The Village magazine July 2019

TheVillage July 2019

villageonline.co.uk

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

inside

TheVillage

Issue 203 July 2019

Bringing you village life for more than 20 years

Platinum Pair Page 6

It’s GlastonBeoley! Pages 16–17

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

QUALITY FLOORING. . . AT AFFORDABLE PRICES

30 Years of Morris Page 18

Tel: 0121 445 6757 email: news@villageonline.co.uk

To advertise in TheVillage

Picnic Party Pages 34–37

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.

Future of Growing Pages 49–52

Lunar Legacy Page 53

Cover: Villagers enjoy Blackwell’s ‘Flower Power’ themed festival. Picture by Keith Woolford. More photos next month!

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Village News An Alvechurch resident is taking part in the world’s longest mountain bike race in aid of Cancer Research. Tim Roberts, of Roberts Bespoke Joinery, is riding in the Tour Divide – a 2,745-mile off-road race from Canada to New Mexico. The route involves 61,000 metres of vertical climbing – the equivalent of ascending Mount Everest from sea level seven times over – and follows the continental divide of the Rockies through British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. The race is unsupported, meaning participants must carry all their equipment, food and water themselves. “I’ve been a keen mountain biker for the past 10 years and have gravitated towards longer and longer routes,” says Tim, who will turn 50 during the Tour. “I had been thinking about the Tour Divide for several years, and finally decided to go for it. When a friend of mine was diagnosed with terminal cancer recently, I decided to raise money for charity at the same time.” You can donate at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ TimRoberts20

Above: Tim prepares his bike for the race, which he aims to complete in 23 days – the record is 14.

new hall cash plea

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rustees of the new Cofton Village Hall have made an urgent appeal for more funds, to enable the building to open this summer after a “disappointing” response so far from residents. While the building itself should be ready for the handover, there is currently a shortfall in cash for furniture and equipment, which could delay the opening. The hall, on the corner of Groveley Lane and East Works Drive, has been built by developer St Modwen as

part of planning conditions for the construction of houses on the former MG Rover site, but the voluntary trustees who will be running it have been trying to raise the estimated £75,000 required to equip it. “St Modwen have been fairly generous in including some equipment that they were not strictly required to provide, but around £41,000 is needed up front to enable the hall to open,” says trustee Canon Rob Fieldson. “Cofton Hackett Parish Council is

Council counts cost of vandalism Parish councillors are looking at ways to deter vandalism after a seat on the new play equipment at The Meadows, Alvechurch, was destroyed and stone seats were marked with paint. Parish clerk Tammy Williams told the monthly council meeting: “The caretaker noticed a chunk of a seat on the sling rotator had been torn off.” She said a replacement would cost the council £68. Chairman Marc Worrall added: “It is a sturdy bit of rubber – that’s not been done accidentally. I hate to say it, but there is some malice involved. It is disappointing. This vandalism is costing us and parishioners money.” Coun John Cypher asked whether there should be limited CCTV coverage at The Meadows. Coun Worrall said: “If we can find any deterrent, so much the better.”

paying £10,000 for services such as fire and security alarms and internet, and we received a National Lottery grant of £10,000. “Local fundraising events and donations have contributed a further £4,500 or so – but with a couple of generous exceptions, the response to the appeal letter sent to local residents was disappointing.” The trustees are asking for villagers to come forward with donations towards equipping the hall – for example, £1,200 would buy an HD projector, £1,000 would pay for internet installation, £200 a lounge chair, £150 a folding table, £100 a hand dryer, £30 a stacking chair, or £12 a dozen mugs. “Could your workplace make a grant or donation, perhaps in return for publicity? Do you know of a trust or charity which might give funding for such a purpose?” adds Canon Fieldson. For details of how to donate, visit www.coftonvillagehall.org, www. gofundme.com/CoftonVillageHall or ring the Trust’s secretary, Shelagh O’Loughlin, on 0121 447 745. The Village

July 2019

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Village News

u

Platinum party time

Husband and wife residents at Burcot Grange care home celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary with a traditional afternoon tea. Georgina and Arthur Mitchell’s tea party was attended by their daughter, Hazel, and son-in-law, Ken, plus fellow residents. Arthur, 91, said, “We would like to say a big thank you to Burcot Grange for giving us such a memorable day. The secret to our long and happy marriage has been a lot of love, tolerance and a shared Christian faith.” The couple, originally from Glasgow, were members of the same church from an early age and their friendship blossomed into love. After serving in the RAF and returning

to civilian life, Arthur proposed to Georgina. They went on to have two children, Hazel and Derek, before moving to Hereford for Arthur’s work as a metallurgist. They moved to Leominster in 1992 and lived there until 2016 when they moved into Burcot Grange. They have

recently become great-grandparents. Vicky Osborne, general manager of Burcot Grange, added: “They are a wonderful couple and we wish them many more happy years together. We took plenty of photos to share with their family in Scotland who were unable to attend in person.”

Stations still waiting B

arnt Green Parish Council is hoping that long-promised lifts at the railway station may at last be a step nearer. A letter from Network Rail, passed on to the council by village MP Sajid Javid, stated that it was now working with the Department for Transport on a funding process, with designs and costings to be submitted by the end of this year – with work due to begin shortly afterwards. The council had previously requested a meeting with the DfT, and parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley reported that the Bromsgrove Engagement and Equalities Forum had agreed to write to the Disabilities Minister on the same matter. Richard Brooks of West Midlands Rail had also told the council that new branding and signage was now in place at the station, while an extra ticket machine had been installed in the car park. Councillors agreed to continue to pursue WMR for information screens and extra seating.

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July 2019

n The “Great Lake of Alvechurch”, which has filled a large portion of the village station’s car park so far this spring and summer, has forced even more cars to park along nearby residential streets, parish councillors heard. “There are very polarised views,” said district councillor Kate Van Der Plank. “On the same day last week I had someone who had been shouted at by a resident for parking near the station and a resident upset at having their drive blocked.” The problem may be exacerbated by commuters from Redditch parking at Alvechurch on their way into Birmingham. Coun Van Der Plank said she had been told of a Redditch social media group “where they were suggesting people drive to Alvechurch for the free parking”. Parish chairman Marc Worrall said he had contacted county council officials over resolving the car park problems and hoped there would be fresh impetus.

Village braces for parking woe

Barnt Green is braced for “parking mayhem” when Hewell Road closes for the water main to be replaced, although Severn Trent assured parish councillors that disruption would be kept to a minimum. They said there would be two phases to the road closure, due to begin on July 22, with access to homes and the railway station maintained throughout. The village churches had been asked if shoppers could use their car parks during the closure, but both said they were busy already. Severn Trent would now approach the social club. Parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley said: “There will be parking mayhem whatever happens.” Coun Charlie Hotham said he was “very worried by the track record of Severn Trent’s previous projects.”

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Village News

Right-of-way battle looms barnt green parish councillors have vowed to keep up the pressure on CALA Homes to give all residents access to a public right of way. The path that leads from Butterwick Close through to Cherry Hill Road was created as a condition of planning permission for the Foxhills development, but it is currently blocked by gates that separate five houses from the rest of the estate. “Apparently this is due to safety concerns about people being able to go straight on to a road, but Bromsgrove’s planning officer has confirmed that it is a right of way so the path should be accessible to all,” said district councillor Charlie Hotham.

“I suspect there will now be months of argument between CALA, Worcestershire Highways and myself – CALA will probably say it’s too much trouble to change it.”

Coun Phil Perry, who lives on the estate, said that he had got through the gates by using the “trade” buzzer, but could not get out again as there was no keypad on the other side.

Parish ‘quirks’ prompt review

Lickey & Blackwell parish council discussed the idea of adding a new area to the parish after an enquiry from a resident of Staple Flat. Coun Stephen Nock told colleagues that although the road is actually in Lickey End, which does not have a parish council, residents consider themselves part of Lickey & Blackwell. “There have been some dodgy planning decisions affecting Lickey End, and people have written to us for help but we’ve had to point out that they are not part of our parish.” Chairman Nick Forknell said it would be unusual to adopt just one road, and that at least a third of the residents would need to support the change. Meanwhile, Barnt Green is also considering expanding its parish. District councillor Charlie Hotham said that the idea had been mooted before, but Bromsgrove hadn’t wanted to change boundaries in the run-up to elections. “There are some strange quirks with the boundary – one side of Cherry Hill Road comes under Blackwell, and the sailing club is officially within Barnt Green but the reservoir isn’t.” Coun Hotham requested a discussion on the subject for a future meeting.

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The Village

July 2019

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Village News

Woody inspires charity

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bereaved father has launched a new children’s charity in memory of his baby son. Woody (below), who was born to Cofton Hackett couple Matthew and Amy last September, had an “ultrarare” disease known as Congenital Alveolar Dysplasia, and died in his parents’ arms aged 22 days. Matthew has now joined up with local volunteers to form The Woody Alvin Foundation, a charity based on giving and doing great things for very sick children and their families. The charity’s “Send A Friend” campaign donates soft toys to very sick children and their siblings as a comfort companion during a very frightening time. An online shop and mobile pop-up shop sell the toys in a buy-one-get-one-free deal where the free one goes to a child in hospital. “Supporters get to keep their own soft toy, knowing that another will be

Above: Founder Matthew Meredith-Storer with volunteers Julia Wilson, Carla Newby, June Storer and Sheri Gidney. donated in their name to a very deserving child,” says Matthew. Through fundraising and events the foundation can also make available other comforts and activities for families in receipt of critical or terminal care. The Rev Sheri Gidney, a trustee of the foundation, says: “The charity

News in brief. . .

Lickey

Community Group hopes to donate funds for lighting to illuminate the defibrillator at the Trinity Centre. Lickey & Blackwell parish chairman Nick Forknell said he approved, but the parochial church council would have to give its blessing.

Cases

of fly-tipping in Alvechurch worsened during May, including a three-piece suite and sheets of asbestos, district councillor Kate Van Der Plank told parish councillors. “I have spoken to the community police team, who came out to have a look, and they suggest cameras as the best solution.” Coun Van Der Plank said she also hoped to get financial support for a “Cleaner, Greener Alvechurch” project. “We are looking at trying to raise interest and awareness, generally about litter, but also about recycling.”

The

return of a car boot sale by Cobb’s Barn roundabout, Bordesley, has “caused a lot of anxiety”, district councillor Annette English told Alvechurch parish councillors. She said she had been surprised to be told by police that they couldn’t do anything about cones that had been put along the road. “If it got to be like Studley car boot it would be absolute chaos there,” added Coun English.

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July 2019

is born of first-hand experience of receiving critical care and therefore wanting to offer support that is both compassionate and practical in this most challenging of situations.” For more information, including the chance to win a £15 Amazon voucher, find The Woody Alvin Foundation (@thewafoundation) on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

New

Alvechurch parish chairman Marc Worrall paid tribute to his predecessor as he took charge. “The parish owes Andy Humphries a huge debt of gratitude for his work over the years,” Coun Worrall told fellow councillors. “But I have one complaint about Andy,” he joked, “he built a pedestal so high that anyone following in his wake has got a tall order ahead.” Coun Worrall also thanked retiring councillors Adrian Smith, Martin Ball and Rick Chima. Meanwhile, the council co-opted Sam Lewis, one of the “Hopwood mums” who have successfully campaigned for play equipment in the hamlet, as a parish councillor – leaving two vacancies.

Alvechurch

Parish Council will decide this month whether to continue to pay for surface water run-off at Alvechurch Social Club car park, which the club makes available to villagers under an agreement with the parish and district councils. The council previously paid the whole £600 bill over two years, but currently has only £400 in its budget for the car park, councillors heard.

The

Deedar restaurant in Barnt Green has improved its food hygiene rating from one star to four stars (Good), after an inspection in April.

ADVERTISEMENT

Severn Trent invites residents in the Barnt Green area to learn about its water pipe improvement project Water company Severn Trent is hosting a community drop-in session for residents in Barnt Green and the wider community on 11 July, where they can hear about plans for new water pipes in their area. The company will be upgrading 500 metres of pipes between July and September, as part of a £120,000 investment to improve the water supply in the Worcestershire village. The work, to replace ageing water pipes with brand new ones in Hewell Road, will begin on Monday 22 July and will take place in two phases. Phase one will start at the junction with Bittell Road, working to the entrance into Station Approach. Phase two will continue along Hewell Road, from Station Approach to the junction with

Sandhills Lane. Access to the station and local shops will be available via signed diversion routes. Gareth Mead from Severn Trent said: “To ensure residents in Barnt Green have a reliable water supply for many years to come and to reduce the number of bursts and leaks in the area, we need to upgrade 500 metres of water pipes that run through the village. “To carry out this vital work, which will see old pipes being replaced, we will need to close sections of Hewell Road to through traffic throughout the summer, in order to keep our teams, pedestrians and road users safe. “We do understand the disruption that this may cause, which is why we are hosting a drop-in session on Thursday 11 July at the Barnt Green Sports Club, Margesson Drive, B45 8LR between 3:30pm and 6:30pm, so we can update residents, show them our plans and answer any questions they may have.” This project forms part of Severn Trent’s commitment to investing in its infrastructure which will see the equivalent of £1,400 invested for every home and business it serves between 2015 and 2020.

Find out more at www.stw.works

Village Events

Garden fun at Lawns T

he Lawns care home in Alvechurch had a bit of luck with the weather for its recent Garden Party, with the rain stopping just before the event began. Residents and their families and friends enjoyed live music from John Dale and Alexandra White, as well as a buffet, burgers, hot dogs, fries and a slush puppy machine. For the younger guests there was a piñata and a bouncy castle, but surprisingly the majority of those who enjoyed it the most were adults, including staff and some residents – proving that age has no limits. A special cake was made by a staff member for a “guess a weight” com-

petition, and also featured The Lawns’ brand new logo. “We had a great turn out and some really lovely comments, with people saying this was our best party yet,” said manager Lukas Rokita. “I would like to thank everyone for supporting us with their kind donations, which will be spent on more entertainment for residents, and to say a massive thank-you to the staff.”

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Village VillageViews Views

Bonfire gripe misses

Dear Editor – While refuelling my father’s bonfire on one of the many Sunday mornings during the 1940s, little did I realise that one day my actions may cause consternation to someone in the 21st century. It’s something that just does not cross your mind at the time. Or should I say, I can’t recall it crossing mine. It therefore came as a bit of a surprise that Mr Ridarta (In your June issue) appears to have taken umbrage at my treasured childhood memories. While Mr Lewis, in the same issue, finds it impossible to believe that I’m as old as I make out (I’ll take that as a compliment, Mr Lewis). I’m not sure Mr Ridarta read my letter or, if he did, failed to appreciate that I was recalling past events. However, not content with confusing the main reason for my reply, he decides to try and muddy the water by comparing a garden bonfire to an industrial power station, and then, to take the situation even further still, he throws in a few taxis to add strength to his argument. I think I would have been inclined to take his letter more seriously had he championed causes like the rapidly disappearing rainforests, desecration of the world’s wildlife, plastic contamination, and, even closer to home – the use of Green Belt Land to build upon in preference to the large areas of vacant brownfield sites. John B Holland, Alvechurch

Tune in to Radio Cofton

Dear Editor – Reservoir Road has two new resident DJs on Cofton Hackett Radio (CHR). Myself (aka Dogtags) and

Have your say . . . about anything! 14

The Village

July 2019

Lawton’s View

my next door neighbour, Will, have our own shows at 8pm on Tuesday and Friday respectively. I originally replied to a casting call for local presenters, although I had no previous broadcasting experience. After a little encouragement (and a great deal of patience) my dining table was slowly reworked into a sound studio with global reach. While in training I mentioned to CHR that Will was a budding club DJ. Despite the decades separating us, there’ll no doubt be a crossover in our sonic styles based on what I’ve overheard while mowing the lawn. The plan is to eventually collaborate and maybe perform guest slots on each other’s shows. After all, it’s just a hop over the hedge to the other studio. Perhaps we’re announcing the origins of Reservoir Road FM. Steve Farley (Dogtags), Cofton Hackett

Baskets brighten up village

Dear Editor – It was good to see Nick Houghton and his two helpers from Where Next? Redditch planting out containers and putting up the hanging baskets in Barnt Green. We enjoy them every year and this time they look really excellent, brightening us up after a particularly rainy spell! Thanks also to the parish council for providing them. Rachel Banner, Barnt Green

Memories of a great friend

Dear Editor – I would like to say a few words about a great friend who lived in Alvechurch for many years. I knew Tony Keating through my sister, who knew his wife a number

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 July 16.

the point

of years ago. We lost touch and then regained our friendship a couple of years later. I found out that he had developed a crippling illness and we were in touch often by text and phone calls, but due to work commitments I was unable to get to visit. I found out recently from the sheltered accommodation he’d had to go into that he had sadly passed away. I will miss my our chats together, my friend, until we hopefully meet again. Much love. Peter Shropshall, via email

That’s the badger!

Dear Editor – Having lived on the Lickey Hills for 20 years and the land having been in the family for 80 years, we have never been plagued by badgers – until this year. Our nine-hole putting green, which has been enjoyed over the years by family and friends, has been completely decimated (above). A spade could not have done a better job! Have any of your readers got any good ideas to discourage them? Keith Hughes, Lickey

Where’s Vinny?

EIGHT-YEAR-old Finnley Siembab, 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 . . .

E

ven though it’s summer and we usually give the bees in our bonnet a rest for a month or two, there’s one that just keeps buzzing around our head . . . and it is all to do with that fear we have of a looming Barntchurch. You may remember, tucked away in our column a couple of months ago (while we were nudging your memories about what our district councillors had been voting for or against over the previous four years), we’d discovered the report that first raised the spectre of up to 15,000 new homes in our Green Belt had been given pride of place online alongside Broms­grove District Council’s official planning policies. On a page with just seven entries, under the title “Planning Policies” and the sub-title “Here are the planning policies that help to guide development in Bromsgrove District”, sat the Greater Birmingham Housing Market area – Strategic Growth Study. Bromsgrove’s planning department even sounded proud of it, adding: “Presenting the 2018 Greater Birmingham and Black Country Housing Market Area (BGGCHMA) Strategic Growth Study.” It was given the same billing as Bromsgrove’s Local Development Plan, the approved documents that form the district’s planning policy. And yet it is not policy, it is not even accepted as anything more than a desktop study, concocted from afar with a number of obvious flaws (so much so that one development expert half-joked to us that it might have been done by the work experience kid). In fact, if you click on the link, for it is still there, one of the first things you will see is a statement by the former leader of the council saying: “It cannot be stressed strongly enough the Council has not accepted the findings of the study.” So what is it doing there, among the actual planning policies of the council and reached by clicking on “Planning Policies” on the www.bromsgrove.gov.uk landing page? We contacted the planning officers to ask and their response was to edit the website, adding “and Other Planning Information” to the listing page title, but leaving the report where it was. When we pointed out this was still misleading, we were told there was “no value in debating where it could go any further”. In a world increasingly confounded by online “fake news”, where a desktop study could become a ruinous reality on our green fields, the people living in Bromsgrove district deserve better protection against rampant development than the apparent welcome mat laid out by our planning officers. We urge the new councillors representing our villages to make a priority of fighting to expunge this development fantasy from our council’s “planning policies”. The Village

July 2019

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Village Events

Glastonbeoley!

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ndeterred by the build-up of rain, rain, and more rain, the second GlastonBeoley charity music festival went ahead as planned – and beat its fundraising target. The final total was still to be confirmed as we went to press, but it topped last year’s figure of £10,000. The event was opened by Beoley First School choir, whose performance appeared to beckon the sunshine, and force the clouds away for the rest of the day! Festival-goers then enjoyed music from 38 bands in two venues, a bar by Sip & Swig, and various food vendors. All the bands performed for free to help raise money for three local

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July 2019

charities – Redditch Nightstop, Charlotte and Craig’s Saving Hearts Foundation, and Inspire Redditch – along with national charity The Sophie Lancaster Foundation. All funds raised on the day will be donated to these charities. The cost of staging GlastonBeoley was met by various fundraising events prior to the festival, and there was also generous sponsorship from Oakland International, Duchy Homes and Higgs & Sons solicitors. Event organisers plan to start fundraising soon for the next GlastonBeoley, which will raise money for a new set of charities. Look out for news on www.glastonbeoley.co.uk

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The Village

July 2019

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Village Events

Marking 30 years of Morris Alvechurch Morris celebrated their 30th anniversary with a day of dancing around the village, calling at The Weighbridge, The Crown, The Red Lion and The Swan. They were joined by guest sides Aelfgythe, Black Adder, Plum Jerkum, and Nancy Butterfly, all of whom have performed with Alvechurch Morris many times over the years.

Plum Jerkum Alvechurch Morris

Nancy Butterfly

Aelfgythe

Black Adder

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The Village

July 2019

Photos by Pippa Morley

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Prompt, reliable and friendly service Cowls and Chimney Pots fitted Fully qualified and fully insured Guild certificates issued after every sweep

Call Eddie: 01527 962555 / 07712 220671 www.elitesweeps.co.uk

Friendly Service, Free Estimates, Quality Work

All Internal & External Carpentry Insurance Work Undertaken

Dave Terry

0121 445 1574 or 07970 966470 www.classic-carpentry.co.uk classiccarpentry@hotmail.co.uk

Protect your loved ones by making a Will today Sue Jenden Associates Specialists in Wills, Trusts, inheritance tax planning, and administration of estates u Affiliate member of the Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners u Meetings in your own home u

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This firm complies with the IPW Code of Conduct

Beautiful Interior Doors Supplied and Installed

Please visit the only door showroom in Redditch.

we now sell composite doors

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Unit 6, Britten House, The Old Needle Works, Britten Street, Redditch B97 6HD

07592 303104 or 07910 289565

Independent home care agency owned and run by an experienced Registered Nurse Traditional, bespoke, person-centred care Safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led Registered with the Care Quality Commission

Contact Jackie Grant on 0121 448 3348 jackie@windmill-hill-care.co.uk www.windmill-hill-care.co.uk

traditional Joinery & furniture makers

Can’t get what you want? We make kitchens, conservatories, stairs, windows, doors etc, using traditional woodworking techniques to match existing work or to your own design. All work carried out to the highest standard.

The Workshop, 3 Bear Hill, Alvechurch B48 7JX The Village

July 2019

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Tel: 0121 447 8017

www.robertsbespokejoinery.co.uk

Village Directory Free Quotes Over 20 years’ experience Fully qualified & fully insured Dedicated to customer satisfaction

Lloyd Morgan 07789 622453 0121 445 6441 morganplumbingandheating.co.uk City & Guilds Fully Qualified Plumber

No job too big or small, you just have to call!

l Insurance work l Stud walls l Re-skimming Plaster Boarding l Traditional Plastering l Ceilings l Patching work l Rendering l Coving l Screeding l Dry-lining l Painting l Tiling l Archways

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It’s the time of year to spring clean your oven. . .

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Nicky Robinson Aesthetics Aesthetic treatments with qualified medical professional - including anti-wrinkle treatments, fillers, Microneedling, dermaplanning and skin care u Fully insured u Certified by Derma Medical Member of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses Tel: 07843 047688 E: nrobinsonaesthetics@gmail.com Web: www.nraesthetics.co.uk Instagram: @Nickyrobinsonaesthetics u

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New drivers u Confidence-building u Motorway experience sessions u Calm, friendly, highly professional and reliable

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K M Window Cleaning Service Local, Reliable, Affordable, Professional Free Quotes Competitive Prices

Regular 6 Weekly Visits Commercial & Residential All Types of Windows Frames & Sills Conservatories Gutter Clearing

Karl McLeod 07716 738134 knkmcleod@hotmail.co.uk

R. M. B. SERVICES Domestic Appliance & Gas Engineer as seen on Alvechurch Village Society’s Facebook page

Life Coaching Therapy Make a positive change

Alicia Benbow: Qualified business coach, NLP Master and clinical hypnotherapist Anxiety, panic attacks, stress and phobias Confidence, relationships, career changes l EMDR l Based in Blackwell l GHR registered l l

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PETER R.YARNOLD CARPENTRY & JOINERY Quality, bespoke, handmade joinery in hardwood or softwood. u Doors u Windows u Kitchens u Stairs u Conservatories u Furniture

Tel: 01527 873552 or 07717 102604

Boiler servicing and breakdown Servicing of gas fires etc Home owner and landlord certificates Repairs to washing machines, tumble driers, fridges, freezers, electric ovens and cookers, electric showers Based in Alvechurch

0121 445 0184 07977 487 999

Find us on Facebook: ‘RMB Services’

10 Years Ago 20 Years Ago From TheVillage archive

our july/august cover showed dancers from Earlsdon Morris at the Barnt Green Summer Festival – there were more pics inside, along with photos from the annual towpath cycle from Alvechurch to Worcester.

There was a summery scene on the cover of our July/ August 1999 mag, as Les Ladbury snapped a cricket match at Barnt Green. Inside were photos from various school fetes and a history of Bilberry Hill.

September 2013 – the diggers arrive

IN THE NEWS: Bromsgrove District Council had been “rapped” by the local government ombudsman over the way it approved plans for affordable homes in Hopwood. Elsewhere, thousands of Minis from all over the world were expected to converge on Cofton Park to mark the car’s 50th birthday.

withybed green held its first festival in celebration of the hamlet and its people, starting at 4am to watch the sunrise and continuing with a picnic, a bread-making workshop, a photo exhibition, live music and poetry. CROWN MEADOW First School pupils including five-yearolds Eloise Robbins and Leo Carrington Crooke processed around Alvechurch as part of a national walking bus event organised by road safety charity Brake.

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The Village

From TheVillage archive

July 2019

September 2013 – the diggers arrive

IN THE NEWS: Beoley parish had received £10,000 cash from district council funds to improve its village hall. Burcot was planning a “Doomsday project” for the Millennium, and a new cashpoint in Barnt Green was printing receipts calling the village ‘Barnet Green”.

The first “Rowney Roots” music extravaganza on the Rowney Green playing fields was a major success, with some 600 people gathering to enjoy live music from local bands including Murmur (above). As Tardebigge Court re-opened for business after a fire, we learned about its history from 88-yearold George Scoltock (left), who had spent most of his working life as foreman of the Hewell Farm estate to which the former dairy farm and courtyard belonged.

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Village Vehicles

Advertisement feature

Driving in new direction

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professional driver based in Alvechurch has used his years of experience to found a new luxury transport company. Michael Prophet, who developed a driver training programme alongside his own career in motorsport, has now launched MVP Executive Private Transport – offering a deluxe chauffeur-driven service for airport transfers, events and adventures, corporate travel and weddings. His professionalism and experience of competing in and organising events all over the world mean that he is well-placed to provide a top-quality service to discerning clients. Michael’s career in driving began in 1972, and his passion for racing saw him achieve race wins in championships around the world – the highlight being the Dubai 24-hour race in 2010, which he won in the Aston Martin GT 4 Vantage in a field of more than 80 starters. He is also

Michael with the Aston Martin GT4

the current world endurance record holder (with Nissan). In addition, Michael has been a race training specialist and driving instructor for more than 20 years, developing a training system covering all driving aspects from the complete novice and junior drivers to race driver coaching. He has also run defensive driving

MVP executive private transport (Alvechurch, Barnt Green)

07960 678577

courses, anti-hijack and evasive driver training, bespoke security and protective driver training, corporate accident reduction training, and a chauffeur standards graded course. Contact Michael to discuss your requirements for private transport, whether it’s an airport trip, a day at the races, a business meeting or even a journey abroad.

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Extra-long wheelbase for additional luggage space (suitable for a party of 8 with luggage AND golf clubs or other sporting equipment)

We can quote for any journey

The Village

July 2019

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Village Landscapes

Advertisement feature

Garden triumph for Dan

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village garden designer has won a prestigious award for the show garden he built at BBC Gardeners’ World Live. Dan Ryan, owner of Design It Landscapes, teamed up with fellow designer Lucy Bravington to create “The High Line Garden”, which won a Platinum medal and the award for Best Construction at the NEC event. The garden was inspired by an elevated public park on a disused freight line in New York City, and combined industrial style with naturalistic planting. It featured gingko biloba trees (a symbolic street tree of New York), a large steel “Portal” sculpture, and bespoke corten panels

to represent skyscrapers and their windows, and has been televised on Gardeners’ World and Midlands Today. Dan, who offers a full range of garden design and landscaping services, studied at RHS Pershore College and has previously been part of the creative team that achieved six awards and medals at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, BBC Garden-

ers’ World Live and Malvern Spring Flower Show. Dan now plans to hold a sale of the plants from The High Line Garden, on Saturday July 6 from 10am in Rubery. Get in touch with him for full details and a plant list and pricing. Tel: 07890 532859 / 0121 453 6520 dan@designitlandscapes.co.uk www.designitlandscapes.co.uk

Become a friend of Bittell Reservoirs

Barnt Green Waters is encouraging villagers to get involved in a new “Friends of Bittell Reservoirs” scheme, enabling them to enjoy and appreciate the amenities and to contribute to the site’s upkeep and improvement. The award-winning Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) is based at Upper Bittell (Sailing and Coarse Fishing) Reservoir and covers a total of approximately 33 hectares (excluding the reservoirs). It is home to many species of native and migratory birds, a regular visitor being the osprey on its way to and from its natural breeding grounds. Wild flowers and many species of butterfly can be seen during the spring and summer, and several friendly deer visit the shorelines on a regular basis. Many ecological improvements have been made including the planting of reed beds, erecting bat and bird boxes and the control of blue-green algae. Water activities have increased with the introduction of standup paddle boarding on Upper Bittell and game angling tuition on Lower Bittell and Mill Shrub. Individuals or social groups interested in the scheme should contact Charles Deverill (Agricultural Officer, Board member and Chairman of the Fishing Club) at cdjd26@gmail.com

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The Village

July 2019

Advertisement feature

Village Grooming

All about Alfredo’s

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friendly welcome and a relaxing experience awaits at Alfredo’s, the traditional barbershop in the centre of Barnt Green. As the business goes into its eighth year, it’s proving as popular as ever – and owner Al is determined to make sure it stays that way. One of the main selling points is that Alfredo’s runs an appointment-only service, meaning everyone gets a dedicated time slot with no waiting around. Al’s clients enjoy the eclectic decor with its antiques and curiosities, music and TV, and even complimentary beer, while there are plans to install a state-of-the-art coffee machine. As well as top quality haircuts and shaves (with discounts for seniors and eight- to 16-year-olds), Alfredo’s offers a range of products including the firm’s very own brand, The Charming Man, with its Arcane Wood and Fenchurch Street ranges – the latter named after the place Al worked in London before coming back to his native Midlands and setting up in Barnt Green. There are also niche aftershaves for sale, such as the hard-to-find Armaf range: “The Club de Nuit fragrance is so popular I reckon half of Barnt Green smells of it now!” says Al. His customers are not just from the village but from a wide area – two have been coming from Coventry since the shop opened, another travels from Ashbyde-la-Zouch, and there’s even a man from Gibraltar who always books in when visiting family in the area. “A lot of the clients have become good friends; there are laughs every day and some very interesting conversations!” adds Al. “It doesn’t feel like a job – and my passion hasn’t dwindled at all.” Sadly, in recent months several customers-turned-friends have passed away, so Al and his wife, Jules, have decided to run the Birmingham half marathon in October to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. Alfredo’s Barbershop First Floor, 8-10 Hewell Road, Barnt Green, B45 8NE Tel: 0121 445 0386 www.alfredosbarbershop.co.uk

The Village

July 2019

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Oakalls Village

Remembering D-Day A

Sarah Rees reports on the latest happenings on the Oakalls and Parklands.

commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day was held at St Godwald’s Church in Aston Fields as part of the Annual Patronal Service of Thanksgiving for The Friends of St Godwald. More than 100 people attended, including representatives from The Royal British Legion (Bromsgrove Branch), Cadets, Bromsgrove District Council, Finstall Parish Council, Bromsgrove Court Leet and residents wishing to remember the 22,442 troops who fell in Normandy on June 6, 1944. A poppy wreath was placed beneath the dedicated stone carving created by the late Robert Pancheri, a wellknown local craftsman, in recognition of the many who fell on the beaches in Normandy. Prayers were said by members of St Godwald’s Church Lay Team in tribute. Please contact me with your news, views and concerns about any aspect of life on the estate. Email: oakalls@villageonline.co.uk Year 3 children at Finstall First School enjoyed exploring life in Victorian Britain, including a visit to the school by time-travelling detective Professor McGinty. He transported the youngsters back to the 1880s in his time machine, where they discovered a variety of artefacts such as a Dunce’s cap, a carpet beater and a selection of coins. The children also had a Victorian dress-up day (below), learning how schools have changed since the 1800s, and a trip to the Black Country Museum with an immersive learning experience.

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July 2019

TIME-TRAVEL AND Science fun Year 3 pupil Alice said: “I really enjoyed learning about the different punishments that children had in a Victorian school.” Charlotte said: “I thought it was good when I had to wear the ‘Dunce’ cap for not being able to say my alphabet backwards!” The school also held a Science Day for all pupils, with a focus on space to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Moon landing. Chris Carney from As Creatives (below, with pupils) visited the school and

held a special assembly, plus workshops about different aspects of space. These included space travel, the story of stars and of course the Moon landing. Pupils then wrote newspaper reports and space adventure stories, as well as enjoying moon crater science investigations, making moon cookies, and art activities such as planet collages and space rocket designs. Some Year 1 children even got to travel through the solar system using virtual reality headsets.

High quality accommodation within a luxurious environment awaits those choosing to make The Lawns their home.

Qualified and experienced staff provide care and support whilst encouraging independence and an active, fulfilling life. The Lawns also offers luxurious apartments with their own kitchen, lounge area, separate bedroom and ensuite with shower. Residents enjoy life at The Lawns, especially spending time in the lovely gardens and the cosy Butterflies CafĂŠ. Visit www.thelawnscare.co.uk The Lawns Residential Care, School Lane, Alvechurch, Worcs, B48 7SB Tel: 0121 445 4098 Email: enquiries@thelawnscare.co.uk

picnic party!

Village Events

The annual Alvechurch Picnic in the Park was officially opened by Professor Sir Keith Porter (above right) and offered the usual feast of fun for all the family, including the Dog Show, a wide variety of live entertainment and an evening event at the cricket club. Additional photography by Keith Woolford and Kieran Durrant

Left: Despite there being no GoKart Challenge this year, these boys had fun with theirs anyway!

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The Village

July 2019

Picnickers enjoy refreshments, games, stalls and displays. Left: Alvechurch Village hall committee sell seeds ready for this year’s Pumpkin Festival.

More photos overleaf

The Village

July 2019

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Village Events

This page, clockwise from above: Scruffiest Mutt, won by crossbreed Scruff; Waggiest Tail, won by Labrador Ted; Best Junior Handler, won by Zoe Bushall with bichon Lacey; Handsomest Dog, won by retriever Buddy; Best Veteran, won by shih-tzu Coco; Prettiest Bitch, won by cocker spaniel Bella; Best Puppy, won by cavapoo Ozzie, who also won Best in Show (opposite, top left).

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The Village

July 2019

Ozzie collects his Best in Show award from judge Mark Barton.

Above right: Picnic organiser Sarah Courbet presents the ’Barney’ Best Dog award (in memory of her own dog) to Nevis the Labrador and Jonty Ward.

The Picnic featured plenty of live music, including Alvechurch Community Choir (above), Birmingham Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades (right), Cantare Choir (below right) as well as several bands, dance and theatre performances. The entertainment continued after the Picnic with an evening event at Alvechurch Cricket Club, which also included an inflatable assault course. The Village

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PPM NEEDS YOU!

We are currently looking to appoint an administrator/paraplanner with financial services experience. We are open to flexible working hours so this position may suit someone who needs to juggle the challenges of young family life. Please email martinpryor@ppm-ifa.co.uk or call me on 07961 162818 to have an initial chat. At this stage, no recruitment companies please. T 0121 445 5694 W www.ppm-ifa.co.uk E martinpryor@ppm-ifa.co.uk Pryor Portfolio is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 511176 www.fca.org.uk The Farmhouse, Pumphouse Lane, Blackwell, B60 1QN

Village Finance

Advertisement feature

Building assets with infrastructure funds I

nfrastructure funds are one of the less well-known types of investment, but they can offer options for those looking to diversify their portfolio. They offer investors the opportunity to put their money into large physical assets, for example: l Transport assets, such as bridges, toll roads, ports, airports and rail companies. This may include buildings as well as fleets of planes or trains. l Energy assets, such as oil and gas storage facilities and transportation companies, electricity power stations and renewable energy projects. l Other utilities, such as communication towers, satellites and water processing plants. l Commercial property, including schools and hospitals, as well as commercial buildings like office blocks and leisure centres. These funds provide access to investment markets that are not closely linked to the values of most other shares or bonds. So the value of these assets – and any income they generate – is less likely to be affected by the general ups and downs of the stock market. It is worth holding a range of different types of funds to reduce risk. A serious correction in one sector or geographical region often has a severe knock-on effect on other equity markets. So, diversification across a mixed-asset portfolio can help offset the effects of such volatility. Infrastructure funds can also be attractive if you’re looking to generate an income from your investments. These types of assets can potentially earn reliable longterm income streams for investors – whether from fixed tariffs paid for generating green energy, or the

Martin Pryor advises on the best way to invest in assets such as utilities and transport.

tolls paid on roads and bridges. Of course, like any investment, there is no guarantee that this income won’t be reduced, or disappear altogether in certain circumstances if, for example, there was a cut in government backing for one of these infrastructure projects.

HOW TO INVEST IN INFRASTRUCTURE

In the past, most individual investors have found it difficult to invest in infrastructure. Direct investment into a power station can require large capital sums and has tended to be the preserve of professional investors and large pension schemes. In recent years, however, a number of funds aimed at retail investors have been launched. These allow fund managers to pool investors’ money to invest in this asset class.

Some are UK-focused infrastructure funds, while others have a global remit. This is a niche area, and it is worth remembering that even large pension funds will only have a small proportion of their portfolio in such assets. In addition to pension funds some multi-asset funds will also have exposure to infrastructure assets, and it is important to check the extent to which you might already be exposed to this sector through existing investments. You should not invest directly and only invest in regulated funds provided by some well-known investment providers. The value of your investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investing in shares should be regarded as a long-term investment and should fit in with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances. n Contact Pryor Portfolio Management for more information: Tel: 07961 162818 martinpryor@ppm-ifa.co.uk www.ppm-ifa.co.uk

Istock/georgeclerk

The Village

July 2019

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Village Weather

So-called summer!

I

Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.

Mammatus clouds

f May was quite a bland month weather-wise, June has certainly made up for it. It has been the second wettest June locally over the past 30 years. Only June 2012 was worse (184mm) – and at the time of writing there were still 10 days left for more rain to fall! Daytime temperatures were also way below the expected value, made worse by wellbelow-average levels of sunshine – only 46.8 hrs, or 34% of the entire month’s average.

June 2019 (to the 20th) Mean Max 16.8C 2.2 below average Mean Min 9.4C 0.4 below average Mean 13.1C 1.3 below average Rainfall 131.1mm 200% of average Sunshine 46.8 hrs 34% of average May was quite a “normal” month with temperatures near the local average. Warmer days and cooler nights balanced each other, the mean being 11.7C – just 0.1C above average. Rainfall of 47.2mm was 85% of the local mean. Soil temperatures followed the cooler overnight screen values. The 30cm soil temperature of 11.8C was 0.4C below the mean.

May 2019 Mean Max 16.5C 0.4 above average Mean Min 6.5C 0.2 below average Mean 11.6C 0.1 above average Rainfall 47.2mm 85% of average Sunshine 158.2 hrs 85% of average Spring 2019 (March, April, May) Mean Max 14.0C 1.0 above average Mean Min 5.0C 0.8 below average Mean 9.5C 0.9 above average Rainfall 157.6mm 94% of average Sunshine 425.6 hrs 117% of average

Outlook The end of June may bring more dry and settled weather, but by early July more unsettled conditions may return. During the first half of July confidence in the forecast becomes very low, however it seems most probable that high pressure will lie to the south and east of the UK while Atlantic weather fronts occasionally affect the north and northwest. This means showers and perhaps longer spells of rain are likely in the northwest, while the south and southeast may see more in the way of dry weather, although some thundery outbreaks are possible, as is usual for this time of year.

Swallowtail

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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July 2019

Mark Meads

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

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

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

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Village Sport

New faces at ’Church Alvechurch FC appoints new manager and signs extra players.

I

t’s all change at Alvechurch FC as they look ahead to next season, with a new management team and some exciting new signings. Having won back-to-back promotions and narrowly missed out on a third in 2019, manager Ian Long decided to seek a new challenge at Stourbridge FC, along with assistant Richie Colwell and goalkeeping coach Chris Walwyn – plus players Ashley Carter, Tom Turton, Dave Bellis, Zac Foster, Charlie Price and Kieran Cook. However, new manager Darren Byfield immediately set about rebuilding the team, bringing several players with him from Walsall Wood: experienced goalkeeper Lloyd Ransome, pacey winger John Atherton, striker Danico Johnson, central midfielder Stuart McNaught, young defender Kyle Rowley, and former ’Church player Javia Roberts. Darren also signed 6’4’’ striker Anthony Smith, who joins from Midland Football League side Continental Star. Anthony scored a staggering 54 goals last season and won the Total Midland League top scorer award. Darren himself started his professional career at Aston Villa before moving on to Walsall, scoring the winning goal in the 2001 play-off final. Spells at Rotherham, Sunderland, Gillingham, Millwall, Bristol City and a return to Walsall followed before joining Tamworth, Solihull Moors and Redditch in the non-league arena. In a career spanning 476 matches and 107 goals, Darren has also been capped six times by Jamaica, scoring once. After retiring from playing, Darren has managed Redditch United, Stratford Town and Walsall Wood, who missed out on promotion on goal difference to Ilkeston Town last season.

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Faithful supporters at the play-off final (Photo/ Ian Macvie) The Alvechurch management team will be completed with assistant manager Ade Luxton, Peter Till and goalkeeping coach Reevesy. Meanwhile, fans are delighted that right back Josh Ezewele, captain and centre back Jamie Willets, sibling defenders Kyle and Taylor Morrison, and central midfielder Mitch Botfield have all committed for next season. However, more departures include keeper Danny Crane, who becomes assistant manager at Gresley; Golden Boot winner Josh March, who moves up a level to National League side Leamington; Lee Chilton, who joins Evesham after an injury-plagued season; and forward Joe Phillips, who returns to Aberystwyth Town.

l Congratulations to all the winners of the Player of the Year awards for 2018/19: Supporters’ Player – Jamie Willetts; Chairman’s Player – Josh March and Jamie Willetts; Players’ Player – Dave Bellis; Young Player – Kieran Cook; Golden Boot – Josh March; Goal of the Season – Kieran Cook vs Bromsgrove 4/9/18 l AFC have frozen their season ticket prices for the coming season. Prices are: Adults £150; Seniors (65+) £100; Juniors (13-17) £75. Pay online using the PAYMENTS form (5%

charge to cover payment provider fees), or via BACS Transfer to Lloyds Bank (sort code 30-96-97, account 01860704). Please reference payment with your ticket type: ADULT, SENIOR or JUNIOR and appropriate payment.

l On Friday September 6, Lye Meadow hosts a luncheon with former Arsenal, Middlesbrough and England footballer Ray Parlour as guest speaker. Tickets £65 per head or £600 for a table of 10 (to include a three-course Indian meal), available via the chairman and directors. 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

Pre-season fixtures Tues July 9 Littleton (A) 7.30pm Sat July 13 West Brom Albion (H) 3pm Tues July 16 AFC Wulfrunians (A) 7.45pm Sat July 20 Leamington (H) 3pm Tues July 23 Westfields (A) 7.45pm Tues July 30 Halesowen Town (A) 7.45pm Sat Aug 3 Evesham Utd (H) 3pm Season begins Sat Aug 10

Village Sport

Season of success for youth squads

Alvechurch United U7s have just completed their first season in football, winning the Central Warwickshire Autumn and Spring Cups along the way. The club is delighted that the boys have had a very successful season down to their hard work, willingness to learn and passion for football. The boys played 33 matches, winning 21, scoring 113 goals and keeping seven clean sheets. Coaches Macky Lawlor and Tim Andrews would like to thank the parents for their support and the boys (Tate, Joshua, Toby, Lennie, Jacob, Sam, Jack and Jenson) for being amazing. n Meanwhile, Alvechurch U13s took the bold step of moving into a new league for the first time this season, transferring to the Saturday Ambassador Evesham League. The team, containing many players from Alvechurch and the surrounding areas, adapted superbly and were

crowned Premier Division champions after an undefeated season which saw 68 goals scored and just five conceded. The lads are looking to test themselves further next season by moving to the Junior Premier League. They play their home matches at

Hopwood Community Centre and are sponsored by Newform Windows and Eureka Research. Top: The U7 squad. Above: The U13 team at their awards night, with coaches Dave Ruston and Craig Wyton. Barnt Green Hibs U13s celebrated another successful season in the Central Warwickshire leagues. Having won promotion the previous year, they enjoyed a solid season of consolidation in a higher division, securing a mid-table finish. Their awards evening at Barnt Green Sports & Social club saw many awards presented, notably to Harry Hughes who won Coaches & Parents’ Player of the Year, while Jacob Kelly scooped the Players’ Player award along with the Golden Boot for his 28-goal season. All the boys have done fantastically well and look forward to pushing for promotion next season. If any local business would be interested in supporting the team, contact Martin Pryor on 07961 162818. The Village

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Village Country Diary Mary Green explains why ‘the answer lies in the soil’.

S

ome of my neighbours are lamenting the sudden lack of goldfinches in our gardens where there are usually dozens (a “charm” of goldfinches). Their regular nesting site was in some trees which were cut down in late spring – quite the wrong time to do it. I’ve seen major hedge cutting too recently. Apart from real emergencies, and hand-pruning of some garden shrubs, no-one should cut down trees and hedges at this time of year. Not only are birds destroyed, but our vital insects and of course the plants themselves which should be trimmed in winter if needed. Contractors should know this, but I suppose they can’t turn down work. Meanwhile, also nearby is a roadside hedge that someone forgot to cut this winter. Although some of the neighbours found it a bit inconvenient as it doesn’t leave so much driving space, it is a delight. It has flowering hawthorn, field maple, dogwood, ash, hazel, elder – and some beautiful elm, and all the insects that feed on them. I walked past it in May, and it was just jumping with baby birds cheeping. When I was young there was a radio programme where a comic

Hedge full of baby birds

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Meadowsweet and purple loosestrife

EARTH AND

country character kept saying “I think the answer lies in the soil.” The joke was on the rest of us, though, because he was right. Underlying all our plants, animals, insects and all the other things that make up our countryside habitat is the soil, the earth itself. We haven’t collectively given it enough attention, and are in danger of a time coming when it no longer supports all our natural life. Or,

looking at it another way, maybe we have given it too much attention and messed it around and ruined it, when we should have left it alone. In the cycle of nature, the soil is constantly replenished and provides the nutrients for plants – which as we know then support all other life. Decaying plant and animal matter is taken down into the soil by worms and other small creatures, worked on by them and by fungi, creating a rich humus. Not only that, but in this process, carbon is locked up in the soil and our atmosphere is kept in balance. One of the contributors to global warming is the fact that so much soil is ploughed up all the time and the carbon released into the air instead of being absorbed into the cycle of growth. The roots of plants carry tiny rootlets and have fungi and bacteria associated with them. The roots, fungi and bacteria affect the chemistry of the soil, often feeding other plants, and carry messages between plants. For example, alder adds nitrogen to the soil, and oaks use their root

Cultivation releases carbon into the atmosphere

WATER

Arrowhead grows in water

structures to warn each other of disease and predators. There is a big movement now for no-dig gardening and minimal-cultivation agriculture to solve the damage to the soil. Food plants can be planted directly into the soil and have the advantage of the natural fertiliser provided by the earth full of brokendown matter, as well as keeping the carbon in. Yields are good, but it is hard to shift a farming tradition. We have been ploughing and harrowing for centuries, not recognising that the soil is gradually depleted so that we have to use more and more added fertilisers. Even worse, these fertilisers may be chemicals which then leach out of the soil and pollute streams. Even organic fertilisers like animal manure need to be used carefully or they will pollute streams, rivers and the oceans. Our own river, the Arrow, and Bittell reservoirs are polluted from nearby farming. When you think about it, digging and cultivation are not natural â&#x20AC;&#x201C; in the wild, plants establish themselves and survive in the already plant-rich environment. When land is developed (and when gardens are made for Chelsea) people are careful about some individual species but

Fungi breaking down dead wood

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Village Country Diary Alchemilla

Wild flowers being cut down continued from previous page rarely think of the composition of the soil and all the structures and organisms in it. That’s why somewhere like Eades Meadow is so special, as it hasn’t been dug or artificially fertilised for centuries. Not many things are named after the earth, perhaps because it is so taken for granted. But there is a beautiful but poisonous fungus called earth star, and of course earth worms and ground beetles. There is a bugle-like plant called ground pine and a ground thistle, which grows low down. Ground ivy is a spring flowering plant with a lovely blue flower, used as a herbal tea. Ground elder is a member of the cow parsley family with similar pretty white flowerheads. It is hated by gardeners, except me, but used to be a prized herb, also called goutweed because of its herbal use. I use the leaves in salads. Groundsel, a little member of the Fallen elm flowers

Plants that live in water

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dandelion family is a very nutritious chicken food. Ground ivy and groundsel, like most of our most successful edible and medicinal plants, are called weeds. Contrary to the common phrase, a weed is not just a plant in the wrong place. A weed is a plant in the right place – it’s our garden plants that are in the wrong place. Weed was originally an Anglo-Saxon name for herb, so let’s restore it! Earth, air, fire and water were seen in ancient times as the four key elements of the world. When we move to water, its effect on wildlife is a bit more obvious. We have many plants and animals that live specifically in or next to water. Living near a canal, river or lake makes such a difference to the range of wild-

life you see. Plants range from those growing fully in water – like water-lilies, out in full glory now – to those on the edges, like water plantain, arrowhead and water bedstraw, to others that like to grow in damp places, like purple loosestrife and meadowsweet, along all our waterways this month. Unfortunately in some places the edges of canals and even sometimes rivers are mown throughout the year so there’s only grass. Good maintenance can involve one mowing in the winter. Water benefits from plant life and algae – it shouldn’t be artificially cleared. All plants need water, and as soon as we get a dry spell, gardeners start bucketing or Water plantain hosepiping. In nature, of course, plants survive without being watered by us. They have ways of maintaining their water content, which may include having a speeded-up flowering season in a dry year, but they come back fine the next year. So wild flowers have been abundant and lovely this year despite the drought last summer. Our native trees have huge roots which mean they can find water in the soil even when it seems dry. The natural growth of our wild plants helps keep water within the soil. Clearing ground, and hardmowing, makes things worse.

Ground ivy

I wrote this poem a couple of years ago about the places I have lived.

Living

It’s harder for insects and invertebrates to survive if water is scarce, and in dry years we do see fewer of them. Even birds like swallows suffer in a drought because they need mud for their nests. We can all help as individuals by having ponds, and collectively by looking after our waterways and not draining wet areas. Rivers need to be able to twist and turn naturally and to flood when there is too much rain. The sort of flood prevention we have done in the last centuries, damming and draining, just moves the flood problem somewhere else. At last action is being taken to help by creating settling ponds, rewilding rivers and restoring water meadows. Our habitat won’t survive without the balance of earth and water. To the ancient alchemists, our early scientists, everything in nature was made of earth, air, fire and water. My last interesting plant name for this month is one with the Latin name Alchemilla or little alchemist. Its English name is lady’s mantle. It holds the dew on its leaves, and this was thought to be the purest water and was used in alchemy and herbalism. The English name is a Christianisation, as it is Our Lady’s mantle, a plant of the Virgin Mary. You might have it flowering now as a garden plant, but there are wild varieties especially in Scotland. Plant names are full of old magic and science.

Water bedstraw

I started life in a semi in Yardley Born a child of peace and atom bombs But nothing since has been so ordinary All I remember is the bottom of the garden Which had crazy paving, a phrase I liked. Next was the childhood farmhouse With an extended and uneasy family The house built with local stone and sea sand So when it rained it sweated inside Perpetually cold, despite the elm logs That came so bountifully, and painted Uniformly brown and cream like a railway. But who cared, with that view of sea and river? A series of shared rooms and bedsits followed Mostly without benefit of bathroom (“The last gentleman used t’baths at City Station”) Honing my skills of cooking on one ring And sharing or hiding my comings of age. Married, my first home was a flat With outside toilet which froze in the winter And a garden line for my stiff washing. Then a rented house, a whole house With a bathroom, though still heated By a one bar electric fire we carried round. Thanks to Barbara Castle, I got a mortgage And bought our first house, old and tall A weaver’s cottage, huge upstairs windows And I fell in love with bricks and gold Bath stone. Bought a new cooker and a fridge, did some painting. Then life became liquid again, and again The sharing and the bedsits intervened And the city flat four storeys high Where I carried grow-bags up the stairs To have something green to remind me. A long time ago now, thirty years and more I came here. Red brick, old beams Garden with apples, plum and damson People around me but my place at last Where somehow I put down my straggling roots Like that rose I have under the apple tree Planted in a big plant pot. When I came to move it Its root had gone right down into the earth.

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Village Gardening

Classroom in the CAMFED garden

Future of growing I

t was another wonderful show at Chelsea this year, with many strong messages behind the gardens – particularly on the theme of well-being and gardening. The garden which got the most press on this was the RHS feature garden called “The Back to Nature Garden” which had been co-designed with The Duchess of Cambridge and gave a clear message of getting children involved in the natural world. This is a subject close to my heart and having done this with my own children I am now keen to engage my grandchildren with the natural world and a love for wildlife as much as I can. Research now shows us that children who are allowed to play outside and in the natural world grow up with a love for the environment and better mental health. But for me as a keen vegetable

Hannah Genders visits two Chelsea show gardens with an educational message.

Solar pump

grower there were two gardens that at first glance appeared completely different, but actually at their core had a similar message and it was about our future, and the future of food-growing and education. The first garden, which was in the “Space to Grow” category, really stood out for me. Designer Jilayne Richards and her team had created a classroom and a vegetable garden from Zimbabwe. It was beautifully executed with a small, simple classroom at the back and an outside play space. To the front of the garden were all sorts of recycled containers, like brightly-painted oil drums, with vegetables growing in them and the red soil that is so associated with Africa. The garden was for CAMFED (Campaign for Female Education), this being their 25th year. On the Monday that I was at the show, I continues overleaf The Village

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Village Gardening continued from previous page spoke with two Zimbabwean ladies, both businesswomen and farmers in their own country. They had benefitted from schooling and were now paying to educate their own children. This little garden was not a romantic notion of Africa but was very forwardlooking. The beans, for example, were biofortified, having extra iron, and the maize was enriched with vitamin A. Often the children are living on one meal a day, so it is recognised that there needs to be as much nutritional content as possible. The raised bed at the front of the garden, made from recycled bricks, was built with a reservoir underneath, so the water sits below the crops – this means less evaporation and encourages the plant roots to spread downwards and not across the surface, making the plants much more tolerant to drought. The crop rotation in this bed was similar to what we could do here, encouraging the right nutrient uptake from the plants. I was interested to see a few plants growing that I had not seen before, including sorghum which is a staple of the Zimbabwean diet. Solar panels powered the water pump, as they are essential to many communities not connected to any grid. This was a beautiful and practical garden, and the connection to women growing food and educating the next generation of farmers and gardeners was inNutrientspirational. The garden rich beans won a well-deserved gold medal and the People’s Choice Award in its category. The whole garden will be rebuilt at the Eden Project in Cornwall after the show, so it lives on to tell its story. Right at the opposite end of the spectrum was the IKEA garden, which was in the Show Garden category and designed by Tom Dixon. It was the first time the RHS had sited a show garden in the floral marquee (actually it took me quite a long time to find it). The concept of the garden was an underground growing laboratory and a wild area above. I would agree with many other people’s comments that this was more like an educational installation than a show garden, but that aside it had some really interesting things to show us. For me the “wilderness” area was not really wild enough; it was hard to engage with the planting and have a sense of wilderness as it was all behind a continues overleaf

Sorghum

Crop rotation in the CAMFED garden

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Village Gardening continued from previous page

handrail. But the laboratory area, I loved. It showed salad crops, herbs, medicinal plants and fungi growing under artificial LED lighting. It has its own beauty although it was hard to photograph well because of the light conditions and being in the marquee. Some of the plants were growing hydroponically – this is without soil, where water containing nutrients is pumped into the roots of the plant. With this system the plants crop early and use 20 times less water than traditional growing. The vertical columns of vegetables on display were growing with aeroponic technology – basically grown in air, with the roots sprayed regularly with nutrient-rich water. This method uses 90 percent less water and 90 percent less land than traditional growing methods. The whole feature was showing a transformative way of growing these crops that could be used in our cities. It is very sustainable, cutting down on water, land and food miles. Both these systems encour-

Hydroponic growing in the IKEA garden

age leaf growth in the plants over root growth and so are perfect for these type of salad crops. With the future of food growing and sustainability as its core message, this garden was challenging us to look again at how we grow food in our cities. It also had the Aeroponic technology

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best title, in my opinion: “Gardening Will Save the World”. I agree – and it won a silver gilt medal. So, two gardens, which looked so different but had the same message about sustainability and the future of growing our food, were both very inspiring.

CAMFED’s recycled containers

Village Stargazing

I

Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.

Buzz Aldrin on the Moon (courtesy of NASA)

magine a vehicle weighing two thousand tons. A small ship perhaps? Now imagine that this vehicle can actually fly! The stuff of science fiction, you’d think, but these things actually existed more than fifty years ago, built by NASA and called Saturn V (five) and this month marks exactly fifty years since one launched to land men on the Moon for the first time. Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins took off on July 16th, and on July 21st (20th in the USA) Neil and Buzz walked on the Moon while Michael Collins became the loneliest man in the universe as he went round the back of the Moon in the Command Module and out of touch with the rest of the world. So, where did they land? Yes, on

Spot the landing site the Moon, of course, but exactly there is reputed to be only one phowhere? Well, the Moon is new on to of Neil on the Moon and he’s got the 2nd so you can’t see it at all until his back to the camera in that. This about the 4th, when it will be a very is because he hogged the camera thin crescent, very low in the west for most of the time – the same reason a short while during sunset. This is a great time to try and spot the Site of “Tranquility Base” Moon; it feels completely different when it’s this skinny and Mercury is just below it this month too. The 9th sees first quarter when we actually see a half Moon and we can start to find the Apollo 11 landing site. You should be able to make out a series of darker patches down this part of the Moon, the top one being the Sea X of Serenity which merges into the next one down, the Sea of Tranquillity. It was at the bottom left-hand corner of this patch where they set up “Tranquillity Base” all those years ago and Neil took that famous picture of Buzz. Incidentally,

there are very few pictures of me on holiday! As the days go by, the Terminator, the line that divides the light part of the Moon from the dark part (as opposed to the time-travelling robot), moves further left until it is full on the 16th. It also rises later and towards the end of the month it can only be seen during daylight. Now you will have been seeing a really bright “star” in the evenings during the past few weeks. This is, in fact, Jupiter, the largest of all the planets and really dominating the sky at the moment. It will be with us all summer and because of the time of year, it will never get very high in the sky. It will be joined by Saturn, which rises a couple of hours later so may be a little too late for most people to see – but could be something to look out for if you’re wandering home after eleven at night for any reason. The Village

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Village Art

Aiming for the Moon Dave Morgan looks ahead to the annual art exhibition in Alvechurch.

H

ow do you paint the Moon? For kids it’s usually just a blob of white – but what if you are trying to paint man’s first landing on the Moon? That was the challenge laid down to members of Pam’s art classes in Alvechurch and Droitwich, who take part in an annual competition arranged by local nursing home owner Kamal Khan to produce artwork on a specific theme. And the reason for the challenge? 2019 is the 50th anniversary of that epic first landing. The initial reaction of the amateur artists was not of enthusiasm but of a feeling that with the grey of the moon’s surface and the blackness of the sky, there wouldn’t be a lot of colour. Therefore two alternative themes were added: a picture to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings (also in 2019) or even a painting in the Georgian style, similar to the challenge from two years ago. Slowly but surely the artists started to get enthusiastic at such a wide choice of subjects and the creative juices started to flow. Art tutor Pam McGregor commented: “It’s quite surprising that although the initial reaction to both the Moon landing and D-Day landing subjects was subdued, as time went on several of the artists actually chose those subjects as they thought more about what they could produce and the result is a wide variety of pictures.” The winners of this year’s challenge were due to be announced at the summer fete at Tutnall Hall care home as we went to press. All the entries for the challenge, together with up to 100 other new and original images, will be on view in Alvechurch Village Hall for the annual Art Exhibition from July 25 to 27. Many of the paintings will be for sale at prices

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that should make them attractive investments, especially as purchasers will be able to buy an original work of art that no-one else owns. Over the past few years the exhibitions have received excellent reviews by visitors and the intention is always to improve on the standard of work. So all the pictures in the main exhibition will be art that has not previously been exhibited and that has been created during the past 12 months.

The exhibition will be open from 10am to 6pm (10am to 5pm on the Saturday). Entry is free and refreshments will also be available. More details about the art classes can be found at www.pamsartclasses.co.uk Above: local artist Dennis Hill is advised on some finishing touches to one of his paintings for the exhibition by tutor Pam McGregor.

Village What’s On

Have a ball for hospital charity

BAG A BARGAIN AT SALE blackwell Singing group Cats Chorus will host a Nearly New Sale of clothes and household items on Sat July 6 from 10am to 1pm at St Andrew’s Parish Centre in Barnt Green, with all profits going to Macmillan. Homemade cake sale, craft stalls and refreshments – why not pop in for breakfast with tea, coffee, toasted tea cakes and crumpets? Lots of very good

quality clothes and interior items have been donated, so pop along, bag yourself a bargain, support your community and support Macmillan. For more information or if you would like to donate, contact Sharon on 07968 124345. Above: Organiser Sharon Nicholls (centre) with Pat Kidman, Janie Acton and some of the donated items.

A charity ball on Sat July 20 aims to raise money for Birmingham Women’s Hospital, in memory of a nurse who worked there. The “Flamingo Fling” event at Manor Hill House in Upton Warren is being organised by Lucy Somner and Emily Byfield, whose sister Amy was a neonatal nursery nurse at the hospital: “We tragically lost our beautiful Amy in September 2017, but we are trying to keep her passion for patient care alive by raising money for this vital cause.” The Birmingham Women’s Hospital Charity aims to improve patient services for the hospital’s women, babies and families. Essential services that the NHS is unable to cover make a huge difference to patients, such as welfare services to support patients through difficult times and the research and development of cures, treatments and new technology. One cause supported by the ball is the hospital’s new Woodland House Appeal, for a special centre where families facing the loss of a baby can spend some quiet time away from the main hospital (more information at www.bwh.org.uk/pages/ category/woodland-house ) Lucy and Emily are also asking local businesses to donate prizes for a raffle and auction, or for sponsorship. Tickets and more information can be found at www.buytickets.at/flamingofling

The Blackwell May Ball, held at Grafton Manor in Bromsgrove, raised more than £8,000 in aid of Blackwell First School. Guests enjoyed a three-course meal, live music from “2 Weeks Notice” and a dance performance by the “Supreme Showgirls”. There was also a silent auction with prizes including signed golf and football shirts, holidays and a special “bake to order” cake by the school cook! The event organisers were delighted with its success and would like to thank guests, sponsors and everyone who donated prizes for their generous support. The Village

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Village What’s On EVENTS A treasure Hunt around Barnt Green takes place on Sun July 7 from 2–5pm, starting in Millennium Park on Hewell Road. Explore the village and solve the clues as you go – take part in the adult trail or a shorter child-friendly version, both free of charge. All correct entries will go into a free prize draw to win some great prizes donated by village businesses. There will be food and music after the event in Millennium Park. A CHARITY Fashion Show takes place at Alvechurch Village Hall on Fri Sep 20, 7 for 7.30pm. Tickets £5 to include arrival drink. Further info and tickets from Cynthia Lawton on 07909 606961. The Bilberry Wake, now in its fourth year, takes place on the Lickey Hills on Sun July 7 – meet at 3pm outside the Visitor Centre on Warren Lane. This fun event for children (who must be accompanied by a responsible adult) offers the chance to make hobby horses and race them around an obstacle course, with medals for all participants. The Lickey Hills Rangers invite families to join in with fun and games in the Country Park on Weds July 31 (National Play Day) from 11am to 3pm. Meet at the Visitor Centre on Warren Lane. More info on 0121 445 6036. The annual Green Fair and Lions Fun Day at Arrow Valley Park in Redditch takes place on Sun July 7 from 11am–4.30pm, organised by Redditch Borough Council and Redditch Lions. Attractions include classic cars, Royal Enfield motorbikes and stock cars, Army climbing wall, pony rides, craft stalls, children’s activities, face painting, bouncy castles, circus skills, birds of prey, fire engine rides, tug of war and live music. Free admission and car parking. Full details at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/ greenfair St Godwald’s Community Cafe meets every other Friday (the next one is July 5) from 10.30am–12.30pm at St Godwald’s Room adjacent to the Church Hall, Finstall Road, Bromsgrove. Home made scones, cake, tea/coffee available. Come and have a chatter, play board games, jigsaws etc. Alpha course – explore life, faith and meaning. Register your interest for our next course in 2019 at Barnt Green Baptist Church. Email outreach@bgb.org.uk or see www.bgb.org.uk

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what’s on guide ‘Quiet Space’ at Alvechurch Baptist Church takes place each Mon and Fri from 10am–12 noon. The church is open as a quiet space, with “welcomers” on hand 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

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.lets-sing.co.uk To ask about booking the choir for an event, or for details of sessions and venues, ring Mary on 0121 445 5957.

MESSY CHURCH For All! This event is held on the third Sunday most months at Catshill Methodist Church from 3.45pm, to include games, singing, crafts and a story on a Bible-based theme, and simple meal around 5.30pm. Free entry and a warm welcome for all. More info from James Knott on 07968 110 631.

Blackwell Concert Band and Training Band is open to all brass and woodwind players of all abilities. To learn more about the band and find details of upcoming events, email blackwellconcertband98@ gmail.com or visit www.blackwellconcertband.co.uk You will also find information on how to book the band.

MUSIC

BROMSGROVE MUSIC Centre (Severn Arts) provides a Wind and Brass Band and a String Ensemble for children in the Bromsgrove/Redditch areas (approx G13). Mondays 6–7pm at St John’s Middle School, Bromsgrove. The first term is free! The centre also provides individual instrumental lessons 4.30–7.30pm. Visit www. severnarts.org.uk/bromsgrove-musiccentre or call 01905 947300.

Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra gives its last concert before the summer break on Fri July 12 at Lickey End Social Club, B60 1JT. A mix of big band swing classics from all eras played by some of the best pro and semi-pro musicians in the Midlands. A special vocal treat is provided by the appearance of both regular singers together. Garry Rutter and Lynn Dawes are favourites with the audiences so don’t miss this concert! Starts 8pm. Entry £6 on the door. Non-club members welcome. For more details ring Geoff on 07970 662692.– THE MIDLAND Sinfonia presents Bach to the Future on Sat July 6 in St Laurence Church, Alvechurch. Doors/bar open from 7pm; concert starts 7.30pm. Conducted by Nic Fallowfield, the programme comprises: Handel’s The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba and Concerto Grosso Op.3 No.2; Elgar’s Serenade for Strings; Bach’s Concerto for Two Violins in D minor; and Orchestral Suite No.1; and Berkeley’s Serenade for Strings. Tickets £15 on door, £14 in advance via www. midlandsinfonia.co.uk, 0121 447 7040 or Gin & Pickles, The Square, Alvechurch. Alvechurch Community Choir meets at 7.30pm on Mondays in Alvechurch Village Hall, though on the 2nd Monday each month they move to Alvechurch Social Club. They are at The Crown pub on July 1, the social club on July 8 and the hall on July 15. The choir is an open access singing group; new members of all abilities are welcome – just go along. It is part of a charity called Everybody Let’s Sing and is

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. Bromsgrove Choral Society meets each Monday for rehearsals at 7.30pm in St John’s Middle School (Watt Close, Bromsgrove, B61 7DH). New members very welcome, please ring Eileen Kirby on 01527 871237. Barnt Green Choral Society rehearses on Mondays at 7.45pm in St Andrew’s Church Hall, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green. New members welcome, especially tenors. More info from Fiona Brown on 0121 445 5513 or www.barnt greenchoralsociety.org Cats Chorus is described as “a fun choir for people who love to sing but don’t have to be vocally gifted”, and meets on Tuesdays (term-time) at 7.30pm in The Wheel, Blackwell. They sing hits from the 60s to

the present day. For more info, email sharoncatschorus@yahoo.com TARDEBIGGE CHURCH choir is seeking new recruits! The choir, based at St Bartholomew’s (B60 3AH) is struggling with declining numbers due to age and health, but still sings in four parts at morning and evening services on Sundays, plus weddings and funerals. They particularly need a bass or bass-baritone, but all parts are welcome! Pop along to a practice on Sat at 10am, or call Robert on 01527 542491. 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 Arrow Vale Singers meet on Wednesdays from 8–10pm at Batchley Community Centre, Redditch B97 6PB, including a refreshment break. More info on 07718 113086, www.arrowvalesingers. co.uk or arrowvalesingers@gmail.com A JAZZ Night takes place at Beoley Village Hall on the 4th Wednesday of each month, featuring some fantastic “trad” jazz bands. For further details, or to order advance tickets, call 01527 62584 or 01527 66646 (both before 9.30pm). Alvechurch 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. Cantare Daytime Choir meets on Fri 9.15–10.15am at Alvechurch Cricket Club – all welcome. Don’t worry if you think you can’t sing, or don’t read music. You can even bring your kids/babies if they let you sing. Whether you want to perform in concerts or simply sing for fun, or the therapeutic or health benefits gained from group singing, go along for a free trial session. More info from Rebecca on 07803 900154, cantarechoir2011@gmail.com, or www.cantarechoir.com 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

Prizes to be won at Finstall Show Finstall Village Show takes place on Sat Aug 31, in and around Finstall Village Hall on Alcester Road. The outdoor attractions are open from 1pm, including live music, raffle, tombola, garden games, stalls such as bric-a-brac and crafts, plus tea, coffee and home-baked cakes, and a grand auction of produce at the end. The show offers classes for homegrown vegetables, baking, floral displays, crafts, flowers, art, photography, jams and chutneys, with prize money up to third place. Special classes for children (up to 12 years) in craft, baksongs – no audition needed. 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. Contact Ruth Henley for details on 01527 527022 or email r.g.henley@btinternet.com Alvechurch Samba Band, Banda Sem Nome, is looking for new recruits! This local community side meets on the 1st and 3rd Thurs each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club at 8pm. Go along if you fancy having a go at something a little bit different and discovering your hidden talents! No previous experience required, all welcome (u16s must be accompanied by an adult). More info from Andrea on 07867 858099. 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 while supporting charity. Monday evenings at Crabbs Cross Methodist Church, Crabbs Cross Lane, Redditch B97 5LD. The marvellous men would love more tenor and bass voices! More info at www.belcantosingers.co.uk or from Polly Speers on 01564 822672.

DANCING Graham & Denise Darby present a Saturday Night Social Dance at Lickey End Social Club, Bromsgrove on July 22 in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance and Prostate Cancer. Ballroom, Latin & Social Sequence

ing and art. Winners receive a trophy inscribed with their name. Entries for the show need to be in place by 12noon. No entry fees – admission by donation. Schedules will be delivered to all local residents, and are also available from Jackie Cater soft furnishings (opposite the hall) or by calling 07788 178813. Help is always needed and gratefully accepted. All proceeds go towards further improvements of the hall, which hosts many activities and can be booked for parties and events. More info at www.finstallvillagehall.org Dancing to live music by Graham Darby. Doors open 7.30pm; dancing 8–11pm. Entry £5 on the door. More details at www.grahamdarbysmusic.com or 01543 502722. French & Breton folk dancing at Alvechurch Village Hall: usually on the 1st Sat each month, 2.30–5pm. Informal tuition and live music provided. New dancers (and musicians) welcome. £2 per session. For details, email alvechurchfrenchdance@ gmail.com Aelfgythe Border Morris is actively seeking new dancers (female) and musicians (male or female) to join them for fun, exercise and dancing. They meet at 7.45pm every Wednesday in Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall. Everyone welcome. Come and play traditional folk music, or try morris dancing. For more details call Pam on 07961 830 831. AVONCROFT FOLK Dance Group enjoys anything from barn dances to ones seen in Pride & Prejudice or Poldark. All welcome, no need to have a partner. The group meets every Thurs from 8–10pm at Avoncroft Arts Centre, Redditch Road, Bromsgrove. £2.50 incl refreshments. Info from Liz Stanton on 01905 353995 or liz@ the-stantons.uk or visit www.avoncroftfdg. btck.co.uk 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 Tea Dances run by Bromsgrove District Council now take place in the new council building at Parkside Hall (Stourbridge

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continued from previous page 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. 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 local and national events, and perform a worldfamous (sort of ) mummers play in the village every New Year’s Day. No ability, fitness or co-ordination required – if you are male, 18+ and prepared to spend more time than is probably good for you in public houses, pop along to meet the group! Drop in to any practice or contact Chris on 07984 570763 or email chris.alvechurchbagman@gmail.com BJ’s Busy Boots Line Dancing Classes: Tues 2–3pm Bromsgrove Leisure Centre; 7–10pm Stoke Prior Sports/Country Club. Thurs 12–2.15pm Bromsgrove Methodist Church Centre. Social Dance 1st Sat in month at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane. It’s a fun way to exercise. For more details phone Brenda on 01517 870151. 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 holds Social Dances, Ballroom & Sequence Dancing twice a month on Sat nights at Bromsgrove Council building, Parkside Hall, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DA. Free parking. No membership required. No bar facilities – please bring your own refreshments. More info from Mick or Thelma on 01527 872634. Sequence ballroom and Latin dancing every Mon evening at 8pm at the Longbridge Social Club, 1012 Bristol Road South, Northfield. Occasional free tuition.

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All welcome to a friendly fun-filled dance. More details from Kalvin on 07725 265024.

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 Alvechurch Friendship Group usually meets in the meeting room at Alvechurch Village Hall on the 4th Weds each month at 2pm – men and women welcome. On July 24, vocalist Barbara Stone will perform. More info from Rosalind on 0121 445 0598. Friends of Bittell Reservoirs is a group of local people interested in preserving the natural environment of the Site of Special Scientific Interest at Upper Bittell, Lower Bittell and Mill Shrub reservoirs, which are important staging posts for migrant birds and wildlife. If you have an interest in preserving this unique environment and would like to help in its preservation and maintenance, contact: Charles Deverill on cdjd26@gmail.com Men in Sheds (Redditch) is a group for those who have retired or been made redundant and want to spend time with like-minded people. They meet every Tues and Thurs, 10am–1pm, at The Old Needle Works, Britten Street, Redditch B97 6HD. Bromsgrove friendship Club meets at the Life after Stroke Centre, Church Lane, Bromsgrove B61 8RA on the second Tues each month at 2.15 pm. For more info please contact Millie Harries on 0121 445 5232. Burcot Grange invites those living with dementia and their carers to attend the Dementia Lodge Café, held on the 2nd Thurs each month at The Lodge, 23 Greenhill, Burcot, B60 1BJ. Tea and coffee from 10.30am, entertainment from 11am and buffet lunch from 12.15pm. All welcome.

Limited places – please RSVP to Kiran on 0121 445 5552 or Burcot.haa@cinnamoncc. com Rubery Community & Leisure Centre is looking for volunteers – if you have a few hours spare on a Friday, you’d be made most welcome. The centre is a registered charity run solely by volunteers. For more info, ring 0121 453 7716 or email office@ ruberyleisurecentre.co.uk redditch Military History Society usually meets monthly in St Luke’s Church Hall (Evesham Road, Redditch, B97 4JX), 7 for 7.30pm. More info from Ron on 01527 545450 or ronnieg33b@hotmail.co.uk Bromsgrove U3A. Retired/semi-retired? Meetings with guest speakers 1st and 3rd Tues most months at Artrix plus a variety of activities and outings: something for everyone. Curious? Call 01527 870449 or see www.u3asites.org.uk/bromsgrove/home Redditch Lions Club meets on the second Weds of each month at the Southcrest Hotel, Redditch B97 4JS at 8pm. For more info call 0845 833 5914, email secretary@ redditchlions.org.uk or visit www.redditchlions.org.uk 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. Burcot Grange welcomes you to enjoy High Tea (plus entertainment) with other guests and residents, on the 3rd Thurs each month from 2.30–4.30pm. Limited places – please RSVP to Kiran on 0121 445 5552 or Burcot.haa@cinnamoncc.com Burcot Knit & Natter meets weekly on Mondays from 10–12am and 1–3pm at Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. Phone Kim Neale on 0121 445 1677, or drop by, for more details. Cost £3.50 to include a drink and cake. Central Radio Car Club meets every Friday 6.30–10pm (racing starts 7pm) at Woodrush Community High School, Shawhurst Lane, Wythall, B47 5JW.

Village What’s On Members race electric cars LMP & GT12 indoors on carpet. There is a club GT12 loan car if you would like to try your hand at racing. For more information visit www. centralcarclub.co.uk, search ‘CentralRadioCarClub’ on Facebook or call Bob Jones on 01527 870463.

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

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.

Redditch Rotary Club meets Monday lunchtimes at the Abbey Hotel, Hither Green Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE. You would be very welcome to join in. Want to be involved, hear interesting speakers, and serve your community? Want to know more? Contact Peter Williams on 01527 60277.

Alvechurch Village Society has its AGM on Mon July 15 at 7.15 pm in the Village Hall Committee Room. All welcome, particularly if you are a regular hall user.

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

COFFEE BREAK meets every Friday morning from 10.30am–12noon, in the Parish Centre behind St Andrew’s Church, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green. You will find a friendly and warm welcome – see you soon! For enquiries ring 0121 445 4278. Bromsgrove Photographic Society is a friendly, active and mutually supportive club for those interested in photography and digital imaging. The growing membership includes those with interests in both film and digital techniques, wide-ranging subjects and from highly-skilled photographers to novices. The club meets on Tuesday nights, 8–10pm at the Avoncroft Arts Centre. New members and visitors welcome. For more information, please visit www.bromsgroveps.co.uk The North Worcestershire Association of the National Trust Supporters’ Group (covering members resident in Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch), meets at 7.30pm on the 3rd Thursday each month in Tardebigge Community Hall, behind St Bartholomew’s Church. Selection of interesting talks, plus coach outings, rambles, an annual holiday and fundraising activities, with emphasis on FUN! New members always welcome; annual subscription £7.50. More details from membership secretary Betty Millward on 01527 523805 or email bettymilllward36@hotmail.co.uk Contact the Elderly aims to help isolated elderly people in the village area by offering monthly tea parties where they can reconnect or make new friends in their own community. If you know of an elderly person who could benefit, please get in touch on 07539 276054. Guests need to be

Alvechurch Sports & Social Club has a large Function Room available for hire. It has a bar, choice of two stages, plenty of seating, a dance floor and a capacity of 140. CHARITY fund raising events enjoy FREE room hire. Please book early; for more details contact the Club on 0121 445 2121, visit the Facebook page and leave a message, or email alvechurchssc2015@ hotmail.com Burcot Niddie Noddies spinning group meets on the 3rd Sat each month, 10am– 1pm at Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. Open to all crafters, not just spinners. Bring your own chair. Phone Kim Neale on 0121 445 1677, or drop by, for more details. Cost £3 to include a drink and cake. The Birmingham branch of the International Plastic Modelling Society caters to scale modellers interested in a variety of subjects including Aircraft, Vehicles, Ships, Science Fiction and Figures. All ages and abilities welcome, building anything from basic kits to complicated scratch-built models. Meetings take place at Longbridge Methodist Church in the Reception/Cafe area (1654/8 Bristol Road South, B45 9TY) usually on the 3rd Sun each month (sometimes the date is changed to avoid clashing with model shows or holiday periods). You can find more info at: www.ipmsbirmingham. blogspot.co.uk Barnt Green Parish Centre has large and medium sized lounges available for regular hire for some morning and early

afternoon sessions each week. Please contact the Parish Administrator on 0121 447 7097. Heart of England Speakers is a small, friendly, public speaking club, based in Knowle near Solihull. It is affiliated to Toastmasters International, and meets on the 1st and 3rd Tues every month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the Greswolde Hotel, Knowle. More information at www.heartspeakers.org.uk midland ancestors usually meets monthly at 7.45pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, B60 1AS. More info at www. bromsgrovebmsgh.co.uk Common thread is a friendly group of women who enjoy crafts including sewing, knitting, crochet and more, together with tea, cake and chat. For more info contact Maggie on 0121 439 9324 or Jayne on 0121 445 1113. Lickey Valley Trefoil Guild, as a branch of the Guide Association, is open to anyone over the age of 18. Make new friends, travel, explore, serve the community and help Guiding and Scouting in your area. The Guild meets at Barnt Green Scout & Guide Centre (off Blackwell Road, Barnt Green, B45 8BT) every second Weds from 7.30–9.30pm. For more info call 0121 445 3907 or 0121 445 2813 or visit www. trefoilguild.co.uk Available for hire: The Wheel community room by St Catherine’s Church, Blackwell. Suitable for groups. Quiet, enclosed garden adjacent. For details contact the church office on 0121 445 1425. Bromsgrove (1982) Probus Club provides regular opportunities for retired professionals and businessmen to meet socially and share common interests. A members’ meeting is held at Avoncroft Arts Centre on the 3rd Weds each month, 10am–12noon, including refreshments and a talk by a guest speaker. For more info visit www.bromsgroveprobus.co.uk or contact Jim on 01527 833531. 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

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continued from previous page crafts or just chat – there’s also a tuck shop! More info from Louise Edgell on 07814 122990 or lickeyphabclub@hotmail.com BEACON LADIES CLUB meets at 8pm on alternate Wednesday evenings at The Hawthorns Social Club, Rednal Hill Lane, Rednal. There is a varied programme of speakers and outings, including occasional visits to the theatre. New members of all ages welcome. £10 annual membership, plus £2 fortnightly. Please ring Barbara on 0121 445 3456 or Anita on 445 3770. COFFEE, CAKE and Chat meets from 10.30am to 12noon on the fourth Friday of the month (not August) in The Wheel at St Catherine’s Church, Blackwell. All welcome; for details, call Rodney on 0121 445 2070. The Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society meets at the Alvechurch Boat Centre, Scarfield Hill (just a few steps behind The Weighbridge pub) on an “almost monthly” basis. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, 7.45pm. There is usually a guest speaker and a raffle. Non-members are very welcome to come along. Please visit the website: www. wbdcs.org.uk Beoley Good Companions, a group for retired people, meets on the 1st Mon monthly at Beoley Village Hall to socialise and enjoy an entertainer or speaker. Membership only £7 per year plus £2 entry charge, which includes a free raffle ticket. If you are interested in joining the group, contact Secretary Ken Hawkesford on 01527 61130 or email kenhawkesford @yahoo.co.uk or beoleygood.companions @yahoo.co.uk for an application form. THE FRIENDSHIP Club of Barnt Green usually meets monthly at 2.15pm at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. On July 16, Helen Eyre presents Keyboard Memories (with participation). Visitors £3 to include tea and biscuits. For more details call Rosalind Tyler on 0121 445 0598. THE WEDNESDAY Club usually meets on the second Weds of each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club at 1.30pm, and offers the chance to make new friends, meet old ones and enjoy talks, demos and visits. Visitors £4 including tea. On July 10 it’s My Early Years and the Savoy Hotel with Bill Farnsworth. More info from Janet on 0121 447 7870 or Lis on 0121 445 3895. LICKEY HILLS Local History Society usually meets monthly at 7.30pm in the Trinity

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Centre, Old Birmingham Road, Lickey B45 8ES. Annual subscription: £15. Non members: £3 per meeting. More info from George Gascoyne, Hon Secretary on 0121 453 6320, or ccgi.lickey.plus.com Bromsgrove 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 July 15 it’s Earth to Quasars with Richard Hendey. 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 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. In July and August there are coach excursions instead of meetings. More details from Dave on 01527 873800 or Gordon on 01527 873609. KINGFISHER PROBUS Club is recruiting retired and semi-retired men to meet people in a friendly environment. Meetings are held at The Foxlydiate Arms (B97 6PX), every 2nd Thurs of the month at 11.30am. Lunch is followed by an interesting talk given by a visiting speaker. Partners/ friends welcome for walks, trips, golf, skittles and special lunches. For more info visit www.kingfisherprobusredditch.co.uk or contact Chris Bailey on 01527 835802. Bromsgrove Ladies Probus meets monthly for a light lunch with a speaker, networking and occasional outings. If you are a professional or business woman and are recently retired, or coming up to retirement and would like further info, email bromsgroveladiesprobus@gmail.com ALVECHURCH HISTORICAL Society has no meetings in July or August, but usually meets on the first Mon of the month at 7.45pm at the Museum in School Lane, Alvechurch. More details from Anne Humphries on 0121 445 5955. New members welcome. Bromsgrove & Redditch Soroptimists no longer meet at Redditch – meetings are now every 2nd Thurs of the month at Burcot Village Hall, 340 Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove B60 1BH. New members very welcome to join the lively group of women who want to make the world a better place for women and girls, as well as

having fun themselves. Book club, walking group, various workshop trips, and days out to places of interest. If you are interested, pop to the next meeting on June 13, email sibrsoroptimist@gmail.com or ring 07812 985927– members will be happy to give you more info. BROMSGROVE PHOENIX NCDS (National Council for the Divorced, Separated & Widowed) Club meets at Lickey End Working Men’s Club every Thurs from 8-11pm. For more info call Mark Waring on 01562 824057, Pam Banks on 01527 759424 or Marilyn Cornish on 01905 778636. TARDEBIGGE COMMUNITY Hall for hire: large, bright facility for functions, clubs, societies and all activities. To book call 07763 446902 or email tchbookings@gmail.com CAN YOU Hear Me? (Communication Forum) usually meets on the 3rd Wednesday each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club, Birmingham Road, from 10.30am– 12noon. Both deaf and hearing people are welcome. More details from Pat on 07966 370448. ROTARY CLUB OF LICKEY HILLS meets on Monday evenings, 7.15 for 7.30pm, at Hillscourt Conference Centre (NASUWT headquarters) on Rose Hill (B45 8RS). For details contact Graham Wiseman on 0121 460 1402. SILVER THREADS, the Alvechurch club, meets on the first Weds each month at 2pm in Alvechurch Village Hall. You’ll be sure of a welcome in this friendly atmosphere, where members can chat over a cup of tea. There are regular bingo sessions, and occasional days out. New members welcome. More info from Pat on 0121 447 8630. HOPWOOD VILLAGE Hall is available for hire: ideal for parties and gatherings. Contact Ann on 0121 447 7668 or visit www.hopwoodvillagehall.co.uk The Monday Fellowship Group meets at the Parish Centre behind St Andrew’s Church in Barnt Green at 2.30pm on the second Mon each month. £1 per talk, to include tea and biscuits. For more information, go along or ring Joyce Linford on 0121 272 4443. Woodrush RUGBY Club “Old Dogs” meet at 8pm 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

Village What’s On and the odd reminisce over a glass of beer. Join us: call Mike Betts on 07960 303254 or visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/woodrush the MACULAR Society Barnt Green Support Group usually meets on the last Fri of the month (with some exceptions) at The Parish Centre, behind St Andrew’s Church, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green, B45 8NR, 2–4pm. Friendly, self-help group, proving there is more to life than this devastating eye condition. New members always welcome. For more info, ring Wendy on 0121 445 1585 or Alan on 01527 877864.

SPORT, FITNESS & HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY: Specialist Orthopaedic, Musculoskeletal and Women’s Health. For muscle/ joint conditions, sports injuries, ante/postnatal and pelvic floor. Over 14 years’ specialist experience. Clinic appointments in Cofton Hackett. Home visits available. Call Leila on 07813 080223, email Leila.holmes@physioadvantage.co.uk or see www.physioadvantage.co.uk Woodrush Rugby: A warm friendly welcome awaits new recruits to the three Senior men’s teams (1st XV-Midlands 3 South), Colts (U180, Women (Wolverines) and Mini & Juniors (Micros U5, Mini/Junior U5/U14). Substantial investment in new floodlight pitch, training and clubhouse facilities; new extended car park. Experienced and RFU-qualified coaches at all levels to provide a safe, secure playing environment for all. The group’s rugby ambitions on the field are matched only by the social life off, so why not come and give it a TRY? Based at Icknield Street opposite the Peacock Inn, Wythall B38 0EL. Info at woodrushrfc@yahoo.co.uk, 07341 256821, www.pitchero.com/clubs/woodrush Martial Arts Class at The Ark, St Laurence Church, Alvechurch, every Tues 6.30–7.30pm. More details from Chris on 07507 696926. Cath’s Paths Walking Group meets at Barnt Green Social Club at 7pm every Weds evening (until August 28). Walks tailored to suit weather and ground conditions, appropriate footwear and clothing for active local cross country walks. Non-members welcome. Details on 07798 831618. Netball for all ages and abilities at Alvechurch Middle School. £4 per session. Back to Netball (16+) for those who haven’t played since school, includes netball skills and gameplay: Mon 7-8pm. Pay

and Play Netball (16+) who just want an hour of netball – Weds 7.30–8.30pm. Walking Netball for those who are less mobile but still want to enjoy netball at a sloweddown pace: Weds 6.30–7.30pm. More info from Pauline Knight on 07540 126814 or pauline.knight@englandnetball.co.uk Facebook: Netball in Alvechurch Pilates with Lottie Newberry: Physiotherapy-led Pilates classes every Mon evening in the function room above the Red Lion in Alvechurch. Contact Lottie on 07968 450673 or lottienewberrypilates@ hotmail.com. All abilities welcome. Redditch & Bromsgrove Company of Archers meet April–Sept on Mon 6.30pm and Fri 6.30pm at Meadow Park Football Ground (by Harris Brush Works – outdoors) and Oct–March on Weds 7.30pm and Fri 6.30pm at Studley Leisure Centre (indoors). Really friendly no-pressure club. New members always welcome (juniors from 8 years old, seniors from 18 to 80+, seasoned archers or absolute beginners). Beginners’ courses run throughout the year or taster sessions by appointment. Further info from Steve Thornton on 07811 575162 or 0121 445 5952. Redditch Ramblers is a growing, friendly and sociable group offering a full walks programme including: * A walk every Sun usually 7–9 miles * Once a month, a choice of a Sat ‘A’ walk (around 10 miles) and a Sun ‘B’ walk (about 6 miles) * Monthly Saturday Safari for a more challenging walk * Fortnightly Saturday Strollers (4–5 miles). Newcomers always welcome. In addition, the group arranges holidays, coach trips and social events through the year. Full into at redditch.ramblers@gmail. com or www.redditchramblers.org.uk 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. Slimming World at Lickey End Social Club (17 Alcester Road, B60 1JT) – come and join our warm and friendly group, every Thurs at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. More info from Tracey on 07989 105937. Physiotherapy-Led Pilates Classes on Monday mornings and Weds evenings at Cofton Hackett Village Hall. 6 lessons for £50. Mixed ability classes to improve muscle tone and posture as well as overall body strength. For full details contact Beth

on 07841 477363 or elizabethalexanderltd@gmail.com ZUMBA with LEESH! Come and SHAKE it til you make it, every Monday 7.30–8.30pm at Crown Meadow School. Contact: 07531 625939 for more information! Tai Chi: would you like to make a positive change in 2019, help to relax, have a new interest and exercise? Classes at Finstall Village Hall, Wednesdays 2pm. Calling all ROCKSTARS! Make some noise in the cardio jam session that is POUND! Every Wednesday 7.30–8.15pm at Crown Meadow School. Contact Leesh Waldron: 07531 625939. Booking required! Yoga Really Works: Yoga classes at Saint Nicolas Place, The Green at Kings Norton. Antenatal Thursdays, 6.25pm and Postnatal Fridays 11am (Stretch & Relax with baby). No Yoga experience necessary See www.yogareallyworks.co.uk for more info or Facebook /yogareallyworks BARNT GREEN Sailing Club offers regular sailing, either racing or casual sailing, in beautiful surroundings at Upper Bittell reservoir. For information contact secretary@bgsc.uk Term-Time Yoga Classes: Mondays 9.30– 10.30am, Cofton Hackett Village Hall. Classes £7.50 each with 4 weeks payable up front. Equipment provided. Please contact Sarah on 07970 072038 or hello@ themotorcyclingyogi.co.uk Briar Rose Field Archers is a field archery club based near Bromsgrove. There are two qualified coaches for those interested in taking up the sport. For information contact briarrosefieldarchers@gmail.com 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. Alvechurch Village Society’s next walk is on Fri July 12 when Nickie Thomas (07740 463509) leads the End of Season Social Walk, ending with a social gathering at The Weighbridge. Meet at Alvechurch

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continued from previous page rail station car park at 7pm. More info on the Society at www.alvechurchvs.org 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’. Barnt Green Fishing Club manages angling on the Bittell Reservoirs complex. Trout and coarse fishing are available. For further information and application forms email the Membership Secretary at bgfcmembership@outlook.com Saracen cycling Club is seeking new members. Men, ladies, beginners, and regular riders are all welcome. The longestablished club meets regularly by the Tardebigge Pub on Thurs at 10am and Sun at 9.45am. See www.saracenroadclub. com or call Ivor on 0121 453 2287. 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 Martin on 01527 857117 or Peter on 01527 558203. ALVECHURCH WALKING Buddies: join a regular local walk with like-minded people who simply want to go on a local, sedate and friendly walk with no pressure. Wellbehaved owners and their dogs are very welcome. The group meets at 10.30am every Thurs. For more info, search for ‘alvwb’ on Facebook or contact Tony on 07763 468893. 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 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

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Cricket fixtures Come and enjoy the cricket at Alvechurch & Hopwood Cricket Club: Sat June 29 – 1st XI vs Romsley Sat July 6 – 2st XI vs Wyre Foresters Sat July 13 – 1st XI vs Astwood Bank Sat July 20 – 2nd XI vs Burlingham Sat July 27 – 1st XI vs Harborne 1pm start. Bar open from 2pm – non-members welcome.

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 PILates & piloxing: (Pilates and boxing): ALL levels of fitness. Tues (Barnt Green) 7pm (Piloxing Express) and 7.30-8.30pm (Pilates Mat). Alison: 07790 916947, Facebook: ‘@AlisonBFit’, alibenford@yahoo. co.uk, www.alison-personaltrainer.com FIVE WAYS Old Edwardians’ Cricket Club at Ash Lane, Hopwood: Junior, Men’s and Women’s teams, come and join in! Open to all. Excellent facilities. Everyone welcome. Coaching for juniors on Fri evenings May to Aug. Contact Mark Tovey on 01527 835031. Mercian Nordic Walking: Walking and exercise activities outdoors at the Ryland Centre and on local walking trails. Ian Northcutt BEM and his colleagues provide instruction and lead fun, friendly groups for all levels of fitness. More info at www. merciannordicwalking.co.uk One Fit Mama: Mother & Baby Wednesdays, 9.45am at Rowney Green Village Hall. Like us on Facebook: One Fit Mama Alvechurch, Barnt Green & Wythall. Barnt Green Sports Club holds a Badminton Social Open Evening each Thurs, 8pm to 11pm (Margesson Drive,

Barnt Green, B45 8LR). No membership required. Players of all abilities welcome. More info from Nick Butcher on 0121 445 1978 or visit www.barntgreen sportsclub.co.uk Alvechurch Cricket Club Pavilion (rear of 6 Birmingham Road) is available for meetings/functions/child and adult parties. Bowling alley, pool table, table football, darts, table tennis, excellent children’s entertainer and DJ. For details/availability, contact Pete Gwilliam on 07960 550884 or petergwilliam@btconnect.com CATSHILL FC offers youth coaching sessions each Saturday morning at Catshill Middle School, Meadow Road, Catshill, B61 0JW. Boys and girls from Reception age upwards are welcome. Contact Gary on 07462 118920 or see www.catshillfc.co.uk for further info. Astwood Bank Angling Club has 8 lakes, including 2 just outside Alvechurch. Annual membership £63 adult, £48 conc, plus £10 joining fee. £10 juniors (no joining fee). Info at www.astwoodbankac. co.uk or contact Nick Powell on 07713 562495 or abac.membership@virginmedia.com BROMSGROVE & REDDITCH Badminton Club welcomes players for social and league play. Playing Sunday evenings 5.40 to 7.40pm. Details from Steve Whittaker 07805 051456. Rubery Taekwon-Do at Waseley Hills High School, Rubery on Thursdays and Bournville College, Longbridge on Fridays, with Yvonne (2nd Degree Black Belt). For more info email yvonne@rubery-tkd.co.uk or visit www.rubery-tkd.co.uk mobility session for seniors: Tues 9.30am at Alvechurch Baptist Church. Suitable for seniors who want to improve their mobility, strength and balance. Info from Hayley on 01527 881404. 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. Mixed touch every Mon from 7.30pm; open age training on Weds from 7.30pm. Juniors and “little leaguers” train each Sun from 10.30am. Masters RL is played for over-35s, with modified rules to suit different age cohorts, shown by different coloured shorts. New players always wel-

Village What’s What’s On On Village come, regardless of experience, as are any supporters to this family-orientated club. Further details at www.newravens.net Zumba Gold: Thurs 1–2pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. A fun, energetic class retaining the vibrancy of Zumba but without the impact and twisting around, to accommodate the more senior participant. More Information from Hayley on 01527 881404. AEROBICS classes at Alvechurch School, Birmingham Road, Fridays 6.30–7.30pm (Tues classes suspended until further notice). Lapsed or new members welcome. More info from Tony on 0121 445 1819. Tai Chi (Qigong) sessions in Alvechurch Village Hall on Mon 10–11am and Fri 11am–12noon. Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions. Tai Chi also takes place at Hopwood Village Hall on Tues 7pm (beginners) and 8pm (intermediate/ advanced), and Weds 10–11am. More details on 07831 743737, or see www. paintingtherainbow.co.uk for daytime classes and www.kaiming.co.uk for evening classes. 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 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

CHILDREN & FAMILIES Pol pol’s Playtime Stay and Play is open for 0–4 year olds, 10am–12noon every Mon, Wed and Thurs at Rowney Green Village Hall. Toys, bouncy castle, crafts, singing, instruments and bubbles at the end of each session. Free tea and coffee. £4 per child and £1 per sibling.

Tots Play classes at Bromsgrove Girl Guiding Centre on Tuesdays. Social Tots 9.50am; Discovery Tots 10.50am; Baby Development 11.50am. More info from lucy@ totsplay.co.uk or 07709 453 756.

ing 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.

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

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.

RHYTHM TIME: Award-winning multi-sensory, fun music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Classes in Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Lickey and Bromsgrove: see timetable at www.rhythmtime.net/vt374 or email: rhythmtimevicky@gmail.com BABY & TODDLER swimming classes with Turtle Tots: Thursdays 9.30–11.30am in Barnt Green. Teaching water confidence, key life-saving skills & stroke development. Great post-natal workout! More info: holly. wyer@turtletots.com Every Scout Group in Bromsgrove (which includes Barnt Green, Blackwell, Catshill, Finstall as well as the town centre) currently has girls and boys waiting to join, their numbers restricted by the ratio of adults to young people. A few more adults helping would enable existing leaders to open more Beaver Colonies and Cub Packs and allow more young people to experience Scouting. If you could spare a few hours, call Val on 01527 837060 or visit www.bromsgrovescouts.org.uk 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. New NCT Home Birth Support Group in Alvechurch meets Sunday evenings in the home of a volunteer. All welcome. Meet in an informal atmosphere, share concerns, get information and hear first-hand experiences. More info from Emilie on 07874 927 256 or emiliedeeringbfc@gmail.com 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, learn-

Barnt Green Preschool is at the heart of the community. Open since 1978, it offers learning through play in a nurturing, home-from-home environment. The Preschool follows the Early Years Curriculum and with regular visits to St Andrew’s School and lots of outdoor space, it’s the perfect place to prepare your child for school. It is proud of its OFSTED report (ref 205125) and offers government-funded places. Sessions run 9am-12pm and/or 12pm-3pm Mon and Weds, and 9am-1pm Tues and Thurs. For more information or to get on the waiting list call Tina on 07790 017 777. Mum’s the Word playgroup takes place every Thursday in term time 9.30–11.20am at the Ark in Alvechurch. All are welcome, no charge; tea and coffee available for parents and grandparents. Come and join in! blackwell Baby & Toddler Group runs from 10–11.30am every Weds (term-time only) at Blackwell Methodist Church Hall, Greenhill, Blackwell B60 1BL. Small group run by local mums, all welcome. Great chance to meet local families and for your child to make new friends. Any questions please call Carrie on 07985 539983 or find the group on Facebook. Bromsgrove NCT Bumps and Babies Group now meets every Thursday, 10–11.30am at David Lloyd Fitness Centre, Slideslow Drive, B60 1GJ. The group is free and anyone is welcome, including toddler siblings. Contact Claire and Karen at bromsgrove@nct.org.uk Rowney Green Pre-school offers learning through play for children from two years to school age, Tues–Thurs 9am–2pm, term-time only. More info from Rosemary: 07836 770468 or Geraldine: 07725 553894. Lickey Baby & Toddler Group meets on Mon and Thurs mornings 9.30–11.30am, term time only. Have a hot drink while your children play in Lickey Trinity Centre

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

continued from previous page (Parish Hall), Old Birmingham Road. For more information call Caroline on 07511 660727, email caroline_rebecca@hotmail. co.uk or find ‘Lickey Baby & Toddler Group’ on Facebook. Lickey End Playgroup runs Toddlers, PreSchool and Rising Stars sessions at Lickey End Methodist Church, B60 1JX. More information on 07791 851382 or at www.lickeyendplaygroup.co.uk MENTOR LINK is seeking volunteer mentors to support children and young people in local schools – full training given. The charity is particularly seeking male mentors to work with boys for an hour a week, although female volunteers are also welcome. Anyone interested should be a good listener, patient and enjoy working with children and young people. If you can spare an hour or two a week, and you are able to commit to a minimum of six months volunteering, call Claire on 07973 572768, email Claire.Quinn@mentorlink. org.uk or for more info see www.mentorlink.org.uk The National Childbirth Trust is now running antenatal courses in Alvechurch. 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 New Road Parents Support for parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans children meets monthly in Aston Fields. A confidential, voluntary, small support group for parents by parents. Individual meetings can be arranged with another parent if preferred. Close links with FFLAG. Visit www. newroad parents.org, email evansmargar@ gmail.com or call Maggie on 01527 832492 for details.

games & COMPETITIONS BROMSGROVE BRIDGE Clubs: The Amphlett Bridge Club meets at the Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove, on Mon evenings. New members welcome, helpful guidance available and parking

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is excellent. Contact Alistair on 07814 393416. Shirley and Wythall Chess Club meets at Wythall Community Association in Silver Street, Wythall, B47 6LZ, every Thurs from 7.30pm. The club has four teams playing in competitive leagues. Friendly atmosphere. New players are most welcome, either just turn up or contact Barry Knee on 01564 826250 for details. The ALVECHURCH Templars Wargames Club meets most Monday evenings from 6.30pm at the Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. Visit (or join) the ‘Alvechurch Templars’ Facebook page for details or e-mail Karl Farrell at bluenostrils@outlook.com A WHIST DRIVE takes place every Weds from 7.15–9.30pm at Buckley’s Green Community Centre, Alvechurch (B48 7NG). The friendly group welcomes new members. £2 entry, includes raffle ticket and prizes. 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. Monday Bridge Club at Barnt Green Friends Meeting House would like to welcome a few new members – contact the organiser, Des Clarke, on 0121 453 3034. A “TEXAS HOLD EM” poker tournament will be held on the first Saturday each month in the lounge at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. Registration from 7pm for an 8pm start. Further info from Karl Farrell on 0121 445 4616 or bluenostrils@outlook.com The Friday Bridge Club plays friendly, competitive, duplicate bridge at the comfortable Burcot Village Hall. New members and visitors are very welcome. Play starts at the new time of 7pm. For further details phone Gill on 01527 401019. Bromsgrove Bridge Club meets at the Life After Stroke Centre, Church Lane, Bromsgrove each Tues – play commences 7.30pm; doors close at 7.25pm. Table money (to include coffee/tea and biscuits) £3 for members, £4 for visitors, who are always welcome. The club operates a host system, which means a partner is guaranteed. Contact the Secretary, Sally Flood on 01527 832468.

BINGO every Wednesday and Sunday evening at the Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. First games start at 8.30pm in the lounge. Non-members welcome, phone 0121 445 2121 for more info. A QUIZ takes place every Thursday from 8.30–10.30 pm at Bridley Moor & Batchley Social Club, Bridley Moor Road, Batchley B97 6HS. £1 to enter; all money to the winning team. There is also stand-up bingo with a prize. For more info call quizmaster Dave on 07815 456178. “managed” duplicate bridge sessions are run by Anne Glendenning and Eugene Elijah every Tues (1pm prompt start) at Burcot Village Hall, Alcester Road (B4096) – perfect for emerging players. Entry £3.50 covers session, some tuition and refreshments. Info from Anne on 01527 882169 or Eugene on 01527 871255 or 1944@ hotmail.co.uk 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’. 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. Barnt Green Duplicate Bridge Club meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall each Weds afternoon and would like new members – contact Liz on 07538 092296. A popular weekly quiz takes place each Thursday at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club and follows the normal format. Doors open at 8pm. Organise a team, or just turn up and join a team. All welcome. 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

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

Village What’s On 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, as they did at the Picnic in the Park on May 26. Next meeting is July 10 at 7.30pm; for details, or to ask about commissioning a poem, ring Mary on 0121 445 5957. All About The Sew holds fun and sociable sewing workshops at Alvechurch Village Hall. For more details call Lorna on 07963 734756 or visit www.allaboutthesew.com 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 4453212 or Rita on 01527 545973. Art & Soul Creative – artist and potter offering tutored art and pottery activities in Alvechurch. All abilities welcome. Call Marina on 0121 445 0655, email artand soulcreative.org@gmail.com or visit www. artandsoulcreative.org Alvechurch Readers Group now meets in the library on the last Tuesday of the month from 2pm until 3.30pm. New members always welcome. Please ring the Hub on 01905 822722 and ask for Alvechurch Library or pop into the library on the Birmingham Road. Alvechurch Art Group meets at the Baptist Hall (rear of church) every Tues from 1–3.30pm, using all mediums except oil. All welcome, especially beginners. Friendly tuition. Call Paul on 0121 445 5437 or drop in. Barnt Green Art Club runs a morning and afternoon tutored session on Fridays at The Friends Meeting House in Barnt Green. There is a waiting list for both sessions. Call Jackie on 0121 445 4745. Burcot Woodturning Club offers a friendly meeting place for woodturners of all abilities and experience. A varied pro-

LOVE YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY! Love your Library Day is on Tues July 23, with fun events for the whole family. First there’s a talk from author Mark Lowery from 9.30–10.30am, suitable for all ages. Mark will bring lots of fun, games and silliness, with plenty of tips and hints about writing. Then from 11am–12.30pm there’s a Comic Strip Story Workshop for children aged 6–12 years. Using a jam doughnut as a stimulus, get a whole bunch of wacky ideas to work on a structured, illustrated story. A Creative Writing Workshop for adults and teens runs from 2.15–4.15pm, again with Mark Lowery. Using the quote “Begin on the day when everything is different,” you will focus on building an exciting opening that drags the reader in. The individual stories will be collated to celebrate the library. Suitable for writers, budding writers, enthusiastic amateurs and people who just want to have a go. Will the next J K Rowling be discovered? Will this event sow the seeds for a new writers’ group in the village? Either way it promises to be a lovely afternoon with like-minded people. Everyone has a story and our stories all have something in common  –  we all start from nothing, so come and give it a go. gramme 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 Bromsgrove Art Society usually meets on the 3rd Weds each month (except Jan and Aug) at Burcot Village Hall, 340 Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove, B60 1BH, at 7.30pm. Entry £1 for members and £4 for non-members. Visitors welcome. For more info email lyndasharp2010@yahoo.com or visit www.bromsgroveartsociety.org.uk ALVECHURCH Library is available to host day and short courses such as card-making or scrapbooking. If you have a skill to teach or share, call 01905 822722. 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

To help with planning these events, please pop into the library to book your space. There is no charge but there will be a doughnut sale! l This year’s Summer Reading Challenge

(launching on Sat June 29) has the theme “Space Chase”, with lots of brilliant new books and great advice on what to read next. It’s an effective way to encourage children to read, and there are lots of events too, so check out the Facebook page or pop in for more information. Children aged 12 and under can join in the challenge and collect stickers and rewards until they’ve read six (or more) library books, when they’ll be invited to the grand medal ceremony in October. l Spanish tutor Patrick is taking a short

break but will start back on Fri Aug 9, 10am–12 noon. This ongoing class has a few spaces available so email Patrick at vdlt52@hotmail.co.uk or call 07708 027372 to see if the level the class is being taught at would allow you to join in. 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. THE “CRAFTY Ladies” craft group meets every Monday morning in Alvechurch Library from 10am–1pm, with knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting etc. More info on 01905 822722. Avoncroft Arts Society at Avoncroft Arts Centre (Redditch Road, Bromsgrove B60 4JR), runs tutored/ non-tutored classes in Art, Textiles, Ceramics, Embroidery and Dance. Contact Alyson or Joyce on 01527 833829 or avoncroftarts@ btconnect.com LICKEY HILLS ART SOCIETY, a friendly bunch of artists and those interested in art, meet at Longbridge Methodist Church, Bristol Road, B45 9TY, on the first Sat each month at 7.30pm. Open to artists and non-artists alike. For more info call Graham on 0121 453 7097 or come along – the members would love to see you.

GARDENS & FLOWERS Rowney Green Flower Club usually meets on the 4th Thurs of the month at

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Village What’s On Rowney Green Village Hall at 7.30pm. All arrangements are raffled at the end. Guests very welcome; £3 including refreshments. More info from Felicity on 0121 445 2371. Dodford Gardening Club meets on the 2nd Monday each month (except August) usually in Dodford Village Hall at 7.45pm. New members and visitors welcome. More info at www.dodford gardeningclub.co.uk or call Penny on 07706 153618. WYCHBOLD FLOWER Club meets nearly every 2nd Tues of the month (unless there’s an outing) at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Hall, WR9 7PN. The varied programme includes demos, workshops, garden visits and garden party, and there’s also a plant stall and raffle. Visitors welcome – just £4 to include refreshments. More info from Barbara on 01299 851282. ROWNEY GREEN Horticultural Society has arranged a visit to Wollerton Old Hall Gardens on Weds July 10. There are still a few places available; the cost of £22 includes entry to the gardens, coach and gratuities. Full details from Marian Barwell on 07889 147861. The Main Show is on Sat Aug 31, for which the Schedule is available on www. rowneygreenhorticultural.co.uk, so take a look and decide how many entries you’d like to make. Pick up a copy at Alvechurch Post Office, Alvechurch Library and at Oasis florists in Barnt Green. For more info contact Lindsay Smith on 01527 592874. Rosehill Flower Arrangement Society meets at The Trinity Centre (Lickey Parish Hall) Old Birmingham Road, B45 8EU, on the second Monday each month (except January). Refreshments served before each meeting. Meetings start at 2pm. For further info please call Diana on 01527 870549 or Belinda on 0121 447 7477, or visit www.tcandsw.org.uk/rosehill/html Solihull & District Orchid Society meets on the 1st Sat each month at St George & St Teresa’s Parish Centre, Station Road, Dorridge B39 8EZ. New members and visitors welcome, and members are always willing to offer help or advice. For more info or advice call Malcolm Moodie on 01295 788159 or see www.solihullorchidsociety.org Burcot Gardening Club meets on the first Weds each month at Burcot Village

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Poetry and cake in the library You might recognise her from the Nationwide adverts: now, as part of Bromsgrove Festival, award-winning poet Jo Bell comes to Bromsgrove Library on Thurs July 18 at 2pm in an event called The Currency of Kindness: Poetry and Cake at Bromsgrove Library! Jo will read her work, including extracts from her Radio 4 docupoem, Slow Machine, and, especially for the afternoon, some previously unheard new poems. Jo is an entertaining speaker who lives on a narrowboat and writes about her life on boats, and her career as an archaeologist. Her global workshop, the 52 project, brought Pic/ Lee Allen

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Hall. Meetings start at 7.30pm. New members and visitors very welcome. For more info call Jenny or Brian on 01527 522109. Fun Flower Arranging/Floristry Classes and Workshops. Thurs evenings at The Ark, St Laurence Church, Alvechurch. Contact Claire for more information on 07564 339157. Website: www.clairewm.wixsite. com/floralcreations BROMSGROVE FLOWER Club meets on the 3rd Thurs each month at 2.15pm (except Jan) in All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B61 1AF. Visitors always welcome to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with tea and biscuits – you’ll receive a warm welcome and may even be lucky enough to win one of the arrangements. For more info contact Wendy Robertson on 01905 480571. THE NORTH Worcestershire Fuchsia Society meets on the 2nd Weds each month at Bromsgrove Sports & Social Club, 7.45pm. Info from Stewart on 01527 877662.

HELP & ADVICE Divorced/separated and having trouble seeing your children? Being excluded from their lives? The Association for Shared Parenting has been helping mums and dads deal with the family court system and problems over contact and residence for over 20 years. Walk-in support workshops on the first Thurs each month at 7.30pm in Selly Oak (serving the Bromsgrove/Redditch area). Visit www.associationforsharedparenting.org.uk

hundreds of poets together to write in a “virtual village”. Jo’s how-to books, including How to Be a Poet and 52: Write a Poem A Week are bestsellers. The event is free and is organised in conjunction with the library by WORDS, the Bromsgrove group which promotes interest in the written and spoken word. For more information on WORDS visit www.bromsgrovewords.com, or follow WORDS on Twitter @ bromsgrovewords You can follow Jo Bell at @jo_bell REDDITCH & BROMSGROVE Advanced Motorist Group are a local charity committed to helping drivers of all ages improve their driving skills. They meet at 7.30pm on the third Weds each month in Beoley Village Hall. Info from Geoff Poole on 07707 054757 or secretary@redditcham. org.uk The Library Service at Home provides free delivery of books to people in their own homes. If you are housebound or unable to visit the library then please call Alvechurch Library on 01905 822722 to find out how they can provide you with brilliant reads. 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.

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES 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 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 FINSTALL CROSS WI meets at Finstall Village Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. For more info see www. finstallcrosswi.wordpress.com or email finstallcrosswi@gmail.com Bromsgrove Belles WI meets on the second Monday each month at The Life After Stroke Centre, Church Lane, Bromsgrove, B61 8RA at 7.30pm. For more info, contact President Carla Priddon at carlapriddon@aol.com BEOLEY WI meets on the first Tuesday of each month in Beoley Village Hall at 7.30pm. For more info please contact Georgia Jacobs on 01527 62766. Lickey WI meets on the first Tues of every month at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall (Trinity Centre), Old Birmingham Road, Lickey.

More info from President Janet Ratcliffe on 0121 445 0163 or see www.LickeyWI. Wordpress.com RUBERY WI meets at Beacon Church Centre, Whetty Lane, on the second Wednesday each month at 7.30pm. More info from Judie Fisher on 07810 765314. Bentley Pauncefoot WI meets at 7.30pm on the second Tues every month at Bentley Village Hall. More info from Vivien Mackenzie on 0121 445 1245. Barnt Green WI meets at the Baptist Church in Barnt Green on the third Thurs each month, from 7.30–9.30pm. More info from Alyson Williams on 0121 445 6577. Hopwood WI meets at Hopwood Village Hall on the first Thurs of the month at 7.30pm. For more info call Ann Thurrell on 0121 447 7668. ALVECHURCH WI meets on the second Monday each month in Alvechurch Village Hall, at 7.30pm. For more information email President Julie Hurlston on presidentalvechurchwi@gmail.com

ARK ANGELs WI meets on the second Monday each month from 7.30pm at the Ark, Alvechurch. For more info email ark.angels@hotmail.com Finstall & Cofton Hackett WI meets on the first Monday of the month at Finstall Village Hall at 2pm. For more info call President Val Wheeler on 01527 874518. Hillside at ALVECHURCH WI meets at 7.45 pm on the first Weds each month at The Ark, Alvechurch. For more info call Pat McDonagh on 0121 628 4121. Blackwell & BURCOT WI meets at Burcot Village Hall on the second Weds each month, at 2pm. For info call President Mrs Barbara Knight on 0121 445 3456.

To have your event or group listed here, send details to Sally Oldaker via the addresses on Page 3, by July 16.

Village Baking

Easy no-bake cheesecake

T

his cheesecake is so easy I’m not sure it counts as baking, but if you need a dessert for a crowd that showcases our beautiful British raspberries, it will do nicely. The biscuit base is made of a 50/50 digestive and amaretti mix. The flavour is deliciously almond-y and works well with the fresh raspberries and the sharp lemon in the topping. If you don’t like almonds, use a full digestive base. For the cheese, I use a mix of ricotta and mascarpone, but normal cream cheese works fine. The quantities below make a large cheesecake; you can easily slice it into twelve. If this is too large, simply halve the quantities and use a smaller tin. Ingredients for the base: l 200g melted butter l 200g crushed amaretti biscuits l 200g crushed digestive biscuits

Keen baker Jen Morris, of Rowney Green, makes a fruity treat.

Ingredients for the topping: l 600g full fat cream cheese l 2 tins condensed milk l Juice of 2 lemons l Fresh British raspberries, to decorate Method: 1) Line the base of a 23cm springform tin with non-stick baking parchment. 2) Crush and combine the two types of biscuit, then add the melted butter and stir together. 3) Tip the mixture into the tin, even the surface and press down so that it compacts into a firm base. I use the back of a large spoon, but I have seen people use the base of a pint glass! 4) Refrigerate the base.

5) Put the cream cheese and condensed milk into a bowl and whisk together by hand. Add the lemon juice and continue to whisk by hand, and you will feel the mixture thicken as it combines. 6) Pour the cheesecake topping on to the base and put back in the fridge, for a few hours or overnight if possible. 7) When the cheesecake is set, spring the tin open and slide the cheesecake on to a plate or stand. Decorate the top with the raspberries. The Village

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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

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