TheVillageOctober 2005

TheVillage
October 2005
£1.95 (when sold)
villageonline.co.uk NEWS & FEATURES from Alvechurch, Barnt Green,
Blackwell, Burcot, Cofton Hackett, Rowney Green,
Marlbrook, Lickey . . . and everywhere in between!

Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage
AFH Independent Financial services is a locally based consultancy, with a professional team of qualified advisers you can trust.
If you would like a free first meeting with no obligations, either
at our offices or your home, please call AFH on 01527 577775
e-mail: mail@afhgroup.com www.afhifs.co.uk AFH Independent Financial Services is Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority
TheVillage Issue 56: October 2005
inside
ISSN 1466-3376
Alvechurch Alight!
Pages 8-10
Editorial:
Richard Peach
Sally Oldaker
16 The Square
Alvechurch
B48 7LA
Tel: 0121 445 6757
Fax: 0871 277 1310
email:
mail@villageonline.co.uk
Subscriptions:
Tel: 0121 445 6757
To advertise
in The Village
Call: 0121 445 6757
email:
sales@villageonline.co.uk
visit: villageonline.co.uk
The Village (ISSN 1466-3376) is
published by Platform Publishing &
Media Ltd, of 16 The Square, Alvechurch,
Worcs B48 7LA, and printed by Stones
the Printers. of Banbury. 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, including
colour transparencies, is done so at
the owner’s risk and no responsibility is
accepted by the publisher for its return.
Financial security
Pages 18-19
Autumn fashion
Pages 22-23
Fine furnishings
Pages 24-25
Dolphin watch
Page 27
A tea-m effort!
Pages 28-29
COVER PICTURE: Dancers and drummers at the
front of the Alvechurch Alight procession.
Innovative, Stylish, Professional
Showroom by appointment
Complete interior design and decoration
Project supervision Space planning
Fabric, furniture, lighting, floor and wallcoverings
Advisory service

Furniture & Gifts for every fine home
Casa Fina
The Salem Chapel, Pedmore Road, Lye, Nr. Stourbridge DY9 8DJ
On the A4036, 1 mile from Merry Hill Shopping Centre
Telephone 01384 896699
Opening Times: Mon-Sat 10-5pm, Sun 12-4pm
Charming Coffee Shop Instore
Free Parking next door (opposite BP Garage)
The Coach&Horses
Weatheroak
For all enquiries,
please call:
01564 823386
Open
All Day 7
Days a Week
Staff party or
family gathering?
Why not let us
entertain you at The
Coach this Christmas?
We can cater for
parties of up to 80
people.
Alight!
festival
a big
success
AlveCHurCH Alight! 2005 exceeded
all expectations and provided a
big boost to community spirits at the
start of autumn.
The saturday evening lantern
procession again attracted a large
crowd of up to 2,000 people,
despite attempts to keep it lower key
this year.
but the high-spirited revellers,
who came from all over the area,
were mainly well ordered, while a
larger police and steward presence
at Alvechurch FC’s ground for the
spectacular fireworks finale helped to
make it a very successful event (see
pages 8-9).
The sunday events at Alvechurch
Cricket Club were also well attended
(see page 10), with the only let-down
being the 11th-hour cancellation
of the popular battle of the bands
because of a licensing mix-up.
As ever, the big question now is:
What about next year?
MeMbers of the steering committee
for the barnt Green Parish Plan
(above) show their delight at the
interest shown by and the information
gathered from villagers at their Open
Day.
They reckon more than 200 people
attended, with the youth group having
a very hectic session gathering
information in their big brother Diary
room.
“Many people took the opportunity
to shape the plan and to highlight
their concerns,” said a spokesman. “It
was an excellent day for the village.”
Village News
Barnt Green villagers have
their say over Parish Plan
The police and representatives from
the Neighbourhood Watch scheme
also attracted much interest, while the
all-day refreshments provided by the
scouts and Guides enabled them to
add to their HQ rebuild Fund.
The information gathering stage of
the Parish Plan process is now nearing
completion and the steering committee
will move on to drafting the plan
which will then be put to the community
again before the final version and
action plan for the next 10-15 years is
adopted by the Parish Council and the
other tiers of local government.
Don’t be chicken, be a knockout!
WHAT a coup! Giant chickens could
be clucking their way into burcot next
year if a local fundraiser has his way.
event organiser Tim ratcliffe is
hoping to stage an inter-village It’s a
Knockout tournament next summer,
with huge inflatables, foam baths and
wacky costumes and all in aid of the
County Air Ambulance.
Plans have already been put in
place for the day, but there is one element
missing – teams to compete.
“We have a venue and a company
to run the event but what we need
are villages and communities to come
forward and submit teams,” said Tim.
“I would, however, like to stress
that at this point we are not looking
for individuals, but committee
members, parish leaders or social club
managers etc who can co-ordinate
plans, create interest and raise sponsorship
within their own community.”
Tim has already had preliminary
interest from barnt Green and Dodford
and hopes others will follow. He
would also like to hear from companies
interested in providing sponsorship
as well as catering outlets and
people who might like to provide side
stalls on the day.
Contact Tim on 0121 445 0351.
The Village October 2005 5

at The Abbey Hotel
Festive Disco Party
Nights
From £22.95 - £34.95 (includes
3 course dinner, coffee and disco)
Cabaret & Themed
Party Nights
Call us for full details
Tawny’s Buffet &
Disco Nights
£20.00 per person
Christmas Day Lunch
£59.50 adults/£35.00 children
(12 and under)
Boxing Day Lunch
£21.95 adults/£11.50 children
(12 and under)
Christmas Lunches
£11.95 per person
Festive Sunday Lunches
£14.95 adults/£7.50 children
(12 and under)
New Year’s Eve
Dinner Disco
£60.00 per person
£140.00 per person (including
accommodation and breakfast)
For further details/bookings
or a copy of our brochure
Please call the Christmas Desk on
0800 781 7022
Village News
News round-up
n PlANs for a nine-hole golf course on
the former Marlbrook Tip were being put
before bromsgrove planning councillors
on October 10. The issue has split
opinion among local groups and there is
likely to be many requests for further information
and details before a decision
is made. Worcestershire County Council
planners estimate that 64,500 large
lorry loads would be needed to import
the envisaged amount of clay and soil
on to the site.
Meanwhile, bromsgrove councillors are
being asked by their officers to reject
plans for an extension and conservatory
at The lawns residential home in
Alvechurch which they had previously
passed. The lawns has since been made
a Grade II listed building.
n MOre THAN 60 walkers took part in
Cure leukaemia’s first sponsored walk
through the lickey Hills.
Sports round-up
n bArNT GreeN Cricket Club finally
finished top of the birmingham & District
Premier league’s Premier Division after
several near-misses in the last few years.
They clinched the title with a five-wicket
win against relegated Halesowen.
Meanwhile, the club’s youth teams
have been putting in plenty of work at
the practice nets, and 38 boys and 15
girls across the age groups have been
nominated for county trials.
A full quota of winter nets will run
from January to easter to satisfy the
needs of cricket-hungry youngsters. For
6 The Village October 2005
EDDIE and Jane
Brennan (left)
have opened
Primrose Kennels
& Cattery, with
accommodation
for 18 dogs and
seven cats, in
Alvechurch.
They are based in
the cottages just
over the canal
bridge on Callow
Hill Road and can
be contacted on
0121 445 2965.
Many walkers said they had been
to the lickeys many a time but never to
parts that the walk took them.
The event looks to have raised just
short of £1000, which is going towards
a new leukaemia centre due to open at
the Queen elizabeth Hospital, birmingham,
in January.
n blACKWell First school won first
prize in the business Frontage section
of the best Kept Garden Competition
organised by Wythall Parish Council.
The event has been organised by the
council for the past 15 years and this
year for the first time they invited other
parishes within bromsgrove district to
take part.
The medal, plaque and £20 prize
money were presented to reuben
Haynes, a year three pupil at blackwell
First school, and his mother Marie
Hayes, a Parent Governor at the school.
more information, contact development
officer John Ward on 0121 684 3246.
n A sPeCIAl Tag rugby coaching session
at Kings Norton rFC, sponsored by
the club as part of its “community club”
commitments, was attended by teachers
from Crown Meadow and blackwell First
schools, and Alvechurch’s youth worker.
n As We went to press, Alvechurch FC
were about to appoint a new manager
to replace Peter Frain, who resigned after
a run of disappointing performances.
WOULD YOU LIKE
MORE ENTERTAINMENT
IN YOUR HOME?
SEVENOAKS SOUND & VISION specialise in designing and installing
the finest home cinema, hi-fi and multi-room systems.
From custom designed multi-room and home cinema
installations to starter systems, Sevenoaks are committed to
providing a comprehensive product range from all the leading
manufacturers coupled with expert advice and backed with our
first-class customer service.
If you’re interested in home entertainment and want to avoid the
confusion, contact your local Sevenoaks outlet and experience more.
YOUR LOCAL SEVENOAKS STORES
• BIRMINGHAM
ARCH 12, LIVERY STREET Martin 0121 233 2977
e-mail: birmingham@sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk
• SOLIHULL
149-151 STRATFORD ROAD Michael 0121 733 3727
e-mail: solihull@sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk
www.sevenoakssoundandvision.co.uk
HI-FI
HOME CINEMA
PLASMA & PROJECTION
MULTI-ROOM AUDIO
INSTALLATION
ADVICE
0% FINANCE OPTION*
*Written details on request. Licensed
credit brokers. Minimum balance £400.
Subject to status.

Village Festival
8
The Village October 2005
VILLAGE
ALIGht
The Alvechurch Alight!
lantern procession
saw the streets filled
with people making
their way from The
Weighbridge pub to
Alvechurch FC’s ground,
where they enjoyed a
spectacular firework
display.
The Village October 2005
9

Village Festival
ONE OF the highlights of
Alvechurch Alight! was, again,
the Sunday morning performance
by members of Alvechurch
Amateur Dramatic Society.
This kicked off a day of
activities at Alvechurch Cricket
Club, including Morris dancing,
a classic vehicle display and
a penalty shoot-out against
members of Alvechurch Lions
girls.
For their surreal performance
of The Animal Kingdom – Explained,
the village thespians
took on the guise of Alvechurch
Naturist Society – ”because we
like nature”.
As the narrator and author
of the very entertaning script,
Chris Davies, told the audience,
tongue firmly in cheek:
“It’s strange, when we first
made our new name known,
we had quite a lot of interest in
the Society. Sadly, most people
10
The Village October 2005
‘Alvechurch Naturist Society’
demonstrate proceedings on The
Weakest Evolutionary Link.
seemed to lose interest after
the first meeting. I did think the
vicar would have stayed longer
though.”
With thanks to Chris, we
can also quote his words of
wisdom on “those enigmatic
denizens of the undersea world
– the fish.
“There are literally several
different types of fish, mainly
cod, haddock and plaice. Cod
can be found in both normal
and mini-fish sizes, presumably
due to some sort of natural
variation in the water temperature.
“There’s also something
called roe which looks disgusting
and isn’t like any fish I’ve
ever seen, but some people
seem to like it. Some fish are
bony – these are called vertebrates
– whereas others are not
– these are called fillets.
“One of the great moments
in the history of all animals
was when the fish crawled out
of the sea and started moving
about on land. Scientists
have speculated that the first
creatures to do so were the
ones wearing blue wristbands,
whereas those with yellow
were allowed to stay in a bit
longer.”
. . . . well, perhaps you had
to be there! Just don’t miss
next year’s performance.
Why live with pain!
Call to find out more
35 Ten Ashes Lane
Cofton Hackett
Rednal
Tel: (0121) 447 7812
Also suppliers of MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology),
a revolutionary range of footwear which re-establishes
the natural conditions of standing and walking.
Latest technology
using Intense Pulsed Light
Privacy & Professionalism
Registered with the National Care Standards Commission

Village Views
In praise of villagers’ innovation
Sir – May I congratulate you and
your staff for the high standard of The
Village, which, I’m sure, is improving
with every issue.
The many innovative people living
and working within The Village conurbation
never ceases to surprise me.
I enjoyed Maggy Dickinson’s article
and wish her and husband Peter success
and prosperity with their venture
to return out-of-print authors to the
book market.
I used to read Gerald verner’s
Detective Inspector sparrow stories.
The humour started when the reader
realised that sparrow’s shape was
nearer to that of a Christmas turkey
than a sparrow.
I cannot remember the author’s
name but I do remember the name of
the adventurer hero Peter Gayleigh,
“Gaily we go,” in stories not unlike
The Saint and The Toff. I’m certain he
used to refer to elphimflofam, a lugubrious
yak. He also had a girlfriend
but there was no hint of sex. Certainly
there was never any swearing in
either of the authors’ work.
edgar Wallace was another favourite
and it would be nice to be able to
read On The Spot again.
John F Rice
Cofton Hackett
Self-help is the only
answer to litter
Sir – “Footpaths resemble the
rainforest” letter (september edition).
It sounds a very similar situation in
”forgotten” Portway, the poor relation
of the beoley Parish. Here, too,
overgrown kerbsides and footpaths
resemble the jungles of south
America, but with one big difference
– the knee-high grass and nettles hide
a deadlier prey: rubbish, in its most
disgusting form.
The torn and broken drinks cans,
shattered bottles and fast-food wrappers
give way to tabloid newspapers,
abandoned carpets and plastic wheel
trims. Mowing the verges and clearing
the footpaths, so residents can
walk the country lanes, is of little use,
Mr butcher, if the council are not going
to take their own green policy seriously
and collect up the rubbish too.
residents are urged by the council
to recycle their household waste, but
what about the council’s responsibility
to clear and recycle this roadside
rubbish?
I wrote to the council and to my
What do you think?
Write to: Letters
The Village
16 The Square,
Alvechurch
B48 7LA
or email:
letters@villageonline.co.uk
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 October 26.
local councillor about my concerns
and failed to receive an acknowledgement.
I can only surmise that
all councillors are in hiding until the
next election. roger butcher asked for
help. Well, the answer, I am afraid,
is self-help. In Portway, residents are
beginning to mow and clear kerbsides
and footpaths themselves.
Not many of us, but a few who feel
that they cannot let the area become
one giant brazilian refuse tip. Maybe
local dignitaries will join us one day. I
can give them a bin bag to fill!
Paul Bridgewater, Portway
Litter shame
Sir – It is 9am on Monday september
19. Chip papers, beer cans and
bottles, Chinese takeaway wrappers,
soft drink bottles, just to name some
of the disgusting rubbish left on show
for “someone else to pick up” when a
rubbish bin can be found a few feet
away. Where? Our new seating area
on the village Green.
This area, when completed and
handed over, will be a lovely place
to sit – however, I must say if I was
one of the builders who are kindly
arranging this, I would wonder
whether it’s all worthwhile if this is the
treatment it gets.
Whoever the culprits are, they
should be thoroughly ashamed of
themselves. Come on! let’s keep litter
off the streets of Alvechurch.
Concerned resident, via email
Let’s all take pride
Sir – Why does the village of
Alvechurch look so scruffy of late?
Is this due to the increase of litter, the
new rubbish collection service
or folk just not caring?
We live in a lovely village, so why
don’t we take pride in its appearance
and be proud to live there?
A bit of rubbish costs nothing to
pick up outside our homes but it can
devalue property prices if left to clutter
our surroundings.
Mrs Aston, Alvechurch
Prayers answered
Sir – The Ark is a magnificent building
– the answer to years of prayer
for this need to be fulfilled. Congratulations to everyone
involved in the project. A great asset for Alvechurch.
Ann Dixon (member of
Alvechurch Baptist Church)
English Heritage had it right
Sir – You ask for views on the church extension. I can do no
better than reproduce the views expressed by english Heritage
on the original design – basically what we see now:
“We are worried by the contrast of scales – the diagonal
orientation of the extension will clash with the strong eastwest
axis of the historic church – we have concerns about
the dominant visual aspect of the new building when seen
against the historic church – we are concerned by the design
and extent of the flat-roofed link block, i.e. linking the church
and the extension.” I uphold these views.
W E English, Alvechurch
We were ignored
Sir – You asked “What do villagers think [of The Ark] now
they can see it?” Many are probably shocked and horrified
like myself; this building looks awful and should never have
been laid on the consecrated ground, but as we know, what
we think does not matter – it is what is said and then done
that causes the irreparable damage that is obvious in this
case.
If the villagers had been welcomed to the conception of the
new hall I am sure the birth would have been a joyful one,
but alas we were ignored.
I think sir bob Geldof would be sick if he could see what
our clergy spends over £1 million on.
Sandra Hibbert, Alvechurch
Courage deserves congratulation
Sir – Your latest issue asks for comments on the completed
‘Ark’. I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to
congratulate all involved in the production of this landmark
building, not only for the final article, but for their courage
demonstrated throughout.
David Barton, ARIBA
Open for enjoyment
Sir – Although the new church hall at st
laurence has not been officially opened,
this photograph (left) shows yougsters
already enjoying the facilities.
This group (the saltshakers) can be
seen in the light, airy spacious interior of
the main room.
Veronica Rogers
Alvechurch
12 The Village October 2005
The Village October 2005 13
ESTABLISHED 1831
Village Young People
Tailored Clothing
5 Church Green West
Old Town Centre, Redditch
Car Park 7, off the ringroad
Branches also at:
Warwick and Rugby
www.heaphys.co.uk

Village People
14
LOCAL AMATEUR theatre group All
& Sundry, who perform regularly
at Bromsgrove’s Artrix venue, held
a special “James Bond” workshop
recently, in which resident fight director
Ralph Aldis taught participants how to
arrange a realistic and convincing stage
fight (below).
All & Sundry are committed to
involving as many people as possible
in active theatre, and will be holding
a Dance Workshop towards the end of
January. Next year the group hopes
to stage four main productions at the
Artrix, plus a Youth Production in July.
Find out more from Paul Vollans
(chairperson) on 0121 445 4065, or
Gill Baker (Membership Manager) on
01527 543358.
Website: www.allandsundry.org
The Village October 2005
BLACKWELL YOUNGSTER Elliot Nott is presented
with three trophies and declared
overall champion at the Midland Association
of Riding Clubs’ Bromsgrove & District
Championships.
Elliot, who was only five at the time of
the event, is too young to have full membership
of a riding club, but competes
through the Alvechurch, Bromsgrove District
and South Staffs Riding Clubs with his pony,
Majestic Blue Boy.
His success took him through to the
Midland Championships at Bridgnorth in
September, where he won all of his three
classes, competing against children aged up
to nine. Elliot is now the Midland Champion
Lead Rein Rider.
His mother Tracie, on the right with show
officials said: “Elliot has only been riding at
this level for seven months, and I told him
not to get his hopes up, but he put in a lot
of hard work and I am very proud.”
FOUR STUDENTS from
South Bromsgrove High
School (from left) Carol
Starkey, Tom Parker,
John Dearden (both of
Alvechurch) and Adam
Heason, with teacher
Neil Dixon (centre), after
completing a Canadian
canoeing expedition in
Scotland as part of their
Duke of Edinburgh Gold
Award.
Moving away from the
usual walking expedition
organised by the school
to try something a little
different, they navigated
Loch Schiel, Loch Arcage
and the Caledonian Canal
in weather so bad that
plans changed from day
to day. With the backing
of the school, particularly
Chemistry teacher Mr
Dixon, the students coordinated
and completed
the expedition using
their own initiative and
enthusiasm.
They took part in
training sessions at Upton
Warren for several months
beforehand and also
practised on the River Wye
in the summer holidays.
ANDY’S WINDOW
CLEANING SERVICE
FAST FRIENDLY PROFESSIONAL SERVICE
DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL
NO JOB TOO BIG...NO JOB TOO SMALL –
IF YOU WANT GLEAMING WINDOWS...GIVE ANDY A CALL!
Tel: 0121 445 4518 Mobile: 07776 205544
The Buffet Experts
We cater for all occasions, Business Functions,
Weddings, Birthdays, Funerals, Anniversaries,
Children’s Parties and that very special occasion. For
this autumn and winter we have exciting new menus,
especially Halloween and Christmas.
We are also happy to design menus to suit your
individual requirements.
Our Promise to You: The price will be right
and the food will be great!
Prompt Refrigerated delivery to your door!
To discuss how SNAX can meet your catering needs,
please contact Natalie on:
Tel & Fax: 01527 557 345 Mob: 07782 154107
email: natalie.dalziel@btopenworld.com
99.9% of you are not the Account
Manager we are looking for.
One of you must be?!!
You are articulate.
You have a great sense of humour.
You have pride in your job.
You want a real challenge.
You can speak to business people, excite them,
identify their needs, provide a solution, and close
out the discussion by arranging an appointment
with your client.
If this is you, then you are the ONE we are looking
for. So pick up the phone and let us know who
you are! In return you will enjoy a good basic
salary, bonuses and have the opportunity to write
your own pay cheques as you develop. You will
learn about every imaginable market and you will
receive the best training in the field, first hand.
Call: Sylvia Mills on 0845 0777711
or email: sylvia.mills@fizzybusiness.com

Village Directory
F.G.A
RF Collyer
Local independent Jeweller
Established 1948
Jewellery repairs and restoration
Watch repairs, batteries fitted
Insurance Valuations and Claims handled
Large stocks of 2nd-hand Jewellery
185 New Road, Rubery, Birmingham B45 9JP
0121 453 2332
All Aspects of Tree Maintenance Expertly Undertaken
Felling I Pruning I reductions & reshaping
Hedges Topped & Trimmed I N.P.T.C
Qualified I Public liability Insured I All
areas Covered I Fencing Work Carried Out
For Free Estimates & Advice, Contact Paul Nowell
0121 459 1992 07801 368158
104 Old Oak Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 9AL
FOR SALE
AVAILABLE
Seasoned logs, delivered locally.
Call: Alvechurch Logs 0121 445 4365
One stable at top-class livery yard in
Weatheroak, Alvechurch. Call: 01564 824051
Coach & Horses
Weatheroak Hill
Alvechurch
Requires
Kitchen and bar staff. Will include
evenings and weekends. Good rates
of pay for enthusiastic people.
Call Mark or Bob on 01564 823386
DMRDECS AD_VILLAGE v2 19/8/05 18:23 Page 1
Where Reliability Still Counts
High Quality Building Maintenance & Decorating Contractors
Call Daniel Richards for enquiries ~ free no obligation estimates
Tel / Fax: 0121 445 1531 Mobile: 07977 224697
or E-mail: dmrdecs@msn.com for more information & advice
QUALITY
TIMBER
EST. 1985
DOMESTIC & COMMERCIAL
Plumbing, pipework - interior & exterior
Drainage, carpentry & small building work
All work insured & guaranteed
Tel: 0121 445 1609 Mobile: 07971 832630
For Free Quotation
STANDEASY
TOTAL FOOTCARE
CHIROPODY
ROGER F UNDERWOOD WMSch
QUALITY
WORKMANSHIP
WE SPECIALISE IN REPRODUCTION AND NEW PURPOSE-MADE
WINDOWS, DOORS, PORCHES, GARAGE DOORS AND STAIRS.
ALL FITTED BY OUR OWN CRAFTSMEN OR SUPPLIED ONLY.
0121 486 2528
Treatment in the comfort of your own home/office
FOR APPOINTMENTS PHONE: 01527 520925
MOBILE: 07836 782217
Barnt Green Physiotherapy
Kath Hamflett
Grad Dip Phys MCSP SRP
Chartered Physiotherapist
Specialist in backs, necks, and sports injuries
Rapid access to appointments
Monday - Saturday
Member of the Organisation of Chartered
Physiotherapists in Private Practice
81 A Hewell Road (behind Alfresco)
0121 445 3949
Fitness & Beauty With Alison
For Ladies in the comfort of their own home
Personal 1.2.1 Fitness training w Facials w Waxing
w Nail Extensions w Natural Nail Treatments w
Manicure w Pedicure
For appointments or further details, please call
0771 873 8252
PAWS HERE
Gifts & designer wear for
dogs, cats and their owners!
Including: London Bitch,
The Dog Mad Company and
Dapper Dog
508 Lickey Road, Rednal
(opposite the Poacher’s Pocket)
0121 453 7340
To advertise on this page, call Richard on 0121 445 6757
BLINDS & CURTAINS
● Choose at home from the UK’s biggest blind range
● Every blind style, every design, every colour option
● Free quotes, friendly advice and prompt service
● There’s no finer blind value available anywhere
● We get most of our customers by recommendation
Vertical and Roller Blinds
Over 1,200 styles and colours to match at home
Superfine Venetian Blinds
A touch of classical elegance in every colour imaginable
Real Wood Venetian Blinds
Ultimate luxury at extremely attractive prices
Conservatory Blind System
Pleated Blinds
The coolest blinds in the hottest range of fabrics
Roman Blinds
Wide range of fabrics
External Awnings / Canopies
Enormous range. Turn your patio into an extra room
Velux Blinds
All types and colours
pencil & tab top curtains & valances
HOME
VISITS 6 DAYS
A WEEK
Village Directory
MADE TO MEASURE
at ready made prices.
Delivered in a week
Hanging Service Available
We supply and fit curtain
tracks and poles
CALL
BETWEEN
9am - 9 pm
Phone Ruth
0121 693 0073
47 Nuthurst Road, West Heath, Birmingham

Village Finance Sailing
Financial
plans for
your future
Whilst most of us appreciate
the value of sensible financial
planning, for those without
specialist knowledge of tax and investments
it often seems the easiest
option to leave our savings where
they are and hope for the best – particularly
in light of recent uncertainty
over uK pensions.
but when taking charge of one’s
financial future, it’s critical to find an
adviser whose advice is trustworthy
and simple to understand.
sally Oldaker meets
Alan Hudson, of
AFH Independent
Financial Services, a
local company whose
advice you
can understand.
AFH Independent
Financial services
offers trustworthy
financial consultancy
on a broad range of
tax and investment
matters. The company,
which was founded
15 years ago by Alan
Hudson, specialises in
the area of portfolio
construction and management.
Alan, from rowney
Green, is himself a
qualified investment
portfolio manager, affording
him expertise
rarely held by IFAs.
His 35-strong team,
based in Kembrey
House in bromsgrove’s
Worcester road, includes
a former stockbroker
who heads up
their investment research, a Technical
Director and 20 financial advisers,
many of whom hold the Advanced
Financial Planning Certificate.
The company has seen significant
growth in recent years, though many
of the current staff have been with
AFH since the very early days. “We
are a well-established, trusted firm,”
explains Alan, “and because we are
independent, we are able to offer unbiased
advice. The expansion of the
team, which has come partly through
organic growth and partly through
acquisition of smaller firms, has
enabled us to offer an even greater
range of services.”
These include advice on mortgag-
es, trust and estate planning, portfolio
construction and monitoring, and of
course pensions, which are subject to
important new legislation as of April
6, 2006.
“Plenty of people have money invested
in pension schemes. Our team
is able to help them maximise their return,
whilst simultaneously controlling
the level of risk,” added Alan. “We
ensure that an individual’s investment
portfolio is handled in a strategic and
professional manner.”
AFH offer their clients additional
services, such as advice on paying
less tax, buying property with a pension
fund and passing it on to the
next generation. For many, inherit-
ance tax has become an important
factor due to the recent sharp rise in
property values. AFH’s expertise in
this, and other areas of taxation planning,
sets them apart from the more
traditional IFA.
Though they have won numerous
major contracts with large firms and
investors, AFH maintain a personal,
approachable service, whereby customers
can request meetings in their
own home or workplace, or at the
consultancy’s offices in bromsgrove.
Furthermore, all first meetings are
without charge or obligation.
Whereas AFH’s advisors cover a
large client base across the whole
Midlands region, Alan admits that
Alan Hudson and AFH
staff outside their offices
in Bromsgrove.
the firm is probably not all that well
known in its own backyard: “The
irony is that there are still many
people in the bromsgrove area who
aren’t familiar with AFH and what we
offer,” he observed. “I would like to
make more people aware of how our
range of services can benefit them
financially – there are very few IFAs
who can offer our level of resource.”
To find out more call AFH
on 01527 577775, or email
mail@afhgroup.com.
AFH,
Kembrey House,
Worcester Road,
Bromsgrove
www.afhifs.co.uk
18 The Village October 2005
The Village October 2005 19

Village History
The Haunted Hills
The lickeys have seen some ghostly
goings-on over the years – not least
the appearance of a headless horseman.
books by local historian Anne
Bradford present two theories on
who the apparition might be...
Those who walk their dogs
through the woods of the lickey
Hills may be surprised to know
that when the Worcester-birmingham
road was turnpiked in 1726, the hills
were a desolate moorland with few
trees. It was a lonely and dangerous
spot, a favourite haunt of highwaymen
who would jump out as the horses
were tiring and slowing down after
the long pull up the lickey incline.
The last two lickey Highwaymen,
brady and Johnson, were hanged
at Worcester in 1806. A curious
legend exists concerning brady which
is included in this story, told by an
engineer living on the bromsgrove
side of the lickey Hills:
“strange things go on in the lickeys
near the time of the summer solstice.
I often walk with the dogs round
the western side of the hills into the
pine woods off Monument lane. I
can go there one evening and see
that the ground is covered by pine
needles and cones, then early the
next morning I find that the ground
beneath four or five trees has been
cleared in a large circle and the wild
flowers are pushed up into the bark of
the pine trees to make a pattern.
“I’ve asked the locals and they say
it must be part of the solstice when all
kinds of weird people come out to the
hills, but the strange thing is, in all the
20 years I’ve lived here, I’ve never
seen anyone actually doing anything.
“My home is not far from
Monument lane and we hadn’t been
here for long before locals started
to tell us strange
stories, one of
which referred
to a horse with a
headless rider. In
the mid-summer
of 1979, my wife
and I had retired
to bed quite early
while it was still
light and were
just going off to
sleep when we
heard a clippetyclop
at the side of
our bungalow. We
looked at each other and said, “Could
this be right?” To get on to the path at
the side of our house you would need
to go through a thick hedge.
“With that, I got out of bed and
very bravely (but accompanied by
the dogs) went to see what was
happening. I was just in time to see
the rear view of a headless guy
mounted on a horse, going away
from me down the path by the side of
our home.
“I don’t know much about horses
but I can tell you that this was a
chestnut horse. The man astride it had
riding boots and was wearing a grey
frock-type coat which parted so that
it could flow either side of the saddle.
He was holding his reins in his right
hand with his head under his left arm.
He was quite solid and looked very
real except for his misplaced head.
I only saw him for a few seconds
before he turned right and went
Above: image taken from a woodcut of 1652.
through the gap in my hedge out of
sight.
“It occurred to me afterwards that
someone could have been playing a
prank but if so, it was exceptionally
well done; also I have had a word
with one or two families I thought
capable of perpetrating such a prank
and they have assured me that they
haven’t done anything.
“being an engineer by profession,
I believe that everything has to have
a reason, so I have put forward my
story over many a gin and tonic. It
would appear that, before it was
abolished in 1868, a gibbet stood on
the old birmingham road just by the
lickey Church.
“At the back end of the 1700s a
guy who was reputed to have had the
name of brady got into trouble with
the law. He was tried and found guilty
but before he was suspended from the
gibbet his head got separated from
his body so they had some difficulty
stringing the torso up. It is said that
he returns to get his revenge on the
people of the lickeys for the atrocities
that had befallen his body.
“brady would have been hung
at Worcester, then once the public
hanging was over his body would
probably have been brought back
to a local gibbet (no one is certain
exactly where the gibbet stood) and
hung from there. Perhaps brady had
been accidentally decapitated at
Worcester. Incidentally the crossbeam
from the gibbet is said to have been
used as a hearth beam in one of the
19th century cottages in lickey.”
(from Haunted Worcestershire)
Although the apparition was
thought by local people to
be brady, this is not the only
theory. David evans, who lives in
bournville, remarks that it is much
more likely to be Captain Jamie Hind,
Poltergeists are blamed for unexplained
noises – wall banging, rapping,
music and footsteps. They turn
lights on and off, move possessions
around, slam doors and flush toilets.
some people claim to have had
their hair or clothing pulled.
Crisis apparitions are visions that
appear to persons who are undergoing
some form of crisis, like a severe
illness, an injury or death.
False arrival apparition is when
people report hearing and sometimes
seeing another person arrive
– usually half an hour or an hour
before the person actually arrives.
Deathbed visions are where a
dying person has an awareness of
as highwaymen were “only” hanged
whereas Hind was convicted of high
treason as well as highway robbery,
and in 1652 he was hung, drawn
and quartered.
David explains: “Hind was an
ardent royalist who fought as a
captain in the Civil War of 1641-46
and, as a highwayman, he preyed
only on roundheads. He is thought
to have helped Charles stuart (later
Charles II) to escape.
“After the Civil War he was
captured, pardoned as a highwayman
under the Act of Oblivion but
interrogated before the House of
Commons regarding the King’s
escape. He was convicted of high
treason and hanged, drawn and
quartered, with his head placed on
Worcester bridge gate.
“All this is authentic history, but
now we come to speculation. The
head was got off by royalists and
buried in a churchyard in Worcester,
but we don’t know which churchyard.
His torso could have been wired up,
tarred and put on the gibbet at lickey
as he helped the king to escape in
Worcestershire. He was the only
highwayman to lose his head.”
Hind is remembered as the
the presence of dead relatives or
friends. These are said to visit when
death is near, to help the sick person
“cross over to the other side”.
Haunting ghosts almost always
appear to be unaware of the people
around them. They appear to be
more connected with a place than a
person. Most of them haunt alone.
Messengers are spirits of the most
common kinds of ghosts, who usually
appear shortly after their own
death. They are aware they have
died and can interact with the living,
usually people close to them.
They most often bring messages of
comfort to their loved ones, to say
they are well and happy, and not
to grieve for them. These ghosts ap-
archetype of the ‘gentleman thief’.
A contemporary poem described him
as follows:
‘He made our wealth one common store,
he robbed the rich to feed the poor:
what did immortal Caesar more?
If in due light his deeds we scan
as Nature points us out the plan,
hanged was an honourable man!
Honour, the virtue of the brave,
to Hind that turn of genius gave
which made him scorn to be a slave.’
(from Worcestershire Ghosts
and Hauntings)
n Anne bradford’s new book, Ghosts,
Murders and Scandals, includes tales
from Alvechurch and barnt Green. It
is due to be published in mid-October,
and will be available from good bookshops
priced about £7.50.
Haunted Worcestershire and
Worcestershire Ghosts and Hauntings
are now out of print but may be available
from libraries. Haunted Holidays,
also by Anne, is still in print, available
in bookshops or direct from Hunt end
books, 66 enfield road, Crabbs Cross
Island, redditch, b97 5NH.
Janey Hewitt provides a guide to some different types of ghost...
pear briefly and usually only once.
Residual haunting or recordings
– some ghosts appear to be mere
recordings on the environment in
which they once existed. such types
of ghost do not interact with or seem
to be aware of the living. Their appearances
and actions are always
the same. They are like residual
energies that replay over and over
again.
Projections – some people believe
that ghosts are all in our minds,
or products of our own minds. It is
possible that people can produce
physical manifestations via powerful
imagination, such as apparitions
and noises – projections that others
may even be able to hear and see.
20 The Village October 2005
The Village October 2005 21

Village Fashion
22
The Village October 2005
BAGS OF COLOUR
Bulaggi have created some
fabulous new bag designs,
from outrageous animal prints
to heavily detailed vintage
styles. Tweed comes in new
colours, and sparkly evening
bags are ready for Christmas.
Joolz, 45 Hewell Road,
Barnt Green. 0121 445 4657
Vintage
elegance
at of barnt Green
MIX AND MATCH
Bandolera’s autumn-winter collection features warm,
vintage-look clothes in deep, rich aubergines and forest
greens, lifted with flashes of citrus and russet. Tweed
is still important, now with multi-colour threads and
teamed with velvet, satin and faux fur. There’s a definite
mix-and-match theme, with light and heavy fabrics
used together, and you can apply that same rule
throughout the shop, choosing your favourite pieces
from the wide range of labels...
GOOD TO GLOW
Topaz Glow’s latest jewellery
collection features a vintage
theme with antique-look
stones and pearls, given a
modern twist with the use of
ethnic style leather straps.
4
NEW: IMPREVU
New at Joolz is the Imprevu label,
featuring stunning and unusual
pieces for autumn-winter. Fashionable
cropped trousers and detailed
jackets sit alongside unique winter
coats – go and see for yourself!
PILGRIM’S PROGRESS
Pilgrim launches a sumptuous
new selection of jewellery, in
keeping with some of the main
colour stories this season. As well
as the vast range of sparkling
necklaces, earrings and bracelets,
you can now pick ultratrendy
matching bag charms
and brooches.
SHOE BOX
The very latest in
autumn footwear is
available from the
Gateor label. Suede in
classic black or rainbow
brights, coloured
leather, diamante buckles
and brooches, faux
fur and maribou
fluff...boots and
shoes have never
looked
so
fine!
HOUSE OF FUN
Sweater House, another
new label, offers plenty
of choice when it comes
to knitwear, with both
chunky and delicate styles.
Safety pins, diagonal zips
and screen prints jazz up
the key colours of green
and pink. And don’t
forget the detailed
knits from Double U.
4
IT’S A WRAP
Passigatti turn
their attention
to winter wraps
after summer’s
gorgeous sarongs
– wide knitted
scarves can be
worn as shawls or
tunics, while faux
fur capes with
satin ribbons give
a perfect finish to
an evening outfit.
The Village October 2005
23

Village Interiors
sally Oldaker visits
an amazing furniture
collection housed in a
converted chapel.
Translating as “fine house”, Casa
Fina lives up to its name by offering
a wildly eclectic mix of oneoff
furniture and accessories which
means you’re almost guaranteed to
find something you love.
Huge mirrors framed in gold,
chandeliers dripping with crystals,
sumptuous versailles-style bedroom
sets, replica roman columns...it would
take hours to browse through everything
on display here. but be careful
not to overlook the building itself – the
converted Methodist chapel, built in
1860, retains many original features
such as stained glass windows, panelled
doors and reclaimed pews.
Marilyn Pearson and her daughter
Jo opened the doors of Casa Fina a
year ago, after six months of painstaking
restoration. “until recently it was
used as a church, but the congregation
had dwindled to just four people,
and they didn’t have the funds to keep
going,” Marilyn explains. “We tried
hard to be sympathetic to the building’s
history and former use.”
The business originally started four
years ago, moving to various locations
before the perfect place was
spotted for Casa Fina’s permanent
home. On lye’s Pedmore road, the
3,500 sq ft premises is easily accessible,
while free car parking alongside
means no worries about staying long
enough for a proper look around.
It’s not only home-owners who
find what they’re looking for here
– professional interior designers also
take advantage of the wonderful collection
for dressing showhomes, often
expressing surprise that such a fine
furniture emporium is located in the
heart of the Midlands.
Marilyn, whose husband Philip and
other daughter rachel are also part of
the business, previously lived in spain
(hence Casa Fina’s name) where
she was involved in interior design
and furnishings. Travel is still on the
Casa Fina’s treasures
agenda, as many items on sale are
sourced from across the world.
Marilyn and Jo attend interiors
exhibitions to keep up on the latest
trends, and make sure they stock items
that people would find hard to buy
elsewhere. Christmas decorations will
shortly be arriving, promising to be as
unusual as the rest of the stock.
everything at Casa Fina is sold
directly from the shop floor, meaning
customers don’t have to wait weeks
for their products to arrive. “We don’t
order batches of items, so everything
Marilyn and Jo among some of the
treasures on show at Casa Fina.
is unique – when an item is sold, we
replace it with something different,”
Marilyn explains.
That said, if a customer particularly
wants a certain product, perhaps one
they saw at a friend’s home or in a
magazine, Casa Fina will do their
best to locate it. During my visit, a
client in Oxford rings up to enquire
about a particular style of mirror, so
Jo walks around the shop describing
the current stock over the phone.
Customer service is important, with
the emphasis on the personal touch.
Advice is always available over a cup
of coffee in the dedicated cafe area at
the back of the shop, converted from
the old chapel kitchen. This unusual
feature allows customers to spend
time over their purchases and build a
relationship with the business – which
means they are more likely to make
Casa Fina their first port of call in
future. Clients can also have furniture
brought to their home to be viewed in
situ, and there’s a full delivery service.
Casa Fina are also involved in the local
community, donating proceeds from
the cafe to nearby Compton Hospice
and joining the World’s biggest Coffee
Morning charity event. They invited the
local Historic society to view the refurbishments,
pleasing elderly members
who recalled attending sunday school
at the chapel and were thrilled with its
new lease of life.
Casa Fina, The Salem Chapel,
Pedmore Road, Lye, nr Stourbridge.
Tel: 01384 896699
Open Mon-Sat 10-5pm, Sun 12-4pm
24 The Village October 2005
The Village October 2005 25

Village Interiors
Interior designer Mary
barber Fray outlines
the season’s trends.
Autumn is traditionally the time
when our thoughts turn to home,
and we look to update our
interiors to reflect the new season.
even small touches, such as new
cushions, throws or a rug, can uplift a
room instantly.
There is plenty of inspiration in this
season’s new collections. saturated
colours and extravagant patterns,
which we would never have imagined
a couple of years ago, are flourishing.
Chocolate, deep olive, moss, burnt
orange, deep turquoise, amethyst,
ruby and lots of black abound, often
in unexpected colour combinations.
black and white as a combination is
also much in evidence.
Fabrics are luxurious and
sumptuous. Flocked silks, velvets
and linens appear in many guises:
damasks, bold oriental patterns,
geometric florals and graphic designs.
Texture, as ever, is important, with
unusual tweeds, soft chenilles and
small-scale weaves providing a
counterpoint to the more daring and
confident patterns around.
This season’s wallcoverings are
even bolder than those we saw in
spring, with lots of flocked papers on
metallic grounds, and similarly bold
and graphic patterns on a dramatic
scale. These are a real blessing
to those of us who are tired of
“variations on the theme of neutral”,
Opulent autumn
even if used just on a feature wall.
Mirrored and lacquered furniture
with Art Deco-inspired lines, clear
and coloured glass Murano lamps
and cascading chandeliers continue
the theme of opulence and drama,
often mixed with antique pieces.
underfoot, deep, soft rugs or carpets,
often with dramatic or graphic
patterns, add to the sense of luxury.
You’ll see the new autumn
collections from major design houses
over the coming months, so be
prepared to be inspired!
Mary Barber Fray Interior Design
The Coppice, 23 Plymouth Road,
Barnt Green, Birmingham B45 8JF
Tel: 0121 445 6500
www.marybarberfray.co.uk
In March I was introduced to the
idea of an earthwatch expedition
via an e-mail from Newman College
of Higher education, where I am
studying to become a primary school
teacher. like many people I had spoken
to, I had not heard about earthwatch
and the work that they do.
earthwatch engages people worldwide
in scientific research and education
to promote the understanding and
action necessary for a sustainable
environment. It is a registered charity
committed to conserving the diversity
and integrity of life on earth for current
and future generations.
There are more than 280 earthwatch
scientists working tirelessly to
protect the world’s richest biological
and cultural heritage. volunteers
– people with vision, commitment and
enthusiasm – are critical to the success
of earthwatch.
The daily demands of our lives keep
us from really living; seeing the sights
we long to see and experiencing a
diversity of cultures and environments.
earthwatch expeditions offer the
chance to explore parts of the world
you might not otherwise see, amaze
yourself by the things that you can do
and get your hands dirty in the name
of making the world a better place.
I chose to go on the spanish Dolphins
expedition in Almeria. The trip
focuses on the common dolphins in
the Alboran sea, which are not as
common as they once were.
Over the past few decades these
wonderful mammals have experienced
a dramatic decline. Protecting critical
habitat, such as the nutrient-rich waters
off the beautiful southern
coast of spain, could
mean the difference
between their
survival and extinction.
biologists
Ana Canadas
and ricardo
sagarminaga
van bruiten
were chosen
by the european
Commission and
spanish agencies to
create management and monitoring
schemes for protected areas in the
Alboran sea, after four years of earthwatch
research.
I spent my time in spain aboard the
Toftevaag, a beautiful 1910 Norwegian
vessel built for fishing herring in
the North Atlantic. Modern research
equipment has been integrated into
the ship, offering you a trip back in
time. every hour, following the rhythm
of the ship’s bell, each volunteer
would change watch, discovering
all aspects of the research
project.
The hourly jobs included
steering the
ship, looking out for
cetaceans, listening
on the hydrophone
for dolphin whistles,
analysing the sea
every 20 minutes
for salt, oxygen and
chlorophyll, checking
the fish finder and echosounder,
filling in notes,
entering data into the computer and
plotting positions on the chart.
We were in the company of common,
striped and bottle-nosed dolphins
as well as fin whales and pilot
whales most days. The dolphins were
very playful and loved to bow-ride the
ship, especially the common dolphins.
They were intrigued by our presence
and we gained good photo identification
of the individuals.
I enjoyed every aspect of my expedition
and met some fantastic people
from all over the world. I am planning
to do a different earthwatch expedition
next year. A huge thank you to
my parents, family and friends for
their support and help in fundraising.
I received sponsorship from
barclay’s bank, who matched pond
for pound the money from my fundraising
party and gave a donation of
£750. Thanks also to lA Fitness, barnt
Green Inn, brMb, sainsbury’s and
Morrison’s for the raffle prizes they
donated, and to Newman College’s
principal and staff for support.
26 The Village October 2005 The Village October 2005 27
Village
20-year-old Katie
Adams, from
Cofton Hackett,
is just back from
a very special
expedition.
Village People
Friend of the earth

Village People
Tea, cake and cycling
Iremember it clearly, considering
the 41 years that have passed
since my Dad removed the stabilisers
and launched me, aged four,
down the sloping driveway of his
garage business in Kings Heath on
my first bicycle. Over the subsequent
years, cycling is the activity that has
given me more pleasure than almost
any of the few other skills that I have
tried to master, so thanks Dad!
This preamble leads me to the account
of my tea-drinking, cake-consuming
11-day cycle trip from land’s end
to John O’Groats this August, accompanied
by my “fit as a butcher’s dog”
brother-in-law, Dr Andy Jarvis.
After my 10-day intensive training
programme, lying on a beach in
France, I met Andy at exeter station. I
was sneakily and shamefully relieved
to hear that he had been ill, but disappointed
to find that as a result he
had lost weight and was feeling fitter
than ever; would I be able to hang on
to his back wheel for 1,000 miles?
A day later, Andy’s wife Anne
28
The Village October 2005
dropped us off at land’s end along
with Ashley, a super-fit 16-year-old
friend of Andy’s eldest son, who was
to ride the first two days with us and
then meet us in lancaster to ride the
lancaster to Carlisle day.
Cornwall and Devon were delightfully
punctuated by four short ferry
trips – The Fal, Fowey, Torpoint and
starcross to exmouth ferries – all begging
the question: would it count if we
did most of the trip in a big boat with
bikes in our luggage?
On over the blackdown Hills and
on to the somerset levels where Andy
grew up and thus became worryingly
nostalgic for one so young (39), as
we sped on to bristol. The next day
was a short ride over the severn
bridge to Welsh bicknor Youth Hostel
which is a fabulous place to stay and
famed for its catering.
We spent the afternoon washing
our meagre collection of clothes whilst
listening to the final day of the Old
Trafford test match on the portable
wireless. Travelling light, it became
Mike Genders, of
Rowney Green, gets
224 miles to the
gallon cycling Britain
from ‘End to End’.
very important to wash our kit whenever
possible, to stop extreme body
odour barring our entry from cafés for
essential tea and cake intake.
so we continued north, assisted by
a favourable tail wind and falling into
a pleasing routine of sleeping, eating,
cycling, tea drinking and more of the
same as we passed through some fantastic
landscapes and cafes.
A notable episode was our “Carlisle
to Fort William in one go” section.
We opted to ride the 350km non-stop,
to avoid traffic on the A82 by riding
through the night. It also solved an
accommodation problem and gave us
a rest day with friends in Tulloch, just
north-east of Fort William.
We were blessed with a clear night,
full moon and stunning temperature
inversion on rannoch Moor so that
we rode out above the low lying mists
into sensational moonlit views. We
passed buchaille etive Mor at dawn,
dropped, freezing, down Glencoe
and sped on to a 0630 cup of tea in
Fort William. Our friends in Tulloch
fed us, washed our kit while we slept
and sent us on our way to more
friends in Inverness for more tea, cake
and good company.
I should mention our other chosen
drink, which we christened “Motion
Potion”. This was a powdered isotonic
sports drink which we mixed for
our water bottles each day. It tasted
like cold lemsip but had none of the
analgesic qualities. I will concede that
it seemed to keep us going, provided
I also had my four pints of tea a day.
11 days, 1,645km and 4½ gallons
of tea after setting out, we arrived at
John O’Groats. We had a great trip
made special by the kindness and
hospitality shown to us by friends and
family visited en route. They fed and
watered us, washed our smelly kit
and made us feel blessed.
The wind blew on our backs and
the sun shone on our faces and other
bare bits in a most satisfactory fashion.
As we pedalled the last few miles
I remember feeling sad that the ride
was over, as it had been such a good
time. As we posed for photos I said to
Andy, “That was good. Where next?”
THE RECORD time for this journey is
held by Gethin butler, who in 2001
waited for a force 8 south-westerly
and took just 44 hours and 4 minutes.
(He went a shorter route than we did
and obviously missed out the cafés).
In 2002, lynne Taylor set the ladies’
record at 52 hours and 45 minutes.
like Gethin, she showed consummate
self control and cycled straight
past all the cafés and cake shops.
Our approach was more leisurely,
using mainly quiet country lanes. We
completed just over 1,000 miles in 11
days, including two half days riding
and a full rest day, so we actually
rode for approximately nine days.
I drank about four pints of tea a
day – this means I get about 28 miles
to the pint of tea, which compares
favourably with the price of more
conventional fuels. On the downside,
I have had to join Tea Drinkers
Anonymous since finishing the ride.
Our favourite café was visited on
the first day in Fowey, Cornwall and
despite stiff competition, remained the
best. If you are lucky enough to visit
Fowey, seek out Pinky Murphy’s Café
for tea in bone china, treacle tart with
ice cream and strawberries, all served
by three lovely girls.
We saw some fabulous wildlife,
bikes being great for sneaking up on
animals. These included birds, foxes,
deer, and a leaping salmon at shin
Falls. The infamous scottish midges
only bothered us once, as the breeze
kept them at bay for the rest of our
trip. sadly, by far the greatest number
of wild animals we saw were road
kill victims, casualties of our collective
love affair with motor vehicles.
If anyone fancies doing some longdistance
cycling, I encourage you to
join the Audax Club, who organise
rides on quiet lanes over a range of
distances to suit most abilities – and
usually include plenty of café stops.
Their website is www.audax.uk.net.
I have received some sponsorship
for this ride which will go to
the redditch-based charity Where
Next, who do so much for adults
with learning difficulties (see page
30). Thank you to all who have given
support and if you enjoyed reading
about the trip, please consider making
a donation. This can be posted to:
Mike Genders’ Sponsored Cycle,
Where Next Association,
Wellesbourne Close, Easemore Road,
Redditch B98 8ER.
Main picture: Andy, Mike and Ashley start at Land’s End on
August 12. Inset: Mike’s ‘tea belly’! Above: Dawn in Glencoe.
Below: Journey’s end at John O’Groats on August 23.
The Village October 2005 29

Village People
Graham Clark, general manager
of Redditch-based charity Where
Next, explains about its work.
This year is Where Next’s 21 st
anniversary. It was set up originally
to support people with special
needs, leaving school and struggling
to gain meaningful employment.
We provide work-related training
which builds self-respect and confidence
through developing work and
social skills required for independent
living. Working also provides a vital
social network, contact with customers
and members of the community.
Where Next operates three businesses:
a horticultural nursery and
shop, a factory for packaging and
assembly and the manufacture of
wooden products, and a gardening
and landscaping business. Our
Training Department also offers the
option to gain nationally recognised
qualifications.
The trainees definitely see Where
Next as a place of work and, with the
support of staff, play an active part in
helping to achieve financial viability.
This level of individual support and
training is, of course, expensive and
so the profit from everything made,
grown and sold is put back into the
charity.
30
Taking the next step
The Village October 2005
The reward for
staff is seeing people
develop pride
and satisfaction
over what they’ve
achieved – a plant
grown and sold,
a garden revitalised,
a certificate
earned. success means seeing some
trainees move into paid employment,
voluntary work or further training at
the end of their course.
We have a real family atmosphere
here. People come back to visit
friends they made, tell us their news
or just pop in for advice.
We are always trying to create new
opportunities and have recently been
granted planning approval to erect
a modern new building to extend
our work. This will include a larger
nursery shop, small business units
and space for a wider range of training
facilities, as well as a community
resource centre for use by other local
charities and community organisations.
There will also be a café for
centre users and shoppers, conference
facilities and a hall for hire. All that
needs to be done
now is to raise the
£1.9m to build it!
The building
Appeal was
launched in
september at the
Abbey Hotel Golf
and Country Club.
The Association is
grateful for the support
of the patrons
of the Appeal:
n sir Digby Jones,
Director General
of the CbI
n Mr Philip Aubrey, Director of
birmingham botanical Gardens
n right revd Dr Peter selby, The
bishop of Worcester
n Mr Michael brinton, lord lieutenant
of Worcestershire
If you think you could help in some
way, perhaps by becoming a volunteer
or fundraiser, or would like more
information on the building Appeal,
please contact Karen Mcveigh on
01527 69955 or by email:
appeal.wherenext@btconnect.com
shop opening hours: Mon-Fri 9am–
5pm; sat 10am–4pm. Top quality
plants and garden furniture are always
available.
Where Next
Wellesbourne Close, Easemore
Road, Redditch, B98 8ER.
Some comments made by
trainees at Where Next:
“I have a laugh with my
friends in the Nursery and
do lots of work. I would get
lonely if I wasn’t here.”
“I have learnt new things like
woodwork which I never got
a chance to do at school.”
“Working here makes the
economy work. I use the
money I get from my disability
allowance to travel to work.”
Village People
MAKING A
DIFFERENCE
You may recall the story of
Cofton Hackett entrepreneur
Michelle Mills, who promised
to make some life changes after she
was caught up in the boxing Day
Asian tsunami.
Her company had recently won
several awards, but the humbling
experience of being looked after by
people who had lost their livelihoods,
and some their families, made an impact
that she vowed never to forget.
“The imbalance in the world was
plain to see. My company had won
awards and enjoyed champagne
toasts in glitzy ceremonies, but I
hadn’t worked harder than the sri
lankans who were sharing their water
with me despite losing everything
they had ever worked for.”
sri lankan business guru Jimmy lal
gave up his house and his garden to
50 refugees including Michelle and
her fiancé. He gave them his family’s
beds, their water, their food.
“One night, Jimmy came over and
sat with me and my partner stu,”
says Michelle. “He shared his last
bottle of Arak with us while telling
us how he had lost everything; his
boats, his trucks, his whole empire…
”but I remember the steps!” he said
as he raised his bottle in salute.
“I have never forgotten his words
or his attitude. He didn’t need accolades
and awards around him to
prove his worth. It didn’t matter that
he had to start all over again – he
could remember the steps, he knew
what he did right, and he could do
it again.”
On her return, Michelle closed
the award-winning company and
launched a new consultancy, Fizzy
business. “I just felt that I wanted to
start afresh in the way that my friends
in sri lanka had been forced to do.
I needed to feel a closer empathy.
I didn’t hurt anyone in the
process: it was an emotional
choice, something I had to
do,“ she explains.
“The new consultancy has
a different feel. It is much
more understated, working
mainly incognito for its clients.
There’s no Pr, no glitzy
ceremonies, no blowing our
own trumpet.”
Fizzy business is a maverick
company bridging the
gap between a marketing
agency and a telesales
company. The consultancy
operates as an outsourced
business development team,
specialising in gaining qualified
meetings with their clients’
target market.
Michelle says the resultsbased
fee structure has
made an impact in an industry
where “accountability”
is certainly not taken for granted,
and that the methods work across the
board, whether working with small
businesses, blue chip companies or
Premiership football clubs.
The most important thing to
Michelle is making a big difference
where it can be seen clearly: “I am
getting much more satisfaction from
my business life now, and have found
a work-life balance that I had heard
about, but didn’t realise existed.”
The only issue left to resolve is how
to find the right people to work in a
company that sits in an undefined
category. “sometimes, people from
a marketing background can be too
snobby to roll their sleeves up and do
the job”, says Michelle, “and people
from a sales background can be too
driven and targeted to consider the
clients’ needs above getting the sale.
Therefore the people we chose to join
Village Business
us need great communication skills
rather than a track record, or a relevant
background.
“With over 6,000 people made
redundant on our doorstep, and
many young adults coming out of
education, it shouldn’t be so difficult
to find the team member we
are searching for. someone who is
bright, articulate, and full of personality,
who will relish the opportunities
for development, will fit right in.
“It’s great fun working in an organisation
which is bold enough
to create its own path, so we need
someone who has a maverick attitude.
They must also share our values
and beliefs about why we are in business
in the first place – making a difference
in the best way we can.”
If you are interested in joining the
company, ring for an informal chat
and learn more about the role.
Fizzy Business: 0845 077 7711
The Village October 2005 31

Village Gardens
Ihave come to realise over the last
few years that people can run into
problems when they want to have
work done on their garden but really
don’t know where to start. so here’s a
“rough guide” to getting your garden
designed and landscaped.
There are a number of different
types of companies who offer a range
of services in the industry but they
can be summed up as follows;
1. The independent designer (I
come into this category) – usually an
individual or small design team and
usually trading under the name of the
main designer. some garden designers
will just sell you a design and
then expect you to get all the work
done yourself, and may recommend
a landscape company to do the work.
Others will do the design work and
then project-manage a landscape
team; this is much less hassle and, in
my opinion, means the design is im-
32
The Village October 2005
Expert help for
ideal gardens
Hannah Genders shares her tips
for getting your garden designed
and landscaped.
plemented with the designer’s original
intentions.
Things to be aware of would be:
make sure the designer is properly
qualified from a recognised college
or university; at the present time
there are lots of courses available for
people who fancy a job change and
do a year’s certificate course or less,
there is as yet no governing body for
this in the landscape design industry.
secondly, ask to see a portfolio if
you haven’t directly seen their work,
and you can request references for
other jobs they have done which are
similar to your project. liking their
style of work is very important.
2. The design and build company
– this is where one company takes on
the whole process for you, from the
design right through to the finished
job. There are plenty of good ones
out there but I have also seen some
appalling work.
You can apply the same criteria for
dealing with these companies as with
the individual designer, and this process
can be easier, but it is also often
more expensive as the landscape
quotes are not being compared with
anyone else.
3. The landscape company – this is
where the company don’t usually do
design work but are happy to come
and do the hard landscaping (patios,
paths and pergolas, etc). The design
work may be a scribble on the back
of a fag packet! Apply the usual criteria
for checking their work.
I would also advise for this category,
and for the design and build,
that you don’t pay money up front for
any work.
sometimes people will ask for
money for materials, which I personally
think is not good practice for any
business as it shows a poor cash flow
– but if you agree to this, pay the supplier
for the goods as they arrive at
your house.
4. Planting up and the finish of
the job – I had to add this category
Left and
far left: just
some of the
displays
a garden
designer
could help
you achieve.
Opposite: a
detailed plan
for a specific
garden
design.
as it is so often not given the importance
it deserves. Most of the above
will offer a planting service and
certainly you would expect planting
plans as part of the design, but in
my experience the planting can be
left to people who know very little
about the plants they are putting in.
They may have substituted species if
they couldn’t get hold of the one the
designer specified, which can be disastrous
if the cultivar chosen is much
bigger or needs special conditions.
This is one of the reasons I opt to
Hannah Genders
Garden Design
n Garden Design n Project
Management n Planting
Double medal-winner at the
Chelsea Flower Show
www.hannahgenders.co.uk
0121 445 0193
do the planting myself on my own designs,
and I still love to get my hands
dirty and make sure the finish of the
job is up to a standard I would be
happy with.
You can always insist on a contract
and work schedule so you will know
how long each part of the work
should take, and then agree payment
for completion of each part. This all
makes it sound a bit scary and I only
mean to provide a guide to avoiding
the pitfalls, but I still feel that word-ofmouth
recommendation is invaluable,
and having your garden designed,
built and planted is still a very exciting
and rewarding thing to do when
you end up with a beautiful outdoor
space to enjoy.
For a list of bAlI members (british
Association of landscape Industries)
one of the few regulatory bodies, visit
their website at www.bali.org.uk.
NB: The first series of Hannah’s gardening
programmes (mentioned in
our last issue) starts on October 17 at
9pm, on the uKTv Food channel.
Tree Surgeons & Woodland Management
Commercial, Domestic & Local Authority
Contractors
45 Years’ combined Arboricultural Experience
Fully Insured and Fully Trained Staff
Stump Grinding – Domestic & Commercial
Free Estimates Seasoned logs delivered
Glencoe Cottage, 12 Rose Hill, Lickey B45 8RR
0121 445 4747 / 01527 401640
Mobile: 0778 6991223 or 0788 0751297
The Village October 2005
33

Village What’s On
‘
bArNT GreeN scouts & Guides
hold a bonfire & Firework Display
on November 5, in the scout
& Guide field off blackwell
road, barnt Green. Gates
open 6pm, bonfire 6.30pm,
fireworks 7.30pm, plus a bbQ,
refreshments and side stalls.
Tickets £5/£2 on the gate or £4
/£1 in advance -– all proceeds to
the Hut rebuild fund. buy tickets
from the Guide Hut (Hewell lane)
on Mondays 7-9pm, or call 0121
447 7182. Please do not bring
sparklers to the display.
HArvINGTON HAll is offering
senior citizens two-for-one entry
on October 23, then there’s
a multi-period living History
Weekend on October 29-30,
with re-enactments of mediaeval
times until the early 20th century.
This is also the last weekend
that the Hall is open to casual
visitors. A Craft & Gift Fair takes
place on November 12-13. Info
and bookings: 01562 777846.
WesTONbIrT ArbOreTuM
is bursting with autumn colour
throughout October; why not
treat yourself to breakfast or af-
PUMPKIN
WORKSHOPS
READERS WILL remember
that last Halloween, Burcot
residents staged a special
pumpkin display which attracted
large crowds. This
year’s event (sponsored by
Hurrans Garden Centre) at
6pm on Oct 31, is expected
to be even bigger, and if
you want to ensure your
pumpkin is up there with
the best, help is at hand!
Tim Ratcliffe (who made
the Herman Munster
pumpkin on the right last
year) will run pumpkincarving
workshops in
Burcot Village Hall on
Sundays October 23 and
30, with sessions in the
ternoon tea in Maples restaurant
with its view of the changing
leaves? Meanwhile, the Native
Time Tree Trail (ongoing) follows
the history of english trees dating
back to the Ice Age. Info and
bookings: 01562 777846.
AvONCrOFT MuseuM holds
its annual, pre-bookable Tudor
Ghosts evening on October
29. For bookings and info call
01527 831363.
THe blACK Country living
Museum is raising the banner
from Oct 17-22, in a celebration
of Women’s labour. During half
term a host of Halloween activities
take place, and on the evenings
of Oct 30 & 31 visitors can
take part in guided ghost walks
(pre-book: 0121 520 8054).
November 5 brings traditional
family bonfire Night celebrations
(pre-book as above). Info and directions
on 0121 557 9643.
WArWICK CAsTle celebrates
Halloween from October 22-30
with a host of creepy characters
and spooky tales, while the terrifying
Ghosts Alive experience
morning (11am-12.30) and
afternoon (2pm-3.30). Cost
is £2 if you pre-book, or
£3 on the day. Adults and
children are welcome to attend
and pick up vital tips,
from designs to lighting
techniques.
Contact Tim on 0121 445
0351 or 07870 221294.
runs until October 31. The mighty
Trebuchet weapon is also in action
until the end of the month.For
more info, call 0870 442 2000
or see www.warwick-castle.co.uk.
CrOOMe PArK near Pershore
has a Pumpkins & Munchkins
weekend on October 29-30, with
a pumpkin hunt and free entry for
kids in Halloween fancy dress.
On November 12-13 join the
park’s property manager on a
beautiful buildings Walk. Info and
directions on 01905 371006.
HANburY HAll gets spooky on
October 26 with the Halloween
Hauntings, including stories,
trails and a bat hunt. More details
on 01527 821214.
sHuGbOrOuGH HAll & estate
holds Pumpkin Day on Oct 23,
with various activities on the
farm, and Halloween celebrations
take place on Oct 29. Then
on November 5 there’s a bonfire
and huge fireworks display.
More details on 01889 881388.
brOMsGrOve’s WAlKING For
Health programme offers walks
starting from sanders Park at
10am. Walks around the Park
take place each Monday from
the pavilion; and to other venues
every Friday, leaving from the
car park. For more info call
John: 01527 821065; Jean:
01527 875385; Muriel: 01527
879233; robin & sheila: 01527
873441; David & sandra
01527 832248.
lICKeY WI meets on the first Tuesday
of every month at 7.45pm
in the Parish Hall, lickey. For
information on forthcoming events
please contact Jenny ryder on
0121 445 1872.
burCOT & blACKWell WI holds
meetings at burcot village Hall
on the second Wednesday of
each month, at 2.15pm. For more
information call Pearl Prior on
01527 832493.
sT CATHerINe’s WI meets at
7.30pm on the third Thursday
of each month, in ‘The Wheel’
at blackwell. More info from
Carolynne Williams on 0121
445 4336.
rOseHIll FlOWer Arrangement
society meets on the second
Monday of each month at 2pm
in lickey Parish Hall. enjoy an
entertaining afternoon of flower
arranging demonstrations in a
friendly group. refreshments are
served. For details call belinda
Winroope on 0121 447 7477
or Anne Aldous on 0121 445
5124.
rOWNeY GreeN Flower Club
meets on the fourth Thursday
of each month, at The Peace
Hall. More info on meetings and
membership from Annette on
01527 64814.
HOPWOOD WI is currently
celebrating 90 years of the
WI, and also its successful
application for a Heritage
Lottery Award. The award
will enable all members
to attend a course of
their choice at Denman
College. The group meets
in Hopwood Village Hall
on the first Thursday of
the month at 7.30pm. For
more information contact
President Mrs Ann Thurrell
on 0121 447 7668.
bArNT GreeN Garden society
meets on the second Thursday of
each month at the Friends Meeting
House on sandhills road,
barnt Green. Meetings start at
8pm and visitors or new members
are always welcome.
THe FrIeNDsHIP Club of barnt
Green will receive a talk on Forensic
Medicine from Chris roney,
on October 18. All meetings take
place at 2.15pm at the Friends
Meeting House on sandhills
road, barnt Green. For more
details call Club Chairman linda
Fuller on 0121 445 4950.
THe brOMsGrOve society local
History Group has a talk on
Worcestershire’s Postal History
on October 18, courtesy of Chris
Jackson. All meetings are held in
the Methodist Centre on stratford
road, bromsgrove, at 7.45pm.
Admission £1.50 (members)/£2
(non-members).
THe PrIMrOse Hospice launches
its new ‘Peeling Off for Primrose’
calendar on October 17, with
lunch and guest speaker Tricia
stewart, one of the original
‘Calendar Girls’. Tickets £15.
There’s a fundraising swimathon
on Oct 22 at bromsgrove school,
then on Oct 29, Cradley Heath
Male voice Choir give a concert
at Fairfield village Hall. Tickets
£4 – call stan Clarke on 01527
876365. For all other events call
01527 875444.
lICKeY eND Playgroup (Ofsted
registered) runs a Parents &
Toddlers group every Thursday,
9.30-11am (term time only) at
lickey end Methodist Church,
Alcester road, lickey end. For all
babies and children up to school
age. £2.50 plus £1 for additional
siblings. Tel: 07791 851382.
WAlKs ArOuND Alvechurch
take place on the first sunday of
the month, typically of 2 hours’
duration (with a cut-off point for
those preferring a shorter walk),
and are intended to be manageable
by all ages. Meet at Tanyard
lane carpark at 2.20pm – walks
either start from there or lifts are
offered to the start point. see
details of the walks on village
society notice boards and in the
Post Office, or call 0121 445
2213 or 0121 447 7356.
ruberY DrAMA Group presents
Dancing at Lughnasa at the bea-
ART AND FRIENDSHIP
con Church Centre, Whetty lane,
rubery, from October 20-22.
Performances start at 7.30pm.
Tickets cost £5 (£4 conc.) and are
available on 0121 453 8733 or
0121 445 2323.
A CrAFT Fair organised by Holy
Trinity Church, lickey, takes place
on November 5 at lickey Parish
Hall, from 2-5pm.
lICKeY PlAYers present their
annual pantomime, Robinson
Crusoe, from December 8 - 11 in
lickey Parish Hall. Performances
take place at 7.30pm on Thur/Fri
and at 3pm sat/sun. Tickets cost
£5 or £2.50 for kids; call Irene
scott on 0121 445 2600.
lIve MusIC fans will be pleased
to learn that a new branch of
barfly has opened in birmingham,
situated in the basement of The
sanctuary nightclub. Barfly
Birmingham will be a platform
for local talent as well as showcasing
international artists, with
a mix of live acts all week and
club nights on Fridays (indie and
alternative) and saturdays (rock
and metal). For more information
and full listings, visit www.
barflyclub.com. but tickets online
at www.ticketweb.co.uk or by
calling 0870 907 0999.
reDDITCH PHIlATelIC society
holds its 35th Anniversary stamp
Fair on November 12, at Trinity
High school, redditch, from
BARNT GREEN Art Club hold their annual exhibition
of paintings and Christmas cards on November 26,
at the Friends Meeting House in Barnt Green. The
event runs from 10.30am and features watercolour
demonstrations and light refreshments. Admission is
free and there is good disabled access.
The club holds sessions on Tuesday mornings,
Friday mornings and Friday afternoons, with 10
students per session. Professional artist Angela Holt
helps members develop their own style. For more
information call Patricia White on 0121 445 4886.
Left: Students Jo Lloydd, Shiela Clifford and Linda Kittle.
THE NExT production by
amateur theatre group
All & Sundry is the classic
black comedy Arsenic
and Old Lace, directed
by Ralph Aldis. The play
will be on at the Artrix
in Bromsgrove from
October 26-29, with all
performances at 7.30pm.
Tickets £9.50 (£8 conc):
call 01527 577330.
www.allandsundry.org.
See also page 14.
10am-4pm. The event incorporates
the autumn conventions of
the Three Counties Federation of
Philatelic societies and the Midland
Philatelic Federation, and
many dealers are due to attend.
entrance is 50p and refreshments
will be on sale.
The society meets on the first
Monday and third Thursday of
each month from sept to June,
at st George’s Community Hall,
redditch. More info from Fred
Pritchard on 01527 525116.
The society have produced a
special postcard showing local
village postmarks from the 1840s
and 50s, taken from members’
collections. These cost 80p and
are available from Chris Jackson,
49 Mason road, Headless Cross,
redditch b97 5DT.
If you would like us
to list events for free
in our What’s On
guide, please send or
email details to Sally
Oldaker at the Village
address (page 3).
34 The Village October 2005
The Village October 2005 35

Burcot Grange
23 Greenhill, Burcot
Bromsgrove
Worcestershire
B60 1BJ
Burcot Grange
Residential care for the elderly
Burcot Grange provides an excellent service
to cater for all needs including:
* Long term care
* Short stay convalescent/holiday accommodation
* Individually designed, independent living suite
If you would like a copy of our latest Burcot News with the History of the Grange
dating back to 1890, any additional information, or to arrange a visit to discuss the
possibility of staying, please contact Mark or Karen Bales
Telephone: 0121 445 5552
admin@burcotgrange.com
www.burcotgrange.com