TheVillage September 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 193 September 2018
ISSN 1466-3376
Horseplay In The Hills Pages 14–15
Morris Merriment Page 17
Editorial: Editor: Sally Oldaker Publisher: Richard Peach The Limes Alvechurch Worcestershire B48 7RR
Waiting For The Rain Pages 20–21
Tel: 0121 445 6757 email: news@villageonline.co.uk
To advertise in TheVillage
Artists On Display Pages 36–37
Call Louise Robinson:
0121 445 6757 email:
louise@villageonline.co.uk
visit: villageonline.co.uk The Village (ISSN 1466-3376) is published by Platform Publishing & Media Ltd (Reg Office: 87 Hewell Rd, Barnt Green, B45 8NL) and printed by Buxton Press in Derbyshire. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any errors made in advertisements or for claims made by any advertisers which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. All material submitted for publication is done so at the owner’s risk and no responsibility is accepted by the publisher for its return.
Independent Schools Pages 41–46
British Blooms Pages 58–62
Cover: Old machinery at Stonehouse Lane, Hopwood, photographed by Village reader Dennis Brown
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Village News ZIPPING IN: Alvechurch parish councillors, supporters and village youngsters celebrate the installation of a 30-metre zip wire and other play and exercise equipment on The Meadows playing fields close to the village centre. The equipment was paid for using a contribution from the developer of a housing estate in the village. More pictures: Page 8
PARKING PLIGHT PLEA
Villagers are being asked to come up with ideas that could solve the growing parking problems across Alvechurch. It is hoped a solution will also help to reduce traffic volume and speeds through the village centre. Streets are becoming clogged as the number of cars per household increases, with driveways only having room for one vehicle. Sometimes there are whole streets with no driveways but two or three cars per household. The problems is particularly acute near the station as better train services attract more commuters, but
the station car park cannot cope, pushing the problem on to the surrounding streets. District councillor Kate Van Der Plank (right) has launched an urgent call for ideas. “Rather than looking at this piecemeal, on a street-by-street basis, we need to look across the whole village, otherwise we’ll just push the problem from one road to the next,” said Coun Van Der Plank. “I would be in favour of much more street parking in the village centre
Mystery of the Lickey latch
Churchwardens in Lickey are baffled by the disappearance and return of the latch on the gate to the cemetery extension. When it was discovered to be missing, a replacement was ordered at a cost of £100 – but a few days later the original reappeared, with new nuts holding it in place. “We thought the latch had been stolen, but why would anybody want an insignificant piece of metal?” said churchwarden Nick Forknell. “Perhaps it just fell off when somebody used it, and they took it away in order to fix it? Either way, we are very grateful it’s been put back.”
by removing double yellow lines and thinking about traffic flow, parking bays, and direction of parking. “I think this would have the added benefit of slowing traffic down through the village centre and encouraging through traffic to use the bypass rather than choosing ‘the scenic route’ through the village.” The search for ideas is backed by county councillor Charlie Hotham and Alvechurch Parish Council. A meeting is being held this month between the councillors and representatives of Worcestershire Highways to consider ways forward. Ideas received so far by Coun Van Der Plank include having “horizontal” parking, similar to outside the Village Hall, on some wider village roads, such as along Swan Street. This would create a large number of parking spaces and, by narrowing the road, act as a traffic calming measure. It has also been pointed out that any residential parking permits, such as those investigated for Bear Hill, would have to be introduced across the whole village so the problem would not just be pushed to the next street. Anyone with any suggestions can email: kate.vanderplank@bromsgroveand redditch.gov.uk
The Village
September 2018
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Village News
Carve or craft a pumpkin The second Alvechurch Pumpkin Festival will take place on Saturday October 27 in the Village Hall. The public are invited to view the display between 11am-4pm, with pumpkin-related refreshments available in the downstairs café. Organisers hope to have as many, if not more, exhibits than at last year’s successful family event. The festival is not a competition, and anyone can exhibit just for the fun of it. You may have grown a pumpkin yourself and carved it, or wish to carve a shop-bought one. Pumpkin craft is also welcome – so
try your hand at knitting or crochet, painting, baking, or crafting anything pumpkin-related. All exhibitors will receive a badge featuring this year’s logo, designed by Sophie Rose, a Year 8 pupil at Alvechurch Middle School. Entry forms can be downloaded from www.alvechurchvillagehall. co.uk or collected from The Lounge or the library in Alvechurch. There is a £1 entry fee for each exhibit and proceeds will go towards Village Hall maintenance and Papyrus (a charity for young suicide prevention). This year there’s also a “best
window” competition for village shops, with the displays judged by The Village magazine! A number of shops have already signed up, so look out for pumpkins appearing in the windows in the run-up to the event.
Hall helpers needed Three walks to choose from
An artist’s impression of the hall
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illagers are getting behind plans for a new village hall in Cofton Hackett by volunteering their skills to get the project off the ground. A charitable trust has been set up to create the new state-of-the-art community centre, and residents were invited to find out more and give their views at a recent open morning. The trustees are currently in final negotiations with St Modwen about the hall, which will be built on the corner of East Works Drive and Groveley Lane. It is hoped that the facility will become a focal point for the community, bringing together established and new residents in a fantastic new space available for a variety of activities and events. Chair of trustees, the Rev Sheri Gidney, said: “Around 40 people
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attended the event. A number of them agreed to join our sub-committees, while others made suggestions on what they would like to see at the hall, such as baby groups and coffee mornings. “However, we still need people with expertise in professional fundraising, grant applications, marketing, branding, communications, and website design.” Rev Gidney added, “We want Cofton Village Hall to be an important part of the life of the village, providing something for everyone. “But we can’t do it on our own – we need the community itself to be part of how the hall is created and how it operates.” If you would like to help, or have any further suggestions, contact Sheri on sherigidney@gmail.com or 0121 238 7912, or Kath at kath9tt@ hotmail.com
September 2018
BARNT GREEN Parish Council holds its annual Community Walk on Saturday September 22. There are three walks of different lengths to choose from, all starting and ending at Millennium Park. The eight-mile walk starts at 1.30pm, the five-mile route at 2.30pm, and the three-mile at 3.30pm. Participants are encouraged to arrive half an hour before the start time. All walks are intended to arrive back in the park between 5pm and 5.30pm for a pig roast and drinks, plus live music provided by village musician Paul Edwards. It is free to take part, and there’s no need to book. Accompanied children and dogs are welcome, but as some of the terrain is off-road, regular pushchairs may not be suitable. n Don’t forget Blackwell Music Festival on Saturday September 8, with live music from 12 noon in the grounds of Hunter’s Hill School. Buy tickets at Blackwell Village Stores or online at www.skiddle.com
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Village News
Playtime at Meadows The Meadows in Alvechurch has been full of kids, old and young, since the installation of new play and exercise equipment over the summer. A double, 30-metre zip wire is the centrepiece, with further risky play equipment and an outdoor gym, aimed at older villagers, proving popular. The £73,000 bill for the equipment and installation was paid by a “106” contribution from the developers of Rectory Gardens, off Birmingham Road, as requested by the villager who sold the land. After a shortlist of possible equip-
Outdoor FUN: (from top) Parish councillors Sue Lambert, Tony Wallis, Alan Helmore, Andy Humphries and Adrian Smith try out the new equipment. A memorial garden to Alvechurch youngster Finlay Church was planted earlier this year by the paddling pool in The Meadows and is being nurtured by retired director of Birmingham Botanical Gardens Philip Aubury. Unfortunately, one of the plants, a Choisya “Sundance”, was ripped out and taken away, so Philip put up a sign (right) explaining it
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was a memorial garden to deter others from taking plants. Remarkably, within a few days the plant was returned to the garden, but because it had been specially anchored, most of the root had been lost. It is now recovering with special care at Philip’s home and will be replanted, alongside the replacement he bought, in the autumn. September 2018
ment was drawn up by Alvechurch Parish Council, the final choice was made through a survey of local residents which resulted in 478 responses. A parish council spokeswoman said: “The project as a whole was an excellent example of collaboration between the community and different levels of Government. “It demonstrates how the financial implications of new housing can directly benefit a community and, most importantly, shows the value of volunteer parish councillors in representing local people.”
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Village News
Village reader Vicki Stiles has invited people to come to a party and support two charities at the same time. The “Party with a Purpose” takes place on Saturday October 6 at Hillscourt Hotel, Rose Hill, Lickey, B45 8RS from 7.30pm, and will raise funds for Bromsgrove’s Primrose Hospice and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Guests will be able to enjoy light buffet refreshments and show off their moves on the dancefloor. Tickets cost £25 each and are available from Vicki on 07791 868 717 or vickistiles@mail.com Above: Vicki (left) and her sister Sophie Shaw (right) with Primrose Hospice fundraiser Anna Wilson.
The future
of Alvechurch Post Office is still in limbo after plans for a Simply Fresh grocery store at 14 The Square were turned down on appeal. The Post Office had hoped to move into the premises, whose owners intended to renovate and extend the listed building. However, a planning inspector said the plans would be detrimental to the character of the building and the area, and cause disturbance to neighbouring residents. Alvechurch Parish Council is seeking a meeting with the Post Office to discuss its options.
Barnt
Green Parish Council was left with two vacancies after the resignations of Sam Harris and Jenny Jellie. As we went to press there were three interested candidates, and one vacancy was due to be filled by co-option on August 28. The second position will be decided at the next meeting on September 17.
A lack
of waste bins on the Parker’s Piece playing field in Barnt Green led to litter problems during the summer heatwave. Two bins had been removed because they were no longer suitable and a replacement bin did not arrive in time to prevent the two remaining bins from being overloaded. Parish councillors hope the new bin, now installed in the car park, will be more easily accessible and well used. Dog owners are reminded that they can use any bin for bagged poo, not just a “dog waste only” bin.
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September 2018
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Village Leavers
WHAT SEEMED like the whole of Barnt Green turned out to say farewell to Kay Cholmondeley when she retired as head of St Andrew’s First School after 20 years. As a special surprise, Hewell Road was lined with current and former pupils, parents and villagers as Kay and her staff processed from the school to her leaving drinks at the Victoria pub.
The Lawns residential home in Alvechurch waved goodbye to some long-serving members of staff at a garden party. Care manager Chris Caldicott retired after 15 years, along with husband Dave who has also worked at The Lawns for seven years, while senior team leader Becky Tolley was leaving after 11 years. As Chris is a big Elvis fan, there was entertainment by “The King” (Dave Dixon), as well as plenty of fizz and a special cake (above) made by housekeeper Lyn Farmer. Right (from left): Dave Caldicott, Lawns owner Darren Oliver, Margaret Underhill (who is taking over Chris’ role), Becky Tolley, Chris Caldicott, Dave Dixon. The Village
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Village People Now in its third year, the Lickey Hills Bilberry Wake has been revived to commemorate a time when real horses were raced for competition. Having made their steeds from stuffed socks, stuck-on eyes, folded ears and a length of branch, the young “riders� had to overcome hurdles and the cunning final water jump. Medals, badges and a great deal of satisfaction were handed out, with the adults having their own chaotic race as the finale.
HORSE A week earlier, the Lickey Hills Teeny Explorers could be seen making their very own hobby-horses (with a little help!) The event was organised by Lickey Hills Society volunteers in conjunction with the Lickey Hills Country Park Rangers. Photography by Keith Woolford
PLAY IN THE HILLS
New season starts
With the new season commencing in September, the junior section of Kings Norton Rugby Club started pre-season training in August. Junior players train alongside the senior players on Wednesday evenings, creating a great club atmosphere. The season proper starts with training on Sunday mornings at 10am, from September 2. New players are always welcome on a “come and try it� basis. New for this season is an under-11 tag rugby group, offering players in the under-nine to 11 age groups a choice of tag or contact rugby. Learn more at www.knrfc.c.uk
The Village
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Village People
MORRIS MERRIMENT Pam Morley of Ælfgythe Women’s Border Morris dances through the past year’s activities.
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e have had a fantastic season which saw us enjoying a wide variety of events. Most memorable was our Wassail in February, when we were hosts to Alvechurch Community Choir, Banda Sem Nome Samba, Alvechurch Morris Men and of course the English Civil War Society represented by the amazing John Bright’s Regiment of Foote. The volleys they fired as part of the festivities were magnificent to see with the bright muzzle flashes in the dark. We danced in the village at local events such as The Weighbridge Beer Festival, and at events further afield such the Bromsgrove Festival and Upton Folk Festival. Then in June we hosted six Morris sides for our own Weekend of Dance to celebrate our 10th anniversary. The weekend took a lot of planning to make sure that everything worked well, and everyone in the side contributed to the organising to ensure that a good time was had by all! We had many compliments from all the sides who attended. The season ended when we were guests of Alvechurch Morris Men dancing at The Camp at Grimley, near Worcester What a splendid evening – thank you, guys.
Now we are planning the new 2018 – 2019 season, with our first practice on Wednesday September 5 at Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall from 8–10pm. Our Wassail is in early February with all the usual components – and possibly some extras – and we are negotiating to stage a mini beer festival and day of dance in October. Other plans include a fashion show next year (more about that after Christmas) and of course we will be at the New Year’s Day celebrations at the Crown Inn, Withybed – as long as Alvechurch Morris Men invite us (if they don’t, we’ll just turn up anyway!). We have already been invited to dance out with a number of different sides, and to the Wassail at The Fleece Inn at Bretforton, near Evesham, in January – woolly vests time, I think!
A further date not to be missed will be the Bloodstone Border Morris rally on the Isle of Wight next June to celebrate their 10th anniversary. We are recruiting new dancers and musicians for the coming season, and are putting on “taster” sessions for beginners every Wednesday in September. So, if you’ve ever thought about having a go at Morris dancing, this is your chance. We are looking for female dancers and male or female musicians. We are open to anyone regardless of experience, and really the only requirement is a sense of humour. We’re a really friendly bunch, and meet up for some exercise and most importantly fun. Why not come along? For more information email aelfgythe@hotmail. co.uk or call me on 07961 830 831.
The Village
September 2018
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Village VillageViews Views
How to slow the traffic Dear Editor – I read with interest your August Village View concerning the “rat run” through Alvechurch, and would like to make the following comments and suggestions. 1) The Alvechurch “bypass” is not a true bypass (it is too far away). It is solely a feeder road to and from the M42, predominantly for Birmingham and Redditch residents. The large number of “rat run” motorists who used the bypass recently only did so because they were diverted to it when Swan Street was closed. 2) Barnt Green high street doesn’t have the same volume of traffic as Alvechurch village centre. The Barnt Green “rat run” is along the B4120 Bittell Road. Solutions for Alvechurch high street need to be different. 3) The article mentioned local councillors. It would be nice to hear from them occasionally (other than when they’re asking for our votes) about what they are actually doing to try and slow down the traffic through Alvechurch, where 40mph seems to be the minimum for many motorists. We never see any police officers with speed guns, and we never see any county council traffic surveys (cables across the road measuring speeds by time of day); both things councillors could be pressing for. 4) It is not possible to reduce the number of vehicles travelling around the area; there is not the political will to do so. The best you can achieve is to slow the traffic down. How to slow the traffic through Alvechurch: Reducing the 40mph limits to 30mph and the 30mph to 20mph AND enforcing them with traffic cameras would be at least self-financing. Any surplus fines
Have your say . . . about anything! 18
The Village
September 2018
Lawton’s View
could be used for local good causes. Hopefully over time drivers would get the message, slow down and our roads become safer. A bonus of this approach is that with traffic travelling at lower speeds there is less noise and air pollution. There would be some challenges in achieving this. But, as the major obstacle is the many politicians who are far too often reluctant to upset the motoring fraternity, perhaps a good start would be to elect some politicians who pledge to at least try to solve the problem. Howard Allen, Alvechurch
Roundabout signs are dangerous Dear Editor – It was interesting to read Sarah Rees’ report on the problems with the Oakalls roundabout (The Village, August 2018).
I live on The Oakalls and use the roundabout regularly. The most dangerous aspect of the roundabout is when you’re coming down from town on the Stratford Road. The signs tell you to use the left-hand outside lane for The Oakalls. This is both dangerous and doesn’t fit with the Highway Code, as the Oakalls turn-off is more than 180 degrees of the roundabout. This gives two major problems: as you cross the Bromsgrove Highway on the outside lane you often find a car trying to cross over to go up the Bromsgrove Highway, and secondly the cars entering the roundabout from the Bromsgrove Highway think you will be going off and up the Bromsgrove Highway. Personally, I never use the left-hand lane to enter from the Stratford Road – keeping to the inside of the roundabout means the cars entering from the Bromsgrove Highway know
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 September 18.
you are going around the roundabout so they don’t pull out in your path and you don’t get cut up by cars trying to exit via the Bromsgrove Highway. The instructions should be changed in line with the Highway Code. Alan Gillbanks, via email
Long wait spoils benefit of new train timetable
Dear Editor – In common with so many travellers who have looked forward to the extension of the Cross City line to Bromsgrove, I was dismayed to find that trains stopping at Barnt Green at 19 minutes past the hour result in a wait of over 40 minutes at Bromsgrove for a connecting train to Worcester and beyond. It beggars belief that this was not taken into consideration when deciding which trains would stop at Barnt Green, and negates the advantage of opening up the line to Bromsgrove for those who use Barnt Green station and wish to travel to Worcester and beyond by train. I have written to West Midlands Trains regarding this matter and have received no response. I am copying this letter to the parish council in the hope that they can make representations and have more success. Richard Yewdall, Barnt Green Left: The first of the extra trains arrives at Barnt Green from Bromsgrove Pic/Trevor Boardman
Where’s Vinny?
11-year-old Hannah Dale, of Alvechurch, was the latest winner of a Mini Vinny in our monthly competition – having been entering for more than two years! If you want to win one for yourself, you’ll need to try to locate the little hedgehog hiding somewhere in this magazine (the one shown above is just a guide!). Just tell us where he’s hiding via phone, email or post – please include your contact details, especially if leaving a voicemail message – and we’ll draw a winner at random. The closing date is midnight on the 18th of every month. We’ll let you know if you’ve won and you can collect your Mini Vinny from our office – and pose for a photo with your prize!
TheVillage View . . .
T
here is an entry in our 1998 office diary from Monday September 28 saying, simply: “Village #1 to press.” And here we are, 20 years later, still just about to go to press, for the 193rd time. We don’t often blow our own trumpet, and the October issue will be our official 20th anniversary edition where we will no doubt do so, but we can’t resist pre-empting that occasion just a little here to look at how much everything has changed for the magazine, and to peer into the future. Twenty years ago, that October issue would not have come back to us as printed magazines until at least two weeks later, if we were lucky. The digital revolution was in its early days and we still had to use crayons to crop and size photographs, and ballpoint pens to write instructions on pieces of paper, with the contents of each page in its own plastic bag. Everything went backwards and forwards (driven in cars and vans) until it was just about right, and only then would it go to print; and even then the printing company might decide it was more important to get The Rolling Stones’ concert tour programme printed on time than The Village. These days, there is no to-ing and fro-ing: we get the magazine how we want it on screen, then press a button and a few days later we get 10,000 magazines back in Alvechurch, packed neatly into boxes. It’s not quite that simple, of course; there are still considerable skills required, most importantly the journalism and advertising sales at the heart of the magazine, as well as the technical knowledge to bring it all together in just the right format. These skills are why we are still here, as strong as ever, 20 years later. Which brings us to the rarely-asked question behind any publisher’s endeavour: what gives them the right to present reportage and views to the public at large? Is it just because they have the ability and means to do so? This is pertinent with the advent of so-called “social media” allowing anyone and everyone to be a publisher if they own a smart phone. We are now seeing where that leads and it appears to be a dark place indeed, with those taking us in that direction decrying the “fake news” of the established, responsible media. Newspapers around the world are fighting back, despite having their revenues shredded by the unbridled power of the internet giants – and here at The Village we are delighted to be able to do our bit at a local level, shining a light when necessary into the corners some people would prefer were left in the dark. The Village
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Village Focus
Waiting for the
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his scene would normally be mostly water, perhaps with a sailing dinghy or two skipping across the surface while anglers watch their floats from the shore. What you can see here is merely a puddle, the result of the few rainy spells this summer since a new valve was fitted to the bed of Upper Bittell, close to the dam wall, in June. It will be some months before the fish stocks, removed from the reservoir so it could be drained, will be retrieved from holding tanks dotted around the national canal system and freed into the water for members of Barnt Green Fishing Club to tempt them on to their hooks. It also means Barnt Green Sailing Club’s centenary celebrations have been a drier affair than had been hoped, although the members have not been disheartened and have still enjoyed a series of land-based events marking the occasion. Now they are praying for rain so they can take to the water in their centenary year, with their fingers crossed for ‘early autumn’. As The Village went to press, that was looking optimistic but, as we all know, the British weather is always capable of surprises . . .
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September 2018
rain to fall
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ulie Ward is a qualified, experienced alcohol specialist who runs ACT Alcohol based in Bromsgrove. Her service provides one-to-one sessions to teach individuals how to gain control over their drinking. “It is important to make sure you know how to drink moderately all year round,” says Julie. “Abstinence for a short period will give your body a rest, but it is not an answer to a healthier relationship with alcohol. “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, when life will surely be easier. “Sometimes that can happen, but more often than not it is
overlooked and 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 .
Village Health
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Tai Chi for all abilities
W
hether you want to learn a gentle but effective martial art or you’re looking for health and relaxation, Tai Chi and ChiKung (Qigong) can help. Mark Peters has been teaching Tai Chi for well over 20 years and runs daytime and evening classes in Alvechurch and Hopwood, suitable for all abilities. “Tai Chi translates as “supreme ultimate” and is both the pinnacle of Chinese arts and what you see people practising in parks in the early mornings across Asia,” says Mark. He first came to it as a martial art in his early 20s and trained in Malaysia, Singapore and Taiwan, even taking a group of students to train in China. In recent years Mark has been working with the NHS and training staff to use Tai Chi for patient rehabilitation: “We are the only people working with the NHS locally.”
Mark adds, “Long before Mindfulness became so heavily promoted, Tai Chi existed as a mindful activity. “It is so much more than just a gentle exercise as it has been proven to improve your balance, circulation and respiratory function as well as strengthening your core,” he adds. Classes run at Alvechurch Village Hall on Mondays (10–11am) and Fridays (11am–12noon), and at Hopwood Village Hall on Tuesdays
(7–8pm) and Wednesdays (10–11am). There are classes for all levels, and Tai Chi can be practiced both seated and standing, with progress at a speed that suits you. For details of daytime classes visit www.paintingtherainbow.co.uk, and for evening sessions see www.kaiming.co.uk For more information call Mark on 07831 743737 or search ‘Kai Ming Tai Chi’ on Facebook and YouTube. The Village
September 2018
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Village Health
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Your journey to recovery A
new physiotherapy and acupuncture clinic in Alvechurch aims to reduce health problems as well as boosting general wellbeing. Pink Zebra, based at the relaxing Millhouse Clinics in the centre of the village, is run by Stephanie Hatherly, who has been a physiotherapist for nearly 10 years and has a special interest in the areas of acupuncture and women’s health. “I am a mum to two young children and until very recently I worked for the NHS at the Birmingham Women’s Hospital,” says Stephanie. “My new clinic focuses on women’s health and acupuncture and I want to help the many people out there who would like assistance in managing their health needs.” In particular, Stephanie is able to
Stephanie
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in their pregnancy can really benefit from specialist rehabilitation work, acupuncture and massage as part of a treatment package. Additionally, Stephanie says acupuncture works well when incorporated into treatments for anyone with persistent pain, such as back or shoulder pain – it can reduce stress and anxiety, thus promoting well-being. “I want to take the time to listen to your needs and work with you on your journey to recovery,” she adds. “For details regarding treatments do not hesitate to contact me for a chat – and find out how to be a better you!” Tel: 07432 333259 www.pinkzebraphysio.co.uk steph@pinkzebraphysio.co.uk
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Are they sore, dry, weepy or itchy? Do you have blurred vision or reduction in vision?
We also provide a new Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) service. Orthokeratology is comparable to a ‘non-permanent laser vision correction’ using a special type of contact lens.
Don Williams Optometrist MCOptom BSC (Hons) PGDip Refractive & Cataract Surgery Prof Cert Med Retina Prof Cert Glaucoma
‘Eye Dream Contact Lenses’(Ortho-K) Are you short sighted? Would you like to be glasses-free without having to have laser surgery or wear daily contact lenses? Get in touch!
See a video about Ortho-K at: www.facebook.com/ EdgbastonEyeClinic or ring us for a chat
Edgbaston Eye Clinic
The Consulting Rooms 38 Harborne Road Edgbaston B13 3EH 0121 726 3199 Free patient parking on site
info@edgbastoneyeclinic.com www.edgbastoneyeclinic.com
The Village
September 2018
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10 Years Ago From TheVillage archive
our september 2008 cover showed the view from Beacon Hill car park in the Lickeys towards the Malvern Hills. It also advertised our Independent Schools guide and Weddings Special, both inside.
Hillscourt is set in the beautiful Lickey Hills, just on the outskirts of Birmingham, offering a unique wedding/function venue.
September 2013 – the diggers arrive
IN THE NEWS: The controversial “MUGA” (multi-use games area) and risky play equipment had finally been completed in Alvechurch and had been enjoyed by youngsters during the school holidays. Meanwhile, groups of young people had created new murals for the bus shelter in Alvechurch centre, as part of a project aimed at deterring vandalism.
Excellent catering Fully licensed bar n Complimentary bridal suite n 55 en-suite bedrooms n Attractive grounds and gardens n Secure car parking n Good value for money n Licensed for civil ceremonies n
n
Hillscourt, Rednal, Birmingham B45 8RS. Tel: 0121 457 6100 www.hillscourt.co.uk
barnt Green resident Dorothy Radford had received belated recognition for her service in the Women’s Land Army during WWII. She was one of 30,000 surviving members to receive a special badge and a certificate from the Prime Minister. Alvechurch schoolgirls Alicia Foley and Poppy Diprose had raised more than £300 for Birmingham Children’s Hospital with a sponsored run around The Meadows, having been inspired after their friend was treated at BCH. They received a hospital tour and chatted on hospital radio.
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September 2018
Village Homes
Advertisement feature
Facelift for your kitchen D
ream Doors, the UK’s largest kitchen makeover company, has opened a brand-new showroom in Barnt Green. Owner Zoe Galloway celebrated the grand opening with the help of her friends, family, fellow local business owners and several new customers. On hand to cut the ribbon was Home Secretary and village MP Sajid Javid, as well as Dream Doors’ Operations Director, Edward Brewer. Dream Doors is a national brand with more than 80 locally-owned showrooms. The company prides itself on providing quality kitchens through an award-winning service, but with a particular focus on its innovative “kitchen facelift”. By simply replacing the kitchen’s doors and worktops, Dream Doors can create what looks like a brandnew kitchen but for a fraction of the price, hassle and time associated with a full refit. As well as doors and worktops, the company also offers a huge choice of appliances, sinks and taps, and all components are installed by local skilled tradespeople. Before joining the Dream Doors network, Zoe had worked in both construction management and interior design; the perfect combination for her to specialise in kitchen makeovers. Zoe says she was keen to run a local business with her family that was, in turn, supported by an extremely successful and trusted national brand.
“I feel it’s really important to support local businesses and the community,” she says. “I’m proud to be hiring local people and trades and, with the help of Dream Doors, will work hard to attract more customers to visit Barnt Green.” She adds: “I’m also really excited to help local people design their new kitchens. And it’s great to be offering them the most cost-effective choice when it comes to transforming their kitchen.” The Dream Doors brand can validate its first-class reputation through comments its customers have made about its service. Based on almost 20,000 reviews and 65,000 installations, the company has an average score of 9.7/10 on the independent consumer monitoring website
Checkatrade. What’s more, Dream Doors has won several national awards, including 2017’s Home and Living Awards for “Best Money Saving Product” and “Best Kitchen Supplier”, where John Lewis and Debenhams shared the winner’s rostrum. The company has appeared on ITV’s 60 Minute Makeover series many times, won the British Franchise Association’s (BFA) Franchisee Recruitment of the Year Award, is a former BFA ‘Brand Builder of the Year’, and has also won a Department of Trade and Industry-backed National Training Award. 61 Hewell Road, Barnt Green, Birmingham, B45 8NL 0121 293 4816 www.dreamdoors.co.uk
The Village
September 2018
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Village Directory
The Village Directory To get your business or service noticed, call Louise on 0121 445 6757 Reliable, friendly local electrician Nest Pro Installers l Security alarms & CCTV l Smoke & heat detectors l Sockets & lights installed l l
Get the job done right! Tel: 07378 346811 info@smartfixelectrical.co.uk www.smartfixelectrical.co.uk
NEW STEPS CHIROPODY Painful feet? Struggling to cut your nails?
Call Tracy (Qualified Chiropodist)
07818 240554 or 0121 603 4290 u
Treatments include: u Footbath u Cutting nails Thinning out thick nails u Removing hard skin & corns u Home visits available
www.newstepschiropody.com
ANDY HOPKINS
Local, reliable service with 40 years’ experience
AUTO SERVICE AND REPAIRS Servicing, Repairs, MOTs, Exhausts, Tyres, Diagnostics Red Lion St, Alvechurch B48 7LF (at rear of Red Lion Garage)
Call 07799 858937
Jane Ward 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
Independent Travel Counsellor based in Blackwell
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 The Village
September 2018
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Village Directory
Independent home care agency owned and run by an experienced Registered Nurse Traditional, bespoke, person-centred care Safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led Registered with the Care Quality Commission
Contact Jackie Grant on 0121 448 3348 jackie@windmill-hill-care.co.uk www.windmill-hill-care.co.uk
Lloyd Morgan 07789 622453 0121 445 6441 morganplumbingandheating.co.uk City & Guilds Fully Qualified Plumber
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
Deborah Glover GHR Affil., Dip. Clin. Hyp.
Kiln-dried hardwood logs
Struggling to cope with anxieties or challenges? Need some help and support?
Coopers Hill Farm, Alvechurch B48 7BX 0121 447 7313 sales@logco.co
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
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
SWIMMING POOLS & SPAS SHOWROOM OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK Walkmills Farm, A38 Wychbold, WR9 0DH 01527 861321 / 861597
Our areas of expertise include New Builds, Extensions, Renovations & General Building Work Wayside, Redditch Road, Hopwood, B48 7TL T: 07795 681 182 E: Alan.jones49@yahoo.co.uk
www.ajbuildingcontractors.co.uk
EXTRAS: traditional Joinery & furniture makers
Can’t get what you want? We make kitchens, conservatories, stairs, windows, doors etc, using traditional woodworking techniques to match existing work or to your own design. All work carried out to the highest standard.
The Workshop, 3 Bear Hill, Alvechurch B48 7JX
Tel: 0121 447 8017
www.robertsbespokejoinery.co.uk
Trading Assistants
ARE YOU: • De-cluttering? • Refurbishing? • Moving house? THOUGHT OF SELLING ON BUT. . . • Don’t know how? • Haven’t got time? • Can’t be bothered?!
Why not let EXTRAS sell on your behalf? We are Trading Assistants and we take care of the whole process for you, from listing items online to despatch, and we look after selling fees and postage. Our experience and research means we get the best price we can for your items.
Free collection of items within a 10-mile radius of B98 For more details about EXTRAS and our service, with no obligation, email extras1960@btinternet.com for an information pack or call/text 07813 656550 EXTRAS: Turning your clutter into cash – the easy way!
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
& 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
Is your car trying to tell you something?
Beautiful Interior Doors Supplied and Installed
Please visit the only door showroom in Redditch. Unit 6, Britten House, The Old Needle Works, Britten Street, Redditch B97 6HD
Coopers Hill, Alvechurch B48 7BX
Tel: 07948 044671 dave@appletreegarage.co.uk
www.acsinteriordoors.co.uk
Call us on 07592 303104 or 07910 289565
Village Directory
T.S. Electrical Domestic & Commercial Property/Landlord Inspections Full & Part Rewires l Fuse Board Replacements Alarms Fitted l PAT Testing l Part P Certified
It’s the time of year to spring clean your oven. . . To receive £5 off your clean, please call quoting this advert
01564 823882 / 07974 829794
Call 07582 321 593 / 01527 559123
Lilley Green Road, Alvechurch
www.ovenclear.co.uk / info@plain-janes.co.uk
PHILL THE SWEEP
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 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
n n n n n n
Plumbing Plastering Tiling Carpentry Vinyl/Laminate Fitting Fully Insured
FRIENDLY FAMILY BUSINESS
7 days a week l
Fully insured
www.moveit-removals.com Freephone 0800 7734189
jw surfacing
driveways & patios
block paving & tarmac
gravel drives - resin stone - walls decking - fencing - tree surgery drive cleaning & sealing - free quotes ponds designed & built
Barnt Green based
For all your decorating needs contact Alan on 07730 477564
Cleanliness Assured l Free Quotes
l
Tel: 01527 893250 Mob: 07973 358392
t. 0800 310 2720 m. 07900 925 651
A.S. PAINTING & DECORATING
24 hours a day
Free boxes, bubble wrap, tape and a packing service
Phil Newton
w. www.newtonbathrooms.co.uk e. sales@newtonbathrooms.co.uk
l
0121 445 2066 l 07843 151978 www.jwsurfacing.co.uk
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Fast, friendly, competitively priced Available 7 days a week
RSPH Level 2 qualified
07496 750071 www.waspbusters.com
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
C & M DECORATORS
Friendly Service, Free Estimates, Quality Work
FATHER & SON u Interior & Exterior u 32 Years’ Experience u Free Quotes u Fully Insured
All Internal & External Carpentry Insurance Work Undertaken
Dave Terry
Based in Lickey End, Bromsgrove
0121 445 1574 or 07970 966470 www.classic-carpentry.co.uk classiccarpentry@hotmail.co.uk
Tel: 01527 576136 or 07850 380162
Poppins Home & Office Cleaning Services special offers on all services in summer!
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
PROPERTY SOLUTIONS 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
ALL MAINTENANCE WORK CARRIED OUT u PLUMBING u KITCHEN REPAIRS u BATHROOM REFURBISHMENT u FURNITURE ASSEMBLY / SHELVING
NO JOB TOO SMALL
TEL: 07880 946456
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
kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms
UNIT 47 SHERWOOD ROAD BROMSGROVE
Tel: 01527 579593 www.purehomesolutions.com
Village People
Music on the lawn
After nearly two months without rain, a few showers couldn’t dampen the spirit of residents and friends of Burcot Grange, who enjoyed a “Jazz on the Lawn” garden party complete with Pimm’s, prosecco and canapes. Held in the home’s extensive grounds, the event featured music from the Enigma String Quartet (right) and was attended by around 150 people including residents, families, staff and guests from the community. Photography by Keith Woolford
R. M. B. SERVICES Domestic Appliance & Gas Engineer
as seen on Alvechurch Village Society’s Facebook page
Servicing of gas & LPG 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
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September 2018
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0121 445 0184 07977 487 999
Find us on Facebook: ‘RMB Services’
Village Arts
Artist in good company B
arnt Green artist Alexander Rhys is to have his work featured in an exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery in London, alongside artists including Banksy. The exhibition, entitled Cash is King – The Art of Defaced Banknotes begins at the end of August and is accompanied by a book, Cash is King, which has a limited print run of 1,000 and will be displayed in the British Museum. Selected artists from around the world were invited to deface banknotes for the show, while the book showcases more than 300 colour images from 100 international artists. As well as Alexander and Banksy, another notable artist is sculptor Nick Reynolds, son of Great Train Robbery ringleader Bruce Reynolds. Alexander, whose large abstract pieces and photography have been sold and exhibited in London, New York, Los Angeles, Japan and Moscow, also offers a bespoke commissioning service. You can see more of his work at www. AlexanderRhys.com or contact him on hello@alexanderrhys.com Information on the exhibition can be found at www.rebelnottaken.com
Above: One of Alexander’s pieces for the show and book. Below: The artist at work.
Football book aims to Historical tale enthuse young readers
A
Bromsgrove resident has published his first book after it found favour with his own children. Pete Barnes initially wrote The Bumpy Road to Wembley four years ago to encourage his two children to read. Based on a bedtime story that he used to tell them, the book follows footballcrazy kids Jimmy and Danny who, following a comical mix-up with the England coaching staff, are thrust into professional and international football. “I was delighted with the feed-
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back from friends and family so I decided to self-publish. At just over 100 pages long, it’s perfect for reluctant readers and parents who want to read to, or with, their children,” says Pete. “I have donated copies to my children’s schools and hope the pupils and parents enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.” The book is available on Amazon for £2.99 (e-book), £5.99 (paperback) or free with a Kindle Unlimited account.
September 2018
Alvechurch skiffle musician John Davies has turned his hand to writing, with the first in a planned series called The Belshaw Chronicles. The Shadow of the Archer is set around Bordesley Abbey in 1316 during the Great Famine, and John has put four years of work into researching and creating a fictional tale based on true facts. The story features an archer named Jake Belshaw, who is commissioned to escort a Cistercian monk from Canterbury to Bordesley Abbey. John was recently invited to chat about the book on Caroline Martin’s BBC WM radio show, live from the Hopwood House pub. The book is available on Amazon as an e-book (free with a Kindle Unlimited account) or paperback.
Village Art Bromsgrove artist Richard McIlwraith visits Bromsgrove Art Society’s annual exhibition.
P
ut this in your calendar for spring rather than summer 2019 – April, in fact: Bromsgrove Art Society Annual Exhibition at All Saints Church. There’s no greater demonstration of a region’s character than in its art. The people’s art. Pulsing with energy, enthusiasm – a most generous offering to those of us who stepped through the arch from the clamour of
Character through art
the day, under the stained glass window into a pocket of silence. “A pocket of silence where we can root and grow,” as Mark Rothko stated, regarding his own art and its impact on himself and on the viewer. Where we can root and grow. For some visitors to this extensive exhibition (272 pieces, 61 artists) this growth will be a deeper engagement with the subjects – landscape, objects loved, flora, fauna, friends – and for other souls drawn through the sturdy wooden doors of this imposing Victorian church, the growth will manifest itself as a new lease of visual
creativity. Out will come the pencils and brushes along with a hopeful rummage to find that old sketch pad and blank canvas. Deep breath. Here goes. New adventures. So, what is our region’s “character”? Ambitious, confident, technically assured and sincere. That’s what comes across through this exhibition. Style, media – hugely diverse – what distinctive and original visions we possess! “Try something new” is Bromsgrove Festival’s message; we seem to be doing exactly that. Bromsgrove Art Society is chaired by Tony Turpin and the monthly
meetings, which take the form of demonstrations of various art media by local and well-known artists, are held on the third Wednesday of each month (excluding January and August) at Burcot Village Hall, Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove, B60 1BH, commencing at 7.30pm. There is an entrance fee of £1 for members of the Society and £4 for visitors. Subscriptions are £18 per annum. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided at each meeting during a break in the demonstrations when the artist is always on hand for a chat about his or her work. In the first week of this annual exhibition, the Society sold some 30 paintings, both framed and unframed, covering a variety of subjects and styles – even though the number of visitors was down a little on previous years. This may have been due to the hot weather, vice-Chairman Mike Hurst suggested to me, but if people knew how lovely and cool the church is when it’s hot outside, he’s sure that they would have been queueing up to come in! Please get in touch if you would like me to write about an art event near you: richard@galleryart61.com www.galleryart61.com Top: Painting by Mike Hurst
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Village Care
Care company in We A
Recommendations from clients gave Home Instead Senior Care Redditch and Bromsgrove the accolade for a fourth year.
village home care company has won an award based on the glowing recommendations it receives from its clients, their families and friends. Home Instead Senior Care specialises in providing at-home care to the elderly, and has been named one of the West Midlands’ 20 most recommended providers as part of the Home Care Awards 2018. The awards are based on nearly 10,000 genuine independent reviews left on the homecare.co.uk website, and this is the fourth year running that the Redditch and Bromsgrove office has taken one of the top spots. The service was rated highly across all categories – including overall standard, staff, care and support, management, treating people with dignity, and value for money – and received an overall rating of 9.9 out of 10. Annie Dixon-Dunn, owner of Home Instead Redditch and Broms-
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grove, said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised as one of the 20 most recommended home care companies. “These reviews are provided by the people who matter to us most – our clients and their loved ones – so it is wonderful to know they think so highly of us. “People use websites like homecare.co.uk to help them choose the care that is best for them or their relatives, and we are so proud to be providing a service that people can trust and rely on.” One of the reviews of Home Instead Redditch and Bromsgrove reads: “The overall service given by Home Instead is first class. Each member of the team ensures the safety, well-being and happiness of my mother. “We are regularly updated with information about my mother's condition and if any changes need to be implemented. The staff are always
friendly and are always ready to go that extra mile if needed.” Amanda Hopkins, review manager at homecare.co.uk, says home care providers that treat people with dignity and respect, and offer personalised care, “are vital in today’s society where people are living longer and with more complex conditions. “They are also essential in enabling people to keep their independence and live in their own homes,” she said. “Home Instead Senior Care has proved that it provides a high standard of care, and we’d like to congratulate it on being a top home care company. We feel it is a real achievement to be recognised for being one of the top 20 home care groups in the UK.” Home Instead specialises in companionship-led care, with CAREGivers taking time to visit each new client in their own homes to make sure they receive a care solution that’s tailored to their individual needs.
Advertisement feature
est Midlands top 20
Many of the team draw on their own personal experiences to encourage, assist, and stimulate clients over a wide range of activities that help improve their quality of life and maintain as much independence as possible. Continuity of care is ensured by the fact that each client has their own small team of familiar CAREGivers – Home Instead will never send a stranger. This means CAREGivers really get the chance to know their clients and build real relationships. “We feel that companionshipfocused care is the way forward; not only does it mean our CAREGivers find their work highly rewarding but it also enables our clients to build confidence,” says Kerry Williams, the company’s Recruitment and Engagement Manager. “Receiving care can be a daunting prospect, so we find that this continuity really helps with the transition. It is also a huge comfort for the families of the people we care for.”
Because Home Instead insists that all visits last a minimum of an hour, the client never feels rushed, and the CAREGivers themselves appreciate having the time to chat to their clients – this can be anything from discussing current affairs to reminiscing about the past, or even recording family history. As well as companionship and conversation, the firm’s services include meal preparation, housekeeping and personal care. “A lot of people have a preconception that care is focused solely on hygiene,” adds Kerry. “However, we offer so much more than that. Personal care is a small part of our service, but we also support clients with things like shopping, getting to appointments and going out and about in the local community.” CAREGivers can even help with the smallest of daily tasks, such as taking out rubbish, checking food expiry dates, supervising home mainte-
nance, overseeing home deliveries, and caring for pets and houseplants. Home Instead’s services can also include telecare support, liaising with health professionals and nutrition advice. Based in Ullenhall, Home Instead Redditch and Bromsgrove covers a wide area from Cofton Hackett and Lickey End to Alvechurch and Barnt Green, as well as Rednal, Rubery, Northfield, Redditch, Studley and Alcester. To hear more about the service or request a free consultation, call 01564 741 620 and ask for Nicola. If you are looking for a part-time job and you would like to get involved. call 01564 741 620 and ask for Kerry. www.homeinstead.co.uk/ redditchandbromsgrove
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Village People
MP joins music-makers T
utnall Hall care home’s summer fete was opened by village MP and Home Secretary Sajid Javid, who also announced the winner of an annual art competition. Each year, Tutnall Hall’s owner Kamal Khan and the residents set a theme for members of Pam’s Art Class in Alvechurch, with the winning piece to be displayed in the home. This year’s winner was Dawn McKee (bottom right, with her Mozart-inspired painting). She could not attend the fete but was photographed at the exhibition in Alvechurch Village Hall where all entries were displayed the following weekend. The fete also featured stalls, refreshments and games, plus performances from Vintage Class Singers, Cast Off Appalachian dancers, and Chaddesley Corbett Handbell Ringers – who convinced Sajid to have a go (above right). Below: Sajid with Kamal Khan and home manager Mercy Johnson.
Photo/Dave Morgan
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Independent Schools TheVillage Autumn 2018
A guide to independent education opportunities for Village readers
PRIVATE TUITION
French Classes 30 weeks’ course
Maths and English Tuition
Level 1: Thurs 19.00–21.00 Level 2.1: Thurs 13.30–15.30 Level 2.2: Tues 19.00–21.00 Discussion: Tues 10.00–12.00 (Chaddesley), Weds 10.00–12.00 and Fri 09.30–11.30 Conversation: Weds 19.00–21.00
ng Studying Simpler M ak i
Avoncroft Arts Centre and Chaddesley Corbett Village Hall
French in your company l All 4 skills covered at all levels l One to one /group tuition is available throughout the year l
Nicole Harris M.C.I.L
French native speaker with 30 years’ teaching experience
Tel: 01527 878493 / 07802 637093 Email: nicnoelharris@aol.com www.frenchwithnicoleharris.co.uk
For all ages, up to and including A’ Level
Please call Annette, an experienced DBS-checked primary and secondary teacher, on 07424 676005 or email annette@margolis.org
To advertise here, call Louise on 0121 445 6757
Independent Schools
We’re learning for life T
he happiness of the children lies at the heart of everything at Winterfold. Good manners, a cheerful smile and a sense of purpose are seen in every pupil. Each child has the opportunity to excel academically and is encouraged to develop a sense of adventure and achievement in many different directions. The excellent facilities at the school cannot fail to impress, while the family, friendly feel is central to its ethos. Here, the pupils are learning for life and the school aims to help them grow in confidence and become engaging, successful and resourceful young people. The children love coming to school and are very proud of their achievements. Winterfold is a non-selective school and there are no formal entry requirements or tests. Children are accepted at any age, provided there is a place
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available. The school believes that it has a duty to educate any child who wishes to attend, if it is felt that they will benefit from their time at Winterfold. At the heart of the school’s success lies its dedicated and highly professional staff. Winterfold takes pride in the fact that the staff truly know every child and ensure that they achieve their potential in every aspect of school life. The children develop a
sense of purpose, determination and confidence due to the wide variety of activities in which they take part. They leave the school as well-rounded individuals who have become good citizens of the future. At Winterfold, children are given the freedom and security to work and play, giving them childhood experiences they will never forget. Contact the Admissions Manager on 01562 777234 to arrange a visit.
Independent Schools
An outstanding journey
T
he RGS Journey offers an outstanding education for boys and girls aged from 2 to 18. Whether a child begins their journey at RGS The Grange, RGS Springfield or RGS Worcester, they will receive the very best preparation for life. RGS The Grange is a Prep School full of opportunities. Set in 50 acres with its own Astroturf and forest school, it combines superb facilities with a caring and supportive education designed to build confidence for each child. RGS Springfield is the small school with a big heart. Tucked away in beautiful Britannia Square, it provides a city centre campus with a country school feel and a nurturing, supportive environment. RGS Worcester Senior School begins in Year Seven and pupils join from the Prep Schools and more than 40 primary schools, taking advantage of excellent transport links. With extremely strong GCSE and A Level results, the school provides academic stretch and support so that each pupil achieves their potential. The award-winning careers provision ensures they are well prepared for the world beyond school. With a strong reputation for pastoral care, the schools support pupils throughout all stages of their personal development, making sure that they settle in quickly and enjoy the exceptional opportunities available, both in and outside the classroom. Co-curricular provision at all three schools is breathtaking, with more than 20 different sports and 80 different clubs and activities. The performing arts are strong, and a £2.8 million building project to create a new Performing Arts Centre is expected to be completed by October. Scholarships and Bursaries are available. As one of the six oldest schools in the world, RGS Worcester combines the very best of independent school tradition with a forward-thinking modern education, designed to equip pupils for their futures. An education at RGS Worcester is inspiring, unique and exceptional. You can visit during the Open Mornings or at a time convenient to you. RGS guarantees you a warm welcome and the pupils would be delighted to show you their school. “RGS Worcester does what it does with a vision and panache that not many can match”. The Good Schools Guide
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Develop love of learning
Independent Schools
Applications from aspiring astronauts welcome! Or future Prime Ministers, architects, physicists. . .
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hat makes Dodderhill Independent Girls School different? From the very beginning, the smallest girls in Reception are encouraged to aim high and to have no limits to their aspirations. The newly-refurbished Pre Prep department (Reception to Year 4) has large, bright classrooms leading directly on to an outdoor learning and play area. Every week girls go to the on-site Forest School where they climb trees, build shelters and learn how to start campfires. Girls can explore, ask questions and develop a love of learning, both in and out of the classroom. The curriculum adapts to meet the needs of the different age groups with girls learning French from Reception onwards and Spanish beginning in Year 5. All the girls have access to purpose-built sport and music facilities, as well as modern science laboratories and art and textiles studios. There is an exceptional range of
co-curricular opportunities for girls to enjoy, including iMotion Animation, Wellbeing Club, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Environmental Club and many more. The youngest girls at Dodderhill are nurtured in small classes, in a school where traditional values and manners co-exist with the best of modern technology. At Dodderhill, every girl is celebrated as an individual and her talents are encouraged, whatever they may be. The school’s excellent GCSE results are achieved by giving the girls confidence in their own ability from the earliest age. When you join Dodderhill, you become part of the family and a member of a school where everyone will know your name. Girls enjoy coming to school each day and leave at age 16 with firm, lifelong friends. If you are looking for a school that promotes a “can do” attitude and encourages girls to grow in confidence and resilience, book a visit to
experience the Dodderhill difference! You will discover a school like no other in the area and experience a community where a love of learning is part of our culture. Open events take place on Friday September 28 (2–5pm) and Saturday September 29 (10am–12noon). Alternatively, the school welcomes visits during the normal school week. Contact the Registrar, Mrs Wood, to arrange a visit or book to attend one of the open events. T: 01905 778290 E: info@dodderhill.co.uk
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Independent Schools
AIMING HIGH AND WIDE
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t Bromsgrove, pupils are treated as individuals. Everybody is expected to work hard and to accept that if they choose Bromsgrove, they are aiming high and wide and never settling for anything other than their best. Pupils are happiest when they are succeeding. The school’s valueadded results reflect a philosophy that demands that every pupil should aim to be as academically disciplined and as intellectually enlightened as they can reasonably be. You don’t have to be Einstein or Picasso to come to Bromsgrove; instead, the exceptional results flow from a community that nurtures and encourages, with the expectation that pupils will achieve their best. Academic facilities have been improved beyond measure in the last
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decade. Eighteen new and refurbished science laboratories have joined a magnificent Humanities block, Art and Design Building and Library. All older buildings have been given 21st-century makeovers to ensure that every pupil learns in a superbly-resourced environment. A world-class Performing Arts Cen-
tre comprising a new live performance venue and theatre, a large drama studio and an entire suite of new music classrooms, recording studios and practice rooms has benefited pupils from all performance disciplines. The school would be delighted to show you the solid reality of its buildings, historic and modern, nestled in over 100 magnificent acres – but don’t be distracted by the breathtaking facilities. The heart of Bromsgrove’s success is its people. More than 1,600 pupils, boys and girls, day and boarding, national and international, aged 3-18, are what give the school its vibrancy, with a staff of some of the nation’s finest educators, coaches and caregivers – passionate professionals, as invested in your child as you are.
Village Sport AFC have their first trophy of the season in the bag.
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lvechurch FC have already secured their first piece of silverware of the 2018/19 season, winning the Worcestershire Senior Cup for the first time in 41 years. Having beaten a very youthful Kidderminster Harriers side 6–0 in the semi final at Lye Meadow, they faced a much stiffer test against fellow Evostik Southern League Central side Redditch United at Evesham United’s ground. With ’Church dominating the majority of the match, a brace from Josh March and a spot-kick from penalty king Tom Turton sealed an impressive 3–1 win. As we went to press, Alvechurch
Action from the draw against Royston Town (Photo/ Ian Macvie)
Winning start for AFC
were due to meet Redditch again, this time in a home league match – this has been swapped with the reverse fixture on Boxing Day which will now be played at Redditch as their 3G pitch is better equipped for potential wintry conditions. There was also more cup action to come as AFC were due to play Bromsgrove Sporting in the Preliminary Round of the FA Cup. Meanwhile, the league campaign began with two draws against Royston Town and Tamworth, and a defeat to Coalville Town.
l ’Church received a major preseason boost with the re-signing of midfielder Babucar Sauane. Fans’ favourite Baba left the club at the end of last season and joined up with the Jamie Vardy V9 project before going on trial at Blackpool FC. Everyone at Lye Meadow is delighted to see Baba back in his pivotal role. Manager Ian Long also made several more new signings, including 18-year-old midfielder Theo Llewellyn, a former Bristol City scholar who has represented Wales at U16
level and was a squad member of their Victory Shield-winning side. There are also three new players who began their careers at West Bromwich Albion, including experienced midfielder Aaron Birch, who went on to play a major role at Hereford FC as they won the Midland Football League at Alvechurch’s expense in the 2015/16 season. Taylor Morrison has joined the club from West Brom’s U21 set up and is a pacy left-sided forward. Jordan Piggott, a 19-year-old centre back, also started his career at the Albion before playing in the Scottish leagues, representing both Dundee FC and East Fife. Another new face is Johnathan Onyeaka, who has signed dual forms with Nuneaton Borough FC. The sixfoot-four-inch centre back includes National League side Solihull Moors and US team Jersey Express among his previous clubs. l As Alvechurch has moved up the non-league pyramid, larger crowds are anticipated – so some extra volunteers are required. The club is
looking for bar staff to go on a rota, for around two to three hours every three weeks. Car parking stewards are needed for a couple of hours perhaps once a month, and match day stewards for one match a month. You’ll get a pie and a pint as well as a match ticket! If anyone is prepared to lend a hand, please contact the club. 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 Sep 1 3pm Needham Market (H) Sat Sep 15 3pm Hitchin Town (A) Tues Sep 18 7.45pm Stourbridge (H) Sat Sep 29 3pm Kettering (H) Sat Oct 6 3pm Barwell (A) Sat Oct 13 3pm St Ives Town (H) Tues Oct 16 7.45pm Stratford Town (H) Sat Oct 20 3pm Bedworth Utd (A) The Village
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Let Pryor Portfolio Management help you on your journey to financial freedom
Village Finance
Advertisement feature
Don’t get stuck in a frozen tax threshold
T
he value of key tax thresholds is being eroded, as elements of the income tax system lag behind inflation. The erosion in the values of tax thresholds is known as “fiscal drag”, and is a highly-effective form of stealth tax used by Chancellors from successive governments. Fiscal drag is the result of not adjusting tax thresholds (or allowances) in line with inflation. Because incomes and values usually rise with inflation, the consequence of freezing a threshold or allowance is a real (inflation-adjusted) tax increase. From the politician’s viewpoint, however, the numbers do not change so they can claim that taxes are not being increased. Three key thresholds relating to income tax have been subject to fiscal drag:
High income child benefit tax charge This tax charge, introduced in January 2013, effectively claws back child benefit at the rate of 1% for each £100 of income over £50,000 (based on the higher of the two parental incomes). The £50,000 threshold has not changed since its introduction. l
Change the type of income If you are a business owner, drawing more income as dividends rather than salary can help reduce taxation. However, the dividend allowance was reduced to £2,000 in April 2018.
Martin Pryor suggests ways to lessen the impact of ‘fiscal drag’.
l
Make pension contributions Personal pension contributions reduce your income for tax purposes. Because of the way the tax relief operates, you could find a 60% marginal tax rate means 60% tax relief on pension contributions.
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threshold of £150,000. While it has since been reduced from 50% to 45% (or the 46% top rate in Scotland), the threshold has not increased. It would now be about 20% higher had it been CPI-linked, as would the personal allowance tapering threshold. One way to limit the effect of these income-based thresholds is to reduce the income being measured, through tax-efficient uses of income, savings and investment. For specialist advice please refer to your accountant or tax specialist. Some options include:
Tax-efficient financial planning You may be able to reduce your income by transferring investments to your spouse or civil partner. Even if you both pay the same marginal rate of tax, a switch could reduce your joint tax bill. l
Tax-efficient investments There is no income tax payable on investment income held in ISAs, and they don’t have to be declared on your tax return. As it is early in the tax year, there is more scope for reducing your personal fiscal drag in 2018/19, with professional advice. l
Levels and bases of taxation and tax reliefs are subject to change and their value depends on individual circumstances. The Financial Conduct Authority does not regulate tax advice. n
Contact Pryor Portfolio for more information. See page opposite.
Personal allowance tapering The personal allowance is reduced by £1 for each £2 you earn over £100,000. The net result is that for each £2 of excess income, you pay tax on £3 until your personal allowance is nil. In 2018/19 that generally means an effective marginal rate of 60% (61.5% in Scotland) on income between £100,000 and £123,700. The £100,000 threshold was announced by Alastair Darling in 2009 and neither of his successors have revised it. l
Additional/Top rate tax starting point The additional tax rate started in 2010/11 with a l
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Village Legal
Advertisement feature
Let loved ones know your final wishes Lickey Wills specialist Sue Jenden explains why you need a Health & Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney.
T
he worldwide number of people living with dementia in 2015 was 47 million, and by 2030 that figure will reach 75 million. A new case is diagnosed every 3.2 seconds. In the UK the number of people being diagnosed has increased more than 50 per cent in the past 11 years, now standing at 540,000. It is estimated to be closer to 850,000 adding in the undiagnosed cases. With 12.8 million people over the age of 65, one in 14 will develop dementia, with the cost to the economy more than £26 billion per annum. Unpaid carers save the economy £8 billion a year. Given these shocking statistics it is not surprising that there is a widening gap between the rising number of people likely to lose capacity and the relatively small number who have arranged a Health and Welfare Lasting Power of Attorney (H&W LPA). Only 3 per cent of the population have H&W LPAs registered with the Office of the Public Guardian. This suggests there are 12 million people at significant risk of losing mental capacity who have not made proper arrangements for their care in old age. Many are unaware of the risks. The majority of people are still avoiding important conversations and practical actions to make their preferences known about their endof-life care and final affairs. We do need to talk about end-of-life care and what we would want if we found ourselves in circumstances where our quality of life is extremely poor. Often people tell me they simply want to be comfortable, hydrated and well cared-for. If they have not legally empowered trusted individu-
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als to make these wishes known, it could be that this is not what actually happens. Part of the reluctance to make our wishes known is the misconception that the “next of kin”, a term widely used in health and social care decisions, has associated rights and responsibilities enabling them to act on behalf of an incapacitated relative. In fact, the term has little basis in law. Consulting the next of kin is an expectation in many situations within health and social care practice, but the next of kin is not automatically empowered to make any decisions. The authority to make decisions still lies with the professional within the health or social care system. The lack of an authorised decision maker from within a person’s family or close relatives/friends can also complicate and even delay the resolution of important matters such as arranging care, finding suitable accommodation and dealing with the funding. H&W LPAs are useful documents offering protection and control as they allow you to appoint your chosen attorneys. Conversations with relatives are important, but it’s also necessary to empower those chosen people in writing. The best way to do this is to express your wishes in an H&W LPA and make advanced statements expressing your wishes on such things as your preferred set-
ting for care, whether you want your spiritual beliefs taken into account, and even your food and drink preferences. This eliminates doubt and gives legal validity to your choices. Sue Jenden Associates can assist you with the practical steps of putting in place a H&W LPA. To reduce the financial strain on your loved ones we can help you with: l Recording your funeral wishes l Planning future care and support l Making your preferences about Organ Donation known l Telling loved ones your wishes l Writing a Will l Putting in place a Property & Finance Lasting Power of Attorney Whatever your situation, you can contact us for expert advice:
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Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.
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he hot dry summer had quite an effect on wildlife, though not always in the ways you would expect. Wild vegetation manages the drought better than most gardens and parks. It flourished especially well along the canal where there was reliable water for its roots. Our river, the Arrow, got very dry, but kept enough water for a green patch through the dry fields. Butterflies and other insects such as bees and dragonflies did really well, again especially near the canal where there was abundant flower for nectar and still-green leaves for the new caterpillars to feed on. Some plants loved the weather: there was a spectacular spread of wild carrot, for example, and water lilies colonised new parts of the canal. Most of the trees survived quite well, as their roots are deep enough to reach the underlying water (remember way back to the very wet early spring!) But planted crops suffered – apparently there was a problem with Christmas trees drying up (not native to here) and a reduction in grain and vegetable sizes. The corn harvest was early and easy, but reduced in volume. Grapes
Grape Wintervine holly
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septembe
loved it, though, as they have a really long root that goes right down to the water, with a great vintage predicted for English wines. There was also a record lavender crop. Strawberries, both wild and cultivated, did really well, but it was a very short asparagus season!
Until relatively recently, the seasons were defined differently in England. Autumn was from August to October, the harvest season starting with the feast of Lammas. So we are already well into autumn. Winter was from November to January, starting with All Saints’ Day. Spring started in February with Candlemas, and May ushered in the summer with the May Day celebrations. These are echoed in the Celtic festivals of Lughnasa, Samhain, Imbolc and Beltane, and make sense of the solstices and equinoxes being in the middle of each season. September holds the autumn equinox when day and night are equal length, and many harvest festivals. The Celtic trees for September are apple and vine. The first is self-explanatory, the second a little obscure. It probably doesn’t mean the grape vine, which was not introduced here till Roman times, though the Celts may have included grape vines at a
Village Country Diary A good crop
The first blackberry!
Below: Old orchard apples, Tardebigge
r harvest later date. There are several native “vines” it could be – ivy, honeysuckle, clematis, hop, for example – but the consensus is that it probably means bramble. So we have a tasty pair for this month – blackberry and apple! Apple trees carry a weight of myths and legends, just as in some years they are bowed down with the weight of apples. We have our native crab apple, and for many centuries have bred other, sweeter and larger, varieties. At some point the tree of knowledge in the Bible was identified with the apple in our translations, though it wasn’t necessarily that in the original language. So the apple is the tree of wisdom and knowledge, but also because it led to the “Fall” of human beings from immortality into human life, it is also a tree of sex and fertility, often associated with women. It carries messages of love and health. The fact that it is a host to the magical mistletoe gives it even more significance, and in Celtic legends it grows at the en-
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Apple blossom The Village
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Village Country Diary Apples, Coughton Court
continued from previous page
trance to the next world. Apples can live to a great age for a small tree, often surviving even when the heart wood has gone and only the outer layer is left. This also adds to their mythical nature. No other tree has so many traditional songs sung about it, mostly at the time of “wassailing” or blessing the apples. It grows really well throughout the country, but especially in the Midlands and South. A good crop of apples meant fruit for the whole winter, not to mention plenty of cider. I can remember our farmhouse attic having apples laid out all across the floor during the winter, keeping cool, and it was a treat to still have them at Christmas, even if we did get fed up with them around October! Modern storage methods mean they can be kept fresh even longer, until spring. Wassailing was meant to encourage growth and warm wet weather through the sympathetic magic of rousing the trees with noise and pouring cider and ale over them. Crab apples, our native ones, have lovely pink-andwhite blossom, and small green or yellow sour apples. The apples make wonderful jams and jellies, and were roasted with meat and in punch, so the tree was valued for its culinary uses. You can still find them around here (my nearest is in Birches Lane), though many of the trees you see are “wildings”. These are cultivated apples from orchards, spread by birds or from discarded cores, and they can produce lovely free edible fruit. There is one by the dead arm of the canal and another at the start of Lodge Farm Lane, with many along the canal. Apple trees were also much planted in hedges, sometimes grafted on to crab apples. Apples were so important that there are phrases like
Old apple tree with mistletoe Wild carrot
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Apples coming into blossom
“the apple of my eye” to member from my youth mean someone much are rarer now – the loved. They were early Beauty of Bath seen as a good and green, sharp food to combat Granny Smith, sickness, and for example. are an excelModern standlent digestible ardised variesource of vitaties like Golden mins. “Comfort Delicious and me with apples,” Braeburn have says the Song of driven them out. Bramble – like Solomon, “for I am There are still some a small rose sick of love.” Cider surviving in people’s was the everyday drink gardens (including mine!) of men, women and children in and old orchards (like the ones country areas, as late as my childat Tardebigge Lime Kilns) but there is hood (the children on the next farm no protection for them. You can put a had free access to the barrel!). Around preservation order on an oak or ash, here it was very common, but now but not on an ancient apple orchard, we have only one cider-maker left at which is seen as just a commercial Tardebigge. crop. Wildings and hedgeOrchard apples have some wonplantings have helped derful old varieties with a great dipreserve some of the Crab versity of flavour and curious names: old varieties when apple Bedfordshire Foundling, Bloody the orchards were blossom Ploughman, Dog’s Snout, English Fox- destroyed in the whelp, Peasgood’s Nonsuch, Annie Elizabeth (my grandmother’s names!) and of course our local Worcester Pearmain. They include cider apples, cooking apples and dessert apples which range from the very early ones that don’t keep to the later ones that keep well. Even some of the varieties I re-
1970s. Orchards were good for wildlife. As well as the blossom feeding bees, the ground beneath was often left to old grasses and wild flowers,
excellent for butterflies. You can find some echoes of this in places like the Old Orchard between Barnt Green and Blackwell, which has uncommon wildflowers like betony as well as spring bluebells. Apples are from the rose family, the most wonderful edible plant family we have, and so are brambles. But while we love apples, most of us hate brambles and cut them down whenever possible. This is a shame as they are a vital element of our biodiversity. (Mind you, they are so successful that even I take some of the bigger ones out from my garden!) They grow everywhere, even under trees as they can climb to the light, and are full of nectar-rich flowers feeding insects for a long period (much better than the short-lived native roses, though the flowers are actually very similar) and then of berries which feed birds through the autumn. You can eat the very young shoots, too. I find it hard to understand how people can continues overleaf The Village
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Village Country Diary continued from previous page
cut down brambles and then buy blackberries in the supermarket. Blackberrying is one of our commonest foraging experience, even in cities where kids pick them on waste land – or used to! There are hundreds of different micro-species of bramble, and you can recognise that some have fewer, bigger, juicier seeds, some come earlier or later, some are sweeter or sourer. Brambles used to be placed on graves, to deter grazing animals, and they were welcome in woodlands once because they protect young seedlings from grazing animals. Now everyone seems to see them as somehow dangerous and to be cut down. This year is not such a great apple year as last year, but they should be really sweet. Many of the brambles are a bit dry, but where they are within reach of water by their good roots, they have been lush and
Dried-up River Arrow
lovely. I have had my first blackberry and apple crumble already, which I make without sugar, using the natural sweetness of the fruit. Remember you have to stop picking blackberries on Michaelmas Day (September 29) because the devil pees on them that day! Old apple tree trunk
l We somehow managed to put the
wrong caption on one of the pictures last month – the bottom picture on page 45 is St Dabeoc’s heath, not field maple. This is a poem I wrote recently on the theme of childhood.
That girl What would she think of me, that girl? Standing in the cool pantry, quiet and still Among the pans of clotted cream and butter Struck by a feeling of a future life With a knowledge of some sort of light That would guide her in difficult times. She was skinny, cross-eyed, pigtailed Hands smelling of cowshit, nostrils full Of the wild smell of barley, ears lulled At night by the sound of receding sea. She already wrote, wanting to catch The passing spring and press wild flowers Into words. What did she want to be? I forget. She half knew she would be a little odd Never happy in girly talk and dresses Bright and bookish, reading Wuthering Heights Non-stop on the living room sofa As the winter gales howled outside the window. I think she would be pleased with my life Though maybe it didn’t travel that far Still writing poems and smelling barley fields Sill fighting to follow where that light takes me.
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Village Stargazing How a Mars helicopter might look (Image courtesy of NASA)
Mars is star of show
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eptember, and we’re halfway between the longest day and the shortest, or between Midsummer and Christmas, with the Autumnal Equinox at 02:54 on the 23rd (although the day when day and night are closest to equal is the 25th). If you’ve a good view of the southwestern horizon, you may still catch a brief glimpse of Venus, very low in the glow of the sunset. There will be a very slim crescent Moon just above on the 12th but you will need a keen eye. I think we can say goodbye to the silvery planet in our evening skies for this year. Jupiter doesn’t fare much better as it too sets not long after the Sun. At least it is a little higher in the sky. The Moon is above and to the left on the 14th. Interesting to notice how close Venus and Jupiter got before they disappeared, hand in hand, into the sunset. As soon as the sky starts to properly darken, Saturn takes centre stage in the south at the same altitude as Jupiter. This most wonderful object to see through a telescope has had only a minor role this year, being outshone by all the other planets. The Moon gives it a brief cuddle on the 17th. Then to the left and closer to the horizon, we have the star of the show and the cause of Saturn’s diminution, Mars. It really has been spectacular, having swung close to the Earth in its
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
orbit. It continues to be really bright with its orange colour very obvious even though we are moving away from it now in our smaller, faster orbit. A big, bright Moon is close by on the 19th and 20th. Interesting to see that NASA is hoping to develop a helicopter for use on Mars. As the atmosphere there is equivalent to 100,000 feet here on Earth, the rotors will have to spin at amazing speeds to generate enough lift. It is scheduled to accompany the next rover to be launched to the red planet in 2020.
Closer to Earth, Japan launches the “Kounotori7” HTV-7 cargo vessel to the ISS on the 14th. If the Space Station is visible at this time, look for a small satellite just ahead of it at this time. As ever, www.heavens-above. com is the site to consult. When the sky is properly dark, Jupiter is long gone – and in Greek mythology Jupiter, known to them as Zeus, also disappeared on one occasion. You see, he had taken rather a shine to the wife of another: a beautiful lady called Leda, and in order to, er. . . pay her a visit, he transformed himself into a swan. He’s there now, high overhead, visible as a cross of stars flying along the Milky Way with one of the most luminous stars in our galaxy, Deneb, on his tail.
Cygnus, the swan with a guilty secret!
Deneb Albireo
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Village Gardens Autumn arrangement, Flowers From The Farm
Confetti fields at Wick
Great British
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s an enthusiastic plant and garden photographer, I attend many local and national flower shows during the spring, summer and autumn months. The Malvern Spring and Autumn Festivals and the BBC Gardeners’ World Live at the NEC are always a thrill for me as I can travel there and back, click away with my camera to my heart’s content and come away with the most amazing variety of images – all in one day! Despite the popularity and “wow” of the show gardens at the larger events, the floral marquees, in my opinion, offer the most variety and interest. As you walk through the doorway of these canvas structures, you are met with a kaleidoscope of colour and a heady fragrance emanating from the huge bowls of perfumed flowers, usually lilies, placed near the entrance (perhaps to lure people in). When you look around the marquee, every flower head is perfect,
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Keen garden photographer Judy Lawrance shares some of her favourite locally grown flowers.
every leaf in its place and every colour coordinated. Proud British growers man their stands and are only too willing to share their stories of how it all started for them. Once inside, my first port of call is the Flowers From The Farm exhibit. These incredible stands are planned, constructed and manned by volunteer local flower growers. Their imaginative, complex displays and the variety of British-grown flowers they use is impressive, to say the least. Not only that, they are such a friendly bunch (excuse the pun) and are very happy to share information
with anyone who takes an interest. Flowers From The Farm, founded in 2011 by arable farmer Gill Hodson, is a network of independent like-minded artisan British flower growers spread over the UK. The 500-strong membership is a mixture of farmers, gardeners, smallholders and florists. Some have small cutting gardens to feed their floristry businesses, some have acres of land growing a variety of flowers to supply shops, but no matter how big or small their plot, these dedicated and passionate creatives all have a common goal – to produce British, sell British and promote British-grown flowers, the ones that are perfumed, quirky, imperfect and beautiful! You don’t have to look far for a FFTF florist; there are several dotted around the West Midlands
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and Worcestershire (visit their website to find one near you). Many of them run workshops, besides supplying funeral, corporate and more especially wedding flowers. What could be better than a wedding bouquet to touch a bride’s senses as she walks down the aisle, and table decorations that perfume the air. The delicious smell of English roses, peonies, lilies and jasmine and the like, all playing their part in the memories of that special day. On a similar note, and continuing the wedding theme, the Real Flower Petal Confetti Company at Wick in Pershore grow delphiniums – acres of them. They are open to visitors just before harvest-time, but for only 10 days a year, so if you blink you’ll miss it. It’s a sight to behold, as far as the eye can see: hues of pinks, blending into mauves, purples, whites and reds, and all of them grown for the purpose of making biodegradable confetti. Here today, gone tomorrow. The day after the last visitor leaves, the crop is harvested, by hand, the colour being maintained by laying the petals out to continues overleaf The Village
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Village Gardens Lion Garden, David Austin Roses
English peonies grown by Primrose Hall Nursery
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dry in the sun. They are then packaged and offered for sale on their website. Another British grower who has dedicated his life to growing British flowers is David Austin of David Austin Roses based in Wolverhampton. A visit to the gardens and tearooms is not to be missed. Although many of his varieties repeat-flower, the best times to visit are June and September, when most varieties are in full bloom. As you enter the gardens, the scent is in the air, subtle but penetrating, and you can’t help but stoop down and take a bloom in the hand for a closer smell! There are more than 400 varieties on sale, with names such as Judi Dench, Emily Bronte, Maid Marion and Scarborough Fair, evoking that sense of English-ness. The gardens contain very little else other than rose bushes, climbers and ramblers. You’d think it would be too much, an overkill, but it’s not; it’s a place to linger and sit and contemplate. As you enter the Long Garden, the central walkway, you realise that this is no ordinary place. This area, interlaced with rose-clad pergolas, contains a collection of old roses that flower just once a year. Leading off from there, the formal, circular Victorian walled garden is divided into “pinwheel” sections, each section outlined with manicured box hedging and filled with English roses and repeat-flowering shrub roses. These roses flower right through to the frosts of early winter. The Renaissance Garden is as you’d imagine: Italian-looking with English rose bushes lining a long straight pool that runs down the centre, flanked by wide borders leading to a verandah with seating, a welcome respite on a hot summer’s day. Then of course, there’s English lavender, sold all over the world and grown on our very own doorstep. In mid-July in Snowshill, Broadway, there’s an unmistakable perfume in the air, when the fields at Cotswold Lavender are in full bloom. For a small entry fee you can walk among the rows of plants, offering a great photo opportunity for families with small children. Even in our British climate, there is hardly a month during the year when growers in the UK can’t produce something of interest. So it’s heartbreaking to think that although £2bn a year is spent on cut flowers, only 12 per cent of the flowers sold in the UK are
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Bee-friendly echinacea
grown here. Flowers grown for the European market are imported from the likes of Kenya and Colombia. On the 127 farms in Kenya, flowers are grown in polytunnels and picked by poorly-paid workers. They are watered three times a day and when cut, dipped in antibacterial solution before being chilled to put them in a state of semi-hibernation. Under these controlled conditions, each flower is the same as the next, the same size head, the same length, the same shade, with very little or no perfume. They are then flown overnight 4,000 miles to Holland, where they are sorted, graded and packaged before being auctioned and forwarded on to their final European destinations. However, it’s unrealistic to think that we can grow enough flowers in the UK to meet demand, at a price we’re prepared to pay. With that in mind, the imported flowers in our supermarkets will always have the market share. They are cheap and cheerful and easy to add to the weekly shop. But for those special occasions, I believe we could all do more to
support our British growers. Their blooms have no air miles so are therefore environmentally friendly, they have character and soul, they have provenance, and best of all, they have perfume. And if we have to pay a little more for these fresh, long-lasting, scented flowers, then I believe they are worth every penny.
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DIARY DATE: Malvern Autumn Festival 2018 Saturday and Sunday September 29 and 30 www.flowersfromthefarm.co.uk www.davidaustinroses.co.uk www.confettidirect.co.uk www.cotswoldlavender.co.uk
Village Weather
Summer cooling down A
Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.
ugust continued the warm weather, much has it had been in July, with some very hot days. There was a maximum temperature of 28.2C on the 7th. The weather from then onwards changed to a “more normal UK summer” with wind and rain and turning much cooler. However, because of the very hot first week, the mean temperature of 18.1C was still 1.6C above the local mean.
August 2018 (to the 21st) Mean Max 23.1C 1.8 above average Mean Min 13.1C 1.4 above average Mean 18.1C 1.6 above average Rainfall 27mm 52% of average Sunshine 92.9 hrs 62% of average June/July 2018 was one of the driest periods in my station’s history (since 1990). There were 33 days with no recorded rainfall, from June 16th (1.2mm) to July 20th (1.4mm). There were days in this spell where rain was felt in the air but there was no record seen in my 5” rain gauge. There were many very hot days, but relatively cooler nights giving a mean of 19.7C, 2.8C above the local mean.
Sunset, Norfolk Dragonfly
Lightning, Norfolk
July 2018 Mean Max 26.0C 4.4 above average Mean Min 13.3C 1.1 above average Mean 19.7C 2.8 above average Rainfall 24.7mm 40% of average Sunshine 253.1 hrs 161% of average Outlook For the start of September it looks likely that the weather pattern will only change slowly. Areas of high pressure and associated settled weather will probably increasingly
dominate, with some longer dry spells. However, there is also likely to be some more changeable weather at times in some places, with outbreaks of rain and strong winds.
Temperatures by day are likely to be generally warmer than average. There will be an increasing chance of chillier nights, as would be expected going further into September.
More information at www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com You can see an improved HD weather-cam, updated at one-minute intervals, at: www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com/webcam_alvechurch.php The Village
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Renowned musicians in town
generation, as well as powerhouse ensembles the Piatti String Quartet, the Zelkova String Quartet, the Lawson Piano Trio and the Eblana String Trio. Returning artists include Krysia Osostowicz (violin) and Stephen Stirling (horn), with pianist Michael Dussek joining them to perform as Endymion, and Robert Plane (clarinet) with the Gould Piano Trio. In keeping with the ethos of introducing audiences to unfamiliar contemporary pieces, the new season features works by contemporary composers such as David Matthews, Judith Weir, Joseph Phibbs, Huw Watkins, Mike Mower and Gillian Whitehead. Full information can be found at www.bromsgrove-concerts.org.uk and on Twitter and Facebook. All concerts start at 8pm and tickets are available in advance and on the door. Purchase from Artrix on 01527 577 330 or www.artrix.co.uk
Bromsgrove Concerts, the wellrespected regional concert platform, will once again welcome internationally-renowned guest artists in a series of concerts from September 2018 until April 2019, mainly at Artrix. The season opens with a performance by Australian violinist Emily Sun (right), 2017 winner of the Bromsgrove International Young Musicians’ Competition, on Sep 28 in Routh Hall at Bromsgrove School. This year’s programme also features the Atéa Wind Quintet, one of the foremost British wind quintets of their
EVENTS Macmillan Biggest Ever Coffee Morning at Rectory Cottage, Old Rectory Lane, Alvechurch B48 7SU on Fri Sep 28 from 11am. Coffee and home made cakes, a wonderful raffle (thanks to Margaret and friends) and the usual “bring and buy” table. Pop along and have a look round the gardens. Contact Celia Hitch on 0121 445 4824. A Wedding Fayre takes place on Sep 30 at Weatheroak Hall, Brockhill Lane, Alvechurch B48 7ED, 11am–3pm. Info at www.kingsnortongolfclub.co.uk/fayre THE JINNEY RING Craft Centre in Hanbury hosts its annual Sculpture Trail from Aug 25 to Sep 30, featuring 100 outdoor sculptures. The free trail is open from 11am–4pm daily. Details at www. jinneyring.co.uk or 01527 821272. Alpha course at Barnt Green Baptist Church – explore life, faith and meaning. Weds evenings at 7.30pm, starting Sep 26. Register at outreach@bgb.org.uk or see www.bgb.org.uk Bromsgrove Bridge Club holds a Café Bridge event in Barnt Green in aid of the Primrose Hospice on Thurs Oct 4. Bridge will be played in three different venues in the village. Entry fee £30 to include welcome tea/coffee, lunch, glass of Prosecco and prizes. Info from Gillian Ford on 01527 873723.
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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
Barnt Green Choral Society starts rehearsals for the 2018-19 season on Mon Sep 13. 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 Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra will perform its Autumn concert of Big Band Jazz on Fri Oct 5 at 8pm, at Lickey End Social Club, Alvechurch Road, Bromsgrove B60 1JT. Varied music from the great swing bands of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller up to more contemporary arrangements from Tom Kubis or Gordon Goodwin. Vocals by resident crooner, Garry Rutter. £6 on the door. For more details ring Geoff 07970 662692. 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.
Village What’s On The autumn season starts on Sep 10 at the Social Club, then each Monday at the Village Hall. The choir is an open access singing group; new members of all abilities are welcome. It is part of a charity called Everybody Let’s Sing and is committed to bringing music to a wide community, including a regular choir it runs at The Lawns care home. The choir sings gospel, folk and popular songs from all ages and loves to perform for local occasions. They will be preparing in autumn for a big concert in Alvechurch on Nov 9: look out for details. 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.
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.
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
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.
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 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
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 alvechurch acoustic ROOTS is back on Fri Sep 28, with a plethora of musicians at Alvechurch Social Club from 8pm. Still only £4 entry.
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). 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 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
Don’t miss Tardebigge Show! THE ANNUAL Tardebigge Show, based in and around St Bartholomew’s Church (B60 3AH), takes place this year on Sat Sep 8 from 1.30pm with plenty of fun for all the family – and admission is free! As well as the traditional Fruit, Flower and Vegetable Show in the church, followed by a produce auction, there will also be a variety of stalls including white elephant,
plants, cakes, books and a tombola, plus a prize draw, refreshments, and amusements for children. The show includes categories such as wines, jams, cakes, pastries and photography, as well as a junior section. Schedules and entry forms are now available in church and at some local garden centres, or you can request an electronic version by emailing nick@readingdesigns.co.uk
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 ROCK Choir offers everyone the chance to sing pop, rock and chart songs – no audition. Free taster sessions available. More info at www. rockchoir.com or on 01252 714276. Bromsgrove Community Choir meets on Thurs evenings, 6–7 pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, in room 6, at the rear of the building off the small car park. They sing for fun and enjoyment; everyone welcome, singers or not. If you are interested, please contact Ruth Henley for details on 01527 527022 or email r.g.henley@btinternet.com Bel Canto Singers... do you enjoy singing bright and lively pieces? Join in with a friendly group of mixed age singers. The music is a good variety (pop, retro, musical and popular classical), and the group’s aim is to produce a quality sound whilst supporting charity and community fund raising. The singers meet on Monday evenings at Crabbs Cross Methodist Church, Crabbs Cross Lane, Redditch B97 5LD. The marvellous men would love more tenors and bass voices! If you enjoy singing, or would like to try something new, the group would love to hear from you. More info at www.belcantosingers.co.uk or from Polly Speers on 01564 822672. Alvechurch Samba Band, Banda Sem Nome, is looking for new recruits! This local community side meets on the 1st and 3rd Thurs each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club at 8pm. Go along if you fancy having a go at something a little bit different and discovering your hidden talents! No previous experience required, all welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). More info from Andrea on 07867 858099.
DANCING Graham & Denise Darby present a Saturday Night Social Dance on Sat Sep 1 at Fairfield Village Hall, near Bromsgrove, in aid of Midlands Air Ambulance and Prostate Cancer. Ballroom, Latin & Social Sequence Dancing to live music by Graham Darby. Doors open 7.30pm; dancing from
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continued from previous page 8–11pm. £5 per person on the door. For details call 01543 502722 or visit www. grahamdarbysmusic.com Aelfgythe Border Morris is actively seeking new dancers (female) and musicians (male or female) to join them for fun, exercise and dancing. They meet at 7.45pm every Wednesday in Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall. Everyone welcome. Come and play traditional folk music, or try morris dancing. For more details call Pam on 07961 830 831. Tea Dances run by Bromsgrove District Council now take place in the new council building at Parkside Hall (Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA) on the last Tues of the month, 2–4pm, dancing to Brian’s super sounds! £4 entry includes tea/coffee and biscuits. For further info contact Jan on 01527 881478. No longer able to dance? Try Wheelchair Dancing instead! Wheels and Toes meets in Harborne each Thurs, 6.15-8pm. Wide variety of dances. More info: Barbara on 0121 458 3686 or marshall8558@hotmail.com Sequence ballroom and Latin dancing every Monday evening at 8pm at the Longbridge Social Club, 1012 Bristol Road South, Northfield. Occasional free tuition. All welcome to a friendly fun-filled dance. More details from Kalvin on 07725 265024. DANCE SESSIONS take place every Tuesday from 11am–12noon at the Where Next Hub (Unit 2a, Millsborough House, Ipsley Street, Redditch B98 7AL). Designed for people with special needs, but all are welcome – join Nikki and the team and learn some new moves! £7 per session. Book now on 01527 69330 or nickylevy5@ btconnect.com. All proceeds to the Where Next Association. Alvechurch Morris Men are on the look out for new dancers and musicians. They practise on Mondays at Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall, 8.30–10pm, followed by a “debrief” at a local hostelry. They dance in local towns and at various local and national events, and perform a world-famous (sort of ) mummers play in the village every New Year’s Day. No ability, fitness or co-ordination required – if you are male, 18+ and prepared to spend more time than is probably good for you in public houses, pop along to meet the group! Drop in to any practice or contact
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Chris on 07984 570763 or email chris.alvechurchbagman@gmail.com THE CIRCASSIAN Circle Barndancing Club runs on the first Saturday each month at Rowney Green Village Hall. £5 per person to include sandwich, tea and cake! More info on 01527 545002. THE PHOENIX Dance Club has now moved to the new Bromsgrove Council building at Parkside Hall, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DA. The club holds Ballroom and Sequence Dancing to live music twice a month on Sat nights. No membership required. No bar facilities – please bring your own refreshments. The Tuesday dances have been discontinued – sorry! More info from Mick or Thelma on 01527 872634. BJ’s Busy Boots Line Dancing Classes: 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 Church Centre, Whetty Lane, Rubery, 7.30 for 7.45pm.
CLUBS, GROUPS & SOCIETIES The Bromsgrove Society’s first talk of this season is on Tues Sep 18 at The Methodist Centre, Bromsgrove, at 7.45pm and is entitled What’s New in Old Bromsgrove. The talk will be given by Simon Carter, Director of Avoncroft Museum, who will explain recent discoveries about local buildings. 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 Sep 19, when Paul Harding presents The Battle
of Thermopoylae. 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 al-
Village What’s On ways 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, wideranging 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. 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
Village war history on display Two local history societies are inviting the public to FREE open events this month. Alvechurch Historical Society holds Open Days on Saturdays Sep 8 and 15 at the Museum in School Lane, Alvechurch. From 2.30 to 4.30pm both days, there’s a special exhibition on Alvechurch soldiers who died in the First World War. Lickey Hills Local History Society hosts an Open Weekend on Sat Sep 15 and Sun Sep 16 at the Visitor Cen-
tre, Warren Lane, Lickey B45 8ER. The event is open from 11am–4pm both days, and showcases the results of the society’s Heritage Lottery-funded WW1 project, Hidden First World War Heritage of the Lickey Hills. This includes the men on local war memorials; 1918 Suffrage; the Spanish Flu; local churches; and a collection of local maps. There will be guided walks, displays and activities, plus the Worcestershire World War 100 Bell Tent historical performers.
2121, visit the Facebook page and leave a message, or email alvechurchssc2015@ hotmail.com
7.30–9.30pm. For more info call 0121 445 3907 or 0121 445 2813 or visit www. trefoilguild.co.uk
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.
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.
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
midland ancestors meets monthly at 7.45pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, B60 1AS. On Sep 11, Mary Bodfish presents Darling Elizabeth. More info at www. bromsgrovebmsgh.co.uk
Heart of England Speakers is a small, friendly, public speaking club, based in Knowle near Solihull. It is affiliated to Toastmasters International, and meets on the 1st and 3rd Tues every month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the Greswolde Hotel, Knowle. More information at www.heartspeakers.org.uk Lickey Valley Trefoil Guild, as a branch of the Guide Association, is open to anyone over the age of 18. Make new friends, travel, explore, serve the community and help Guiding and Scouting in your area. The Guild meets at Barnt Green Scout & Guide Centre (off Blackwell Road, Barnt Green, B45 8BT) every second Weds
Common thread is a friendly group of women who enjoy crafts including sewing, knitting, crochet and more, together with tea, cake and chat. For more info contact Maggie on 0121 439 9324 or Jayne on 0121 445 1113. Available for hire: The Wheel community room by St Catherine’s Church, Blackwell. Suitable for groups. Quiet, enclosed garden adjacent. For details contact the church office on 0121 445 1425. COFFEE, CAKE and Chat meets from 10.30am to 12noon on the fourth Friday of the month (not August) in The Wheel at St Catherine’s Church, Blackwell. All welcome; for details, call Rodney on 0121 445 2070. Bromsgrove (1982) Probus Club provides regular opportunities for retired professionals and businessmen to meet socially and share common interests. A members’ meeting is held at Avoncroft Arts Centre on the 3rd Weds each month,
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continued from previous page 10am–12noon, including refreshments and a talk by a guest speaker. For more info visit www.bromsgroveprobus.co.uk or contact Jim on 01527 833531. BEACON LADIES CLUB meets at 8pm on alternate Wednesday evenings at The Hawthorns Social Club, Rednal Hill Lane, Rednal. There is a varied programme of speakers and outings, including occasional visits to the theatre. New members of all ages welcome. £10 annual membership, plus £1.50 fortnightly. Please ring Barbara on 0121 445 3456 or Anita on 445 3770. Lickey Phab Club is a social club where people aged 14 and over, with and without disabilities, can come together each week to have fun! It is affiliated to national charity Phab (Physically Disabled and Able Bodied). The club meets every Mon from 7.30–9.30pm at The Trinity Centre, Lickey Parish Hall to have fun, play games, do crafts or just chat – there’s also a tuck shop! More info from Louise Edgell on 07814 122990 or lickeyphabclub@ hotmail.com Bromsgrove Astronomical Society usually meets on the 3rd Monday of each month at Bromsgrove Rugby Club (Finstall Road, B60 3DH). Doors open 7.30pm, speakers begin 7.45pm. Admission free on your first visit; refreshments available. On Sep 17 Rob Januszewski presents An Amateur Research Programme. 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
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@yahoo.co.uk or beoleygood.companions @yahoo.co.uk for an application form. THE FRIENDSHIP Club of Barnt Green has its next meeting on Sep 18, when David Warnham gives a talk on Tuneful Tubes. Meetings usually take place at 2.15pm at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. Visitors £3 to include tea and biscuits. For more details call Rosalind Tyler on 0121 445 0598. Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall has regular Monday to Thursday morning and afternoon booking vacancies. Next to the car park, and available at reasonable rates for regular bookings, with “special rates” for local community organisations, the two halls can accommodate up to 60 persons at a time. More details on the church website: www.alvechurchbaptist.org.uk To discuss ABC hall bookings, please call Mrs Joyce Pimm on 0121 445 4635. THE WEDNESDAY Club usually meets on the second Weds of each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club at 1.30pm, and offers the chance to make new friends, meet old ones and enjoy talks, demos and visits. Visitors £4 including tea. On Sep 12 it’s the Annual Skittle Match. Please call Janet for more info on 0121 447 7870. LICKEY HILLS Local History Society meets monthly at 7.30pm in the Trinity Centre, Old Birmingham Road, Lickey B45 8ES. On Sep 18 it’s the AGM. followed by William the Conqueror to Elizabeth II – A Pictorial History by Edwin Gumbley. 1,000 years of history in an hour! 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 Sep 12, it’s another evening of cine films with John Constable. More details from Dave on 01527 873800 or Gordon on 01527 873609. TARDEBIGGE COMMUNITY Hall for hire: large, bright facility for functions, clubs, societies and all activities. To book call 07763 446902 or email tchbookings@ gmail.com KINGFISHER PROBUS Club provides the opportunity for retired and semi-retired men to meet people in a friendly situation. Meetings are held at The Foxlydiate 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. HOPWOOD VILLAGE Hall is available for hire: ideal for parties and gatherings. Contact Ann on 0121 447 7668 or visit www.hopwoodvillagehall.co.uk Soroptimist International of Bromsgrove and Redditch meets on the 2nd Thurs each month at 7pm at the Southcrest Manor Hotel, Pool Bank, Redditch B97 4JS. New members welcome. For further information contact Hazel on 07799 482444. Bromsgrove Ladies Probus meets monthly for a light lunch with a speaker, networking and occasional outings. If you are a professional or business woman and are recently retired, or coming up to retirement and would like further info, please email bromsgroveladiesprobus@ gmail.com ALVECHURCH HISTORICAL Society meets on the first Mon of the month (except Jan) at 7.45pm at the Museum in School Lane, Alvechurch. On Sep 3, Richard Churchley presents Worcestershire Carriers before the Railway Age. The Society also holds its annual Open Days on Sep 8 and 15, from 2.30–4.30pm at the Museum. More details from Anne Humphries on 0121 445 5955. New members welcome. 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 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 is an essential part of our relationships! Those with a hearing loss speak too loudly and those without tend to mumble... according to friends and family. So: whose problem is it, yours or mine? Both
Village What’s On deaf and hearing people are welcome to join this friendly group to explore the interaction between us and ways to make us all more aware. Meetings usually take place on the 3rd Wednesday each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club, Birmingham Road, from10.30am–12noon. 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 please 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. Forget-Me-Not is a group for people who have been bereaved, whether recently or at some point in the past, and would like to meet with others in a similar situation. Members meet twice a month in the upper room of the ARK at St Laurence Church, Alvechurch, and new members are always welcome! To find out more call Sue Phillips on 0121 445 3620. The Monday Fellowship Group meets at the Parish Centre behind St Andrew’s Church in Barnt Green at 2.30pm on the second Mon each month. £1 per talk, to include tea and biscuits. For more information, go along or ring Joyce Linford on 0121 445 1884. the MACULAR Society Barnt Green Support Group usually meets on the last Friday of the month (with some exceptions) at The Parish Centre, behind St Andrew’s Church, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green, B45 8NR, from 2 to 4 pm. It’s a friendly, selfhelp group, which proves there is more to life than this devastating eye condition. New members always welcome. For more info, ring Wendy on 0121 445 1585 or Alan on 01527 877864.
SPORT, FITNESS & HEALTH Youth football club Barnt Green Colts runs “turn up and play” Wednesday Night Football sessions on South Bromsgrove High School’s 3G pitch. These take place every Weds from 7pm to 8pm, until
Time to enjoy cricket action
natal Fridays 11am (Stretch & Relax with baby). No Yoga experience necessary See www.yogareallyworks.co.uk for more info or Facebook /yogareallyworks
Come and enjoy the cricket at Alvechurch & Hopwood Cricket Club:
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.
Sat Sep 1 – 2nd XI vs Stourport 4ths Sat Sep 8 – 1st XI vs Henley Castle & Upton Sat Sep 15 – 2nd XI vs Astwood Bank 4ths 1pm start. Bar open from 2pm – non-members welcome.
September 26. Cost £3 per session. If you’re in Year 9 at school, going into Year 10 in September 2018, register your interest via the Facebook page ‘Wednesday YOUTH Football’ or Twitter @ Bromsgrove3G, or ring or email Paul on 07977 042907 or pawb45@outlook.com Adult Coached Swim Training every Sunday 6pm–7pm at Bromsgrove Sports and Leisure Centre (School Drive, B60 1AY). Contact Andrew Cunnell on 0121 445 5210 or email: bits@bratclub.co.uk. All swimmers welcome. kings norton Golf Club has an Open Day on July 22 – take a look and have a complimentary round of golf More info at www.kingsnortongolfclub.co.uk There’s also a Men’s Get Into Golf course, starting on July 17 and running for five weeks, to learn the basics of golf. More info at www.kingsnortongolfclub.co.uk/ mens Physiotherapy-Led Pilates Class – Weds evening 7.30pm and 8.30pm at Cofton Hackett Village Hall. 6 lessons for £50. Mixed ability classes to improve muscle tone and posture as well as overall body strength. Pro-lates Pilates Retreat Oct 20, Bromsgrove Hotel and Spa, 9am– 5pm. 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 Post-
Term-Time Yoga Classes: Mondays 9.30– 10.30am, Cofton Hackett Village Hall. Classes £7.50 each with 4 weeks payable up front. Equipment provided. Please contact Sarah on 07970 072038 or hello@ themotorcyclingyogi.co.uk Calling all ROCKSTARS! Make some noise in the cardio jam session that is POUND! Every Wednesday 7.30–8.15pm at Crown Meadow School. Contact Leesh Waldron: 07531 625939. Booking required! BARNT GREEN Sailing Club offers regular sailing, either racing or casual sailing, in beautiful surroundings at Upper Bittell reservoir. For information contact secretary@bgsc.uk Saracen cycling Club is seeking new members. Men, ladies, beginners, and regular riders are all welcome. The longestablished club meets regularly by the Tardebigge Pub on Thurs at 10am and Sun at 9.45am. See www.saracenroadclub. com or call Ivor on 0121 453 2287. Kettlercise classes at Blackwell Methodist Hall, Greenhill, B60 1BL. Mon 7.15–8.15pm, Weds 7.30–8.30pm, HIIT class Sat 8.15am. Kettlebells provided, all welcome. Contact Louise: 07792 229837. Facebook: ‘Kettlercise with Louise: North Bromsgrove’. Alvechurch Village Society has no walk in August, but the programme will resume in September. More info at www. alvechurchvs.org Barnt Green Fishing Club manages angling on the Bittell Reservoirs complex. Trout and coarse fishing are available. For further information and application forms email the Membership Secretary at bgfcmembership@outlook.com Longbridge Ladies Cycling Club wants lovely new members! Weekly Weds and Sun rides, hotel and hostel weekends away, cycle camping adventures, social outings and much much more. Beginners
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continued from previous page and seasoned cyclists welcome. Call Deb on 07738982161, email debweston@aol. com or see www.longbridgeladies.co ALVECHURCH WALKING Buddies: join a regular local walk with like-minded people who simply want to go on a local, sedate and friendly walk with no pressure. Well-behaved owners and their dogs are very welcome. The group meets at 10.30am every Thurs. For more info, search for ‘alvwb’ on Facebook or contact Tony on 07763 468893. THE RAMBLERS, BROMSGROVE GROUP: Guided walking with our group for pleasure, fitness and fun. Full programme of walks / events throughout the year. More info at www.bromsgroveramblers.webs. com or Clare on 01527 821917 or Peter on 01527 558203. One Fit Mama: Mother & Baby Wednesdays, 9.45am at Rowney Green Village Hall. Like us on Facebook: One Fit Mama Alvechurch, Barnt Green & Wythall. PILATES: ONE-TO-ONE tuition using studio Pilates equipment to improve body awareness, posture and fitness. An efficient mind and body workout – principles learned can be helpful in improving sports performance and functional fitness and managing pain. One-to-one tuition may lead to participation in studio and mat classes. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Call or text 07759 590830, email pilates@steff affleck.co.uk or visit www.steffaffleck.co.uk SOCIAL TENNIS takes place at Rubery Community & Leisure Centre, Holywell Lane, Rubery B45 9AD on Mondays from 1–3pm. The group would welcome a few more players – just turn up or ring Don on 01527 759 318 for further details. Mindful yoga & Meditation classes, Day Retreats and Weekend Workshops. For Peace & Calm, Fitness, Vitality, & Better Sleep. For classes and bookings, contact Sally on 0790 366 3085 or classes@MyYoga Mind.co.uk; visit www.MyYoga Mind. co.uk or Facebook: Sally MyYogaMind 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
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Bowron on 07753 621528. For details of coaching for ages 12–16, contact Nick Jones on 07779 267609. 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 PILOXING CLASSES: fusion of Pilates/ boxing /dance. ALL levels of fitness. Tues 9.30am (Alvechurch), Tues 7pm (Barnt Green) and Sat 8.45am (Burcot). Alison: 07790 916947, alibenford@yahoo.co.uk, Facebook: ‘Exercise with Alison Benford’ FIVE WAYS Old Edwardians’ Cricket Club at Ash Lane, Hopwood: Junior, Men’s and Women’s teams, come and join in! Open to all. Excellent facilities. Everyone welcome. Coaching for juniors on Fri evenings May to Aug. Contact Mark Tovey on 01527 835031. Barnt Green Sports Club holds a Badminton Social Open Evening each Thurs, 8pm to 11pm (Margesson Drive, Barnt Green, B45 8LR). No membership required. Players of all abilities welcome. More info from Nick Butcher on 0121 445 1978 or visit www.barntgreen sportsclub.co.uk Astwood Bank Angling Club has 8 lakes, including 2 just outside Alvechurch. Annual membership £57 adult, £42 conc, £10 juniors. Info at www.astwoodbankac. co.uk or contact Paul on 01527 522704 or abac.membership@virginmedia.com THE NEW Ravens (North East Worcestershire Ravens Rugby League Club) play at Kings Norton Rugby Club, Hopwood Park, Ash Lane, Hopwood. Playing opportunities for men’s open age, juniors, women and girls. Touch rugby will also be played for those not wishing to play full contact. Further details can be found on www. newravensrl.co.uk BROMSGROVE & REDDITCH Badminton Club welcomes players for social and league play. Playing Sunday evenings 5.40 to 7.40pm. Details from Steve Whittaker 07805 051456. Alvechurch Cricket Club Pavilion (rear of 6 Birmingham Road) is available for meetings/functions/child and adult parties. Bowling alley, pool table, table football, darts, table tennis, excellent
children’s entertainer and DJ. For details/ availability, contact Pete Gwilliam on 07960 550884 or petergwilliam@btconnect.com Lee-Ann’s Fitness Classes: Zumba Fitness on Mondays 7.30pm (£4) and Cardio Aerobics on Wednesdays 7.30pm, both at Alvechurch Middle School. Contact LeeAnn on 07888 841034. TRADITIONAL YOGA: Classes on Monday evenings at Lickey End Methodist Church. Suitable for all. Please call Sandra on 01527 835642 for more information. CATSHILL FC offers youth coaching sessions each Saturday morning at Catshill Middle School, Meadow Road, Catshill, B61 0JW. Boys and girls from Reception age upwards are welcome. Contact Gary on 07462 118920 or see www.catshillfc. co.uk for further info. Rubery Taekwon-Do at Waseley Hills High School, Rubery on Thursdays and Bournville College, Longbridge on Fridays, with Yvonne (2nd Degree Black Belt). For more info email yvonne@rubery-tkd.co.uk or visit www.rubery-tkd.co.uk Legs Bum Tums: Thurs 9.15–10am at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. £3 per 45min session. A great workout to target those difficult-to-hit areas. Adaptations offered depending on ability – all welcome. Active Seniors: Thurs 10–11am at the Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. £3.15 per one-hour session. Active session for older people who want to keep fit and healthy – all welcome. Kings Norton Rhinos offers contact and non-contact rugby for children from Reception to Year 12. A safe and friendly introduction to rugby – and plenty of outdoor fun and exercise! Training takes place at KNRFC Ash Lane, Hopwood, on Sundays from 10–11.30am. Contact Steve Washington on 07771 911209 or visit www.knrfc.co.uk Pilates: Thurs 12–1pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. £3.15 per one-hour session. Pay as you go session concentrating on core work, working on posture, alignment and tummy/back conditioning. Zumba Gold: Thurs 1–2pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. £3.15 per one-hour session. For people who want to stay active and fit with a dance-style
Village Village What’s What’s On On class, keeping the high energy and funky moves of Zumba but without the jumping and spinning around, making it accessible to all. AEROBICS classes at Alvechurch School, Birmingham Rd, Tuesdays 7.30–8.30pm and Fridays 6.30–7.30pm. Lapsed or new members welcome. More info from Tony on 0121 445 1819. Hopwood Ladies Cycling Club meets at Hopwood Playing Field on Tuesdays at 11.30 am and Wednesdays at 9.30 am. For more information, visit www.hopwoodladies cyclingclub.co.uk or phone Sheila Evans on 07779 530017. Karate classes take place every Tuesday and Thursday from 7–8pm at Hopwood Community Hall. First three Classes FREE. Call Colin on 01527 578880 or 07738 674023 or colin.abbott@homecall.co.uk Tai Chi (Qigong) sessions in Alvechurch Village Hall on Mon 10–11am and Fri 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.
CHILDREN & FAMILIES Tots Play classes at Bromsgrove Girl Guiding Centre on Tuesdays. Social Tots 9.50am; Discovery Tots 10.50am; Baby Development 11.50am. More info from lucy@totsplay.co.uk or 07709 453 756. 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 NEW STAY And Play opens its doors on Mon Sep 10, 2018 at Rowney Green’s Village Hall. Visit ‘POL POL’s PLAYTIME’ on Facebook for exciting updates and 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 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 St John’s Baby & Toddler Group meets every Friday morning between 9.15 and 11am during term time at St John’s church hall, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove. For further details please contact Cathy on 01527 870048 or just come along. CATSHILL TODDLERS Club meets at the Methodist Church, Golden Cross Lane, Catshill every Weds 1–3pm (except school hols). £1.50 per child (£1 for additional siblings; under 9 months free) includes drink and biscuit for you and your toddler, plus action toys, craft table, book corner, noisy instruments, and kicking footballs, learning to catch and having fun with hoops – all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. For more information contact Sheila on 0121 445 2813 or drop in. You will be very welcome. Barnt Green Preschool is at the heart of the community. Open since 1978, it offers learning through play in a nurturing, home-from-home environment. The Preschool follows the Early Years Curricu-
lum and with regular visits to St Andrew’s School and lots of outdoor space, it’s the perfect place to prepare your child for school. It is proud of its OFSTED report (ref 205125) and offers government-funded places. Sessions run 9am-12pm and/or 12pm-3pm Mon and Weds, and 9am-1pm Tues and Thurs. For more information or to get on the waiting list call Tina on 07790 017 777. Mum’s the Word playgroup takes place every Thursday in term time 9.30– 11.20am at the Ark in Alvechurch. All are welcome, no charge; tea and coffee available for parents and grandparents. Come and join in! blackwell Baby & Toddler Group runs from 10–11.30am every Weds (term-time only) at Blackwell Methodist Church Hall, Greenhill, Blackwell B60 1BL. Small group run by local mums, all welcome. Great chance to meet local families and for your child to make new friends. Any questions please call Carrie on 07985 539983 or find the group on Facebook. Bromsgrove NCT Bumps and Babies Group now meets every Thursday, 10–11.30am at David Lloyd Fitness Centre, Slideslow Drive, B60 1GJ. The group is free and anyone is welcome, including toddler siblings. Contact Claire and Karen at bromsgrove@nct.org.uk 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. Finstall Pre-school in Finstall Village Hall, Mon–Thur 9.30am–1.15pm (termtime only). Led by qualified lower primary teacher. Visits welcome; call 07903 560787 or email Finstallpreschool@hotmail.com Rowney Green Pre-school offers learning through play for children from two years to school age, Tues–Thurs 9am– 2pm, term-time only. More info from Rosemary: 07836 770468 or Geraldine: 07725 553894. The National Childbirth Trust is now running antenatal courses in Alvechurch. These are designed to help parents
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Mother Goose (pantomime) Dec.18th - 22nd at Artrix, Bromsgrove.
continued from previous page 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 BARNT GREEN Toddlers – Come and Play! Every Thursday 10am-11.30am (term time only) for 0-3s at The Parish Centre, Sandhills Road (behind St Andrews Church). Run by a qualified childminder with lovely new toys and the emphasis on fun. A great place to make friends before school. Sibling discount and biscuits for parents too! Call Hannah on 07740 673894. New Road Parents Support for parents of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans children meets monthly in Aston Fields. A confidential, voluntary, small support group for parents by parents. Individual meetings can be arranged with another parent if preferred. Close links with FFLAG. Visit www.newroad parents.org, email evansmargar@gmail.com or call Maggie on 01527 832492 for details. Lickey End Playgroup runs Toddlers, PreSchool and Rising Stars sessions at Lickey End Methodist Church, B60 1JX. More information on 07791 851382 or at www.lickeyendplaygroup.co.uk
GARDENS & FLOWERS 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 has its Main Flower and Produce Show on Sat Sep 1, when the general public can view the wonderful entries from 3pm. At 4pm the prizes will be presented by David Morgan, Worcestershire County Organiser, National Garden Scheme. Entry forms and schedules can be found at www.
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rowneygreenhorticultural.co.uk. Entries will be received at the Village Hall on the preceding Thurs from 7–8pm. The society meets at the Village Hall on the 2nd Thurs each month at 7.30pm. Guests always welcome: £3.50 including refreshments. On Sep 13, RHS Ambassador Jamie Butterworth will present A Year at RHS Wisley. After becoming a finalist in BBC3s Young Gardener of the Year, Jamie co-founded Younghort to inspire more young people to choose gardening as a career. 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 & DISTRICT Flower Arrangement Society meets on the 3rd Thurs each month at 2.15pm (except January) in All Saints Church Hall. Visitors welcome. Info at www.bromsgroveflowerclub.org.uk or Beryl on 01527 833287, or by searching ‘Bromsgrove Flower Club’ on Facebook. THE NORTH Worcestershire Fuchsia Society meets on the 2nd Weds each month at
Bromsgrove Sports & Social Club, 7.45pm. Info from Stewart on 01527 877662.
games & COMPETITIONS Shirley and Wythall Chess Club meets at Wythall Community Association in Silver Street, Wythall, B47 6LZ, every Thurs from 7.30pm. The club has four teams playing in competitive leagues. Friendly atmosphere. New players are most welcome, either just turn up or contact Barry Knee on 01564 826250 for details. The ALVECHURCH Templars Wargames Club meets most Monday evenings from 6.30pm at the Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. Visit (or join) the ‘Alvechurch Templars’ Facebook page for details or e-mail Karl Farrell at bluenostrils@outlook.com A WHIST DRIVE takes place every Weds from 7.15–9.30pm at Buckley’s Green Community Centre, Alvechurch (B48 7NG). The friendly group welcomes new members. £2 entry, includes raffle ticket and prizes. Bromsgrove Bridge 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 and Crown Bridge Clubs meet at the Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove, on Mon and Fri evenings. Both clubs are friendly and sociable. New members welcome, helpful guidance available and parking is excellent. Contact Alistair on 07814 393416 or Val on 01527 875041. 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
Village What’s On 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. “managed” duplicate bridge sessions are run by Anne Glendenning and Eugene Elijah on Tues (1.15 for 1.30pm) at Bournheath Village Hall, Claypit Lane – perfect for emerging players. Entry £3.50 covers session, some tuition and refreshments. Info from Anne on 01527 882169. A QUIZ takes place every Thursday from 8.30–10.30 pm at Bridley Moor & Batchley Social Club, Bridley Moor Road, Batchley B97 6HS. £1 to enter; all money to the winning team. There is also stand-up bingo with a prize. For more info call quizmaster Dave on 07815 456178. Rummikub Club meets in the Social Room at Rowney Green Peace Hall fortnightly on Tuesdays from 2–4pm. Entry £2 to include tea and biscuits. You will be made very welcome! Info from Betty Oakley on 01527 63725. A popular weekly quiz takes place each Thursday at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club and follows the normal format. Doors open at 8pm. Organise a team, or just turn up and join a team. All welcome. Barnt Green Duplicate Bridge Club meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall each Weds afternoon and would like new members – contact Liz on 0121 445 0704. Halesowen Bridge Club offers Chicago Bridge on Thursdays at 2pm in the United Church Hall, Hagley Road, Halesowen B63 4PX and is seeking new members. All are
Fun for family 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.
keen to attract more people. Whether you’re writing purely for pleasure or for profit these workshop-style sessions will help you to find out what you want to write and how to do it. Starts Sat Sept 8 from 10.30am–12.30pm, for seven weeks. Cost £92. Course number 16016 l Language tutor Patrick will restart his
classes at the end of Sept. Currently there is space for four new learners in both ongoing Spanish classes (Thurs and Fri) and two spaces in the ongoing Tuesday French class. Email Patrick at vdlt52@ hotmail.co.uk to see if the level the class is being taught at would allow you to join in. A new beginner’s language class is due to start in the autumn – take your pick from French or Spanish and register your interest with a member of library staff or drop Patrick an email.
l With more than 200 children signed
up for this year’s Summer Reading Challenge, there are lots of books being read throughout the village. If you are aged up to 12 years then there’s still time to sign up. Children are challenged to read (or listen to) six library books up until Sep 22. There’s lots of Beano-inspired incentives to collect and a grand medal ceremony for finishers in October, with a very special guest.
l Family First Aid – Basic Paediatric
l Geraldine from the Blue Cross will
Skills: Learn the essential skills to keep your little ones safe. A basic course for parents, grandparents or carers – children welcome to come along. One-hour sessions over three weeks. Mondays Sep 10, 17 and 24, 10.45–11.45am. Cost £15; booking essential. Course 15931.
visit the library to give a fun talk about looking after your pets and staying safe around dogs – lots of useful tips for little ones! Drop in on Mon Oct 8 between 3.30–4.15pm. l The Young People’s Reward Card was
launched at Alvechurch and Wythall libraries in June and more than 100 people have signed up. If you’re aged 11–24 you can sign up, borrow books and collect stamps until your sixth visit, then you’ll have your choice of rewards. There’s also the chance to be part of a long-term volunteer scheme that changes the shape of your local library. It’s hoped that the scheme will be rolled out to all Worcestershire libraries.
l Basic First Aid course for adults: Tues
Sep 11, 9.30am–12.30pm. Cost £15. Learn how to help in scary situations, and keep your friends and family safe – including basic life support and defibrillation, choking, bleeding, burns, heart attack recognition and stroke management. l For any enquiries, pop into the library
on Birmingham Road, contact The Hub on 01905 822722, email alvechurchlib@ worcestershire.gov.uk or see Facebook. For Adult Learning courses, pop in to pay by cash/cheque, or online by card.
l Irene’s Creative Writing class will start again in September, and the library is
welcome. Within easy reach of Bromsgrove; parking is available. For info ring Ann Gittins on 0121 550 5246 or see www. halesowenbridgeclub.org.uk
HELP & ADVICE 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
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Village What’s On continued from previous page 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.
ART & LITERATURE Withybed Poets are a group of poetry writers who meet in Withybed Green to share their poems and write together. They are open to anyone who enjoys writing and sharing poetry. They love reading their poems to audiences, which they do at the monthly Acoustic Roots in Alvechurch, but also for libraries, churches, community groups and festivals. They write poems on request for people and special occasions. Next meeting is Sept 12 at 7.30pm; for details, or to ask about commissioning a poem, ring Mary on 0121 445 5957. Art & Soul Creative – artist and potter offering tutored art and pottery activities in Alvechurch. All abilities welcome. Call Marina on 0121 445 0655, email artand soulcreative.org@gmail.com or visit www. artandsoulcreative.org ART IN The Village: Learn how to draw and paint or how to improve your skills. Small friendly groups in home-studio setting in Barnt Green village with plenty of one-to-one tuition. All abilities welcome. Daytime and evening classes available. Contact Jo Pardoe on 07967 041446 for more info. 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
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In his father’s footsteps For the first time, WORDS of Bromsgrove welcomes the son of one of their favourite past guests! The poet Ian McMillan visited WORDS in 1998 and 2007, and is now followed by his son, Andrew, at Artrix in Bromsgrove on Sun Sep 16 at 7.30pm. Andrew’s debut was the first poetry collection to win the Guardian First Book Award and explores male love and loss, physicality and sensuality. His second collection was published this summer. Andrew will read his poetry and talk about his life and writing. There will be a chance to ask questions and buy his books, as well as to enjoy refreshments. If you are not a WORDS member, tickets (£15, students/under 16s £7.50) are available from Artrix on 01527 577330 or www.artrix.co.uk. More information on WORDS, the Bromsgrove group that promotes interest in the written and spoken word, at www.bromsgrovewords.com 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. Burcot Woodturning Club offers a friendly meeting place for woodturners of all abilities and experience. A varied programme includes demos, talks, hands-on practical evenings and visits to exhibitions. The group meets on the first Thurs each month, 7.15–9.30pm at Burcot Village Hall. Info from John on 0121 458
5884 or visit www.burcotwoodturners. org.uk 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. THE “CRAFTY Ladies” craft group meets every Monday morning in Alvechurch Library from 11am–1pm, with knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting etc. An informal and self running group that uses shared library space. More info on 01905 822722. Bromsgrove Art Society has a new venue: Burcot Village Hall, 340 Alcester Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove, B60 1BH. Meetings are still held on the 3rd Weds each month (except Jan and Aug) at 7.30pm. Visitors welcome, entry £2 including refreshments. For more info email lyndasharp2010@yahoo.com or visit www.bromsgroveartsociety.org.uk WYTHALL WRITERS meet at the Peter Thompson Room at St Mary’s Church, Shawhurst Lane on the second Thurs each month. New members always welcome. More info from Helen on 01564 824517, Eileen on 01564 822214, Louise on 0121 430 4992 or www.wythall writers.com 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 Sat each month at 7.30pm. Open to artists and non-artists alike. For more info call Graham on 0121 453 7097 or come along – the members would love to see you.
WOMEN’S INSTITUTES 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 Hillside at ALVECHURCH WI meets at 7.45 pm on the first Weds each month at The Ark, Alvechurch. For more info call Pat McDonagh on 0121 628 4121. Blackwell & BURCOT WI meets at Burcot Village Hall on the second Weds each month, at 2pm. For info call President Mrs Barbara Knight on 0121 445 3456. St Catherine’s WI meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday each month, in ‘The Wheel’ at Blackwell. More information from Sue Barratt on 01527 596092 or s.barratt@bnvillej.bham.sch.uk
on 0121 445 0163 or see www.LickeyWI. Wordpress.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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
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
ARK ANGELs WI meets on the second Monday each month from 7.30pm at the Ark, Alvechurch. On Sep 10 it’s Curry Night. 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 Sept 17.
Village Baking
Cake with surprise centre
T
In our occasional recipe series, keen baker Jen Morris, of Rowney Green, creates a treat using fruity preserves.
his is one of the busiest times for preserve-making and this cake shows off whatever jam you have, with a surprise centre. Everything goes into the bowl to be mixed together, so the batter is easy and quick to make. The jam is then added and baked inside the cake, so it comes out like a readyassembled Victoria sandwich. I used homemade damson jam, but it works equally well with plum or blackcurrant jam, bramble jelly or anything that needs using up! Ingredients: l 175g softened butter l 150g self-raising flour l 100g ground almonds l 150g caster sugar l 2 eggs, beaten
l l l l l
Few drops almond or vanilla essence 1 tsp vanilla extract 4 tbsp milk 150g jam of your choice 25g flaked almonds
1) Heat oven to 160C/ 140C fan/ Gas 3. Lightly grease and line a 900g loaf tin. 2) Add the flour, ground almonds, butter, sugar, eggs, essence and milk into your mixing bowl, and beat with a hand-held electric mixer for 2–3 mins, until light and fluffy. 3) Spoon half the mixture into the tin, and spoon the jam evenly over the top. 4) Cover with the remaining mixture and then swirl the cake mixture and jam together briefly, using a skewer. 5) Smooth the top and scatter over the flaked almonds.
6) Bake for 1 hour 15 mins, until firm to the touch. You may need to cover it loosely with foil for the last 30 mins, to stop it catching. 7) Leave to stand in the tin for 10 mins, before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve on its own for afternoon tea, or with some cream as a dessert. The Village
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