leo and Gemini, with some careful observing, you should be able to make out an inverted ”Y” of stars making up the constellation of Cancer. Unfortunately, none of its stars is very bright so you will need a clear sky but as ever, get out and have a look. You never know what you can see. Above: The Crew Dragon, Cygnus and Starliner vehicles (Images courtesy of NASA)

Village What’s On

youthful inspiration

young Alvechurch musician has won a place in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and will perform at Symphony Hall this month. Violinist Megan Grainger, aged 16 and a pupil at King Edward VI Five Ways School, is taking part in her second tour with the NYO, which brings its Voice of Americas programme to Birmingham on Sunday April 14. The concert starts at 3pm and includes music by Copland and Gershwin. Tickets are £5 for under 25s. Megan remembers being amazed by the NYO in Symphony Hall when she was 10 (then a pupil at Alvechurch Middle School), which inspired her to practice hard and eventually audition. “I want young people to know that thanks to the NYO Inspire programme, following your dreams

EVENTS st george’s Day celebrations take place at Alvechurch Village Hall on Tues April 23 from 2–4pm, hosted by the WIs of Alvechurch, Hopwood, Hillside and Ark Angels. Entry is free, and refreshments (tea, cakes and scones) will be on sale. There’s also a children’s corner. A Table Top Sale will be held in The Ark, Alvechurch on Sat April 13 from 10.30am–3pm. Admission free. This is the Bell Ringers’ annual event, raising funds for restoration of the St Laurence tower clock. Wide range of tables with books, jigsaws, toys, tools, crafts and general bric-a-brac. Refreshments served all day. Ring Karen on 0121 445 4980 to book a table. The ringers are collecting for their own stall and would be pleased to collect donations. Alvechurch Village Society holds a Springtime Community Litter Pick on Sun April 14 from 10.30am to 12.30pm, aiming to clear the roads, hedges and verges in and around Alvechurch. Meet in the shopping precinct outside The Lounge, all equipment provided and full instructions and directions given. Children must be accompanied by an adult and all children taking part will receive a certificate. For more info contact Sheila Parsons on 07846 615955 or just turn up on the day.

Canal Society Golden Anniversary The Worcester-Birmingham and Droitwich Canal Society was founded 50 years ago in April 1969 at The Crown Inn, Withybed Green, Alvechurch. We are having a celebration:

Saturday 13 April 2019, 12 noon – 5pm at The Crown Inn Boat rides, information, entertainment, food and drink.

is now much more achievable for people from all backgrounds and I would encourage all aspiring musicians to get involved,” she says.

Come along and celebrate your local canal society, which helps look after your canal so you can walk, cycle, dog-walk, wildlife-watch or travel by boat along it. Contact secretary@wbdcs.org.uk for further information

what’s on guide BARNT GREEN Preschool’s renowned Nearly New Sale will be held on Sat April 6 at the Baptist Church, Bittell Road, 10.30am–12 noon. Bargains galore for babies’ and children’s clothes, toys, books, DVDs and nursery equipment. Entry £1. More info at bgNNSale@gmail.com ACE Rowney Green hosts a special free event on Sat April 6 to thank people for supporting its previous charity events and hopefully those in the future. A night of music and dancing with “Just Keith” takes place at Rowney Green Village Hall – bar opens 7pm; music starts 7.30pm. Easter Kids’ Activities run by the Lickey Hills Rangers takes place on Weds April 17 and 24, 11am–1pm. Go wild in the woods with these fun family events. Wear suitable outdoor clothing. Meet at the Visitor Centre on Warren Lane, B45 8ER. Booking essential on 0121 445 6036. An Easter Hunt and Spring Fete takes place at Balaam’s Wood and Community Orchard, Frankley, on Sat April 20, 11am– 2pm. Join in with “find the rabbit”, an Easter egg hunt, stalls, crafts and Messy Church. To book, contact Penny on 07902 903558.

St Godwald’s Community Cafe meets every other Friday (the next one is April 12) from 10.30am–12.30pm at St Godwald’s Room adjacent to the Church Hall, Finstall Road, Bromsgrove. Home made scones, cake, tea/coffee available. Come and have a chatter, play board games, jigsaws etc. Frankley Carnival takes place on Sat June 29, 11am–5pm on the green on New Road. Small, all-weather, family fun event – alcohol-free site,. Music, acts, BBQ, soft drinks, family games, stalls. If you’d like a stall, or can help with assembling and dismantling gazebos, litter picking or crowd control, contact Linda Coates on 07925 233738 or leave a message on Frankley Carnival Web Page. Alpha course – explore life, faith and meaning. Register your interest for our next course in 2019 at Barnt Green Baptist Church. Email outreach@bgb.org.uk or see www.bgb.org.uk ‘Quiet Space’ at Alvechurch Baptist Church takes place each Mon and Fri from 10am–12 noon. The church is open as a quiet space, with “welcomers” on hand

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Village What’s On continued from previous page to help if required, for anyone who would like to come and find peace and rest for as long as they need. For more info, call Revd Fiona Lee on 0121 447 7369, email revfiona@alvechurchbaptist.org.uk or visit www.alvechurchbaptist.org.uk MESSY CHURCH For All! This event is held on the third Sunday most months at Catshill Methodist Church from 3.45pm, to include games, singing, crafts and a story on a Bible-based theme, and simple meal around 5.30pm. Free entry and a warm welcome for all. More info from James Knott on 07968 110 631.

MUSIC SUITED & BOOTED returns to Lye Meadow in Alvechurch on Sun May 26. Gates open 10am. The ever-popular annual music extravaganza features seven live bands, a reggae room and DJs throughout the day to keep the whole family entertained until late. Early bird tickets available for £10 or pay on the door (£20). Full details at www. suitedbooted.co.uk The Arrow Vale Singers present Tragedy and Comedy, a concert to make you laugh and cry, on Sat April 6 at Webheath Village Hall (Heathfield Road, Webheath, Redditch B97 5SQ). Starting at 7.30pm, the programme includes songs from the Bee Gees, Monty Python, well-loved comedy theme tunes and musical theatre numbers from Sondheim, Phantom, Cats, Les Mis and Mary Poppins. The Arrow Vale Singers are into their 43rd year as a popular community choir and have supported many national and local charities throughout their history. Tickets £8 on the door or from arrowvalesingers@gmail.com BROMSGROVE CONCERTs presents the Piatti String Quartet on Fri April 5 at Artrix in Bromsgrove, starting at 8pm. Nathaniel Anderson-Frank (violin), Michael Trainor (violin), Tetsuumi Nagata (viola) and Jessie Ann Richardson (cello) will perform Haydn’s String Quartet in D Op 20 No 4, Joseph Phibbs’ String Quartet No 1 (2014), and Schubert’s String Quartet in G D887. Full info can be found at www.bromsgrove-concerts.org.uk and on Twitter and Facebook. Tickets in advance from Artrix on 01527 577 330 or www.artrix. co.uk or on the door. THE MIDLAND SINFONIA‘s resident quartet, Tedesca (featuring Tom Caldecote on clarinet) will perform Chamber Classics on Sat April 6 at St Laurence Church,

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Alvechurch, at 7.30pm. The programme is Haydn’s String Quartet in D Op.64 No.5 ‘The Lark’, Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet in A K581, and Schubert’s String Quartet in D minor D810 ‘Death and the Maiden’. Tickets £12/£11 in advance via 0121 447 7040 or 07889 147861, www.midlandsinfonia. co.uk or from Gin & Pickles, The Square, Alvechurch. More info from midlandsinfonia@gmail.com RIGGERS, the four-piece Hopwood band, are playing at the Tower of Song on Fri April 5 – for more info, contact Pete on 0121 445 4022 Barnt Green Choral Society resumes rehearsals on Mon April 1 at 7.45pm, St Andrew’s Church Hall, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green, in readiness for the summer Gilbert and Sullivan Concert. New members welcome, especially tenors. More info from Fiona Brown on 0121 445 5513 or www. barnt greenchoralsociety.org Mambo Jambo, the acoustic roots duo, perform at the Ark in Alvechurch on Sat April 27. This truly unique two-piece will take you on a musical journey bringing together sounds from roots, world, folk and jazz. With Frankie on sax, vocals, clarinet, flute, guitar and spoons plus other percussion and Pete on guitar, vocal, ukulele, tres (traditional Cuban guitar), banjo, accordion and suitcase! Concert starts 7.30pm - bar opens at 6.45pm. Raffle in aid of Sight Concern. Tickets £8; available from the Ark office weekdays 9am–2pm or on the door, or email thearkalvechurch@yahoo.co.uk or call Ian on 0121 447 7955. Full details at www.thearkalvechurch.co.uk BROMSGROVE MUSIC Centre (Severn Arts) provides a Wind and Brass Band and a String Ensemble for children in the Bromsgrove/Redditch areas (approx G1-3). Mondays 4.30–7pm at St John’s Middle School, Bromsgrove. The first term is free! Pop along to their next free concert on Mon April 1. The centre also provides individual instrumental lessons. Visit www. severnarts.org.uk/bromsgrove-musiccentre or call 01905 947300. Bromsgrove Choral Society meets each Monday for rehearsals at 7.30pm in St John’s Middle School (Watt Close, Bromsgrove, B61 7DH). Next concert is on Sat April 13 at North Bromsgrove High School at 7.30pm – performing Feel the Spirit by John Rutter, and A Little Jazz Mass by Bob Chilcott. There will also be popular music including Getting to Know You from

Rodgers and Hammerstein’s The King and I. New members very welcome, please ring Eileen Kirby on 01527 871237.

Blackwell Concert Band and Training Band is open to all brass and woodwind players of all abilities. To learn more about the band and find details of upcoming events, email blackwellconcertband98@ gmail.com or visit www.blackwellconcertband.co.uk You will also find information on how to book the band. Singing to Beat, the group for people with dementia, Parkinson’s, MS and other neuro conditions (plus carers, friends and relatives) is now at the Longbridge Retirement Village (B45 8TD) every Weds from 11.30am–1pm. Cost £3.50 for those from outside the village – all welcome. No previous experience necessary. More info from Ruth on 0121 453 6952. Shamanic Drumming Group meets monthly at Hopwood Village Hall. Drumming for Vitality, Healing and Joy. No previous experience necessary, drums available to borrow. For further details email Andy on Fixedholdsworth@sky.com The Cats Chorus is described as “a fun choir for people who love to sing but don’t have to be vocally gifted”, and meets on Tuesdays (term-time) at 7.30pm in The Wheel, Blackwell. They sing hits from the 60s to the present day. For more info, email sharoncatschorus@yahoo.com TARDEBIGGE CHURCH choir is seeking new recruits! The choir, based at St Bartholomew’s (B60 3AH) is struggling with declining numbers due to age and health, but still sings in four parts at morning and evening services on Sundays, plus weddings and funerals. They particularly need a bass or bass-baritone, but all parts are welcome! Pop along to a practice on Sat at 10am, or call Robert on 01527 542491. Alvechurch Community Choir meets at 7.30pm on Mondays in Alvechurch Village Hall, though on the 2nd Monday each month they move to Alvechurch Social Club. The choir is an open access singing group; new members of all abilities are welcome – just go along. It is part of a charity called Everybody Let’s Sing and is committed to bringing music to a wide community, including a regular choir it runs at The Lawns care home. The choir sings gospel, folk and popular songs from all ages and loves to perform for local occasions. They will be at the Alvechurch Arise Easter celebrations on Palm Sunday,

April 14, after which there’s a two-week break, starting again on April 29. Find out more about the choir at www.lets-sing. co.uk To ask about booking the choir for an event, or for details of sessions and venues, ring Mary on 0121 445 5957. The Arrow Vale Singers meet on Wednesdays from 8–10pm at Batchley Community Centre, Redditch B97 6PB, including a refreshment break. More info on 07718 113086, www.arrowvalesingers. co.uk or arrowvalesingers@gmail.com A JAZZ Night takes place at Beoley Village Hall on the 4th Wednesday of each month, featuring some fantastic “trad” jazz bands. For further details, or to order advance tickets, call 01527 62584 or 01527 66646 (both before 9.30pm). Alvechurch acoustic ROOTS usually takes place on the last Friday of each month at Alvechurch Social Club, but the next event is on Fri May 3. Starts 8pm sharp and still only £4 (£3 concessions) to come and hear some of the West Midlands’ finest live performers. Alvechurch Sports & Social Club hosts a series of music events including ACOUSTIC ROOTS with a variety of local performers ten times a year, KARAOKE every Sunday evening and LIVE bands. For up to date details visit the Club’s Facebook page or phone 0121 445 2121. BROMSGROVE FOLK Club meets on the second and last Thurs every month at Catshill Club, starting at 8pm. For a full list of events call Bob Bignell on 0121 476 5938 or see www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk BROMSGROVE ROCK Choir offers everyone the chance to sing pop, rock and chart songs – no audition. Free taster sessions available. More info at www.rockchoir.com or on 01252 714276. Cantare Daytime Choir meets on Fridays 9.15–10.15am at Alvechurch Cricket Club – everyone welcome. Do you enjoy singing with other people? Don’t worry if you think you can’t sing, or don’t read music, everyone is welcome. You can even bring your kids/babies if they let you sing. Whether you want to perform in concerts or simply sing for fun, for the therapeutic or health benefits gained from group singing, why not come along for a free trial session? For more info contact cantarechoir2011@gmail.com, call Rebecca on 07803 900154 or see www. cantarechoir.com

RACE FOR LIFE The Redditch Cancer Research Race for Life event is taking place on Sunday 9th June 2019 at 11am. This year, for the first time, everyone in the area – women, men and children – is invited to join either the 5K or 10K route. The course runs along the woodland areas and lakes around Arrow Valley Park and is made up of a mixture of terrain including some steps. Registration is £14.99 per adult, £10 per child (free for under-sixes). All money raised will go into Cancer Research UK’s crucial work. Volunteers are also needed to help the day run smoothly. Sign up to race or volunteer at www. raceforlife.cancerresearchuk.org Bromsgrove Community Choir meets on Thurs evenings, 6–7 pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, in room 6, at the rear of the building off the small car park. They sing for fun and enjoyment; everyone welcome, singers or not. Contact Ruth Henley for details on 01527 527022 or email r.g.henley@btinternet.com Bel Canto Singers... do you enjoy singing bright and lively pieces? Join in with a friendly group of mixed age singers. The music is a good variety (pop, retro, musical and popular classical), and the group’s aim is to produce a quality sound whilst supporting charity and community fund raising. The singers meet on Monday evenings at Crabbs Cross Methodist Church, Crabbs Cross Lane, Redditch B97 5LD. The marvellous men would love more tenors and bass voices! If you enjoy singing, or would like to try something new, the group would love to hear from you. More info at www. belcantosingers.co.uk or from Polly Speers on 01564 822672. Alvechurch Samba Band, Banda Sem Nome, is looking for new recruits! This local community side meets on the 1st and 3rd Thurs each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club at 8pm. Go along if you fancy having a go at something a little bit different and discovering your hidden talents! No previous experience required, all welcome (u16s must be accompanied by an adult). More info from Andrea on 07867 858099.

DANCING Graham & Denise Darby present a Saturday Night Social Dance on Sat April 6 at Lickey End Social Club, Bromsgrove,

in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance and Prostate Cancer. Ballroom, Latin and Social Sequence dancing to live music by Graham Darby. Doors open 7.30pm; dancing from 8–11pm. Entry £5 on the door. More details on 01543 502722 or www.grahamdarbysmusic.com AVONCROFT FOLK Dance Group enjoys anything from barn dances to ones seen in Pride & Prejudice or Poldark. All welcome, no need to have a partner. The group meets every Thurs from 8–10pm at Avoncroft Arts Centre, Redditch Road, Bromsgrove. £2.50 incl refreshments. Info from Liz Stanton on 01905 353995 or liz@ the-stantons.uk or visit www.avoncroftfdg. btck.co.uk French & Breton folk dancing at Alvechurch Village Hall: usually on the 1st Sat each month, 2.30–5pm. Informal tuition and live music provided. New dancers (and musicians) welcome. £2 per session. For details, email alvechurchfrenchdance@ gmail.com Aelfgythe Border Morris is actively seeking new dancers (female) and musicians (male or female) to join them for fun, exercise and dancing. They meet at 7.45pm every Wednesday in Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall. Everyone welcome. Come and play traditional folk music, or try morris dancing. For more details call Pam on 07961 830 831. Tea Dances run by Bromsgrove District Council now take place in the new council building at Parkside Hall (Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA) on the last Tues of the month, 2–4pm, dancing to Brian’s super sounds! £4 entry includes tea/ coffee and biscuits. For further info contact Jan on 01527 881478. No longer able to dance? Try Wheelchair Dancing instead! Wheels and Toes meets in Harborne each Thurs, 6.15-8pm. Wide variety of dances. More info: Barbara on 0121 458 3686 or marshall8558@hotmail.com Sequence ballroom and Latin dancing every Monday evening at 8pm at the Longbridge Social Club, 1012 Bristol Road South, Northfield. Occasional free tuition. All welcome to a friendly fun-filled dance. More details from Kalvin on 07725 265024. DANCE SESSIONS take place every Tuesday from 11am–12noon at the Where Next Hub (Unit 2a, Millsborough House, Ipsley Street, Redditch B98 7AL). Designed for

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continued from previous page people with special needs, but all are welcome – join Nikki and the team and learn some new moves! £7 per session. Book now on 01527 69330 or nickylevy5@btconnect.com. All proceeds to the Where Next Association. Alvechurch Morris Men are on the look out for new dancers and musicians. They practise on Mondays at Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall, 8.30–10pm, followed by a “debrief” at a local hostelry. They dance in local towns and at various local and national events, and perform a worldfamous (sort of ) mummers play in the village every New Year’s Day. No ability, fitness or co-ordination required – if you are male, 18+ and prepared to spend more time than is probably good for you in public houses, pop along to meet the group! Drop in to any practice or contact Chris on 07984 570763 or email chris.alvechurchbagman@gmail.com THE PHOENIX Dance Club holds Social Dances, Ballroom & Sequence Dancing twice a month on Sat nights at Bromsgrove Council building, Parkside Hall, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DA. Next dates are Jan 12 and 26. Free parking. No membership required. No bar facilities – please bring your own refreshments. More info from Mick or Thelma on 01527 872634. THE CIRCASSIAN Circle Barndancing Club runs on the first Saturday each month at Rowney Green Village Hall. £5 per person to include sandwich, tea and cake! More info on 01527 545002. BJ’s Busy Boots Line Dancing Classes: Tues 2–3pm Bromsgrove Leisure Centre; 7–10pm Stoke Prior Sports/Country Club. Thurs 12–2.15pm Bromsgrove Methodist Church Centre. Social Dance 1st Sat in month at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane. It’s a fun way to exercise. For more details phone Brenda on 01517 870151.

THEATRE Alvechurch Dramatic Society presents Noël Coward’s classic comedy Blithe Spirit at Alvechurch Village Hall from Thurs April 11 to Sat April 13. All performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets £7 (£6 conc), available from The Lounge, Alvechurch, or on 07984 570763 or ads.alvechurch@gmail.com Blackwell & Barnt Green Theatre Group has been in existence for over 40 years and only of late has any vacancies for new members. The group makes five or six visits

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a year, usually to Malvern or Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Membership includes reduced ticket fees and coach travel to the selected venue from the crossroads at Blackwell Post Office. More details on 0791 273 3226 or 0797 100 7604. Rubery Drama Group usually meets every Wednesday at the Beacon Church Centre, Whetty Lane, Rubery, 7.30 for 7.45pm.

CLUBS, GROUPS & SOCIETIES Rubery Community & Leisure Centre is looking for volunteers – if you have a few hours spare on a Friday, you’d be made most welcome. The centre is a registered charity run solely by volunteers. For more info, ring 0121 453 7716 or email office@ ruberyleisurecentre.co.uk

story of this part of Worcestershire. More info at www.bsoc.co.uk redditch Military History Society usually meets monthly in St Luke’s Church Hall (Evesham Road, Redditch, B97 4JX), 7 for 7.30pm. More info from Ron on 01527 545450 or ronnieg33b@hotmail.co.uk Bromsgrove U3A. Retired/semi-retired? Meetings with guest speakers 1st and 3rd Tues most months at Artrix plus a variety of activities and outings: something for everyone. Curious? Call 01527 870449 or see www.u3asites.org.uk/bromsgrove/home Redditch Lions Club meets on the second Weds of each month at the Southcrest Hotel, Redditch B97 4JS at 8pm. For more info call 0845 833 5914, email secretary@ redditchlions.org.uk or visit www.redditchlions.org.uk

Men in Sheds (Redditch) is a group for those who have retired or been made redundant and want to spend time with like-minded people. They meet every Tues and Thurs, 10am–1pm, at The Old Needle Works, Britten Street, Redditch B97 6HD.

Burcot Grange welcomes you to enjoy High Tea (plus entertainment) with other guests and residents, on the 3rd Thurs each month from 2.30–4.30pm. Limited places – please RSVP to Kiran on 0121 445 5552 or Burcot.haa@cinnamoncc.com

The 33rd Bromsgrove Lecture, entitled Bromsgrove on the Eve of War: Our Town and District in 1939, will be held on Tues April 16 at 7.30pm in Routh Hall, Bromsgrove School. Tickets £6 from Foto Factory, 123 High Street Bromsgrove, or at www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk/boxoffice

Catshill Carers Group is a group set up specifically to offer one afternoon a month of respite, socialising and occasional speakers to carers in the area. It meets on the last Tues each month in the coffee bar area of Catshill Methodist Church Centre in Golden Cross Lane from 2.30pm for about 1.5 hrs. All carers welcome, as well as those who used to care for someone who may have passed away or is now in a care facility. Tea and biscuits or cake provided – no charge. Contact Sheila (0121 445 2813) or Di (0121 445 3595) for details and encouragement.

Bromsgrove friendship Club meets at the Life after Stroke Centre, Church Lane, Bromsgrove B61 8RA on the second Tues each month at 2.15 pm. For more info please contact Millie Harries on 0121 445 5232. Burcot Grange invites those living with dementia and their carers to attend the Dementia Lodge Café, held on the 2nd Thurs each month at The Lodge, 23 Greenhill, Burcot, B60 1BJ. Tea and coffee from 10.30am, entertainment from 11am and buffet lunch from 12.15pm. All welcome. Limited places – please RSVP to Kiran on 0121 445 5552 or Burcot.haa@cinnamoncc. com The Bromsgrove Society’s last talk in this series is on Tues April 30 at The Methodist Centre, Bromsgrove, at 7.45pm, when Mary Arden-Davis presents From Hartlebury to Heaven: the Story of the Bishops of Worcester. Bromsgrove is located in the diocese of Worcester, therefore the history of the Bishops is an important part of the

Bromsgrove Speakers Club meets at The Barn at The Bell at Belbroughton every other Tues, 7.45–10pm. Everyone who wants to gain confidence in public speaking is welcome, but please tell the group that you are coming by using the ‘Visit Us’ page at www.bromsgrovespeakers.org.uk, which also contains full details of events. Burcot Knit & Natter meets weekly on Mondays from 10–12am and 1–3pm at Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. Phone Kim Neale on 0121 445 1677, or drop by, for more details. Cost £3.50 to include a drink and cake. Central Radio Car Club meets every Friday 6.30–10pm (racing starts 7pm) at Woodrush Community High School, Shawhurst Lane, Wythall, B47 5JW.

Village What’s On Members race electric cars LMP & GT12 indoors on carpet. There is a club GT12 loan car if you would like to try your hand at racing. For more information visit www. centralcarclub.co.uk, search ‘CentralRadioCarClub’ on Facebook or call Bob Jones on 01527 870463. Alvechurch Village Society holds an Early Evening Treasure Hunt on Weds April 24. It’s a family event, all welcome. Prizes, tea, cake and pop afterwards. More info from Grace Hampson on 0121 445 1683. Redditch Rotary Club meets Monday lunchtimes at the Abbey Hotel, Hither Green Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE. You would be very welcome to join in. Want to be involved, hear interesting speakers, and serve your community? Want to know more? Contact Peter Williams on 01527 60277. COFFEE BREAK meets every Friday morning from 10.30am–12noon, in the Parish Centre behind St Andrew’s Church, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green. You will find a friendly and warm welcome – see you soon! For enquiries ring 0121 445 4278. Bromsgrove Photographic Society is a friendly, active and mutually supportive club for those interested in photography and digital imaging. The growing membership includes those with interests in both film and digital techniques, wide-ranging subjects and from highly-skilled photographers to novices. The club meets on Tuesday nights, 8–10pm at the Avoncroft Arts Centre. New members and visitors welcome. For more information, please visit www.bromsgroveps.co.uk The North Worcestershire Association of the National Trust Supporters’ Group (covering members resident in Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch), meets at 7.30pm on the 3rd Thursday each month in Tardebigge Community Hall, behind St Bartholomew’s Church. Selection of interesting talks, plus coach outings, rambles, an annual holiday and fundraising activities, with emphasis on FUN! New members always welcome; annual subscription £7.50. More details from membership secretary Betty Millward on 01527 523805 or email bettymilllward36@hotmail.co.uk Contact the Elderly aims to help isolated elderly people in the village area by offering monthly tea parties where they can reconnect or make new friends in their own community. If you know of an elderly person who could benefit, please get in

join in with ALVECHURCH ARISE The churches in Alvechurch and Rowney Green would love villagers to join them in the witness of the events of Holy Week from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. Palm Sunday – April 14, 11am Join the procession from the bottom of School Lane to the Precinct. There will be a donkey at the head of the procession with Alvechurch Community Choir and people from the village and the churches, followed by a short act of worship and songs from the choir. There will be short donkey rides for the children, weather permitting.

Maundy Thursday – April 18, 3.30pm–5.30pm Join in the family activities at The Lounge. Free soup and bread to remember the Last Supper. Foot and hand washing, decorating Alvechurch Arise rocks and other items. Good Friday – April 19, 12 noon Putting up the cross and sharing in a time of reflection. Easter Sunday – April 21, 12 noon A celebration of Easter in the precinct, and an Easter egg hunt for the children.

touch on 07539 276054. Guests need to be aged over 75 and living alone, and must be mobile enough to walk to a driver’s car with assistance. You can find general information at www.contact-the-elderly. org.uk and details of the local group by searching for ‘Contact the Elderly Redditch’ on Facebook.

take place at Longbridge Methodist Church in the Reception/Cafe area (1654/8 Bristol Road South, B45 9TY) usually on the 3rd Sun each month (sometimes the date is changed to avoid clashing with model shows or holiday periods). You can find more info at: www.ipmsbirmingham. blogspot.co.uk

ROTARY CLUB OF BROMSGROVE meets every 2nd Tues of the month at Maekong Thai Restaurant, and every 4th Tues at Bromsgrove School, both 7pm for 7.30pm. New members welcome. For more info visit www.bromsgroverotary.org.uk or contact Ron Pearce on 07703 567982.

Barnt Green Parish Centre has large and medium sized lounges available for regular hire for some morning and early afternoon sessions each week. Please contact the Parish Administrator on 0121 447 7097.

Alvechurch Sports & Social Club has a large Function Room available for hire. It has a bar, choice of two stages, plenty of seating, a dance floor and a capacity of 140. CHARITY fund raising events enjoy FREE room hire. Please book early; for more details contact the Club on 0121 445 2121, visit the Facebook page and leave a message, or email alvechurchssc2015@ hotmail.com Burcot Niddie Noddies spinning group meets on the 3rd Sat each month, 10am– 1pm at Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. Open to all crafters, not just spinners. Bring your own chair. Phone Kim Neale on 0121 445 1677, or drop by, for more details. Cost £3 to include a drink and cake. The Birmingham branch of the International Plastic Modelling Society caters to scale modellers interested in a variety of subjects including Aircraft, Vehicles, Ships, Science Fiction and Figures. All ages and abilities welcome, building anything from basic kits to complicated scratch-built models. Meetings

Heart of England Speakers is a small, friendly, public speaking club, based in Knowle near Solihull. It is affiliated to Toastmasters International, and meets on the 1st and 3rd Tues every month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the Greswolde Hotel, Knowle. More information at www.heartspeakers.org.uk midland ancestors meets monthly at 7.45pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, B60 1AS. On Tues April 9, Vanessa Morgan presents Rogues & Villains, looking at 19thcentury cases as reported in local newspapers of the time. More info at www. bromsgrovebmsgh.co.uk Common thread is a friendly group of women who enjoy crafts including sewing, knitting, crochet and more, together with tea, cake and chat. For more info contact Maggie on 0121 439 9324 or Jayne on 0121 445 1113. Lickey Valley Trefoil Guild, as a branch of the Guide Association, is open to anyone

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continued from previous page over the age of 18. Make new friends, travel, explore, serve the community and help Guiding and Scouting in your area. The Guild meets at Barnt Green Scout & Guide Centre (off Blackwell Road, Barnt Green, B45 8BT) every second Weds from 7.30–9.30pm. For more info call 0121 445 3907 or 0121 445 2813 or visit www. trefoilguild.co.uk Available for hire: The Wheel community room by St Catherine’s Church, Blackwell. Suitable for groups. Quiet, enclosed garden adjacent. For details contact the church office on 0121 445 1425. Bromsgrove (1982) Probus Club provides regular opportunities for retired professionals and businessmen to meet socially and share common interests. A members’ meeting is held at Avoncroft Arts Centre on the 3rd Weds each month, 10am–12noon, including refreshments and a talk by a guest speaker. For more info visit www.bromsgroveprobus.co.uk or contact Jim on 01527 833531. BEACON LADIES CLUB meets at 8pm on alternate Wednesday evenings at The Hawthorns Social Club, Rednal Hill Lane, Rednal. There is a varied programme of speakers and outings, including occasional visits to the theatre. New members of all ages welcome. £10 annual membership, plus £2 fortnightly. Please ring Barbara on 0121 445 3456 or Anita on 445 3770. Lickey Phab Club is a social club where people aged 14 and over, with and without disabilities, can come together each week to have fun! It is affiliated to national charity Phab (Physically Disabled and Able Bodied). The club meets every Mon from 7.30–9.30pm at The Trinity Centre, Lickey Parish Hall to have fun, play games, do crafts or just chat – there’s also a tuck shop! More info from Louise Edgell on 07814 122990 or lickeyphabclub@hotmail.com COFFEE, CAKE and Chat meets from 10.30am to 12noon on the fourth Friday of the month (not August) in The Wheel at St Catherine’s Church, Blackwell. All welcome; for details, call Rodney on 0121 445 2070. The Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society meets at the Alvechurch Boat Centre, Scarfield Hill (just a few steps behind The Weighbridge pub) on an “almost monthly” basis. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, 7.45pm. There is usually a guest speaker and a raffle. Non-members are very welcome to

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come along. Please visit the website: www. wbdcs.org.uk Beoley Good Companions, a group for retired people, meets on the 1st Mon monthly at Beoley Village Hall to socialise and enjoy an entertainer or speaker. Membership only £7 per year plus £2 entry charge, which includes a free raffle ticket. If you are interested in joining the group, contact Secretary Ken Hawkesford on 01527 61130 or email kenhawkesford @yahoo.co.uk or beoleygood.companions @yahoo.co.uk for an application form. Bromsgrove Astronomical Society usually meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at Bromsgrove Rugby Club (Finstall Road, B60 3DH). Doors open 7.30pm, speakers begin 7.45pm. Admission free on your first visit; refreshments available. On April 15 it’s the AGM. Observing meetings are also held on the first Monday each month – bring your telescopes. More information on 01527 908331 or www.bromsastro.org.uk THE FRIENDSHIP Club of Barnt Green usually meets monthly at 2.15pm at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. On April 16, Gary Davis of Fuffle Company presents A Taste of Heaven, with samples of fudge. Visitors £3 to include tea and biscuits. For more details call Rosalind Tyler on 0121 445 0598. THE WEDNESDAY Club usually meets on the second Weds of each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club at 1.30pm, and offers the chance to make new friends, meet old ones and enjoy talks, demos and visits. Visitors £4 including tea. On April 10 it’s Swinging Ladies – Pub Signs with Anthony Collis. More info from Janet on 0121 447 7870 or Lis on 0121 445 3895. LICKEY HILLS Local History Society meets monthly at 7.30pm in the Trinity Centre, Old Birmingham Road, Lickey B45 8ES. On April 16, Simon Henderson presents Bells, Books and Candles: St John’s Church, Bromsgrove in the 18th and 19th Centuries An in-depth study of church records and archives. Annual subscription: £15. Non members: £3 per meeting. More info from George Gascoyne, Hon Secretary on 0121 453 6320, or ccgi.lickey.plus.com BROMSGROVE RAILWAY Club usually holds monthly meetings at St Godwald’s Church Hall in Finstall, 7.15pm for 7.45 start.There are always refreshments and a book stall, and new members are welcome. On April 10, Bidford-based Simon Hopkins enter-

tains with Preserved Steam on Medium Format. More details from Dave on 01527 873800 or Gordon on 01527 873609. KINGFISHER PROBUS Club is recruiting retired and semi-retired men to meet people in a friendly environment. Meetings are held at The Foxlydiate Arms (B97 6PX), every 2nd Thurs of the month at 11.30am. Lunch is followed by an interesting talk given by a visiting speaker. Partners/ friends welcome for walks, trips, golf, skittles and special lunches. For more info visit www.kingfisherprobusredditch.co.uk or contact Chris Bailey on 01527 835802. Soroptimist International of Bromsgrove and Redditch meets on the 2nd Thurs each month at 7pm at the Southcrest Manor Hotel, Pool Bank, Redditch B97 4JS. New members welcome. For further information contact Hazel on 07799 482444. Bromsgrove Ladies Probus meets monthly for a light lunch with a speaker, networking and occasional outings. If you are a professional or business woman and are recently retired, or coming up to retirement and would like further info, email bromsgroveladiesprobus@gmail.com ALVECHURCH HISTORICAL Society usually meets on the first Mon of the month at 7.45pm at the Museum in School Lane, Alvechurch. On May 6, Ron Gallivan presents The Sinking of the Alhenia. More details from Anne Humphries on 0121 445 5955. New members welcome. BROMSGROVE PHOENIX NCDS (National Council for the Divorced, Separated & Widowed) Club meets at Lickey End Working Men’s Club every Thurs from 8-11pm. For more info call Mark Waring on 01562 824057, Pam Banks on 01527 759424 or Marilyn Cornish on 01905 778636. TARDEBIGGE COMMUNITY Hall for hire: large, bright facility for functions, clubs, societies and all activities. To book call 07763 446902 or email tchbookings@gmail.com CAN YOU Hear Me? (Communication Forum) usually meets on the 3rd Wednesday each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club, Birmingham Road, from 10.30am– 12noon. Both deaf and hearing people are welcome. More details from Pat on 07966 370448. ROTARY CLUB OF LICKEY HILLS meets on Monday evenings, 7.15 for 7.30pm, at Hillscourt Conference Centre (NASUWT

Village What’s On headquarters) on Rose Hill (B45 8RS). For details contact Graham Wiseman on 0121 460 1402. SILVER THREADS, the Alvechurch club, meets on the first Weds each month at 2pm in Alvechurch Village Hall. You’ll be sure of a welcome in this friendly atmosphere, where members can chat over a cup of tea. There are regular bingo sessions, and occasional days out. New members welcome. More info from Pat on 0121 447 8630. HOPWOOD VILLAGE Hall is available for hire: ideal for parties and gatherings. Contact Ann on 0121 447 7668 or visit www.hopwoodvillagehall.co.uk The Monday Fellowship Group meets at the Parish Centre behind St Andrew’s Church in Barnt Green at 2.30pm on the second Mon each month. £1 per talk, to include tea and biscuits. For more information, go along or ring Joyce Linford on 0121 445 1884. Woodrush RUGBY Club “Old Dogs” meet on the first Thurs in the month at the Clubhouse, Icknield Street, 01564 822878. Open to all former players, social members and old friends for a social chat and the odd reminisce over a glass of beer. Join us: call Mike Betts on 07960 303254 or visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/woodrush the MACULAR Society Barnt Green Support Group usually meets on the last Fri of the month (with some exceptions) at The Parish Centre, behind St Andrew’s Church, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green, B45 8NR, 2–4pm. Friendly, self-help group, proving there is more to life than this devastating eye condition. New members always welcome. For more info, ring Wendy on 0121 445 1585 or Alan on 01527 877864.

SPORT, FITNESS & HEALTH Adult Coached Swim Training every Sunday 6pm–7pm at Bromsgrove Sports and Leisure Centre (School Drive, B60 1AY). Contact Andrew Cunnell on 0121 445 5210 or email: bits@bratclub.co.uk. All swimmers welcome. Redditch Ramblers is a growing, friendly and sociable group offering a full walks programme including: * A walk every Sun usually 7–9 miles * Once a month, a choice of a Sat ‘A’ walk (around 10 miles) and a Sun ‘B’ walk (about 6 miles) * Monthly Saturday Safari for a more challenging walk * Fortnightly Saturday Strollers (4–5

Fete for funds a fundraising fete in support of Ladies Fighting Breast Cancer takes place on Sat May 4 at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ). Free entry – pop along between 1–5pm to enjoy homemade cakes and refreshments, a raffle and tombola, products by The Body Shop, The Book People and Partylite Candles, and a plant stall. The event is organised by Barnt Green resident Julia Williams, who wants to promote awareness of breast cancer after her own 16-month battle with the disease. “I never knew about LFBC until I was on the other side of my treatment, but they have been a great support network to me since,” says Julia. “The charity helps women by paying for real hair wigs at £1,000 a time, as well as responding to many other requests.” More info at www.lfbc.org.uk miles). Newcomers always welcome. In addition, the group arranges holidays, coach trips and social events through the year. Full into at redditch.ramblers@gmail. com or www.redditchramblers.org.uk Redditch & Bromsgrove Company of Archers meet April–Sept on Mon 6.30pm and Fri 6.30pm at Meadow Park Football Ground (by Harris Brush Works – outdoors) and Oct–March on Weds 7.30pm and Fri 6.30pm at Studley Leisure Centre (indoors). Really friendly no-pressure club. New members always welcome (juniors from 8 years old, seniors from 18 to 80+, seasoned archers or absolute beginners). Beginners’ courses run throughout the year or taster sessions by appointment. Further info from Steve Thornton on 07811 575162 or 0121 445 5952. ZUMBA with LEESH! Come and SHAKE it til you make it, every Monday 7.30–8.30pm at Crown Meadow School. Contact: 07531 625939 for more information! Slimming World at Lickey End Social Club (17 Alcester Road, B60 1JT) – come and join our warm and friendly group, every Thurs at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. More info from Tracey on 07989 105937. Physiotherapy-Led Pilates Classes on Monday mornings and Weds evenings at Cofton Hackett Village Hall. 6 lessons for £50. Mixed ability classes to improve muscle tone and posture as well as overall

body strength. For full details contact Beth on 07841 477363 or elizabethalexanderltd@gmail.com Tai Chi: would you like to make a positive change in 2019, help to relax, have a new interest and exercise? Classes at Finstall Village Hall, Wednesdays 2pm. Calling all ROCKSTARS! Make some noise in the cardio jam session that is POUND! Every Wednesday 7.30–8.15pm at Crown Meadow School. Contact Leesh Waldron: 07531 625939. Booking required! Yoga Really Works: Yoga classes at Saint Nicolas Place, The Green at Kings Norton. Antenatal Thursdays, 6.25pm and Postnatal Fridays 11am (Stretch & Relax with baby). No Yoga experience necessary See www.yogareallyworks.co.uk for more info or Facebook /yogareallyworks BARNT GREEN Sailing Club offers regular sailing, either racing or casual sailing, in beautiful surroundings at Upper Bittell reservoir. For information contact secretary@bgsc.uk Term-Time Yoga Classes: Mondays 9.30– 10.30am, Cofton Hackett Village Hall. Classes £7.50 each with 4 weeks payable up front. Equipment provided. Please contact Sarah on 07970 072038 or hello@ themotorcyclingyogi.co.uk Briar Rose Field Archers is a field archery club based near Bromsgrove. There are two qualified coaches for those interested in taking up the sport. For information contact briarrosefieldarchers@gmail.com Kettlercise classes at Blackwell Methodist Hall, Greenhill, B60 1BL. Mon 7.15– 8.15pm, Weds 7.30–8.30pm, HIIT class Sat 8.15am. Kettlebells provided, all welcome. Contact Louise: 07792 229837. Facebook: ‘Kettlercise with Louise: North Bromsgrove’. Alvechurch Village Society’s next walk is on April 7 when Mary Green (0121 445 5957) leads A Wildlife Walk from Withybed Green. Meet at the The Crown car park, Withybed, at 2.30pm. More info on the Society at www.alvechurchvs.org Junior cricket coaching at Alvechurch Cricket Club runs every Sun from 10am to noon throughout the season, for boys and girls aged five to 11. All abilities welcome to enjoy cricket in a friendly environment. Led by ECB Level 2 or Level 3 qualified coaches. No charge for first session. Re-

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continued from previous page freshments available. Info from Simon Bowron on 07753 621528. For details of coaching for ages 12–16, contact Nick Jones on 07779 267609. Barnt Green Fishing Club manages angling on the Bittell Reservoirs complex. Trout and coarse fishing are available. For further information and application forms email the Membership Secretary at bgfcmembership@outlook.com Saracen cycling Club is seeking new members. Men, ladies, beginners, and regular riders are all welcome. The longestablished club meets regularly by the Tardebigge Pub on Thurs at 10am and Sun at 9.45am. See www.saracenroadclub. com or call Ivor on 0121 453 2287. Longbridge Ladies Cycling Club wants lovely new members! Weekly Weds and Sun rides, hotel and hostel weekends away, cycle camping adventures, social outings and much much more. Beginners and seasoned cyclists welcome. Call Deb on 07738982161, email debweston@aol. com or see www.longbridgeladies.co THE RAMBLERS, BROMSGROVE GROUP: Guided walking with our group for pleasure, fitness and fun. Full programme of walks / events throughout the year. More info at www.bromsgroveramblers.webs. com or Clare on 01527 821917 or Peter on 01527 558203. ALVECHURCH WALKING Buddies: join a regular local walk with like-minded people who simply want to go on a local, sedate and friendly walk with no pressure. Wellbehaved owners and their dogs are very welcome. The group meets at 10.30am every Thurs. For more info, search for ‘alvwb’ on Facebook or contact Tony on 07763 468893. PILATES: ONE-TO-ONE tuition using studio Pilates equipment to improve body awareness, posture and fitness. An efficient mind and body workout – principles learned can be helpful in improving sports performance and functional fitness and managing pain. One-to-one tuition may lead to participation in studio and mat classes. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Call or text 07759 590830, email pilates@steff affleck.co.uk or visit www.steffaffleck.co.uk SOCIAL TENNIS takes place at Rubery Community & Leisure Centre, Holywell Lane, Rubery B45 9AD on Mondays from 1–3pm. The group would welcome a few

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more players – just turn up or ring Don on 01527 759 318 for further details. Mindful yoga & Meditation classes, Day Retreats and Weekend Workshops. For Peace & Calm, Fitness, Vitality, & Better Sleep. For classes and bookings, contact Sally on 0790 366 3085 or classes@MyYoga Mind.co.uk; visit www.MyYoga Mind.co.uk or Facebook: Sally MyYogaMind PILates & piloxing: (Pilates and boxing): ALL levels of fitness. Tues (Barnt Green) 7pm (Piloxing Express) and 7.30-8.30pm (Pilates Mat). Alison: 07790 916947, Facebook: ‘@AlisonBFit’, alibenford@yahoo. co.uk, www.alison-personaltrainer.com FIVE WAYS Old Edwardians’ Cricket Club at Ash Lane, Hopwood: Junior, Men’s and Women’s teams, come and join in! Open to all. Excellent facilities. Everyone welcome. Coaching for juniors on Fri evenings May to Aug. Contact Mark Tovey on 01527 835031. Mercian Nordic Walking: Walking and exercise activities outdoors at the Ryland Centre and on local walking trails. Ian Northcutt BEM and his colleagues provide instruction and lead fun, friendly groups for all levels of fitness. More info at www. merciannordicwalking.co.uk One Fit Mama: Mother & Baby Wednesdays, 9.45am at Rowney Green Village Hall. Like us on Facebook: One Fit Mama Alvechurch, Barnt Green & Wythall. Barnt Green Sports Club holds a Badminton Social Open Evening each Thurs, 8pm to 11pm (Margesson Drive, Barnt Green, B45 8LR). No membership required. Players of all abilities welcome. More info from Nick Butcher on 0121 445 1978 or visit www.barntgreen sportsclub.co.uk Alvechurch Cricket Club Pavilion (rear of 6 Birmingham Road) is available for meetings/functions/child and adult parties. Bowling alley, pool table, table football, darts, table tennis, excellent children’s entertainer and DJ. For details/availability, contact Pete Gwilliam on 07960 550884 or petergwilliam@btconnect.com CATSHILL FC offers youth coaching sessions each Saturday morning at Catshill Middle School, Meadow Road, Catshill, B61 0JW. Boys and girls from Reception age upwards are welcome. Contact Gary on 07462 118920 or see www.catshillfc.co.uk for further info.

Astwood Bank Angling Club has 8 lakes, including 2 just outside Alvechurch. Annual membership £57 adult, £42 conc, £10 juniors. Info at www.astwoodbankac. co.uk or contact Paul on 01527 522704 or abac.membership@virginmedia.com BROMSGROVE & REDDITCH Badminton Club welcomes players for social and league play. Playing Sunday evenings 5.40 to 7.40pm. Details from Steve Whittaker 07805 051456. THE NEW Ravens (North East Worcestershire Ravens Rugby League Club) play at Kings Norton Rugby Club, Hopwood Park, Ash Lane, Hopwood. Playing opportunities for men’s open age, juniors, women and girls. Touch rugby will also be played for those not wishing to play full contact. Further details can be found on www. newravensrl.co.uk Rubery Taekwon-Do at Waseley Hills High School, Rubery on Thursdays and Bournville College, Longbridge on Fridays, with Yvonne (2nd Degree Black Belt). For more info email yvonne@rubery-tkd.co.uk or visit www.rubery-tkd.co.uk mobility session for seniors: Tues 9.30am at Alvechurch Baptist Church. Suitable for seniors who want to improve their mobility, strength and balance. Info from Hayley on 01527 881404. Kings Norton Rhinos offers contact and non-contact rugby for children from Reception to Year 12. A safe and friendly introduction to rugby – and plenty of outdoor fun and exercise! Training takes place at KNRFC Ash Lane, Hopwood, on Sundays from 10–11.30am. Contact Steve Washington on 07771 911209 or visit www.knrfc.co.uk Zumba Gold: Thurs 1–2pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. A fun, energetic class retaining the vibrancy of Zumba but without the impact and twisting around, to accommodate the more senior participant. More Information from Hayley on 01527 881404. AEROBICS classes at Alvechurch School, Birmingham Rd, Tuesdays 7.30–8.30pm and Fridays 6.30–7.30pm. Lapsed or new members welcome. More info from Tony on 0121 445 1819. Tai Chi (Qigong) sessions in Alvechurch Village Hall on Mon 10–11am and Fri 11am–12noon. Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques,

Village Village What’s What’s On On and focused intentions. Tai Chi also takes place at Hopwood Village Hall on Tues 7pm (beginners) and 8pm (intermediate/ advanced), and Weds 10–11am. More details on 07831 743737, or see www. paintingtherainbow.co.uk for daytime classes and www.kaiming.co.uk for evening classes.

their numbers restricted by the ratio of adults to young people. A few more adults helping would enable existing leaders to open more Beaver Colonies and Cub Packs and allow more young people to experience Scouting. If you could spare a few hours, call Val on 01527 837060 or visit www.bromsgrovescouts.org.uk

Hopwood Ladies Cycling Club meets at Hopwood Playing Field on Tuesdays at 11.30 am and Wednesdays at 9.30 am. For more information, visit www.hopwoodladies cyclingclub.co.uk or phone Sheila Evans on 07779 530017.

Marlbrook Pre-School: St Luke’s Church Hall, Braces Lane. Learning through play from 2 years to school age. Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm, term-time only. Contact Tina: 07951 869175 or Sharon: 07913 486619.

Karate classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 7–8pm at Hopwood Community Hall. First three Classes FREE. Call Colin on 01527 578880 or 07738 674023 or colin.abbott@homecall.co.uk

New NCT Home Birth Support Group in Alvechurch meets Sunday evenings in the home of a volunteer. All welcome. Meet in an informal atmosphere, share concerns, get information and hear first-hand experiences. More info from Emilie on 07874 927 256 or emiliedeeringbfc@gmail.com

CHILDREN & FAMILIES Tots Play classes at Bromsgrove Girl Guiding Centre on Tuesdays. Social Tots 9.50am; Discovery Tots 10.50am; Baby Development 11.50am. More info from lucy@ totsplay.co.uk or 07709 453 756. Pol pol’s Playtime Stay and Play is open for 0–4 year olds, 10am–12noon every Mon, Wed and Thurs at Rowney Green Village Hall. Toys, bouncy castle, crafts, singing, instruments and bubbles at the end of each session. Free tea and coffee. £4 per child and £1 per sibling. TINY CHURCH Lickey: babies, toddlers and carers meet in Holy Trinity Church, Lickey, on Weds from 11.15am–12.45pm during term times. Games, toys, snacks and stories, with a time to meet together with God. Just pop along or contact clive. rushton@btinternet.com RHYTHM TIME: Award-winning multi-sensory, fun music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Classes in Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Lickey and Bromsgrove: see timetable at www.rhythmtime.net/vt374 or email: rhythmtimevicky@gmail.com BABY & TODDLER swimming classes with Turtle Tots: Thursdays 9.30–11.30am in Barnt Green. Teaching water confidence, key life-saving skills & stroke development. Great post-natal workout! More info: holly. wyer@turtletots.com Every Scout Group in Bromsgrove (which includes Barnt Green, Blackwell, Catshill, Finstall as well as the town centre) currently has girls and boys waiting to join,

St John’s Baby & Toddler Group meets every Friday morning between 9.15 and 11am during term time at St John’s church hall, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove. For further details please contact Cathy on 01527 870048 or just come along. CATSHILL TODDLERS Club meets at the Methodist Church, Golden Cross Lane, Catshill every Weds 1–3pm (except school hols). £1.50 per child (£1 for additional siblings; under 9 months free) includes drink and biscuit for you and your toddler, plus action toys, craft table, book corner, noisy instruments, and kicking footballs, learning to catch and having fun with hoops – all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. For more information contact Sheila on 0121 445 2813 or drop in. You will be very welcome. Barnt Green Preschool is at the heart of the community. Open since 1978, it offers learning through play in a nurturing, home-from-home environment. The Preschool follows the Early Years Curriculum and with regular visits to St Andrew’s School and lots of outdoor space, it’s the perfect place to prepare your child for school. It is proud of its OFSTED report (ref 205125) and offers government-funded places. Sessions run 9am-12pm and/or 12pm-3pm Mon and Weds, and 9am-1pm Tues and Thurs. For more information or to get on the waiting list call Tina on 07790 017 777. Mum’s the Word playgroup takes place every Thursday in term time 9.30–11.20am at the Ark in Alvechurch. All are welcome,

no charge; tea and coffee available for parents and grandparents. Come and join in! blackwell Baby & Toddler Group runs from 10–11.30am every Weds (term-time only) at Blackwell Methodist Church Hall, Greenhill, Blackwell B60 1BL. Small group run by local mums, all welcome. Great chance to meet local families and for your child to make new friends. Any questions please call Carrie on 07985 539983 or find the group on Facebook. MENTOR LINK is seeking volunteer mentors to support children and young people in local schools – full training given. The charity is particularly seeking male mentors to work with boys for an hour a week, although female volunteers are also welcome. Anyone interested should be a good listener, patient and enjoy working with children and young people. If you can spare an hour or two a week, and you are able to commit to a minimum of six months volunteering, call Claire on 07973 572768, email Claire.Quinn@mentorlink. org.uk or for more info see www.mentorlink.org.uk Bromsgrove NCT Bumps and Babies Group now meets every Thursday, 10–11.30am at David Lloyd Fitness Centre, Slideslow Drive, B60 1GJ. The group is free and anyone is welcome, including toddler siblings. Contact Claire and Karen at bromsgrove@nct.org.uk Rowney Green Pre-school offers learning through play for children from two years to school age, Tues–Thurs 9am–2pm, term-time only. More info from Rosemary: 07836 770468 or Geraldine: 07725 553894. Lickey Baby & Toddler Group meets on Mon and Thurs mornings 9.30–11.30am, term time only. Have a hot drink while your children play in Lickey Trinity Centre (Parish Hall), Old Birmingham Road. For more information call Caroline on 07511 660727, email caroline_rebecca@hotmail. co.uk or find ‘Lickey Baby & Toddler Group’ on Facebook. Lickey End Playgroup runs Toddlers, PreSchool and Rising Stars sessions at Lickey End Methodist Church, B60 1JX. More information on 07791 851382 or at www.lickeyendplaygroup.co.uk The National Childbirth Trust is now running antenatal courses in Alvechurch. These are designed to help parents prepare for labour, birth and early parent-

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Mother Goose (pantomime) Dec.18th - 22nd at Artrix, Bromsgrove.

continued from previous page hood and run over a number of weekday evenings and/or weekends. For info please call 0844 243 6873 or email bookings6d@ nct.org.uk or visit www.nct.org.uk/confidence Finstall Pre-school in Finstall Village Hall, Mon–Thur 9.30am–1.15pm (termtime only). Led by qualified lower primary teacher. Visits welcome; call 07903 560787 or email Finstallpreschool@hotmail.com New Road Parents Support for parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans children meets monthly in Aston Fields. A confidential, voluntary, small support group for parents by parents. Individual meetings can be arranged with another parent if preferred. Close links with FFLAG. Visit www. newroad parents.org, email evansmargar@ gmail.com or call Maggie on 01527 832492 for details.

games & COMPETITIONS Shirley and Wythall Chess Club meets at Wythall Community Association in Silver Street, Wythall, B47 6LZ, every Thurs from 7.30pm. The club has four teams playing in competitive leagues. Friendly atmosphere. New players are most welcome, either just turn up or contact Barry Knee on 01564 826250 for details. The ALVECHURCH Templars Wargames Club meets most Monday evenings from 6.30pm at the Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. Visit (or join) the ‘Alvechurch Templars’ Facebook page for details or e-mail Karl Farrell at bluenostrils@outlook.com A WHIST DRIVE takes place every Weds from 7.15–9.30pm at Buckley’s Green Community Centre, Alvechurch (B48 7NG). The friendly group welcomes new members. £2 entry, includes raffle ticket and prizes. BROMSGROVE BRIDGE Clubs: The Amphlett Bridge Club meets at the Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove, on Mon evenings. New members welcome, helpful guidance available and parking is excellent. Contact Alistair on 07814 393416. SPADESBOURNE BRIDGE Club plays at the Life After Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove. Join the group for friendly bridge in a pleasant venue on Thurs evenings, 7pm for a 7.15 start. They aim to finish by 10pm. Table money for visitors is £3. Phone Jan on 01905 772256 for more details.

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Monday Bridge Club at Barnt Green Friends Meeting House would like to welcome a few new members – contact the organiser, Des Clarke, on 0121 453 3034. A “TEXAS HOLD EM” poker tournament will be held on the first Saturday each month in the lounge at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. Registration from 7pm for an 8pm start. Further info from Karl Farrell on 0121 445 4616 or bluenostrils@outlook.com The Friday Bridge Club plays friendly, competitive, duplicate bridge at the comfortable Burcot Village Hall. New members and visitors are very welcome. Play starts at the new time of 7pm. For further details phone Gill on 01527 401019. Bromsgrove Bridge Club meets at the Life After Stroke Centre, Church Lane, Bromsgrove each Tues – play commences 7.30pm; doors close at 7.25pm. Table money (to include coffee/tea and biscuits) £3 for members, £4 for visitors, who are always welcome. The club operates a host system, which means a partner is guaranteed. Contact the Secretary, Sally Flood on 01527 832468. BINGO every Wednesday and Sunday evening at the Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. First games start at 8.30pm in the lounge. Non-members welcome, phone 0121 445 2121 for more info. A QUIZ takes place every Thursday from 8.30–10.30 pm at Bridley Moor & Batchley Social Club, Bridley Moor Road, Batchley B97 6HS. £1 to enter; all money to the winning team. There is also stand-up bingo with a prize. For more info call quizmaster Dave on 07815 456178. “managed” duplicate bridge sessions are run by Anne Glendenning and Eugene Elijah every Tues (1pm prompt start) at Burcot Village Hall, Alcester Road (B4096) – perfect for emerging players. Entry £3.50 covers session, some tuition and refreshments. Info from Anne on 01527 882169 or Eugene on 01527 871255 or 1944@ hotmail.co.uk

£2 to include tea and biscuits. You will be made very welcome! Info from Betty Oakley on 01527 63725. Halesowen Bridge Club offers Chicago Bridge on Thursdays at 2pm in the United Church Hall, Hagley Road, Halesowen B63 4PX and is seeking new members. All are welcome. Within easy reach of Bromsgrove; parking is available. For info ring Ann Gittins on 0121 550 5246 or see www. halesowenbridgeclub.org.uk Barnt Green Duplicate Bridge Club meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall each Weds afternoon and would like new members – contact Liz on 07538 092296. A popular weekly quiz takes place each Thursday at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club and follows the normal format. Doors open at 8pm. Organise a team, or just turn up and join a team. All welcome.

HELP & ADVICE REDDITCH & BROMSGROVE Advanced Motorist Group are a local charity committed to helping drivers of all ages improve their driving skills. They meet at 7.30pm on the third Weds each month in Beoley Village Hall. Info from Geoff Poole on 07707 054757 or secretary@redditcham.org.uk The Library Service at Home provides free delivery of books to people in their own homes. If you are housebound or unable to visit the library then please call Alvechurch Library on 01905 822722 to find out how they can provide you with brilliant reads. Divorced/separated and having trouble seeing your children? Being excluded from their lives? The Association for Shared Parenting has been helping mums and dads deal with the family court system and problems over contact and residence for over 20 years. Walk-in support workshops on the first Thurs each month at 7.30pm in Selly Oak (serving the Bromsgrove/ Redditch area). Visit www.associationforsharedparenting.org.uk

Bromsgrove Board Gamers is a friendly group which meets at 7.30pm each Weds at the Ladybird Inn, Aston Fields. More info on Facebook ‘Bromsgrove Board Gamers’.

Barnt Green Day Care: Thursdays 10am– 2.45pm at St Andrew’s Parish Centre. Offering a day out with care and lunch for older people in the local area. For more info on attending or helping ring Christine Davis on 0121 445 0125.

Rummikub Club meets in the Social Room at Rowney Green Peace Hall fortnightly on Tuesdays from 2–4pm. Entry

ALVECHURCH LIBRARY hosts one-to-one Computer Sessions for people wanting

Village What’s On to learn the basics. If you need help with your emails or advice on surfing online then why not pop into the Library to arrange for free tuition, provided by talented volunteers on Tuesday mornings. For more information please call The Hub on 01905 822722 or pop into Alvechurch Library.

GARDENS & FLOWERS WYCHBOLD FLOWER Club meets nearly every 2nd Tues of the month (unless there’s an outing) at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Hall, WR9 7PN. The varied programme includes demos, workshops, garden visits and garden party, and there’s also a plant stall and raffle. Visitors welcome – just £4 to include refreshments. More info from Barbara on 01299 851282. Rowney Green Flower Club has no meeting in April, but there’s a coffee morning and bring and buy sale on Easter Monday (April 22) at Rowney Green Village Hall 10.30am–12noon. All welcome to pop along for coffee and cake. The club usually meets on the 4th Thurs of the month at Rowney Green Village Hall at 7.30pm –on May 23 Sharon Harvey will be demonstrating. More info from Felicity on 0121 445 2371. Dodford Gardening Club meets on the 2nd Monday each month (except August) usually in Dodford Village Hall at 7.45pm. New members and visitors welcome. More info at www.dodford gardeningclub.co.uk or call Penny on 07706 153618. ROWNEY GREEN Horticultural Society usually meets at the Village Hall on the 2nd Thurs each month at 7.30pm. On April 11 the group welcomes Celia Davis, former chair of Warwickshire’s Beekeepers’ Association, who presents A Garden for Bees. Guests always welcome: £3.50 including refreshments. For more info contact Lindsay Smith on 01527 592874. Rosehill Flower Arrangement Society meets at The Trinity Centre (Lickey Parish Hall) Old Birmingham Road, B45 8EU, on the second Monday each month (except January). Refreshments served before each meeting. Meetings start at 2pm. For further info please call Diana on 01527 870549 or Belinda on 0121 447 7477, or visit www.tcandsw.org.uk/rosehill/html Solihull & District Orchid Society meets on the 1st Sat each month at St George & St Teresa’s Parish Centre, Station Road, Dorridge B39 8EZ. New members and

LOVE YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY! Alvechurch Library is hosting Easter Holiday Events for children, including Explore Learning Writing Competition Workshops on Mon April 15 and Tues April 23, both from 2.15–3.15pm for children aged 6–10 years. Start writing your story for the chance to win a trip to Disneyland Paris! No need to book, just turn up. l There are a few spaces left on the

Easter Wreath Making Workshop (course number 16673) on Tues April 16, 12.30– 3.30pm, cost £19. Produce your own reusable Easter decoration with fun and quirky materials and basic floristry techniques. Book quickly to bag a place! l Stained Glass for Beginners (course

number 16751) is an eight-week course stating on Fri May 3, 2.15–4.15pm. Discover the fundamentals of working with stained glass and develop precision when cutting and handling glass safely. Using lead and solder you’ll construct a beautiful panel which you can take away at the end of the course. Cost £75 (or free, subject to conditions). l Patrick’s French and Spanish classes

continue throughout the year, three days a week. Email Patrick at vdlt52@hotmail. co.uk or call 07708 027372 to see if the visitors welcome, and members are always willing to offer help or advice. For more info or advice call Malcolm Moodie on 01295 788159 or see www.solihullorchidsociety.org Burcot Gardening Club meets on the first Weds each month at Burcot Village Hall. Meetings start at 7.30pm. New members and visitors very welcome. For more info call Jenny or Brian on 01527 522109. Fun Flower Arranging/Floristry Classes and Workshops. Thurs evenings at The Ark, St Laurence Church, Alvechurch. Contact Claire for more information on 07564 339157. Website: www.clairewm.wixsite. com/floralcreations BROMSGROVE FLOWER Club meets on the 3rd Thurs each month at 2.15pm (except Jan) in All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B61 1AF. On April 18, Anita Wright gives a demonstration entitled At This Time of Year. Card stall, bring & buy stall, Flower of the Month competition and Flower Arranging competition entitled Easter Time. You might win one of Anita’s arrangements in the raffle! Visitors always

level the class is being taught at would allow you to join in. Numbers in the classes fluctuate – French is pretty well fully booked but there are a couple of spaces in either of the Spanish classes. Get ready for those summer holidays! l Chess Club meets every Sat morning

from 11am–12noon, run by an experienced player and coach. It provides an opportunity to play friendly games and to participate in lessons and coaching. Open to juniors (with parents) and adults at all levels of ability from beginners to grandmasters. No charge. l There are spaces in the ChatterBooks

children’s book group, which meets monthly on Mondays from 3.30–4.30pm for children aged 8-12 years. The sessions focus on fun, creative activities based on reading and books. l Bus Pass and Blue Badge applications

or renewals can be completed at the library. Pop in to get some help. l For any enquiries, pop into the library

on Birmingham Road, contact The Hub on 01905 822722, email alvechurchlib@ worcestershire.gov.uk or see Facebook. For Adult Learning courses, pop in to pay by cash/cheque, or online by card. welcome. For more info contact Wendy Robertson on 01905 480571. THE NORTH Worcestershire Fuchsia Society meets on the 2nd Weds each month at Bromsgrove Sports & Social Club, 7.45pm. Info from Stewart on 01527 877662.

ART & LITERATURE All About The Sew holds fun and sociable sewing workshops at Alvechurch Village Hall. For more details call Lorna on 07963 734756 or visit www.allaboutthesew.com Withybed Poets are a group of poetry writers who meet in Withybed Green to share their poems and write together. They are open to anyone who enjoys writing and sharing poetry. They love reading their poems to audiences, which they do at the monthly Acoustic Roots in Alvechurch, but also for libraries, churches, community groups and festivals. They write poems on request for people and special occasions. Next meeting is May 8 at

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Village What’s On continued from previous page 7.30pm; for details, or to ask about commissioning a poem, ring Mary on 0121 445 5957. Forge Mill Creative Textile Group (formerly Forge Mill Embroidery & Textile Group) are a friendly group of enthusiastic local crafters, both experienced and beginners, who meet weekly on Fri mornings at Beoley Village Hall. Various techniques and media are used to create textile artwork, such as printing, dyeing, hand and machine embroidery, along with fabric manipulation. They are a leisure learning and development group and work to a set programme. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Lynda on 0121 445 3212 or Lyn on 0121 258 2771. Art & Soul Creative – artist and potter offering tutored art and pottery activities in Alvechurch. All abilities welcome. Call Marina on 0121 445 0655, email artand soulcreative.org@gmail.com or visit www. artandsoulcreative.org Alvechurch Readers Group now meets in the library on the last Tuesday of the month from 2pm until 3.30pm. New members always welcome. Please ring the Hub on 01905 822722 and ask for Alvechurch Library or pop into the library on the Birmingham Road. Alvechurch Art Group meets at the Baptist Hall (rear of church) every Tues from 1–3.30pm, using all mediums except oil. All welcome, especially beginners. Friendly tuition. Call Paul on 0121 445 5437 or drop in. Barnt Green Art Club runs a morning and afternoon tutored session on Fridays at The Friends Meeting House in Barnt Green. There is a waiting list for both sessions. Call Jackie on 0121 445 4745. Burcot Woodturning Club offers a friendly meeting place for woodturners of all abilities and experience. A varied programme includes demos, talks, handson practical evenings and visits to exhibitions. The group meets on the first Thurs each month, 7.15–9.30pm at Burcot Village Hall. Info from John on 0121 458 5884 or visit www.burcotwoodturners.org.uk Bromsgrove Art Society usually meets on the 3rd Weds each month (except Jan and Aug) at Burcot Village Hall, 340 Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove, B60 1BH, at 7.30pm. Entry £1 for members and £4 for non-members. Visitors welcome. For more

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info email lyndasharp2010@yahoo.com or visit www.bromsgroveartsociety.org.uk ALVECHURCH Library is available to host day and short courses such as card-making or scrapbooking. If you have a skill to teach or share, call 01905 822722. THE “CRAFTY Ladies” craft group meets every Monday morning in Alvechurch Library from 10am–1pm, with knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting etc. More info on 01905 822722. WYTHALL WRITERS meet at the Peter Thompson Room at St Mary’s Church, Shawhurst Lane on the second Thurs each month. New members always welcome. More info from Helen on 01564 824517, Eileen on 01564 822214, Louise on 0121 430 4992 or www.wythall writers.com Avoncroft Arts Society at Avoncroft Arts Centre (Redditch Road, Bromsgrove B60 4JR), runs tutored/ non-tutored classes in Art, Textiles, Ceramics, Embroidery and Dance. Contact Alyson or Joyce on 01527 833829 or avoncroftarts@ btconnect.com LICKEY HILLS ART SOCIETY, a friendly bunch of artists and those interested in art, meet at Longbridge Methodist Church, Bristol Road, B45 9TY, on the first Sat each month at 7.30pm. Open to artists and non-artists alike. For more info call Graham on 0121 453 7097 or come along – the members would love to see you.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES Fairfield WI meets in Fairfield Village Hall on the second Weds of the month at 7.30pm. Contact Carol Hine on 01527 873072 or fairfieldwi1932@gmail.com St Catherine’s WI meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday each month, in ‘The Wheel’ at Blackwell. More information from Sue Barratt on 01527 596092 or s.barratt@bnvillej.bham.sch.uk FINSTALL CROSS WI meets at Finstall Village Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. For more info see www. finstallcrosswi.wordpress.com or email finstallcrosswi@gmail.com Bromsgrove Belles WI meets on the second Monday each month at The Life After Stroke Centre, Church Lane, Bromsgrove, B61 8RA at 7.30pm. For more info, contact President Carla Priddon at carlapriddon@aol.com

BEOLEY WI meets on the first Tuesday of each month in Beoley Village Hall at 7.30pm. For more info please contact Georgia Jacobs on 01527 62766. Lickey WI meets on the first Tues of every month at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall (Trinity Centre), Old Birmingham Road, Lickey. More info from President Janet Ratcliffe on 0121 445 0163 or see www.LickeyWI. Wordpress.com RUBERY WI meets at Beacon Church Centre, Whetty Lane, on the second Wednesday each month at 7.30pm. More info from Judie Fisher on 07810 765314. Bentley Pauncefoot WI meets at 7.30pm on the second Tues every month at Bentley Village Hall. More info from Vivien Mackenzie on 0121 445 1245. Barnt Green WI meets at the Baptist Church in Barnt Green on the third Thurs each month, from 7.30–9.30pm. More info from Alyson Williams on 0121 445 6577. Hopwood WI meets at Hopwood Village Hall on the first Thurs of the month at 7.30pm. For more info call Ann Thurrell on 0121 447 7668. ARK ANGELs WI meets on the second Monday each month from 7.30pm at the Ark, Alvechurch. For more info email ark.angels@hotmail.com ALVECHURCH WI meets on the second Monday each month in Alvechurch Village Hall, at 7.30pm. For more information email President Julie Hurlston on presidentalvechurchwi@gmail.com Finstall & Cofton Hackett WI meets on the first Monday of the month at Finstall Village Hall at 2pm. For more info call President Val Wheeler on 01527 874518. Hillside at ALVECHURCH WI meets at 7.45 pm on the first Weds each month at The Ark, Alvechurch. For more info call Pat McDonagh on 0121 628 4121. Blackwell & BURCOT WI meets at Burcot Village Hall on the second Weds each month, at 2pm. For info call President Mrs Barbara Knight on 0121 445 3456.

To have your event or group listed here, send details to Sally Oldaker via the addresses on Page 3, by April 12.

Village People

Star bakers in cake contest

ofton Hackett residents revealed some hidden culinary skills when they entered The Great Cofton Bake-Off. With 37 cakes on display at the Parish Centre in Barnt Green, the standards were very high and the judges had a hard task choosing the best ones. The winners were: Katie Meredith (Taste Sensation), Karen Wood (Technical), Lucy Gibbons (Showstopper), Lily Dancer (Under 16s), and Violet Goodenough (Under 10s). The event, which also included a raffle and a tea party where visitors could taste the cakes after judging had taken place, raised £400. This will go towards furnishing and kitting out the new Cofton Community Centre, which is due to be completed this summer. The organisers would like to thank everyone who helped to make the event a success.

Right: Karen Wood’s ‘Cofton Allotments’ cake, winner of the Technical category. Top right: Aeroplane cake by James Gibbons.

Village Baking

Feed the family M

Keen baker Jen Morris, of Rowney Green, creates a vegetable quiche that’s bound to be a hit with the whole clan.

y family represents a motley crew of dietary requirements: vegetarians, pescatarians, lactose-intolerant, gluten-intolerant, shellfish allergens . . . the list goes on. Oh, and my Dad, who eats anything. So, when we get together at Easter, it will be a buffet that solves my catering conundrum and this quiche is enjoyed by (almost) everyone. You can double the recipe if you have a large clan; just bake it lower and slower. Ingredients: l 3 large onions l 25g butter l 1 tbsp olive oil l 250g ready-rolled shortcrust pastry (or make your own)

l l l l l

½ tsp sugar 2 eggs 142g single cream 100g mature cheddar, grated 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped (optional)

Method: 1) Thinly slice the onions and fry them over a low heat, in the oil and butter, for 20 mins until they are soft. 2) Pre-heat your oven to 200 C / 180 C fan / Gas 6. 3) Line a flan tin with the pastry, then cover with baking parchment and baking beans (or dried pulses) and “bake blind” for 12 mins. 4) Meanwhile, stir the sugar into the onions and raise the temperature of the flame to moderate, while they

caramelise and turn light brown. Remove from the heat to cool slightly. 5) After the 12 mins baking time, remove the baking beans and parchment from the flan case, then bake the case for a further 5 mins. 6) Whisk together the eggs, cream, cheese, seasoning and chives. 7) Remove the case from the oven and turn down to 190 C / 170 C fan / Gas 5. Put the onions in the pastry case and pour in the egg mixture. 8) Bake for 30-35 mins until set. Remove from the oven and leave to cool for 15 mins, before serving. The Village

April 2019

VISIT US AT: BROMSGROVE: Saxon Park, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4AD - 01527 835924 STUDLEY: Alcester Road, Studley, Warwickshire, B80 7AG - 01527 857772 KENILWORTH: Leyes Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2DE - 01926 855044 SHIRLEY: 153 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3AY - 0121 744 0989

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