TheVillage November 2018
villageonline.co.uk
NEWS & FEATURES from Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Blackwell, Burcot Cofton Hackett, Finstall, Hopwood, Bordesley, Rowney Green, Lickey Lickey End, Marlbrook, The Oakalls . . . and everywhere in between!
inside
TheVillage
Issue 195 November 2018
Bringing you village life for more than 20 years
Coffee and Cake Page 12
Navigate the Maze Page 16
Editorial: Editor: Sally Oldaker Publisher: Richard Peach The Limes Alvechurch Worcestershire B48 7RR
History in the Hills Page 37
Tel: 0121 445 6757 email: news@villageonline.co.uk
To advertise in TheVillage
Church Cup Runs End Page 39
Call Louise Robinson:
Dates available: December 14, 15, 21, 22 Price: £29.95 per person (includes Meal & Disco ‘til late) Special Deal: Bed & Breakfast for party guests at £29.50 per person
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT MENU 2018 STARTERS Parsnip, Celery & Apple Soup (v) (gf) or Prawn & Smoked Salmon Cocktail, Bloody Mary Sauce (gf) or Ham Hock Terrine, Piccalilli and Mixed Leaves *** FROM THE CARVERY Roast Worcestershire (Wythall) Turkey with all the trimmings or Roast Herefordshire Topside of Beef served with Yorkshire Pudding or Roast Leg of Staffordshire Pork with Apple Sauce VEGETARIAN OPTION Wild Mushroom, Pea & Cheese Risotto Cakes, Dressed Rocket Leaves, Sticky Fig Relish (v) (vgo) (gfo) Chef’s selection of Seasonal Vegetables & Potatoes
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.
BOOK YOUR CHRISTMAS PARTY NOW AT HILLSCOURT
Mild Season So Far Page 40
*** DESSERT Dark Chocolate & Orange Delice (gfo) (vgo) or Fresh Fruit Salad, Greek Yogurt & Basil Sugar (gf) (vgo) or Selection of Cheese & Biscuits with Grapes & Chutney *** Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea & Chocolates (v) – vegetarian, (gf) – gluten free, (vgo) – vegan option, (gfo) –gluten-free option
Autumn Delights Pages 50–53
Cover: Poppy lanterns for Remembrance, made by villagers at The Lounge (see Page 6)
For enquiries and bookings, contact the Conference & Banqueting Office Tel: 0121 457 6100 Email: info@hillscourt.co.uk
Village News Alvechurch resident Peter McHugh, who for many years has looked after the small garden behind the dentists’ practice as well as the hedge across the road from the Chinese takeaway, would like to pass on both jobs to a willing volunteer. Peter, a former parish councillor, decided to tidy up the garden in 2009, constructing pathways and planting various flowers. “I never asked permission, but nobody told me to stop!” he recalls. The garden later became a memorial to village teacher Pete Rippington (“Mr Rip”), who was killed in a school coach crash in France in 2012. Now aged 82, Peter would like to hand over to someone else “as I am starting to feel my age.” If you can help, get in touch via The Village.
Time to have your say
V
illagers now have only a few weeks left to have their say on the future development of Bromsgrove district. Bromsgrove District Council is holding a public consultation on the review of its Bromsgrove District Plan, which it says will “provide a long term vision and strategy to meet the future needs for homes and employment across the District.” The council is asking for feedback
on which issues are most important to residents, which can then be used to develop new policies before the Plan is adopted, probably in 2021. The eight-week consultation, called “Issues and Options”, runs until midnight on Monday November 19. Residents can make comments on such issues as housing, employment, transport, social Infrastructure, natural and historic environment, and climate change.
Don’t wait, it’s ‘on the list’ Barnt Green councillor Charlie Hotham has launched a campaign for clearer information on when work is to be completed by Worcestershire County Council. Coun Hotham, who is an independent county councillor, said: “There is a blanket phrase at Worcestershire County Council . . . ‘It is on the list’.” Speaking to Alvechurch parish councillors, he said that when he first started on the county council, he thought, “well, that means it is going to happen.
“But all you get when it hasn’t happened and you chase it up is: ‘It is still on the list’. “It is a hopeless situation,” he added. “It is not acceptable. We need a timetable: It will be done in two weeks, one month, six months two years even five years.” At least people would then know what was going to happen, Coun Hotham said. He added: “It is in no way a reflection on our county council highways officer, who I believe is one of the best.”
Although the review does not present new planning policies or allocate sites for development, the Plan must ensure “at the very least” that the full housing requirement up to 2030 can be delivered, as well as potentially taking some of the West Midlands housing shortfall – therefore it is expected that there will be some development in the Green Belt. Strategic Planning Officer Matt Stanczyszyn told Blackwell councillors and residents that “at this stage everything is on the table”. Strategic Planning Manager Mike Dunphy added that while people may not like the idea of more houses, “It’s better to be part of the process than to stick your head in the sand”. Because this Plan will affect the District for so many years to come, it’s vitally important that the council hears detailed responses from as many residents as possible – see Page 16 for our guide on how to get involved. Council representatives are holding a series of events to provide more information – a list of these, can also be found on Pages 11 and 16. The Village View: Page 21
The Village
November 2018
5
Village News
Villages ready to light up
P
lans for Christmas celebrations are well under way across the Village area, starting with the Lights Switch-On in the centre of Alvechurch on Friday November 30. Santa will flick the switch at 5.30, and there will be carols from Alvechurch Community Choir. The Lounge will be open for refreshments, and villagers can then make their way to the Baptist Church for the opening of the Christmas Tree Festival with mulled wine and more carols. The Festival runs until December 4, with trees decorated by village groups (see page 62 for the timetable of activities). Alvechurch is also running a best shop window competition, plus a best-dressed house contest – judging takes place on December 13. Barnt Green’s switch-on event takes place on Saturday December 1 from 4pm. There will be music from Cats Chorus Choir, dancing by Star Project, and appearances from the Town Crier, Santa and Mrs Santa. The countdown to the switch-on starts at 5pm, and the winner of the best shop window competition will be declared. Lickey’s Christmas concert is on Sunday December 2 at Holy Trinity Church at 4pm, with Father Christmas to switch on the tree lights. Blackwell’s tree at The Wheel will be lit on Friday December 7 at 5.45pm, after the school fair. Barnt Green’s annual Wassail Walk is on Thursday December 27 – more details next month.
Suits you! Steve Ianson, the new men’s captain of Kings Norton Golf Club, Alvechurch, is helped into his official jacket by club chairman Bob Cashmore. Steve has lived in Rowney Green with wife Sandra, also a Kings Norton golfer, since they moved from Barnt Green 20 years ago. He has chosen Breast Cancer Care as his charity for fundraising during his time as captain. Bob, of Alvechurch, himself a former captain, welcomed Steve to his new role and also highlighted a number of changes at the club, including the appointment of a new course manager and new caterer.
Poppy jar project As featured on our cover, Alvechurch WI and Youth at the Lounge have been working together to make poppy lanterns for use on Remembrance Day. The lanterns are made from empty jars which are either painted or have paper tissue poppies attached to them. Organisers say the idea of getting older women together with young people was a great success.
6
The Village
November 2018
Councillor’s warning on speed signs
Lickey & Blackwell residents have been warned not to take the law into their own hands by erecting homemade road signs. County and district councillor Kit Taylor told a parish council meeting that “non-legal speed signs” had appeared in various places, and that if an accident occurred, those responsible for the signs could be in trouble. “Even a sign saying ‘Slow Down’ is not legal unless it is put there by Highways,” he said. Coun Taylor also reminded villagers that placing signs on lamposts could count as flyposting.
Bathrooms
l
Kitchens
l
Bedrooms
l
Tiles
Village News
‘No’ signal to signs plea Barnt Green Parish Council will continue to press West Midlands Trains for improved signage at the village railway station after a “disappointing” response to their initial request. After being asked to provide timetable screens for platform 1 and an extra ticket machine to save people having to dash between platforms, WMT told the council: “We currently have no plans to install an electronic information screen on platform 1. . . due to the frequency of the service being as low as it is at present. We also have no plans to relocate the
ticket vending machine for the same reasons and no plans to install another. We will continue to monitor patronage of services from platforms 1 and 2 at Barnt Green and assess options as necessary in future.” Parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley described the response as “disgraceful”. He added, “People parking in the new car park on Fiery Hill would access the station at platform 1. We definitely need more signs, even if it’s only a board telling people where they can view the timetable.” Coun Cholmondeley has also given feedback to Worcestershire County
Council’s Bus Scrutiny Task Group, pointing out that there are large gaps in services between Worcester, Bromsgrove and Barnt Green. n A “workshop” meeting is to be held this month between WMT, Network Rail, and Alvechurch, Bromsgrove and Worcestershire councils to look at the problem of Alvechurch station car park. Parish councillor Marc Worrall said one idea under discussion was for the car park to be “taken on” by the county council, which would carry out the required improvements before it was returned to WMT.
Interest grows in veg project
following the success of its vegetable planter in Tanyard Lane car park, Incredible Edible Alvechurch will create a second village installation, this time with raised beds and fruit bushes in the precinct flower bed. The owners of the precinct, The Bernard Piggott Trust, are supporting the scheme. The group is seeking green-fingered souls who could help plan, plant and maintain the project. Help will also be required for construction of the beds. If you could spare a few hours every other week starting in spring 2019, email timreading76@googlemail. com or call in to Gin & Pickles or The Lounge and leave your details. “This is a really exciting venture we can all feel excited about,” says organiser Tim Reading. ”Fruit, vegetables and herbs sustain our bodies and help re-connect our communities on our journey back to optimal health, and a world of peaceful prosperity for all.” More information at www.incredibleedible.org.uk, or ’Incredible Edible Alvechurch’ on Facebook. Comments, concerns and ideas are welcome.
8
The Village
November 2018
Quality Name In Bathrooms
Jacques Bathrooms have been creating people’s dreams since 1979, carrying out the complete design and installation. NO SUBCONTRACTORS
2362 Stratford Road, Hockley Heath, Solihull, West Midlands B94 6QT 2 miles off Junction 4, M42 (A4300)
Tel: 01564 785 065 Fax: 01564 785 479 Email: enquiries@designerbathrooms.net
Visit our new website: www.designerbathrooms.net
villeroy & boch hansgrohe majestic jacuzzi ©
Village News
Police in call for photos of poor parking
Cross wins ale award THE CROSS Inn at Finstall has been declared Summer 2018 Pub of the Season by the Redditch and Bromsgrove branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA). The pub only re-opened in April after being taken over by Black Country Ales, and was praised
for its range of well-kept ales and friendly atmosphere. Above: Licensee Ryan Carr (centre) with Gez Quinn (chair of Redditch & Bromsgrove CAMRA), Ryan’s partner Daisy Duggins, 155Tom mm deputy manager Brown and senior staff member Chloe Keys.
Villagers are being urged to help police reduce the scourge of dangerous parking around schools at drop-off and pick-up times. For “Operation Lollipop” police want people to take a photo and send it to them if they see vehicles parked in a “dangerous or inconsiderate manner which could pose a risk to children, vulnerable people or other road users”. Inspector Gareth Keyte added: “With new technology there are a number of different ways of tackling this type of offending, and digital images and footage provide good evidence when resolving parking incidents on roads outside schools.” Email pictures of offending vehicles, showing their registration number, to: OperationLollipop@westmercia.pnn. police.uk
Bromsgrove District Council Planning and Regeneration
Bromsgrove District Plan Review - Issues and Options Consultation
HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE FUTURE PLANNING OF YOUR DISTRICT The Council is reviewing the Bromsgrove District Plan. The District Plan will provide a long term vision and strategy to meet the future development needs across the District. We are at the early stages in preparing the District Plan Review and consultation is a key part of how we prepare planning policies. It is important for everyone to have the opportunity to get involved and have their say in local issues that affect or interest them.
How to Get Involved The first stage of the consultation will be seeking your views on the Issues & Options that you feel need addressing for the plan. The consultation will take place for 8 weeks from the 24th September 2018 to the 19th November 2018. If you have not had a chance to get involved in the consultation yet, we will be running a series of drop in sessions at the following locations as well as a number of parish council sessions, details of which can be found by visiting; http://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/districtplan Bromsgrove District Council Planning and Regeneration, Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire B61 8DA
Date
27th October 2018 29th October 2018 29th October 2018 29th October 2018 30th October 2018 31st October 2018 1st November 2018 2nd November 2018 3rd November 2018 5th November 2018 7th November 2018 10th November 2018 12th November 2018 12th November 2018 13th November 2018
Location
Barnt Green Baptist Church, Bittel Road, B45 8LU Catshill Library, The Community Room, Catshill Middle School, Meadow Road, B61 0JW Belbroughton Parish Council, The Jubilee Room, Belbroughton Recreation Centre, DY9 9TJ Dodford and Grafton Parish Council Meeting, Dodford Village Hall, B61 9DD Bromsgrove Market, High Street, Bromsgrove Bromsgrove Leisure Centre, Slideslow Drive, B60 1AY Bromsgrove Library, Parkside, Market Street, B61 8DA Rubery Library, 7 Library Way, Rubery, B45 9JS Wythall Library, Woodrush Community Hub, Shawhurst lane, Hollywood, B47 5JW Stoke Prior parish Council, Avoncroft Arts Centre, Redditch Road, B60 4JR Parkside Suite, Market Street, B61 8DA (Access Via the Main Entrance) Alvechurch Library, Birmingham Road, Alvechurch, B48 7TA Alvechurch Parish Council Meeting, Hopwood Community Centre, B48 7TL Britannia Room, Wythall Community Association, Silver Street, B47 6LZ Tutnall & Cobley Parish Council, Community Hall, Tardebigge, B60 3AH
JOB NO. BDC/WETH 975 (A)
The Village
Time
10am-12am
9.15am-12.15pm 5.30pm-7pm 7pm-8pm 10am-3pm 10am-3pm 10am-3pm 10am-3pm 10am-1pm & 2pm-4pm 7.30pm-8.30pm 8.30am-8pm 10am-1pm & 2-4pm 7pm-8pm 2pm-8pm 6.30pm-7.30pm
November 2018
11
Village News
Coffee and cake for charity
crown meadow First School in Alvechurch combined its Harvest Festival with a coffee morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support, raising £1,185. Parents and friends were invited to enjoy refresh-
ments and musical entertainment from the children. Above: Headteacher Sally Athey with staff members Dot Peters, Carol Hart (with a cake she made), Laura Reed, and Year 3 pupils.
Alvechurch youngster Finnley Siembab raised funds for Macmillan by holding a cake sale for the second year running. The Crown Meadow pupil, who wanted to help fund cancer research in memory of his great-grandparents, was helped by three of his school friends and raised £340.85 – beating last year’s figure.
We really do spray anything – your imagination is our inspiration! Come along and visit us on any Saturday between 9am and 5pm to view our workshop and showroom, and see our finishes first-hand.
Unit 23 Silver Birches Business Park, Aston Road, Bromsgrove B60 3EU
Tel: 01527 877129 or 01527 558166 12
The Village
November 2018
image interiors Kitchens
l
Bedrooms
l
Bathrooms
Image Interiors are appointed stockists for Laura Ashley, Symphony, Neff Master Partner, and Crown Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms Visit our showroom for a free plan and quotation
Visit our showroom at Aston Fields Industrial Estate, Sherwood Road, Bromsgrove B60 3DR
www.image-interiors.co.uk
Call for a FREE Design Consultation 01527
576565
Village News
Blackwell
residents have expressed concerns about large lorries using Linthurst Newtown to deliver construction materials to Wadderton on Greenhill. District Councillor Kit Taylor told parish councillors that “enforcement” has been sent to check it out, and that anyone who spots a six-toeight-wheeler lorry using that route should contact him directly.
Barnt
Green Parish Council has decided to launch Smart Water in the village. Under the scheme, it is proposed residents will be given a special solution with which to mark their possessions before registering them with police. In the event of a theft, the items can be tracked. Councillors will soon be knocking on doors to ask villagers to sign up.
A ‘police
pop-up” event in Barnt Green saw villagers share concerns with local officers, parish councillors heard. Some residents reported that a village farmer was allowing deer shooting on his land, despite a public footpath running through it.
A new
defibrillator has been installed at Barnt Green Social Club, funded entirely through donations organised by villager Trevor Harris (below, with club trustee Ian Rawlings). The money was raised via individuals and groups, a golf day, a charity auction, a grant from the parish council and some old-fashioned bucket rattling. Ian said: “Having this available to the whole community and close to popular venues will hopefully save a life.” In an emergency, you should ring 999 and give the operator the code shown on the defib safe.
A poppy
could be the centrepiece decoration on a new wrought iron overhead barrier for the gates to The Meadows playing fields in Alvechurch. Parish councillors are to decide on the idea after they ruled out a previous “bird of paradise” design.
Comments
on “social” media have prompted Alvechurch Parish Council to spend £450 on a risk assessment of the whole of The Meadows. Coun Adrian Smith, who abstained from the otherwise unanimous vote, said: “I’m surprised you are so willing to spend taxpayers’ money on something like this.”
14
The Village
November 2018
c o m e a n d C e l e b r at e t h e f e s t i v e s e a s o n at We now supply alc ohol u Lice nsed from Nov 1
Quiz Night
Vintage Night Friday December 14
Friday November 9
with quiz master John Darby (as seen on Eggheads) 7.30pm–11pm u 2 courses £19.95 including coffee & quiz entrance Fabulous prizes to be won!
An evening of vintage Christmas classics by the Bluebird Belles u Starts 7.30pm u 3 courses £29.95
Festive Afternoon Tea
Carols By Candlelight Christmas Feast
Nov 26 to Dec 22
£14.95 pp or upgrade to a Prosecco Afternoon Tea for £19.95 pp u Available Monday to Saturday 12–3pm u Booking essential
Friday 21st December
u
Angelic Voices Christmas Carols and Lunch
u
3 courses £24.95
includes coffee & Belgian chocolates
Christmas Fayre Menu
Nov 26 to Dec 21 u
with the ‘Arrow vale Choir’
Saturday December 15
12 -2pm u 3 Courses £19.95 pp u £9.95 per child (under 10) including Coffee & Mince Pies Booking essential
Starts 7.30pm
Mon-Fri u 12-3pm 3 courses £19.95 pp including coffee and mince pies Booking essential
u
Singletons Nurseries
Christmas Day Menu u
Available Midday to 2pm
5 Courses including coffee & mince pies £74.95 pp u £37.50 per child (under 12) u Booking Essential
S I N G L E T O N S N U R S E R I E S : tel 0121 457 9977
T H E P O T T I N G S H E D : tel 0121 453 1562
600 B ir m ingh a m R d, Ly di ate Ash , B ro m sgro v e B 61 0 H T
w w w.thepottingshed. ca f e
Village News Focus
How to navigate planning maze The Village guides you through the readathon that is the Bromsgrove District Plan Review Issues & Options consultation.
T
he Issues & Options consultation being held by Bromsgrove District Council (BDC) runs until November 19, and if you want to have your say then you’d better start soon, as it’s a mammoth task. The Village thought the process would take the form of an online questionnaire with boxes to tick on how strongly you agreed or disagreed with various statements or policies. However, this is not the case – you will need to read and understand a lot of information before responding. It took your Editor two hours to get through the two main documents and jot down responses, and a further hour to type these up properly.
What you need to read
The main documents are the Issues and Options Consultation Document and the Green Belt Purpose Assessment Methodology, which between them contain about 90 questions. For a better overview, you also need to look at the Site Selection Methodology (which explains how potential development sites would be assessed), the Sustainability Appraisal Report (the likely social, economic and environmental effects), the Sustainability Scoping Report (addressing key sustainability issues) and the Policy Review Table (how development would conform to the National Planning Policy Framework), although there are no specific questions in these. If you’re reasonably computer-literate, you can view all the documents online or download them as PDFs to read on screen. If you’d prefer a paper copy (by far the easiest option, as you could then underline certain sections, make notes or fold down pages to help you remember which bits are
16
The Village
most relevant to you), there are copies available in the locations below – but unfortunately these can only be read in situ as there are not enough for people to take away (the council says this is due to cost, which is not surprising given that it would take a forest’s-worth of paper to print out). BDC have told us that some parish councils have copies which could be loaned to residents. l Bromsgrove District Council (Customer Service Centre), Parkside, Market St, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA l Bromsgrove Library, Parkside, Market Street, B61 8DA l Alvechurch Library, Birmingham Road, Alvechurch, B48 7TA l Barnt Green Parish Council, 80 Hewell Road, B45 8NF l Wythall Library, May Lane, Hollywood, B47 5PD
How to respond
BDC says it prefers residents to respond via the official comments form on its website, although The Village was surprised to learn that people are expected to fill in and submit one form per question. . . meaning that, if you wished to answer most or all
November 2018
of the questions, you’d have to send a form up to 90 times. Ditto if you’re planning to download, print out and fill in the paper version. If this seems like a lot of effort, you could instead choose to include all your responses within one long email – remembering to specify to which question each answer pertains (this is what The Village chose to do). If you are using the online form, it’s a good idea to type your responses somewhere else first, save them and then paste them in, in case the BDC website crashes while you’re in the middle of typing (as it is wont to do!) Online form: www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/districtplan Email: strategicplanning@ bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk Post: Strategic Planning, Bromsgrove District Council, Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA
More information
BDC is holding events where people can ask questions or talk to officers: l Weds Oct 31, 10am–3pm Bromsgrove Leisure Centre, B60 1AY l Thurs Nov 1, 10am–3pm Bromsgrove Library, B61 8DA l Sat Nov 3, 10am–1pm, 2–4pm Wythall Library, B47 5JW l Weds Nov 7, 8.30am–8pm Bromsgrove District Council, Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove B61 8DA l Sat Nov 10, 10am–1pm, 2–4pm Alvechurch Library, B48 7TA l Mon Nov 12, 3–8pm Wythall Community Association, Silver Street, B47 6LZ l Tues Nov 13, 7.20pm Tutnall and Cobley Parish Council, Tardebigge Community Hall, B60 3AH
Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council News Newsletter Autumn 2018
or “Slow” on lamp posts etc as this could be viewed as flyposting which is an offence under the Highways Act 1980, section 132(1). Wheelie bin stickers to remind motorists of the 30mph limit and to slow down are available to residents of the parish free of charge from the parish council office.
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN
The responses to this summer’s consultation from residents, interested organisations and developers have been analysed and will be sent to Bromsgrove District Council for comments. The NDP must comply with the District Local Plan and a six weeks’ consultation period is required to test this. Once this is completed the final draft Plan will be sent to the examiner, appointed by the district council.
BROMSGROVE LOCAL PLAN REVIEW: HAVE YOUR SAY
In early October planning officer Claire Holmes, a member of our NDP steering group, made a presentation to residents and councillors on the Issues and Options consultation, which runs until 19th November. This is the start of a Local Plan review and Green Belt review, a lengthy process. Responses can be made online at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/council/policy-andstrategy/consultations.aspx
christmas
This year’s theme for our Christmas competition is “Lighting Up the Village” and we are asking our first/ primary school children to design a street lamp illumination, which could be made into a parish council Christmas card, or to write a poem. The age categories are 5 years and under or 6 years and older for Blackwell First School, and years 1 and 2, 3 and 4, and 5 and 6 for Lickey Hills Primary. The closing date for entries to be received by form teachers is
new lengthsman Friday 19th November. The prize giving at Blackwell will take place at The Wheel after the school Christmas Fair on Friday 7th December at 5.30pm, and at Lickey within the concert at Lickey Church at 4pm on Sunday 2nd December. Father Christmas has been invited to switch on the tree lights.
TRAFFIC SPEEDS
Coun Kit Taylor attended our last parish council meeting, where speeding was discussed. Speed monitoring cables have been in place in Lickey Rock as residents have expressed concerns about cars exceeding the 30mph limit. Residents are pursuing their request for measures to be taken to reduce speeding; they hope that Coun Shirley Webb will be supportive when the monitoring data is available. The parish council proposes placing a speed indicating sign in the area to encourage motorists to slow down. The parish council would also like to monitor speeds on Mearse Lane and Twatling Road. Unfortunately, Coun Taylor was not able to indicate when the speed survey equipment would be available. He has urged residents not to stick signs, for example “30mph”
national tree week
To celebrate National Tree Week, from 24th November to 2nd December, our tree warden, Sue Tibbits, has arranged a competition for children in the parish. Entrants are asked to draw or paint a picture of their favourite tree. Entries should be on A4 paper and arrive at the parish council office before 23rd November. There are three age categories: 4-7 years, 7-10 years and 10-13 years. The prize will include a tree planted in your honour. GOOD LUCK!
The parish council is pleased to report that Simon Skeys, our temporary lengthsman, has been appointed to the role on a permanent basis.
wadderton site, greenhill
Coun Kit Taylor expressed concerns over the tipping of soil and other material on the Wadderton site in Blackwell. Many residents have contacted him and the parish council regarding the state of the roads because of huge lorries carrying the material, as well as their worries regarding the nature of its use on site. We are liaising with Bromsgrove District Council Planning Department on this issue. Residents who notice these lorries or who have concerns are requested to contact the parish council or Coun Taylor directly.
AROUND THE PARISH
On Sunday 11th November, Blackwell Scouts and Cubs will parade from the Scout Hut to St Catherine’s Church for a service of remembrance, starting at 3pm and lasting about 45 minutes. Everyone is most welcome to join us in the church. Wrap up warm because after the service we will gather outside to read the names of the fallen from Blackwell and hold a minute’s silence. l We currently require a new volunteer footpath warden– please contact EO if you are interested in the post and wish to find out more. l
CONTACT US
Birch tree in High House Wood Pic/ Keith Woolford
The parish council office at the Trinity Centre, 411 Old Birmingham Road, Lickey is open on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10.30am–3.30pm. Lisa Winterbourn, our executive officer, may be contacted on eo@lickey andblackwellpc.org or 07930 837770. Much more council and NDP information may be found at www.lickeyand blackwellpc.org or www.facebook. com/lickeyandblackwellcouncil
The views and opinions on this page are those of Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council.
Village News
Unitary idea gets hearing
An initiative to get councillors to debate their own demise will be heard this month. Coun Charlie Hotham, who is an independent parish, district and county councillor, has proposed that the district council discusses the idea of abolishing Worcestershire County Council and the six district and city councils in the county, to be replaced with one or two “unitary” councils. Bromsgrove ran out of time to debate the motion last month, but it will be at the top of the list at the full council meeting on November 21. Corn Hotham told Alvechurch Parish Council the county’s finances were “slowly running off the rails”. He added: “I can’t see how they are going to get out of this situation unless there is a massive U-turn by the Government; it comes back to the idea of a unitary authority.”
DIY and friendship
Older men who experience loneliness or isolation in retirement can meet new friends and learn new skills thanks to an Age UK scheme. Based on an Australian idea, Men in Sheds offers a place where men (or women) can get together to work on DIY projects or furniture reclamation and enjoy some community spirit. The Bromsgrove group has been operating since 2016 and meets at
the Metal & Ores Industrial Estate in Stoke Prior. The group was featured on BBC Midlands Today this autumn, and the members have recently been modelling for a 2019 Bromsgrove Men In Sheds calendar. Find out more by contacting Jo Hughes at Age UK on 01527 568855, or visit www.ageuk.org. uk and follow the links to Men In Sheds.
Work for a 4-Star Best Employer in Care Local work that really gives back
We need kind-hearted, committed individuals to work on a part-time basis. You will enjoy: u Regular, ongoing clients with whom you can build relationships u Minimum of one-hour visits, so you can really care u Working with like-minded individuals, for a company that really cares Call 01564 741 620 to learn more, or visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/rb
The Village
November 2018
19
Barnt Green Parish Council News NEWSLETTER autumn 2018
During the year, one (and only one so far) brave resident told us she did not approve of the parish council spending her money on the tiered planters at either end of Hewell Road. “Too much plastic.” While we don’t particularly want to hear complaints, we would very much like to hear how the parish council’s funds should be spent. We shall be finalising the budget in January, so now is the time to let us know what you want!
PLANNING MATTERS
By the time you read this, the District Council will have held their consultation event in Barnt Green village on the Issues and Options element of the District Plan. This will help the planning officers to identify the issues that are important to local people. The district-wide consultation period ends on 19th November, so if you missed the event in Barnt Green you will find details of similar events and venues at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/districtplan
elections 2019
PICTURES OF BARNT GREEN
Twelve pictures from the parish council’s archive have been selected to feature in a “Then and Now” calendar for 2019, on sale from It’s a Gift in the village centre. A donation from sales will go to two local charities – the Where Next Association which provides work experience and training for people with learning disabilities who grow and plant the flowers for the village centre planters, and Barnt Green Day Care which provides, on one day a week, fellowship and friendship, a hot home-cooked meal, activities, fun and laughter for loved ones.
sTATE OF THE ROADS
At last we are happy to report that Sandhills Lane, Bittell Lane and adjacent junctions have been resurfaced. These roads have now gone from dire straits to “tyre greats” and the drivers’ trials of the last five years, dodging potholes and wobbling cyclists, will soon be forgotten. Although hopefully not to the extent of exceeding the speed limit now that it is possible to go faster than 20 mph.
environment
At this time of year we receive reports of leaves on the ground, covering the pavements and creating an unsightly mess. It happens every year and tends to be worse after lots of rain and wind. What could be the cause of this phenomenon? While we ponder on that conundrum, the valiant Place Team from Bromsgrove District Council, wield their sweepers and attempt to make inroads on the havoc. However, if you don’t want to wait for the team
to visit then no one would object to you having a go at clearing the leaves along your own stretch of pavement. We know of one resident who does just that and would like to thank him for taking the time to improve his local environment. More please!
community walk
This year’s Community Walk took place on a wet, rainy September Saturday afternoon. Numbers attending were consequently lower than in the past. However, all those attending appeared to be enjoying themselves on either the eight-mile, the five-mile or the three-mile walk. Thank you to everyone who turned up. We will be hosting a Wassail Walk on 27th December and welcome everyone wishing to burn off a bit of Christmas pudding – watch out for more details on the parish noticeboards and website next month.
FINANCES
The parish council’s annual audit has been completed without any fuss. The internal auditor was satisfied, and the external auditor provided an unqualified audit. Despite notices stating that the accounts and books were available for public inspection, no one took the opportunity to take a peek. So far, so boring! It would be so much more encouraging if we knew the council-tax-paying parish resident (this would go for all parishes, not just Barnt Green) was aware of where their money is being spent, and whether they approve of that expenditure.
If you have ever thought about standing for office but not sure if you have the political inclination, parish councils are the ideal place to start. In Barnt Green we do not operate along party political lines, which means that in the absence of any party whip, individual council members can instead concentrate on doing what they think is best for residents, visitors, local businesses and the environment. Parish councillors are elected every four years, and the next opportunity to stand will be on Thursday 2nd May 2019. Why not give it a go? Information will be available early next year online and from the parish council office and Bromsgrove District Council’s elections team.
christmas lights
Make a date for your diary: the Christmas lights will be lit on Saturday 1st December at 5pm. The shops will be joining in with the season’s revelries and there will be entertainments in the village centre from 4pm including Father Christmas, the Town Crier, Cats Chorus, the Star Project and a few other surprises. Come along to join in the singing, sample the goods on offer from our local tradesfolk and marvel at the twinkling lights.
Contact us
The BGPC office at 80 Hewell Road, B45 8NF is open Monday–Thursday mornings from 10am to 1pm, and on Thursday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. Alternatively you can call us on 0121 447 9893 or 07410 906282, or email exec@barntgreen.org.uk or bgexec12@ gmail.com Find more council information at www.barntgreen.org.uk
The views and opinions on this page are those of Barnt Green Parish Council.
Village VillageViews Views
Too many councils for Dear Editor – With Worcestershire County Council recently announcing a £17.9 million projected overspend in their current year budget, and the six district or city councils within the county, including Bromsgrove Council, clearly also under financial constraints, surely it is now an appropriate time to revisit the potential financial and other benefits of the whole of Worcestershire being governed by either one or two unitary authorities. Since 1995, nationally, at least 55 unitary authorities have been formed, as councils seek to become more efficient. In 2016 a report commissioned by the County Councils Network, based on an assessment of data across 27 two-tier authorities in England, showed that replacing them with one unitary authority each could save £2.4bn – £2.9bn nationally, and up to £106m in every county. At the next meeting of Bromsgrove District Council on November 21, Independent District Councillor for Barnt Green and Hopwood Charlie Hotham has the following motion before the council: “BDC will actively engage, through a cross party working group, with the county and other district councils to assess the feasibility and benefit of the formation of one or two unitary authorities for the whole of Worcestershire.” If any Bromsgrove constituents believe that there should at least be such an investigation into the feasibility of any potential benefits of a move to unitary governance, I would urge them to directly contact their own district councillor ahead of the November council meeting, asking
Have your say . . . about anything! 22
The Village
November 2018
their councillor to support the motion before them. Peter Rowbottom Hagley
Be bike-friendly
Dear Editor – Thank you to Howard Allen for his excellent letter, “Politicians are too car-centric”, which appeared in the October edition of The Village. It is a well-thought-out analysis of the car problem in Alvechurch and contains some very good suggestions. Our local councillors would be well advised to use it as a blueprint to bring about improvements. As a cyclist, I would welcome any initiatives to get people out of their cars and on to their bikes (or feet). Most people already have bikes gathering dust in their sheds. Why not use them and in no time you’ll notice significant health benefits. The more of us there are on the roads, the more others will be attracted to joining in,
and car drivers be more accommodating. Thanks also to David Barton for his letter, “Despair over speeding”. I would favour a 30mph limit for the length of Radford Road, which is a favourite route for runners and cyclists, especially on weekends. Motorists in a hurry can always speed along the motorway. Christine Swainson Alvechurch
Double vision
Dear Editor – It’s good that The Village magazine highlights and has always supported the Alvechurch Parish Neighbourhood Plan. But in the article “The Housebuilders’ Neighbourhood Plan” in your October edition, I believe there may be some confusion. In paragraph 4, you say: ”Doubling the size of a settlement should be planned very carefully with an overarching vision to improve the lives of
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 November 16.
the coffers
present and future villagers (or townies!)” You then go on to say in the opening to the next paragraph: “That is the aim of Alvechurch Parish Neighbourhood Plan (APNP) . . . ” I am concerned that some readers may be under the impression that this is actually the aim of the APNP, although I’m sure that was not your intention. Such proposed enlargements to our village are wholly the wish of developers, many of whom are champing at the bit right now on hearing of the imminent Green Belt and Bromsgrove Local Plan review. It is definitely not the wish of the APNP to double anything, it is in fact; to meet our future local housing need as stipulated in the policies of the APNP and of those, to which we must comply, in the Bromsgrove District Council Local Plan. The actual wording of the aim and vision of the APNP is: “Alvechurch 2030 – where managed change and celebration of its rural character combine in a community made better by design.” Doubling is a game for bridge card players, not the APNP! Adrian Smith Chairman of APNP Steering Group The Editor writes: The article last month highlighted the pressure on Alvechurch parish from housebuilders, demonstrated by their responses to the draft APNP, and pointed out that such submissions “show the importance of villagers getting behind the APNP process”.
Where’s Vinny?
nine-year-old Ruby Liversidge, 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 . . .
I
f you think Brexit is a never-ending nightmare, then a foray into town planning might just tip you over the edge. By the time a local plan is adopted, it is already out of date and, in any case, they’ve been working on the next one for the past two years or more anyway. You may, then, be relieved that the public aren’t often asked to get involved – even though the decisions that are made now on your behalf will affect you, your children and your children’s children for many years to come. There has been a mood swing over the past decade at the planning authority that covers the whole of the Village area. The ruling councillors and the officers at Bromsgrove, once staunch defenders of the Green Belt, now seem to have bought into the idea that it needs to be built upon and they are looking at places where they can allow this to happen. We don’t know who is leading whom at the council on this; we are told it is what central Government is demanding, yet the Government repeatedly says the Green Belt is sacrosanct and that so-called “brownfield land” in urban areas should be built on first. We believe the housebuilding industry is behind the move to build on “easy” and very profitable sites in the Green Belt rather than difficult and not-so profitable sites in urban areas – and that too little is being done to push back against their very powerful lobbying. When the so-called “Barntchurch” report came out earlier this year, officers told us it was just a “desktop” study, yet they had to consider it as a “thorough evidence base”. To us it looked like a softening-up exercise in the race to bulldoze the Green Belt so housebuilders can rake in vast profits. This may leave you unmoved; perhaps you want to see 15,000 homes or more built on the fields between Alvechurch and Barnt Green, as well as across other swathes of the Green Belt around our area. But if it leaves you feeling just a little bit cross, there is a chance, of sorts, to have your say over the next couple of weeks. The obliquely named “Issues and Options” public consultation on the Bromsgrove development plan wants to hear from you. While it may seem to some to be a “box-ticking” exercise by Bromsgrove, you can at least register your views of how you (yes, you, not the housebuilders) would like the area to look in the future. As our Editor discovered (see page 16 for her guide) it requires some persistence – and it could be argued that a large number of people without the computer skills or equipment have been denied the chance to have their say – but for those of you who can, don’t miss this chance to stamp your foot and be heard. The Village
November 2018
23
20 Years Ago 10 Years Ago From TheVillage archive
BACK IN November 1998, our secondever issue had an autumnal cover, with the A4 size allowing room to trail some of the stories inside. We’d listened to readers’ feedback and enlarged the news and entertainment sections.
From TheVillage archive
our NOVEMber 2008 cover showed an autumn sunset over Bromsgrove taken from Blackwell by Andrew Roland, who explained how he used a computer technique to give his photographs the quality of a painting.
September 2013 – the diggers arrive
September 2013 – the diggers arrive
IN THE NEWS: Village police told Alvechurch parish councillors they had “clocked” one of them speeding, but didn’t reveal who it was! Meanwhile, Bordesley residents were still fighting for a bypass. And after some confusion in Blackwell, where letters had been picked off road signs by children, the parish council was to install new signs with non-removable letters.
IN THE NEWS: There were fears that almost 6,000 new homes could spread across “Bordesley Park” to help accommodate Redditch’s housing quota, after a new study was published by planning consultants. Meanwhile, police had relaunched Operation Cofton – which had led to a number of arrests in May 2008 – after a new spate of burglaries in Cofton Hackett and Barnt Green.
a SITE of natural interest in Cofton Hackett had been brought under the control of the parish council (including Coun Mike Gallagher, above) to ensure its survival. Muriel’s Marsh, named after its previous owner, had been untouched for many years but was home to many wild animals.
village mp Julie Kirkbride joined Lickey & Blackwell parish councillors and volunteers at the launch of an initiative to create a record of habitat, species and archaeology in the parish. Poet-in-residence Spoz performed a poem written for the occasion.
barnt Green GP Stuart Jones had won a national award for his work in treating depression. This was presented in a London ceremony by “agony aunt” Claire Rayner.
24
The Village
November 2018
aLVECHURCH ex-soldier Ron Jones had recorded his memoirs in a book called My River Of Life, encouraged by his friends in the village Ex-Services Association. It detailed stories from his youth, his Army exploits during World War II and beyond, and his family life afterwards.
Village Business
Advertisement feature
A SEAMLESS SERVICE S
ince setting up in business last year, Seamless Chauffeur has attracted plenty of customers – so much so that the firm has been able to expand and offer some additional services. The idea of hiring a chauffeur-driven vehicle for a seamless, stress-free journey has proved popular for everything from business trips to airport runs to special nights out – and this is reflected in the fact that the firm only has five-star reviews. “We’ve been awarded a place on a Business Growth Course through Aston University Business School,” says founder Paul Phillips, who grew up in Barnt Green. “Staff numbers are up and I now have four regular drivers, as well as supporting an increasing amount of PAs with trusted travel solutions for senior business leaders.” As well as luxurious Mercedes vehicles, Paul has now introduced some cost-effective options such as the Hyundai i40 estate car for up to four passengers, and a business class people carrier with seven seats and a large boot space. Based near Birmingham Airport but covering the whole of the UK, Seamless Chauffeur also offers mini bus and mini coach travel, plus a driver-only option that’s ideal for activities such as shooting. Whichever vehicle you choose, a key part of the service is its reliability, trustworthiness and discretion.
Julie
Paul spent 15 years as a police officer with West Midlands Police., and working with him at Seamless are two more former officers, Paul and Pete, both of whom retired from the firearms department. Each is an advanced driver and first aid trained. Pete was a member of the Diplomatic Close Protection team, offering armed protective services to member of the royal family, state figures and VIPs. Seamless Chauffeur is particularly suitable for corporate travel and client entertainment, with vehicles equipped for a high level of comfort as well as wi-fi, charging points and the latest traffic information to help avoid delays. It’s well worth considering using Seamless Chauffeur if you are looking to travel in and out of London or late
in the evening – prices are surprisingly competitive when considering recent increases in train tickets. The vehicles offer a private working environment to continue vital business communication. The company also caters for sporting events and is already taking bookings for Royal Ascot. The people carriers have room for seven passengers and enough luggage space for the most intrepid traveller, so they are ideal for moving people and luggage to the air or sea port. Seamless Chauffeur is currently arranging transport for some large wedding parties. Owner Paul says “We are busy helping families plan transport for summer 2019 weddings – this includes coaches, people carriers and a vintage Rolls-Royce.” Tel: 07984 578699 info@seamlesschauffeur.co.uk www.seamlesschauffeur.co.uk Facebook: Seamless Chauffeur
The Village
November 2018
25
Village Events
Finstall Cross WI
Village show success Plenty of visitors enjoyed the flowers, produce, crafts, stalls and games at a sunny Finstall Show. Photos by Simon Woolford
Trophy winners Mason Bateman (above) and Karl Jones.
Above: Gill Hughes, Will Taylor, Paul Glover (treasurer), Mike Male, Wendy Molloy and Rosemarie Ryan (chair).
26
The Village
November 2018
Village Health
Advertisement feature
Enjoy a Christmas drink W
ould you like a Christmas to remember? Alcohol specialist Julie Ward can help you to enjoy drinking this season without going over the top. Julie runs ACT Alcohol, based in Bromsgrove. Her service provides one-to-one sessions to teach individuals how to gain control over their drinking. “Don’t binge your way through the party season – enjoy it instead!” says Julie. “Have a laugh with your family and friends but stay in control. Know your limits and know how to stop. We can teach you. “Many of us struggle to keep our alcohol levels down… after all, it is a drug and that’s the nature of the beast! It’s all too easy to put it off for another time.
“More often than not you find yourself drinking more. How did that happen!? It happens to a lot of us, but it’s what you do about it that makes the difference.” Julie has developed an exciting new approach to cutting down, called “The Personal Formula”. “When you understand your own personal formula then long-term control is achievable. The key is to
learn simple rules and strategies for yourself that when applied guarantee immediate results. It’s not difficult to learn, it doesn’t take very long and it will be the best thing you ever did!” Julie is offering free 30-minute introductory “PERSONAL FORMULA” sessions at the Bromsgrove office. Either Julie (far left) or Louise (left) will introduce you to the formula and how it will work for you. Text “PERSONAL FORMULA” to 07434 286826 and one of the team will respond immediately, or call 01527 878162 to book an appointment. Find more information by visiting www.actalcohol.co.uk or searching ‘ACT Alcohol‘ on Facebook .
Physiotherapy & Acupuncture Clinic I have a special interest in Women’s Health Physiotherapy and Acupuncture of all kinds, so I can help you if you: u Are male or female and suffer with painful musculoskel-
etal problems such as shoulder and back problems, or want help to manage stress and anxiety – why not try acupuncture as a treatment option? u Are pregnant and suffering with low back pain or pelvic girdle pain u Are female and have problems with continence or pelvic organ prolapse u Are female and have problems with pelvic pain u Have had a baby and want help to restore your body back to full strength 15% discount off treatments booked in November and December – so book now to start your journey to recovery before the year ends!
Tel: 07432 333 259 www.pinkzebraphysio.co.uk steph@pinkzebraphysio.co.uk The Village
November 2018
27
Village History
Advertisement feature Left: The new boards are unveiled by Bombardier Roberts’ daughter-in-law Ruth and former woodsmen Chris Reynold and Bill Busby, who worked in the Park in the 1960s and contributed information about buildings demolished in the 1980s.
Photo/ Simon Woolford
Below: Jill Harvey of LHLHS shows visitors the gun butts.
War history in the hills Photo/ Keith Woolford
T
he final year of World War I was centre stage when the Lickey Hills Local History Society and the Lickey Hills Society held their annual Open Weekend at the Lickey Hills Country Park. Four new information boards were unveiled, offering an insight into how important this area was to the war effort. Erected by the Country Park’s volunteer group, Habitat Heroes, and positioned near the Visitor Centre, they depict the Bilberry Hill Gun Proof Range as it would have been during the latter months of 1918. The layout of the quarry and the procedure for the testing the Howitzer Guns has been illustrated by local
Lickey resident Sally Montgomery wonders if any readers can shed light on this post card, which was found by her cousin among some family memorabilia. Showing an image of the Lickey Monument, it was writ-
28
The Village
November 2018
graphic designer Simon Woolford. Another board reveals the history of Bombardier Hudson Roberts, who was stationed at the site and played an important role in the testing. The exhibition held In the School Room, itself a WWI building, displayed details of the men recorded on local war memorials, local aspects of the Spanish flu epidemic and the changes in suffrage, as well as some of the area’s lost churches. The society welcomed a record number of visitors during the weekend and around a hundred people went on guided walks around the World War I and II sites on the Hills, led by Steve Hinton, Head Ranger.
ten in 1905 by someone signing themselves “M.G.” and addressed to Miss Sarah E Rowney of 44 Norman Road, Northfield. If anyone has any information on who the recipient or sender might have been, get in touch!
Village People
Bridge bonanza 1st Lickey Cub Scouts created a special petition in the form of a mannequin as part of the Scout Association’s “A Million Hands Sticking Up for Mental Health” Campaign. Each cub signed a plaster on the mannequin to show that mental health requires treatment, just like physical injury. It was then sent to village MP Sajid Javid, who said he had hung it in his Westminster office.
Bridge players in Barnt Green raised £1,000 for Bromsgrove’s Primrose Hospice with a Café Bridge tournament plus a raffle with prizes donated by local businesses. The 32 participants spent the day moving around village venues including the Barnt Green Inn. Sue Froggatt and Jan Weston, visiting from Edgbaston Bridge Club, were declared the
winners, despite never having played café bridge before – their entry was a birthday gift from Sue to Jan. Below: Mike Vetch (scorer), Sue Froggatt, Richard Jephcott (tournament director), Jan Weston, Barbara Griffiths (Bromsgrove Bridge Club treasurer), Keith Collins (Bromsgrove Bridge Club chair), Mike Willoughby (director).
Free initial consultation Services from concept to full project management Using a team of local expert trades to produce a stunning, unique design Experienced interior designer for l New build furniture staging l Period style homes l Business refurbishments
CONCEPT
l
SOLUTION
l
DESIGN
l
INSTALLATION
Contact Jennifer on 07977 330011 or jennifer@jennifersuzanne.co.uk
QUALITY FLOORING. . . AT AFFORDABLE PRICES
Find Us on Facebook: Transform Flooring
Tel: 0121 457 8561 Mobile: 07712 62 63 42 Email: transformflooring@outlook.com
Address: 226 New Road, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9JH
Oakalls Village
A tribute to Tom T
Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.
he disappearance of Tom Jones in Worcester in the early hours of Wednesday September 19 resulted in an unprecedented response from the Oakalls community – and beyond. Eighteenyear-old Tom was a resident of The Oakalls before moving to Worcester on September 16 to embark on a university degree course, studying to become a primary school teacher. After an extensive search by police and hundreds of volunteers, Tom’s body was recovered from the River Severn on the afternoon of September 28. People from across The Oakalls and Parklands paid tribute to the teenager at a candlelit vigil on Sunday September 30, held near the noticeboard on Royal Worcester Crescent / Trianon Road. An estimated turnout of more than 300 was testament to the strong community spirit that exists on the estate and which has been further strengthened by the tragic loss of one of its young residents. More than 200 local people also visited St Godwald’s Church on the following Monday and Wednesday evenings, when the church was specially opened for those who wanted time for quiet reflection and to light a candle in Tom’s memory. Coun Caroline Spencer, who has actively supported The Oakalls for many years, stated that she was very touched by how the community had come together to show their sincere love and sadness. Please contact me with your news, views and concerns about any aspect of life on the estate. Email: oakalls@villageonline.co.uk
DIARY DATE - CHRISTMAS ON THE OAKALLS This year’s community festive gathering takes place on Sunday December 23 at 6.30pm, on the open grassed area by the notice board and Trianon Road. The Blackwell Concert Band will be
accompanying the carol singing and there will be refreshments available to buy and sweets for the children. Father Christmas will be making an appearance ahead of the big day. The Village
November 2018
31
Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks and taps l
l
Installed by local skilled tradesman
l
UK manufactured products
Village Directory
The Village Directory To get your business or service noticed, call Louise on 0121 445 6757
garage wanted
Deborah Glover GHR Affil., Dip. Clin. Hyp.
One-to-one therapy for all aspects of women’s physical and mental health and well-being
Call 07866 564 724 or 0121 537 7958 or visit www.lickeyhillshypnotherapy.co.uk
To store classic car n Buy or rent Call: 07725 058821
Cross’d Paws
Hounds and Furries Professional dog walking and cat sitting services All areas Tel: Helena Cross 07887 624595 Email hjc2525@gmail.com
ANDY HOPKINS AUTO SERVICE AND REPAIRS
Local, reliable service with 40 years’ experience
Servicing, Repairs, MOTs, Exhausts, Tyres, Diagnostics Red Lion St, Alvechurch B48 7LF (at rear of Red Lion Garage)
Call 07799 858937 The Perfect Family Christmas Gift HOT TUBS & SPAS
from Villeroy & Boch available in time for Christmas delivery Pools & Gardens Ltd Walkmills Farm,A38 Wychbold Nr Droitwich, Worcs.WR9 0DH 01527 861321 or 861597
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
www.poolsandgardens.co.uk
Contact Jackie Grant on 0121 448 3348 jackie@windmill-hill-care.co.uk www.windmill-hill-care.co.uk
Village Directory 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
C & M DECORATORS
PROPERTY SOLUTIONS
FATHER & SON u Interior & Exterior u 32 Years’ Experience u Free Quotes u Fully Insured
ALL MAINTENANCE WORK CARRIED OUT
Based in Lickey End, Bromsgrove
NO JOB TOO SMALL
u PLUMBING u KITCHEN REPAIRS u BATHROOM REFURBISHMENT u FURNITURE ASSEMBLY / SHELVING
Tel: 01527 576136 or 07850 380162
TEL: 07880 946456 CTB alarms ltd Your local alarm company
• Alarm Installations • Alarm repairs • Alarm system servicing • Upgrade/Modernisation of alarms 24/7 response • 25+ years experience
Texecom & Honeywell approved
t: 0121 445 2865
Company reg number: 06164927
e: sales@ctbalarms.co.uk w: www.ctbalarms.co.uk
Poppins Home & Office Cleaning Services special offers on all services in autumn!
D.J.SCRIVEN ROOFING CONTRACTOR DAVID JAMES SCRIVEN - ROOFER
TILE / SLATE / LEAD / TRADITIONAL ROOFING NO JOB TOO SMALL - FREE QUOTATIONS 160 SIR HILTONS ROAD, BIRMINGHAM B31 3NW
TEL: 0121 291 9452
07845 268 841 07841 684 547
Email: scrivenroofing@gmail.com Facebook: DJScriven Roofing Contractor
Poppins offers One-Off, End-of-Tenancy and Regular Cleans, Oven & Carpet Cleaning, Painting & Gardening. We also provide Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Tailoring with a Pick-up and Drop-off service available
BASED AT THE LAUNDERETTE IN ALVECHURCH Office: 0121 445 0544 www.poppinsservices.com Mobile: 07891 899837 info@poppinsservices.com 1b George Road, Alvechurch B48 1PB FULLY INSURED Member of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce
Recommended
Mike Nash - Qualified - Local - Friendly Mobile Computer Engineer – will visit your Home or Office n Virus & Spyware Removal n Wireless Broadband Set Up/Repair n All Computer Hardware Repair n Laptop Screen Replacement
Tel: 0121 445 2065 helpme@ontrackcomputers.co.uk
www.ontrackcomputers.co.uk
80 Hewell Rd, Barnt Green, B45 8NF
Kevin Smith ksinstallations@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 0121 445 5636 Mobile: 07813 188806
l l l l l l l
Plumbing & Heating Services Boiler Replacement Bathrooms Service & Repair Pipework Design & Installation Domestic, Commercial & Industrial
Worcester boiler accredited installer
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
u
Based in Lickey
u
Fixed fees
Tel: 0121 445 5874 info@suejendenassociates.co.uk www.suejendenassociates.co.uk
This firm complies with the IPW Code of Conduct
COUNTRY LIFE PEST CONTROL LTD “keeping you and your family safe from those little critters” Beautiful Interior Doors Supplied and Installed
Please visit the only door showroom in Redditch.
Family Owned Business RSPH Level 2 – Fully Qualified l Member of the BPCA l Fast Friendly Service l Competitive Prices l
l
Call Martyn on 07496 750071
Unit 6, Britten House, The Old Needle Works, Britten Street, Redditch B97 6HD
www.acsinteriordoors.co.uk
Call us on 07592 303104 or 07910 289565
traditional Joinery & furniture makers
Can’t get what you want?
Specialist in Aga–Rayburn appliances Boiler replacements and full heating systems installed We service gas, oil and L.P.G appliances as well as offering new and reconditioned Aga and Rayburn cookers Let us give your existing Aga a new lease of life with full or part re-enamelling and replacing of tired and worn-out parts
Contact us on 01562 752659 or 07770 698073 najonesplumbingandheating@gmail.com www.najonesplumbingandheating.co.uk
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
Tel: 0121 447 8017
www.robertsbespokejoinery.co.uk
Village Directory
n n n n n n
Plumbing Plastering Tiling Carpentry Vinyl/Laminate Fitting Fully Insured
Phil Newton
FRIENDLY FAMILY BUSINESS
7 days a week
t. 0800 310 2720 m. 07900 925 651
w. www.newtonbathrooms.co.uk e. sales@newtonbathrooms.co.uk
l
24 hours a day
l
Fully insured
Free boxes, bubble wrap, tape and a packing service
l
www.moveit-removals.com Freephone 0800 7734189
Tel: 01527 893250 Mob: 07973 358392
T.S. Electrical Domestic & Commercial Property/Landlord Inspections Full & Part Rewires l Fuse Board Replacements Alarms Fitted l PAT Testing l Part P Certified
01564 823882 / 07974 829794 Lilley Green Road, Alvechurch
A.S. PAINTING & DECORATING For all your decorating needs contact Alan on 07730 477564
Cleanliness Assured l Free Quotes Roofing, Floors, Kitchens, Doors, 1st & 2nd Fix New Build, Extensions & Refurbishment Domestic, Commercial and Schoolwork CRB Checked & Fully Insured Shop Fronts & Glazing Dependable & Quality Service
Contact Paul on 07961 342304 / 0121 445 6236
e-mail:lickeycarpentry@hotmail.co.uk www.lickeycarpentry.co.uk 15 Cofton Lake Road, Birmingham B45 8PL
& HETAS Stove Installer l l l l
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
LOGS FOR SALE Superdry hardwood logs:
large builder’s bag £75 Mixed hardwood: large builder’s bag
£65, or 2 bags for £110 Free delivery within 10-mile radius
Tel: 07973 216283
PAUL GRANT PLUMBING & HEATING 4 Boiler replacements 4 Up to ten years’ warranty on selected boilers 4 Boiler service & gas safety checks
Tel: 07958 016318 4 ACS approved 4 City & Guilds 4 Fully insured
PHILL THE SWEEP It’s the time of year to spring clean your oven. . . To receive £5 off your clean, please call quoting this advert
Call 07582 321 593 / 01527 559123 www.ovenclear.co.uk / info@plain-janes.co.uk
THE ALVECHURCH CHIMNEY SWEEP Professional chimney sweep Fully insured Certificate issued Open fires, wood burners, multi-fuel stoves, smoke draw testing, and power sweeping.
Call for a quote on 07582 520075 or 0121 445 1010 l phillthesweep@yahoo.com
R. M. B. SERVICES Domestic Appliance & Gas Engineer as seen on Alvechurch Village Society’s Facebook page
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
Now taking bookings for winter servicing
Servicing of gas boilers, 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
Lloyd Morgan 07789 622453 0121 445 6441 morganplumbingandheating.co.uk City & Guilds Fully Qualified Plumber
0121 445 0184 07977 487 999
Kiln-dried hardwood logs
Find us on Facebook: ‘RMB Services’
from £65
Jane Ward Independent Travel Counsellor based in Blackwell
Coopers Hill Farm, Alvechurch B48 7BX 0121 447 7313 sales@logco.co
With me... it’s personal Tailor made travel a speciality
Tel: 0121 445 3605 or 0845 058 7140
Fully ATOL protected
www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/jane.ward Email: jane.ward@travelcounsellors.com
Is your car trying to tell you something?
P Pledger E Electrical S Services n n
LOCAL ELECTRICIAN
Part P Registered Installer
Installations n Maintenance & Repair Inspection & Testings n Reliable Service
Call Dean: 0121 445 1601 or 07891 498909
Established in 2013 l Over 15 years experience in the construction industry
Our areas of expertise include New Builds, Extensions, Renovations & General Building Work
Coopers Hill, Alvechurch B48 7BX
Tel: 07948 044671
Wayside, Redditch Road, Hopwood, B48 7TL T: 07795 681 182 E: Alan.jones49@yahoo.co.uk
dave@appletreegarage.co.uk The Village
November 2018
37
www.ajbuildingcontractors.co.uk
The Lawns Alvechurch
Outstanding residential care in a beautiful setting
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 specialises in dementia care, with innovative features designed to help improve residents’ memories. Residents enjoy life at The Lawns, especially spending time in the lovely gardens and the cosy Butterflies Café. Visit www.thelawnscare.co.uk
Overall rating for this service: Outstanding ✩ The Lawns Residential Care, School Lane, Alvechurch, Worcs, B48 7SB Tel: 0121 445 4098 Email: enquiries@thelawnscare.co.uk
Village Sport AFC out of three cups but on course for top-six league finish.
A
lvechurch FC are aiming to concentrate on league success after recent home defeats in three cup competitions. ’Church missed out on a glamour tie away at former Football League side Stockport County in the next round of the FA Cup, losing 4–1 to a clinical Corby Town, who have had a successful start to the season one league below AFC. Despite coming into the match on a seven-game unbeaten run, defensive errors cost the team dearly. A goal just before half time and two early on in the second half sealed Alvechurch’s fate and dashed any
Action from the draw at Hitchin Town (Photo/ Ian Macvie)
’Church cup runs end hopes of a successful and lucrative FA Cup run for another season. A youthful Alvechurch team were then knocked out in the first round of the Birmingham Senior Cup by local rivals Highgate United. The scores were level at half time but two second half goals secured a 2–0 win for the visitors. History was made in the second half when 16-year-old Ben Cassidy came on to make his first team debut for AFC. Ben became the youngest ever player to play for the firsts and was unlucky not to score, hitting the post with the keeper well beaten. Finally, ’Church met Stratford Town in the League Cup, having dispatched them in the FA Cup. Stratford took revenge with a 2–4 victory, although hope for the future was represented by Cassidy, who found the net this time, thus becoming the youngest player to start a first team match and score for Alvechurch. AFC will be hoping for better luck when they meet Stratford yet again in the league on November 13. And they are still in the JW Hunt Cup, due to play Bilston Town as we go to press.
’Church were sixth in the league at the time of writing, having recently bagged a valuable point against title favourites Stourbridge but lost to current pole-sitters Kettering Town. The match against fourth-placed Leiston on November 24 could prove important.
side Bangor City. All at the club wish both players well. Congratulations to captain and centre back Jamie Willetts on being voted player of the month for September. Jamie’s efforts have contributed to the club having the meanest defence in the league.
l Alvechurch have signed experienced forward Andre Landell from Rushall Olympic. Andre started his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers and has played for Hednesford Town, Bath City and in America for Michigan Bucks. He made his AFC debut against Highgate United and is a vital addition to the squad. However, fans’ favourite Andy Parsons has decided to leave the club. “Parso” has been a mainstay in defence for the past three seasons having followed manager Ian Long from Tividale FC, but has decided to move on to pastures new. His personality and great sense of humour will be missed by players and fans alike. Also saying farewell are midfielder Babacar Suane, who joins Halesowen Town, and central defender Jordan Piggott, who moves to Welsh League
l For more info or sponsorship enquiries, please contact Trevor Ball at saintsarehot2@btinternet.com or visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/ alvechurch Follow the club on Twitter @Alvechurch1st
fixtures
All league fixtures unless stated Sat Nov 3 3pm Kings Lynn Town (H) Sat Nov 10 3pm Halesowen Town (A) Tues Nov 13 7.45pm Stratford Town (H) Sat Nov 17 3pm St Neots Town (H) Mon Nov 19 7.45pm Rushall Olympic (A) Sat Nov 24 3pm Leiston (H) Sat Dec 1 3pm Biggleswade Town (A) Sat Dec 8 3pm Rushden & Diamonds (H) Sat Dec 15 3pm Lowestoft Town (A) Sat Dec 22 3pm Royston Town (A) Wed Dec 26 3pm Redditch Utd (A) Sat Dec 29 3pm Tamworth (H) The Village
November 2018
39
Village Weather
Mild autumn . . . for now
O
Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.
ctober was quite mild, at least up until the 19th, with a mean temperature of 12.5C which is 2.4C above the local mean. After a quiet start to the month the weather turned stormy – there was a gust of 45mph on the 12th. It was also very wet from the 12th to 15th, with 39.2mm making up most of the month’s rainfall.
October 2018 (to the 19th) Mean Max 16.3C 2.4 above average Mean Min 8.8C 2.4 above average Mean 12.5C 2.4 above average Rainfall 44.4mm 49% of average Sunshine 53.7 hrs 58% of average September had a warm start with temperatures into the 20s but cooled down later into the month. The mean of 13.9C was exactly the local mean for this month. There was a marked change from the 17th with winds including a gust of 43mph locally. Rainfall was 49.8mm, only 82% of the local mean, however no rainfall was recorded over the last seven days.
September 2018 Mean Max 18.4C 0.2 above average Mean Min 9.4C 0.2 below average Mean 13.9C exactly average Rainfall 49.8mm 82% of average Sunshine 127.2 hrs 101% of average. Outlook Computer models suggest that dry and brighter conditions are likely. Temperatures are expected to be around average by day, but some frost and perhaps patchy fog is possible overnight. More widely unsettled conditions could develop into November, bringing spells of wet and windy weather. There are signs that high pressure may build
across northern areas towards the end of this period, bringing a greater likelihood of drier weather and also
overnight frost and fog. On the whole temperatures are likely to be slightly below normal.
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
40
The Village
November 2018
Advertisement
Mark Meads
Equity Release, Mortgage and Protection Specialist
Free up funds from your home and spend more time with your family
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, Worcestershire B48 7QF
Mob : 07730 011897 Email : mark.meads@villagefinancial.co.uk Village Financial Solutions Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Personal Touch Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Village Finance
W
e all have different priorities when it comes to investing. This month we explore some basic questions to ask yourself before taking the plunge.
Am I ready to invest? Investing is inherently risky and not for everyone. Questions to consider before investing include: are you out of debt? Are you saving into a pension? Do you have the appropriate insurance policies set up to help you in case of disaster? If you can answer yes to all of those questions, it’s more likely that you are in a position to use some of your money to invest. But keep in mind that every type of investment has potential hazards and that you could get back less money than you put in. There is no such thing as a free ride when it comes to investments – and if you’re being promised a high return, it’s often because the investments carry risk. If you’re thinking of investing because you’ve been approached by someone promising unusually tempting returns, think very carefully before you stump up any capital. In general, no investment is worth making if the people selling it are resorting to contacting strangers to drum up business. If you receive an unexpected phone call or email, for example, the best policy is to ignore it. Any offers you get in this way are likely to be a scam.
How much risk do I want to take? All investments carry some element of risk, but some are generally viewed as riskier than others. Of the investments commonly bought by consumers (shares, property, funds, and corporate and government bonds), shares are typically thought of as the most volatile and therefore the riskiest. Shares can rise and fall in price as a result of a range of factors that can be difficult to anticipate. Corporate bonds are another option. These bonds are like IOUs issued by companies as a way of raising money. Essentially, you loan the firm capital and are ultimately repaid with interest, so you would hope to get back more than you put in. However, companies can and sometimes do go
42
The Village
November 2018
INVESTMENT: Martin Pryor provides tips on deciding how to invest and how much risk you want to take.
bust before repaying bondholders. Companies viewed as safe bets will be able to offer lower rates of interest, while companies perceived as having a higher risk of default will have to pay more to raise the money they need. This brings us back to our earlier point about higher rewards often coming with higher risk. With government bonds, also known as gilts, the government would have to default in order for you not to get back what you’d been promised. However, this also means that they don’t tend to pay as much. In fact, when big-time investors are worried about risk, they sometimes flock to government bonds, which drives up the price and lowers the yield – how much you get back for what you pay. Sometimes this can even lead to negative yield, when people are willing to get back less than they paid in just because it’s safe. Other risks may include: Liquidity Risk: In other words, getting your money out when you need to. This can be especially relevant if you choose to invest directly in property. Longevity Risk: This is the risk that you will outlive your savings and is especially important when considering retirement. Horizon Risk: This could be an unforeseen event that causes you to sell investments earlier than you planned, which may mean that you lose money.
Should I take advice? An adviser will be able to help you
create a plan to meet your goal and recommend the right balance of investments for your risk appetite, while taking into account how much you could afford to lose. You might find out your investments require more time than you are willing or able to spend. If this is the case, you should consider hiring an adviser to assess your situation and goals in order to recommend a portfolio for you.
Do I know who I’m dealing with? Make sure any investment firm or adviser you might use is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). If you use an unauthorised firm, you won’t have access to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) or to the Financial Ombudsman should you wish to make a complaint or in the event of a firm going bust.
How much do I need to make? It’s generally not a good idea to choose an investment solely according to how much money you think you might make. There are number of other factors that you should consider, including the volatility of your investments and how long you intend to remain invested. Remember, returns are unpredictable and the higher you want your returns to be, the greater the odds that you’ll have to take more risk in trying to achieve them. Think about what your priorities really are. After all, if you’re not seeking particularly high returns, why take on more risk than you need?
What about tax? The issue of taxation also needs to be considered before investing, as your personal tax situation may have a bearing on your decision. For UK tax payers, the tax benefits of investing in a pension plan can be considerable, especially if you are a higher-rate tax payer. So think about how your investment plans will fit in with any pension contributions.
THE KEY QUESTIONS
Advertisement feature
There are other means of investing that can provide tax benefits. An Isa (Individual Savings Account) provides a tax-free way to save or invest. It is also important to think carefully before withdrawing money from any investment as the timing and the amount of such a withdrawal could lead to you incurring a tax charge.
Do I care about ethics when investing my money? Finally, remember that you may be investing in real companies, whose products or services may affect the wider world.
This might not matter to you, but some investors like to invest only in companies with which they agree from an ethical standpoint. For example, some people may choose to steer clear of investments associated with fossil fuels, or tobacco. Whatever investment route you decide to take, make sure any firms you decide to deal with are legitimate. Remember, scammers may come across as very professional.
The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not
get back the full amount you invested. Oast performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Investing in shares should be regarded as a long-term investment and should fit with your overall attitude to risk and financial circumstances. Tax laws can change. The Financial Conduct Authority do not regulate tax advice. n Contact Pryor Portfolio Management for more information: Tel: 07961 162818 martinpryor@ppm-ifa.co.uk http://www.ppm-ifa.co.uk
PPM Angels – They’re beautiful, they’re brilliant and they work for PPM! Financial Planning I Tax Planning I Retirement I Investment Savings Protection I Mortgage I Wills & Lasting Powers of Attorney Pryor Portfolio is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 511176 www.fca.org.uk The Farmhouse, Pumphouse Lane, Blackwell, B60 1QN
The Village
November 2018
43
W
Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.
e have a wildlife star in Alvechurch now – an albino (white) grey squirrel! It hangs out in the big oak trees on Crown Meadow, and several people have seen it. Albinism is a lack of pigments in the skin and hair, and can affect many species of mammals, including us! I hope people will keep their dogs away from it as they are its only real danger. Though grey squirrels are common, they are useful in spreading tree seeds and generally brightening up our churchyards and woodlands. People see them as destructive, but they are only behaving naturally, and we don’t have that many wild native mammals to enjoy! Albino squirrels are rare but apparently one has been spotted in Worcester too and they often feature in local news across the country when they turn up. It’s been a strange year, with the turn of the leaf quite late because of a mild September and early October (we did have a St Luke’s little summer!), an amazing crop of acorns even on small trees, and of beech mast and horse chestnut conkers. There is a weather tradition that
Warwickshire Drooper plums Conkers Winter holly
44
The Village
November 2018
dark mon we have heavy storms around the September equinox – the equinoctial gales – and we certainly did this year with still-green trees falling in the area. I walked along the canal in early October and felt my senses were not working properly – my eyes told me
it was still summer, sunny and green with lots of plants re-flowering, but the air was cold on my face and the smell was of distinctly autumnal ivy flowers. The main Celtic tree for this month, very suitable for the darkening days of November, is the yew. Everyone in the Village area lives near one. It is the largest native evergreen in England. Though not as big as the native Scots pine in height, it is often bigger in girth and certainly can be older. It is a substantial tree, one to be reckoned with. We are especially familiar with yew trees in our churchyards. There are large ancient trees in churchyards in Alvechurch (about 500 years old), Cofton (even older), Tardebigge and St Kenelm’s. The one in Cofton is so split and gnarled it’s difficult to estimate its width: the Alvechurch one is big enough for kids to get inside. Yews often grow with split trunks,
Village Country Diary 500-year-old yew
Elderberries
th, dark trees then get hollow in of the tree is dense and Sometimes the yew was there before the middle, so shaggy. You will also find the church. Yews were very imporeach tree is smaller trees growing tant in Celtic pre-Christian beliefs more like a in woods – some of and were often planted at significant small grove the ancient woodsites. These sites were then taken of trees. Yews lands around here over as Christian churches because of have been have an understory their spiritual associations. identified as of yew. They are not There are many reasons suggested over 2,000 so massive there and for this tradition. One is that the tree years old and can look quite deliis always dark and shadowy and thus some more than cate. Yews also grow goes with death and graveyards. White squirrel thirty feet around. on chalk downland At one time they were (Holly Jarrett) Our native yew has so are more comthought to be able to branches which slope mon in the south draw out poisonous down and sometimes root themof England. vapours from the selves. If you see a neater yew with The relationship graves! However, upright branches it will be a garden between yews and its evergreen variety: many churchyards have both. churchyards is nature means Yew has very characteristic leaves, long and complex it is also associmaking it easy to identify. They are and very unusual. ated with eterevergreen, so needle-shaped, but not Large ancient yews nal life, which it sharp. The soft needles grow either are mostly found in was in the Celtic side of a central stem making frondchurchyards and no traditions. Yew White squirrel (Jane Ballinger) like leaves, very dark green except other native tree has branches were often when young. The overall impression this kind of association. continues overleaf The Village
November 2018
45
Village Country Diary
continued from previous page
carried into the church as decorations, and were used as “palm” on Palm Sunday in years when the other traditional branch, pussy willow, was not yet ready (actual palm was rarely used in England). They were and still are one of the boughs used for Christmas decorations. Yew was also used for longbows, once an important weapon not only of war but for hunting too. Having them in churchyards meant they were protected, although there is actually little evidence that churchyard yews were used for bows. The wood was also used for walking sticks and other small objects which needed tough, hard but flexible wood. Yews are also found by the roadsides, especially where there are crossroads, and they may well have been marker trees to help wayfinding. They were also planted near inns and other lodging houses and there are quite a few Yew Tree Inns around. Yew flowers early in the year and produces the first heavy pollen of spring, as hay fever sufferers well know! The male flowers that produce this are often on different trees from the female trees which go on to produce the fruit. (Yew trees in churches are often planted in pairs – one near the gate and one near the church entrance.) The fruit is actually a cone, but it looks like a berry as it has a pink waxy covering. The yew is poisonous to us, but birds can eat the berries as it is only the seed inside that carries the poison and this passes straight through the bird – thus producing new trees in new places. Another reason given for yews growing in churchyards was to keep the poisonous foliage away from cattle, though actually cattle and
Yew and church Elder leaves in autumn
46
The Village
November 2018
Snow on yew
Elderflower
sheep were often allowed to graze churchyards. The Celtic months don’t quite match ours (as they are lunar) so there is a second tree for this time of year, the elder. It seems small and insignificant next to the mighty yew but was an important tree. It shares some of the darkness of yew with its black berries, but also has glorious fragrant white blossom in June. It grows very quickly and doesn’t live to a great age. However, at one time it was much prized, worth money when land changed hands.
Ancient yew trunk
The flowers, fruit and wood were all useful and the tree easily grown. It even hosts an edible fungus. However, it was at one time not planted in churchyards as it was believed to be the tree that Judas hanged himself on after betraying Christ, and that Christ’s cross was made of elder wood (though most churchyards now have plenty of self-sown elder!).
It was a valued hedging shrub, combining quick dense growth with all these uses. Elderflowers are well known for producing syrup and cordial, and were also used to flavour cooked fruit, especially gooseberries which ripen in June, in beer and mead and to make fritters. They were a strewing herb, used to scatter on Jew’s ear fungus the floors and scent on elder a room, and to stuff mattresses and pillows. They had medicinal properties as an eye lotion and skin cleanser. The berries were eaten, made into jam or used to make wine and cordials. In autumn, a fungus called Judas’ ear or Jews ear (now often called jelly ear) grows on elder, and is edible and tasty. The wood of the outer branches is soft and hollow and was used for pea-shooters, knife handles, oar-pins, bellows and tinder. The heartwood is dark and very hard and can be carved into more solid objects. The
continues overleaf The Village
November 2018
47
Village Country Diary continued from previous page
leaves were believed to keep away flies, so horsewhips were made of elder, and elder leaves were plaited into harness. The leaves turn rather exotic colours in early autumn, not lasting long but beautiful shades of purple and yellow. In the Celtic tradition, elders were powerfully magic trees, believed to keep away witches and evil spirits if planted near the house and to have life-giving properties. Rather like yew, it stood for regeneration and beginnings and endings, suitable for November and the time of Samhain, the autumn recognition of death, Christianised as All Souls. It’s perhaps because of this powerful magic that the medieval Christians attached the story of Judas and the cross to it. Two trees, one ancient and massive, one common and short-lived, but both imbued with the secrets of death and rebirth, and both once prized and used by people here in the Midlands. This poem takes up the theme of peace, which we will be commemorating with the 100th anniversary of the Armistice this November. Yew with berries
The wild flower of peace
Elderberries forming
48
Cofton yew
The Village
November 2018
You sit in the quiet garden. Here is peace, you say. Among the dead-headed roses you can forget life’s worries Weeding out the awkward thoughts, the world’s wars. Or in the forest, you wander into a green shade The dappled sunlight of an English summer Thinking you have found your inner peace in Nature. That is not peace, I say. Peace is not gentle Or tidy or clement. It is hard, and slippery as a snake. Peace is not the absence of conflict: that is escape. Peace is Mandela embracing truth and reconciliation Is Mairead Maguire and Betty Williams standing up in Belfast, Ian Paisley’s handshake and the naked conference room. Peace is the difficult reconciliation of opposites It means talking to those whose ideas you hate Shaking the hand that held the bloody knife Somehow making the picture come together All loose ends and tangles, but alive and growing Like the scrub woodland, where brambles and roses Grow among the young oaks and none dominates the other. Peace needs weeds, flies, and flowers gone to seed Fungus under the ground and the complexity of soil. It meets people’s desires not at the expense of others It means the harvest of the earth is shared among us: There can be no peace in a country full of food banks.
Village Stargazing
N
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
ovember, the month of fireworks and fun and looking forward to Christmas. We still have the Red Planet in the south as soon as the sky has got dark. Mars seems to have been with us for ever but it is now nowhere near as bright as it was in the summer. The reason it seems to be hanging around is because we have got so far ahead of it that we are now curving around the Sun and the planet appears to be moving across the sky away from the western horizon and will leave the constellation of Capricorn, where it has been since June.
The sky at six o’clock on the 3rd
Deneb Vega Lyra
Cygnus Great Square of Pegasus Altair
Aquila
Mars Saturn Capricorn
Start of winter brings great constellations
It is still as bright as the brightest stars but is less obviously a disc. On the 26th, NASA is due to land another craft here, Insight, designed to probe the planet’s interior and check for “Marsquakes” (sounds like some sort of confectionery). Back here on Earth, if you’re quick, you might just catch Saturn low in the glow from the setting Sun. Look for it on the 11th when a thin crescent Moon is very close by. Incidentally, on the following day, the Moon passes in front of Pluto. Unfortunately, this planet is too small and far away to be seen but it’s nice to know where it is, isn’t it? As the sky darkens, you should just be able to see a star very close to Mars. This is Deneb Algedi, the brightest star in Capricorn and possibly the only one you can see. Look for the rest of an inverted triangle of stars to the right. Higher in the sky the great con-
stellations and asterisms of winter are starting to appear. Above Mars to the right is another inverted triangle but this one is huge. Almost overhead is Deneb in one corner, then to the right is Vega in another and finally, lower down, is Altair in the third.
“The number of stars you can see is an indicator of levels of light pollution” These are the brightest stars in this region of the sky so are unmistakable, and they each sit in their own constellations. Deneb can be seen to be at the head of a cross which is Cygnus the swan. Vega is at the top of a parallelogram of stars forming Lyra, which is a sort of a harp (not a
ukulele, thank goodness). This little constellation is tricky to make out but, being fairly high in the sky, can be seen with a little patience. Even trickier to discern is Aquila the eagle, which is yet another triangle, this time with Altair at its head. High above Mars to the left is a large square of stars. This is Pegasus and the number of stars you can see contained within is an indication of levels of light pollution. How many can you see? Despite last month’s Soyuz failure, on the 15th a Cygnus supply ship is due to be launched to the Space Station so look out for that on www. heavens-above.com – and towards the end of the month, comet 46P/ Wirtanen might start making the news, but I think that’s more for next month. As for the fun I mentioned at the beginning of this item, that starts on the 28th in Alvechurch Village Hall. See you there!
The Village
November 2018
49
Village Gardens Pumpkins at Charlescote Park
autumn delights
F
or once, we can’t complain about heading towards winter, since we’ve had a hot and glorious summer with the added bonus of a warm and sunny early autumn. The growing season is all but over, leaving time to enjoy the warm colours of autumn. And what delights that brings! No more lawns to cut, hedges to trim or gardens to water. That time spent can now be used for pleasure – days out with the children or leisurely strolls through the local woods. Although the brightness of summer plantings have faded from the borders, they’ve been replaced with a canopy of subtle hues, drawing your eye up rather than down. It’s such a colourful season – a bigger picture. Autumn is all around us, like being wrapped
50
The Village
November 2018
Plant photographer Judy Lawrance shares her ideas on some colourful places to visit this season.
in a comfortable orange blanket. Drive down any of the highways in Redditch and you can enjoy the display from the comfort of your car. Whoever decided on the planting for the verges when the new part of the town was built certainly knew what they were doing. I remember, a couple of years back, pulling into Tesco Redditch car park, getting out of my car and being stopped in my tracks. The view in front of me was breathtaking. The shoppers were going about
their business, wheeling trollies into the shop, filling their car boots with groceries and checking their phones. Couldn’t they see what was in front of them, an absolutely stunning landscape above the level of the cars, a blaze of autumn colour on the left-hand side of the store stretching as far as the eye could see. A fiery mix of orange, red, golden brown and yellow, blending together, likened to an autumn scene painted on canvas. It certainly lifted my spirits on a drab, damp day. These are the little gems that Mother Nature throws at us every year, without fail. The season is short, but beautiful.
AUTUMN SHOWS
The RHS Autumn Malvern and Harrogate Shows kick-started au-
Design It
Landscape Solutions
Design It
Build It
Maintain It
Creating desirable and functional outdoor living spaces Services include Garden Design, Landscape Construction and Garden Maintenance A team of highly skilled and qualified individuals with many years’ experience and several distinguished awards including The RHS Chelsea Flower Show and RHS Malvern Spring Gardening Show
Call Dan Ryan on 07890 532859 or 0121 453 6520 dan@designitlandscapes.co.uk
www.designitlandscapes.co.uk treefix advert 77x72_Layout 1 14/07/2014 09:31 Page 1
Treefix are fully qualified arborists who provide a wide range of professional services to meet all your Domestic and Commercial tree surgery needs Services Include: • Dismantling • Crown Reduction • Crown Thinning • Stump Grinding • Woodland Management • FREE QUOTATION • TPO/Conservation Area Checks with Local Authorities
• Felling • Crown Lifting • Dead Wooding • Hedge Care • Pollarding • NO OBLIGATION Fully insured to climb to ANY height. 5 Million Public Liability Employment Liability Conform to the BS 3998
Call now
01527 757915 OR
07810 838 221
www.treefix.uk.com
Above: Dahlia ‘Hillcrest Regal’ Left: Dahlia ‘Mary’s Jomanda’
tumn for me, with tents full of produce grown by enthusiastic gardeners who have lovingly cared for their crops throughout the year, picking the best to compete – just for the fun of it. This year, the “Biggest Vegetable” exhibits at the Malvern Show were eye openers, with leeks big enough to feed an army; two-foot-long beans and pumpkins the size of a garden shed (a bit of an exaggeration there, but you get the picture). It was like walking into “the land of the giants”. The competition dahlias in the flower marquees (my favourite place) all standing to attention in their continues overleaf The Village
November 2018
51
Garden Landscaping & Maintenance: Driveways, Patios & Decking Lawn Mowing
Fencing & Gates Hedge Cutting
Garden Clearance
0121 445 1253 or 0751 7367663
www.hopwoodgardenservices.co.uk info@hopwoodgardenservices.co.uk
Village Gardens continued from previous page identical vases, were ablaze with colour – from the shocking pink pom-poms of “Mary’s Jomanda” with their densely packed florets, to the striking red, semi-double flowered “Hillcrest Regal.” A stroll around the showground took you past the numerous bulb growers, selling huge selections of spring and summer bulbs, many varieties of which are very hard to find elsewhere.
PARKS AND WOODLANDS
There are some great National Trust properties with a lot going on into early November so it’s worth taking a look on the website. A visit to Charlecote Park at Wellesbourne, for instance, not only offers a beautiful autumn walk, but for children there are Halloween Pumpkin Trails during half term week, up until November 4, as there are at many of the National Trust Properties. Take a look at the unusual collection of gourds in the farm shop. Croome Park at Wellesbourne is a great place to spot many different types of fungi in November. According to the Woodland Trust there are 15,000 species growing in the UK with lovely names such as jelly ear, scarlet elf cup, honey mushroom and beefsteak fungus. After dry summers, the autumn rains start the fungi growing so there should be plenty to see this year! Fly agaric
52
Fungi like to grow in dark, damp places, in or around fallen, rotting tree branches and many varieties just seem to pop up through the fallen leaves. Look out for fly agaric, the most famous of them all, identified by its bright red cap and white spots; they usually grow around pine trees. This is a poisonous one though, indicated by its “red for danger” colour. Westonbirt Arboretum, probably one of the best places to visit in the UK in autumn, with 15,000 species of trees, has guided walks up until November 3. There’s an Autumn Colour hotline (0300 067 5691) to check how the leaves are looking.
A SEASON FOR THE KIDS
Autumn days are the ones I remember most from childhood, donning wellies, hats, scarves and gloves, kicking up the crisp (or sometimes soggy) leaves along the path verges, charging through the local woods searching for conkers, climbing trees then arriving home with rosy cheeks and more than likely scraped knees. Certainly not caring about the weather. Despite the availability of more and more technology aimed at the younger generation, nothing much has changed; most children still like to do those things, in any weather! The gardens that didn’t seem to offer them much in the summer Sulphur tuft fungi
The Village
November 2018
when they were in bloom are now full of muddy puddles and are covered in crisp leaves – a perfect playground. The wide open spaces of Trentham Gardens is perfect for little ones to get rid of some energy on a cold crisp day, with a mud walk for the older children willing to get cold legs and feet. My own children were raised in a small fishing town on the East Coast – we had the local beach but other than that there was one garden centre, two woods and a couple of parks. When we moved here 22 years ago, we were overwhelmed with the amount of places to go for a day out. We’re now surrounded by National Trust properties with all that they have to offer: unique and quirky gardens such as those at Morton Hall, Winterbourne House and Stone House Cottage Gardens at Kidderminster. We have woods galore, hills to walk, a wonderful lake at Arrow Valley, garden centres by the dozen, and I have to mention BBC Gardeners World at the NEC once a year.
Trentham Gardens
Devon Finney Tree Surgeon NPTC Qualified Fully Insured
Specialist in all aspects of tree work: Felling, removal, topping, thinning, reductions, pollards, lifts, cut backs, tree inspections l stump grinding
24-hour emergency service For a free estimate and advice, call 07800 532690 hopwoodtreeservices@hotmail.com
NPTC qualified tree surgeon Fully insured
All aspects of tree surgery undertaken l Stump grinding l Hedge cutting l Landscaping l Grass cutting
For a free no-obligation quotation call Oli: 07391 551413 or Neil: 07834 554710 Email neil@alvechurch-treecare.co.uk
So as the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, it’s all too easy to curl up on the sofa and only venture out for the necessities. There’ll be plenty of wet days to come, but there’ll be many dry days for venturing out. www.mikeandjudylawrance.co.uk
HOPWOOD GARDEN CENTRE COMING SOON! Nordmann ‘non-drop’ Christmas trees! All sizes can be netted for easy transport
VISIT US FOR ALL YOUR GARDENING We stock WINTER SALT Ash Lane, Hopwood NEEDS PLUS: Potted Trees
0121 445 4022 OPEN 7 DAYS www.hopwoodgardencentre.co.uk
To get your business or service noticed, call Louise on 0121 445 6757 – don’t forget we offer a FREE design service! The Village
November 2018
53
Village Art Far left: Stimulus above and Laura Brodrick’s response below. Left: Eddie Harris. Eddie Harris
textures in nature
T
hree special places rolled into one: an art society gathering; a workshop led by a bona fide talented artist; and the trees of the Lickey Hills in the form of a glorious photograph of nature, light and colour. This was the experience of which 20 local residents took advantage recently – it could have been you. Lickey Hills Art Society hosted the workshop at Longbridge Methodist Church, in a large hall comfortably accommodating the group of art creators. The Society, celebrating its 35th year, invited DJ Johnson to lead his Textures in Nature acrylic workshop. DJ is an exceptional, independent, freelance artist who loves to teach and enjoys connecting with artists, guiding them towards their own interpretations and styles. He combines traditional techniques with contemporary suggestions, for example experimenting with ways one might hold a brush to achieve differing effects. Trained as a mountaineer, one of DJ’s passions is the majestic outdoors and he suggested in conversation with me that readers who are eager for an extraordinary challenge could try one of his extreme outdoor painting workshops up amid the crags, ridges and glaciers. How about you?
54
The Village
November 2018
Bromsgrove artist Richard McIlwraith encourages participation in future art workshops.
Nature on our doorstep – the 20 distinct personalities, capturing emphatically their own impressions of the same Lickey Hills snapshot, were aware acutely that this incredible scene lay literally up the lane. The power of the natural environment, manifesting itself in 20 unique visions. The energy of the landscape’s light and colour, snagging attentions. When we walk through the woods, clocks seem to stop. In the Longbridge hall on this particular
Saturday, how too the clocks seemed to stop. Absolute focus and pure art. What an atmosphere. If there is a dormant artistic craving inside you, you may need to join in next time. The group, who paid £25 each, included experienced and gifted artists but also beginners and, indeed, a painting first-timer. It was a friendly, supportive environment where all felt free to express their individual responses to the stimulus. For more information on DJ Johnson, see www.artbydj.co.uk. To liaise with Lickey Hills Art Society, email Chairperson Jennie Wilson at wjen@blueyonder.co.uk or visit www. lhas.btck.co.uk. Annual membership is £18 and the group meet at 7.30pm on the first Saturday of each month, except January. To take a look at the prodigious creative output of the Society, head to Artrix through November – over one hundred pieces will be on display. Artrix opening times are weekdays 9am to 2pm, Saturdays 10am to 2pm, and on performance evenings. Artrix is located on Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1GN.
Lindsay Stanton
Please get in touch if you would like me to write about an art event near you: richard@galleryart61.com www.galleryart61.com
Village What’s On EVENTS A Community Christmas Fair takes place on Sat Dec 1 at Holy Trinity Church, Rose Hill, Lickey B45 8RR, 11am–2pm. Stalls representing groups from the local community, with a tombola, produce, handicrafts and more. Light refreshments available. Free entry. Info: 0121 445 6170. ALVECHURCH MIDDLE School hosts an Ex-Services Tea Party on Thurs Nov 29, welcoming community servicemen and women to an afternoon of entertainment and refreshments. Then on Nov 30 it’s “eyes down” for an evening of Family Fun Bingo, 6–8pm. The whole community is welcome to this school fundraiser. Licensed bar, nibbles, refreshments, sweet stall, tombola. Free event – purchase your bingo cards on the night. A warm welcome awaits you. a christmas Fair takes place at Alvechurch Cricket Club on Sat Nov 17, in aid of Brain Tumour Research, MND Association and The Lounge. The event runs from 10.30am–3pm and features refreshments and stalls including knitted items made by the Alvechurch Knit & Natter group. Entry is free. In support of the same charities, Cynthia Lawton of Knit & Natter has organised a village raffle, with fabulous prizes. Tickets are on sale at The Lounge, and the draw takes place on Dec 17. cHRISTMAS CRAFT Fair at Hopwood Village Hall on Sat Nov 24, 11am–3pm. More info from Sally on 07562 770039. Barnt Green’s Nearly New Sale is on Sat Nov 10, 10.30am–12noon at Barnt Green Baptist Church on Bittell Road. Entry £1, fundraising for the Pre-school. High-quality children’s and babies’ clothing, toys and books, prams and nursery furniture. Sellers please PREREGISTER by emailing BGnnsale@gmail.com St Godwald’s Community Cafe meets every other Friday (the next one is Nov 9) 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. Everyone welcome. Alpha course at Barnt Green Baptist Church – explore life, faith and meaning. Weds evenings at 7.30pm. Register at outreach@bgb.org.uk or see www.bgb. org.uk
what’s on guide MESSY CHURCH For All! Something a little different for all the family. This event is held on the third Sunday most months at Catshill Methodist Church from 3.45pm, to include games, singing, crafts and a story on a Bible-based theme, and simple meal around 5.30pm. Free entry and a warm welcome for all. More info from James Knott on 07968 110 631. ‘Quiet Space’ at Alvechurch Baptist Church takes place each Mon and Fri from 10am–12 noon. The church is open as a quiet space, with “welcomers” on hand to help if required, for anyone who would like to come and find peace and rest for as long as they need. For more info, call Revd Fiona Lee on 0121 447 7369, email revfiona@alvechurchbaptist.org.uk or visit www.alvechurchbaptist.org.uk
MUSIC
The Asklepios Orchestra (conducted by Lee Armstrong) give their next concert on Sun Dec 2 at 7.30pm in St. Andrew’s Church, Barnt Green B45 8NR. The attractive programme features Brahms’ Violin Concerto in D major (soloist Ruta Labutyte) and Sibelius’ Symphony no. 2 in D major. Admission free – donations to retiring collection much appreciated. Come along and bring your friends! HOPWOOD JUNCTION band play at the Tower of Song, Kings Norton (B30 3EL) on Sat Nov 3 from 9pm. More info from Pete on 0121 445 4022. The Midland Sinfonia presents Tchaikovsky Serenade on Sat Nov 3 at St Laurence Church, Alvechurch, at 7.30pm. Tickets £15 on the door or £14 in advance from Gin & Pickles, The Square, Alvechurch or www.midlandsinfonia.co.uk (free for FT students and schoolchildren accompanying an adult). For the 201819 season the orchestra has reverted to having its concerts on Sat evenings with doors opening at 7pm for a pre-concert drink. Copies of the new programme can be picked up in Alvechurch, Artrix, Bromsgrove Library or viewed and downloaded from the website. For more information email midlandsinfonia@gmail.com or call 0121 447 7040. BROMSGROVE CONCERTs presents two musical treats in November – firstly the Atea Wind Quintet on Fri Nov 9 at Artrix
in Bromsgrove, starting at 8pm. The foremost British wind quintet of their generation will play music including excerpts from Bach’s Goldberg Variations, Mower’s Jazz Suite (2010) and Nielsen’s Wind Quintet. Then on Fri Nov 30, the Gould Piano Trio with Robert Plane on clarinet will perform Ravel’s Piano Trio, Huw Watkins’ Quartet (2018) and RimskyKorsakov’s Scheherazade, also at Artrix at 8pm. Full information can be found at www.bromsgrove-concerts.org.uk and on Twitter and Facebook. Tickets in advance from Artrix on 01527 577 330 or www. artrix.co.uk or on the door. RIGMAROLE band play at the Tower of Song, Kings Norton (B30 3EL) on Sat Nov 9 from 9pm. More info from Pete on 0121 445 4022. Barnt Green Choral Society is now rehearsing for the 2018-19 season. It’s a non-audition choral society; new members always welcome. This season they will perform three concerts; a Christmas Carol concert on Dec 15, the main Spring concert on March 23 (Chilcott’s Jubilate, Rutter’s Gloria, Stanford’s Te Deum and Macmillan’s Ecce Sacerdos Magnus) and a Summer concert on June 15 with the music of Gilbert and Sullivan. If you are interested in joining, pop along to rehearsals at St Andrew’s Church Hall, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green on Mondays at 7.45pm. More details from Fiona Brown on 0121 445 5513 or www.barntgreenchoralsociety.org 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. Alvechurch Community Choir meets at 7.30pm on Mondays in Alvechurch Village Hall, though on the 2nd Monday each month they move to a different venue, usually Alvechurch Social Club. They meet in the Hall on Nov 5 and 19 and the Club on Nov 12 and 26. The choir is an open access singing group; new members of all abilities are welcome. It is part of a charity called Everybody Let’s Sing and is commit-
continues overleaf The Village
November 2018
55
Village What’s On continued from previous page ted to bringing music to a wide community, including a regular choir it runs at The Lawns care home. The choir sings gospel, folk and popular songs from all ages and loves to perform for local occasions. They are preparing hosting a Concert for Peace at Alvechurch School on Nov 9 at 7.30pm as part of the Armistice commemorations. 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. 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 Blackwell Concert Band is always on the lookout for new players (all abilities and instruments welcome). For further details, email blackwellconcertband98@ gmail.com, or alternatively, visit www. blackwellconcert band.co.uk to learn more about the band and find details on upcoming events. You will also find info on how to book the band. TARDEBIGGE CHURCH choir is seeking new recruits! The choir, based at St Bartholomew’s (B60 3AH) is struggling with declining numbers due to age and health, but still sings in four parts at morning and evening services on Sundays, plus weddings and funerals. They particularly need a bass or bass-baritone, but all parts are welcome! Pop along to a practice on Sat at 10am, or contact Robert Barnett on 01527 542491. The Cats Chorus is described as “a fun choir for people who love to sing but don’t have to be vocally gifted”, and meets on Tuesdays (term-time) at 7.30pm in The Wheel, Blackwell. They sing hits from the 60s to the present day. For more info, email sharoncatschorus@yahoo.com 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).
56
The Village
November 2018
alvechurch acoustic ROOTS doesn’t have a November session, but the famed Christmas Special is on Fri Dec 21 at Alvechurch Social Club. Starts 8pm sharp and still only £4 ( £3 concessions) to come and hear some of the West Midland’s finest live performers.
Crabbs Cross Lane, Redditch B97 5LD. The marvellous men would love more tenors and bass voices! If you enjoy singing, or would like to try something new, the group would love to hear from you. More info at www.belcantosingers.co.uk or from Polly Speers on 01564 822672.
Alvechurch 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.
Alvechurch Samba Band, Banda Sem Nome, is looking for new recruits! This local community side meets on the 1st and 3rd Thurs each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club at 8pm. Go along if you fancy having a go at something a little bit different and discovering your hidden talents! No previous experience required, all welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). More info from Andrea on 07867 858099.
BROMSGROVE FOLK Club meets on the second and last Thurs every month at Catshill Club, starting at 8pm. For a full list of events call Bob Bignell on 0121 476 5938 or see www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk BROMSGROVE ROCK Choir offers everyone the chance to sing pop, rock and chart songs – no audition. Free taster sessions available. More info at www.rockchoir.com or on 01252 714276. Cantare Daytime Choir meets on Fridays 9.15–10.15am at Alvechurch Cricket Club – everyone welcome. Do you enjoy singing with other people? Don’t worry if you think you can’t sing, or don’t read music, everyone is welcome. You can even bring your kids/babies if they let you sing. Whether you want to perform in concerts or simply sing for fun, for the therapeutic or health benefits gained from group singing (or the cuppa we all share before singing), why not come along for a free trial session? For more info contact cantarechoir2011@gmail.com, call Rebecca on 07803 900154 or see www. cantarechoir.com Bromsgrove Community Choir meets on Thurs evenings, 6–7 pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, in room 6, at the rear of the building off the small car park. They sing for fun and enjoyment; everyone welcome, singers or not. If you are interested, please contact Ruth Henley for details on 01527 527022 or email r.g.henley@btinternet.com Bel Canto Singers... do you enjoy singing bright and lively pieces? Join in with a friendly group of mixed age singers. The music is a good variety (pop, retro, musical and popular classical), and the group’s aim is to produce a quality sound whilst supporting charity and community fund raising. The singers meet on Monday evenings at Crabbs Cross Methodist Church,
DANCING Aelfgythe Border Morris is actively seeking new dancers (female) and musicians (male or female) to join them for fun, exercise and dancing. They meet at 7.45pm every Wednesday in Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall. Everyone welcome. Come and play traditional folk music, or try morris dancing. For more details call Pam on 07961 830 831. Tea Dances run by Bromsgrove District Council now take place in the new council building at Parkside Hall (Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA) on the last Tues of the month, 2–4pm, dancing to Brian’s super sounds! £4 entry includes tea/coffee and biscuits. For further info contact Jan on 01527 881478. No longer able to dance? Try Wheelchair Dancing instead! Wheels and Toes meets in Harborne each Thurs, 6.15-8pm. Wide variety of dances. More info: Barbara on 0121 458 3686 or marshall8558@hotmail.com Sequence ballroom and Latin dancing every Monday evening at 8pm at the Longbridge Social Club, 1012 Bristol Road South, Northfield. Occasional free tuition. All welcome to a friendly fun-filled dance. More details from Kalvin on 07725 265024. DANCE SESSIONS take place every Tuesday from 11am–12noon at the Where Next Hub (Unit 2a, Millsborough House, Ipsley Street, Redditch B98 7AL). Designed for people with special needs, but all are welcome – join Nikki and the team and learn some new moves! £7 per session.
continues overleaf
Tale of skulduggery on the high seas
F
or their latest pantomime Alvechurch Dramatic Society are heading to the high seas for a tale of piratical skullduggery: The Lost Treasure of Numbskull Island. Brought to you by Chris Davies and Paul Chamberlain, who are to blame for all of the Society’s recent pantomimes, the show will feature plenty of “Yo ho ho” and quite possibly a bottle of rum! Anne Bonny is desperate to join a pirate crew, but gets more than she bargained for when the dastardly Slack Marrow and his gang sail into dock. An unusual treasure map sends them on a quest for booty, but will the curse of Numbskull Island strike again? Or will the great King Neptune and his friends intervene? And will romance blossom between young tearaway Tom and Fish Finger the mermaid? Join us aboard the Jolly Bodger to find out! You’ll find all the usual panto fun in a tale of buried treasure, undersea creatures, shanty singers, unfortunate castaways, an oversized parrot and much more! So come and walk the plank to Alvechurch Village Hall and remember – dead men tell no jokes!
The panto will be performed from Weds Nov 28 to Sat Dec 1 at 7.30pm nightly, with a 2.30pm matinee on the Saturday. Tickets £7 (£6 concessions) from The Lounge in Alvechurch, by calling 0121 447 7071 or emailing ads.alvechurch@gmail.com
Magic of family panto Bromsgrove theatre group All & Sundry presents Jack & The Beanstalk at Artrix from Sat Dec 15 to Sun Dec 23. A traditional family pantomime with, fun, laughter and plenty of audience participation! The village of Merrydale is being terrorised by nasty Giant Blunderbore and his vile henchman Fleshcreep. King Charles and Queen Camilla are being forced to act as rent collectors, assisted by Constables Block and Tackle, who threaten Dame Trott and her sons Jack and Silly Simon with eviction. The Trotts are forced into selling their beloved cow Daisy to raise the rent money, however Jack is tricked by the evil Fleshcreep on the way to the market and returns home with a bag of beans instead of the gold he had expected. . . Meantime Jack’s girlfriend Jill has been captured by Fleshcreep and taken to the Giant’s castle up in Cloudland. In order to rescue Jill and Daisy, Jack must climb a giant beanstalk which has appeared during a magical UV scene overnight. Performances daily at 7pm (except Tues Dec 18), plus 2pm matinee on both Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at £14; family tickets available. Book via Artrix on 01527 577330 or www.artrix.co.uk More info at www.allandsundry.org
Above, clockwise from left: Lesley Piddington (Blind Pooh), Keith Johnston (Pretty Wally), Ges Taylor (Cutthroat Jake); Martin Salter (Slack Marrow), Gemma Batty (Handy the Octopus), Emma-Louise Hodgson (Woozy), Emily Waller (Mistress Hanky).
Alvechurch Concert for Peace Friday 9 November 2018 7.30–9.30pm Alvechurch Middle School Alvechurch Community Choir invite you to a concert to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice. We will be joined by:
Cantare Choir The Acoustic Belles The Withybed Poets
Entry is free, but you will need a ticket as numbers are limited. Tickets are available from choir members, The Lounge, or by calling 0121 445 5957. (If you have a ticket you no longer need, please return it or phone the number above.) The event is supported by Alvechurch Parish Council, Alvechurch Village Society and the Alvechurch schools.
The Village
November 2018
57
continued from previous page Book now on 01527 69330 or nickylevy5@ btconnect.com. All proceeds to the Where Next Association. Alvechurch Morris Men are on the look out for new dancers and musicians. They practise on Mondays at Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall, 8.30–10pm, followed by a “debrief” at a local hostelry. They dance in local towns and at various local and national events, and perform a worldfamous (sort of ) mummers play in the village every New Year’s Day. No ability, fitness or co-ordination required – if you are male, 18+ and prepared to spend more time than is probably good for you in public houses, pop along to meet the group! Drop in to any practice or contact Chris on 07984 570763 or email chris.alvechurchbagman@gmail.com THE PHOENIX Dance Club has now moved to the new Bromsgrove Council building at Parkside Hall, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DA. The club holds Ballroom and Sequence Dancing to live music twice a month on Sat nights. No membership required. No bar facilities – please bring your own refreshments. The Tuesday dances have been discontinued – sorry! More info from Mick or Thelma on 01527 872634. THE CIRCASSIAN Circle Barndancing Club runs on the first Saturday each month at Rowney Green Village Hall. £5 per person to include sandwich, tea and cake! More info on 01527 545002. BJ’s Busy Boots Line Dancing Classes: Tues 2–3pm Bromsgrove Leisure Centre; 7–10pm Stoke Prior Sports/Country Club. Thurs 12–2.15pm Bromsgrove Methodist Church Centre. Social Dance 1st Sat in month at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane. It’s a fun way to exercise. For more details phone Brenda on 01517 870151.
THEATRE 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
58
The Village
November 2018
Church Centre, Whetty Lane, Rubery, 7.30 for 7.45pm.
CLUBS, GROUPS & SOCIETIES The Bromsgrove Society’s next talk is on Tues Nov 20 at The Methodist Centre, Bromsgrove, at 7.45pm and is entitled Birmingham: a Perambulation from Georgian Town to Victorian City. The talk will be given by Stephen Hartland. More info at www. bsoc.co.uk redditch Military History Society meets monthly in St Luke’s Church Hall (Evesham Road, Redditch, B97 4JX), 7 for 7.30pm. The next meeting is on Weds Nov 21, when Ron Gallivan presents The Home Guard: the story of why, when and how it came into existence and how it was organised. Members may display items of local memorabilia for discussion. More info from Ron on 01527 545450 or ronnieg33b@hotmail.co.uk Bromsgrove U3A. Retired/semi-retired? Meetings with guest speakers 1st and 3rd Tuesdays most months at Artrix plus a variety of activities and outings: something for everyone. Curious? Call 01527 870449 or see www.u3asites.org.uk/bromsgrove/ home Catshill Carers Group is a group set up specifically to offer one afternoon a month of respite, socialising and occasional speakers to carers in the area. It meets on the last Tues each month in the coffee bar area of Catshill Methodist Church Centre in Golden Cross Lane from 2.30pm for about 1.5 hrs. All carers welcome, as well as those who used to care for someone who may have passed away or is now in a care facility. Tea and biscuits or cake provided – no charge. Contact Sheila (0121 445 2813) or Di (0121 445 3595) for details and encouragement. Bromsgrove Speakers Club meets at The Barn at The Bell at Belbroughton every other Tues, 7.45–10pm. Everyone who wants to gain confidence in public speaking is welcome, but please tell the group that you are coming by using the ‘Visit Us’ page at www.bromsgrovespeakers.org.uk, which also contains full details of events. Burcot Knit & Natter meets weekly on Mondays from 1–3pm at Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. Phone Kim Neale on 0121 445 1677, or drop by, for more details. Cost £3 to include a drink and cake. Central Radio Car Club meets every Friday 6.30–10pm (racing starts 7pm) at Woodrush Community High School,
Shawhurst Lane, Wythall, B47 5JW. Members race electric cars LMP & GT12 indoors on carpet. There is a club GT12 loan car if you would like to try your hand at racing. For more information visit www. centralcarclub.co.uk, search ‘CentralRadioCarClub’ on Facebook or call Bob Jones on 01527 870463. 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 Redditch Rotary Club meets Monday lunchtimes at the Abbey Hotel, Hither Green Lane, Redditch, B98 9BE. You would be very welcome to join in. Want to be involved, hear interesting speakers, and serve your community? Want to know more? Contact Peter Williams on 01527 60277. COFFEE BREAK meets every Friday morning from 10.30am–12noon, in the Parish Centre behind St Andrew’s Church, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green. You will find a friendly and warm welcome – see you soon! For enquiries ring 0121 445 4278. Bromsgrove Photographic Society is a friendly, active and mutually supportive club for those interested in photography and digital imaging. The growing membership includes those with interests in both film and digital techniques, wide-ranging subjects and from highly-skilled photographers to novices. The club meets on Tuesday nights, 8–10pm at the Avoncroft Arts Centre. New members and visitors welcome. For more information, please visit www.bromsgroveps.co.uk Contact the Elderly aims to help isolated elderly people in the village area by offering monthly tea parties where they can reconnect or make new friends in their own community. If you know of an elderly person who could benefit, please get in touch on 07539 276054. Guests need to be aged over 75 and living alone, and must be mobile enough to walk to a driver’s car with assistance. You can find general information at www.contact-the-elderly.
Village What’s On org.uk and details of the local group by searching for ‘Contact the Elderly Redditch’ on Facebook. ROTARY CLUB OF BROMSGROVE meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday every month at 7pm for 7.30pm at Rosado’s Restaurant, 2 Finstall Road, Bromsgrove, B60 2DZ. New members welcome. For more information visit www.bromsgroverotary.org.uk or contact Ron Pearce on 07703 567982. Alvechurch Sports & Social Club has a large Function Room available for hire. It has a bar, choice of two stages, plenty of seating, a dance floor and a capacity of 140. CHARITY fund raising events enjoy FREE room hire. Please book early; for more details contact the Club on 0121 445 2121, visit the Facebook page and leave a message, or email alvechurchssc2015@ hotmail.com 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. 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. 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 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
Christmas concert for charity Blackwell Concert Band hold their eighth annual Christmas concert at St Andrew’s Church in Barnt Green on Sat Dec 1 at 7.30pm, with all proceeds once again going to Macmillan Cancer Support. Tickets are £5 for adults and £1 for under 16s, available in advance on 07891 527089 or blackwellconcertband98@gmail. com, or on the door. Interval refreshments provided. Further information about the band is available at www. blackwellconcertband.co.uk This year marks the band’s 20th birthday, which was celebrated with a concert in October. The Christmas concert is the final concert with the band for musical director Tom Martin, 3907 or 0121 445 2813 or visit www. trefoilguild.co.uk Heart of England Speakers is a small, friendly, public speaking club, based in Knowle near Solihull. It is affiliated to Toastmasters International, and meets on the 1st and 3rd Tues every month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the Greswolde Hotel, Knowle. More information at www.heartspeakers.org.uk Alvechurch Ex-Services Association meets on the second Weds each month (except January) at Alvechurch Social Club at 12.30pm. They are looking for new members, so if you have ever served in any branch of the forces and are free at lunchtime, please go along and join in. midland ancestors meets monthly at 7.45pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, B60 1AS. On Nov 13 Mike Sharpe presents Wills and Family History – exploring the value of wills and how to find them. 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. Available for hire: The Wheel community room by St Catherine’s Church, Black-
who is stepping down having shaped the band to its current high standard over the last nine years, culminating in a Gold at the National Concert Band Festival last year. The band is proud to support Macmillan Cancer Research and, to date, has raised £12,000. The Christmas Concert is an opportunity to say thank you to supporters and to start the season with a celebration of music. well. 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. 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. BEACON LADIES CLUB meets at 8pm on alternate Wednesday evenings at The Hawthorns Social Club, Rednal Hill Lane, Rednal. There is a varied programme of speakers and outings, including occasional visits to the theatre. New members of all ages welcome. £10 annual membership, plus £2 fortnightly. Please ring Barbara on 0121 445 3456 or Anita on 445 3770. Lickey Phab Club is a social club where people aged 14 and over, with and without disabilities, can come together each week to have fun! It is affiliated to national charity Phab (Physically Disabled and Able
continues overleaf The Village
November 2018
59
continued from previous page Bodied). The club meets every Mon from 7.30–9.30pm at The Trinity Centre, Lickey Parish Hall to have fun, play games, do crafts or just chat – there’s also a tuck shop! More info from Louise Edgell on 07814 122990 or lickeyphabclub@hotmail.com Bromsgrove Astronomical Society usually meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at Bromsgrove Rugby Club (Finstall Road, B60 3DH). Doors open 7.30pm, speakers begin 7.45pm. Admission free on your first visit; refreshments available. On Nov 19 Gary Poyner presents Variable Stars around the Perseus Cluster. Observing meetings are also held on the first Monday each month – bring your telescopes. More information on 01527 908331 or www. broms-astro.org.uk The Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society meets at the Alvechurch Boat Centre, Scarfield Hill (just a few steps behind The Weighbridge pub) on an “almost monthly” basis. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, 7.45pm. There is usually a guest speaker and a raffle. Non-members are very welcome to come along. Please visit the website: www. wbdcs.org.uk Beoley Good Companions, a group for retired people, meets on the 1st Mon monthly at Beoley Village Hall to socialise and enjoy an entertainer or speaker. Membership only £7 per year plus £2 entry charge, which includes a free raffle ticket. If you are interested in joining the group, contact Secretary Ken Hawkesford on 01527 61130 or email kenhawkesford @yahoo.co.uk or beoleygood.companions @yahoo.co.uk for an application form. THE FRIENDSHIP Club of Barnt Green has its next meeting on Nov 20, when Annette and John Christophers present History of Potting with Participation. Meetings usually take place at 2.15pm at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. Visitors £3 to include tea and biscuits. For more details call Rosalind Tyler on 0121 445 0598. Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall has regular Monday to Thursday morning and afternoon booking vacancies. Next to the car park, and available at reasonable rates for regular bookings, with “special rates” for local community organisations, the two halls can accommodate up to 60 persons at a time. More details on the church website: www.alvechurchbaptist.org.uk To discuss ABC hall bookings, please call Mrs Joyce Pimm on 0121 445 4635.
60
The Village
November 2018
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 Nov 14 it’s Ken in his Christmas Hats with Ken Knowles. More info from Janet on 0121 447 7870. 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 LICKEY HILLS Local History Society meets monthly at 7.30pm in the Trinity Centre, Old Birmingham Road, Lickey B45 8ES. On Nov 20 it’s Clent Village – A Brief Look Back by Paul Timmins. Annual subscription: £15. Non members: £3 per meeting. More info from George Gascoyne, Hon Secretary on 0121 453 6320, or ccgi.lickey.plus.com BROMSGROVE RAILWAY Club usually holds monthly meetings at St Godwald’s Church Hall in Finstall, 7.15pm for 7.45 start. There are always refreshments and a book stall, and new members are welcome. On Nov 14, photographer Phil Waterfield presents Burton Upon Trent in the 1960s and Beyond. More details from Dave on 01527 873800 or Gordon on 01527 873609. KINGFISHER PROBUS Club provides the opportunity for retired and semi-retired men to meet people in a friendly situation. Meetings are held at The Foxlydiate Arms, every 2nd Thurs of the month at 11.30am. Lunch is followed by an interesting talk given by a visiting speaker. Partners/ friends welcome for walks, trips, golf, skittles and special lunches. Now recruiting – pop along to a meeting or contact Max Sayer on 0121 445 4724. Soroptimist International of Bromsgrove and Redditch meets on the 2nd Thurs each month at 7pm at the Southcrest Manor Hotel, Pool Bank, Redditch B97 4JS. New members welcome. For further information contact Hazel on 07799 482444. Bromsgrove Ladies Probus meets monthly for a light lunch with a speaker, networking and occasional outings. If you are a professional or business woman and are recently retired, or coming up to retirement and would like further info, email bromsgroveladiesprobus@gmail.com ALVECHURCH HISTORICAL Society meets on the first Mon of the month (except Jan) at 7.45pm at the Museum in School Lane,
Alvechurch. On Nov 5, Ray Sturdy presents The Real Dad’s Army. More details from Anne Humphries on 0121 445 5955. New members welcome. HOPWOOD VILLAGE Hall is available for hire: ideal for parties and gatherings. Contact Ann on 0121 447 7668 or visit www.hopwoodvillagehall.co.uk 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. 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. The Monday Fellowship Group meets at the Parish Centre behind St Andrew’s Church in Barnt Green at 2.30pm on the second Mon each month. £1 per talk, to include tea and biscuits. For more information, go along or ring Joyce Linford on 0121 445 1884. Woodrush RUGBY Club “Old Dogs” meet on the first Thurs in the month at the Clubhouse, Icknield Street, 01564 822878. Open to all former players, social members and old friends for a social chat and the odd reminisce over a glass of beer. Join us: call Mike Betts on 07960 303254 or visit www. pitchero.com/clubs/woodrush the MACULAR Society Barnt Green Support Group usually meets on the last Fri of the month (with some exceptions) at The Parish Centre, behind St Andrew’s Church,
Village What’s On 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 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 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. Physiotherapy-Led Pilates Class – Weds evening 7.30pm and 8.30pm at Cofton Hackett Village Hall. 6 lessons for £50. Mixed ability classes to improve muscle tone and posture as well as overall body strength. Contact Beth on 07841477363 or elizabethalexanderltd@ gmail.com ZUMBA with LEESH! Come and SHAKE it til you make it, every Monday 7.30–8.30pm at Crown Meadow School. Contact: 07531 623959 for more information! 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. 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 Tai Chi: would you like to make a positive change in 2018, help to relax, have a new interest and exercise? Classes at Finstall Village Hall, Wednesdays 2pm. Calling all ROCKSTARS! Make some noise in the cardio jam session that is POUND! Every Wednesday 7.30–8.15pm at Crown Meadow School. Contact Leesh Waldron: 07531 625939. Booking required! BARNT GREEN Sailing Club offers regular sailing, either racing or casual sailing, in beautiful surroundings at Upper Bittell
Festival trees return to church Alvechurch Baptist Church is once again holding a Christmas Tree Festival, from Fri Nov 30 to Tues Dec 4, with trees decorated by 20 village groups. This year’s theme is “Celebrate Hope” and organisers wish the Christmas celebrations to extend to a community who experience little hope – the homeless. All festival proceeds will go to two local charities: The Birmingham Choir with No Name (made up of people who have experienced homelessness) and St Basil’s Centre Birmingham
(working with young homeless people to provide accommodation and skills). For more information about the Festival email Alyson.williams1@ btinternet.com
Full programme of events (this may be subject to change) Friday November 30 6pm: Mulled wine and tree viewing after the Village Lights Switch-On. Carols will play in the forecourt every evening for an hour. Saturday December 1 10am–3pm: Church open for tree viewing. 3pm: Christmas Family film afternoon: Polar Express. £2 pp or £5 per family. Tickets on the door or from The Lounge. Sunday December 2 10.30am: Morning Worship: Hope through Christmas, including members of the Choir With No Name telling their story. 4pm: Community Advent Carol Service based on the carols chosen for the trees. Monday December 3 10am–12.15pm: students from Alvechurch Middle School visit to see the trees and take part in workshops on homelessness run by St Basil’s. 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 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. Alvechurch Village Society’s next walk is on Nov 4, when Charlie Simmonds (0121 445 3447) leads a walk There and Back. Then on Dec 2, Norma and Ray Yarnell (07508 699672) lead A Winter Warmer
1–4.30pm: Church open for tree viewing. 7.30pm: Dine among the Trees. £10 per person for two-course meal incl. glass of wine and entertainment. Tickets from The Lounge. Tuesday December 4 10.30am–1pm: Church open for tree viewing. 3.30–4.45pm: After-school Christingle Service with activities and refreshments. 3.30–4.45pm: Grand Festival Concert with local bands The Stompies, Dirty Brass, Six Five Specials and Paddywack Ukes. £7 per person. Tickets on the door or from The Lounge. l Throughout the Festival there will be a large Advent Calendar in the church foyer. Organisers would like people to bring small gifts and chocolates to put in the pockets. All gifts will be given to The Choir with No Name. Help to make a difference and give hope to those who experience homelessness – while having fun! Walk. For both walks, meet in Tanyard Lane car park at 2.30pm. More info 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 Longbridge Ladies Cycling Club wants lovely new members! Weekly Weds and Sun rides, hotel and hostel weekends away, cycle camping adventures, social
continues overleaf The Village
November 2018
61
continued from previous page 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 or text 07759 590830, email pilates@steff affleck.co.uk or visit www.steffaffleck.co.uk 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.
Bowron on 07753 621528. For details of coaching for ages 12–16, contact Nick Jones on 07779 267609.
Aerobics on Wednesdays 7.30pm, both at Alvechurch Middle School. Contact LeeAnn on 07888 841034.
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
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.
PILOXING CLASSES: fusion of Pilates/ boxing /dance. ALL levels of fitness. Tues 9.30am (Alvechurch), Tues 7pm (Barnt Green) and Sat 8.45am (Burcot). Alison: 07790 916947, alibenford@yahoo.co.uk, Facebook: ‘Exercise with Alison Benford’
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.
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.
THE RAMBLERS, BROMSGROVE GROUP: Guided walking with our group for pleasure, fitness and fun. Full programme of walks / events throughout the year. More info at www.bromsgroveramblers.webs. com or Clare on 01527 821917 or Peter on 01527 558203.
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
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.
Astwood Bank Angling Club has 8 lakes, including 2 just outside Alvechurch. Annual membership £57 adult, £42 conc, £10 juniors. Info at www.astwoodbankac. co.uk or contact Paul on 01527 522704 or abac.membership@virginmedia.com
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
THE NEW Ravens (North East Worcestershire Ravens Rugby League Club) play at Kings Norton Rugby Club, Hopwood Park, Ash Lane, Hopwood. Playing opportunities for men’s open age, juniors, women and girls. Touch rugby will also be played for those not wishing to play full contact. Further details can be found on www. newravensrl.co.uk
One Fit Mama: Mother & Baby Wednesdays, 9.45am at Rowney Green Village Hall. Like us on Facebook: One Fit Mama Alvechurch, Barnt Green & Wythall. 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
62
The Village
November 2018
Rubery Taekwon-Do at Waseley Hills High School, Rubery on Thursdays and Bournville College, Longbridge on Fridays, with Yvonne (2nd Degree Black Belt). For more info email yvonne@rubery-tkd.co.uk or visit www.rubery-tkd.co.uk Legs Bum Tums: Thurs 9.15–10am at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. £3 per 45min session. A great workout to target those difficult-to-hit areas. Adaptations offered depending on ability – all welcome. Active Seniors: Thurs 10–11am at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. £3.15 per one-hour session. Active session for older people who want to keep fit and healthy – all welcome. Kings Norton Rhinos offers contact and non-contact rugby for children from Reception to Year 12. A safe and friendly introduction to rugby – and plenty of outdoor fun and exercise! Training takes place at KNRFC Ash Lane, Hopwood, on Sundays from 10–11.30am. Contact Steve Washington on 07771 911209 or visit www.knrfc.co.uk Pilates: Thurs 12–1pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. £3.15 per one-hour session. Pay as you go session concentrating on core work, working on posture, alignment and tummy/back conditioning.
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
Zumba Gold: Thurs 1–2pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. £3.15 per one-hour session. For people who want to stay active and fit with a dance-style class, keeping the high energy and funky moves of Zumba but without the jumping and spinning around, making it accessible to all.
Lee-Ann’s Fitness Classes: Zumba Fitness on Mondays 7.30pm (£4) and Cardio
Tai Chi (Qigong) sessions in Alvechurch Village Hall on Mon 10–11am and Fri
Village Village What’s What’s On On 11am–12noon, both £3 per session. 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. Classes £5. More details on 07831 743737, or see www.paintingtherainbow.co.uk for daytime classes and www.kaiming.co.uk for evening classes.
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
AEROBICS classes at Alvechurch School, Birmingham Rd, Tuesdays 7.30–8.30pm and Fridays 6.30–7.30pm. Lapsed or new members welcome. More info from Tony on 0121 445 1819. Hopwood Ladies Cycling Club meets at Hopwood Playing Field on Tuesdays at 11.30 am and Wednesdays at 9.30 am. For more information, visit www.hopwoodladies cyclingclub.co.uk or phone Sheila Evans on 07779 530017. Karate classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 7–8pm at Hopwood Community Hall. First three Classes FREE. Call Colin on 01527 578880 or 07738 674023 or colin.abbott@homecall.co.uk
CHILDREN & FAMILIES OPEN MORNING for St Andrew’s CofE First School, Barnt Green on Thurs Nov 22 from 2.30–3pm or or alternatively Sat Nov 24 from 10am–12noon. Prospective parents/ carers and their children are welcome to come along and meet the teaching staff, headteacher and governors. You will be taken on a tour of the friendly school by current pupils and see a variety of activities taking place. 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. 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 Pol pol’s Playtime runs stay and play sessions each Mon 10am–12noon and
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.
Join the in crowd Ricky Cool and the In Crowd present “A Night at the Flamingo” on Sat Nov 10 at Artrix Arts Centre, Bromsgrove B60 1PQ, at 8pm. Take a trip back in time to Soho’s most iconic music venue of the early 1960s. Sample the atmosphere of a typical Flamingo “All Nighter” with a shot of rhythm and blues, soul, ska and bluebeat. Tickets from Artrix on 01527 577330 or www.artrix.co.uk 12.30–2.30pm, and Tues 12.30–2.30pm at Beoley Village Hall. £4 per child and £1 per sibling Visit ‘POL POL’s PLAYTIME’ on Facebook for full info. TINY CHURCH Lickey: babies, toddlers and carers meet in Holy Trinity Church, Lickey, on Weds from 11.15am–12.45pm during term times. Games, toys, snacks and stories, with a time to meet together with God. Just pop along or contact clive. rushton@btinternet.com RHYTHM TIME: Award-winning multi-sensory, fun music classes for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. Classes in Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Lickey and Bromsgrove: see timetable at www.rhythmtime.net/vt374 or email: rhythmtimevicky@gmail.com BABY & TODDLER swimming classes with Turtle Tots: Thursdays 9.30–11.30am in Barnt Green. Teaching water confidence, key life-saving skills & stroke development. Great post-natal workout! More info: holly. wyer@turtletots.com
CATSHILL TODDLERS Club meets at the Methodist Church, Golden Cross Lane, Catshill every Weds 1–3pm (except school hols). £1.50 per child (£1 for additional siblings; under 9 months free) includes drink and biscuit for you and your toddler, plus action toys, craft table, book corner, noisy instruments, and kicking footballs, learning to catch and having fun with hoops – all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. For more information contact Sheila on 0121 445 2813 or drop in. You will be very welcome. Barnt Green Preschool is at the heart of the community. Open since 1978, it offers learning through play in a nurturing, home-from-home environment. The Preschool follows the Early Years Curriculum and with regular visits to St Andrew’s School and lots of outdoor space, it’s the perfect place to prepare your child for school. It is proud of its OFSTED report (ref 205125) and offers government-funded places. Sessions run 9am-12pm and/or 12pm-3pm Mon and Weds, and 9am-1pm Tues and Thurs. For more information or to get on the waiting list call Tina on 07790 017 777. Mum’s the Word playgroup takes place every Thursday in term time 9.30–11.20am at the Ark in Alvechurch. All are welcome, no charge; tea and coffee available for parents and grandparents. Come and join in! blackwell Baby & Toddler Group runs from 10–11.30am every Weds (term-time only) at Blackwell Methodist Church Hall, Greenhill, Blackwell B60 1BL. Small group run by local mums, all welcome. Great
continues overleaf The Village
November 2018
63
Mother Goose (pantomime) Dec.18th - 22nd at Artrix, Bromsgrove.
continued from previous page 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. 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 see www.mentorlink.org.uk 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 Lickey Baby & Toddler Group meets on Mon and Thurs mornings 9.30–11.30am, term time only. Have a hot drink while your children play in Lickey Trinity Centre (Parish Hall), Old Birmingham Road. For more information call Caroline on 07511 660727, email caroline_rebecca@hotmail. co.uk or find ‘Lickey Baby & Toddler Group’ on Facebook. 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 New Road Parents Support for parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans children meets monthly in Aston Fields. A confiden-
64
The Village
November 2018
tial, voluntary, small support group for parents by parents. Individual meetings can be arranged with another parent if preferred. Close links with FFLAG. Visit www. newroad parents.org, email evansmargar@ gmail.com or call Maggie on 01527 832492 for details. Lickey End Playgroup runs Toddlers, PreSchool and Rising Stars sessions at Lickey End Methodist Church, B60 1JX. More information on 07791 851382 or at www.lickeyendplaygroup.co.uk
GARDENS & FLOWERS WYCHBOLD FLOWER Club meets nearly every 2nd Tues of the month (unless there’s an outing) at 7.30pm in the Royal British Legion Hall, De Wyche Road, Wychbold WR9 7PN. The varied and interesting programme includes demos, workshops, garden visits and garden party, and there’s also a plant stall and raffle. Visitors welcome – just £4 to include refreshments. More info from Barbara on 01299 851282. Rowney Green Flower Club usually meets on the 4th Thurs of the month at Rowney Green Village Hall at 7.45pm. Small, friendly informal club – new members/visitors very welcome. More info from Clare on 01527 66071. ROWNEY GREEN Horticultural Society meets at the Village Hall on the 2nd Thurs each month at 7.30pm. Guests always welcome: £3.50 including refreshments. On Nov 8 it’s the AGM followed by Cheese and Wine. All members welcome re: the election of the committee. The Society is looking for new additions to the committee so if you would like to give it a try. speak to a committee member on the evening. For more info contact Lindsay Smith on 01527 592874. Dodford Gardening Club meets on the 2nd Monday each month (except August) usually in Dodford Village Hall at 7.45pm. New members and visitors welcome. More info at www.dodford gardeningclub.co.uk or call Penny on 07706 153618. Rosehill Flower Arrangement Society meets at The Trinity Centre (Lickey Parish Hall) Old Birmingham Road, B45 8EU, on the second Monday each month (except January). Refreshments served before each meeting. Meetings start at 2pm. For further info please call Diana on 01527 870549 or Belinda on 0121 447 7477, or visit www. tcandsw.org.uk/rosehill/html
Burcot Gardening Club meets on the first Weds each month at Burcot Village Hall. Meetings start at 7.30pm. New members and visitors very welcome. For more info call Jenny or Brian on 01527 522109. Solihull & District Orchid Society meets on the 1st Sat each month at St George & St Teresa’s Parish Centre, Station Road, Dorridge B39 8EZ. New members and visitors welcome, and members are always willing to offer help or advice. For more info or advice call Malcolm Moodie on 01295 788159 or see www.solihullorchidsociety.org Fun Floristry/Flower Arranging classes run each month at The Ark, Alvechurch. Ring Claire for more information, and to book, on 07564 339157. BROMSGROVE FLOWER Club meets on the 3rd Thurs each month at 2.15pm (except Jan) in All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, Bromsgrove B61 1AA. New members and visitors are warmly welcomed to spend a lovely afternoon of flowers and fun, watching a professional produce several arrangements which are then raffled, followed by refreshments. There is also an optional flower arranging competition, a bring and buy stall and often other stalls including plants, crafts, clothing. Further info at www.bromsgroveflowerclub.org.uk or ‘Bromsgrove Flower Club’ on Facebook, or from Wendy 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.
games & COMPETITIONS Shirley and Wythall Chess Club meets at Wythall Community Association in Silver Street, Wythall, B47 6LZ, every Thurs from 7.30pm. The club has four teams playing in competitive leagues. Friendly atmosphere. New players are most welcome, either just turn up or contact Barry Knee on 01564 826250 for details. The ALVECHURCH Templars Wargames Club meets most Monday evenings from 6.30pm at the Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. Visit (or join) the ‘Alvechurch Templars’ Facebook page for details or e-mail Karl Farrell at bluenostrils@outlook.com A WHIST DRIVE takes place every Weds from 7.15–9.30pm at Buckley’s Green Community Centre, Alvechurch (B48 7NG). The friendly group welcomes new members. £2 entry, includes raffle ticket and prizes.
Village What’s On 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. SPADESBOURNE BRIDGE Club plays at the Life After Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove. Join the group for friendly bridge in a pleasant venue on Thurs evenings, 7pm for a 7.15 start. They aim to finish by 10pm. Table money for visitors is £3. Phone Jan on 01905 772256 for more details. BROMSGROVE BRIDGE Clubs: The Amphlett Crown Bridge Club meets at the Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove, on Mon evenings. New members welcome, helpful guidance available and parking is excellent. Contact Alistair on 07814 393416. 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 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’. The Friday Bridge Club plays friendly, competitive, duplicate bridge at the comfortable Burcot Village Hall. New members and visitors are very welcome. Play starts at the new time of 7pm. For further details phone Gill on 01527 401019. BINGO every Wednesday and Sunday evening at the Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. First games start at 8.30pm in the lounge. Non-members welcome, phone 0121 445 2121 for more info. 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 win-
Crafts and rewards at library Alvechurch Library has plenty going on for families this autumn, with regular drop-in Baby, Bounce and Rhyme sessions every Mon and Fri from 10–10.30am, and Storytimes every Tues from 11–11.30am and Sat from 2.30pm. There are also a few spaces for children aged 8–12 years in the junior book club, Chatterbooks, which meets monthly on Mon from 3.30–4.30pm.
l The Young People’s Reward Card is
l Two Lego Card Swap Shops take place
90-day public consultation subject to approval by Cabinet. Have your say and visit your local library for more information.
on Fri Nov 16 from 3.30–4.30pm and Sat Nov 17 from 10.30–11.30am. No need to book, just drop in and start swapping! l The Crafty Ladies Christmas Sale is
on Mon Nov 19 from 10am–1pm and 2–4pm. Gifts including toiletries, handmade soft toys and Christmas decorations, plus home-made cakes and a raffle, all raising money for village groups and charities. l A Family First Aid Essentials course
takes place on Tues Dec 11, 9.30am– 12.30pm. Learn the essential skills to keep your friends and family safe. Please book in advance. Course 15931.
proving to be a great success. Not only does it offer an incentive for those aged 11–24 years to read more but it also provides long-term volunteering opportunities for those wishing to meet new people and gain new skills. If you are aged between 11–24 years sign up today: read, repeat, reward! l Alvechurch Library has entered into a
l The Summer Reading Challenge
was a fantastic success, with more than 160 children completing it. They were rewarded with a grand medal ceremony and some tall tales from skilled storyteller Cat Weatherill. The library would like to thank The Lounge for their support. 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.
ning team. There is also stand-up bingo with a prize. For more info call quizmaster Dave on 07815 456178.
grove; parking is available. For info ring Ann Gittins on 0121 550 5246 or see www. halesowenbridgeclub.org.uk
“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
Barnt Green Duplicate Bridge Club meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall each Weds afternoon and would like new members – contact Liz on 0121 445 0704.
Rummikub Club meets in the Social Room at Rowney Green Peace Hall fortnightly on Tuesdays from 2–4pm. Entry £2 to include tea and biscuits. You will be made very welcome! Info from Betty Oakley on 01527 63725. A popular weekly quiz takes place each Thursday at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club and follows the normal format. Doors open at 8pm. Organise a team, or just turn up and join a team. All welcome. 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 Broms-
ART & LITERATURE All About The Sew is holding four fun and sociable sewing workshops on Friday mornings in November at Alvechurch Village Hall. For more details call Lorna on 07963 734756 or visit www.allaboutthesew.com 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 Withybed Poets are a group of poetry writers who meet in Withybed Green to share their poems and write together. They are open to anyone who enjoys writing and sharing poetry. They love reading their poems to audiences, which they do
continues overleaf The Village
November 2018
65
Village What’s On continued from previous page 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, and will be reading at the Alvechurch Peace Concert on Nov 9. Next meeting is Nov 14 at 7.30pm; for details, or to ask about commissioning a poem, ring Mary on 0121 445 5957. Forge Mill Creative Textile Group (formerly Forge Mill Embroidery & Textile Group) are a friendly group of enthusiastic local crafters, both experienced and beginners, who meet weekly on Fri mornings at Beoley Village Hall. Various techniques and media are used to create textile artwork, such as printing, dyeing, hand and machine embroidery, along with fabric manipulation. They are a leisure learning and development group and work to a set programme. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Lynda on 0121 445 3212 or Lyn on 0121 258 2771. Alvechurch Readers Group now meets in the library on the last Tuesday of the month from 2pm until 3.30pm. New members always welcome. Please ring the Hub on 01905 822722 and ask for Alvechurch Library or pop into the library on the Birmingham Road. Alvechurch Art Group meets at the Baptist Hall (rear of church) every Tues from 1–3.30pm, using all mediums except oil. All welcome, especially beginners. Friendly tuition. Call Paul on 0121 445 5437 or drop in. Barnt Green Art Club runs a morning and afternoon tutored session on Fridays at The Friends Meeting House in Barnt Green. There is a waiting list for both sessions. Call Jackie on 0121 445 4745. Burcot Woodturning Club offers a friendly meeting place for woodturners of all abilities and experience. A varied programme includes demos, talks, handson practical evenings and visits to exhibitions. The group meets on the first Thurs each month, 7.15–9.30pm at Burcot Village Hall. Info from John on 0121 458 5884 or visit www.burcotwoodturners.org.uk THE “CRAFTY Ladies” craft group meets every Monday morning in Alvechurch Library from 11am–1pm, with knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting etc. An informal and self running group that uses shared library space. More info on 01905 822722.
66
The Village
November 2018
Bromsgrove Art Society has a new venue: Burcot Village Hall, 340 Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove, B60 1BH. Meetings are still held on the 3rd Weds each month (except Jan and Aug) at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome, entry £2 including refreshments. For more info email lyndasharp2010@yahoo.com or visit www. bromsgroveartsociety.org.uk WYTHALL WRITERS meet at the Peter Thompson Room at St Mary’s Church, Shawhurst Lane on the second Thurs each month. New members always welcome. More info from Helen on 01564 824517, Eileen on 01564 822214, Louise on 0121 430 4992 or www.wythall writers.com 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 ALVECHURCH Library is available to host day and short courses such as card-making or scrapbooking. If you have a skill to teach or share, call 01905 822722. LICKEY HILLS ART SOCIETY, a friendly bunch of artists and those interested in art, meet at Longbridge Methodist Church, Bristol Road, B45 9TY, on the first
An evening of book talk WORDS, the Bromsgrove group that promotes interest in the written and spoken word, presents an evening with award-winning writer Jim Crace, at Artrix on Sun Nov 18 at 7.30pm. Jim’s novels include Quarantine (Whitbread Novel of 1998), Harvest (shortlisted for the 2013 Man Booker Prize), and his latest work The Melody, described as “an ecological fable for modern times”. Jim, who has also worked as a journalist and written short stories and radio plays, will talk about his life and writing. There will be plenty of time to ask him questions and a chance to buy his books. If you are not a WORDS member but would like to come along then tickets (£15/ £7.50) are available from Artrix on 01527 577330 or www. artrix.co.uk More info on WORDS at www.bromsgrovewords.com.
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.
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 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 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 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
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.
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.
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
ALVECHURCH WI meets on the second Monday each month in Alvechurch Village Hall, at 7.30pm. For more info call President Julie Hurlston on 07583 326252 or email mrsjulieturley@hotmail.com
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.
Bromsgrove WI meets at the Life after Stroke Centre, Church Lane, Bromsgrove B61 8RA on the second Tues each month at 2.15 pm. For more info please contact Christine Hickman-Smith 01527 870342 or email christine.hs@uwclub.net
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
ARK ANGELs WI meets on the second Monday each month from 7.30pm at the Ark, Alvechurch. On Nov 12 it’s Drumming. For more info email ark.angels@hotmail. com
To have your event or group listed, send details to Sally Oldaker via the addresses on Page 3, by Nov 16.
Village Baking
Stirring up some festive flavours I
In our recipe series, keen baker Jen Morris, of Rowney Green, gears up for Christmas with a traditional mincemeat recipe.
am a huge Christmas fan and while November may feel too early to be starting with all that, I give myself special dispensation to make the kitchen festive on “Stir-up Sunday” (November 25 this year). More traditionally associated with making the Christmas pudding, I use the day to make my Christmas cake and mincemeat, to give both a few weeks for the flavours to deepen. This recipe has been gifted to me by a friend’s grandmother, hence the “old school” measurements. I still weigh it out this way, because it feels like the proper thing
to do! This is the work of a few minutes and will make delicious mince pies and desserts. Ingredients: l 12oz raisins l 12 oz sultanas l 12oz currants l 1lb cooking apples, peeled, cored and diced l 1lb caster sugar l 8oz suet (veggie suet is available) l Juice of 1 orange l Large pinch mixed spice l Large pinch grated nutmeg l 2tbsp brandy or rum (optional)
1) Combine everything in a large bowl. 2) Optionally, if you like a “gooey” mincemeat, put half the mixture through a mincer or pulse in a blender, then mix back together. This encases the whole fruit in rich, delicious sauce. 3) Gather people for obligatory stirring and making wishes! 4) Decant into sterilised jars and seal carefully. 5) Store in a cool place, ready for making Christmas treats. The Village
November 2018
67
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
KITCHENS | BEDROOMS | HOME OFFICES