TheVillage August 2018
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 192 August 2018
ISSN 1466-3376
Pipeline Palaver Page 8
Run in the Sun Page 22–23
Editorial: Editor: Sally Oldaker Publisher: Richard Peach The Limes Alvechurch Worcestershire B48 7RR
Viking Invasion Pages 24–27
Tel: 0121 445 6757 email: news@villageonline.co.uk
To advertise in TheVillage
School’s Festival Fun Pages 28–29
Call Louise Robinson:
0121 445 6757 email:
louise@villageonline.co.uk
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.
Long Hot Summer Page 36
Watch this Space Page 47
Cover: An allium seedhead in Dianne and Barry Court’s Alvechurch Open Garden – see more on Pages 48–53.
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Village News
Garden housing plan A housing developer is eyeing up Green Belt garden land in Barnt Green for a potential 20-home estate. Spitfire Homes has an option on almost 2.5 acres of land behind homes on Bittell Road, running north-west towards the playing fields run by Barnt Green Parish Council. The parish council was told about the plans by Katherine Else, of Claremont Planning Consultancy, who stressed they were in the “very, very early stages”. She added: “All we have done is written to Bromsgrove District Council and identified that Spitfire has control of the site.” Access to the land would be via 87 Bittell Road, where the existing bungalow would be demolished. “We are aware it is a busy road and there will be discussions with the county council,” she explained.
Ms Else said the housing density sought by Bromsgrove for a site of this size would be 20-35 homes, but Spitfire would be looking at the lower end because of the number of trees on the land. “It is considered to be brownfield land as it is garden land at the moment,” she said, adding: “The site is Green Belt but previously developed land is sequentially preferable to adjacent open fields. “We are timetabling a planning application at the moment because this is Green Belt and policy says ‘No’. It will be early next year when Bromsgrove will start putting together consideration of sites for Green Belt review. “This is about working with all councils in promoting this site as a Green Belt release.” She confirmed the plan would
include a 40 per cent affordable housing allocation. District and county councillor Peter McDonald, who was at the presentation made by Claremont to Barnt Green Parish Council, said: “What you might call affordable is not really affordable because of the area we are in. Taking 20 per cent off a price here does not make it affordable.” He added: “ And when people talk about 106 money, it means they might pay half a million to build affordable homes somewhere else.” Parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley asked: “If approval was given could there be money for a footpath across the playing field into the village facilities, such as the station? “ Ms Else replied: “Yes definitely. That’s something really tangible that we can deliver.”
Heading off: Two long-serving village headteachers retired at the end of the summer term. Kay Cholmondeley (left) has been at the helm of St Andrew’s First School in Barnt Green for 20 years, while Janette Morris has been in charge at Crown Meadow First School in Alvechurch for 14 years, helping to move it from Tanyard Lane to its new site in 2008. The Village
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Village News Villagers are being encouraged to give their support to a new “Bra Bank”, in a fundraising initiative for the charity Against Breast Cancer. The bank has been set up at The Wishing Well health and wellbeing centre in Bromsgrove, with the aim of collecting at least 200 bras. Anyone who deposits a bra will get 10 per cent off any purchase at the Wishing Well café. The charity and its recycling partners prevent the bras from going into landfill before giving them a new lease of life in developing countries such as Togo, Ghana and Kenya, where bras remain too expensive to produce locally. Any bras that are genuinely beyond redemption will be dismantled and disposed of properly. For every tonne of bras collected, Against Breast Cancer receives £700 to fund its research into developing a vaccine. Left: Wishing Well staff Tracey Barnes and Tricia Heatley with the bra bank.
Church grant query
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lvechurch parish councillors are in a quandary over whether to give a churchyard maintenance grant to St Laurence Church. In previous years, the council had voted to give £500 to the church for this purpose, since parishioners are eligible to be buried there whether they are church-goers or not.
However, earlier this year the clerk was told by the National Association of Local Councils (NALC) that parish councils were not supposed to award grants to church property – and that the council could be forced to demand the money back after its annual audit. NALC also stated that the Govern-
Planners ‘ignored’ parish Alvechurch parish councillors are “appalled” that Bromsgrove planners ignored their grounds for objection to an application for three new houses in the Green Belt at Hopwood. District and county councillor Charlie Hotham told the parish that Bromsgrove had not take due notice of the Neighbourhood Plan, and had been told to “ignore” the question of visibility access for the site on Ash Lane by a Highways officer, who said this could not be carried out due to third-party land ownership. Coun Marc Worrall said, “It’s
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August 2018
appalling that the Highways officer put that condition on, knowing it could not be carried out, and then just said ‘ignore it.’ “It sounds like a total fudge to then object only on design grounds, which makes it quite easy to overturn on appeal.” A Bromsgrove planning spokesman told The Village that because the development, which was rejected because of the look of the houses, was considered to be “infill”, it would not be harmful to the Green Belt and so that had not been an issue planning councillors needed to take into account.
ment disagrees with this position, so councillors asked for clarification in writing – but have still not received a definitive answer. Coun John Cypher said, “If our professional body [NALC] says it’s illegal, shouldn’t we go with that?” Coun Marc Worrall added, “I feel we are trying to find a way to give this grant, with no clear advice on whether we should. If we do, it would have to be a one-off until the matter is clarified.” Coun Cypher pointed out that there may be another way to give money to the church, by inviting it to apply via the council’s general grants process – but this sparked debate on whether that money would then be earmarked for the churchyard or could be used by the church for something else. Some councillors also expressed concerns that by giving money to St Laurence, they could be accused of discrimination against other churches or religions. It was decided to write to the church explaining the situation, and to seek further advice from NALC.
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Village News
Left in dark during leak
Far left: Parish chairman Andy Humphries with a gas pipe dug up during the work. Left: Workmen lay the gas main in Red Lion Street in 1909.
Below: An example of the communication.
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s The Village went to press, Swan Street in Alvechurch was finally open after many weeks of disruption caused by a gas emergency. Drivers were forced to use lengthy diversions during the closure, while Cadent gas engineers dealt with a leak that had built up for years from the old gas main, which had been replaced but apparently not capped off. While some residents enjoyed the absence of heavy traffic passing their homes, many were frustrated by the length of the closure, the disruption to bus routes and the behaviour of
some drivers who tried to use the road despite the warning signs. Coun John Cypher told colleagues at Alvechurch Parish Council that the lessons of the A441 closure had not been not learned by the county council: “Yes, this was an emergency but the effect on the village should have been considered, and there should have been more communication throughout.” Parish chairman Andy Humphries said: “Cadent were good at speaking to Swan Street residents but not the wider community who have to use
the road for essential travel.” Parish councillors updated villagers via social media and also liaised with Diamond Buses after three elderly residents were put off in Hopwood and had to walk back to Alvechurch. Coun Humphries said Cadent had told him that many years of HGV traffic along the road had not helped. The Village View: Page 19
Pumpkins at the ready for festival
Thank you: Sue Atkinson, office administrator at Tardebigge First School, bids farewell to pupils as she retires after 23 years. Sue was also in charge of the school choir, who sang an adapted version of Thank you for the Music at a special assembly before her leaving party.
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organisers of the second Alvechurch Pumpkin Festival are reminding people of the date – Saturday October 27 in the village hall – and encouraging them to start working on their entries. If you haven’t grown your own, you could carve or decorate a shop-bought pumpkin, or if you enjoy crafts, make something pumpkin-related. The winning design in this year’s competition was created by Sophie Rose, in Year 8 at Alvechurch Middle School, and will be turned into badges for all entrants.
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Village News
Vandalism
prompted Lickey and Blackwell parish councillors to discuss the possibility of forming a new youth group. “After a meeting with police, the culprits turned out to be our own youngsters, not people coming in from outside the area,” said Coun Janet King. “Last time we had anti-social behaviour, Youth Blackwell was born from it – but we’d need to find someone young and enthusiastic who could run something similar.”
Parish
councillors have agreed to spend £7,500 on an independent consultant to help Barnt Green develop its Neighbourhood Plan.
The car
Work is now planned to start in September, with completion in December. “We might be able to take our Wassail walk over it,” said Barnt Green parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley. Meanwhile, Network Rail is still waiting for a decision on its application to the Department for Transport “Access for All” scheme for the money to install the promised passenger lifts at Barnt Green station.
Barnt Green
is to fell its “Christmas tree”. The large conifer where lights have been hung for the past few years is becoming too high and also blocks the view of drivers
in the hedge on the Bittell Road bends in Barnt Green (right) has finally been removed, parish councillors heard. “It’s either that, or it sank,” said parish clerk Gill Lungley.
The Cofton
railway footbridge has been put back again.
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August 2018
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turning out of Sandhills Road. It means villagers will be able to see the £1,100 flagpole being considered for Millennium Park as park of the Armistice centenary commemorations.
Resurfacing
of Sandhills Lane, Barnt Green, will not be done until September at the earliest, county councillor Peter McDonald told parish councillors. “It is deplorable,” he added. Meanwhile, Coun Charlie Hotham warned there were going to be “extensive” water works in Hewell Road.
Finstall
Village Hall has a vacancy for a volunteer secretarial position, which would involve minute-taking and distribution of agendas for six meetings, plus three Saturday events: the Spring and Autumn Coffee Mornings, and the Village Show in early September. Experience not essential and there is plenty of help available. Anyone interested should call Rosemarie Ryan, Chairman, on 07788 178813.
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Village News
Birthday ‘girls’ celebrate in style Left: Marie Storey (centre) receives gifts from fellow Lawns residents Maureen Cooper and Barbara Yates. Right: Mary Lewis at the party in the Village Hall.
Two Alvechurch residents celebrated special birthday milestones with parties thrown by their friends and family. Marie Storey, who has lived at The Lawns residential home for two years, marked her 100th birthday with a
celebration in the home’s garden, complete with musical entertainment from John Dale. Mary Lewis, the eldest member of the Knit & Natter group, turned up to the weekly meeting at the Village Hall to find a surprise tea party for her 90th birthday.
Parish supports surgery cabins
Barnt Green parish council has backed the village surgery’s plan to expand into two Portakabins. Parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley told parish councillors: “They’ve got the doctors, but can’t bring them into the practice.” The plan is for the surgery to install two cabins in its car park joined to the main building. The cabins would use two of the parking spaces. Coun Cholmondeley said: “We also know they are open to looking at different premises.” The planning application says there would be “no impact on car parking provision as an agreement is in place for patients and staff to use the Victoria Pub car park across the street”. Despite some feelings on the parish council that the cabins would be
Tight fit: Barnt Green Surgery needs more room to provide services. unsightly, Coun Cholmondeley said: “I think they are a good compromise. It is not as if they are on public view.” Coun Philip Perry agreed, saying: “We have to balance the needs of the community in this case.” The parish council agreed to tell the planning authority they were ”supportive of the plan”.
Festival is ready to rock
BLACKWELL MUSIC Festival takes place on Saturday September 8, from 12 noon in the grounds of Hunter’s Hill School. There will be live music from local acts throughout the day and evening, including Charlie Santy, Bromsgrove Rock School, The Quad, Vaseline, Karkosa, Monty Taft and Killerstream. Visitors can also enjoy a licensed bar, BBQ & pulled pork by Warwick Butchers, Betty’s Bhajis, Pizzareeta, crêpes and ice cream. Advance tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for under-16s, or on the gate (subject to availability) it’s £15 for adults and £10 for under-16s. Under-fives go free. Buy at Blackwell Village Stores or online at www.skiddle.com All proceeds go to Blackwell Festival charity to support local community events. The Village
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Village People
Softball success for Divas A team of Alvechurch cricketers are celebrating after they took the top spots in a festival competition. Alvechurch Divas, who play at the village cricket club, entered two teams in the Women’s Softball Cricket Festival at Five Ways Old Edwardians Cricket Club in Hopwood, and finished first and second. The festival was part of the “Bomber Day” annual inter-club cricket celebration and aimed to get more women and girls involved in the sport. Anyone interested in joining the Divas can go along to Alvechurch cricket club on Wednesday evenings from 6.30–8pm. No experience is needed – just turn up.
SOS answered
Village rooFING contractors DJ Scriven did their bit for the community by offering their services to TV’s DIY SOS team, who had appealed for local tradespeople to help out with their latest “Big Build” in Lickey End. The mission was to create a two-storey extension, enabling a resident to offer a home to her disabled sister – with traders giving their time and materials free of charge. “I have never seen so many trades in one place before and the whole atmosphere was electric,” says Dave Scriven. “I think I did get filmed at some point, but our main aim was to show support. It was nice to see the ‘stars’ doing their part too – they are all hard workers.” The show is expected to air on BBC1 sometime in the next year. Below: Dave (right) with DIY SOS favourite, electrician Billy Byrne.
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84 miles in three days
A group of 17 teachers and parents from Winterfold and Bromsgrove Schools have raised £6,500 for an African school by walking the full 84mile length of the Hadrian’s Wall Path, from Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway, in just three days. For the past 10 years, Winterfold has supported Ncemaneni Primary School in the Natal province of South Africa, where many pupils
walk a 15–20 km round trip to school each day – and most do not own any shoes. The “Hitting-The-Wall Challenge” was launched with the aim of raising £4,000 to buy “the shoe that grows” for the pupils – the shoes are adjusted as the child grows and can last up to five years. Donations can still be made at www.justgiving. com/crowdfunding/hittingthe-wall
How would you like this view from your workplace every day?
Offices to rent
Three separate units at Bordesley Hall Farm, Storrage Lane, Alvechurch, B48 7ES Formerly part of Bordesley Hall Farm, the offices are in a picturesque spot two miles south of Alvechurch. The location has a quiet rural feel, but still offers convenient access to Junction 2 of the M42. All three units have been refurbished to a high standard, retaining their rural character and many of their original features. Each unit also has allocated parking, a staff kitchen and WC.
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For more information, call 07710 381124 or email LibbyPrice@bprice.co.uk
Oakalls Village
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Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.
busy village roundabout is the focus of a safety campaign by Worcestershire County Council’s new Labour leader. Coun Robin Lunn has called for action to improve the Slideslow roundabout in the light of development plans to build around 2,800 new homes in the Webheath and Foxlydiate areas of Redditch, which could significantly increase the volume of traffic using the Bromsgrove Highway and the roundabout. A number of Oakalls residents have voiced their concerns on the estate’s Facebook page in response to a resident’s comment about a nearmiss with a recovery truck on the roundabout. She posted: “Not only did you nearly take me and my two children out but then also my mother in the car behind who was carrying my nephew and niece on board. I’m not going to rant, I’m still shaken up.” She concluded: “Is there anything that can be done about the island? Or does anyone know of any plans to improve it before there is a serious collision?” Coun Lunn told The Village: “I use the roundabout every day and
Call for action on roundabout completely understand the problems. It is not easy to use, especially for residents of The Oakalls trying to exit the estate. These problems need to be addressed now, in readiness for new homes being built across the area.” He continued: “There are a number of improvements which could be made and while I am not a fan of yellow box junctions I believe in this case it would be an affordable solution to reduce congestion. This is not a party-political issue and therefore I hope for cross-party support.” A Worcestershire County Council Bromsgrove Transport Package Report, published in May 2012, identified the roundabout as a critical junction linking the A38 and A448
with the local highway network. The junction was also identified as a multiple accident cluster site on both the Stratford Road and A38 approaches. The report also stated that, as a five-arm roundabout, this junction contravenes best practice and Department for Transport guidance which dictates that four-arm roundabouts should be the maximum to ensure safety. Under Design Manual for Roads and Bridges guidance, the roundabout was considered too small to accommodate the significant traffic volumes using it. This causes some drivers to take additional risks and make poor judgments. After Coun Lunn raised the matter at two council meetings, the Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Environment and Infrastructure, Ken Pollock, and the Highways Director have agreed to investigate the yellow boxes idea. Watch this space for further updates. Please contact me with your news, views and concerns about any aspect of life on the estate. Email: oakalls@villageonline.co.uk
school’s REGATTA SUCCESS
Two Finstall First School teams performed superbly at the Bromsgrove and District Bell-boating Regatta at Upton Warren. Both Finstall teams made the A Final where they faced teams from Stoke Prior First School and St Andrew’s First School. In a very close final, the Finstall
Reds finished first and the Finstall Blues second. Head teacher Stuart Evans said: “The children were a pleasure to be with. Their behaviour and sports-
manship were excellent throughout the day and the same applied to the children from the other 33 teams who were competing in the Regatta.” The Village
August 2018
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Village VillageViews Views
The aliens have landed! Dear Editor – Right then: Mr Julian Cobbledick of Cofton Hackett (Village Views, July 2018) has a point with regard to “strange lights” in the Lickey Hills. Actually, it’s us – we need bright lights to land a small shuttlecraft on top of the hills. Our mother ship, the Tavona, is in orbit. It’s too big to land here although we’ve set up a temporary space port at Stonehenge, where the Tavona can land. We’ve collected artifacts and these are being loaded on to the shuttle for eventual transportation to Terrormagna, an Earth-type world which, with its big hot gas giant brother, Magna, orbits an F-Spectra Star 1,148 light years from Earth. Our work is in its final stages and we begin the final phase soon, loading up the larger objects, cars and the like, for a museum. We will depart via the “jump point” at one of Jupiter’s moons, Io, for the nine-month journey to Terrormagna and my hard-earned retirement. I bet having been made aware of this, Mr Cobbledick will be even more curiouser and curiouser. Right, back to my Solar Research, then to read this month’s Village Stargazing by amateur astronomer, Brian Watkiss. Time to round up my crew, then we will be off (woosh)! Oh, by the way, having made a detailed study of human psychology and determined that most humans are pretty obnoxious, especially in the field of politics, we won’t be back around here again for about 200 years. I’ve had more than enough excitement already! To sum up, might just as well tell
Have your say . . . about anything! 18
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August 2018
Lawton’s View
the truth – who will believe it, Professor Brian Cox? Right, you – you down there with the glasses – we’re off, no more bright lights except that big one in the daytime sky. John A Ridarta, Cosmic Agent The Editor writes: Well, it is the silly season, after all
Mystery of empty housing estate
Dear Editor – Every now and then I like to have a browse through The Village magazine although I’m living far from my roots now. I’d like to just draw your attention to what I think is a curious housing estate built about two and a half years ago, which has remained com-
pletely empty since being beautifully finished. It’s sited just off Alvechurch Road, next to The Crest in West Heath. I would be very interested as to why these lovely houses have remained empty, especially as Birmingham wants to use Green Belt land for further housing. S Bevan, via email
Can anyone help find my friend?
Dear Editor – I was at Alvechurch Village Hall recently and mentioned to someone that a childhood friend of mine moved to the village a few years ago and that it would be so wonderful if she walked through the doors. The suggestion was to contact you to
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 August 16.
see if it was possible to find her through your magazine. I have not seen Sheila, née Campbell, since we were around 14–15 years old. We lived next door to each other in Broad Lane, Kings Heath. My sister saw her a number of years ago, when Sheila said she was now living in Alvechurch. Anyway, if you don’t ask you don’t get. Could anyone help me to trace her? Mrs Hilary Pitt, née Lewis, via email
Thanks to garden owners
Dear Editor – May I offer a huge thank-you to the lovely people of Alvechurch who opened their gardens on a glorious weekend under the National Garden Scheme. The organisers of the Open Gardens in Alvechurch over the past few years, Philip and Elizabeth Aubury, have been instrumental in raising thousands of pounds for charitable causes supported by the NGS, and also given so much pleasure to our community. It is very much appreciated. Eileen McHugh, a garden-lover of Alvechurch
Record amount raised
Dear Editor – I thought you would like to know that in spite of a certain football match taking place on the Sunday of Alvechurch Open Gardens, we managed to raise a record £5,115. Well done to everyone who opened their garden and especially Celia and her team for providing refreshments. I’m hoping to recruit a new organiser for 2020 so if any readers would like to volunteer, or display their gardens, please email me on p_aubury@yahoo.co.uk Philip Aubury, Alvechurch See photos from the gardens on Pages 48–53
Where’s Vinny?
six-year-old Lucian Chilton-Davies, of Alvechurch, 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 . . .
T
he extended closure of a village road has highlighted once again the problem of the “rat run” from Redditch through much of this area into south Birmingham and the growing Longbridge development. It was clearly a major inconvenience to many Alvechurch residents to find Swan Street closed for weeks on end as the leaking Victorian gas main was investigated. Even those villagers who lived amid the drilling and digging found that frustration at having their passage either north or south blocked wasn’t totally compensated for by the joy of life in a quiet cul-de-sac for part of the summer. What the closure did show, however, was that non-village traffic could quite easily use the bypass, rather than shaving off a few minutes by tearing through our villages. Bittell Road, through Barnt Green, and Barnt Green Road, through Cofton Hackett, were noticeably quieter as motorists who were forced to use the bypass around Alvechurch then decided, upon reaching Hopwood, that they might as well carry on up the hill and then work their way down to Longbridge that way. This was what was envisaged when the Longbridge area Action Plan was approved in 2009, with its proposal for “highway improvements at . . . the A441 between the M42 and Longbridge Lane, including traffic management in Hopwood”. None of that has, of course, ever happened and the volume of traffic grows and continues to break speed limits through the settlement. While we hope Alvechurch Parish Council and the district councillor for the area continue to apply pressure on the highways authorities for the promises to the people of Hopwood to be kept, this shouldn’t stop Alvechurch villagers continuing to push for traffic calming measures through their village. Local people won’t mind being slowed a little if it means motorists bombing through without a care are pushed on to the bypass built just for them. The measures in Barnt Green’s high street work very well in keeping out unwanted traffic and it is time a successful scheme was introduced in Alvechurch. Mind you, digging has just begun in Barnt Green to investigate the water pipes . . . it could be Hewell Road that is closed next! The Village
August 2018
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The Village
Advertisement feature
Donate old travel cash
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Bromsgrove DIY store is running a summer-long fundraising campaign to raise money for its 2018 nominated charity – Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm. Broad Street DIY is asking people to pop into its shop on Worcester Road to donate any leftover foreign currency from holidays abroad. All main currencies will be accepted, such as euros and dollars, as well as discontinued pre-euro currencies that might be tucked away at the back of a drawer in your home– French francs, Italian lira, German deutschmarks, Spanish pesetas or Greek drachma. The shop will use a specialist foreign exchange firm to convert the currency to cash and then donate the money to Dodford Children’s Farm. The charity offers residential stays for children from inner city schools, nurseries and special schools, providing
Lisa Childs, Andy Smith, Gary Tedstone and Sam Harris
an opportunity for them to enjoy life outdoors on the farm. “Nearly everyone comes home from holiday with some coins they can’t exchange at the bank, or a few low denomination notes that just aren’t worth exchanging,” said Lisa Childs, a director at Broad Street DIY.
According to a report in the Daily Mirror in 2017 each British household has, on average, £65 worth of unused travel money lying around. You can take your foreign currency into Broad Street DIY at any time until September 30. For more information call the shop on 01527 873555.
Village Events
run in the sun
Despite a rather important football match taking place that lunchtime, villagers of all ages turned out for the Barnt Green Fun Run, postponed from snowy March. Organised by the Barnt Green Chuggers with support from the parish council, the run was in aid of Sport Relief and offered the opportunity to complete a 5k run, walk or jog around the village – followed by refreshments in Millennium Park. The starting hooter was sounded by Frankie and Savannah Kennedy (pictured above with Chugger Mike Dickenson), the children of Lucy Kennedy of Provest Wealth Management, which sponsored the event.
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Below: Parish council chairman Robert Cholmondeley (right) and organiser Andy Scarle present a medal to Tom Porton, who had the fastest time.
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August 2018
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Village Events
Invaded by the
vikings!
bLACKWELL WAS taken over by marauding hordes at its Viking-themed summer festival, where villagers really got into the spirit of the event with some great costumes and props. A group of re-enactors set up camp on the playing field off St Catherine’s Road, with fighting demonstrations and displays of Viking culture, while other attractions included birds of prey, a bouncy castle and play sand. As well as their own picnics, villagers enjoyed refreshments from Tardebigge Cider and the WI Tea & Cake Tent, and there was musical entertainment from Blackwell Concert Band throughout the afternoon. The party was followed by a BBQ at Blackwell Social Club.
Additional photography by Keith Woolford l More pictures overleaf
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The Village
August 2018
Above: Various birds of prey were displayed by Derek Tindall. Top: Festival volunteers in a ‘longboat’. Top far left, centre and below left: Re-enactment by ‘Vikings of Middle England’.
The Village
August 2018
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Village Events Derek Tindall with a young recruit
Above: Re-enactors go into battle. Below left: Youngsters enjoy the fighting. Below right: Demonstration of Viking crafts.
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The Village
August 2018
Village People
Left: Viking demonstration. Above: The youngest Viking! Below: Cake contest winner Eleanor Moody with her entry.
The Village
August 2018
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Village Events
School ho This year’s Lickey School and Community Festival was another big success, with plenty of fun for all ages at Lickey Hills Primary School. Youngsters enjoyed making their own slime and meeting various creatures displayed by the Animal Man, as well as pony rides on the field and various sideshows and games run by school pupils. The children had also set up stalls selling goods from their recent Enterprise project. Refreshments included a beer and Prosecco tent, WI refreshments, a tuck shop and a hog roast, while other attractions included a tombola, raffle, face painting, and visits from the local police and fire brigade.
Photography by Jo Whitehead
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The Village
August 2018
sts festival fun
Above: A snake was among the Animal Man’s exhibits. Far left: Visitors could try guessing the number of balloons in the car. The Village
August 2018
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Village Directory
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August 2018
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Village Directory
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The Village
August 2018
Established in 2013 l Over 15 years experience in the construction industry
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Village Weather
Our long hot summer
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Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.
rom the middle of May onwards, temperatures have been considerably higher than normal. The last meaningful rainfall was on May 25/26th. Since then only 5.5mm has fallen, hence the drought conditions we are now experiencing. Parallels have been drawn with 1976. However, the temperatures then were higher with many days reaching 33–35C. The ground was also much drier, due to a very dry 1975. If August follows suit, 2018 will be in the top five warmest summers in England since records began.
July 2018 (to the 20th) Mean Max 26.5C 4.9 above average Mean Min 12.9C 0.7 above average Mean 19.7C 2.8 above average Rainfall 0 mm 0% of average Sunshine 182.3 hrs 117% of average June 2018 Mean Max 21.6C 2.6 above average Mean Min 11.2C 1.4 above average Mean 16.4C 2.0 above average Rainfall 5.5mm 9% of average Sunshine 234.2 hrs 172% of average June was extremely dry with rainfall of just 5.5mm, the second-driest month in my records since 1990. The only drier month was April 2011 with 4mm. July’s daytime temperatures were very high with a maximum of 30.1C on the 5th. As we went to press, there had been no recorded rainfall since June 16th, and then only 1.2mm.
Outlook Models suggest that the weather pat-
tern will only evolve very slowly. The west of the UK is likely to see more in the way of breezier, cloudier conditions, while further east, drier and more settled weather is expected to dominate, with the ongoing risk of showers or thunderstorms. Temperatures generally remaining above average for most, with the potential for further spells of very warm or hot conditions, and possibly very hot in some areas. We will see!
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
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August 2018
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Choose the right ISA to maximise savings
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The original ISA is a tax wrapper, through which you can invest in cash, funds, individual stocks and shares, or a mixture. You don’t pay UK tax on interest earned on a cash ISA, or on income or capital gains derived from funds or other investments in a stocks and shares ISA. Nor are you required to include details of your ISAs on your self-assessment tax form. There are no general restrictions on when you can withdraw funds, but special terms may apply for individual providers – for example with fixed-rate cash ISAs. Remember, if you’re investing in the stock market you should be ready to leave your money for at least five years.
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Help to Buy ISAs are cash accounts for first-time home buyers, but you can only open a new one until November 2019. You can save up to £200 a month, and put in an extra £1,000 in the first month. The government adds a 25% bonus, up to a maximum of £3,000, in addition to any interest earned. So they are similar to the newer LISAs, but you cannot generally invest as much and there is no starting age limit.
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Parents and others can save up to a total of £4,260 for a child into a Junior ISA (JISA) each year. JISAs
work in a similar way to mainstream ISAs, with much the same cash and investment options available. The key difference is that the child cannot withdraw the funds until their 18th birthday. At this point they can convert it into a regular ISA. You can contribute to a child’s JISA in addition to investing in your own ISA. It is a great way to help a child build up assets for the future. If a Child Trust Fund is held it must be transferred in full to the JISA when one is opened.
Inherited ISA Allowances
If a spouse or civil partner dies holding ISA investments, the survivor can make additional subscriptions to their own ISAs equivalent to the value of the deceased’s ISA holdings at the time of their death. This is in addition to the survivor’s annual ISA subscription limit, currently £20,000. n If you would like advice about which ISA is right for you, contact Pryor Portfolio for more information. See page opposite.
The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Investing in shares should be regarded as a long-term investment and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances. The tax efficiency of ISAs is based on current rules. The current tax situation may not be maintained. The benefit of the tax treatment depends on individual circumstances. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. The Village
August 2018
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Village Sport
A new home for AFC ’Church plan for the future with a move to The Hayes.
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lvechurch FC has finally been granted planning permission to develop a new home at The Hayes, just three miles outside the village on Wasthill Lane. The new facilities will encompass an all-weather stadium pitch, associated club house, function rooms and changing rooms as well as four grass pitches. The club agreed a 25-year lease on the site in 2016, and has worked closely with Birmingham City Council and Bromsgrove and Redditch councils over the past couple of years to bring the project to fruition. Funding has been discussed at length with the FA and Football Foundation. Work is due to begin in March 2019 and may be completed around autumn that year. Chairman Richard Thorndike said: “The development will secure the long-term future of the club and offers us the best opportunity to compete at Step 3. “The new ground is in an area with a surrounding population of 140,000 or so which is a massive increase from the 5,500 population of Alvechurch. Historically our supporters travelled to Lye Meadow from Northfield, Longbridge and Kings Norton, so hopefully we can rekindle some of their and their children’s support. “A big ‘thank you’ to everyone who has been involved with the project.” l Pre-season action has included a batch of friendlies (including a 6–2 win over Wolverhampton Casuals) and also the semi-final of the WFA Senior Cup – in which ’Church thrashed Kidderminster Harriers 6–0 to progress to the final against Evesham United or Redditch United. AFC have also been drawn at home to Bromsgrove Sporting in the
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Pre-season friendly against Wolverhampton Casuals (Photo/ Ian Macvie) Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. The local derby tie will be played on Saturday August 25. l Meanwhile, AFC have signed experienced right-back Josh Ezewele from Redditch United. Josh started his career at West Bromwich Albion, playing regularly for the under-21 side. He then joined Kidderminster Harriers and helped them to second in the league. Centre-back Luke Paskin has re joined the club for pre-season training. Luke played for manager Ian Long at Tividale, winning the league, and at Alvechurch before deciding to play for Lye Town last season. Right-back Jamie Ashmore has joined fellow Southern League Central side Redditch United, while Jordan Nadat has left to join local rivals Sutton Coldfield Town. Midfielder Babucar Sauane, forward Yusifu Ceesay and captain Ashley Carter have moved up a level to National League North’s Nuneaton Borough. l AFC is looking for volunteers to help out on matchdays with a variety of jobs, especially running the hospitality section on matchdays – this involves meeting and greeting the officials of the opposition, providing them with food and beverages before the game, at half time and at the end. This would suit anybody at
a loose end on a Saturday afternoon, whether they like football or not! It’s an opportunity to be part of a family of like-minded people who also help out at the club, and to meet people from different parts of the country. If you are interested, contact Fred Evans on 07970 824986 or email fredevans1@hotmail.co.uk l There’s still time to sponsor your favourite ’Church player in the new season, with all sponsorships contributing to the player budget. Payments can be made direct to the club’s account (sort code 30-9697, account 01860704; Reference: Player Sponsorship – Name). 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 Fri Aug 3 7.45pm Evesham United (H) (Friendly) Sat Aug 11 3pm Royston Town (H) Tue Aug 14 7.45pm Tamworth (A) Sat Aug 18 3pm Coalville (A) Sat Aug 25 3pm Bromsgrove Sporting (H) FA Cup preliminary round Mon Aug 27 3pm Redditch United (A) Sat Sep 1 3pm Needham Market (H)
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S
Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.
ummer so far is warm and dry, but there is lots of sun, so all the plants grew and flowered well, and birds and mammals thrived. One thing the hot weather showed up was the way natural vegetation looks after itself in the dry whereas mowed grass just dies into a brown desert. For some reason verges were left unmown for quite a while in June and the wild flowers flourished by the roadside, though there was a mowing later on dry ground which made everything very dead-looking. There was a delay in mowing the churchyard too, reminding us that a beautiful variety of ancient plants like pignut grow there and are routinely mown to nothing in the interests of tidiness. It has been a lovely classic English summer so far, but the dry weather will begin to take its toll if this weather continues as forecast. Wild life is pretty resilient but there are signs of a much reduced fruit crop: fruit trees want water. Some things that have benefited are the wonderful butterflies which love the sun, and the dragonflies and damselflies wherever there is water.
The Village
Hazel & heather Hazel is the Celtic calendar tree for August. It is a tree I love, because it is so common and appears everywhere, adds great beauty at times of year when you need it, and has all kinds of uses. The hazel in mythology is a tree of magic and divination. Its use in divination is not entirely mythological, however. It is traditionally used for water divining. A forked hazel twig held loosely in the hands will suddenly bend and twist as you carry it. This is believed to happen when crossing a source of water. I believe it, as my cynical old farmer father used a diviner to find the source of springs on the farm. Hazel is the tree of the fairies,
Winter holly Hazel catkins
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Heather and gorse
August 2018
Village Country Diary Hazel nuts
Demoiselle dragonfly
Tall hazel hedge
and a hazel wand can perform all kinds of magic! One Celtic legend tells of nuts falling from a beautiful hazel into a stream and being eaten by salmon, causing the orange spots on their skin. Hazel nuts represent a concentration of wisdom and insight. The medieval nun Julian of Norwich meditated on a hazel nut. We know hazel as a hedgerow shrub, but in open places it can grow into a large tree. It likes poor soil and grows near streams in wild places, so you can find it all over the British Isles. One of the reasons we think of it as a small tree is that is was often coppiced – cut down and allowed to regrow. Hazel takes particularly well to coppicing, partly because it naturally coppices itself! There is often not a main trunk on a hazel,
Mown and unmown verge
continues overleaf The Village
August 2018
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Village Country Diary
continued from previous page but lots of small trunks growing from one root. Even if it has a main trunk, it will often have side shoots. These often grow nice and straight and when cut can easily be made into bean poles, walking sticks, Morris men’s sticks, line props or the framework for furniture and buildings. Hazel can be split and bent, so it made “wattles” for fencing, and rods to peg down thatch. So, hazels were really useful and encouraged to grow. In January and February, hazel has gradually lengthening catkins – the familiar ones known as lambs’ tails. These are often the first flowers you see at that time of year. What you may not realise is that these are only the male flowers. There are little female flowers too, which usually come in February. They are tiny red spray-shaped flowers growing from a bud. These receive the wind-blown pollen from the male catkins and become hazel nuts. Flowering this early in the year, the tree cannot rely on insect pollination, so it is wind-pollinated. The nuts used to be a major food source for country people, gathered in August or September before the squirrels get them all! Squirrels love them of course, as do some birds, especially the nuthatch. This little bird will take the nut to a crevice in a tree, wedge it there and bang away with its hard beak until it gets into the sweet flesh of the nut. Squirrels take them away and store them, thus helping them to grow and spread when the squirrels forget where they are! For humans, they were eaten raw or roasted, or ground to make a flour, and they are very delicious. They were bred to produce bigger and better nuts, the various kind of cobnuts that used to be in orchards
Heathland, Connemara
Part-coppiced hazel
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August 2018
Autumn hazel
Autumn Coppiced hazel poles field maple – centre left throughout the country, and which are still sold in autumn at some local farmers’ markets. The nuts could be eaten green but were more often stored until October/ November. Sometimes there were celebrations around Samhain (Halloween) at which the new season’s nuts were eaten. From September onwards the leaves of hazel turn a beautiful golden yellow. They are quite rounded, and when they fall look like those gold chocolate coins we used to have at Christmas! At this stage you can already see the tiny catkins getting ready to grow for the next year. A coppiced hedge will grow rapidly, and within a few years will be ready for laying. Hazel takes well to laying, along with hawthorn. It’s the best way to get a thick hedge, as hazel naturally grows quite thinly. It’s quite unusual to find a hedge of pure hazel like the one we have had coppiced at the Lime Kilns site at Tardebigge. More usually they are interspersed with other trees like elder, ash, maple and oak. These crafts, coppicing, laying and using hazel, have been revived a lot recently, and we have a local hazel coppicer, Dave Ward, in Alvechurch, as well as local farmers like Adrian Bytom who coppice and lay hedges in the proper fashion. Good managing
of hedges is so important for the ecology of the area. One of the other Celtic “trees” connected to this time of year is heather. It may seem odd to us to think of heather as a tree, but of course there is really no technical definition of a tree – it’s just a big woody plant. Heather can grow quite big and woody, and in some places abroad is used for hedging. It is uncommon around here as it likes acid soil, not our Midland clay. However, it can be found elsewhere in Worcestershire – near Kiddermin-
ster, around Hartlebury and Bewdley, where there are old heathlands, and a little on the Lickeys. It’s not too far to Kinver Edge which has glorious heather. Of course, it covers vast acres of moorland and mountain in the north and west of the UK. It’s a sign of “poor soil”, which is not suitable for much agriculture, but not poor for the things that like growing on it! August is the time for heather to flower, and it makes the whole hillside purple. Occasionally it comes white, which is considered lucky. There are
continues overleaf
Field maple The Village
August 2018
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Village Country Diary continued from previous page several different kinds of heather. The commonest is ling, but cross-leaved heath and purple or bell heather are also common. There are other rarer local types, and I have found St Dabeoc’s heath in Connemara. They are in the same family as the bilberries and blueberries which grow in similar locations. Heather was used for bedding and brooms and anywhere you needed something long-lasting, springy and shock-absorbing. When it’s young, animals can feed on it, and bees love the flowers – in fact it’s one of the most-used nectar producers for bees, and the honey is much-liked. On grouse-shooting moors the heather is often burnt, which is not very good for the environment or health. Burning or “swaling” used to be quite common to get a fresh growth of young plants for animals to feed on, but it damages the habitat and releases polluting particles. Recent wildfires on the Pennines show how much damage fire on a moorland can do.
Wildflower patch, Open Gardens
Heathland, which takes its name from heather (or perhaps vice versa) is becoming a rare habitat in central and southern England. In some places conservation groups are trying to re-establish it, and you can see this in the nature reserve near Bewdley called the Devil’s Spittleful. This kind of restoration is contentious as it often means removing native trees which have grown there as the soil has become more fertile. Naturally-occurring woodland
(somewhat disparagingly called “scrub”) is also a rare habitat these days, and trees are better for the general environment than heathland. On the other hand, heathland supports some really important species, especially of butterflies but also mammals, lizards and adders. Meanwhile, enjoy the scented purple heather when you see it! I wrote this poem a couple of years ago to celebrate people in my life.
Courage
Heather Male and female hazel flowers
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There are people who put courage in you. My first, maybe, one teacher, who showed me The power of words and the need to think free When the others were trimming and tidying me. Then someone who gave me faith in my body That it could love and be loved in laughter Next someone who trusted me in my work Taught me to do the near impossible Brave because of a belief in other people. And I went on the back of a motorbike With someone who made me see I was safe with a touch if I trusted. I went in a hot air balloon, flew a plane, Never fearing flying again, a bird woman. I learned that I could make music, stand up In front of the world and sing aloud When others sang with me, making harmony. Now I am learning not to be old, to walk The gunwales, the early morning streets And the late-night towpath, feet without fear.
Village Stargazing SpaceX and Boeing spacecraft (Image courtesy of NASA)
Bright planets, space shuttles and meteors
A
ugust, an exciting month anyway with warm weather, holidays and lovely long evenings. Oh well, two out of three isn’t bad. This year, August is even more exciting because we have news of developments in manned spaceflight and all the bright planets to see, as well as one of the best meteor showers. So, to the USA, and since the last flight of space shuttle Atlantis seven years ago, American astronauts have relied exclusively on Russian Soyuz vehicles to get into orbit. This year may see that change, starting this month with a launch of an unmanned Crew Dragon spacecraft by SpaceX. Then Boeing hope to launch their version, also unmanned, later in the month. Of course, the timescale could slip, and they are unlikely to be visible from Alvechurch, but if they are successful, it will pave the way for launches to the ISS later this year and then they could, occasionally, be seen. Now for the plethora of planets. For the past couple of months, Venus has been clearly visible in the glow of the sunset, which is getting a little earlier, at about half past nine. Look
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
for a very thin crescent Moon close by on the 14th. As ever, Venus has defied the westward drift of the skies while Jupiter has complied. So, just a short distance to the left we can see the giant of our Solar System, looking brighter because it’s further from the Sun’s glare. As the Moon trundles round Earth, it visits each of the planets in turn, getting close to Jupiter on the 17th.
“As the skies begin to darken, the two largest planets really stand out.” Moving to the left again, the same distance as before, following the line of the Ecliptic, we find Saturn, rising at a much more reasonable time now. This planet is quite distinctive
too, being as bright as Jupiter but a little more yellow in colour. As the skies begin to properly darken and Venus sets, the two largest planets really stand out even though they are relatively low in the sky. The Moon, continuing its trundle, visits Saturn on the 20th/21st. Now, Mars is sitting well below the Ecliptic at the moment. They do that, you know, these planets: wobble up and down above and below that mysterious line that marks the path of the Sun across our sky, and it’s the Red Planet’s turn to be a bit coy. So we have to wait until ten thirty or so before we get chance to see it and even then it’s not very high above the horizon. The Moon helps or hinders on the 23rd, because it’s close to full, which is actually on the 26th. The first half of the month is the time to go meteor spotting as the Perseid shower occurs while the Moon is out of the way. So, after a hard day’s holidaying, what better way of spending the evening than sitting in a comfy chair, with, perhaps, a little something to quench the thirst, staring skywards and looking for shooting stars.
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Village Country Diary
Ten top gardens The sun shone on Alvechurch’s bi-annual Open Gardens event, with ten different gardens welcoming visitors and raising a record £5,115 for charity under the National Garden Scheme. The Village visited them all to get pictures of the gardens and their proud owners. More photos overleaf
Top left and centre: Alex Fitzpatrick and her Bear Hill garden. Above and left: Jason Turner and Paul Emery with their garden on Snake Lane.
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Above: Chris and Steph Miall with their newlybuilt designer house in the grounds of The Shrubbery on Bear Hill (below and left).
Above and below: Details from Janice Wiltshire’s garden on Latimer Road.
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Village Country Diary
Above: Mike Fallon (left), owner of The Moat House, with friends Shirley and Roy Bird. Right and below far right: The Moat House grounds and garden. Below right: Norma and Ray Yarnell in their garden on Swan Street, which featured some colourful blooms (below). Bottom right: Dianne and Barry Court, whose Tanyard Lane garden is also featured on this month’s cover.
More photos overleaf
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Village Gardens
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Photo/ Judy Lawrance Above and right: Details from the garden at Rectory Cottage on Old Rectory Lane, owned by Celia Hitch (below, right, with friend and helper Dennise Clements).
Vibrant colours in Martin and Janet Wright’s garden.
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Photo/ Judy Lawrance
Above: Anna and Andy Ingram in their garden on Birmingham Road (pictured, top). Left: Detail from the Callow Hill Road garden owned by Martin and Janet Wright (far left). The Village
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Village Gardens
Plenty to see in Penn A
charity garden party held in Bordesley attracted a host of visitors and raised money for three charities. Penny Disbury has been opening her garden, The Piggery, to the public for the past five years, supporting Cancer Research UK (Breast Cancer), Dementia UK and Help For Heroes. “We thought the extremely high temperatures this year would put lots of people off, but on the contrary, they came in their droves,” said Penny. “It was a record-breaking weekend; we served around 300 cream teas over four days!” Although during most of the year Penny (pictured below) takes care of the sprawling gardens alone, a week before and during the annual event she enlists the help of family and friends. The garden is spread over three acres and includes deep herbaceous borders, a huge vegetable garden, a wood, an ivy-clad Anderson shelter and lots of nooks and crannies scattered with unusual planters. Within the price of the entrance fee, each visitor is served with a substantial cream tea, all home-made by Penny and her friends. Photos by Judy Lawrance
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Photo/ Matt English
A group of villagers enjoyed a garden party with a difference: featuring a private performance from American rock band Lucky Tongue. The band were staying in Alvechurch with Pat and Ron Ashworth,
who met them while on holiday in California. Pat is a member of Alvechurch Community Choir and invited fellow members to join the party. Lucky Tongue, made up of Blaine
Colourful display of craft creations Forge Mill Creative Textile Group attracted plenty of visitors to their Open Morning at Beoley Village Hall. The group placed various working tables throughout the hall where visitors could see different creative activities taking place and have a go themselves,
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including stencil work, dying, fabric painting, soldering and organza. Visitors commented on the lovely atmosphere and a thoroughly enjoyable morning, which was all the better for the free coffee and cake on offer!
August 2018
Ward, his sons Blade and Dylan and daughters Ireland and Gillian, played a mix of covers and original material. They were off to Kent the next day for another stop on their UK tour.
Village What’s On EVENTS Fairfield WI hold their annual Produce Show on Aug 11 at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ). This is an open show and entries are welcome in a wide range of classes such as cookery, craft, preserves, flower arranging, photography. The schedule can be found on www.fairfieldvillage.co.uk under “What to do”. Entries must be staged by 11am and the doors open to the public at 3pm. In the afternoon there will be a cake stall, tombola, raffle and refreshments, with prizegiving and a produce auction at 4pm. Alpha course at Barnt Green Baptist Church – explore life, faith and meaning. Weds evenings at 7.30pm, starting Sep 26. Register at outreach@bgb.org.uk or see www.bgb.org.uk Bromsgrove Bridge Club holds a Café Bridge event in Barnt Green in aid of the Primrose Hospice on Thurs Oct 4. Bridge will be played in three different venues in the village. Entry fee of £30 includes welcome tea/coffee, lunch, a glass of Prosecco and prizes. For details contact Gillian Ford on 01527 873723. MESSY CHURCH For All! Something a little different for all the family. 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, concluding with a simple meal around 5.30pm. Free entry and a warm welcome for all. More info from James Knott on 07968 110 631. ‘Quiet Space’ at Alvechurch Baptist Church takes place each Mon and Fri from 10am–12 noon. The church is open
what’s on guide as a quiet space, with “welcomers” on hand 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
MUSIC
The Gemini Choir holds a concert on Sat Aug 18 at 7.30 pm in Alvechurch Baptist Church, with a variety of songs for easy listening. Tickets £8 (or pay on the door) to include refreshments. In aid of the church kitchen refurbishment. Further details from Alyson Williams on 0121 445 6577.
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 Alvechurch Community Choir meets at 7.30pm on Mondays in Alvechurch Village Hall, though on the 2nd Monday each month they move to a different venue, usually Alvechurch Social Club. In August they are on holiday, but will meet at The Crown on Aug 6 and Village Hall on Aug 20. The choir is an open access singing group; new members of all abilities are welcome. 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. Find out more about the choir at www.letssing.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 Blackwell Concert Band is always on the lookout for new players (all abilities and instruments welcome). For further details, email blackwellconcertband98@ gmail.com, or alternatively, visit www. blackwellconcert band.co.uk to learn more about the band and find details on
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Alvechurch Community Choir enjoyed an afternoon of song with a workshop led by professional opera and choral singer Themba Mvula. Themba, who studied at Birmingham Conservatoire and currently leads Lichfield Gospel Choir as well as performing in operas across the UK, was one of the Alvechurch choir’s early leaders, and the members were delighted to welcome him back. The workshop ended with a mini-performance of the new material, including songs in Zulu and Xhosa!
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continued from previous page upcoming events. You will also find info on how to book the band. 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 contact Robert Barnett on 01527 542491. 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. 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 please). 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. 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. If you are interested, please 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
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tenors and bass voices! If you enjoy singing, or would like to try something new, the group would love to hear from you. For more info visit www.belcantosingers. co.uk or contact 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 (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). More info from Andrea on 07867 858099. 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 (or the cuppa we all share before 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
Orchestra’s international summer show The People’s Orchestra, a charity focused on spreading music out to local communities and orchestras, and helping young people back into work in the business and creative sectors, presents a Summer Showcase concert on Sat Aug 4 at West Bromwich Town Hall (Lodge Road, B70 8DY). For the first time ever, they will be joined on stage by Orchestre Philharmonia Mundi De Montreal from Canada, as part of a weeklong musician exchange involving 25 Canadian players. The concert will feature music from well-known films. For full info and to buy tickets, visit www.thepeoplesorchestra.com
DANCING Graham & Denise Darby present a Saturday Night Social Dance on Sat Aug 4 at Lickey End Social Club, Bromsgrove, in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance and Prostate Cancer. Ballroom, Latin & Social Sequence Dancing to live music by Graham Darby. Doors open 7.30pm; dancing from 8–11pm. £5 per person on the door. For details call 01543 502722 or visit www. grahamdarbysmusic.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 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 lo-
Village What’s On cal and national events, and perform a world-famous (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 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. THE PHOENIX Dance Club has now moved to the new Bromsgrove Council building at Parkside Hall, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DA. The club holds Ballroom and Sequence Dancing to live music twice a month on Sat nights. No membership required. No bar facilities – please bring your own refreshments. The Tuesday dances have been discontinued – sorry! More info from Mick or Thelma on 01527 872634. BJ’s Busy Boots Line Dancing Classes: Tuesdays 2–3pm Dolphin. 7–10pm Stoke Prior Sports/Country Club. Thursdays 10.30–11.30am Amphlett Hall; 12–2.15pm Bromsgrove Methodist Centre. A fun way to exercise. For more details phone Brenda on 01517 870151.
THEATRE 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 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 Redditch Military History Society meets monthly in St Luke’s Church Hall (Evesham Road, Redditch, B97 4JX), 7 for 7.30pm. The next meeting is on Weds Aug 15, when Kevin Goodman presents The Lords of Dudley Castle and the Anarchy – the war between the Empress Matilda
Time for Tardebigge Show THE ANNUAL Tardebigge Show, based in and around St Bartholomew’s Church (B60 3AH), takes place this year on Sat Sep 8 from 1.30pm with plenty of fun for all the family – and admission is free! As well as the traditional Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Show in the church, followed by a produce auction, there will also be a variety of stalls including white elephant,
plants, cakes, books and a tombola, plus a prize draw. The show includes categories such as wines, jams, cakes, pastries and photography, as well as a junior section. Schedules and entry forms are now available in church and at some local garden centres, or you can request an electronic version by emailing nick@readingdesigns.co.uk
and Stephen of Blois for the throne of England and the role Dudley Castle played in it. More info from Ron on 01527 545450 or ronnieg33b@hotmail.co.uk
involved, hear interesting speakers, and serve your community? Want to know more? Contact Peter Williams on 01527 60277.
Bromsgrove U3A. Retired/semi-retired? Meetings with guest speakers 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 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
Central Radio Car Club meets every Friday 6.30–10pm (racing starts 7pm) at Woodrush Community High School, Shawhurst Lane, Wythall, B47 5JW. 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.
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 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 1–3pm at Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. Phone Kim Neale on 0121 445 1677, or drop by, for more details. Cost £3 to include a drink and cake. 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
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 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, wideranging subjects and from highly-skilled
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continued from previous page 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 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 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.contactthe-elderly.org.uk and details of the local group by searching for ‘Contact the Elderly Redditch’ on Facebook. 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. ROTARY CLUB OF BROMSGROVE meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday every month at 7pm for 7.30pm at Rosado’s Restaurant, 2 Finstall Road, Bromsgrove, B60 2DZ. New members welcome. For more information visit www.bromsgroverotary.org.uk or contact Ron Pearce on 07703 567982. 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 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 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
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more info at: www.ipmsbirmingham. blogspot.co.uk 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 Lickey Valley Trefoil Guild, as a branch of the Guide Association, is open to anyone 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 7.30–9.30pm. For more info call 0121 445 3907 or 0121 445 2813 or visit www. trefoilguild.co.uk Alvechurch Ex-Services Association meets on the second Weds each month (except January) at Alvechurch Social Club at 12.30pm. They are looking for new members, so if you have ever served in any branch of the forces and are free at lunchtime, please go along and join in. midland ancestors has no meeting in August, but usually meets monthly at 7.45pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, B60 1AS. More info at www.bromsgrove bmsgh. 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. 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. 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. 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 £1.50 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 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 Aug 20, Dave Jones presents Radio Astronomy. Observing meetings are also held on the first Monday each month – bring your telescopes. More information on 01527 908331 or www.broms-astro. org.uk 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 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
Village What’s On 01527 61130 or email kenhawkesford @yahoo.co.uk or beoleygood.companions @yahoo.co.uk for an application form. THE FRIENDSHIP Club of Barnt Green has its next meeting on Aug 21, when there’s a Summer Lunch at Barnt Green Cricket Club. Meetings usually take place at 2.15pm at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. Visitors £3 to include tea and biscuits. For more details call Rosalind Tyler on 0121 445 0598. Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall has regular Monday to Thursday morning and afternoon booking vacancies. Next to the car park, and available at reasonable rates for regular bookings, with “special rates” for local community organisations, the two halls can accommodate up to 60 persons at a time. More details on the church website: www.alvechurchbaptist.org.uk To discuss ABC hall bookings, please call Mrs Joyce Pimm on 0121 445 4635. 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 Aug 8, there’s a Summer Garden Party at No 52. Please call Janet for more info on 0121 447 7870. LICKEY HILLS Local History Society usually meets monthly at 7.30pm in the Trinity Centre, Old Birmingham Road, Lickey B45 8ES. Visit ccgi.lickey.plus.com for details. Annual subscription: £15. Non members: £3 per meeting. More info from George Gascoyne, Hon Secretary on 0121 453 6320, or on the website. 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. However, in August, coach excursions are planned – more details from Dave on 01527 873800 or Gordon on 01527 873609. 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 KINGFISHER PROBUS Club provides the opportunity for retired and semi-retired men to meet people in a friendly situation. Meetings are held at The Foxlydiate
Time to enjoy cricket action Come and enjoy the cricket at Alvechurch & Hopwood Cricket Club: Sat Aug 4 – 2nd XI vs Burghill Sat Aug 11 – 1st XI vs Five Ways Old Eds Sat Aug 18 – 2nd XI vs Himbleton Sat Aug 25 – 1st XI vs Harborne 3rds 1pm start. Bar open from 2pm – non-members welcome.
place on the 3rd Wednesday each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club, Birmingham Road, from10.30am–12noon. More details from Pat on 07966 370448. 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
Arms, 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. Now recruiting – pop along to a meeting or contact Max Sayer on 0121 445 4724.
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.
HOPWOOD VILLAGE Hall is available for hire: ideal for parties and gatherings. Contact Ann on 0121 447 7668 or visit www.hopwoodvillagehall.co.uk
ROTARY CLUB OF LICKEY HILLS meets on Monday evenings, 7.15 for 7.30pm, at Hillscourt Conference Centre (NASUWT headquarters) on Rose Hill (B45 8RS). For details please contact Graham Wiseman on 0121 460 1402.
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, please email bromsgroveladiesprobus@ gmail.com ALVECHURCH HISTORICAL Society has no meeting in August, but usually meets on the first Mon of the month (except Jan) at 7.45pm at the Museum in School Lane, Alvechurch. More details from Anne Humphries on 0121 445 5955. New members welcome. CAN YOU Hear Me? Communication is an essential part of our relationships! Those with a hearing loss speak too loudly and those without tend to mumble... according to friends and family. So: whose problem is it, yours or mine? Both deaf and hearing people are welcome to join this friendly group to explore the interaction between us and ways to make us all more aware. Meetings usually take
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. Forget-Me-Not is a group for people who have been bereaved, whether recently or at some point in the past, and would like to meet with others in a similar situation. Members meet twice a month in the upper room of the ARK at St Laurence Church, Alvechurch, and new members are always welcome! To find out more call Sue Phillips on 0121 445 3620. 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. the MACULAR Society Barnt Green Support Group usually meets on the last Friday of the month (with some exceptions) at The Parish Centre, behind St Andrew’s
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continued from previous page Church, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green, B45 8NR, from 2 to 4 pm. It’s a friendly, selfhelp group, which proves 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 Youth football club Barnt Green Colts runs “turn up and play” Wednesday Night Football sessions throughout the summer, on South Bromsgrove High School’s 3G pitch. These take place every Weds from 7pm to 8pm, until September 26. Cost £3 per session. If you’re in Year 9 at school, going into Year 10 in September 2018, register your interest via the Facebook page ‘Wednesday YOUTH Football’ or Twitter @Bromsgrove3G, or ring or email Paul on 07977 042907 or pawb45@outlook.com 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. 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 kings norton Golf Club has an Open Day on July 22 – take a look and have a complimentary round of golf More info at www.kingsnortongolfclub.co.uk There’s also a Men’s Get Into Golf course, starting on July 17 and running for five weeks, to learn the basics of golf. More info at www.kingsnortongolfclub.co.uk/ mens Physiotherapy-Led Pilates Class – Weds evening 7.30pm and 8.30pm at Cofton Hackett Village Hall. 6 lessons for £50. Mixed ability classes to improve muscle tone and posture as well as overall body strength. Contact Beth on 07841477363 or elizabethalexanderltd@ gmail.com ZUMBA with LEESH! Come and SHAKE it til you make it, every Monday 7.30–8.30pm at Crown Meadow School. Contact: 07531 623959 for more information!
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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. Tai Chi: would you like to make a positive change in 2018, help to relax, have a new interest and exercise? Classes at Finstall Village Hall, Wednesdays 2pm. 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 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! 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 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. 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 has no walk in August, but the programme will resume in September. More info at www. alvechurchvs.org 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 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 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. Well-behaved 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 or Diana on 0121 445 1445. 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. One Fit Mama: Mother & Baby Wednesdays, 9.45am at Rowney Green Village Hall. Like us on Facebook: One Fit Mama Alvechurch, Barnt Green & Wythall. 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 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 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
Village Village What’s What’s On On PILOXING CLASSES: fusion of Pilates/ boxing /dance. ALL levels of fitness. Tues 9.30am (Alvechurch), Tues 7pm (Barnt Green) and Sat 8.45am (Burcot). Alison: 07790 916947, alibenford@yahoo.co.uk, Facebook: ‘Exercise with Alison Benford’ 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. 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 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 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. Refreshments available. Info from Simon Bowron on 07753 621528. For details of coaching for ages 12–16, contact Nick Jones on 07779 267609. 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 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. Alvechurch Cricket Club Pavilion (rear of 6 Birmingham Road) is available for meetings/functions/child and adult parties. Bowling alley, pool table, table
A party with a purpose Village reader Vicki Stiles invites people to come to a party and support two charities at the same time. The “Party with a Purpose” takes place on Sat Oct 6 at Hillscourt Hotel, Rose Hill, Lickey, B45 8RS from 7.30pm, and will raise funds for Bromsgrove’s Primrose Hospice and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Guests will be able to enjoy light buffet refreshments and show off their moves on the dancefloor. Tickets cost £25 each and are available from Vicki on 07791 868 717 or vickistiles@mail.com football, darts, table tennis, excellent children’s entertainer and DJ. For details/ availability, contact Pete Gwilliam on 07960 550884 or petergwilliam@btconnect.com Lee-Ann’s Fitness Classes: Zumba Fitness on Mondays 7.30pm (£4) and Cardio Aerobics on Wednesdays 7.30pm, both at Alvechurch Middle School. Contact LeeAnn on 07888 841034. TRADITIONAL YOGA: Classes on Monday evenings at Lickey End Methodist Church. Suitable for all. Please call Sandra on 01527 835642 for more information. 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. 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 Legs Bum Tums: Thurs 9.15–10am at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. £3 per 45min session. A great workout to target those difficult-to-hit areas. Adaptations offered depending on ability – all welcome. Active Seniors: Thurs 10–11am at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. £3.15 per one-hour session. Active session
for older people who want to keep fit and healthy – all welcome. 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 Pilates: Thurs 12–1pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. £3.15 per one-hour session. Pay as you go session concentrating on core work, working on posture, alignment and tummy/back conditioning. Zumba Gold: Thurs 1–2pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. £3.15 per one-hour session. For people who want to stay active and fit with a dance-style class, keeping the high energy and funky moves of Zumba but without the jumping and spinning around, making it accessible to all. 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. 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. 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 Tai Chi (Qigong) sessions in Alvechurch Village Hall on Mondays 10–11am (with Steve Taylor) and Fridays 11am–12noon (with Nigel Ryan), both £2.50 per session. Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions. For more details call 07966 069956.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES 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
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Mother Goose (pantomime) Dec.18th - 22nd at Artrix, Bromsgrove.
continued from previous page join, 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, please call Val on 01527 837060 or visit www.bromsgrovescouts.org.uk NEW STAY And Play opens its doors on Monday September 10, 2018 at Rowney Green’s Village Hall. Visit ‘POL POL’s PLAYTIME’ on Facebook for exciting updates and more information. 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 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.
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 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! 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. 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. 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
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.
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.
New NCT Home Birth Support Group in Alvechurch meets Sunday evenings in the
The National Childbirth Trust is now running antenatal courses in Alvechurch.
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These are designed to help parents prepare for labour, birth and early parenthood 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 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. BARNT GREEN Toddlers – Come and Play! Every Thursday 10am-11.30am (term time only) for 0-3s at The Parish Centre, Sandhills Road (behind St Andrews Church). Run by a qualified childminder with lovely new toys and the emphasis on fun. A great place to make friends before school. Sibling discount and biscuits for parents too! Call Hannah on 07740 673894. 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. 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
GARDENS & FLOWERS ROWNEY GREEN Horticultural Society will not have its usual monthly meeting in August, but a visit has been arranged to Ashwoods Nursery (DY6 0AE) on Thurs Aug 9, with a guided tour of John’s garden. Cost £6 pp, to be paid on the day. Make your own way to the Nursery to arrive at approx. 1.45pm for the tour at 2pm. The Main Flower and Produce Show is on Sat Sep 1, but entries need to be registered on the preceding Thurs between 7 and 8pm at the Village Hall. The necessary Entry Form and Schedule are on the
Village What’s On website: www.rowneygreenhorticultural. co.uk Schedules can also be found in Alvechurch Post Office, Oasis Florist in Barnt Green and The Goat & Trousers in Rowney Green. David Morgan, County Organiser for the National Garden Scheme, will present the prizes. The Society looks forward to receiving many entries to make this a most successful show. For more info contact Lindsay Smith on 01527 592874. Meetings usually take place at the Village Hall on the 2nd Thurs each month at 7.30pm. Guests always welcome: £3.50 including refreshments. 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, De Wyche Road, Wychbold WR9 7PN. The varied and interesting 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 usually meets on the 4th Thurs of the month at Rowney Green Village Hall at 7.45pm. Small, friendly informal club – new members/visitors very welcome. More info from Clare on 01527 66071. 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. 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 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. 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 visitors welcome, and members are always willing to offer help or advice. For more
Creative classes at library Alvechurch Library‘s Summer Reading Challenge started with a bang, with more than 140 children already signed up to try to read six library books over the summer (until Sept 22). Lots of fun events are taking place throughout the holidays, plus regular sessions like Baby Bounce & Rhyme and Storytime.
l Language tutor Patrick is taking a
Explore Learning on Tues Aug 9, from 2.15-3.15pm for 5–7 year olds, and 3.30–4.30pm for those aged 8–11. Make up a comic character and take them on a journey. Free to join, no need to book.
summer break but will restart his classes towards the end of Sept. Currently there is space for four new learners in both ongoing Spanish classes (Thurs and Fri) and two spaces in the ongoing Tuesday French class. Email Patrick at vdlt52@ hotmail.co.uk to see if the level the class is being taught at would allow you to join in. A new beginner’s language class is due to start in the autumn – take your pick from French or Spanish and register your interest with a member of library staff or drop Patrick an email.
l There’s a Summer Reading Challenge
l Family First Aid – Basic Paediatric
l Create your own comic strip with
Day at Croome Park in Worcestershire on Weds Aug 22 from 10-4pm. An exciting day of workshops, storytelling and author talks. Free to join, no need to book. l The library hosts Mischievous Slime
with Mango Slimeeee on Tues Aug 28, 2.30–4.30pm. Kate, Ann and the team will show you how to make new concoctions and delights. Booking essential via the library; cost £2 per child. l Irene’s Creative Writing class will start
again in September, and the library is keen to attract more people. Whether you’re writing purely for pleasure or for profit these workshop-style sessions will help you to find out what you really want to write and how to do it. Starts Sat Sept 8 from 10.30am–12.30pm and runs for seven weeks. Cost £92. Course number 16016
info or advice call Malcolm Moodie on 01295 788159 or see www.solihullorchidsociety.org Fun Floristry/Flower Arranging classes run each month at The Ark, Alvechurch. Ring Claire for more information, and to book, on 07564 339157. BROMSGROVE & DISTRICT Flower Arrangement Society meets on the 3rd Thurs each month at 2.15pm (except January) in All Saints Church Hall. Visitors welcome. Info at www.bromsgroveflowerclub.org.uk or Beryl on 01527 833287, or by searching ‘Bromsgrove Flower Club’ on Facebook. 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.
Skills: Learn the essential skills to keep your little ones safe. A basic course for parents, grandparents or carers – children welcome to come along. One-hour sessions over three weeks. Mondays Sep 10, 17 and 24, 10.45–11.45am. Cost £15; booking essential. Course 15931. l Basic First Aid course for adults: Tues
Sep 11, 9.30am–12.30pm. Cost £15. Learn how to help in scary situations, and keep your friends and family safe – including basic life support and defibrillation, choking, bleeding, burns, heart attack recognition and stroke management. 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.
games & COMPETITIONS 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 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)
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Village What’s On continued from previous page £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. 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. BROMSGROVE BRIDGE Clubs: The Amphlett and Crown Bridge Clubs meet at the Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove, on Mon and Fri evenings. Both clubs are friendly and sociable. New members welcome, helpful guidance available and parking is excellent. Contact Alistair on 07814 393416 or Val on 01527 875041. 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’. 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. 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. “managed” duplicate bridge sessions are run by Anne Glendenning and Eugene Elijah on Tues (1.15 for 1.30pm) at Bournheath Village Hall, Claypit Lane – perfect for emerging players. Entry £3.50
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covers session, some tuition and refreshments. Info from Anne on 01527 882169. 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. Rummikub Club meets in the Social Room at Rowney Green Peace Hall fortnightly on Tuesdays from 2–4pm. Entry £2 to include tea and biscuits. You will be made very welcome! Info from Betty Oakley on 01527 63725. 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. Barnt Green Duplicate Bridge Club meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall each Weds afternoon and would like new members – contact Liz on 0121 445 0704. 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
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
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 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. ALVECHURCH LIBRARY hosts one-to-one Computer Sessions for people wanting 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.
ART & LITERATURE 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 Sept 12 at 7.30pm; for details, or to ask about commissioning a poem, ring Mary on 0121 445 5957. 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
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.
ART IN The Village: Learn how to draw and paint or how to improve your skills. Small friendly groups in home-studio setting in Barnt Green village with plenty of one-to-one tuition. All abilities welcome. Daytime and evening classes available. Contact Jo Pardoe on 07967 041446 for more info.
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
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. 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, hands-on 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 THE “CRAFTY Ladies” craft group meets every Monday morning in Alvechurch Library from 11am–1pm, with knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting etc. An informal and self running group that uses shared library space. More info on 01905 822722. Bromsgrove Art Society has a new venue: Burcot Village Hall, 340 Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove, B60 1BH. Meetings are still held on the 3rd Weds each month (except Jan and Aug) at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome, entry £2 including refreshments. For more info email lyndasharp2010@yahoo.com or visit www. bromsgroveartsociety.org.uk 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
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.
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
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.
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. 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 to a meeting – 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 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 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 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. 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
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. Bromsgrove WI 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 Christine Hickman-Smith 01527 870342 or email christine.hs@uwclub.net ALVECHURCH WI meets on the second Monday each month in Alvechurch Village Hall, at 7.30pm. For more info call President Julie Hurlston on 07583 326252 or email mrsjulieturley@hotmail.com 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.
Village Baking
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 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 (not August) from 7.30pm at the Ark, Alvechurch. For more info email ark.angels@hotmail.com
To have your event or group listed, send details to Sally Oldaker via the addresses on Page 3, by August 16.
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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