The Village, June 2018

TheVillage June 2018

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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!

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TheVillage

Issue 190 June 2018

ISSN 1466-3376

Choir Joins Joyful Duo Page 8

Film Aims to Scare Page 15

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

Money-Spinners Page 16

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

To advertise in TheVillage

AFC’s Super Season Page 43

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.

Race of the Planets Page 55

Taste of Childhood Page 67

Cover: A cob turns its beady eye on Village reader Paul Wilde. See Page 21.

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Village News

WE’RE UP AGAIN! Fans of Alvechurch FC celebrate the team’s second promotion in as many years, after their home draw with Bedworth United secured second place

in the league with a game to spare – and automatic promotion to the newly-formed Southern League Central Division. More photos and details on Page 43.

‘Hell-bent’ on Hearn

H

opes that any consideration of a proposed “garden village” between Alvechurch and Barnt Green would be shelved were dashed when Conservative councillors got together to keep it on the agenda.

The GL Hearn report, Greater Birmingham Housing Market Area Strategic Growth Study, which suggests 10,000 to 15,000 homes could be built on Village Green Belt to soak up the metropolis’s housing needs, will now be considered by the council as it develops its district plan.

Fearing the impact of such a development, dubbed “Barntchurch”, Barnt Green and Hopwood independent councillor Charlie Hotham proposed a motion that the Hearn report should be ignored for now.

The motion proposed:”Bromsgrove District Council will temporarily set aside the broad brush basic report of Hearn until such time as its own indepth comprehensive review of the Green Belt has been completed. Only then will the content and conclusions of the Hearn report be considered alongside our own detailed investigation into the Green Belt.”

Who voted to include ‘Barntchurch’ study?

A number of Village area district councillors voted to keep the Hearn report under consideration.

They were: June Griffiths, Alvechurch South Kit Taylor, Lickey Hills Richard Deeming, Cofton Peter Whittaker, Tardebigge Brian Cooper, Marlbrook Caroline Spencer, Slideslow Phil Thomas, Aston Fields The next elections to Bromsgrove District Council are scheduled for May 2019, less than a year away.

But the Conservative group, which has a majority of councillors, voted together to defeat the motion. The justification of their stance, as detailed by planning portfolio holder Kit Taylor to Alvechurch Parish Council, was that the district plan would not be valid if they did not consider the Hearn report.

He told them: “It exists so we have to take notice of it because it’s there.

If we do a plan without it, an inspector will say it is incomplete.” Coun Taylor did, however, add: “The Green Belt review is not for the benefit of Birmingham. It is a consultation that we are going to do.”

Coun Hotham told The Village: “The outcome of this vote is very disappointing but not surprising; it seems all too common for political party loyalty to be put before the best interests of the electorate.

“The controlling group, for some reason, seems hell-bent on putting this report out for consultation ASAP. “All I am calling for is that the Hearn report consulatation is suspended until we have completed our Green Belt review and then a do a joint consultation exercise alongside other evidence that will emerge.

“This then allows a more balanced and measured consultation process.”

Coun Hotham added: “I am at a loss to understand the argument that we need to consult now otherwise the planning Inspector will find our review unsound. This is clearly nonsense.”

The Village View: Page 25 The Village

June 2018

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Village News

‘Danger’ lane action A

Blackwell road described by residents as “the Black Hole of Calcutta” is to have new warning signs after a campaign to make the road safer.

Dale Hill will get “additional signs and markings to alert drivers to the narrowing of the road and the need to slow down”, according to Worcestershire County Council.

However, the council says it has no plans to introduce speed restrictions on the currently unrestricted lane, saying that the most recent survey on Dale Hill showed “the volume of traffic is minimal and the speeds low”, and that “motorists are expected to drive in accordance with the prevailing conditions.”

A number of villagers, led by Dale Hill resident Jeremy Hughes, have repeatedly asked the council for a 20mph limit as well as improved signage, claiming that vehicles frequently travel at dangerous speeds into a blind bend – including a car that ended up on its roof late last year (pictured, right).

WCC’s Director of Economy & Infrastructure, John Hobbs, told the group that new speed limits must be supported by the county councillor for that area and by the police – but that Coun Kit Taylor was not supportive of a 20mph speed limit.

“Our experience is that speed limits, especially without enforcement, do not modify the behaviours

School sends DIY SOS

Alvechurch Middle School is sending out an SOS to anyone with DIY expertise who can help with a building project.

The school wants to improve an existing outdoor building (pictured, right) and turn it into a new arts centre – but although a number of parents have already agreed to help with furnishing and decorating, more expert assistance is required.

Volunteers from the building trade are particularly needed to lend advice and materials, plus ideas for power. If you can help in any way, contact Lisa Rees on 0121 445 1033 or office@alvechurch.worcs.sch.uk

n The school is also holding its Summer Fundraiser on Friday June 29, open to all pupils and their families. The aim is to raise funds for new technology to enhance pupil learning (this event is not open to the public).

Simply Fresh plan goes to appeal The long wait for “upmarket” grocer Simply Fresh to open for business in Alvechurch is set to continue.

Plans for a large extension to the premises in The Square at the bottom of Bear Hill were rejected

by Bromsgrove District Council last autumn, saying they “would have an overbearing and overlooking impact on the surrounding dwellings”.

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June 2018

Parish councillor Marc Worrall told colleagues the applicant had now launched a formal appeal to the planning inspectorate. “I think it will take three or four months before that comes through,” he added.

The village Post Office is expected to have a counter within the Simply Fresh store and had been hoping to move in last year.

of careless drivers,” said Mr Hobbs.

“Enforcement is a police issue but my understanding is that they would not undertake an intervention here given the measured speed data and absence of serious accident data.

“My suggestion is that we see what effect the additional signs and markings have.”

Height barrier to keep gates open at park

The gates to The Meadows playing fields in Alvechurch, locked for much of the summer last year to keep travellers out, are to be fitted with a height restriction system.

Alvechurch Parish Council set aside £4,000 in its budget to pay for a solution and at last month’s meeting voted by 11-3 in favour of restricting access height at the gate – using a bespoke barrier to match the gates.

After it was pointed out refuse trucks might need access to turn round, parish clerk Tammy Williams pointed out: “Last year the gates were locked for quite a few months and they didn’t have any access during that time.”

She is to approach Environmental Services for advice before the council makes a final decision.

Objecting to the plan, Coun Martin Ball said, “It is ugly and unnecessary”, warning: “You have the risk of death by being reversed over by a bin lorry.”

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Village News Sue and Roger (centre) with the choir

Choir joins in with joyful duo W

hile millions of people watched a certain royal event on TV, a somewhat smaller but no less special wedding was taking place that same day in Alvechurch. Sue Phillips and Roger Wardle, both members of Alvechurch Community Choir and St Laurence Church, tied the knot at the church in glorious sunshine – with plenty of music from their friends in the choir.

Sue and Roger were led down the aisle by their 17 grandchildren, and the guests included Bishop Alejandro Mesco and his wife Doris (left), all the way from Peru, where St Laurence is twinned with a church in Arequipa. Sue has visited Peru and is a member of the church’s Peru Missionary Committee.

The bishop gave a blessing to the happy couple, before the ceremony was brought to a close with the choir singing Bring Me Sunshine.

Road to be resurfaced

We usually report on Barnt Green teenager Siena Horton’s skiing success, but she’s also a rising star in the hockey world.

The Bromsgrove School pupil recently made her debut for England Hockey U16s at a three-day series of matches against U17 Ulster at Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

England won 2-1 in their first match and Siena was awarded Player of the Match. The following day, she was asked to captain the side, who went on to win 4-0 and 4-1.

Siena is hoping to be selected for upcoming matches against Germany and Belgium, and to be included in the squad for the prestigious Six Nations event in Ireland in July.

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The Village

The plague of potholes in Barnt Green may soon be over, at least on Sandhills Lane – the parish council has been told that the road is due to be Sandhills Green resurfaced sometime in June, after repeated requests to Worcestershire Highways for the work to be carried out. However, there is no word on how long villagers will continue to dodge large potholes on Sandhills Green and Bittell Lane.

No joy for detectorists

Alvechurch Parish Council agreed to ban metal detectorists from its land, after a resident with a licence asked for permission to search in the area.

Coun Adrian Smith said, “You can’t go digging up football pitches. He’s obviously been watching that TV series.”

Councillors encouraged the resident, a member of a detecting club, to contact private landowners.

June 2018

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Village Young People

Colts crowned champions Barnt Green Colts U12s enjoyed a fantastic season of football, ending with them being crowned league champions. The battle for the Central Warwickshire Youth Football League went down to the wire, with the Colts needing only a draw from their final game against Leafield Athletic to clinch top place.

The team were punished for a nervous start, conceding two early goals, but were offered a

lifeline when Joe Fleming pulled one back just before half time.

The Colts dominated the second half but left it late before season top scorer James Haywood scored his 30th and 31st goals to seal a dramatic 3–2 win.

The Colts are looking for sponsors for the new season, so if there are any business owners who would like to support a community team then please contact Martin Pryor on 07961 162818.

Victory in close-run road race

ALVECHURCH CYCLIST Cameron Biddle is celebrating his latest win, after snatching victory at the last moment of an exciting road race.

Cameron, aged 20, attends Redditch College where he is studying a HND in sports coaching and performance. He has been cycling since he was six years old and currently rides for Halesowen Cycling Club Racing Academy, which organises the annual 70-mile Halesowen Road Race.

During the third lap of the five-lap race – which in fact takes place in Astley, Worcestershire – Cameron and four others

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June 2018

(including Harrison Knight from Rowney Green) pulled clear of the 80-strong field, gaining more than a minute from the rest of the riders.

A further two riders pulled away in a bid to catch the five-man breakaway but were unable to do so.

The finish line was uphill and during the final sprint it

looked as if rival Josh Sandman had secured the win – but as he celebrated with his arms in the air, Cameron kept going full pelt and grabbed top spot by two hundredths of a second.

It is the first time the event has been won by a Halesowen rider since it was relaunched nine years ago.

Village News

John’s an inspiration

Alvechurch resident John Davies has been shortlisted in a nationwide competition to find inspirational people aged over 60.

Seventy-year-old John, well-known in the village as a member of fundraising skiffle band The 6-5 Specials, was selected as a regional finalist in the “Inspirational Generation” contest held by retirement housebuilder McCarthy and Stone.

The competition aims to find and reward those aged over 60 with an inspiring story to tell, and to celebrate the ways that older people inspire the younger generation.

Having taken up the ukulele when

he retired, John formed The 6-5 Specials with four other retirees.

They perform across the Birmingham area and have raised more than £5,000 in the past three years for charities including British Lung Foundation, Children in Need and Alzheimer’s Research.

John says: “I decided to enter the search for the Inspirational Generation because The 6-5 Specials have raised thousands of pounds for

various charities. I think it’s important to recognise the achievements of older people because even when you’re at my age you can still make an impact and help make a difference to other lives.”

Later this month, one national winner will be selected by a panel of judges and awarded a cash prize of £2,000. Nine regional winners will also each receive £200 to be donated to their charity of choice and a £50 hamper.

Environment Agency gets ready for tip application

The Environment Agency has completed a survey of the former Marlbrook Tip in the Lickey Hills and is now preparing to apply for planning permission to carry out work to make the site safe.

The agency stepped in after the site’s owner failed to meet the deadline to carry out the work itself.

Agency officer Fiona Upchurch told residents last month that a topographical survey had been completed and they were now seeking to reclaim their costs for that.

The Environment Agency is now in charge because a balancing pond on the former tip was deemed a “reservoir”, and their engineer has ordered a minimum of 300mm of soil to be spread over the site to ensure the pond is safe.

The work will mean bringing more material on to the site, where residents suffered more than ten years of lorries thundering up and down the Lickeys as more than a million cubic metres of waste was over-tipped there – under the watch of Bromsgrove District Council.

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June 2018

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Village Arts

New film aims to scare B

arnt Green film company Walktall Productions is getting ready to scare audiences with its current project, a Hammer-style horror thriller.

The Legacy of Dark House, shot in and around the village, is written, directed and produced by Sheila Evans, who runs the small independent company with husband Bill.

The film is described as a “short, psychological horror in the style of Hammer House of Horror” and will be shown at the launch of the new Birmingham Festival of Terror at The Custard Factory, Digbeth in October.

It features a cast of professional actors and a top-class director of photography, Gary-Anthony

Rogers, who has already received adulation for his work so far on Dark House from well-known Hollywood cinematographer Shane Hurlburt (who has shot episodes of Game of Thrones plus several big Hollywood movies).

Sheila says, “The story revolves around the demise of Fay, a young woman who inherits a remote country house, believing her aunt to be her benefactor… All is not as it seems!”

Walktall Productions, which created 2012’s award-winning Vodka and Chips, plans to produce a British/ Bollywood cross-over comedy film once work on Dark House is complete.

A

Sounds of sunshine

nyone who has attended a session of Alvechurch Acoustic Roots will be familiar with The Stompies, the house band who round off each month’s show with a set of their own music plus the occasional cover.

Now the multi-talented bunch aim to get themselves known beyond the village, via their first album – No Stompy on Sunshine, which used to be the band’s full name.

The musicians always seem to be having a ball when they perform, and that translates to the album, which successfully recreates the convivial atmosphere of Roots (held monthly at Alvechurch Sports

& Social Club) with a wide array of instruments including guitars, fiddle, melodeon, bodhran and flute, plus perfectly-blended vocals.

It’s all original material, apart from guitarist and producer Dave Howard’s joyous arrangement of traditional Scottish folk mash-up Mary Mac/Furrem Be Me Heen.

Dave is also responsible for the freewheeling rhythm and unusual harmonies of Sail On Father, while Paul Chamberlain (guitar/ukulele) wrote or

Pictured: A flavour of the film.

co-wrote everything else – including quirky break-up song Museum of Innocence and the two stand-out tracks, Great White Whale and The Killing.

The former is an incredibly evocative re-telling of Moby Dick, powerful and ominous; while the latter is a jaunty political ballad that combines the true tale of a woman taking on the government over modern slavery with Danish crime drama The Killing . . . and it’s a lot more fun than that sounds!

The album is available online via www.thestompies.co.uk, and at Alvechurch Acoustic Roots and other Stompies gigs.

Review by SO The Village

June 2018

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Village News

The money-spinners! festivals?

A

sponsored spinathon in Alvechurch raised money for the Pituitary Foundation in memory of a young villager.

The eight-hour fundraiser saw almost 90 participants take it in turns to cycle on ten static bikes

at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club – motivated by professional spin instructors Katie Orme and Tom James from KO Fitcycle, which sponsored the spinathon.

The event was held in memory of Nicola Hartley, who died unexpect-

Fun Run rescheduled

After being cancelled because of snow in March, the Barnt Green Fun Run in aid of Sport Relief has been rescheduled for Sunday June 24.

Organised by Barnt Green Chuggers and the parish council (and sponsored by Provest Wealth Management), the event begins at 12.30pm in Millennium Park with the opportunity to complete a 5k walk, run or jog around the village.

If you originally registered to run and still have your number you can just turn up on the day, while new registrations can be made at either St Andrew’s First School (during school hours) or Barnt Green Post Office (normal opening hours).

Entry fees are £2.50 for under-16s; £5 for adults, or £10 for a family (one adult plus up to three children/ two adults plus up to two children).

Even though Sport Relief is over,

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June 2018

a donation will still be made to that cause from the entrance fees. Refreshments and food will be available after the run, so even if you’re not running you can still pop along to help the runners celebrate and enjoy the day.

Above: The sun shone at last year’s event.

edly last year from Cushing’s Disease, which is caused by a tumour on the pituitary gland.

Above left: Members of Nicola’s family – mum Sally, grandmother Lillian Willis, and sister Amy – join the cyclists in the sunshine.

Plenty of fun at village festivals Don’t forget that both Lickey and Blackwell hold their summer festivals on Saturday June 16.

Blackwell Festival has a Viking theme and will feature a Viking fighting display and camp, birds of prey, play sand, a bouncy castle, Tardebigge Cider, WI tea and cakes. It runs from 12–5pm on the field off St Catherine’s Road, and is a free event.

This year’s Lickey Festival is a joint event with Lickey School, from 1–4pm at the school. Make your own slime, pet the animals, buy goods from the children’s enterprise stalls and lots more.

Blackwell Music Festival is on September 8, with live bands, licensed bar and BBQ from 12noon. Buy tickets at the Viking event and at Blackwell Stores.

10 Years Ago From TheVillage archive

OUR june 2008 cover showed a view from Alvechurch towards Rowney Green under a big summer sky. At 68 pages, this was the biggest magazine we had ever produced – a size that has been our minimum for many years now.

September 2013 – the diggers arrive

IN THE NEWS: Amid concerns over Green Belt development in the area, Bromsgrove District Council leader Roger Hollingworth told The Village how the council had got back on track after being described as ‘the worst ever”

by Government ministers.

Meanwhile, planners had approved a 60-metre mast in Beoley to measure wind power, with the possibility of setting up a wind farm in the future.

members of Barnt Green Chuggers running group presented funds totalling £19,000 to the Geoff Thomas foundation (supporting leukaemia research) and the Barnt Green scout hut appeal, raised at their pre-New York Marathon “Big Apple Bash”. aLVECHURCH Village Society revived the tradition of “beating the bounds” of the parish, walking the 17-mile route in 10 hours – including the symbolic “beating” of the youngest walker (left).

The Village

June 2018

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£1.35 £1.65

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Village News

Pet owners

will be able to take their animals to centres at Hopwood and Rowney Green under the Emergency Plan being drawn up by Alvechurch Parish Council. Coun John Cypher said many of the private centres and halls in the area that were willing to accommodate people in an emergency might not be so willing to cater for dogs and cats. “Perhaps our own facilities could act as the pet sanctuary,” he added. “We would be shipping animals over to Rowney Green pavilion and Hopwood Community Centre.”

Alvechurch

Community Safety Forum, which succeeded PACT meetings in the parish, is to be suspended. The parish council agreed to review the decision in 12 months to see if the forum had been missed..

Andy

Humphries, the long-serving Chairman of Alvechurch Parish Council, has been elected to the role for a sixth year by fellow councillors, despite having said the past year would “probably” be the last.

Tennis

players should find firmer footing at the Rowney Green courts after the parish council agreed to jet wash the surface which has become “slimy”. The council is also to look into lopping the large conifers behind the courts. Meanwhile, Bromsgrove District Council has replaced the basketball hoop next to the tennis courts, parish councillors heard.

Lickey

and Blackwell parish councillors agreed to consider the possibility of installing a bench or a cycle rack by the horse trough outside the Trinity Centre on Old Birmingham Road, Lickey, after a resident suggested it might deter people from parking vehicles there.

1st Barnt

Green Scouts are seeking new leaders and assistants to help offer more opportunities to young people in the Village area. If you would like to make a difference and have an interest in the outdoors, contact Kat Crockford at kat@jamescrockford.com or call 07867 784076.

A Scout enjoys a flight in a glider on a recent trip.

The Village

June 2018

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Village Nature

New kids on the block Village reader Paul Wilde sent us these pictures showing a new brood of cygnets that hatched in May near Abbey Meadows in Bordesley.

He first photographed the pen, cob and seven cygnets exercising on the Abbey Park golf course, but the family then disappeared for several days, sparking concern that the cygnets may have been picked off by predators such as pike, and the parents had fled in distress.

However, the tale ended happily when Paul spotted them in a new location on the mill stream at Paper Mill, including all seven cygnets. “It was such a relief to find the family all safe and sound,� he says.

The Village

June 2018

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Village Sport

On target for team GB An Oakalls youngster represented Great Britain in archery in her first international competition.

Nicole Burdett, aged 16 and a pupil at South Bromsgrove High School, has been a keen archer since taking part in a “have a go” session at Alvechurch Middle School in 2012.

After achieving her selection shoot scores and competing at the first selection shoot of the year, Nicole was selected to represent her country at the European Youth Cup in Rovereto, Italy.

With a score of 581 out of 720 in qualification, Nicole was up against a Russian athlete in the head-to-head, and was beaten in a close match. She thoroughly enjoyed the experience and says it has given her an appetite for more international competitions.

Nicole shoots for Bowflights Archery Club in Longbridge, as well as attending the Archery GB National Age Group Academy.

Rugby event spotlights future stars

K

ings Norton RFC hosted young rugby talent of the future in the local Primary Schools Tag Rugby end-of-season Cup Festival at Hopwood Park, Ash Lane.

Ten teams took part in two groups of five, making sure all the children got plenty of playing time. The Meadows and Bournville entered one team each while Raddlebarn, St Marys, West Heath and St John Boscoe entered two teams each.

It was a great day for Tag Rugby with the sun shining and freshlymowed pitches thanks to Kings

Norton RFC ground staff. Supporting the event were Club President Chris Cooksey and Rhinos President Ron Bunce, plus a great number of relatives and friends of the youngsters as spectators.

The top four teams played each other for the top positions, with St John Boscoe taking first place, The Meadows second and West Heath Primary third. All the children attending received medals donated by Kings Norton Rhinos RFC and were encouraged to attend free taster training sessions staring on Sunday

June 10 at 10am – these will continue over the summer at the club’s Hopwood Park ground, for children aged seven to 11.

Kings Norton RFC would like to express their thanks to the hard working teaching staff for bringing the children from their schools along to this event.

All teaching staff from the schools were awarded with an RFU ‘’As a Valued Volunteer’’ certificate, issued

by Kings Norton RFC in appreciation of their commitment to rugby and the children.

The Village

June 2018

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VillageViews Views Village

Lawton’s View

Speed limit conspiracy?

Dear Editor – I note that Coopers Hill in Alvechurch has now been reduced to an urbanised 30mph. It will not make a jot of difference to the speed at which drivers, using it as a rat run to the M42, will come down the hill.

However, it now completes that urban speed limit on every single road within the proposed area for “BarntChurch”.

Inevitably, some desk-bound wallah in London (where all decisions are made) will now say, “Aha! The whole area is already subject to town traffic regulations. It may as well be a town!”

Great thinking by whoever requested those speed limits.

John Impey, Coopers Hill

Have your say . . . about anything!

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June 2018

Road only fit for horse and cart

Dear Editor – I have just driven from Barnt Green to Alvechurch and my shaken bones are yet to recover.

Are the state of the roads some kind of covert traffic calming? Driving along Sandhills Lane past The Vic was bad enough, with the state of the road surface reflecting the apparent dereliction of that house on the right.

But then the road down to Sandhills Green was positively dangerous around the bend under the railway bridge, where the road is in such a poor state on both sides, forcing vehicles into the middle of an already narrow track and into

each other’s paths. Once this was negotiated, I relaxed only to notice, too late, a deep pothole just before the run up to Coopers Hill and my wheel hit it with a bang.

Alarmed, I stopped and went back to have a look, to discover the waterfilled hole was actually a sunken manhole cover!

This route is only suitable for a horse and cart or an off-road vehicle.

Perhaps it explains why Barnt Green types seem to like speeding around in those enormous 4x4 things. Time for me to trade up!

Rattled, Alvechurch (via email)

Traffic frustration

Dear Editor – It is high time that something drastic was done about

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 June 16.

the traffic situation in Aston Fields. There is a particular bottleneck around the island by the Ladybird pub, due to the fact that cars are allowed to park outside the Coop and adjacent shops where the road is quite narrow.

Traffic often grinds to a halt as vehicles crawl one at a time past the parked cars, and of course this is especially bad at rush hour in the morning and evening when there is extra traffic created by people driving away from the railway station. This may get worse when there are more trains stopping at Bromsgrove (if indeed we ever get them!).

I’m sure those shops would not wish to hear this, but surely it’s time to stop cars from parking outside them, so that the road goes back to two lanes?

There’s usually also a traffic jam outside Banners, caused by cars waiting to turn in or out of St Godwald’s Road, which has definitely got worse since the new homes were built down there. This is symptomatic of a wider problem around Bromsgrove – many more new houses being built with no thought of how it will affect the road network.

Frustrated motorist, Bromsgrove

The Lickey cuckoo?

Dear Editor – Here is an original verse of seasonal poetry: Today I heard a cuckoo, the first I’ve heard this year, My heart leapt with much pleasure as the cuckoo sounded near, I raised my glass in tribute at this sound of the cuckoo’s call, But I was standing in the pub; the cuckoo clock was on the wall!

Geoff Evans, via email

Where’s Vinny?

six-YEAR-old Samuel Westwood-Tams, of Cofton Hackett, was the latest winner of a Mini Vinny in our monthly competition.

If you want to win one for yourself, you’ll need to try to locate the little hedgehog hiding somewhere in this magazine (the one shown above is just a guide!).

Just tell us where he’s hiding via phone, email or post – please include your contact details, especially if leaving a voicemail message – and we’ll draw a winner at random.

The closing date is midnight on the 18th of every month. We’ll let you know if you’ve won and you can collect your Mini Vinny from our office – and pose for a photo with your prize!

TheVillage View . . .

Y

ou know that feeling when you’re not convinced someone is telling you the full story? They’re doing something you don’t understand, and the justification for their course of action doesn’t make much sense either?

That’s the feeling we get when we listen to members of the Conservative Party controlling group at Bromsgrove District Council explain why, in their efforts to protect the Green Belt around here, they are duty bound to consider a study containing the idea of building 10,000 to 15,000 homes on it, between Alvechurch, Barnt Green and Blackwell.

As we pointed out last issue, this is the same district council that launched a Green Belt Protection campaign the last time there was a major threat. This time, the Conservatives (what, exactly, are they conserving here?) tell us they have to consider and consult on the Hearn study because “it exists”.

As far as we are aware, there has been no further justification except to say that when the Government inspects Bromsgrove’s local plan some years down the line, the inspector might send it back because the council hadn’t looked at all the evidence.

What gives that study, which is only sketchy in itself, any more validity than, say, a rough plan for a 50-storey tower block in Barnt Green’s Millennium Park? Would the district council be duty bound to consider that?

Meanwhile, the Conservative group, which currently has sufficient numbers at Bromsgrove to force through decisions, did just that to overturn the eminently sensible suggestion by independent Barnt Green and Hopwood councillor Charlie Hotham to set aside the Hearn report until the council’s own review of the Green Belt is complete.

Why? For the farcical reasons given above?

They’ve got to do better than that.

This demonstrates yet again why party politics is unwelcome in local government, enabling policies that make no sense to be pushed through for reasons no one can explain.

In just under a year from now, the elections to Bromsgrove District Council will be taking place.

We hope that voters will remember at the ballot box whether the person wanting to represent your interests for the next four years took them into account in forcing through the decision to consider building 10,000 to 15,000 homes in and around your villages.

The Village

June 2018

25

Village Homes

Advertisement feature

Rolling out new business I

f your carpets and rugs are getting a bit tired, a new business in Bromsgrove offers plenty of inspiration to give your home a new look.

Carpets Rugs & Runners offers top quality products for all areas of the home, with a vast array of colours, styles and sizes available in store or made to measure.

The wool collection includes wool twist pile, Berber loops and coordinating stripes, with ranges made in the UK from British wool with a moth-resistant guarantee.

The natural collection features sisal, sea grass and coir, while the Easy Clean range is stain resistant – ideal for households with kids or pets!

The smart showroom stocks a huge selection of ready-made rugs and hallway runners for customers to browse and take away on the day, or if you don’t want to struggle with loading your purchase into your car, there is a free local delivery service.

If you don’t find what you’re looking for in store, simply browse through the brochures and samples for even more colours, styles and sizes or visit the website, www. carpets-rugs-runners.co.uk, where all the ranges are available to view.

And for those who have a definite idea in mind, the business can create a bespoke rug or runner to your exact specifications. The website even features an online rug-builder, where you can pick the colour, size and border.

When buying a carpet, customers

can either visit the showroom for inspiration or take advantage of the free in-home selection service – as well as free estimates and fitting by a qualified, fully-insured fitter (minimum order of 16 sq m). To help your new carpet stay perfect, Carpets Rugs & Runners also provides a free spot cleaning for the first 12 months on wool WOW-registered carpets.

There’s also a carpet whipping service, whereby Carpets Rugs & Runners can convert your carpet offcuts and remnants into stunning mats, runners and rugs to preserve and enhance your new carpets and flooring.

The business is owned by Darren Varney, who has more than 33 years of experience in all aspects of the carpet and flooring industry, from buying and selling to professional cleaning. Darren’s background

means he can give expert advice on looking after whichever products you choose.

Carpets Rugs & Runners also provides what Darren calls “old-fashioned customer service”, as well as a “price promise” to ensure customers receive the best possible price and service.

“All our work is pre-inspected and fully insured with an itemised noobligation quotation,” he adds. “We start at the agreed time and the price you pay is the price quoted, with no surprises.”

Pop into the showroom or visit the website to discover the full range of products and services.

8 Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove B61 0AB Tel: 01527 578804 or 07808 778169 www.carpets-rugs-runners.co.uk sales@carpets-rugs-runners.co.uk

The Village

June 2018

27

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

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Call 01527 962972 / 07795 958245

www.weatherguardservices.com info@weatherguardservices.com

Worcestershire Private Alcohol Counselling Are you worried about your drinking?

Are you finding it difficult to control?

Are you and your family affected by alcohol?

Julie Ward: Specialist Alcohol Counsellor, MBACP

Confidential advice and support Tel: 07434 286826 or email actalcohol@hotmail.co.uk More information at www.wpacsupport.co.uk

M.A. Thomas Drive cleaning

Professional Restoration for: l Block Paved Driveways 4 FREE SURVEYS l Paths l Patios l Conservatories 4 FREE ESTIMATES 4 FREE DEMO l Garden Walls l Stone Ornaments

Tel: 0121 453 9889 Mobile: 07765 644811 Email: thomas.m6@sky.com

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

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

traditional Joinery & furniture makers

Can’t get what you want?

We make kitchens, conservatories, stairs, windows, doors etc, using traditional woodworking techniques to match existing work or to your own design. All work carried out to the highest standard.

The Workshop, 3 Bear Hill, Alvechurch B48 7JX

Tel: 0121 447 8017

www.robertsbespokejoinery.co.uk

Village Directory

The Village Directory mobile hairdressing by

JACQUELINE JAMES

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To get your business or service noticed, call Louise on 0121 445 6757

Fast, friendly, competitively priced

Over 20 years’ experience u Vidal Sassoon trained

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Worked in London, Manchester and Birmingham Trained in all aspects of hairdressing for ladies, gents and children Please call for your consultation

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07496 750071 www.waspbusters.com

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PAUL GRANT PLUMBING & HEATING 4 Boiler replacements 4 Up to ten years’ warranty on selected boilers 4 Boiler service & gas safety checks

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Struggling to cope with anxieties or challenges?

Take that first, positive step towards making a change or achieving your goal.

One-to-one therapy for all aspects of women’s physical and mental health and well-being, including: l Boost Fertility/ Pregnancy/ Birth and Beyond l PMT/ Menopause/ Anxiety/ Depression l Living with Chronic Illness l ME/ IBS l Chronic Pain Management

www.lickeyhillshypnotherapy.co.uk Call 07866 564 724 for an initial consultation

Village Directory

R. M. B. SERVICES Domestic Appliance & Gas Engineer

& 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

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

as seen on Alvechurch Village Society’s Facebook page

Servicing of gas & LPG boilers, gas fires etc Home owner and landlord certificates

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

A.S. PAINTING & DECORATING For all your decorating needs contact Alan on 07730 477564

Cleanliness Assured l Free Quotes

Repairs to washing machines, tumble driers, fridges, freezers, electric ovens and cookers, electric showers Based in Alvechurch

0121 445 0184 07977 487 999

Find us on Facebook: ‘RMB Services’

Is your car trying to tell you something?

Friendly Service, Free Estimates, Quality Work

All Internal & External Carpentry Insurance Work Undertaken

Dave Terry

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

Service Work, Engine Management Faults, Electrical Repairs and All Mechanical Repair Work

CTB alarms ltd Your local alarm company

• Alarm Installations • Alarm repairs • Alarm system servicing • Upgrade/Modernisation of alarms 24/7 response • 25+ years experience

t: 0121 445 2865

Now at Coopers Hill, Alvechurch B48 7BX Texecom & Honeywell approved Company reg number: 06164927

e: sales@ctbalarms.co.uk w: www.ctbalarms.co.uk

Tel: 07948 044671

dave@appletreegarage.co.uk

Trail Run West Midlands D.J.SCRIVEN ROOFING CONTRACTOR

1-2-1 coaching & personalised training programmes

TILE / SLATE / LEAD / TRADITIONAL ROOFING NO JOB TOO SMALL - FREE QUOTATIONS

From Road to Trail to Fell

DAVID JAMES SCRIVEN - ROOFER

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

Andrew Pye 07843 245900

Andypye1981@outlook.com @TrailRunWestMidlands

PETER R.YARNOLD CARPENTRY & JOINERY n n n n n n

Plumbing Plastering Tiling Carpentry Vinyl/Laminate Fitting Fully Insured

Phil Newton

t. 0800 310 2720 m. 07900 925 651

w. www.newtonbathrooms.co.uk e. sales@newtonbathrooms.co.uk

Recommended

Quality, bespoke, handmade joinery in hardwood or softwood. u Doors u Windows u Kitchens u Stairs u Conservatories u Furniture

Tel: 01527 873552 or 07717 102604

T.S. Electrical Domestic & Commercial

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

Property/Landlord Inspections Full & Part Rewires l Fuse Board Replacements Alarms Fitted l PAT Testing l Part P Certified

01564 823882 / 07974 829794 Lilley Green Road, Alvechurch

Decorating / Renovations / Repairs Worcester boiler accredited installer

Kevin Smith ksinstallations@hotmail.co.uk

Tel/Fax: 0121 445 5636 Mobile: 07813 188806

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Plumbing & Heating Services Boiler Replacement Bathrooms Service & Repair Pipework Design & Installation Domestic, Commercial & Industrial

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

To receive £5 off your clean, please call quoting this advert

Call 07582 321 593 / 01527 559123 www.ovenclear.co.uk / info@plain-janes.co.uk

Preparing your house for sale?

Services include: Painting u Plumbing u Carpentry Kitchen/Bathroom Fitting u Guttering u Fencing Sheds u Hedge Cutting u Grounds Maintenance u No-fee, no-obligation visit u High quality results, reasonable rates

Contact Mike Painter: 07581 077849 or mike4mpfltd@yahoo.co.uk

Facebook: fb.me/WeathertopRenovations

Village Directory

Life Coaching Therapy

jw surfacing

Make a positive change

Alicia Benbow: Qualified business coach,

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

0121 445 2066 l 07843 151978 www.jwsurfacing.co.uk

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

NLP Master and clinical hypnotherapist Anxiety, panic attacks, stress and phobias Confidence, relationships, career changes l EMDR l Based in Blackwell l GHR registered l l

Tel: 07876 688497 Email: alicia@lifecoachingtherapy.co.uk www.lifecoachingtherapy.co.uk Life Coaching Therapy

Jane Ward Independent Travel Counsellor based in Blackwell

With me... it’s personal Tailor made travel a speciality

Tel: 0121 445 3605 or 0845 058 7140

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Based in Lickey

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EXTRAS:

Trading Assistants

ARE YOU: • De-cluttering? • Refurbishing? • Moving house?

THOUGHT OF SELLING ON BUT. . .

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Tel: 0121 445 5874 info@suejendenassociates.co.uk www.suejendenassociates.co.uk

Fully ATOL protected

www.travelcounsellors.co.uk/jane.ward Email: jane.ward@travelcounsellors.com

This firm complies with the IPW Code of Conduct

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!

To get your business or service noticed, call Louise on 0121 445 6757 32

The Village

June 2018

Established in 2013 l Over 15 years experience in the construction industry

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

P Pledger E Electrical S Services n n

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

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Installations n Maintenance & Repair Inspection & Testings n Reliable Service

Call Dean: 0121 445 1601 or 07891 498909

Beautiful Interior Doors

Seasoned hardwood logs Coopers Hill Farm, Alvechurch B48 7BX 0121 447 7313 sales@logco.co

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

Nicky Robinson Aesthetics New clinic in Blackwell Aesthetic treatments with qualified medical professional - including anti-wrinkle treatments, fillers, non-surgical lifts u Fully insured u Certified by Derma Medical Member of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses Tel: 07843 047688 E: nrobinsonaesthetics@gmail.com Instagram @Nickyrobinsonaesthetics u

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

Call 07592 303104 or 07910 289565 www.acsinteriordoors.co.uk

The Lawns Alvechurch

Outstanding residential care in a beautiful setting

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

Qualified and experienced staff provide care and support whilst encouraging independence and an active, fulfilling life.

The Lawns also specialises in dementia care, with innovative features designed to help improve residents’ memories.

Residents enjoy life at The Lawns, especially spending time in the lovely gardens and the cosy Butterflies Café.

Visit www.thelawnscare.co.uk

Overall rating for this service: Outstanding ✩ The Lawns Residential Care, School Lane, Alvechurch, Worcs, B48 7SB Tel: 0121 445 4098 Email: enquiries@thelawnscare.co.uk

Village Health

Advertisement feature

Moderation all year round J

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 Advertisement feature

F

ourteen months of hard work has paid off for two authors who launched their first book to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.

Henriette Lang and Stu Baker wrote The Mindset Triangle Book to help reduce the stigma around mental health. Both have personal experience of living with depression. Henriette’s father suffered with depression and Stu has lived with depression and anxiety for the past decade. He stayed silent about it for years but now talks openly about his condition.

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

Smart approach to mental health

Their collaborative book focuses on the lifestyle triangle – sleep, healthy eating and exercise. The authors say people who seek to improve these three areas of their lives can enjoy improved mental wellbeing.

The Mindset Triangle Book also introduces readers to a “SMART” approach to setting goals: they should be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and with a Timeframe. Stu explains: “If you can’t run a mile, don’t set yourself a goal to run the London Marathon.”

The book has Stu and Henriette been developed in

a scrapbook style, with shopping lists and easy-to-follow recipes for healthy living; workout suggestions; tips for better sleep; inspirational quotes; and interviews with high-profile personalities who have experienced mental health issues.

There are also pages where readers can make their own notes on adapting the recipes or creating their own exercise routine from suggestions given.

Henriette said: “The book isn’t a one-off read but a lifestyle guide that can be dipped into on a regular basis.

We want it to be interactive, to live on readers’ work surfaces rather than hidden on a shelf.”

The Mindset Triangle Book costs £19.99 and is available online at www.tmtbook.co.uk The Village

June 2018

35

Oakalls Village

High turnout for clean-up T

Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.

here was a much better turnout than in previous years for the annual Oakalls litter pick, with ten residents and two dogs joining district councillor Caroline Spencer for the “Great British Spring Clean”.

While it was agreed there was less litter than last year, a particular blackspot was identified along the footpath from Samsara Road on to Penshurst Road.

Litter pickers were also astounded to find a dumped carrier bag full of cereal bowls and an abandoned satellite dish! A large number of black doggy bags were also discovered thrown into bushes, despite the fact there are plenty of special bins across the estate, emptied on a weekly basis.

SPEED CHECK

Following concerns voiced by several residents over recent months, the local policing team carried out a speed check on May 10. They were positioned with cameras on the corner of Royal Worcester Crescent and Regents

Fun on the canal

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The Village

June 2018

Park Road. The result of this speed check should be available next month.

Please contact me with your news, views and concerns about any aspect of life on the estate. Email: oakalls@villageonline.co.uk Year 4 children from Finstall First School enjoyed an extra-curricular fun day in the sun when they took part in a Bell Boat journey on the canal from Droitwich to Worcester.

The aim was to help the young students build confidence and develop new skills as they learned basic paddling techniques and were fascinated to discover how canal locks work.

They also gained an understanding of the history of British canals.

Matthew Mason, deputy head, said: “Children particularly enjoy activities which take them beyond the boundaries of the school. We were fortunate to have a warm, sunny day for the trip and everyone benefited from the wonderful experience.”

Emily Tennant, aged nine, said: “I enjoyed learning new skills such as how to hold a paddle. My favourite bit was going through the locks and watching the water level drop down around us.”

Huge choice of doors, worktops, appliances, sinks and taps l

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Installed by local skilled tradesman

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UK manufactured products

Let Pryor Portfolio Management help you on your journey to financial freedom

Village Finance

Advertisement feature

Protecting yourself from financial fraud

T

he world’s ever-increasing connectivity brings with it many financial conveniences. But with this convenience comes risk and the unwary internet user can become a prime target for scammers, looking to get their hands on quick funds while never having to leave wherever they conduct their dubious work.

We’ve all seen the spam emails claiming to be from deposed foreign royalty looking to disperse their wealth in a hurry – and we’ve all wondered wryly who in their right mind could fall for such an obvious scam.

But the dangerous scams are the ones you don’t see coming, and anyone can fall victim to fraud without realising until it’s too late.

In its in-depth Financial Lives survey published last year, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) surveyed almost 13,000 people on the ins and outs of their financial situation. It included a large representative sample who were asked about their experience of attempted – and successful – fraud.

The FCA found that around one in 500 UK individuals ended up sending money to fraudsters. This works out at an estimated 250 people every day. Even though the vast majority of people who are contacted do not end up sending money, it only takes a few to make the fraudsters’ work pay.

This is especially the case for investment fraud, with Action Fraud reporting an average loss of £32,000. Recent pension freedoms and low interest rates offering poor returns on savings are providing further opportunities for fraudsters.

One of the most common meth-

Martin Pryor warns against some new trends in investment scams.

ods used by investment fraudsters is to pressure potential investors to make a quick decision on a time-limited investment offer. But scammers are constantly evolving, so how do you stay one step ahead?

Scammers’ methods

Scammers toil endlessly to refine their tactics, but there are some red flags that should alert you to the possibility that what you’re hearing is a potential scam.

Some of the methods scammers use include: l

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Promising high returns for little risk Fake reviews and testimonials on their site to lend an air of authenticity Pressure tactics, like telling a potential victim they must make a decision right away or lose the opportunity Flattery, such as telling a potential victim they are a savvy investor Posing as a legitimate firm, perhaps saying its information on the FCA’s Register is incomplete and giving you different contact details Fake non-disclosure clauses to scare victims out of telling others about their investments – for example asking someone they trust if it looks dubious

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Implying a lot of other people want in on the opportunity or have invested

What can you do?

Be extremely wary if you are contacted out of the blue – if you’re cold-called, simply hang up.

Legitimate investment companies will almost never cold-call you. Only deal with financial services firms that are regulated by the FCA – you can use the Financial Services Register on the FCA website to check the status of a firm.

Always access the Register from the FCA website, rather than through links in emails or on the website of a firm offering you an investment. And double-check the contact details you have been given are the same as on the FCA Register in case the firm has been cloned.

Visit www.fca.org.uk/scamsmart to find out more about how to protect yourself from investment scams. From there you can also check the FCA’s warning list to find out more about the risks associated with an investment and check a list of firms known to be operating without FCA authorisation.

Finally, strongly consider taking professional financial advice from an FCA-authorised financial adviser – not the stranger claiming to be an adviser on the other end of the phone. The FCA’s Register lists the details of all authorised firms.

Pryor Portfolio Management is a registered independent financial advice firm. Its FCA number is 511176. n Contact Pryor Portfolio for more information and advice.

See page opposite.

The Village

June 2018

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Village People

Open for adventure!

ADVENTUROUS TYPES had the opportunity to try out some exciting new activities when Blackwell Adventure held a Fun Day for all the family. Abseiling, archery, zip wire, 3G swing and climbing were on offer, plus stalls and a pop-up cafĂŠ.

Photos by Keith Woolford

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The Village

June 2018

Advertisement

Mark Meads: Equity Release Specialist Help your children get on the property ladder sooner

Free up funds that enable you to live the life you want If you would like to talk in confidence about your financial needs and future financial planning, please contact me directly on 07730 011897, for an initial discussion to see how I can help you and your family.

Equity Release – Mortgages – Business Protection Village Financial Solutions Ltd The Coppice, Rowney Green Lane, Rowney Green, Worcestershire. B48 7QF Mob : 07730 011897 Email : mark.meads@villagefinancial.co.uk Village Financial Solutions Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Personal Touch Financial Services Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

AN EQUITY RELEASE PRODUCT WILL REDUCE THE VALUE OF YOUR ESTATE, WILL NOT BE SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE AND MAY AFFECT YOUR ENTITLEMENT TO STATE BENEFITS. TO UNDERSTAND THE FEATURES AND RISKS PLEASE ASK FOR A PERSONALISED ILLUSTRATION CHECK THAT THIS MORTGAGE WILL MEET YOUR NEEDS IF YOU WANT TO MOVE OR SELL YOUR HOME OR YOU WANT YOUR FAMILY TO INHERIT IT. IF YOU ARE IN ANY DOUBT, SEEK INDEPENDENT ADVICE

Our typical fee for equity release services is £650, which is payable upon completion.

Village Sport

Super season for AFC Alvechurch promoted for the second time in a row.

A

second-place league finish was enough for Alvechurch FC to achieve their aim of back-toback promotions, securing a vital point in the last home game of the season.

It has been a superb three years for AFC: running Hereford close two seasons ago, winning the Midland Football League last season and now promotion from the EvoStik Northern League Southern Division at the first time of asking.

The Churchmen will play at step 3 of the non-league pyramid next season, and the FA has confirmed the club’s inclusion in the new Southern League Central Division. Opponents will include Halesowen Town, Redditch United and Stourbridge.

The club’s recent success has seen a significant increase in attendances, averaging 177 supporters per match – an increase of 27 per cent over the previous season. The highest attendance was against Bedworth when 475 supporters came through the gates to watch AFC gain promotion.

The club would like to thank everyone who has supported the club this season and looks forward to seeing you all next year!

Unfortunately the celebrations could not extend to lifting the JW Hunt Cup, with Alvechurch suffering a 2–0 semi-final defeat to Midland Football League Division 1 side Atherstone Town.

After their first-round tie against Heath Hayes FC was postponed seven times, the Cup had fallen behind schedule, meaning that Alvechurch’s next two opponents, Wolverhampton Casuals and Dudley Town, both pulled out – giving ’Church a bye to the semi-final.

With a mixture of first team and youth players in the starting 11, AFC were already 2–0 down by half time,

Above and below: Players and fans celebrate promotion (Photos/ Ian Macvie)

and although they created more chances in the second half, they were unable to pull back the deficit. l A raft of major players have re-signed for AFC for next season, including club captain Ashley Carter, goalkeepers Charlie Price and Paul Evans, club legend Andy Parsons and the influential Josh March, Aaron Lloyd and Zac Foster.

Tom Turton, who scored 15 goals from midfield last season, is also staying at Lye Meadow – as is Jamie Willetts, who has now secured three promotions in three seasons, having won the league with Hereford FC and twice with Alvechurch.

Also committed are central midfielder Ryan Winwood, now recovered from his shoulder injuries, and defensive midfielder Dave Bellis, one of the hardest-working players at the club

and a great motivator. Meanwhile, 17-year-old Luke Yates has now had a trial at Sheffield United as well as West Bromwich Albion. l For more info or sponsorship enquiries, please contact Trevor Ball at saintsarehot2@btinternet.com or visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/alvechurch Follow the club on Twitter @ Alvechurch1st

Pre-season friendlies Sat July 14 Wolves Casuals (A) Tues July 17 Kidderminster Harriers (H) (WSC) Tues July 24 Bromsgrove Sporting (H) Thurs July 26 Rugby (A) Sat July 28 Sutton (A) Tues July 31 Sporting Khalsa (A) The Village

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W

Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.

hat an odd year we’ve been having. Late April brought sudden warmth and sun, and plants grew and bloomed faster than I’ve ever seen them. I walked the canal every day and saw cow parsley and garlic mustard grow from small rosettes of leaves to flowering plants in a few days.

The insects followed – the orange tip butterflies that feed on garlic mustard; the brimstones, a pale yellow that gave us the name of butterfly. Then ducklings suddenly appeared and a moorhen’s nest with eggs came nearby. The local swans have a successful brood.

The natural world is very clever

KING OF THE W at timings. Great-tits and blue-tits can adjust the way they brood their eggs to delay or speed up hatching, so they catch the right weather and therefore the coming of the right insects.

Tree blossom – plum, damson, Autumn oak leaves

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blackthorn, cherry – all came out in one week. I said last month that the hawthorn would bloom very late this year. It was still late, because it soon went cold again!

My tree for June, the oak, was rather late coming into leaf this

year. It is very much influenced by warmth so was delayed by the cold.

It’s hard to know where to start with the oak. It’s such an iconic tree of the English countryside, especially here in the Midlands. It’s a symbol of England, associated with St George’s Day, with the ships of the Royal Navy, with Charles the Second hiding up an oak tree – even the symbol of the National Trust and many long-distance footpaths is an acorn.

The oak figured importantly in other cultures too – it was a sacred tree in ancient Greece and in Norse myths, and there are examples collected from all over the world. The seminal book on folklore, Fraser’s The Golden Bough, is mostly about the oak and its accompanying mistletoe. This book was one of the first to show the relatedness of myth and religion in all cultures. The oak

Village Country Diary Wild mountain thyme

Oak branches

Withybed oak

OODS

Below right: This year’s cygnets Wild cherries

is so often the king of the trees, being the strongest and longest-lived, that it inevitably gets associated with gods.

It’s a very male tree mythologically but the rounded form often looks female, ironically.

In our pagan traditions the oak is associated with the very spirit of nature, the Green Man, who is usually shown with a garland of oak leaves.

Oddly enough, the traditional link with mistletoe is a bit of a false trail, as it rarely hosts this parasite which grows more readily on apple or lime. But it does host a lot of other things, being an ecosystem all on its own with thousands of species of beetles, moths and other insects, fungi, birds and mammals depending on it.

Oaks can live to over a thousand years old. They are very slow growing, not producing any fruit for at least twenty years of their lives. They can grow to

Above: Oak apples

Autumn oaks

continues overleaf The Village

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Village Country Diary Female curves on oak tree

Oak and ash leaves emerge together continued from previous page enormous sizes. You can estimate their age by linking arms around a tree. For each person, count 100 years.

There are several in Alvechurch at least 500 years old. One stands at the back of the Meadows, a bit butchered by unsympathetic cutting but going strong still. One is on the old Salt Way by Scarfield Dingle aqueduct. This one shows marks of being burnt, but is a beautiful shape

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and structure. The famous Calling Leeds there was a county boundOak at Rowney Green is accompaary oak which gave its name to nied by others round the boundary two pubs, the Original Oak and the of the old Alveoddly-named Skychurch Park. rack. This name came ves lea oak h wit n Green Ma Oaks are from an Anglo-Saxon often boundary phrase Scir Ac, meanmarkers and ing Shire Oak. there are several The shape of an around the Paroak is very characish Bounds in teristic. It doesn’t Alvechurch. have many straight When I lived in lines. It’s curvy and rounded, growing in a fractal shape – in other words, each small part of the tree is a similar shape to the whole tree (a bit like a cauliflower). Many older ones have lost branches over the years, so this shape is rarely perfect.

Being so huge, they have to have enormous roots. These stretch for yards all around the tree and are crucial to its health, being linked in to fungi and other micro-organisms.

Unfortunately, people sometimes damage these outlying areas even when trying to protect an old oak.

Oak wood is hard and highly Winter oak prized. It was used for building, es-

Old oak, Peck Wood

pecially for ships, and the wood lasts for centuries. The bark was once used for tannin in leather treatment, and also to make ink, and it’s probable that Shakespeare wrote in oak ink. It’s amazing to think that the trees he used may still be here!

Oaks, of course, grow from little acorns. These start as catkin flowers, beautiful golden tassels coming soon after the leaves in May. They ripen into acorns for the autumn, providing food for birds, squirrels and mice among others, which all help to spread the acorns away from the tree too, especially the squirrels who bury them and then forget!

Oaks are very clever. In some years, they all locally produce masses of acorns. There are so many that even if the squirrels and jays take a lot away there will still be plenty left to grow. Then they will all rest for a year. There is clear evidence that trees can communicate with each other in the behaviour of oak trees.

People are often misled by other apparent fruits on an oak. These are called oak apples or oak galls, and are round cases of a gall wasp which feeds on the oak. The oak lives in a fine balance, with insects living in it which sometimes cause it harm but

at other times simply provide food for the other species that depend on it.

One of the insects currently damaging trees in the south-east is the oak processionary moth. As with ash dieback, this came in from abroad with imported trees. Most native insects can live sympathetically with trees – they don’t really want to destroy them so will only cause marginal damage. I wish we could learn not to bring in plants, but to

concentrate more on raising and replanting our own.

Some oaks are so old and hollow that you can crawl inside, and there are old photos of people having picnics in them. There are famous individual trees, as well as extensive woodlands with oaks as their base. They have also survived well in hedgerows, even horribly flailed ones where people tend to leave oaks alone, and many lanes around continues overleaf Oak by canal, Alvechurch

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Village Country Diary continued from previous page here have them every few yards. They grow along the canal too, often predating it so you know the cut was made along an old hedge or wood. There are lovely knobbly ones along the stretch between Alvechurch and Scarfield.

Oaks don’t only grow in these soft regions, but sometimes on uplands too. There is a wonderful ancient oak wood called Wistman’s Wood on Dartmoor, with small stunted gnarled old oaks, covered with moss and ferns.

It’s very magical and worth a visit if you’re down that way. People love oaks for their strength and beauty and their amazing age.

Right: Here’s a poem I wrote last year, based on the ten-year anniversary of the Withybed Poets.

In our tenth year My first ten years I learnt through school and farm.

I hated school: pets and injustices, Though I was good at it. I loved the farm The smell of cowshit on your hands, hedges Strewn with primroses or rising above snow Swallowful barns and the sea’s soft lullaby.

The next ten I loved school and university Friends, books, poetry, music, love, and beer I learnt about injustice too, violence and want, How to carve out my views against the grain.

I wrote and marched and sang, as all around The world released itself from some old chains.

My twenties saw me change: marriage and work Moving and setting up an adult life I fell by chance into a job I loved Discovered Scotland and the lovely wild Cut my hair then let it grow again Walked with the young and tried to set them free.

Oak flowers

The next ten brought strange fractures. I felt bound To march again and stand up for my views Walking to Greenham, meeting miners’ wives And working my way up to have some power Trying to change things. But a failure of love, Breaking apart and moving, moving again.

Forties were good. I found new loves and came To live in Withybed, my own true home My work expanded in my native city I loved the dirty streets and clean houses The students learning to transform their lives I travelled, found a new place in the world Fifties began with flying a small plane Riding an air balloon and motor bikes Moved on to challenges at work, the hard Strain of people who resisted change Or wanted their own glory, trying to hold The line of common good and make things whole.

Young goose-grass Spring oak

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At sixty, I retired. I found my home Had birds and flowers and trees and families Which had been close around me all the years Warming and freeing and challenging me And now accepting me into new life Friends, plum-blossom, music, love, and poetry.

THE GOOD GARDENER

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For a free no-obligation quotation call Oli: 07391 551413 or Neil: 07834 554710 Email neil@alvechurch-treecare.co.uk

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07977 079931 or 01527 271542 The Village

June 2018

49

Village Gardens

Time to enjoy you

W

ell, it was a long hard winter and at Easter we were at least two weeks behind normal – but as the sun came out in May, Mother Nature began to catch up.

By the start of June we should be past the risk of any late frost, so you can safely plant out all those tender bedding plants and lots of young vegetables. So often there are tender bedding plants on sale

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Philip Aubury, organiser of Alvechurch Open Gardens, offers advice on getting your garden ready for summer.

in April, which is great if you want to plant up tubs and baskets and you have a porch, conservatory or cold greenhouse to protect them from frost. It can be very tempting to plant out too soon, only to see

your time and money wiped out.

Tubs and baskets will require watering, feeding and dead-heading throughout the summer, but they can be very colourful so make sure they are in the most prominent positions. It is worth noting a few important points to get the best from your containers.

For tubs and troughs, do ensure there are good drainage holes in the bottom. Some containers for use in conservatories don’t have holes and if used outside, your plants can drown. Traditionally the holes in the bottom have been covered in “crocks” but few people now have broken clay pots, so break up some polystyrene packaging to cover the bottom.

Use a good-quality all-purpose potting compost. For permanent plants like bay trees or shrubs I use John Innes, but for bedding plants this can be too heavy. I always mix some slow release fertiliser into the compost as this reduces the need for liquid feeding in the summer. Don’t just use garden soil as you will be very disappointed with the results.

There is a very wide range of summer bedding plants to choose from these days, but do select strong healthy plants. Avoid lanky, pale or wilted ones. Water and allow to drain before planting.

Choose a range of plants – continues on page 52

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June 2018

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Village Gardens continued from previous page

perhaps a tall one placed centrally if the tub will be seen from all sides but towards the back if it is going to be against a wall. Surround this with smaller plants but leave space for some trailing plants at the edge.

Do be careful to ensure the spaces between the roots are well filled with no air spaces and the finished level is an inch or so below the rim to allow for watering.

Colour schemes are a matter of personal taste. The hanging basket, pictured on page 51, uses two closely-matched petunias, while in the mixed tub the beautifullyscented heliotrope takes centre stage. Note the feet under the tub

to make sureHouse it drains well. Don’t Oak Tree forget that there are automatic irin spring rigation systems which can save you hours with a hose or watering can. The baskets on the outside of Alvechurch Village Hall (page 50) have just such a system.

Keen gardeners often spend far too long working in their gardens.

OK, it is great exercise and saves on the gym subscription, plus it is very good for mental wellbeing.

However, we all need to take time out to sit and enjoy our gardens.

There are two things that can make gardening so much easier.

Stainless steel tools have been around for many years, but the newer aids are the modern lithium

Bear Hill

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ion rechargeable power tools. I’ve had my stainless steel trowel since I was a teenager, and my spade was a 21st birthday present. Although a little worn after fifty years it is still going strong. I’m always amazed when I see gardeners struggling with old rusty tools. Still on stainless steel tools, a good hoe can save you hours. They are self-sharpening and if run over the soil just as weed seeds are germinating, you don’t have to clear up the weeds as they will dry up very quickly.

The development of tools with rechargeable batteries can save you loads of time and effort. No smelly and noisy petrol engines, no more extension cables with the risks they can pose. There are rechargeable hedge trimmers, strimmers, mowers and now even sprayers and fertiliser spreaders – but the pièce de résistance has to be the automatic mower.

I first saw one of these many years ago in Scandinavia. It was programmed to come out each

evening and wander round the lawn before retuning to its �cabin� where it plugged itself in to recharge!

A guide wire buried under the edge of the lawn ensures that it does not stray into your borders. These are now readily available in the UK. The strimmer pictured left has a wire guard to protect trees from having their bark shredded at ground level and the small hand trimmer is great for shaping bushes.

Enjoy your garden this summer.

Philip Aubury, M. Hort., retired director of Birmingham Botanical Gardens.

Visit Alvechurch gardens Alvechurch Open Gardens takes place on Saturday June 23 and Sunday June 24. This year many of the regular gardens are opening again for the National Gardens Scheme, from 1pm to 6pm on both days.

New this year are 18 Bear Hill; 69 Birmingham Road, and The Moat House (pictured above) in Radford Road. Also, although not listed in the NGS book, The Shrubbery in Bear Hill will again be joining in. Over the past year their new house, Wychwood House, has been built in the garden.

Some trees have already been planted here and a wild flower meadow sown.

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To get your gardening business or service noticed, call Louise on 0121 445 6757

Village Weather

Hotter than expected

M

Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.

ay was a variable month, with low temperatures for the first few days, but then a very hot spell from the 5th to the 8th with a maximum of 25.8C on the 7th. The days alternated from warm to chilly from then onwards.

Most of the rainfall occurred on the 1st and 2nd of the month,19.6mm on those two days, with only 1mm falling on the 9th. Up until the 18th, the mean temperature was 12.3C, meaning another month with temperatures above the local mean.

May 2018 (to the 18th) Mean Max 17.7C 1.4 above average Mean Min 6.9C 0.2 above average Mean 12.3C 0.8 above average Rainfall 20.6mm 37% of average Sunshine 141.4 hrs 94% of average April started much as March had ended, with cold wet weather and daytime temperatures well below normal, combined with cloudy overcast skies. However, the monthly mean temperature was slightly above normal because of milder cloudy nights.

Due to the warm spring weather on the 18th and 19th, the monthly mean was 1.4C above normal, and the temperature reached 24.7C on the 19th. Rainfall was near normal at 71.1mm, 107% of the local mean.

April 2018 Mean Max 13.1C 0.3 above average Mean Min 6.2C 2.6 above average Mean 9.6C 1.4 above average Rainfall 71.1 mm 107% of average Sunshine 85.8 hrs 73% of average

Outlook As we go to press, it looks like staying dry and relatively warm in the UK, with the potential for some very warm spells in some areas. Computer models are less clear for June, although unsettled weather at the start seems a little more likely, with periods of rain or showers possibly becoming more frequent and widespread, and temperatures returning to normal.

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

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Village Stargazing Jupiter’s Spot Image courtesy of NASA

Race of the planets J

une, and we are well into the Formula 1 racing season – and there’s also a bit of a race going on in our Solar System.

We have Mercury racing ahead as ever, with Saturn leading the rest of the pack. Then Mars – but the Earth is gaining rapidly, having just overtaken Jupiter. Finally, Venus is on fresh tyres and rapidly reducing the lead we have. Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are, as ever, plodding around the circuit as lap markers.

What does all this mean as regards what we can see in the night sky?

Well, basically, anything that is in front of us is a morning object and anything behind is an evening object. As we overtake a planet, it can be seen all night. We never overtake Mercury or Venus.

So, starting with Saturn, it rises early, just before midnight, and can be seen till the Sun obliterates it at about four in the morning. Mars pops up about an hour later, both being low in the south-eastern sky.

This is also where Jupiter appears

Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.

but as we have just passed it on the home straight, it rises a little before sunset and is in the sky all night.

As for that sneaky Venus, it too appears as the Sun goes down but in the south-west, and is visible until it sets a couple of hours later. Mercury starts to lap Venus towards the end of the month and can just about be seen between Venus and the Sun during the last half of June.

The Moon appears to rather crazily travel against the flow, passing each planet in turn. So, on the 16th it is just to the left of Venus. At this time it is a very thin crescent as it is just three days old. Now, for simpleminded folk who might think “Three days old? I’m sure I saw it last week!”, I must point out that this just means it is three days since the new moon – which itself just means when the

Moon is between the Earth and the Sun. Then on the 23rd, it is above Jupiter, which is sitting next to the brightest star in Libra and my favourite, Zuben Elgenubi.

Incidentally, the most famous feature on Jupiter’s disc, the Great Red Spot, appears to be shrinking. It is, in fact, a giant storm in the planet’s turbulent atmosphere and has been around for hundreds of years but may only last a few more. It is visible with a good telescope, or look for some great pictures of it from the newly-arrived Juno spacecraft.

Finally, the Moon visits Saturn on the 27th, the day we overtake it – and as the Moon is full on the next day, Saturn will be almost lost in the glare.

There are a lot of launches due this month including from India, China and Japan. The ones of interest to us are the Soyuz launch on the 6th and especially the SpaceX Dragon on the 28th. Look for them on www. heavens-above.com to see if they become visible here in Alvechurch.

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Village What’s On

festival is bigger than ever

The 58th Bromsgrove Festival will once again bring a wide-ranging programme of arts and cultural activity to the area, with extra emphasis this year on free community events.

During the four-week Festival period, there is an arts or cultural event happening virtually every day at venues right across the Bromsgrove district. These include theatre productions (indoor and outdoor), opera, folk and blues concerts, plus classical orchestral and choral performances.

There are also dance events, art exhibitions, comedy and the spoken word. Many of these events are designed for children and younger people, with participation encouraged.

The programme kicks off on the evening of Thursday June 21 with Jazz Sirens – a high-profile concert at

Artrix featuring one of Britain’s finest jazz singers, Jacqui Dankworth (the daughter of Johnny Dankworth and Cleo Lane) and her band – and ends with the final MusicFest gala concert on Sunday July 22, given by the Orchestra of St John.

As last year, there will be a range of free community events on Saturdays on Bromsgrove High Street and New Road in Rubery. The Festival is grateful for financial support from Bromsgrove

District Council for these events, which also include a Day of Dance, Family Fun on the High Street and a Fusion event on Saturday July 21, plus a Summer Jam and skateboarding competition in Rubery Park on the afternoon of Saturday June 23.

Further free events include the EnjoyRubery programme, expanded to a full weekend from Friday June 22 to Sunday June 24, and more Free Bite Sized Classics concerts in Catshill and Rubery. The Trustees hope that this will encourage greater participation in Festival activities.

For the full programme and details of tickets, visit www.bromsgrove festival.co.uk, or pick up a free programme brochures at Bromsgrove Library, community centres, and many churches and shops.

Sinfonia returns to village

all that jazz The Midland Sinfonia welcomes Fret and Fiddle to St Laurence Church, Alvechurch, on Sat June 23 at 7.30pm, as part of Bromsgrove Festival, with a concert called And All That Jazz.

Sally Minchin and her quartet played for the Sinfonia last season and were so enjoyed that they return with the addition of Steve Street on drums. They play Stéphane Grappelli-style jazz and will perform a Gershwin Medley, Nature Boy, Mack the Knife, and other old and new favourites.

Tickets £14.50 on the door or £13 in advance from Gin & Pickles, The Square, Alvechurch, or www.midlandsinfonia. co.uk (FT students and schoolchildren accompanying an adult free).

More information on 0121 447 7040 or midlandsinfonia@gmail.com

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2018 marks the tenth anniversary visit of the Sinfonia of Birmingham to St Andrew’s Church, Barnt Green (B45 8NR). The concert, on Sat June 30 at 7.30pm, will feature the orchestra’s eight cellists performing Bachianas Brazileiras no 1.

The programme will also include Beethoven’s 7th Symphony and Dvorak’s Czech Suite.

The Sinfonia, a leading chamber orchestra in the West Midlands, was introduced to St Andrew’s Church

by Sue Peters (right) in 2008, and proved to be a very popular event.

Sue, a former chair, secretary and bassoonist with Sinfonia, worked tirelessly for the orchestra during her life, in addition to her other talents as a recorder player and oboist.

Featuring as part of Bromsgrove Festival, the orchestra welcomes Richard Laing as conductor. Wellknown in Alvechurch and Barnt Green for his long association with the Midland Sinfonia, Richard was a former student of the Royal

Birmingham Conservatoire. He is now Principal Guest Conductor of the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, Associate conductor of Malvern’s Chandos Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of orchestras in Inkberrow, Leicester, Leamington, Nottingham and Cambridge.

Tickets are available on 0121 447 7671, 0121 445 4696, Artrix 01527 577330 or on the door.

Admission £10, Seniors £8, other concessions £6, under 12s free.

EVENTS Barnt Green WI is putting its cake-making skills to good use at an afternoon tea party to raise funds for Barnt Green Lunch Club. The event takes place at the Friends Meeting House in Sandhills Road, Barnt Green at 1.30pm on Thurs June 14. All welcome for a cup of tea, a slice of cake and a chat in good company. Entry is free, but a donation to the Barnt Green Lunch Club would be welcome. More info from Shelagh O’Loughlin on 0121 447 7455.

The Lunch Club has been meeting for more than 30 years, and provides an opportunity for older citizens to get together weekly for lunch and companionship.

For more info, contact Bill and Christine Davis on 0121 447 0125.

Barnt Green Preschool is running The Great Barnt Green Fun Day on Sat June 9 from 12–3pm at Barnt Green Baptist Church (Bittell Road, B45 8LX). There will be a bouncy castle, food and drink, facepainting, crafts and a tombola, among other things. All money raised goes to Barnt Green Preschool.

‘Quiet Space’ at Alvechurch Baptist Church takes place each Mon and Fri from 10am–12 noon. The church is open as a quiet space, with “welcomers” on hand to help if required, for anyone who would like to come and find peace and rest for as long as they need. For more info, call Revd Fiona Lee on 0121 447 7369, email revfiona@alvechurchbaptist.org.uk or visit www.alvechurchbaptist.org.uk

MUSIC

the asklepios Orchestra (conducted by Lee Armstrong) gives its Summer Concert on Sat June 23 at 7.30pm in Holy Trinity Church, Lickey, B45 8RR. The attractive programme will include: Mendelssohn’s Hebrides Overture; Weber’s Horn Concertino (soloist Claire Burnell) and Voříšek’s Symphony in D. Admission is free – donations much appreciated.

Barnt Green Choral Society performs its summer concert, Songs from 60s and 70s, on Sat June 16 at 7.30 pm in St Andrew’s Church, Barnt Green. Tickets cost £10, including refreshments, and are available from Fiona Brown (Chairman) on 0121 445 5513, or at the door.

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

what’s on guide Retirement Village (B45 8TD) every Weds from 11.30am–1pm. Cost £3.50 for those from outside the village – all welcome. No previous experience necessary. More info from Ruth on 0121 453 6952.

Shamanic Drumming Group meets monthly at Hopwood Village Hall. Drumming for Vitality, Healing and Joy. No previous experience necessary, drums available to borrow. For further details email Andy on Fixedholdsworth@sky.com The Cats Chorus is described as “a fun choir for people who love to sing but don’t have to be vocally gifted”, and meets on Tuesdays (term-time) at 7.30pm in The Wheel, Blackwell. They sing hits from the 60s to the present day. For more info, email sharoncatschorus@yahoo.com Alvechurch Community Choir meets at 7.30pm on Mondays in Alvechurch Village Hall, though on the 2nd Monday each month they move to a different venue, usually Alvechurch Social Club. In June they will meet every Monday. The choir is an open access singing group; new members of all abilities are welcome.

It is part of a charity called Everybody Let’s Sing and is committed to bringing music to a wide community, including a regular choir it runs at The Lawns care home.

The choir sings gospel, folk and popular songs from all ages and loves to perform for local occasions. Find out more about the choir at www.lets-sing.co.uk There is a special workshop on Sat June 23 with guest leader Themba Mvula, to which all are welcome. To ask about booking the choir for an event, or for details of sessions and venues, ring Mary on 0121 445 5957.

Alvechurch Acoustic Roots invites you to celebrate Flaming June on Fri June 29, with summer sunshine and live roots revelry starting from 8pm in Alvechurch Social Club, hosted as always by The Stompies. Still only £4 entry.

The Arrow Vale Singers meet on Wednesdays from 8–10pm at Batchley Community Centre, Redditch B97 6PB, including a refreshment break. More info on 07718 113086, www.arrowvalesingers. co.uk or arrowvalesingers@gmail.com Blackwell Concert Band is always on the lookout for new players (all abilities and instruments welcome). For further

details, email blackwellconcertband98@ gmail.com, or alternatively, visit www. blackwellconcert band.co.uk to learn more about the band and find details on upcoming events. You will also find info on how to book the band.

TARDEBIGGE CHURCH choir is seeking new recruits! The choir, based at St Bartholomew’s (B60 3AH) is struggling with declining numbers due to age and health, but still sings in four parts at morning and evening services on Sundays, plus weddings and funerals. They particularly need a bass or bass-baritone, but all parts are welcome! Pop along to a practice on Sat at 10am, or contact Robert Barnett on 01527 542491.

Alvechurch Sports & Social Club hosts a series of music events including ACOUSTIC ROOTS with a variety of local performers ten times a year, KARAOKE every Sunday evening and LIVE bands.

For up to date details visit the Club’s Facebook page or phone 0121 445 2121.

A JAZZ Night takes place at Beoley Village Hall on the 4th Wednesday of each month, featuring some fantastic “trad” jazz bands.

For further details, or to order advance tickets, call 01527 62584 or 01527 66646 (both before 9.30pm please).

BROMSGROVE FOLK Club meets on the second and last Thurs every month at Catshill Club, starting at 8pm. For a full list of events call Bob Bignell on 0121 476 5938 or see www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk BROMSGROVE ROCK Choir offers everyone the chance to sing pop, rock and chart songs – no audition. Free taster sessions available. More info at www.rockchoir.com or on 01252 714276.

Bromsgrove Community Choir meets on Thurs evenings, 6–7 pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, in room 6, at the rear of the building off the small car park. They sing for fun and enjoyment; everyone welcome, singers or not. If you are interested, please contact Ruth Henley for details on 01527 527022 or email r.g.henley@ btinternet.com Bel Canto Singers... do you enjoy singing bright and lively pieces? Join in with a friendly group of mixed age singers. The

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continued from previous page 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. For more info visit www.belcantosingers.co.uk or contact Polly Speers on 01564 822672.

Alvechurch Samba Band, Banda Sem Nome, is looking for new recruits! This local community side meets on the 1st and 3rd Thurs each month at Alvechurch Cricket Club at 8pm. Go along if you fancy having a go at something a little bit different and discovering your hidden talents!

No previous experience required, all welcome (under 16s must be accompanied by an adult). More info from Andrea on 07867 858099.

Cantare Daytime Choir meets on Fridays 9.15–10.15am at Alvechurch Cricket Club – everyone welcome. Do you enjoy singing with other people? Don’t worry if you think you can’t sing, or don’t read music, everyone is welcome. You can even bring your kids/babies if they let you sing.

Whether you want to perform in concerts or simply sing for fun, for the therapeutic or health benefits gained from group singing (or the cuppa we all share before singing), why not come along for a free trial session? For more info contact cantarechoir2011@gmail.com, call Rebecca on 07803 900154 or see www. cantarechoir.com

DANCING Graham & Denise Darby present a Saturday Night Social Dance on Sat July 21 at Fairfield Village Hall (Fairfield, 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 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

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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.

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.

Alvechurch Morris Men are on the look out for new dancers and musicians.

They practise on Mondays at Alvechurch Baptist Church Hall, 8.30–10pm, followed by a “debrief” at a local hostelry. They dance in local towns and at various local and national events, and perform a worldfamous (sort of ) mummers play in the village every New Year’s Day. No ability, fitness or co-ordination required – if you are male, 18+ and prepared to spend more time than is probably good for you in public houses, pop along to meet the group!

Drop in to any practice or contact Chris on 07984 570763 or email chris.alvechurchbagman@gmail.com THE PHOENIX Dance Club has now moved to the new Bromsgrove Council building at Parkside Hall, Stourbridge Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DA. The club holds Ballroom and Sequence Dancing to live music

twice a month on Sat nights. No membership required. No bar facilities – please bring your own refreshments. The Tuesday dances have been discontinued – sorry!

More info from Mick or Thelma on 01527 872634.

BJ’s Busy Boots Line Dancing Classes: Tuesdays 2–3pm Dolphin. 7–10pm Stoke Prior Sports/Country Club. Thursdays 10.30–11.30am Amphlett Hall; 12–2.15pm Bromsgrove Methodist Centre. A fun way to exercise. For more details phone Brenda on 01517 870151.

THEATRE Blackwell & Barnt Green Theatre Group has been in existence for over 40 years and only of late has any vacancies for new members. The group makes five or six visits a year, usually to Malvern or Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Membership includes reduced ticket fees and coach travel to the selected venue from the crossroads at Blackwell Post Office. More details on 0791 273 3226 or 0797 100 7604.

Rubery Drama Group usually meets every Wednesday at the Beacon Church Centre, Whetty Lane, Rubery, 7.30 for 7.45pm.

CLUBS, GROUPS & SOCIETIES 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 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 June 20, when Richard Stark presents: WWII Luftwaffe Baedeker Raids and V1 & V2 Terror Weapons. More info from Ron on 01527 545450 or ronnieg33b@hotmail.co.uk Catshill Carers Group is a group set up specifically to offer one afternoon a month of respite, socialising and occasional speakers to carers in the area. It meets on the last Tues each month in the coffee bar area of Catshill Methodist Church Centre in Golden Cross Lane from 2.30pm for about 1.5 hrs. All carers welcome, as well as those who used to care for someone who may have passed away or is now in a care facility. Tea and biscuits or cake provided – no charge. Contact Sheila (0121 445 2813) or

Village What’s On Di (0121 445 3595) for details and encouragement.

Let the choir entertain you

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.

Join the Gemini Choir for an Evening of Entertainment at Rowney Green Village Hall, from 7.30pm on Sat June 9. There will be popular songs, old and not so old, together with solos, duets, and spoken word. Tickets cost £6 and there will be refreshments and a raffle.

The Gemini Choir is a well established group of singers formed some 30 years ago, following the creation of the twinning association between Bromsgrove and Gronau, a town in Western Germany. Initially performing more serious musical items, Gemini, under the stewardship of Philip Morris,

Bromsgrove Speakers Club meets at The Barn at The Bell at Belbroughton every other Tues, 7.45–10pm. Everyone who wants to gain confidence in public speaking is welcome, but please tell the group that you are coming by using the ‘Visit Us’ page at www.bromsgrovespeakers.org.uk, which also contains full details of events.

Burcot Knit & Natter meets weekly on Mondays from 1–3pm at Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. Phone Kim Neale on 0121 445 1677, or drop by, for more details. Cost £3 to include a drink and cake.

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

The North Worcestershire Association of the National Trust Supporters’ Group (covering members resident in Bromsgrove, Droitwich and Redditch), meets at 7.30pm on the 3rd Thursday each month in Tardebigge Community Hall, behind St Bartholomew’s Church. Selection of interesting talks, plus coach outings, rambles, an annual holiday and fundraising activities, with emphasis on FUN! New members always welcome; annual subscription £7.50.

More details from membership secretary Betty Millward on 01527 523805 or email bettymilllward36@hotmail.co.uk Contact the Elderly aims to help isolated elderly people in the village area by offering monthly tea parties where they can reconnect or make new friends in their own community. If you know of an elderly person who could benefit, please get in touch on 07539 276054. Guests need to be 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.

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 Burcot Niddie Noddies spinning group meets on the 3rd Sat each month, 10am– 1pm at Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. Open to all crafters, not just spinners. Bring your own chair. Phone Kim Neale on 0121 445 1677, or drop by, for more details. Cost £3 to include a drink and cake.

ROTARY CLUB OF BROMSGROVE meets 2nd and 4th Tuesday every month at 7pm for 7.30pm at Rosado’s Restaurant, 2 Finstall Road, Bromsgrove, B60 2DZ. New members welcome. For more information visit www.bromsgroverotary.org.uk or contact Ron Pearce on 07703 567982.

Alvechurch Sports & Social Club has a large Function Room available for hire.

It has a bar, choice of two stages, plenty

concentrates now on lighter music and a more varied programme, including music from the shows, individual items both sung and spoken.

The choir is always looking for new members. If you are interested at all and can sing, you will be most welcome.

Gemini is a very friendly four-part group.

Rehearsals, which take place generally on alternate Saturday afternoons in the Parish Centre, Barnt Green, are conducted in a casual and light-hearted atmosphere. Feel free to contact Philip Morris on 07969 741137 or, if in doubt… just pop along! of seating, a dance floor and a capacity of 140. CHARITY fund raising events enjoy FREE room hire. Please book early; for more details contact the Club on 0121 445 2121, visit the Facebook page and leave a message, or email alvechurchssc2015@ hotmail.com MONDAY CLUB meets on TUESDAYS 11am–4pm at Catshill Baptist Church, Milton Road, Catshill. Convivial atmosphere where anyone with an interest in mental health and distress as casualty, carer or well-wisher can exchange and share strategies and ideas for healthy living over tea, coffee and optional low-cost lunch. Subgroups include poetry writers and readers and music. All day’s national newspapers for free perusal. 50p buys tea, squash, coffee and biscuits. Persons of any faith or none equally welcomed.

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 Heart of England Speakers is a small, friendly, public speaking club, based in Knowle near Solihull. It is affiliated to Toastmasters International, and meets

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continued from previous page on the 1st and 3rd Tues every month, 7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the Greswolde Hotel, Knowle. More information at www.heartspeakers.org.uk Lickey Valley Trefoil Guild, as a branch of the Guide Association, is open to anyone over the age of 18. Make new friends, travel, explore, serve the community and help Guiding and Scouting in your area. The Guild meets at Barnt Green Scout & Guide Centre (off Blackwell Road, Barnt Green, B45 8BT) every second Weds 7.30– 9.30pm. For more info call 0121 445 3907 or 0121 445 2813 or visit www. trefoilguild.co.uk Alvechurch Ex-Services Association meets on the second Weds each month (except January) at Alvechurch Social Club at 12.30pm. They are looking for new members, so if you have ever served in any branch of the forces and are free at lunchtime, please go along and join in. midland ancestors (The Birmingham and Midland Society for Genealogy and Heraldry – Bromsgrove Branch) meets monthly at 7.45pm at Bromsgrove Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, B60 1AS. On Tues Jun 12, Jenny Townshend presents Palaeography – deciphering wills from the National Archives. Bring your ancestor’s will along and find out what it says! Tea and coffee available. More info at www.bromsgrove bmsgh.co.uk Common thread is a friendly group of women who enjoy crafts including sewing, knitting, crochet and more, together with tea, cake and chat. For more info contact Maggie on 0121 439 9324 or Jayne on 0121 445 1113.

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.

Bromsgrove (1982) Probus Club provides regular opportunities for retired professionals and businessmen to meet socially and share common interests. A members’ meeting is held at Avoncroft Arts Centre on the 3rd Weds each month, 10am–12noon, including refreshments

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and a talk by a guest speaker. For more info visit www.bromsgroveprobus.co.uk or contact Jim on 01527 833531.

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.

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 June 18, Ann Bonnell presents Percival Lowell & The Canals of Mars. Observing meetings are also held on the first Monday each month – bring your telescopes. More information on 01527 908331 or www. broms-astro.org.uk The Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich Canals Society meets at the Alvechurch Boat Centre, Scarfield Hill (just a few steps behind The Weighbridge pub) on an “almost monthly” basis. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month, 7.45pm.

There is usually a guest speaker and a raffle. Non-members are very welcome to come along. Please visit the website: www. wbdcs.org.uk Beoley Good Companions, a group for retired people, meets on the 1st Mon monthly at Beoley Village Hall to socialise and enjoy an entertainer or speaker.

Membership only £7 per year plus £2 entry charge, which includes a free raffle ticket.

If you are interested in joining the group, contact Secretary Ken Hawkesford on 01527 61130 or email kenhawkesford @yahoo.co.uk or beoleygood.companions @yahoo.co.uk for an application form.

THE FRIENDSHIP Club of Barnt Green has its next meeting on June 19, when there’s music from Cherrywood Duo: Summer Songs with Two Ladies and a Guitar.

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 June 13, George Hook presents Pearl Buttons (Smethwick Factory). Please call Janet for more info on 0121 447 7870.

LICKEY HILLS Local History Society usually meets monthly at 7.30pm in the Trinity Centre, Old Birmingham Road, Lickey B45 8ES. However, in May or June there will be an outing – visit ccgi.lickey.plus.com for details. Annual subscription: £15. Non members: £3 per meeting. More info from George Gascoyne, Hon Secretary on 0121 453 6320, or on the website.

BROMSGROVE RAILWAY Club usually holds monthly meetings at St Godwald’s Church Hall in Finstall, 7.15pm for 7.45 start. There are always refreshments and a book stall, and new members are welcome. On June 13, John Bagshaw and friends return with another digital audio visual presentation – not to be missed. 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.

Village What’s On 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 June 4, Jo Roche presents The History of Abberley Hall and Clock Tower. 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 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 throughout the summer, on South Bromsgrove High School’s 3G pitch. These take place every Weds from 7pm to 8pm, until September 26. Cost £3 per session. If you’re in Year 9 at school, going into Year 10 in September 2018, reg-

ister your interest via the Facebook page ‘Wednesday YOUTH Football’ or Twitter @ Bromsgrove3G, or ring or email Paul on 07977 042907 or pawb45@outlook.com Adult Coached Swim Training every Sunday 6pm–7pm at Bromsgrove Sports and Leisure Centre (School Drive, B60 1AY).

Contact Andrew Cunnell on 0121 445 5210 or email: bits@bratclub.co.uk. All swimmers welcome.

Yoga Really Works: Yoga classes at Saint Nicolas Place, The Green at Kings Norton.

Antenatal Thursdays, 6.25pm and Postnatal Fridays 11am (Stretch & Relax with baby). No Yoga experience necessary See www.yogareallyworks.co.uk for more info or Facebook /yogareallyworks Lunchtime FUNCTIONAL Fitness Class for over-40s – every Tues 12noon at Barnt Green Scout and Guide Centre, starting March 20. 1st attendance free, £4 per session. Contact Peter on 07449 181189. kings norton Golf Club offers Open Events for non-members throughout the summer – more info at www.kingsnortongolfclub.co.uk/opens Slimming World at Lickey End Social Club (17 Alcester Road, B60 1JT) – come and join our warm and friendly group, every Thurs at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. More info from Tracey on 07989 105937.

Physiotherapy-Led Pilates Class – Weds evening 7.30pm and 8.30pm at Cofton Hackett Village Hall. 6 lessons for £50. Mixed ability classes to improve muscle tone and posture as well as overall body strength. Contact Beth on 07841477363 or elizabethalexanderltd@ gmail.com ZUMBA with LEESH! Come and SHAKE it til you make it, every Monday 7.30–8.30pm at Crown Meadow School. Contact: 07531 623959 for more information!

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.

ALVECHURCH WALKING Buddies: join a regular local walk with like-minded people who simply want to go on a local, sedate and friendly walk with no pressure. Wellbehaved owners and their dogs are very welcome. The group meets at 10.30am ev-

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continued from previous page ery Thurs. For more info, search for ‘alvwb’ on Facebook or contact Tony on 07763 468893 or Diana on 0121 445 1445.

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’s next walk is on Sun June 3, when Sue Phillips (0121 445 3620) leads a Nature Walk in Hopwood.

Meet at 2.30pm in Tanyard Lane car park.

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 One Fit Mama: Mother & Baby Wednesdays, 9.45am at Rowney Green Village Hall. Like us on Facebook: One Fit Mama Alvechurch, Barnt Green & Wythall.

Longbridge Ladies Cycling Club wants lovely new members! Weekly Weds and Sun rides, hotel and hostel weekends away, cycle camping adventures, social outings and much much more. Beginners and seasoned cyclists welcome. Call Deb

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on 07738982161, email debweston@aol. com or see www.longbridgeladies.co THE RAMBLERS, BROMSGROVE GROUP: Guided walking with our group for pleasure, fitness and fun. Full programme of walks / events throughout the year. More info at www.bromsgroveramblers.webs. com or Clare on 01527 821917 or Peter on 01527 558203.

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 SHIATSU BODYWORK: a physical therapy, can help with problems like back pain, muscle/joint tension; low energy/fatigue; menstrual pain/emotional support; relaxation; relief of tension/stress. For sessions, contact Steff on 07861 470265.

SOCIAL TENNIS takes place at Rubery Community & Leisure Centre, Holywell Lane, Rubery B45 9AD on Mondays from 1–3pm. The group would welcome a few more players – just turn up or ring Don on 01527 759 318 for further details.

Mindful yoga & Meditation classes, Day Retreats and Weekend Workshops.

For Peace & Calm, Fitness, Vitality, & Better Sleep. For classes and bookings, contact Sally on 0790 366 3085 or classes@MyYoga Mind.co.uk; visit www.MyYoga Mind.co.uk or Facebook: Sally MyYogaMind Mercian Nordic Walking: Walking and exercise activities outdoors at the Ryland Centre and on local walking trails. Ian Northcutt BEM and his colleagues provide instruction and lead fun, friendly groups for all levels of fitness. More info at www. merciannordicwalking.co.uk 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’ 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 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.

Astwood Bank Angling Club has 8 lakes, including 2 just outside Alvechurch.

Annual membership £57 adult, £42 conc, £10 juniors. Info at www.astwoodbankac. co.uk or contact Paul on 01527 522704 or abac.membership@virginmedia.com Junior cricket coaching at Alvechurch Cricket Club runs every Sun from 10am to noon throughout the season, for boys and girls aged five to 11. All abilities welcome to enjoy cricket in a friendly environment.

Led by ECB Level 2 or Level 3 qualified coaches. No charge for first session. Refreshments available. Info from Simon Bowron on 07753 621528. For details of coaching for ages 12–16, contact Nick Jones on 07779 267609.

THE NEW Ravens (North East Worcestershire Ravens Rugby League Club) play at Kings Norton Rugby Club, Hopwood Park, Ash Lane, Hopwood. Playing opportunities for men’s open age, juniors, women and girls. Touch rugby will also be played for those not wishing to play full contact.

Further details can be found on www. newravensrl.co.uk BROMSGROVE & REDDITCH Badminton Club welcomes players for social and league play. Playing Sunday evenings 5.40 to 7.40pm. Details from Steve Whittaker 07805 051456.

Alvechurch Cricket Club Pavilion (rear of 6 Birmingham Road) is available for meetings/functions/child and adult parties. Bowling alley, pool table, table football, darts, table tennis, excellent children’s entertainer and DJ. For details/availability, contact Pete Gwilliam on 07960 550884 or petergwilliam@btconnect.com 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

Village Village What’s What’s On On Sundays from 10–11.30am. Contact Steve Washington on 07771 911209 or visit www.knrfc.co.uk 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.

Tai Chi (Qigong) sessions in Alvechurch Village Hall on Mondays 10–11am (with Steve Taylor) and Fridays 11am–12noon (with Nigel Ryan), both £2.50 per session.

Qigong is an integration of physical postures, breathing techniques, and focused intentions. For more details call 07966 069956.

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.

Pilates: Thurs 12–1pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. £3.15 per one-hour session.

Pay as you go session concentrating on core work, working on posture, alignment and tummy/back conditioning.

Zumba Gold: Thurs 1–2pm at Alvechurch Baptist Church. £3.15 per one-hour session. For people who want to stay active and fit with a dance-style class, keeping the high energy and funky moves of Zumba but without the jumping and spinning around, making it accessible to all.

AEROBICS classes at Alvechurch School, Birmingham Rd, Tuesdays 7.30–8.30pm and Fridays 6.30–7.30pm. Lapsed or new members welcome. More info from Tony on 0121 445 1819.

Time to enjoy cricket action Come and enjoy the cricket at Alvechurch & Hopwood Cricket Club: Sat Jun 2 – 1st XI vs Rushwick Sat Jun 9 – 2nd XI vs Kempsey Sat Jun 16 – 1st XI vs Martley Sat Jun 23 – 2nd XI vs Kidderminster 4ths Sat Jun 30 – 1st XI vs Malvern 1pm start. Bar open from 2pm – non-members welcome.

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

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

CHILDREN & FAMILIES NEW STAY And Play opens its doors on Monday September 10, 2018 at Rowney Green’s Village Hall. Visit ‘POL POL’s PLAYTIME’ on Facebook for exciting updates and more information.

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, please call Val on 01527 837060 or visit www.bromsgrovescouts.org.uk 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.

Barnt Green Preschool is at the heart of the community. Open since 1978, it offers learning through play in a nurturing, home-from-home environment. The Preschool follows the Early Years Curriculum and with regular visits to St Andrew’s School and lots of outdoor space, it’s the perfect place to prepare your child for school. It is proud of its OFSTED report (ref 205125) and offers government-funded places. Sessions run 9am-12pm and/or 12pm-3pm Mon and Weds, and 9am-1pm Tues and Thurs. For more information or to get on the waiting list call Tina on 07790 017 777.

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 Mum’s the Word playgroup takes place every Thursday in term time 9.30–11.20am at the Ark in Alvechurch. All are welcome, no charge; tea and coffee available for parents and grandparents. Come and join in!

St John’s Baby & Toddler Group meets every Friday morning between 9.15 and 11am during term time at St John’s church hall, Kidderminster Road, Bromsgrove. For further details please contact Cathy on 01527 870048 or just come along.

CATSHILL TODDLERS Club meets at the Methodist Church, Golden Cross Lane, Catshill every Weds 1–3pm (except school hols). £1.50 per child (£1 for additional siblings; under 9 months free) includes drink and biscuit for you and your toddler, plus action toys, craft table, book corner, noisy instruments, and kicking footballs, learn-

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

continued from previous page ing to catch and having fun with hoops – all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

For more information contact Sheila on 0121 445 2813 or drop in. You will be very welcome. 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 Finstall Pre-school in Finstall Village Hall, Mon–Thur 9.30am–1.15pm (termtime only). Led by qualified lower primary teacher. Visits welcome; call 07903 560787 or email Finstallpreschool@hotmail.com Lickey Baby & Toddler Group meets on Mon and Thurs mornings 9.30–11.30am, term time only. Have a hot drink while your children play in Lickey Trinity Centre (Parish Hall), Old Birmingham Road. For more information call Caroline on 07511 660727, email caroline_rebecca@hotmail. co.uk or find ‘Lickey Baby & Toddler Group’ on Facebook.

The National Childbirth Trust is now running antenatal courses in Alvechurch.

These are designed to help parents prepare for labour, birth and early parenthood and run over a number of weekday evenings and/or weekends. For info please call 0844 243 6873 or email bookings6d@ nct.org.uk or visit www.nct.org.uk/confidence Rowney Green Pre-school offers learning through play for children from two years to school age, Tues–Thurs 9am–2pm, term-time only. More info from Rosemary: 07836 770468 or Geraldine: 07725 553894.

BARNT GREEN Toddlers – Come and Play!

Every Thursday 10am-11.30am (term time only) for 0-3s at The Parish Centre, Sandhills Road (behind St Andrews Church).

Run by a qualified childminder with lovely new toys and the emphasis on fun. A great

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place to make friends before school. Sibling discount and biscuits for parents too!

Call Hannah on 07740 673894.

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 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.

GARDENS & FLOWERS ROWNEY GREEN Horticultural Society will not have its usual monthly meeting in June, but there are several events taking place this month. On June 14 there’s an evening visit to David and Sarah’s garden, (Badgers Way, Ash Lane, Martin Hussingtree, WR3 8TB). Cost £8 per person including refreshments. People will need to make their own way to the gardens for 7pm.

The Old Piggery (Weights Lane, Redditch B97 6RQ – top of Butlers Hill) holds Charity Garden Open Days from June 29 to July 1, from 2pm–6pm. Entrance £10 to include sandwiches and full cream tea – all welcome.

The society’s Main Show takes place on Sat Sep 1. Schedules available at www. rowneygreenhorticultural.co.uk, so take a look and decide how many entries you would like to make. For further information, do not hesitate to contact Lindsay Smith on 01527 592874.

Meetings usually take place at the Village Hall on the 2nd Thurs each month at 7.30pm. Guests always welcome: £3.50 including refreshments.

Fun Floristry/Flower Arranging classes run each month at The Ark, Alvechurch.

Ring Claire for more information, and to book, on 07564 339157.

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.

Dodford Gardening Club meets on the 2nd Monday each month (except August) usually in Dodford Village Hall at 7.45pm. New members and visitors welcome. More info at www.dodford gardeningclub.co.uk or call Penny on 07706 153618.

Rowney Green 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.

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 please call Jenny or Brian on 01527 522109.

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.

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 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 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 eve-

Village What’s On nings, 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.

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 BROMSGROVE BRIDGE Clubs: The Amphlett and Crown Bridge Clubs meet at the Stroke Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove, on Mon and Fri evenings. Both clubs are friendly and sociable. New members welcome, helpful guidance available and parking is excellent. Contact Alistair on 07814 393416 or Val on 01527 875041.

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

Monday Bridge Club at Barnt Green Friends Meeting House would like to welcome a few new members – contact the organiser, Des Clarke, on 0121 453 3034.

A “TEXAS HOLD EM” poker tournament will be held on the first Saturday each month in the lounge at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. Registration from 7pm for an 8pm start. Further info from Karl Farrell on 0121 445 4616 or bluenostrils@outlook.com The Friday Bridge Club plays friendly, competitive, duplicate bridge at the comfortable Burcot Village Hall. New members and visitors are very welcome. Play starts at the new time of 7pm. For further details please phone Gill on 01527 401019. “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.

BINGO every Wednesday and Sunday evening at the Alvechurch Sports & Social Club. First games start at 8.30pm in the lounge. Non-members welcome, phone 0121 445 2121 for more info.

A popular weekly quiz takes place each Thursday at Alvechurch Sports & Social Club and follows the normal format. Doors

Mischief-making at library Alvechurch Library is launching the 2018 Summer Reading Challenge on Sat June 23 with a host of fun activities.

This year’s theme is Mischief Makers; celebrating the 80th anniversary of the much-loved comic, Beano. Help Dennis, Gnasher and friends explore Beano Town to find the mysterious buried treasure – with tons of fun along the way!

On the same day at Croome Park in Worcestershire, Kev F Sutherland who writes and draws for Beano, Marvel, and Dr Who will be giving some fantastic comic art masterclasses.

The Summer Reading Challenge is aimed at children 12 years and under and challenges them to read 6 library books over the summer (until Sept 22). The library has a brilliant range of new books to suit every child’s interests., and will be hosting Mischief Makers events throughout the summer – check Facebook for more information. More fun and details at www.mischief-makers.org.uk l Last month the library launched the

search for volunteers aged 11 to 24 to help with the Summer Reading Challenge, and there still have a few places available. There are lots of opportunities to volunteer, from listening to children tell you about their favourite books to helping with events and displays. Not only does volunteering help others but it can help you gain skills and confidence and aid you in the future. If you are interested please contact Sarah on alvechurchlib@worcestershire.gov.uk for more information l A group of young volunteers and staff

open at 8pm. Organise a team, or just turn up and join a team. All welcome.

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.

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.

Rummikub Club meets in the Social Room at Rowney Green Peace Hall fort-

at Alvechurch and Wythall Libraries are launching a Young People’s Reward Card.

Visit either library to borrow a book and collect the stamps until your sixth visit to receive free rewards. Keep an eye on Facebook for more information. l There are still a few places left on the

Understanding and Supporting People with Dyslexia course, taking place on Fridays June 29 and July 6, from 2.15 – 4.45pm. The two-session workshop aims to provide a detailed understanding of dyslexia and how it can affect people.

Cost £27 or free (subject to conditions).

Course number 15544 l Natalia’s Saturday afternoon Art and

Craft Workshops will be taking a break over the summer. Please visit www. womenclub.uk for details of when they start again in the autumn. l Patrick teaches two levels of con-

tinuing Spanish at the library, on Thurs afternoons and Fri mornings. Currently there are spaces in both classes – contact Patrick on 07708 027372 or vdlt52@ hotmail.co.uk to see if the level the class is being taught at would allow you to join in. Courses cost £50 for ten hours’ tuition and run throughout the year, with occasional breaks for holidays. Patrick is always happy to chat to anybody who has any questions. 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. nightly on Tuesdays from 2–4pm. Entry £2 to include tea and biscuits. You will be made very welcome! Info from Betty Oakley on 01527 63725.

Barnt Green Duplicate Bridge Club meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall each Weds afternoon and would like new members – contact Liz on 0121 445 0704.

Halesowen Bridge Club offers Chicago Bridge on Thursdays at 2pm in the United Church Hall, Hagley Road, Halesowen B63 4PX and is seeking new members. All are welcome. Within easy reach of Bromsgrove; parking is available. For info ring Ann Gittins on 0121 550 5246 or see www. halesowenbridgeclub.org.uk

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Village What’s On continued from previous page

HELP & ADVICE REDDITCH & BROMSGROVE Advanced Motorist Group are a local charity committed to helping drivers of all ages improve their driving skills. They meet at 7.30pm on the third Weds each month in Beoley Village Hall. Info from Geoff Poole on 07707 054757 or secretary@redditcham. org.uk The Library Service at Home provides free delivery of books to people in their own homes. If you are housebound or unable to visit the library then please call Alvechurch Library on 01905 822722 to find out how they can provide you with brilliant reads.

Divorced/separated and having trouble seeing your children? Being excluded from their lives? The Association for Shared Parenting has been helping mums and dads deal with the family court system and problems over contact and residence for over 20 years. Walk-in support workshops on the first Thurs each month at 7.30pm in Selly Oak (serving the Bromsgrove/Redditch area). Visit www.associationforsharedparenting.org.uk 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 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 Forge Mill Creative Textile Group (formerly Forge Mill Embroidery & Textile Group) are a friendly group of enthusiastic local crafters, both experienced and be-

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ginners, who meet every Fri morning at Beoley Village Hall. Various techniques and media are used to create textile artwork, such as printing, dyeing, hand and machine embroidery, along with fabric manipulation. A welcoming group, who share knowledge and encourage one another with their creativity. If you are interested in becoming a member, contact Lynda on 0121 445 3212 or Lyn on 0121 258 2771.

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-toone tuition. All abilities welcome. Daytime and evening classes available. Contact Jo Pardoe on 07967 041446 for more info.

Alvechurch Readers Group now meets in the library on the last Tuesday of the month from 2pm until 3.30pm. New members always welcome. Please ring the Hub on 01905 822722 and ask for Alvechurch Library or pop into the library on the Birmingham Road.

Alvechurch Art Group meets at the Baptist Hall (rear of church) every Tues from 1–3.30pm, using all mediums except oil. All welcome, especially beginners.

Friendly tuition. Call Paul on 0121 445 5437 or drop in.

Barnt Green Art Club runs a morning and afternoon tutored session on Fridays at The Friends Meeting House in Barnt Green. There is a waiting list for both sessions. Call Jackie on 0121 445 4745.

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.

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 July 11 at 7.30pm; for details, or to ask about commissioning a poem, ring Mary on 0121 445 5957.

Burcot Woodturning Club offers a friendly meeting place for woodturners of all abilities and experience. A varied

programme includes demos, talks, handson practical evenings and visits to exhibitions. The group meets on the first Thurs each month, 7.15–9.30pm at Burcot Village Hall. Info from John on 0121 458 5884 or visit www.burcotwoodturners.org.uk THE “CRAFTY Ladies” craft group meets every Monday morning in Alvechurch Library from 11am–1pm, with knitting, crocheting, sewing, quilting etc. An informal and self running group that uses shared library space. More info on 01905 822722.

WYTHALL WRITERS meet at the Peter Thompson Room at St Mary’s Church, Shawhurst Lane on the second Thurs each month. New members always welcome.

More info from Helen on 01564 824517, Eileen on 01564 822214, Louise on 0121 430 4992 or www.wythall writers.com Avoncroft Arts Society at Avoncroft Arts Centre (Redditch Road, Bromsgrove B60 4JR), runs tutored/ non-tutored classes in Art, Textiles, Ceramics, Embroidery and Dance. Contact Alyson or Joyce on 01527 833829 or avoncroftarts@ =btconnect.com LICKEY HILLS ART SOCIETY, a friendly bunch of artists and those interested in art, meet at Longbridge Methodist Church, Bristol Road, B45 9TY, on the first Sat each month at 7.30pm. Open to artists and non-artists alike. For more info call Graham on 0121 453 7097 or come to a meeting – the members would love to see you.

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

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES Fairfield WI meets in Fairfield Village Hall on the second Weds of the month at 7.30pm. Contact Carol Hine on 01527 873072 or fairfieldwi1932@gmail.com Lickey WI meets on the first Tues of every month at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall (Trinity Centre), Old Birmingham Road, Lickey.

More info from President Janet Ratcliffe on 0121 445 0163 or see www.LickeyWI. Wordpress.com

FINSTALL CROSS WI meets at Finstall Village Hall on the second Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. For more info see www. finstallcrosswi.wordpress.com or contact Jenny Banner on 01527 871249.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 Julia Waters on 0121 447 9880.

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.

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.

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.

ARK ANGELs WI meets on the second Monday each month from 7.30pm at the

Ark, Alvechurch. On June 11 there’s a visit to Blackwell Adventure. For more info email ark.angels@hotmail.com St Catherine’s WI meets at 7.30pm on the third Thursday each month, in ‘The Wheel’ at Blackwell. More information from Sue Barratt on 01527 596092 or s.barratt@bnvillej.bham.sch.uk Bromsgrove Belles WI meets on the second Monday each month at The Life After Stroke Centre, Church Lane, Bromsgrove, B61 8RA at 7.30pm. For more info, contact President Carla Priddon at carlapriddon@aol.com

To have your event or group listed, send details to Sally Oldaker via the addresses on Page 3, by June 14.

Community and non-profit groups are listed free of charge – please contact us for further enquiries.

Village Baking

Sweet taste of childhood O

In our occasional recipe series, keen baker Jen Morris, of Rowney Green, creates a fruity cake to bring back memories.

ne of my lovely neighbours has a glut of rhubarb and I am a delighted recipient. There’s nothing wrong with a rhubarb crumble or pie, and they are brilliant for using lots of fruit. But if you’re in the mood for a cake, then this is a classic rhubarb and custard combination, reminiscent of childhood sweets.

Ingredients: l 250g unsalted, softened butter l 250g golden caster sugar l 4 large eggs l 250g self-raising flour l ¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda l ¼ tsp salt l 1 tsp vanilla extract l 75g ready-made, thick custard

300g rhubarb, half chopped into small pieces, half chopped into 3cm lengths l

1) Heat your oven to 180C / 160C fan / Gas 4, and line a 20x30 cm cake tin.

2) In a large bowl, mix the butter and sugar using an electric hand mixer, until pale and fluffy.

3) One at a time, beat in the eggs, with a spoon of the flour added with each one.

4) Fold in the remainder of the flour, bicarbonate of soda and the salt. Then fold in the vanilla extract, custard and the rhubarb chopped into small pieces.

5) Pour the mixture into the tin and bake in the preheated oven for 25 mins.

6) Remove from the oven and scatter the larger rhubarb over the top. Return to the oven and bake for 40 mins, until golden and springy to the touch.

7) Leave in the tin for 10 mins, before transferring to a wire rack. Serve with custard or cream.

The Village

June 2018

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