Village July2019

TheVillage 

July 2019 

villageonline.co.uk 

NEWS & FEATURES from Alvechurch, Barnt Green, Blackwell, Burcot 

Beoley, Cofton Hackett, Finstall, Hopwood, Bordesley, Rowney Green, 

Lickey, Lickey End, Marlbrook, The Oakalls . . . everywhere in between!

TheVillage Issue 203 July 2019 

inside 

Bringing you village life for more than 20 years 

Platinum Pair 

Page 6 

Editorial: 

Editor: Sally Oldaker 

Publisher: Richard Peach 

The Limes 

Alvechurch 

Worcestershire 

B48 7RR 

Tel: 0121 445 6757 

email: 

news@villageonline.co.uk 

It’s GlastonBeoley! 

Pages 16–17 

30 Years of Morris 

Page 18 

QUALITY FLOORING. . . 

AT AFFORDABLE PRICES 

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in The Village 

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. 

Picnic Party 

Pages 34–37 

Future of Growing 

Pages 49–52 

Lunar Legacy 

Page 53 

Cover: Villagers enjoy Blackwell’s ‘Flower 

Power’ themed festival. Picture by Keith 

Woolford. More photos next month! 

Find Us on Facebook: Transform Flooring 

Tel: 0121 457 8561 Mobile: 07712 62 63 42 

Email: transformflooring@outlook.com 

Address: 226 New Road, Rubery, Birmingham, B45 9JH

Village News 

An Alvechurch resident is taking part in the world’s 

longest mountain bike race in aid of Cancer Research. 

Tim Roberts, of Roberts Bespoke Joinery, is riding 

in the Tour Divide – a 2,745-mile off-road race from 

Canada to New Mexico. 

The route involves 61,000 metres of vertical climbing 

– the equivalent of ascending Mount Everest from sea 

level seven times over – and follows the continental divide 

of the Rockies through British Columbia, Montana, 

Idaho, Wyoming and Colorado. 

The race is unsupported, meaning participants must 

carry all their equipment, food and water themselves. 

“I’ve been a keen mountain biker for the past 10 years 

and have gravitated towards longer and longer routes,” 

says Tim, who will turn 50 during the Tour. 

“I had been thinking about the Tour Divide for several 

years, and finally decided to go for it. When a friend of 

mine was diagnosed with terminal cancer recently, I 

decided to raise money for charity at the same time.” 

You can donate at www.uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ 

TimRoberts20 

Above: Tim prepares his bike for the race, which he 

aims to complete in 23 days – the record is 14. 

new hall cash plea 

Trustees of the new Cofton Village 

Hall have made an urgent 

appeal for more funds, to enable 

the building to open this summer 

after a “disappointing” response 

so far from residents. 

While the building itself should be 

ready for the handover, there is currently 

a shortfall in cash for furniture 

and equipment, which could delay 

the opening. 

The hall, on the corner of Groveley 

Lane and East Works Drive, has been 

built by developer St Modwen as 

part of planning conditions for the 

construction of houses on the former 

MG Rover site, but the voluntary 

trustees who will be running it have 

been trying to raise the estimated 

£75,000 required to equip it. 

“St Modwen have been fairly generous 

in including some equipment 

that they were not strictly required 

to provide, but around £41,000 is 

needed up front to enable the hall 

to open,” says trustee Canon Rob 

Fieldson. 

“Cofton Hackett Parish Council is 

Council counts cost of vandalism 

Parish councillors are looking at ways to deter vandalism after 

a seat on the new play equipment at The Meadows, Alvechurch, was 

destroyed and stone seats were marked with paint. 

Parish clerk Tammy Williams told the monthly council meeting: “The 

caretaker noticed a chunk of a seat on the sling rotator had been torn 

off.” She said a replacement would cost the council £68. 

Chairman Marc Worrall added: “It is a sturdy bit of rubber – that’s 

not been done accidentally. I hate to say it, but there is some malice 

involved. It is disappointing. This vandalism is costing us and parishioners 

money.” 

Coun John Cypher asked whether there should be limited CCTV coverage 

at The Meadows. 

Coun Worrall said: “If we can find any deterrent, so much the better.” 

paying £10,000 for services such as 

fire and security alarms and internet, 

and we received a National Lottery 

grant of £10,000. 

“Local fundraising events and donations 

have contributed a further 

£4,500 or so – but with a couple of 

generous exceptions, the response 

to the appeal letter sent to local 

residents was disappointing.” 

The trustees are asking for villagers 

to come forward with donations 

towards equipping the hall – for 

example, £1,200 would buy an HD 

projector, £1,000 would pay for 

internet installation, £200 a lounge 

chair, £150 a folding table, £100 a 

hand dryer, £30 a stacking chair, or 

£12 a dozen mugs. 

“Could your workplace make a 

grant or donation, perhaps in return 

for publicity? Do you know of a trust 

or charity which might give funding 

for such a purpose?” adds Canon 

Fieldson. 

For details of how to donate, visit 

www.coftonvillagehall.org, www. 

gofundme.com/CoftonVillageHall 

or ring the Trust’s secretary, Shelagh 

O’Loughlin, on 0121 447 745. 

The Village July 2019 

5


u 

Platinum 

party time 

Husband and wife residents at 

Burcot Grange care home celebrated 

their 70th wedding anniversary with 

a traditional afternoon tea. 

Georgina and Arthur Mitchell’s tea 

party was attended by their daughter, 

Hazel, and son-in-law, Ken, plus 

fellow residents. 

Arthur, 91, said, “We would like to 

say a big thank you to Burcot Grange 

for giving us such a memorable day. 

The secret to our long and happy 

marriage has been a lot of love, tolerance 

and a shared Christian faith.” 

The couple, originally from Glasgow, 

were members of the same 

church from an early age and their 

friendship blossomed into love. After 

serving in the RAF and returning 

to civilian life, Arthur proposed to 

Georgina. They went on to have two 

children, Hazel and Derek, before 

moving to Hereford for Arthur’s work 

as a metallurgist. 

They moved to Leominster in 1992 

and lived there until 2016 when they 

moved into Burcot Grange. They have 

recently become great-grandparents. 

Vicky Osborne, general manager 

of Burcot Grange, added: “They are a 

wonderful couple and we wish them 

many more happy years together. We 

took plenty of photos to share with 

their family in Scotland who were 

unable to attend in person.” 

Stations still waiting 

B 

arnt 

Green Parish Council is 

hoping that long-promised 

lifts at the railway station may 

at last be a step nearer. 

A letter from Network Rail, passed 

on to the council by village MP Sajid 

Javid, stated that it was now working 

with the Department for Transport 

on a funding process, with designs 

and costings to be submitted by the 

end of this year – with work due to 

begin shortly afterwards. 

The council had previously requested 

a meeting with the DfT, and 

parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley 

reported that the Bromsgrove 

Engagement and Equalities Forum 

had agreed to write to the Disabilities 

Minister on the same matter. 

Richard Brooks of West Midlands 

Rail had also told the council that 

new branding and signage was now 

in place at the station, while an extra 

ticket machine had been installed in 

the car park. 

Councillors agreed to continue to 

pursue WMR for information screens 

and extra seating. 

6 The Village July 2019 

n The “Great Lake of Alvechurch”, 

which has filled a large portion of 

the village station’s car park so far 

this spring and summer, has forced 

even more cars to park along nearby 

residential streets, parish councillors 

heard. 

“There are very polarised views,” 

said district councillor Kate Van 

Der Plank. “On the same day last 

week I had someone who had been 

shouted at by a resident for parking 

near the station and a resident upset 

at having their drive blocked.” 

The problem may be exacerbated 

by commuters from Redditch parking 

at Alvechurch on their way into 

Birmingham. 

Coun Van Der Plank said she had 

been told of a Redditch social media 

group “where they were suggesting 

people drive to Alvechurch for the 

free parking”. 

Parish chairman Marc Worrall said 

he had contacted county council 

officials over resolving the car park 

problems and hoped there would be 

fresh impetus. 

Village braces 

for parking woe 

Barnt Green is braced for “parking 

mayhem” when Hewell Road closes 

for the water main to be replaced, 

although Severn Trent assured 

parish councillors that disruption 

would be kept to a minimum. 

They said there would be two 

phases to the road closure, due to 

begin on July 22, with access to 

homes and the railway station maintained 

throughout. 

The village churches had been 

asked if shoppers could use their car 

parks during the closure, but both 

said they were busy already. Severn 

Trent would now approach the 

social club. 

Parish chairman Robert Cholmondeley 

said: “There will be parking 

mayhem whatever happens.” 

Coun Charlie Hotham said he was 

“very worried by the track record of 

Severn Trent’s previous projects.”

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Right-of-way battle looms 

barnt green parish councillors 

have vowed to keep up the pressure 

on CALA Homes to give all residents 

access to a public right of way. 

The path that leads from Butterwick 

Close through to Cherry Hill 

Road was created as a condition of 

planning permission for the Foxhills 

development, but it is currently 

blocked by gates that separate five 

houses from the rest of the estate. 

“Apparently this is due to safety 

concerns about people being able to 

go straight on to a road, but Bromsgrove’s 

planning officer has confirmed 

that it is a right of way so the 

path should be accessible to all,” said 

district councillor Charlie Hotham. 

“I suspect there will now be 

months of argument between CALA, 

Worcestershire Highways and myself 

– CALA will probably say it’s too much 

trouble to change it.” 

Coun Phil Perry, who lives on the 

estate, said that he had got through 

the gates by using the “trade” buzzer, 

but could not get out again as there 

was no keypad on the other side. 

Parish ‘quirks’ 

prompt review 

Lickey & Blackwell parish council 

discussed the idea of adding a new 

area to the parish after an enquiry from 

a resident of Staple Flat. 

Coun Stephen Nock told colleagues 

that although the road is actually in 

Lickey End, which does not have a 

parish council, residents consider themselves 

part of Lickey & Blackwell. 

“There have been some dodgy planning 

decisions affecting Lickey End, and 

people have written to us for help but 

we’ve had to point out that they are not 

part of our parish.” 

Chairman Nick Forknell said it would 

be unusual to adopt just one road, and 

that at least a third of the residents 

would need to support the change. 

Meanwhile, Barnt Green is also considering 

expanding its parish. District 

councillor Charlie Hotham said that 

the idea had been mooted before, but 

Bromsgrove hadn’t wanted to change 

boundaries in the run-up to elections. 

“There are some strange quirks with 

the boundary – one side of Cherry Hill 

Road comes under Blackwell, and the 

sailing club is officially within Barnt 

Green but the reservoir isn’t.” 

Coun Hotham requested a discussion 

on the subject for a future meeting. 

8 The Village July 2019

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Woody inspires charity 

Abereaved father has launched 

a new children’s charity in 

memory of his baby son. 

Woody (below), who was born to 

Cofton Hackett couple Matthew and 

Amy last September, had an “ultrarare” 

disease known as Congenital 

Alveolar Dysplasia, and died in his 

parents’ arms aged 22 days. 

Matthew has now joined up with 

local volunteers to form The Woody 

Alvin Foundation, a charity based 

on giving and doing great 

things for very sick children 

and their families. 

The charity’s “Send 

Above: Founder Matthew Meredith-Storer with volunteers 

A Friend” campaign 

Julia Wilson, Carla Newby, June Storer and Sheri Gidney. 

donates soft toys to very 

sick children and their 

siblings as a comfort companion 

during a very frightening 

time. An online shop and 

mobile pop-up shop sell the toys in a 

buy-one-get-one-free deal where the 

free one goes to a child in hospital. 

“Supporters get to keep their own 

soft toy, knowing that another will be 

donated in their name 

to a very deserving 

child,” says Matthew. 

Through fundraising 

and events the foundation 

can also make available other 

comforts and activities for families in 

receipt of critical or terminal care. 

The Rev Sheri Gidney, a trustee 

of the foundation, says: “The charity 

is born of first-hand experience of 

receiving critical care and therefore 

wanting to offer support that is both 

compassionate and practical in this 

most challenging of situations.” 

For more information, including 

the chance to win a £15 Amazon 

voucher, find The Woody Alvin 

Foundation (@thewafoundation) on 

Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

News in brief. . . 

Lickey 

Community Group hopes to donate 

funds for lighting to illuminate the 

defibrillator at the Trinity Centre. Lickey & Blackwell 

parish chairman Nick Forknell said he approved, but the 

parochial church council would have to give its blessing. 

Cases 

of fly-tipping in Alvechurch worsened 

during May, including a three-piece 

suite and sheets of asbestos, district councillor Kate Van 

Der Plank told parish councillors. “I have spoken to the 

community police team, who came out to have a look, 

and they suggest cameras as the best solution.” 

Coun Van Der Plank said she also hoped to get financial 

support for a “Cleaner, Greener Alvechurch” project. 

“We are looking at trying to raise interest and awareness, 

generally about litter, but also about recycling.” 

return of a car boot sale by Cobb’s Barn roundabout, 

Bordesley, has “caused a lot of anxiety”, 

The 

district councillor Annette English told Alvechurch 

parish councillors. She said she had been surprised to 

be told by police that they couldn’t do anything about 

cones that had been put along the road. “If it got to be 

like Studley car boot it would be absolute chaos there,” 

added Coun English. 

New 

Alvechurch parish chairman Marc Worrall 

paid tribute to his predecessor as he took 

charge. “The parish owes Andy Humphries a huge debt 

of gratitude for his work over the years,” Coun Worrall 

told fellow councillors. “But I have one complaint about 

Andy,” he joked, “he built a pedestal so high that anyone 

following in his wake has got a tall order ahead.” Coun 

Worrall also thanked retiring councillors Adrian Smith, 

Martin Ball and Rick Chima. 

Meanwhile, the council co-opted Sam Lewis, one of 

the “Hopwood mums” who have successfully campaigned 

for play equipment in the hamlet, as a parish 

councillor – leaving two vacancies. 

Alvechurch 

Parish Council will decide 

this month whether to 

continue to pay for surface water run-off at Alvechurch 

Social Club car park, which the club makes available 

to villagers under an agreement with the parish and 

district councils. The council previously paid the whole 

£600 bill over two years, but currently has only £400 in 

its budget for the car park, councillors heard. 

Deedar restaurant in Barnt Green has improved 

its food hygiene rating from one star 

The 

to four stars (Good), after an inspection in April. 


ADVERTISEMENT 

Severn Trent invites residents in the Barnt Green area 

to learn about its water pipe improvement project 

Water company Severn Trent is hosting a 

community drop-in session for residents in Barnt 

Green and the wider community on 11 July, where 

they can hear about plans for new water pipes in 

their area. 

The company will be upgrading 500 metres of 

pipes between July and September, as part of a 

£120,000 investment to improve the water supply 

in the Worcestershire village. 

The work, to replace ageing water pipes with 

brand new ones in Hewell Road, will begin on 

Monday 22 July and will take place in two phases. 

Phase one will start at the junction with Bittell 

Road, working to the entrance into Station 

Approach. Phase two will continue along Hewell 

Road, from Station Approach to the junction with 

Sandhills Lane. Access to the station and local 

shops will be available via signed diversion routes. 

Gareth Mead from Severn Trent said: “To ensure 

residents in Barnt Green have a reliable water 

supply for many years to come and to reduce the 

number of bursts and leaks in the area, we need 

to upgrade 500 metres of water pipes that run 

through the village. 

“To carry out this vital work, which will see old 

pipes being replaced, we will need to close 

sections of Hewell Road to through traffic 

throughout the summer, in order to keep our 

teams, pedestrians and road users safe. 

“We do understand the disruption that this may 

cause, which is why we are hosting a drop-in 

session on Thursday 11 July at the Barnt Green 

Sports Club, Margesson Drive, B45 8LR between 

3:30pm and 6:30pm, so we can update residents, 

show them our plans and answer any questions 

they may have.” 

This project forms part of Severn Trent’s 

commitment to investing in its infrastructure 

which will see the equivalent of £1,400 invested 

for every home and business it serves between 

2015 and 2020. 

Find out more at www.stw.works

Village Events 

Garden 

fun at 

Lawns 

The Lawns care home in 

Alvechurch had a bit of luck 

with the weather for its recent 

Garden Party, with the rain stopping 

just before the event began. 

Residents and their families and 

friends enjoyed live music from John 

Dale and Alexandra White, as well as 

a buffet, burgers, hot dogs, fries and 

a slush puppy machine. 

For the younger guests there was 

a piñata and a bouncy castle, but 

surprisingly the majority of those 

who enjoyed it the most were adults, 

including staff and some residents – 

proving that age has no limits. 

A special cake was made by a staff 

member for a “guess a weight” competition, 

and also featured The Lawns’ 

brand new logo. 

“We had a great turn out and some 

really lovely comments, with people 

saying this was our best party yet,” 

said manager Lukas Rokita. 

“I would like to thank everyone for 

supporting us with their kind donations, 

which will be spent on more 

entertainment for residents, and to 

say a massive thank-you to the staff.” 

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Village Views 

Bonfire gripe misses 

Dear Editor – While refuelling my 

Lawton’s View 

father’s bonfire on one of the many 

Sunday mornings during the 1940s, 

little did I realise that one day my 

actions may cause consternation 

to someone in the 21st century. It’s 

something that just does not cross 

your mind at the time. Or should I say, 

I can’t recall it crossing mine. 

It therefore came as a bit of a 

surprise that Mr Ridarta (In your June 

issue) appears to have taken umbrage 

at my treasured childhood memories. 

While Mr Lewis, in the same issue, 

finds it impossible to believe that I’m 

as old as I make out (I’ll take that as a 

compliment, Mr Lewis). 

I’m not sure Mr Ridarta read my 

letter or, if he did, failed to appreciate 

that I was recalling past events. 

However, not content with confusing 

the main reason for my reply, he 

Baskets brighten 

decides to try and muddy the water 

by comparing a garden bonfire to an 

up village 

industrial power station, and then, to 

Dear Editor – It was good to see Nick 

take the situation even further still, he 

Houghton and his two helpers from 

throws in a few taxis to add strength 

Where Next? Redditch planting out 

to his argument. 

containers and putting up the hanging 

baskets in Barnt Green. We enjoy 

I think I would have been inclined 

to take his letter more seriously had 

them every year and this time they 

he championed causes like the rapidly 

look really excellent, brightening us 

disappearing rainforests, desecration 

up after a particularly rainy spell! 

of the world’s wildlife, plastic contamination, 

and, even closer to home – the 

Thanks also to the parish council for 

providing them. 

use of Green Belt Land to build upon 

Rachel Banner, Barnt Green 

in preference to the large areas of 

vacant brownfield sites. 

John B Holland, Alvechurch 

Tune in to 

Radio Cofton 

Dear Editor – Reservoir Road has two 

new resident DJs on Cofton Hackett 

Radio (CHR). Myself (aka Dogtags) and 

Have your 

say . . . about 

anything! 

my next door neighbour, Will, have 

our own shows at 8pm on Tuesday 

and Friday respectively. 

I originally replied to a casting call 

for local presenters, although I had 

no previous broadcasting experience. 

After a little encouragement (and a 

great deal of patience) my dining table 

was slowly reworked into a sound 

studio with global reach. While in 

training I mentioned to CHR that Will 

was a budding club DJ. 

Despite the decades separating us, 

there’ll no doubt be a crossover in our 

sonic styles based on what I’ve overheard 

while mowing the lawn. The 

plan is to eventually collaborate and 

maybe perform guest slots on each 

other’s shows. After all, it’s just a hop 

over the hedge to the other studio. 

Perhaps we’re announcing the origins 

of Reservoir Road FM. 

Steve Farley (Dogtags), 

Cofton Hackett 

Memories of a 

great friend 

Dear Editor – I would like to say a 

few words about a great friend who 

lived in Alvechurch for many years. 

I knew Tony Keating through my 

sister, who knew his wife a number 

email: editor@villageonline.co.uk 

or write to: Letters, The Village, 

The Limes, Swan Street, Alvechurch B48 7RR 

Please include your name and address – even if you request them to be withheld 

from publication. We reserve the right to edit submissions for reasons of 

space or legality. The deadline for the next issue is July 16. 


the point 

of years ago. We lost touch and then regained our 

friendship a couple of years later. I found out that he had 

developed a crippling illness and we were in touch often 

by text and phone calls, but due to work commitments I 

was unable to get to visit. I found out recently from the 

sheltered accommodation he’d had to go into that he 

had sadly passed away. 

I will miss my our chats together, my friend, until we 

hopefully meet again. Much love. 

Peter Shropshall, via email 

That’s the badger! 

Dear Editor – Having lived on the Lickey Hills for 20 

years and the land having been in the family for 80 years, 

we have never been plagued by badgers – until this year. 

Our nine-hole putting green, which has been enjoyed 

over the years by family and friends, has been completely 

decimated (above). A spade could not have done a better 

job! Have any of your readers got any good ideas to 

discourage them? 

Keith Hughes, Lickey 

Where’s Vinny? 

EIGHT-YEAR-old Finnley Siembab, 

of Alvechurch, was the latest 

winner of a Mini Vinny in our 

monthly competition. 

If you want to win one for 

yourself, you’ll need to try to 

locate the little hedgehog hiding 

somewhere in this magazine (the 

one shown above is just a guide!). 

Just tell us where he’s hiding via phone, email or 

post – please include your contact details, especially 

if leaving a voicemail message – and we’ll draw a winner 

at random. 

The closing date is midnight on the 18th of every 

month. We’ll let you know if you’ve won and you can 

collect your Mini Vinny from our office – and pose for 

a photo with your prize! 

TheVillage View . . . 

Even though it’s summer and we usually give the 

bees in our bonnet a rest for a month or two, 

there’s one that just keeps buzzing around our 

head . . . and it is all to do with that fear we have of a 

looming Barntchurch. 

You may remember, tucked away in our column a 

couple of months ago (while we were nudging your 

memories about what our district councillors had been 

voting for or against over the previous four years), 

we’d discovered the report that first raised the spectre 

of up to 15,000 new homes in our Green Belt had been 

given pride of place online alongside Broms grove 

District Council’s official planning policies. 

On a page with just seven entries, under the title 

“Planning Policies” and the sub-title “Here are the 

planning policies that help to guide development in 

Bromsgrove District”, sat the Greater Birmingham Housing 

Market area – Strategic Growth Study. 

Bromsgrove’s planning department even sounded 

proud of it, adding: “Presenting the 2018 Greater 

Birmingham and Black Country Housing Market Area 

(BGGCHMA) Strategic Growth Study.” 

It was given the same billing as Bromsgrove’s Local 

Development Plan, the approved documents that form 

the district’s planning policy. 

And yet it is not policy, it is not even accepted as 

anything more than a desktop study, concocted from 

afar with a number of obvious flaws (so much so that 

one development expert half-joked to us that it might 

have been done by the work experience kid). 

In fact, if you click on the link, for it is still there, 

one of the first things you will see is a statement by 

the former leader of the council saying: “It cannot be 

stressed strongly enough the Council has not accepted 

the findings of the study.” 

So what is it doing there, among the actual planning 

policies of the council and reached by clicking on 

“Planning Policies” on the www.bromsgrove.gov.uk 

landing page? 

We contacted the planning officers to ask and their 

response was to edit the website, adding “and Other 

Planning Information” to the listing page title, but 

leaving the report where it was. When we pointed out 

this was still misleading, we were told there was “no 

value in debating where it could go any further”. 

In a world increasingly confounded by online “fake 

news”, where a desktop study could become a ruinous 

reality on our green fields, the people living in 

Bromsgrove district deserve better protection against 

rampant development than the apparent welcome 

mat laid out by our planning officers. 

We urge the new councillors representing our 

villages to make a priority of fighting to expunge this 

development fantasy from our council’s “planning 

policies”. 


15


Glastonbeoley! 

Undeterred by the build-up of 

rain, rain, and more rain, the 

second GlastonBeoley charity 

music festival went ahead as planned 

– and beat its fundraising target. 

The final total was still to be 

confirmed as we went to press, but it 

topped last year’s figure of £10,000. 

The event was opened by Beoley 

First School choir, whose performance 

appeared to beckon the 

sunshine, and force the clouds away 

for the rest of the day! Festival-goers 

then enjoyed music from 38 bands in 

two venues, a bar by Sip & Swig, and 

various food vendors. 

All the bands performed for free 

to help raise money for three local 

charities – Redditch Nightstop, 

Charlotte and Craig’s Saving Hearts 

Foundation, and Inspire Redditch – 

along with national charity The 

Sophie Lancaster Foundation. All 

funds raised on the day will be donated 

to these charities. 

The cost of staging GlastonBeoley 

was met by various fundraising 

events prior to the festival, and there 

was also generous sponsorship from 

Oakland International, Duchy Homes 

and Higgs & Sons solicitors. 

Event organisers plan to start fundraising 

soon for the next GlastonBeoley, 

which will raise money for a new 

set of charities. Look out for news on 

www.glastonbeoley.co.uk 



17


Marking 

30 years 

of Morris 

Alvechurch Morris celebrated their 

30th anniversary with a day of dancing 

around the village, calling at The Weighbridge, 

The Crown, The Red Lion and The 

Swan. They were joined by guest sides 

Aelfgythe, Black Adder, Plum Jerkum, 

and Nancy Butterfly, all of whom have 

performed with Alvechurch Morris many 

times over the years. 

Alvechurch Morris 

Plum Jerkum 

Nancy Butterfly 

Aelfgythe 

Photos 

by Pippa 

Morley 

Black Adder 


Village Directory 

The Village Directory 

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

Specialist Orthopaedic, Musculoskeletal 

and Women’s Health Physiotherapy 

Leila Holmes MSc MSCSP SRP 

• Have you had a baby and would you like a specialist 

abdominal and pelvic floor assessment? 

• Would you like to safely and effectively reach your 

fitness goals after having a baby? 

• Do you have pain around your back, pelvis or other joints? 

• Would you like an ante/postnatal massage? 

For a Mummy MOT or any other queries 

please contact Leila on: 07813 080223 

Leila.holmes@physioadvantage.co.uk 

www.physioadvantage.co.uk / www.themummymot.com 

French Classes 

Avoncroft Arts Centre & 

Chaddesley Corbett Village Hall 

30 weeks course 

from September 9 

Beginners: Tues 19.00–21.00 

Level 2 (post-beginners): Thurs 19.00–21.00 

Level 3 (intermediate): Thurs 13.30–15.30 

Conversation (A-level standard): Weds 19.00–21.00 

Discussion (Degree Level): Tues 10.00–12.00 (Chaddesley), 

Weds 10.00–12.00, Fri 9.30–11.30 

l One to one / group tuition for beginners 

l GCSE & A-Level tuition l Translation work 

Nicole Harris M.C.I.L Tel: 01527 878493 / 07802 637093 

French native speaker with over 30 years’ teaching experience 

Email: nicnoelharris@aol.com www.frenchwithnicoleharris.co.uk 

T.S. Electrical 

Domestic & Commercial 

Property/Landlord Inspections 

Full & Part Rewires l Fuse Board Replacements 

Alarms Fitted l PAT Testing l Part P Certified 

01564 823882 / 07974 829794 

Lilley Green Road, Alvechurch 

The Husband and Wife Team 

Fixing Your Home Dream 

20 Years’ Experience No Job Too Small 

Carpentry – doors, skirting boards, architrave etc 

Painting and decorating l Erecting garden sheds 

Fencing and gates l Decking and sleepers 

Flooring – wood, laminate and vinyl 

Tiling l Kitchen fitting l Stair installation 

Flat pack furniture l General maintenance 

Tel: 07842 512101 

Email: mrandmrsmaintenanceteam@gmail.com 

Follow us on Facebook 

Fast, friendly, 

competitively 

priced 

Available 7 

days a week 

RSPH Level 2 

qualified 

07496 750071 www.waspbusters.com 


21


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 

ANDY HOPKINS 

AUTO SERVICE AND REPAIRS 

Servicing, Repairs, MOTs, 

Exhausts, Tyres, Diagnostics 

Red Lion St, Alvechurch B48 7LF 

(at rear of Red Lion Garage) 

Call 07799 858937 

Local, reliable 

service with 40 

years’ experience 

Poppins Home & Office Cleaning Services 

special offers on all services! 

Poppins offers One-Off, End-of-Tenancy and Regular 

Cleans, Oven & Carpet Cleaning, Painting & Gardening. 

We also provide Laundry, Dry Cleaning and Tailoring 

with a Pick-up and Drop-off service available 

BASED AT THE LAUNDERETTE IN ALVECHURCH 

Office: 0121 445 0544 www.poppinsservices.com 

Mobile: 07891 899837 info@poppinsservices.com 

Member of 

Birmingham 

Chamber of 

1b George Road, Alvechurch B48 1PB FULLY INSURED 

Commerce 

Pledger 

Electrical 

ServicesS 

Call Dean: 0121 445 1601 or 07891 498909 

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 

LOCAL 

ELECTRICIAN 

n Installations n Maintenance & Repair 

n Inspection & Testings n Reliable Service 

Part P 

Registered 

Installer 

Texecom & 

Honeywell approved 

Company reg number: 06164927 

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

D.J.SCRIVEN ROOFING CONTRACTOR 

DAVID JAMES SCRIVEN - ROOFER 

TILE / SLATE / LEAD / TRADITIONAL ROOFING 

NO JOB TOO SMALL - FREE QUOTATIONS 

160 SIR HILTONS ROAD, BIRMINGHAM B31 3NW 

TEL: 0121 291 9452 07845 268 841 07841 684 547 

Email: scrivenroofing@gmail.com 

Facebook: DJScriven Roofing Contractor 

Recommended 

Mike Nash - Qualified - Local - Friendly 

Mobile Computer Engineer – will visit your Home or Office 

n Virus & Spyware Removal n Wireless Broadband Set Up/Repair 

n All Computer Hardware Repair n Laptop Screen Replacement 

Tel: 0121 445 2065 helpme@ontrackcomputers.co.uk 

www.ontrackcomputers.co.uk 80 Hewell Rd, Barnt Green, B45 8NF 

& HETAS Stove Installer 

l Prompt, reliable and friendly service 

l Cowls and Chimney Pots fitted 

l Fully qualified and fully insured 

l Guild certificates issued after every sweep 

Call Eddie: 01527 962555 / 07712 220671 

www.elitesweeps.co.uk 

Friendly 

Service, Free 

Estimates, 

Quality Work 

All Internal & External Carpentry 

Insurance Work Undertaken 

Dave Terry 

0121 445 1574 or 07970 966470 

www.classic-carpentry.co.uk 

classiccarpentry@hotmail.co.uk

Protect your loved ones by 

making a Will today 

Sue Jenden Associates 

u Specialists in Wills, Trusts, 

inheritance tax planning, and 

administration of estates 

u Affiliate member of the Society 

of Trust & Estate Practitioners 

u Meetings in your own home 

u Based in Lickey u Fixed fees 

Tel: 0121 445 5874 

info@suejendenassociates.co.uk 

www.suejendenassociates.co.uk 

This firm complies 

with the IPW 

Code of Conduct 

Beautiful Interior Doors Supplied and Installed 

we now sell 

composite doors 

www.acsinteriordoors.co.uk 

Please visit the 

only door 

showroom in 

Redditch. 

Unit 6, 

Britten House, 

The Old Needle 

Works, 

Britten Street, 

Redditch B97 6HD 

07592 303104 or 

07910 289565 

Independent home care agency owned and 

run by an experienced Registered Nurse 

Traditional, bespoke, person-centred care 

Safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led 

Registered with the 

Care Quality Commission 

Contact Jackie Grant on 

0121 448 3348 

jackie@windmill-hill-care.co.uk 

www.windmill-hill-care.co.uk 

traditional Joinery & furniture makers 


23 

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


Lloyd Morgan 

07789 622453 

0121 445 6441 

morganplumbingandheating.co.uk 

City & Guilds Fully Qualified Plumber 

Free Quotes 

Over 20 years’ experience 

Fully qualified & fully insured 

Dedicated to customer satisfaction 

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

l Insurance work l Stud walls l Re-skimming 

l Plaster Boarding l Traditional Plastering l Ceilings 

l Patching work l Rendering l Coving l Screeding 

l Dry-lining l Painting l Tiling l Archways 

Contact Aaron: 0121 445 0383 / 07821 047 220 

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 

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 

n Plumbing 

n Plastering 

n Tiling 

n Carpentry 

n Vinyl/Laminate Fitting 

n Fully Insured 

Phil Newton 

t. 0800 310 2720 

m. 07900 925 651 

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

FRIENDLY FAMILY BUSINESS 

7 days a week l 24 hours a day l Fully insured 

l Free boxes, bubble wrap, tape and a packing service 

www.moveit-removals.com Freephone 0800 7734189 

Tel: 01527 893250 Mob: 07973 358392 

Kevin Smith 

ksinstallations@hotmail.co.uk 

Tel: 0121 445 5636 

Mobile: 07813 188806 

• Plumbing & Heating Services 

• Boiler Replacement 

• Bathrooms 

• Service & Repair 

• Pipework Design & Installation 

• Domestic, Commercial & 

• Industrial 

Worcester boiler 

accredited installer 

A.S. PAINTING & 

DECORATING 

For all your decorating needs 

contact Alan 

on 07730 477564 

Cleanliness Assured l Free Quotes 

B 

Bespoke Housekeeping 

& Domestic Services 

The Concierge Service for your home and life 

07939 627668 

Nicky Robinson Aesthetics 

Aesthetic treatments with qualified 

medical professional - including anti-wrinkle 

treatments, fillers, Microneedling, 

dermaplanning and skin care 

u Fully insured u Certified by Derma Medical 

u Member of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses 

Tel: 07843 047688 E: nrobinsonaesthetics@gmail.com 

Web: www.nraesthetics.co.uk 

Instagram: @Nickyrobinsonaesthetics

Learn to drive with Andy Rees 

Andy Rees AA Trained Driving Instructor 

07736 396 414 

u New drivers u Confidence-building u Motorway experience sessions 

u Calm, friendly, highly professional and reliable 

Email: a.rees74@outlook.com 

Instagram:@AndyReesDriving 

K M Window Cleaning Service 

Local, Reliable, Affordable, Professional 

Free Quotes Competitive Prices 

Regular 6 Weekly Visits 

Commercial & Residential 

All Types of Windows 

Frames & Sills Conservatories 

Gutter Clearing 

Karl McLeod 07716 738134 knkmcleod@hotmail.co.uk 

R. M. B. SERVICES 

Domestic Appliance & Gas Engineer 

as seen on Alvechurch Village Society’s Facebook page 

Life Coaching Therapy 

Make a positive change 

Alicia Benbow: Qualified business coach, 

NLP Master and clinical hypnotherapist 

l Anxiety, panic attacks, stress and phobias 

l Confidence, relationships, career changes 

l EMDR l Based in Blackwell l GHR registered 

Tel: 07876 688497 Email: alicia@lifecoachingtherapy.co.uk 

www.lifecoachingtherapy.co.uk Life Coaching Therapy 

PETER R.YARNOLD 

CARPENTRY & JOINERY 

Quality, bespoke, handmade joinery 

in hardwood or softwood. 

u Doors u Windows u Kitchens 

u Stairs u Conservatories u Furniture 

Tel: 01527 873552 or 07717 102604 

Boiler servicing and breakdown 

Servicing of gas fires etc 

Home owner and landlord certificates 

Repairs to washing machines, tumble 

driers, fridges, freezers, electric ovens 

and cookers, electric showers 

Based in 

Alvechurch 

0121 445 0184 

07977 487 999 

Find us on Facebook: ‘RMB Services’

10 

From TheVillage archive 

Years Ago 

our july/august 

cover showed dancers 

from Earlsdon Morris 

at the Barnt Green 

Summer Festival – 

there were more pics 

inside, along with 

photos from the 

annual towpath cycle 

from Alvechurch to 

Worcester. 

September 2013 – the diggers 

arrive 

IN THE NEWS: 

Bromsgrove District Council had been “rapped” by the 

local government ombudsman over the way it approved 

plans for affordable homes in Hopwood. 

Elsewhere, thousands of Minis from all over the 

world were expected to converge on Cofton Park to 

mark the car’s 50th birthday. 

20 

From TheVillage archive 

Years Ago 

There was a 

summery scene on 

the cover of our July/ 

August 1999 mag, as 

Les Ladbury snapped 

a cricket match at 

Barnt Green. Inside 

were photos from 

various school fetes 

and a history of 

Bilberry Hill. 

September 2013 – the diggers 

arrive 

IN THE NEWS: 

Beoley parish had received £10,000 cash from district 

council funds to improve its village hall. Burcot was 

planning a “Doomsday project” for the Millennium, 

and a new cashpoint in Barnt Green was printing 

receipts calling the village ‘Barnet Green”. 

withybed green held its first festival in celebration 

of the hamlet and its people, starting at 4am 

to watch the sunrise and continuing with a picnic, 

a bread-making workshop, a photo exhibition, live 

music and poetry. 

CROWN MEADOW 

First School pupils 

including five-yearolds 

Eloise Robbins 

and Leo Carrington 

Crooke processed 

around Alvechurch 

as part of a national 

walking bus event 

organised by road 

safety charity Brake. 

The first “Rowney Roots” music extravaganza on 

the Rowney Green playing fields was a major success, 

with some 600 people gathering to enjoy live 

music from local bands including Murmur (above). 

As Tardebigge 

Court re-opened for 

business after a fire, 

we learned about its 

history from 88-yearold 

George Scoltock 

(left), who had spent 

most of his working 

life as foreman of the 

Hewell Farm estate to 

which the former dairy 

farm and courtyard 

belonged. 


WILLOWBROOK 

G A R D E N C E N T R E 

Stourbridge Road , Catshill, Bromsgrove B61 0BL 

www.willowbrookgc.co.uk 

Open 9.00-5.30 Monday-Saturday, 10-5 Sunday 

WILLOW TREE 

R E S T A U R A N T 

The only place for 

OUTDOOR FURNITURE 

AND BBQs THIS SUMMER! 

Official Char 

Broil BBQ 

retailer 

Traditional 

ROAST 

DINNER 

AVAILABLE EVERY 

SUNDAY & WEDNESDAY 

FROM 12 NOON 

Come and try 

our new 

Breakfast 

menu. 

delicious 

HOT 

MEALS 

SERVED EVERY DAY 

FROM 12 NOON

Advertisement feature 

Village Vehicles 

Driving in new direction 

Aprofessional driver based in 

Alvechurch has used his years 

of experience to found a new 

luxury transport company. 

Michael Prophet, who developed 

a driver training programme alongside 

his own career in motorsport, 

has now launched MVP Executive 

Private Transport – offering a deluxe 

chauffeur-driven service for airport 

transfers, events and adventures, 

corporate travel and weddings. 

His professionalism and experience 

of competing in and organising 

events all over the world mean 

that he is well-placed to provide a 

top-quality service to discerning 

clients. 

Michael’s career in driving began 

in 1972, and his passion for racing 

saw him achieve race wins in championships 

around the world – the 

highlight being the Dubai 24-hour 

race in 2010, which he won in the 

Aston Martin GT 4 Vantage in a field 

of more than 80 starters. He is also 

Michael with the 

Aston Martin GT4 

the current world endurance record 

holder (with Nissan). 

In addition, Michael has been a 

race training specialist and driving 

instructor for more than 20 years, 

developing a training system covering 

all driving aspects from the 

complete novice and junior drivers 

to race driver coaching. 

He has also run defensive driving 

courses, anti-hijack and evasive 

driver training, bespoke security and 

protective driver training, corporate 

accident reduction training, and a 

chauffeur standards graded course. 

Contact Michael to discuss your 

requirements for private transport, 

whether it’s an airport trip, a day 

at the races, a business meeting or 

even a journey abroad. 

MVP executive 

private transport 

(Alvechurch, Barnt Green) 

07960 678577 

l Airport Transfers 

l Adventures 

l Events 

l Corporate 

l Weddings 

Deluxe seats, air conditioning, 

deluxe sound system 

Adjustable seating for 

extra leg room 

Water and light snacks provided 

On-board catering for longer trips 

Packed / picnic lunches for 

events / adventures 

Continental travel available 

Extra-long wheelbase for additional 

luggage space (suitable for a party of 8 

with luggage AND golf clubs or other 

sporting equipment) 

We can quote for any journey 


29

Village Landscapes 

Garden 

triumph 

for Dan 

A 

village garden designer has 

won a prestigious award for the 

show garden he built at BBC 

Gardeners’ World Live. 

Dan Ryan, owner of Design It 

Landscapes, teamed up with fellow 

designer Lucy Bravington to create 

“The High Line Garden”, which won 

a Platinum medal and the award for 

Best Construction at the NEC event. 

The garden was inspired by an 

elevated public park on a disused 

freight line in New York City, and 

combined industrial style with naturalistic 

planting. It featured gingko 

biloba trees (a symbolic street tree 

of New York), a large steel “Portal” 

sculpture, and bespoke corten panels 


to represent skyscrapers and their 

windows, and has been televised on 

Gardeners’ World and Midlands Today. 

Dan, who offers a full range of 

garden design and landscaping 

services, studied at RHS Pershore 

College and has previously been part 

of the creative team that achieved 

six awards and medals at the RHS 

Chelsea Flower Show, BBC Gardeners’ 

World Live and Malvern Spring 

Flower Show. 

Dan now plans to hold a sale of the 

plants from The High Line Garden, on 

Saturday July 6 from 10am in Rubery. 

Get in touch with him for full details 

and a plant list and pricing. 

Tel: 07890 532859 / 0121 453 6520 

dan@designitlandscapes.co.uk 

www.designitlandscapes.co.uk 

Become a friend of 

Bittell Reservoirs 

Barnt Green Waters is encouraging villagers to get 

involved in a new “Friends of Bittell Reservoirs” scheme, 

enabling them to enjoy and appreciate the amenities 

and to contribute to the site’s upkeep and improvement. 

The award-winning Site of Special Scientific Interest 

(SSSI) is based at Upper Bittell (Sailing and Coarse 

Fishing) Reservoir and covers a total of approximately 33 

hectares (excluding the reservoirs). 

It is home to many species of native and migratory 

birds, a regular visitor being the osprey on its way to 

and from its natural breeding grounds. Wild flowers and 

many species of butterfly can be seen during the spring 

and summer, and several friendly deer visit the shorelines 

on a regular basis. 

Many ecological improvements have been made 

including the planting of reed beds, erecting bat and 

bird boxes and the control of blue-green algae. Water activities 

have increased with the introduction of standup 

paddle boarding on Upper Bittell and game angling 

tuition on Lower Bittell and Mill Shrub. 

Individuals or social groups interested in the scheme 

should contact Charles Deverill (Agricultural Officer, 

Board member and Chairman of the Fishing Club) at 

cdjd26@gmail.com 



Village Grooming 

All about Alfredo’s 

A 

friendly 

welcome and a relaxing 

experience awaits at Alfredo’s, the 

traditional barbershop in the centre 

of Barnt Green. 

As the business goes into its eighth year, 

it’s proving as popular as ever – and owner 

Al is determined to make sure it stays that 

way. One of the main selling points is that 

Alfredo’s runs an appointment-only service, 

meaning everyone gets a dedicated 

time slot with no waiting around. 

Al’s clients enjoy the eclectic decor with 

its antiques and curiosities, music and TV, 

and even complimentary beer, while there 

are plans to install a state-of-the-art coffee 

machine. 

As well as top quality haircuts and 

shaves (with discounts for seniors and 

eight- to 16-year-olds), Alfredo’s offers 

a range of products including the firm’s 

very own brand, The Charming Man, with 

its Arcane Wood and Fenchurch Street 

ranges – the latter named after the place 

Al worked in London before coming back 

to his native Midlands and setting up in 

Barnt Green. 

There are also niche aftershaves for 

sale, such as the hard-to-find Armaf range: 

“The Club de Nuit fragrance is so popular 

I reckon half of Barnt Green smells of it 

now!” says Al. 

His customers are not just from the 

village but from a wide area – two have 

been coming from Coventry since the 

shop opened, another travels from Ashbyde-la-Zouch, 

and there’s even a man from 

Gibraltar who always books in when visiting 

family in the area. 

“A lot of the clients have become good 

friends; there are laughs every day and 

some very interesting conversations!” adds 

Al. “It doesn’t feel like a job – and my passion 

hasn’t dwindled at all.” 

Sadly, in recent months several 

customers-turned-friends have passed 

away, so Al and his wife, Jules, have decided 

to run the Birmingham half marathon 

in October to raise funds for the British 

Heart Foundation. 

Alfredo’s Barbershop 

First Floor, 8-10 Hewell Road, 

Barnt Green, B45 8NE 

Tel: 0121 445 0386 

www.alfredosbarbershop.co.uk 


31

Oakalls Village 

Remembering D-Day 

Sarah Rees reports on the 

latest happenings on 

the Oakalls and Parklands. 

A 

commemoration of the 75th Anniversary of D-Day 

was held at St Godwald’s Church in Aston Fields as 

part of the Annual Patronal Service of Thanksgiving 

for The Friends of St Godwald. 

More than 100 people attended, including representatives 

from The Royal British Legion (Bromsgrove Branch), 

Cadets, Bromsgrove District Council, Finstall Parish Council, 

Bromsgrove Court Leet and residents wishing to remember 

the 22,442 troops who fell in Normandy on June 6, 1944. 

A poppy wreath was placed beneath the dedicated 

stone carving created by the late Robert Pancheri, a wellknown 

local craftsman, in recognition of the many who fell 

on the beaches in Normandy. Prayers were said by members 

of St Godwald’s Church Lay Team in tribute. 

Please contact me with your news, views and 

concerns about any aspect of life on the estate. 

Email: oakalls@villageonline.co.uk 

Year 3 children at Finstall First 

School enjoyed exploring life in Victorian 

Britain, including a visit to the 

school by time-travelling detective 

Professor McGinty. He transported 

the youngsters back to the 1880s in 

his time machine, where they discovered 

a variety of artefacts such as 

a Dunce’s cap, a carpet beater and a 

selection of coins. 

The children also had a Victorian 

dress-up day (below), learning 

how schools have changed since 

the 1800s, and a trip to the Black 

Country Museum with an immersive 

learning experience. 

TIME-TRAVEL AND Science fun 

Year 3 pupil Alice said: “I really 

enjoyed learning about the different 

punishments that children had in a 

Victorian school.” 

Charlotte said: “I thought it was 

good when I had to wear the ‘Dunce’ 

cap for not being able to say my 

alphabet backwards!” 

The school also held a Science 

Day for all pupils, with a focus on 

space to celebrate the 50th anniversary 

of the Moon landing. Chris 

Carney from As Creatives (below, 

with pupils) visited the school and 

held a special assembly, plus workshops 

about different aspects of 

space. These included space travel, 

the story of stars and of course the 

Moon landing. 

Pupils then wrote newspaper 

reports and space adventure stories, 

as well as enjoying moon crater science 

investigations, making moon 

cookies, and art activities such as 

planet collages and space rocket designs. 

Some Year 1 children even got 

to travel through the solar system 

using virtual reality headsets. 


High quality accommodation 

within a luxurious environment 

awaits those choosing to make 

The Lawns their home. 

Qualified and experienced staff 

provide care and support whilst 

encouraging independence and an 

active, fulfilling life. 

The Lawns also offers luxurious 

apartments with their own kitchen, 

lounge area, separate bedroom and 

ensuite with shower. 

Residents enjoy life at The Lawns, 

especially spending time in the lovely 

gardens and the cosy Butterflies Café. 

Visit www.thelawnscare.co.uk 

The Lawns Residential Care, School Lane, Alvechurch, Worcs, B48 7SB Tel: 0121 445 4098 Email: enquiries@thelawnscare.co.uk


picnic 

party! 

The annual Alvechurch Picnic in the Park was 

officially opened by Professor Sir Keith Porter (above 

right) and offered the usual feast of fun for all the 

family, including the Dog Show, a wide variety of live 

entertainment and an evening event at the cricket club. 

Additional photography by Keith Woolford and Kieran Durrant 

Left: Despite there being no Go- 

Kart Challenge this year, these 

boys had fun with theirs anyway! 


Picnickers enjoy 

refreshments, 

games, stalls 

and displays. 

Left: Alvechurch 

Village hall 

committee sell 

seeds ready 

for this year’s 

Pumpkin 

Festival. 

More photos 

overleaf 


35


This page, clockwise from above: Scruffiest Mutt, won by crossbreed 

Scruff; Waggiest Tail, won by Labrador Ted; Best Junior 

Handler, won by Zoe Bushall with bichon Lacey; Handsomest Dog, 

won by retriever Buddy; Best Veteran, won by shih-tzu Coco; 

Prettiest Bitch, won by cocker spaniel Bella; Best Puppy, won by 

cavapoo Ozzie, who also won Best in Show (opposite, top left). 


Ozzie collects 

his Best in 

Show award 

from judge 

Mark Barton. 

Above right: Picnic organiser Sarah Courbet presents the ’Barney’ Best Dog award 

(in memory of her own dog) to Nevis the Labrador and Jonty Ward. 

The Picnic featured 

plenty of live music, 

including Alvechurch 

Community Choir 

(above), Birmingham 

Boys’ and Girls’ 

Brigades (right), 

Cantare Choir 

(below right) as well 

as several bands, 

dance and theatre 

performances. 

The entertainment 

continued after 

the Picnic with an 

evening event at 

Alvechurch Cricket 

Club, which also 

included an inflatable 

assault course. 


37

PPM NEEDS YOU! 

We are currently looking to appoint an 

administrator/paraplanner with financial services 

experience. 

We are open to flexible working hours so this position 

may suit someone who needs to juggle the challenges 

of young family life. 

Please email martinpryor@ppm-ifa.co.uk 

or call me on 07961 162818 to have an initial chat. 

At this stage, no recruitment companies please. 

T 0121 445 5694 W www.ppm-ifa.co.uk E martinpryor@ppm-ifa.co.uk 

Pryor Portfolio is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority 511176 www.fca.org.uk 

The Farmhouse, Pumphouse Lane, Blackwell, B60 1QN


Village Finance 

Building assets with 

infrastructure funds 

I 

nfrastructure funds are one of 

the less well-known types of 

investment, but they can offer 

options for those looking to diversify 

their portfolio. 

They offer investors the opportunity 

to put their money into large 

physical assets, for example: 

l Transport assets, such as bridges, 

toll roads, ports, airports and rail 

companies. This may include buildings 

as well as fleets of planes or 

trains. 

l Energy assets, such as oil and gas 

storage facilities and transportation 

companies, electricity power stations 

and renewable energy projects. 

l Other utilities, such as communication 

towers, satellites and water 

processing plants. 

l Commercial property, including 

schools and hospitals, as well 

as commercial buildings like office 

blocks and leisure centres. 

These funds provide access to 

investment markets that are not 

closely linked to the values of most 

other shares or bonds. So the value 

of these assets – and any income 

they generate – is less likely to be 

affected by the general ups and 

downs of the stock market. 

It is worth holding a range of different 

types of funds to reduce risk. 

A serious correction in one sector or 

geographical region often has a severe 

knock-on effect on other equity 

markets. So, diversification across a 

mixed-asset portfolio can help offset 

the effects of such volatility. 

Infrastructure funds can also 

be attractive if you’re looking to 

generate an income from your 

investments. These types of assets 

can potentially earn reliable longterm 

income streams for investors 

– whether from fixed tariffs paid for 

generating green energy, or the 

Martin Pryor 

advises on 

the best way 

to invest in 

assets such as utilities 

and transport. 

tolls paid on roads and bridges. Of 

course, like any investment, there is 

no guarantee that this income won’t 

be reduced, or disappear altogether 

in certain circumstances if, for example, 

there was a cut in government 

backing for one of these infrastructure 

projects. 

HOW TO INVEST IN 

INFRASTRUCTURE 

In the past, most individual investors 

have found it difficult to invest in 

infrastructure. Direct investment into 

a power station can require large 

capital sums and has tended to be 

the preserve of professional investors 

and large pension schemes. 

In recent years, however, a number 

of funds aimed at retail investors 

have been launched. These allow 

fund managers to pool investors’ 

money to invest in this asset class. 

Istock/georgeclerk 

Some are UK-focused infrastructure 

funds, while others have a 

global remit. This is a niche area, and 

it is worth remembering that even 

large pension funds will only have a 

small proportion of their portfolio in 

such assets. 

In addition to pension funds some 

multi-asset funds will also have exposure 

to infrastructure assets, and 

it is important to check the extent to 

which you might already be exposed 

to this sector through existing 

investments. You should not invest 

directly and only invest in regulated 

funds provided by some well-known 

investment providers. 

The value of your investments, and the 

income from them, can go down as 

well as up and you may not get back 

the full amount you invested. 

Past performance is not a reliable 

indicator of future performance. 

Investing in shares should be regarded 

as a long-term investment and should 

fit in with your overall attitude to risk 

and financial circumstances. 

n Contact Pryor Portfolio 

Management for more information: 

Tel: 07961 162818 

martinpryor@ppm-ifa.co.uk 

www.ppm-ifa.co.uk 


39

Village Weather 

So-called summer! 

Alvechurch 

amateur 

weatherman Phil 

Thomas records 

the changes. 

Mammatus clouds 

If May was quite a bland month 

weather-wise, June has certainly 

made up for it. It has been the 

second wettest June locally over the 

past 30 years. Only June 2012 was 

worse (184mm) – and at the time of 

writing there were still 10 days left 

for more rain to fall! Daytime temperatures 

were also way below the 

expected value, made worse by wellbelow-average 

levels of sunshine 

– only 46.8 hrs, or 34% of the entire 

month’s average. 

June 2019 (to the 20th) 

Mean Max 16.8C 2.2 below average 

Mean Min 9.4C 0.4 below average 

Mean 13.1C 1.3 below average 

Rainfall 131.1mm 200% of average 

Sunshine 46.8 hrs 34% of average 

May was quite a “normal” month with 

temperatures near the local average. 

Warmer days and cooler nights 

balanced each other, the mean being 

11.7C – just 0.1C above average. 

Rainfall of 47.2mm was 85% of the local 

mean. Soil temperatures followed 

the cooler overnight screen values. 

The 30cm soil temperature of 11.8C 

was 0.4C below the mean. 

May 2019 

Mean Max 16.5C 0.4 above average 


Mean 11.6C 0.1 above average 



Spring 2019 (March, April, May) 

Mean Max 14.0C 1.0 above average 


Mean 9.5C 0.9 above average 



Outlook 

The end of June may bring more dry 

and settled weather, but by early 

July more unsettled conditions may 

return. During the first half of July 

confidence in the forecast becomes 

very low, however it seems most 

probable that high pressure will lie 

to the south and east of the UK while 

Atlantic weather fronts occasionally 

affect the north and northwest. 

This means showers and perhaps 

longer spells of rain are likely in 

the northwest, while the south 

and southeast may see more in the 

way of dry weather, although some 

thundery outbreaks are possible, as 

is usual for this time of year. 

Swallowtail 

More information at www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com You can see an improved HD weather-cam, 

updated at one-minute intervals, at: www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com/webcam_alvechurch.php 


Mark Meads 

Mortgage, Equity Release and Protection Specialist 

If you would like to talk in confidence about your 

financial needs and future financial planning, please 

contact me directly on 07730 011897 or 

mark.meads@villagefinancial.co.uk, for an initial 

discussion to see how I can help you and your family. 

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

Tel : 07730 011897 Email : mark.meads@villagefinancial.co.uk 

Village Financial Solutions Ltd is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network. PRIMIS Mortgage Network is a 

trading style of Personal Touch Financial Services Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. 

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Village Sport 

New faces at ’Church 

Alvechurch FC appoints 

new manager and 

signs extra players. 

I 

t’s all change at Alvechurch FC as 

they look ahead to next season, 

with a new management team 

and some exciting new signings. 

Having won back-to-back promotions 

and narrowly missed out on 

a third in 2019, manager Ian Long 

decided to seek a new challenge at 

Stourbridge FC, along with assistant 

Richie Colwell and goalkeeping 

coach Chris Walwyn – plus players 

Ashley Carter, Tom Turton, Dave 

Bellis, Zac Foster, Charlie Price and 

Kieran Cook. 

However, new manager Darren 

Byfield immediately set about 

rebuilding the team, bringing several 

players with him from Walsall 

Wood: experienced goalkeeper 

Lloyd Ransome, pacey winger John 

Atherton, striker Danico Johnson, 

central midfielder Stuart McNaught, 

young defender Kyle Rowley, and former 

’Church player Javia Roberts. 

Darren also signed 6’4’’ striker 

Anthony Smith, who joins from 

Midland Football League side 

Continental Star. Anthony scored a 

staggering 54 goals last season and 

won the Total Midland League top 

scorer award. 

Darren himself started his professional 

career at Aston Villa before 

moving on to Walsall, scoring the 

winning goal in the 2001 play-off final. 

Spells at Rotherham, Sunderland, 

Gillingham, Millwall, Bristol City and 

a return to Walsall followed before 

joining Tamworth, Solihull Moors and 

Redditch in the non-league arena. 

In a career spanning 476 matches 

and 107 goals, Darren has also been 

capped six times by Jamaica, scoring 

once. After retiring from playing, 

Darren has managed Redditch 

United, Stratford Town and Walsall 

Wood, who missed out on promotion 

on goal difference to Ilkeston Town 

last season. 

Faithful supporters at the 

play-off final (Photo/ Ian Macvie) 

The Alvechurch management team 

will be completed with assistant 

manager Ade Luxton, Peter Till and 

goalkeeping coach Reevesy. 

Meanwhile, fans are delighted that 

right back Josh Ezewele, captain and 

centre back Jamie Willets, sibling defenders 

Kyle and Taylor Morrison, and 

central midfielder Mitch Botfield have 

all committed for next season. 

However, more departures include 

keeper Danny Crane, who becomes 

assistant manager at Gresley; Golden 

Boot winner Josh March, who moves 

up a level to National League side 

Leamington; Lee Chilton, who joins 

Evesham after an injury-plagued 

season; and forward Joe Phillips, who 

returns to Aberystwyth Town. 

l Congratulations to all the winners 

of the Player of the Year awards 

for 2018/19: Supporters’ Player – 

Jamie Willetts; Chairman’s Player 

– Josh March and Jamie Willetts; 

Players’ Player – Dave Bellis; Young 

Player – Kieran Cook; Golden Boot 

– Josh March; Goal of the Season – 

Kieran Cook vs Bromsgrove 4/9/18 

l AFC have frozen their season 

ticket prices for the coming season. 

Prices are: Adults £150; Seniors (65+) 

£100; Juniors (13-17) £75. Pay online 

using the PAYMENTS form (5% 

charge to cover payment provider 

fees), or via BACS Transfer to Lloyds 

Bank (sort code 30-96-97, account 

01860704). Please reference payment 

with your ticket type: ADULT, SENIOR 

or JUNIOR and appropriate payment. 

l On Friday September 6, Lye 

Meadow hosts a luncheon with 

former Arsenal, Middlesbrough and 

England footballer Ray Parlour as 

guest speaker. Tickets £65 per head 

or £600 for a table of 10 (to include a 

three-course Indian meal), available 

via the chairman and directors. 

l For more info or sponsorship 

enquiries, please contact Trevor Ball 

at saintsarehot2@btinternet.com or 

visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/alvechurch 

Follow the club on Twitter @ 

Alvechurch1st 

Pre-season fixtures 

Tues July 9 Littleton (A) 7.30pm 

Sat July 13 West Brom Albion (H) 3pm 

Tues July 16 AFC Wulfrunians (A) 7.45pm 

Sat July 20 Leamington (H) 3pm 

Tues July 23 Westfields (A) 7.45pm 

Tues July 30 Halesowen Town (A) 7.45pm 

Sat Aug 3 Evesham Utd (H) 3pm 

Season begins Sat Aug 10 


Season of 

success 

for youth 

squads 

Alvechurch United U7s have just 

completed their first season in football, 

winning the Central Warwickshire 

Autumn and Spring Cups along 

the way. 

The club is delighted that the boys 

have had a very successful season 

down to their hard work, willingness 

to learn and passion for football. The 

boys played 33 matches, winning 21, 

scoring 113 goals and keeping seven 

clean sheets. 

Coaches Macky Lawlor and Tim Andrews 

would like to thank the parents 

for their support and the boys (Tate, 

Joshua, Toby, Lennie, Jacob, Sam, Jack 

and Jenson) for being amazing. 

n Meanwhile, Alvechurch U13s took 

the bold step of moving into a new 

league for the first time this season, 

transferring to the Saturday Ambassador 

Evesham League. 

The team, containing many players 

from Alvechurch and the surrounding 

areas, adapted superbly and were 

crowned Premier Division champions 

after an undefeated season which 

saw 68 goals scored and just five 

conceded. The lads are looking to test 

themselves further next season by 

moving to the Junior Premier League. 

They play their home matches at 

Village Sport 

Hopwood Community Centre and are 

sponsored by Newform Windows and 

Eureka Research. 

Top: The U7 squad. 

Above: The U13 team at their 

awards night, with coaches Dave 

Ruston and Craig Wyton. 

Barnt Green Hibs U13s celebrated 

another successful season in the 

Central Warwickshire leagues. Having 

won promotion the previous year, they 

enjoyed a solid season of consolidation 

in a higher division, securing a 

mid-table finish. 

Their awards evening at Barnt Green 

Sports & Social club saw many awards 

presented, notably to Harry Hughes 

who won Coaches & Parents’ Player of 

the Year, while Jacob Kelly scooped the 

Players’ Player award along with the 

Golden Boot for his 28-goal season. 

All the boys have done fantastically 

well and look forward to pushing for 

promotion next season. If any local 

business would be interested in supporting 

the team, contact Martin Pryor 

on 07961 162818. 


43

Village Country Diary 

S 

ome of my neighbours are 

lamenting the sudden lack of 

goldfinches in our gardens 

where there are usually dozens (a 

“charm” of goldfinches). Their regular 

nesting site was in some trees which 

were cut down in late spring – quite 

the wrong time to do it. I’ve seen 

major hedge cutting too recently. 

Apart from real emergencies, and 

hand-pruning of some garden shrubs, 

no-one should cut down trees and 

hedges at this time of year. Not only 

are birds destroyed, but our vital 

insects and of course the plants themselves 

which should be trimmed in 

winter if needed. Contractors should 

know this, but I suppose they can’t 

turn down work. 

Meanwhile, also nearby is a roadside 

hedge that someone forgot to 

cut this winter. Although some of the 

neighbours found it a bit inconvenient 

as it doesn’t leave so much 

driving space, it is a delight. It has 

flowering hawthorn, field maple, dogwood, 

ash, hazel, elder – and some 

beautiful elm, and all the insects that 

feed on them. I walked past it in May, 

and it was just jumping with baby 

birds cheeping. 

When I was young there was a 

radio programme where a comic 

Hedge full of 

baby birds 

Mary Green 

explains why 

‘the answer 

lies in the 

soil’. 

Meadowsweet and 

purple loosestrife 

EARTH AND 

country character kept saying “I looking at it another way, maybe we 

think the answer lies in the soil.” The have given it too much attention and 

joke was on the rest of us, though, messed it around and ruined it, when 

because he was right. Underlying all we should have left it alone. 

our plants, animals, insects and all In the cycle of nature, the soil is 

the other things that make up our constantly replenished and provides 

countryside habitat is the soil, the the nutrients for plants – which as 

earth itself. We haven’t collectively we know then support all other life. 

given it enough attention, and are in Decaying plant and animal matter is 

danger of a time coming when it no taken down into the soil by worms 

longer supports all our natural life. Or, and other small creatures, worked on 

by them and by fungi, creating a rich 

humus. 

Not only that, but in this process, 

carbon is locked up in the soil and our 

atmosphere is kept in balance. One of 

the contributors to global warming is 

the fact that so much soil is ploughed 

up all the time and the carbon 

released into the air instead of being 

absorbed into the cycle of growth. 

The roots of plants carry tiny 

rootlets and have fungi and bacteria 

associated with them. The roots, fungi 

and bacteria affect the chemistry of 

the soil, often feeding other plants, 

and carry messages between plants. 

For example, alder adds nitrogen 

to the soil, and oaks use their root 


Cultivation releases 

carbon into the 

atmosphere 

WATER 

structures to warn each other of disease and 

predators. 

There is a big movement now for no-dig 

gardening and minimal-cultivation agriculture 

to solve the damage to the soil. Food 

plants can be planted directly into the soil 

and have the advantage of the natural fertiliser 

provided by the earth full of brokendown 

matter, as well as keeping the carbon 

in. Yields are good, but it is hard to shift a 

farming tradition. We have been ploughing 

and harrowing for centuries, not recognising 

that the soil is gradually depleted so that we 

have to use more and more added fertilisers. 

Even worse, these fertilisers may be 

chemicals which then leach out of the soil 

and pollute streams. Even organic fertilisers 

like animal manure need to be used carefully 

or they will pollute streams, rivers and 

the oceans. Our own river, the Arrow, and 

Bittell reservoirs are polluted from nearby 

farming. When you think about it, digging 

and cultivation are not natural – in the wild, 

plants establish themselves and survive in 

the already plant-rich environment. 

When land is developed (and when 

gardens are made for Chelsea) people are 

careful about some individual species but 

continues overleaf 


Arrowhead 

grows in water 

Fungi breaking 

down dead wood 

45

Village Country Diary 

Alchemilla 

continued from previous page 

rarely think of the composition of the 

soil and all the structures and organisms 

in it. That’s why somewhere 

like Eades Meadow is so special, as it 

hasn’t been dug or artificially fertilised 

for centuries. 

Not many things are named 

after the earth, perhaps because it 

is so taken for granted. But there is 

a beautiful but poisonous fungus 

called earth star, and of course earth 

worms and ground beetles. There is 

a bugle-like plant called ground pine 

and a ground thistle, which grows low 

down. 

Ground ivy is a spring flowering 

plant with a lovely blue flower, used 

as a herbal tea. Ground elder is a 

member of the cow parsley family 

with similar pretty white flowerheads. 

It is hated by gardeners, except 

me, but used to be a prized herb, 

also called goutweed because of its 

herbal use. I use the leaves in salads. 

Groundsel, a little member of the 

Fallen elm flowers 

Plants that live 

in water 

Wild flowers 

being cut down 

dandelion family is a very nutritious 

chicken food. 

Ground ivy and groundsel, like 

most of our most successful edible 

and medicinal plants, are called 

weeds. Contrary to the common 

phrase, a weed is not just a plant in 

the wrong place. A weed is a plant in 

the right place – it’s our garden plants 

that are in the wrong place. Weed was 

originally an Anglo-Saxon name for 

herb, so let’s restore it! 

Earth, air, fire and water were seen 

in ancient times as the four key elements 

of the world. When we move to 

water, its effect on wildlife 

is a bit more obvious. 

We have many plants 

and animals that 

live specifically in 

or next to water. 

Living near a 

canal, river or 

lake makes such 

a difference to 

the range of wildlife 

you see. Plants range from those 

growing fully in water – like water-lilies, 

out in full glory now – to those on 

the edges, like water plantain, arrowhead 

and water bedstraw, to others 

that like to grow in damp places, like 

purple loosestrife and meadowsweet, 

along all our waterways this month. 

Unfortunately in some places the 

edges of canals and even sometimes 

rivers are mown throughout the year 

so there’s only grass. Good maintenance 

can involve one mowing in the 

winter. Water benefits from plant life 

and algae – it shouldn’t be artificially 

cleared. 

All plants need water, 

and as soon as we 

get a dry spell, 

gardeners start 

Water bucketing or 

plantain hosepiping. 

In nature, of 

course, plants 

survive without 

being watered 

by us. They have 

ways of maintaining 

their water content, 

which may include having 

a speeded-up flowering season 

in a dry year, but they come back fine 

the next year. 

So wild flowers have been abundant 

and lovely this year despite the 

drought last summer. Our native trees 

have huge roots which mean they 

can find water in the soil even when it 

seems dry. The natural growth of our 

wild plants helps keep water within 

the soil. Clearing ground, and hardmowing, 

makes things worse. 


It’s harder for insects and invertebrates to survive if 

water is scarce, and in dry years we do see fewer of them. 

Even birds like swallows suffer in a drought because they 

need mud for their nests. We can all help as individuals 

by having ponds, and collectively by looking after our 

waterways and not draining wet areas. 

Rivers need to be able to twist and turn naturally and 

to flood when there is too much rain. The sort of flood 

prevention we have done in the last centuries, damming 

and draining, just moves the flood problem somewhere 

else. At last action is being taken to help by creating 

settling ponds, rewilding rivers and restoring water 

meadows. Our habitat won’t survive without the balance 

of earth and water. 

To the ancient alchemists, our early scientists, everything 

in nature was made of earth, air, fire and water. My 

last interesting plant name for this month is one with 

the Latin name Alchemilla or little alchemist. Its English 

name is lady’s mantle. It holds the dew on its leaves, and 

this was thought to be the purest water and was used in 

alchemy and herbalism. The English name is a Christianisation, 

as it is Our Lady’s mantle, a plant of the Virgin 

Mary. You might have it flowering now as a garden plant, 

but there are wild varieties especially in Scotland. Plant 

names are full of old magic and science. 

Water 

bedstraw 

Ground ivy 

I wrote this poem a couple of years ago about the 

places I have lived. 

Living 

I started life in a semi in Yardley 

Born a child of peace and atom bombs 

But nothing since has been so ordinary 

All I remember is the bottom of the garden 

Which had crazy paving, a phrase I liked. 

Next was the childhood farmhouse 

With an extended and uneasy family 

The house built with local stone and sea sand 

So when it rained it sweated inside 

Perpetually cold, despite the elm logs 

That came so bountifully, and painted 

Uniformly brown and cream like a railway. 

But who cared, with that view of sea and river? 

A series of shared rooms and bedsits followed 

Mostly without benefit of bathroom 

(“The last gentleman used t’baths at City Station”) 

Honing my skills of cooking on one ring 

And sharing or hiding my comings of age. 

Married, my first home was a flat 

With outside toilet which froze in the winter 

And a garden line for my stiff washing. 

Then a rented house, a whole house 

With a bathroom, though still heated 

By a one bar electric fire we carried round. 

Thanks to Barbara Castle, I got a mortgage 

And bought our first house, old and tall 

A weaver’s cottage, huge upstairs windows 

And I fell in love with bricks and gold Bath stone. 

Bought a new cooker and a fridge, did some painting. 

Then life became liquid again, and again 

The sharing and the bedsits intervened 

And the city flat four storeys high 

Where I carried grow-bags up the stairs 

To have something green to remind me. 

A long time ago now, thirty years and more 

I came here. Red brick, old beams 

Garden with apples, plum and damson 

People around me but my place at last 

Where somehow I put down my straggling roots 

Like that rose I have under the apple tree 

Planted in a big plant pot. When I came to move it 

Its root had gone right down into the earth. 


47

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Village Gardening 

Classroom in the 

CAMFED garden 

Future of growing 

It was another wonderful show 

at Chelsea this year, with many 

strong messages behind the 

gardens – particularly on the 

theme of well-being and gardening. 

The garden which got the 

most press on this was the RHS 

feature garden called “The Back to 

Nature Garden” which had been 

co-designed with The Duchess of 

Cambridge and gave a clear message 

of getting children involved in 

the natural world. 

This is a subject close to my 

heart and having done this with 

my own children I am now keen to 

engage my grandchildren with the 

natural world and a love for wildlife 

as much as I can. Research now 

shows us that children who are 

allowed to play outside and in the 

natural world grow up with a love 

for the environment and better 

mental health. 

But for me as a keen vegetable 

Hannah Genders 

visits two 

Chelsea show 

gardens with an 

educational message. 

Solar pump 

grower there were two gardens that 

at first glance appeared completely 

different, but actually at their core 

had a similar message and it was 

about our future, and the future of 

food-growing and education. 

The first garden, which was in 

the “Space to Grow” category, really 

stood out for me. Designer Jilayne 

Richards and her team had created 

a classroom and a vegetable garden 

from Zimbabwe. It was beautifully 

executed with a small, simple 

classroom at the back and an 

outside play space. To the front of 

the garden were all sorts of recycled 

containers, like brightly-painted oil 

drums, with vegetables growing 

in them and the red soil that is so 

associated with Africa. 

The garden was for CAMFED 

(Campaign for Female Education), 

this being their 25th year. On the 

Monday that I was at the show, I 



49


Sorghum 

Crop rotation in the 

CAMFED garden 


spoke with two Zimbabwean ladies, both businesswomen 

and farmers in their own country. They had 

benefitted from schooling and were now paying to 

educate their own children. This little garden was not 

a romantic notion of Africa but was very forwardlooking. 

The beans, for example, were biofortified, 

having extra iron, and the maize was enriched with 

vitamin A. Often the children are living on one meal 

a day, so it is recognised that there needs to be as 

much nutritional content as possible. 

The raised bed at the front of the garden, made 

from recycled bricks, was built with a reservoir 

underneath, so the water sits below the crops – this 

means less evaporation and encourages the plant 

roots to spread downwards and not across the 

surface, making the plants much more tolerant to 

drought. 

The crop rotation in this bed was similar to what 

we could do here, encouraging the right nutrient 

uptake from the plants. I was interested to see a few 

plants growing that I had not seen before, including 

sorghum which is a staple of the Zimbabwean diet. 

Solar panels powered the water pump, as they are 

essential to many communities not connected to any 

grid. 

This was a beautiful and practical 

garden, and the connection 

to women growing food 

and educating the next 

generation of farmers 

and gardeners was inspirational. 

The garden 

won a well-deserved 

gold medal and the 

People’s Choice Award 

in its category. The 

whole garden will be rebuilt 

at the Eden Project 

in Cornwall after the show, 

so it lives on to tell its story. 

Right at the opposite end of 

Nutrientrich 

beans 

the spectrum was the IKEA garden, which was in the 

Show Garden category and designed by Tom Dixon. 

It was the first time the RHS had sited a show garden 

in the floral marquee (actually it took me quite a long 

time to find it). 

The concept of the garden was an underground 

growing laboratory and a wild area above. I would 

agree with many other people’s comments that this 

was more like an educational installation than a 

show garden, but that aside it had some really interesting 

things to show us. 

For me the “wilderness” area was not really wild 

enough; it was hard to engage with the planting 

and have a sense of wilderness as it was all behind a 



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51



handrail. But the laboratory area, I 

loved. It showed salad crops, herbs, 

medicinal plants and fungi growing 

under artificial LED lighting. It has 

its own beauty although it was hard 

to photograph well because of the 

light conditions and being in the 

marquee. 

Some of the plants were growing 

hydroponically – this is without soil, 

where water containing nutrients 

is pumped into the roots of the 

plant. With this system the plants 

crop early and use 20 times less 

water than traditional growing. 

The vertical columns of vegetables 

on display were growing with 

aeroponic technology – basically 

grown in air, with the roots sprayed 

regularly with nutrient-rich water. 

This method uses 90 percent less 

water and 90 percent less land than 

traditional growing methods. 

The whole feature was showing 

a transformative way of growing 

these crops that could be used in 

our cities. It is very sustainable, cutting 

down on water, land and food 

miles. Both these systems encourage 

leaf growth in the plants over 

root growth and so are perfect for 

these type of salad crops. 

With the future of food growing 

and sustainability as its core message, 

this garden was challenging 

us to look again at how we grow 

food in our cities. It also had the 

Hydroponic growing in the IKEA garden 

best title, in my opinion: “Gardening 

Will Save the World”. I agree – and it 

won a silver gilt medal. 

So, two gardens, which looked so 

different but had the same message 

about sustainability and the future 

of growing our food, were both 

very inspiring. 

Aeroponic 

technology 

CAMFED’s recycled 

containers 


Amateur astronomer 

Brian Watkiss peers 

into the Village 

night sky. 

Imagine a vehicle weighing two 

thousand tons. A small ship 

perhaps? Now imagine that this 

vehicle can actually fly! The stuff of 

science fiction, you’d think, but these 

things actually existed more than 

fifty years ago, built by NASA and 

called Saturn V (five) and this month 

marks exactly fifty years since one 

launched to land men on the Moon 

for the first time. 

Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and 

Michael Collins took off on July 16th, 

and on July 21st (20th in the USA) 

Neil and Buzz walked on the Moon 

while Michael Collins became the 

loneliest man in the universe as he 

went round the back of the Moon 

in the Command Module and out of 

touch with the rest of the world. 

So, where did they land? Yes, on 

Buzz Aldrin on the 

Moon (courtesy of 

NASA) 

Village Stargazing 

Spot the landing site 

the Moon, of course, but exactly 

where? Well, the Moon is new on 

the 2nd so you can’t see it at all until 

about the 4th, when it will be a very 

thin crescent, very low in the west for 

a short while during sunset. This 

is a great time to try and spot the 

Moon; it feels completely different 

when it’s this skinny and Mercury 

is just below it this month too. 

The 9th sees first quarter when 

we actually see a half Moon and 

we can start to find the Apollo 11 

landing site. You should be able 

to make out a series of darker 

patches down this part of the 

Moon, the top one being the Sea 

of Serenity which merges into 

the next one down, the Sea of 

Tranquillity. 

It was at the bottom left-hand 

corner of this patch where they 

set up “Tranquillity Base” all those 

years ago and Neil took that famous 

picture of Buzz. Incidentally, 

there is reputed to be only one photo 

of Neil on the Moon and he’s got 

his back to the camera in that. This 

is because he hogged the camera 

most of the time – the same reason 

Site of “Tranquility Base” 

X 

there are very few pictures of me on 

holiday! 

As the days go by, the Terminator, 

the line that divides the light part of 

the Moon from the dark part (as opposed 

to the time-travelling robot), 

moves further left until it is full on 

the 16th. It also rises later and towards 

the end of the month it can 

only be seen during daylight. 

Now you will have been seeing a 

really bright “star” in the evenings 

during the past few weeks. This is, 

in fact, Jupiter, the largest of all the 

planets and really dominating the 

sky at the moment. It will be with 

us all summer and because of the 

time of year, it will never get very 

high in the sky. It will be joined 

by Saturn, which rises a couple of 

hours later so may be a little too 

late for most people to see – but 

could be something to look out 

for if you’re wandering home after 

eleven at night for any reason. 


53

Village Art 

Aiming for the Moon 

Dave Morgan looks 

ahead to the annual art 

exhibition in Alvechurch. 

How do you paint the Moon? 

For kids it’s usually just a blob 

of white – but what if you are 

trying to paint man’s first landing on 

the Moon? That was the challenge 

laid down to members of Pam’s art 

classes in Alvechurch and Droitwich, 

who take part in an annual competition 

arranged by local nursing home 

owner Kamal Khan to produce artwork 

on a specific theme. And the 

reason for the challenge? 2019 is the 

50th anniversary of that epic first 

landing. 

The initial reaction of the amateur 

artists was not of enthusiasm but of 

a feeling that with the grey of the 

moon’s surface and the blackness 

of the sky, there wouldn’t be a lot 

of colour. Therefore two alternative 

themes were added: a picture to 

commemorate the 75th anniversary 

of the D-Day landings (also in 2019) 

or even a painting in the Georgian 

style, similar to the challenge from 

two years ago. Slowly but surely the 

artists started to get enthusiastic at 

such a wide choice of subjects and 

the creative juices started to flow. 

Art tutor Pam McGregor commented: 

“It’s quite surprising that although 

the initial reaction to both the Moon 

landing and D-Day landing subjects 

was subdued, as time went on several 

of the artists actually chose those 

subjects as they thought more about 

what they could produce and the result 

is a wide variety of pictures.” 

The winners of this year’s challenge 

were due to be announced at 

the summer fete at Tutnall Hall care 

home as we went to press. All the entries 

for the challenge, together with 

up to 100 other new and original 

images, will be on view in Alvechurch 

Village Hall for the annual Art 

Exhibition from July 25 to 27. Many of 

the paintings will be for sale at prices 

that should make them attractive 

investments, especially as purchasers 

will be able to buy an original work 

of art that no-one else owns. 

Over the past few years the exhibitions 

have received excellent reviews 

by visitors and the intention is always 

to improve on the standard of work. 

So all the pictures in the main exhibition 

will be art that has not previously 

been exhibited and that has been 

created during the past 12 months. 

The exhibition will be open from 

10am to 6pm (10am to 5pm on the 

Saturday). Entry is free and refreshments 

will also be available. More 

details about the art classes can be 

found at www.pamsartclasses.co.uk 

Above: local artist Dennis Hill 

is advised on some finishing 

touches to one of his paintings 

for the exhibition by tutor Pam 

McGregor. 


Village What’s On 

Have a ball for 

hospital charity 

BAG A BARGAIN AT SALE 

blackwell Singing group 

Cats Chorus will host a Nearly 

New Sale of clothes and household 

items on Sat July 6 from 

10am to 1pm at St Andrew’s Parish 

Centre in Barnt Green, with all 

profits going to Macmillan. 

Homemade cake sale, craft 

stalls and refreshments – why 

not pop in for breakfast with tea, 

coffee, toasted tea cakes and 

crumpets? Lots of very good 

quality clothes and interior items 

have been donated, so pop 

along, bag yourself a bargain, 

support your community and 

support Macmillan. 

For more information or if you 

would like to donate, contact 

Sharon on 07968 124345. 

Above: Organiser Sharon Nicholls 

(centre) with Pat Kidman, 

Janie Acton and some of the 

donated items. 

A charity ball on Sat July 20 aims to 

raise money for Birmingham Women’s 

Hospital, in memory of a nurse who 

worked there. 

The “Flamingo Fling” event at Manor 

Hill House in Upton Warren is being 

organised by Lucy Somner and Emily 

Byfield, whose sister Amy was a neonatal 

nursery nurse at the hospital: “We tragically 

lost our beautiful Amy in September 

2017, but we are trying to keep her 

passion for patient care alive by raising 

money for this vital cause.” 

The Birmingham Women’s Hospital 

Charity aims to improve patient services 

for the hospital’s women, babies and 

families. Essential services that the NHS is 

unable to cover make a huge difference 

to patients, such as welfare services to 

support patients through difficult times 

and the research and development of 

cures, treatments and new technology. 

One cause supported by the ball is the 

hospital’s new Woodland House Appeal, 

for a special centre where families facing 

the loss of a baby can spend some quiet 

time away from the main hospital (more 

information at www.bwh.org.uk/pages/ 

category/woodland-house ) 

Lucy and Emily are also asking local 

businesses to donate prizes for a raffle 

and auction, or for sponsorship. 

Tickets and more information can be 

found at www.buytickets.at/flamingofling 

The Blackwell May Ball, held at 

Grafton Manor in Bromsgrove, raised 

more than £8,000 in aid of Blackwell 

First School. 

Guests enjoyed a three-course 

meal, live music from “2 Weeks 

Notice” and a dance performance 

by the “Supreme Showgirls”. There 

was also a silent auction with prizes 

including signed golf and football 

shirts, holidays and a special “bake 

to order” cake by the school cook! 

The event organisers were delighted 

with its success and would 

like to thank guests, sponsors and 

everyone who donated prizes for 

their generous support. 


55


EVENTS 

A treasure Hunt around Barnt Green 

takes place on Sun July 7 from 2–5pm, 

starting in Millennium Park on Hewell 

Road. Explore the village and solve the 

clues as you go – take part in the adult 

trail or a shorter child-friendly version, 

both free of charge. All correct entries 

will go into a free prize draw to win some 

great prizes donated by village businesses. 

There will be food and music after the 

event in Millennium Park. 

A CHARITY Fashion Show takes place at 

Alvechurch Village Hall on Fri Sep 20, 

7 for 7.30pm. Tickets £5 to include arrival 

drink. Further info and tickets from 

Cynthia Lawton on 07909 606961. 

The Bilberry Wake, now in its fourth 

year, takes place on the Lickey Hills on Sun 

July 7 – meet at 3pm outside the Visitor 

Centre on Warren Lane. This fun event for 

children (who must be accompanied by 

a responsible adult) offers the chance to 

make hobby horses and race them around 

an obstacle course, with medals for all 

participants. 

The Lickey Hills Rangers invite families to 

join in with fun and games in the Country 

Park on Weds July 31 (National Play Day) 

from 11am to 3pm. Meet at the Visitor 

Centre on Warren Lane. More info on 0121 

445 6036. 

The annual Green Fair and Lions Fun 

Day at Arrow Valley Park in Redditch takes 

place on Sun July 7 from 11am–4.30pm, 

organised by Redditch Borough Council 

and Redditch Lions. Attractions include 

classic cars, Royal Enfield motorbikes and 

stock cars, Army climbing wall, pony rides, 

craft stalls, children’s activities, face painting, 

bouncy castles, circus skills, birds of 

prey, fire engine rides, tug of war and live 

music. Free admission and car parking. 

Full details at www.redditchbc.gov.uk/ 

greenfair 

St Godwald’s Community Cafe meets 

every other Friday (the next one is July 5) 

from 10.30am–12.30pm at St Godwald’s 

Room adjacent to the Church Hall, Finstall 

Road, Bromsgrove. Home made scones, 

cake, tea/coffee available. Come and have 

a chatter, play board games, jigsaws etc. 

Alpha course – explore life, faith and 

meaning. Register your interest for our 

next course in 2019 at Barnt Green Baptist 

Church. Email outreach@bgb.org.uk or 

see www.bgb.org.uk 

what’s on guide 

‘Quiet Space’ at Alvechurch Baptist 

Church takes place each Mon and Fri from 

10am–12 noon. The church is open as a 

quiet space, with “welcomers” on hand to 

help if required, for anyone who would 

like to come and find peace and rest for 

as long as they need. For more info, call 

Revd Fiona Lee on 0121 447 7369, email 

revfiona@alvechurchbaptist.org.uk or visit 

www.alvechurchbaptist.org.uk 

MESSY CHURCH For All! This event is 

held on the third Sunday most months at 

Catshill Methodist Church from 3.45pm, to 

include games, singing, crafts and a story 

on a Bible-based theme, and simple meal 

around 5.30pm. Free entry and a warm 

welcome for all. More info from James 

Knott on 07968 110 631. 

MUSIC 

Worcestershire Jazz Orchestra gives 

its last concert before the summer break 

on Fri July 12 at Lickey End Social Club, 

B60 1JT. A mix of big band swing classics 

from all eras played by some of the 

best pro and semi-pro musicians in the 

Midlands. A special vocal treat is provided 

by the appearance of both regular singers 

together. Garry Rutter and Lynn Dawes 

are favourites with the audiences so don’t 

miss this concert! Starts 8pm. Entry £6 on 

the door. Non-club members welcome. For 

more details ring Geoff on 07970 662692.– 

THE MIDLAND Sinfonia presents Bach 

to the Future on Sat July 6 in St Laurence 

Church, Alvechurch. Doors/bar open from 

7pm; concert starts 7.30pm. Conducted by 

Nic Fallowfield, the programme comprises: 

Handel’s The Arrival of the Queen of Sheba 

and Concerto Grosso Op.3 No.2; Elgar’s Serenade 

for Strings; Bach’s Concerto for Two 

Violins in D minor; and Orchestral Suite No.1; 

and Berkeley’s Serenade for Strings. Tickets 

£15 on door, £14 in advance via www. 

midlandsinfonia.co.uk, 0121 447 7040 or 

Gin & Pickles, The Square, Alvechurch. 

Alvechurch Community Choir meets 

at 7.30pm on Mondays in Alvechurch Village 

Hall, though on the 2nd Monday each 

month they move to Alvechurch Social 

Club. They are at The Crown pub on July 

1, the social club on July 8 and the hall on 

July 15. The choir is an open access singing 

group; new members of all abilities 

are welcome – just go along. It is part of a 

charity called Everybody Let’s Sing and is 

committed to bringing music to a wide 

community, including a regular choir it 

runs at The Lawns care home. The choir 

sings gospel, folk and popular songs from 

all ages and loves to perform for local occasions. 

Find out more about the choir at 

www.lets-sing.co.uk To ask about booking 

the choir for an event, or for details of 

sessions and venues, ring Mary on 0121 

445 5957. 

Blackwell Concert Band and Training 

Band is open to all brass and woodwind 

players of all abilities. To learn more about 

the band and find details of upcoming 

events, email blackwellconcertband98@ 

gmail.com or visit www.blackwellconcertband.co.uk 

You will also find information 

on how to book the band. 

BROMSGROVE MUSIC Centre (Severn 

Arts) provides a Wind and Brass Band 

and a String Ensemble for children in the 

Bromsgrove/Redditch areas (approx G1- 

3). Mondays 6–7pm at St John’s Middle 

School, Bromsgrove. The first term is free! 

The centre also provides individual instrumental 

lessons 4.30–7.30pm. Visit www. 

severnarts.org.uk/bromsgrove-musiccentre 

or call 01905 947300. 

Singing to Beat, the group for people 

with dementia, Parkinson’s, MS and other 

neuro conditions (plus carers, friends and 

relatives) is now at the Longbridge Retirement 

Village (B45 8TD) every Weds from 

11.30am–1pm. Cost £3.50 for those from 

outside the village – all welcome. No previous 

experience necessary. More info from 

Ruth on 0121 453 6952. 

Bromsgrove Choral Society meets 

each Monday for rehearsals at 7.30pm 

in St John’s Middle School (Watt Close, 

Bromsgrove, B61 7DH). New members 

very welcome, please ring Eileen Kirby on 

01527 871237. 

Barnt Green Choral Society rehearses 

on Mondays at 7.45pm in St Andrew’s 

Church Hall, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green. 

New members welcome, especially tenors. 

More info from Fiona Brown on 0121 445 

5513 or www.barnt greenchoralsociety.org 

Cats Chorus is described as “a fun choir 

for people who love to sing but don’t have 

to be vocally gifted”, and meets on Tuesdays 

(term-time) at 7.30pm in The Wheel, 

Blackwell. They sing hits from the 60s to 


the present day. For more info, email sharoncatschorus@yahoo.com 

TARDEBIGGE CHURCH choir is seeking new 

recruits! The choir, based at St Bartholomew’s 

(B60 3AH) is struggling with declining 

numbers due to age and health, but still 

sings in four parts at morning and evening 

services on Sundays, plus weddings and 

funerals. They particularly need a bass or 

bass-baritone, but all parts are welcome! 

Pop along to a practice on Sat at 10am, or 

call Robert on 01527 542491. 

Shamanic Drumming Group meets 

monthly at Hopwood Village Hall. Drumming 

for Vitality, Healing and Joy. No previous 

experience necessary, drums available 

to borrow. For further details email Andy 

on Fixedholdsworth@sky.com 

The Arrow Vale Singers meet on 

Wednesdays from 8–10pm at Batchley 

Community Centre, Redditch B97 6PB, 

including a refreshment break. More info 

on 07718 113086, www.arrowvalesingers. 

co.uk or arrowvalesingers@gmail.com 

A JAZZ Night takes place at Beoley Village 

Hall on the 4th Wednesday of each month, 

featuring some fantastic “trad” jazz bands. 

For further details, or to order advance 

tickets, call 01527 62584 or 01527 66646 

(both before 9.30pm). 

Alvechurch Sports & Social Club 

hosts a series of music events including 

ACOUSTIC ROOTS with a variety of local 

performers ten times a year, KARAOKE 

every Sunday evening and LIVE bands. 

For up to date details visit the Club’s 

Facebook page or phone 0121 445 2121. 

Prizes to be won at Finstall Show 

songs – no audition needed. Free taster 

sessions available. More info at www.rockchoir.com 

or on 01252 714276. 

Bromsgrove Community Choir meets 

on Thurs evenings, 6–7 pm at Bromsgrove 

Methodist Centre, in room 6, at the rear of 

the building off the small car park. They 

sing for fun and enjoyment; everyone welcome, 

singers or not. Contact Ruth Henley 

for details on 01527 527022 or email 

r.g.henley@btinternet.com 

Alvechurch Samba Band, Banda Sem 

Nome, is looking for new recruits! This local 

community side meets on the 1st and 

3rd Thurs each month at Alvechurch Cricket 

Club at 8pm. Go along if you fancy having 

a go at something a little bit different 

and discovering your hidden talents! No 

previous experience required, all welcome 

(u16s must be accompanied by an adult). 

More info from Andrea on 07867 858099. 

Finstall Village Show takes place 

on Sat Aug 31, in and around Finstall 

Village Hall on Alcester Road. 

The outdoor attractions are open 

from 1pm, including live music, raffle, 

tombola, garden games, stalls such as 

bric-a-brac and crafts, plus tea, coffee 

and home-baked cakes, and a grand 

auction of produce at the end. 

The show offers classes for homegrown 

vegetables, baking, floral displays, 

crafts, flowers, art, photography, 

jams and chutneys, with prize money 

up to third place. Special classes for 

children (up to 12 years) in craft, baking 

and art. Winners receive a trophy 

inscribed with their name. Entries 

for the show need to be in place by 

12noon. No entry fees – admission by 

donation. Schedules will be delivered 

to all local residents, and are also available 

from Jackie Cater soft furnishings 

(opposite the hall) or by calling 07788 

178813. 

Help is always needed and gratefully 

accepted. All proceeds go towards 

further improvements of the hall, 

which hosts many activities and can be 

booked for parties and events. More 

info at www.finstallvillagehall.org 

Dancing to live music by Graham Darby. 

Doors open 7.30pm; dancing 8–11pm. 

Entry £5 on the door. More details at 

www.grahamdarbysmusic.com or 01543 

502722. 

French & Breton folk dancing at Alvechurch 

Village Hall: usually on the 1st Sat 

each month, 2.30–5pm. Informal tuition 

and live music provided. New dancers (and 

musicians) welcome. £2 per session. For 

details, email alvechurchfrenchdance@ 

gmail.com 

Aelfgythe Border Morris is actively 

seeking new dancers (female) and musicians 

(male or female) to join them for 

fun, exercise and dancing. They meet at 

7.45pm every Wednesday in Alvechurch 

Baptist Church Hall. Everyone welcome. 

Come and play traditional folk music, or try 

morris dancing. For more details call Pam 

on 07961 830 831. 

Cantare Daytime Choir meets on Fri 

9.15–10.15am at Alvechurch Cricket Club 

– all welcome. Don’t worry if you think 

you can’t sing, or don’t read music. You 

can even bring your kids/babies if they let 

you sing. Whether you want to perform 

in concerts or simply sing for fun, or the 

therapeutic or health benefits gained from 

group singing, go along for a free trial 

session. More info from Rebecca on 07803 

900154, cantarechoir2011@gmail.com, or 

www.cantarechoir.com 

BROMSGROVE FOLK Club meets on the 

second and last Thurs every month at Catshill 

Club, starting at 8pm. For a full list of 

events call Bob Bignell on 0121 476 5938 

or see www.bromsgrovefolkclub.co.uk 

BROMSGROVE ROCK Choir offers everyone 

the chance to sing pop, rock and chart 

Bel Canto Singers... do you enjoy singing 

bright and lively pieces? Join in with a 

friendly group of mixed age singers. The 

music is a good variety (pop, retro, musical 

and popular classical), and the group’s 

aim is to produce a quality sound while 

supporting charity. Monday evenings at 

Crabbs Cross Methodist Church, Crabbs 

Cross Lane, Redditch B97 5LD. The marvellous 

men would love more tenor and bass 

voices! More info at www.belcantosingers.co.uk 

or from Polly Speers on 01564 

822672. 

DANCING 

Graham & Denise Darby present a Saturday 

Night Social Dance at Lickey End 

Social Club, Bromsgrove on July 22 in aid 

of Midlands Air Ambulance and Prostate 

Cancer. Ballroom, Latin & Social Sequence 

AVONCROFT FOLK Dance Group enjoys 

anything from barn dances to ones seen 

in Pride & Prejudice or Poldark. All welcome, 

no need to have a partner. The 

group meets every Thurs from 8–10pm 

at Avoncroft Arts Centre, Redditch Road, 

Bromsgrove. £2.50 incl refreshments. Info 

from Liz Stanton on 01905 353995 or liz@ 

the-stantons.uk or visit www.avoncroftfdg. 

btck.co.uk 

No longer able to dance? Try Wheelchair 

Dancing instead! Wheels and Toes meets in 

Harborne each Thurs, 6.15-8pm. Wide variety 

of dances. More info: Barbara on 0121 

458 3686 or marshall8558@hotmail.com 

Tea Dances run by Bromsgrove District 

Council now take place in the new council 

building at Parkside Hall (Stourbridge 



57


Road, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA) on the last 

Tues of the month, 2–4pm, dancing to 

Brian’s super sounds! £4 entry includes tea/ 

coffee and biscuits. For further info contact 

Jan on 01527 881478. 

DANCE SESSIONS take place every Tuesday 

from 11am–12noon at the Where Next Hub 

(Unit 2a, Millsborough House, Ipsley Street, 

Redditch B98 7AL). Designed for people 

with special needs, but all are welcome – 

join Nikki and the team and learn some 

new moves! £7 per session. Book now on 

01527 69330 or nickylevy5@btconnect. 

com. All proceeds to the Where Next Association. 

Alvechurch Morris Men are on the 

look out for new dancers and musicians. 

They practise on Mondays at Alvechurch 

Baptist Church Hall, 8.30–10pm, followed 

by a “debrief” at a local hostelry. They 

dance in local towns and at various local 

and national events, and perform a worldfamous 

(sort of) mummers play in the 

village every New Year’s Day. No ability, 

fitness or co-ordination required – if you 

are male, 18+ and prepared to spend more 

time than is probably good for you in public 

houses, pop along to meet the group! 

Drop in to any practice or contact Chris on 

07984 570763 or email 

chris.alvechurchbagman@gmail.com 

BJ’s Busy Boots Line Dancing Classes: 

Tues 2–3pm Bromsgrove Leisure Centre; 

7–10pm Stoke Prior Sports/Country Club. 

Thurs 12–2.15pm Bromsgrove Methodist 

Church Centre. Social Dance 1st Sat in 

month at All Saints Church Hall, Burcot 

Lane. It’s a fun way to exercise. For more 

details phone Brenda on 01517 870151. 

THE CIRCASSIAN Circle Barndancing Club 

runs on the first Saturday each month at 

Rowney Green Village Hall. £5 per person 

to include sandwich, tea and cake! More 

info on 01527 545002. 

THE PHOENIX Dance Club holds Social 

Dances, Ballroom & Sequence Dancing 

twice a month on Sat nights at Bromsgrove 

Council building, Parkside Hall, Stourbridge 

Road, Bromsgrove B61 8DA. Free parking. 

No membership required. No bar facilities 

– please bring your own refreshments. 

More info from Mick or Thelma on 01527 

872634. 

Sequence ballroom and Latin dancing 

every Mon evening at 8pm at the 

Longbridge Social Club, 1012 Bristol Road 

South, Northfield. Occasional free tuition. 

All welcome to a friendly fun-filled dance. 

More details from Kalvin on 07725 265024. 

THEATRE 

Blackwell & Barnt Green Theatre Group 

has been in existence for over 40 years 

and only of late has any vacancies for new 

members. The group makes five or six visits 

a year, usually to Malvern or Symphony 

Hall in Birmingham. Membership includes 

reduced ticket fees and coach travel to 

the selected venue from the crossroads at 

Blackwell Post Office. More details on 0791 

273 3226 or 0797 100 7604. 

Rubery Drama Group usually 

meets every Wednesday at the Beacon 

Church Centre, Whetty Lane, Rubery, 7.30 

for 7.45pm. 

CLUBS, GROUPS & 

SOCIETIES 

Alvechurch Friendship Group usually 

meets in the meeting room at Alvechurch 

Village Hall on the 4th Weds each month at 

2pm – men and women welcome. On July 

24, vocalist Barbara Stone will perform. 

More info from Rosalind on 0121 445 0598. 

Friends of Bittell Reservoirs is a group of 

local people interested in preserving the 

natural environment of the Site of Special 

Scientific Interest at Upper Bittell, Lower 

Bittell and Mill Shrub reservoirs, which 

are important staging posts for migrant 

birds and wildlife. If you have an interest in 

preserving this unique environment and 

would like to help in its preservation and 

maintenance, contact: Charles Deverill on 

cdjd26@gmail.com 

Men in Sheds (Redditch) is a group for 

those who have retired or been made 

redundant and want to spend time with 

like-minded people. They meet every Tues 

and Thurs, 10am–1pm, at The Old Needle 

Works, Britten Street, Redditch B97 6HD. 

Bromsgrove friendship Club meets at 

the Life after Stroke Centre, Church Lane, 

Bromsgrove B61 8RA on the second Tues 

each month at 2.15 pm. For more info 

please contact Millie Harries on 0121 445 

5232. 

Burcot Grange invites those living with 

dementia and their carers to attend the 

Dementia Lodge Café, held on the 2nd 

Thurs each month at The Lodge, 23 Greenhill, 

Burcot, B60 1BJ. Tea and coffee from 

10.30am, entertainment from 11am and 

buffet lunch from 12.15pm. All welcome. 

Limited places – please RSVP to Kiran on 

0121 445 5552 or Burcot.haa@cinnamoncc. 

com 

Rubery Community & Leisure Centre is 

looking for volunteers – if you have a few 

hours spare on a Friday, you’d be made 

most welcome. The centre is a registered 

charity run solely by volunteers. For more 

info, ring 0121 453 7716 or email office@ 

ruberyleisurecentre.co.uk 

redditch Military History Society usually 

meets monthly in St Luke’s Church 

Hall (Evesham Road, Redditch, B97 4JX), 7 

for 7.30pm. More info from Ron on 01527 

545450 or ronnieg33b@hotmail.co.uk 

Bromsgrove U3A. Retired/semi-retired? 

Meetings with guest speakers 1st and 3rd 

Tues most months at Artrix plus a variety of 

activities and outings: something for everyone. 

Curious? Call 01527 870449 or see 

www.u3asites.org.uk/bromsgrove/home 

Redditch Lions Club meets on the second 

Weds of each month at the Southcrest 

Hotel, Redditch B97 4JS at 8pm. For more 

info call 0845 833 5914, email secretary@ 

redditchlions.org.uk or visit www.redditchlions.org.uk 

Catshill Carers Group is a group set up 

specifically to offer one afternoon a month 

of respite, socialising and occasional speakers 

to carers in the area. It meets on the last 

Tues each month in the coffee bar area of 

Catshill Methodist Church Centre in Golden 

Cross Lane from 2.30pm for about 1.5 hrs. 

All carers welcome, as well as those who 

used to care for someone who may have 

passed away or is now in a care facility. Tea 

and biscuits or cake provided – no charge. 

Contact Sheila (0121 445 2813) or Di (0121 

445 3595) for details and encouragement. 

Burcot Grange welcomes you to enjoy 

High Tea (plus entertainment) with other 

guests and residents, on the 3rd Thurs each 

month from 2.30–4.30pm. Limited places – 

please RSVP to Kiran on 0121 445 5552 or 

Burcot.haa@cinnamoncc.com 

Burcot Knit & Natter meets weekly on 

Mondays from 10–12am and 1–3pm at 

Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. Phone Kim 

Neale on 0121 445 1677, or drop by, for 

more details. Cost £3.50 to include a drink 

and cake. 

Central Radio Car Club meets every 

Friday 6.30–10pm (racing starts 7pm) 

at Woodrush Community High School, 

Shawhurst Lane, Wythall, B47 5JW. 


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 ‘CentralRadio- 

CarClub’ on Facebook or call Bob Jones on 

01527 870463. 

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. 

Alvechurch Village Society has its 

AGM on Mon July 15 at 7.15 pm in the Village 

Hall Committee Room. All welcome, 

particularly if you are a regular hall user. 

COFFEE BREAK meets every Friday 

morning from 10.30am–12noon, in the 

Parish Centre behind St Andrew’s Church, 

Sandhills Road, Barnt Green. You will find 

a friendly and warm welcome – see you 

soon! For enquiries ring 0121 445 4278. 

Bromsgrove Photographic Society is 

a friendly, active and mutually supportive 

club for those interested in photography 

and digital imaging. The growing membership 

includes those with interests in both 

film and digital techniques, wide-ranging 

subjects and from highly-skilled photographers 

to novices. The club meets on 

Tuesday nights, 8–10pm at the Avoncroft 

Arts Centre. New members and visitors 

welcome. For more information, please 

visit www.bromsgroveps.co.uk 

The North Worcestershire Association of 

the National Trust Supporters’ Group (covering 

members resident in Bromsgrove, 

Droitwich and Redditch), meets at 7.30pm 

on the 3rd Thursday each month in Tardebigge 

Community Hall, behind St Bartholomew’s 

Church. Selection of interesting 

talks, plus coach outings, rambles, an 

annual holiday and fundraising activities, 

with emphasis on FUN! New members always 

welcome; annual subscription £7.50. 

More details from membership secretary 

Betty Millward on 01527 523805 or email 

bettymilllward36@hotmail.co.uk 

Contact the Elderly aims to help isolated 

elderly people in the village area by offering 

monthly tea parties where they can 

reconnect or make new friends in their 

own community. If you know of an elderly 

person who could benefit, please get in 

touch on 07539 276054. Guests need to be 

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. 

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. 

ROTARY CLUB OF BROMSGROVE meets 

every 2nd Tues of the month at Maekong 

Thai Restaurant, and every 4th Tues at 

Bromsgrove School, both 7pm for 7.30pm. 

New members welcome. For more info 

visit www.bromsgroverotary.org.uk or 

contact Ron Pearce on 07703 567982. 

Alvechurch Sports & Social Club has 

a large Function Room available for hire. 

It has a bar, choice of two stages, plenty 

of seating, a dance floor and a capacity of 

140. CHARITY fund raising events enjoy 

FREE room hire. Please book early; for 

more details contact the Club on 0121 445 

2121, visit the Facebook page and leave 

a message, or email alvechurchssc2015@ 

hotmail.com 

Burcot Niddie Noddies spinning group 

meets on the 3rd Sat each month, 10am– 

1pm at Burcot Garden Centre, B60 1PW. 

Open to all crafters, not just spinners. Bring 

your own chair. Phone Kim Neale on 0121 

445 1677, or drop by, for more details. Cost 

£3 to include a drink and cake. 

The Birmingham branch of the 

International Plastic Modelling Society 

caters to scale modellers interested in 

a variety of subjects including Aircraft, 

Vehicles, Ships, Science Fiction and 

Figures. All ages and abilities welcome, 

building anything from basic kits to complicated 

scratch-built models. Meetings 

take place at Longbridge Methodist 

Church in the Reception/Cafe area (1654/8 

Bristol Road South, B45 9TY) usually on 

the 3rd Sun each month (sometimes the 

date is changed to avoid clashing with 

model shows or holiday periods). You can 

find more info at: www.ipmsbirmingham. 

blogspot.co.uk 

Barnt Green Parish Centre has large 

and medium sized lounges available for 

regular hire for some morning and early 


afternoon sessions each week. Please 

contact the Parish Administrator on 0121 

447 7097. 

Heart of England Speakers is a small, 

friendly, public speaking club, based in 

Knowle near Solihull. It is affiliated to 

Toastmasters International, and meets 

on the 1st and 3rd Tues every month, 

7.30pm to 9.30pm, at the Greswolde Hotel, 

Knowle. More information at www.heartspeakers.org.uk 

midland ancestors usually meets 

monthly at 7.45pm at Bromsgrove 

Methodist Centre, 19 Stratford Road, 

Bromsgrove, B60 1AS. More info at www. 

bromsgrovebmsgh.co.uk 

Common thread is a friendly group of 

women who enjoy crafts including sewing, 

knitting, crochet and more, together with 

tea, cake and chat. For more info contact 

Maggie on 0121 439 9324 or Jayne on 

0121 445 1113. 

Lickey Valley Trefoil Guild, as a branch of 

the Guide Association, is open to anyone 

over the age of 18. Make new friends, 

travel, explore, serve the community 

and help Guiding and Scouting in your 

area. The Guild meets at Barnt Green Scout 

& Guide Centre (off Blackwell Road, Barnt 

Green, B45 8BT) every second Weds from 

7.30–9.30pm. For more info call 0121 445 

3907 or 0121 445 2813 or visit www. 

trefoilguild.co.uk 

Available for hire: The Wheel community 

room by St Catherine’s Church, Blackwell. 

Suitable for groups. Quiet, enclosed 

garden adjacent. For details contact the 

church office on 0121 445 1425. 

Bromsgrove (1982) Probus Club 

provides regular opportunities for retired 

professionals and businessmen to meet 

socially and share common interests. A 

members’ meeting is held at Avoncroft 

Arts Centre on the 3rd Weds each month, 

10am–12noon, including refreshments 

and a talk by a guest speaker. For more 

info visit www.bromsgroveprobus.co.uk or 

contact Jim on 01527 833531. 

Lickey Phab Club is a social club where 

people aged 14 and over, with and without 

disabilities, can come together each week 

to have fun! It is affiliated to national 

charity Phab (Physically Disabled and Able 

Bodied). The club meets every Mon from 

7.30–9.30pm at The Trinity Centre, Lickey 

Parish Hall to have fun, play games, do 



59


crafts or just chat – there’s also a tuck shop! 

More info from Louise Edgell on 07814 

122990 or lickeyphabclub@hotmail.com 

BEACON LADIES CLUB meets at 8pm 

on alternate Wednesday evenings at The 

Hawthorns Social Club, Rednal Hill Lane, 

Rednal. There is a varied programme of 

speakers and outings, including occasional 

visits to the theatre. New members of all 

ages welcome. £10 annual membership, 

plus £2 fortnightly. Please ring Barbara on 

0121 445 3456 or Anita on 445 3770. 

COFFEE, CAKE and Chat meets from 

10.30am to 12noon on the fourth Friday of 

the month (not August) in The Wheel at St 

Catherine’s Church, Blackwell. All welcome; 

for details, call Rodney on 0121 445 2070. 

The Worcester-Birmingham & Droitwich 

Canals Society meets at the Alvechurch 

Boat Centre, Scarfield Hill (just a few steps 

behind The Weighbridge pub) on an “almost 

monthly” basis. Meetings are held on 

the first Tuesday of each month, 7.45pm. 

There is usually a guest speaker and a 

raffle. Non-members are very welcome to 

come along. Please visit the website: www. 

wbdcs.org.uk 

Beoley Good Companions, a group for 

retired people, meets on the 1st Mon 

monthly at Beoley Village Hall to socialise 

and enjoy an entertainer or speaker. 

Membership only £7 per year plus £2 entry 

charge, which includes a free raffle ticket. 

If you are interested in joining the group, 

contact Secretary Ken Hawkesford on 

01527 61130 or email kenhawkesford 

@yahoo.co.uk or beoleygood.companions 

@yahoo.co.uk for an application form. 

THE FRIENDSHIP Club of Barnt Green 

usually meets monthly at 2.15pm at the 

Friends Meeting House, Barnt Green. On 

July 16, Helen Eyre presents Keyboard 

Memories (with participation). Visitors £3 

to include tea and biscuits. For more details 

call Rosalind Tyler on 0121 445 0598. 

THE WEDNESDAY Club usually meets on 

the second Weds of each month at Alvechurch 

Cricket Club at 1.30pm, and offers 

the chance to make new friends, meet old 

ones and enjoy talks, demos and visits. 

Visitors £4 including tea. On July 10 it’s My 

Early Years and the Savoy Hotel with Bill 

Farnsworth. More info from Janet on 0121 

447 7870 or Lis on 0121 445 3895. 

LICKEY HILLS Local History Society usually 

meets monthly at 7.30pm in the Trinity 

Centre, Old Birmingham Road, Lickey 

B45 8ES. Annual subscription: £15. Non 

members: £3 per meeting. More info from 

George Gascoyne, Hon Secretary on 0121 

453 6320, or ccgi.lickey.plus.com 

Bromsgrove Astronomical Society 

usually meets on the 3rd Monday of each 

month at Bromsgrove Rugby Club (Finstall 

Road, B60 3DH). Doors open 7.30pm, 

speakers begin 7.45pm. Admission free on 

your first visit; refreshments available. On 

July 15 it’s Earth to Quasars with Richard 

Hendey. Observing meetings are also held 

on the first Monday each month – bring 

your telescopes. More information on 

01527 908331 or www.broms-astro.org.uk 

BROMSGROVE RAILWAY Club usually holds 

monthly meetings at St Godwald’s Church 

Hall in Finstall, 7.15pm for 7.45 start.There 

are always refreshments and a book stall, 

and new members are welcome. In July 

and August there are coach excursions instead 

of meetings. More details from Dave 

on 01527 873800 or Gordon on 01527 

873609. 

KINGFISHER PROBUS Club is recruiting 

retired and semi-retired men to meet 

people in a friendly environment. Meetings 

are held at The Foxlydiate Arms (B97 6PX), 

every 2nd Thurs of the month at 11.30am. 

Lunch is followed by an interesting talk 

given by a visiting speaker. Partners/ 

friends welcome for walks, trips, golf, 

skittles and special lunches. For more info 

visit www.kingfisherprobusredditch.co.uk 

or contact Chris Bailey on 01527 835802. 

Bromsgrove Ladies Probus meets 

monthly for a light lunch with a speaker, 

networking and occasional outings. If you 

are a professional or business woman and 

are recently retired, or coming up to retirement 

and would like further info, email 

bromsgroveladiesprobus@gmail.com 

ALVECHURCH HISTORICAL Society has no 

meetings in July or August, but usually 

meets on the first Mon of the month at 

7.45pm at the Museum in School Lane, 

Alvechurch. More details from Anne Humphries 

on 0121 445 5955. New members 

welcome. 

Bromsgrove & Redditch Soroptimists 

no longer meet at Redditch – meetings are 

now every 2nd Thurs of the month at 

Burcot Village Hall, 340 Alcester Road, Burcot, 

Bromsgrove B60 1BH. New members 

very welcome to join the lively group of 

women who want to make the world a 

better place for women and girls, as well as 

having fun themselves. Book club, walking 

group, various workshop trips, and days 

out to places of interest. If you are interested, 

pop to the next meeting on June 13, 

email sibrsoroptimist@gmail.com or ring 

07812 985927– members will be happy to 

give you more info. 

BROMSGROVE PHOENIX NCDS (National 

Council for the Divorced, Separated & 

Widowed) Club meets at Lickey End Working 

Men’s Club every Thurs from 8-11pm. 

For more info call Mark Waring on 01562 

824057, Pam Banks on 01527 759424 or 

Marilyn Cornish on 01905 778636. 

TARDEBIGGE COMMUNITY Hall for hire: 

large, bright facility for functions, clubs, societies 

and all activities. To book call 07763 

446902 or email tchbookings@gmail.com 

CAN YOU Hear Me? (Communication 

Forum) usually meets on the 3rd Wednesday 

each month at Alvechurch Cricket 

Club, Birmingham Road, from 10.30am– 

12noon. Both deaf and hearing people are 

welcome. More details from Pat on 07966 

370448. 

ROTARY CLUB OF LICKEY HILLS meets on 

Monday evenings, 7.15 for 7.30pm, at 

Hillscourt Conference Centre (NASUWT 

headquarters) on Rose Hill (B45 8RS). For 

details contact Graham Wiseman on 0121 

460 1402. 

SILVER THREADS, the Alvechurch club, 

meets on the first Weds each month at 

2pm in Alvechurch Village Hall. You’ll 

be sure of a welcome in this friendly 

atmosphere, where members can chat 

over a cup of tea. There are regular bingo 

sessions, and occasional days out. New 

members welcome. More info from Pat on 

0121 447 8630. 

HOPWOOD VILLAGE Hall is available for 

hire: ideal for parties and gatherings. 

Contact Ann on 0121 447 7668 or visit 

www.hopwoodvillagehall.co.uk 

The Monday Fellowship Group meets 

at the Parish Centre behind St Andrew’s 

Church in Barnt Green at 2.30pm on the 

second Mon each month. £1 per talk, to 

include tea and biscuits. For more information, 

go along or ring Joyce Linford on 

0121 272 4443. 

Woodrush RUGBY Club “Old Dogs” meet 

at 8pm on the first Thurs in the month 

at the Clubhouse, Icknield Street, 01564 

822878. Open to all former players, social 

members and old friends for a social chat 



and the odd reminisce over a glass of beer. 

Join us: call Mike Betts on 07960 303254 or 

visit www.pitchero.com/clubs/woodrush 

the MACULAR Society Barnt Green Support 

Group usually meets on the last Fri of 

the month (with some exceptions) at The 

Parish Centre, behind St Andrew’s Church, 

Sandhills Road, Barnt Green, B45 8NR, 

2–4pm. Friendly, self-help group, proving 

there is more to life than this devastating 

eye condition. New members always welcome. 

For more info, ring Wendy on 0121 

445 1585 or Alan on 01527 877864. 

SPORT, FITNESS & HEALTH 

PHYSIOTHERAPY: Specialist Orthopaedic, 

Musculoskeletal and Women’s Health. For 

muscle/ joint conditions, sports injuries, 

ante/postnatal and pelvic floor. Over 14 

years’ specialist experience. Clinic appointments 

in Cofton Hackett. Home visits 

available. Call Leila on 07813 080223, email 

Leila.holmes@physioadvantage.co.uk or 

see www.physioadvantage.co.uk 

Woodrush Rugby: A warm friendly 

welcome awaits new recruits to the three 

Senior men’s teams (1st XV-Midlands 3 

South), Colts (U180, Women (Wolverines) 

and Mini & Juniors (Micros U5, Mini/Junior 

U5/U14). Substantial investment in new 

floodlight pitch, training and clubhouse 

facilities; new extended car park. Experienced 

and RFU-qualified coaches at all 

levels to provide a safe, secure playing environment 

for all. The group’s rugby ambitions 

on the field are matched only by the 

social life off, so why not come and give 

it a TRY? Based at Icknield Street opposite 

the Peacock Inn, Wythall B38 0EL. Info at 

woodrushrfc@yahoo.co.uk, 07341 256821, 

www.pitchero.com/clubs/woodrush 

Martial Arts Class at The Ark, St 

Laurence Church, Alvechurch, every Tues 

6.30–7.30pm. More details from Chris on 

07507 696926. 

Cath’s Paths Walking Group meets at 

Barnt Green Social Club at 7pm every 

Weds evening (until August 28). Walks 

tailored to suit weather and ground conditions, 

appropriate footwear and clothing 

for active local cross country walks. 

Non-members welcome. Details on 07798 

831618. 

Netball for all ages and abilities at Alvechurch 

Middle School. £4 per session. 

Back to Netball (16+) for those who 

haven’t played since school, includes netball 

skills and gameplay: Mon 7-8pm. Pay 

and Play Netball (16+) who just want an 

hour of netball – Weds 7.30–8.30pm. Walking 

Netball for those who are less mobile 

but still want to enjoy netball at a sloweddown 

pace: Weds 6.30–7.30pm. More info 

from Pauline Knight on 07540 126814 or 

pauline.knight@englandnetball.co.uk 

Facebook: Netball in Alvechurch 

Pilates with Lottie Newberry: Physiotherapy-led 

Pilates classes every Mon 

evening in the function room above the 

Red Lion in Alvechurch. Contact Lottie on 

07968 450673 or lottienewberrypilates@ 

hotmail.com. All abilities welcome. 

Redditch & Bromsgrove Company of 

Archers meet April–Sept on Mon 6.30pm 

and Fri 6.30pm at Meadow Park Football 

Ground (by Harris Brush Works – outdoors) 

and Oct–March on Weds 7.30pm and Fri 

6.30pm at Studley Leisure Centre (indoors). 

Really friendly no-pressure club. New 

members always welcome (juniors from 8 

years old, seniors from 18 to 80+, seasoned 

archers or absolute beginners). Beginners’ 

courses run throughout the year or taster 

sessions by appointment. Further info 

from Steve Thornton on 07811 575162 or 

0121 445 5952. 

Redditch Ramblers is a growing, friendly 

and sociable group offering a full walks 

programme including: * A walk every Sun 

usually 7–9 miles * Once a month, a choice 

of a Sat ‘A’ walk (around 10 miles) and a 

Sun ‘B’ walk (about 6 miles) * Monthly 

Saturday Safari for a more challenging 

walk * Fortnightly Saturday Strollers (4–5 

miles). Newcomers always welcome. In 

addition, the group arranges holidays, 

coach trips and social events through the 

year. Full into at redditch.ramblers@gmail. 

com or www.redditchramblers.org.uk 

Adult Coached Swim Training every 

Sunday 6pm–7pm at Bromsgrove Sports 

and Leisure Centre (School Drive, B60 1AY). 

Contact Andrew Cunnell on 0121 445 5210 

or email: bits@bratclub.co.uk. All swimmers 

welcome. 

Slimming World at Lickey End Social 

Club (17 Alcester Road, B60 1JT) – come 

and join our warm and friendly group, 

every Thurs at 5.30pm and 7.30pm. More 

info from Tracey on 07989 105937. 

Physiotherapy-Led Pilates Classes on 

Monday mornings and Weds evenings 

at Cofton Hackett Village Hall. 6 lessons 

for £50. Mixed ability classes to improve 

muscle tone and posture as well as overall 

body strength. For full details contact Beth 

on 07841 477363 or elizabethalexanderltd@gmail.com 

ZUMBA with LEESH! Come and SHAKE it til 

you make it, every Monday 7.30–8.30pm 

at Crown Meadow School. Contact: 07531 

625939 for more information! 

Tai Chi: would you like to make a positive 

change in 2019, help to relax, have a new 

interest and exercise? Classes at Finstall Village 

Hall, Wednesdays 2pm. 

Calling all ROCKSTARS! Make some noise 

in the cardio jam session that is POUND! 

Every Wednesday 7.30–8.15pm at Crown 

Meadow School. Contact Leesh Waldron: 

07531 625939. Booking required! 

Yoga Really Works: Yoga classes at Saint 

Nicolas Place, The Green at Kings Norton. 

Antenatal Thursdays, 6.25pm and Postnatal 

Fridays 11am (Stretch & Relax with 

baby). No Yoga experience necessary 

See www.yogareallyworks.co.uk for more 

info or Facebook /yogareallyworks 

BARNT GREEN Sailing Club offers regular 

sailing, either racing or casual sailing, in 

beautiful surroundings at Upper Bittell 

reservoir. For information contact 

secretary@bgsc.uk 

Term-Time Yoga Classes: Mondays 9.30– 

10.30am, Cofton Hackett Village Hall. 

Classes £7.50 each with 4 weeks payable 

up front. Equipment provided. Please 

contact Sarah on 07970 072038 or hello@ 

themotorcyclingyogi.co.uk 

Briar Rose Field Archers is a field archery 

club based near Bromsgrove. There are 

two qualified coaches for those interested 

in taking up the sport. For information 

contact briarrosefieldarchers@gmail.com 

Junior cricket coaching at Alvechurch 

Cricket Club runs every Sun from 10am to 

noon throughout the season, for boys and 

girls aged five to 11. All abilities welcome 

to enjoy cricket in a friendly environment. 

Led by ECB Level 2 or Level 3 qualified 

coaches. No charge for first session. Refreshments 

available. Info from Simon 

Bowron on 07753 621528. For details of 

coaching for ages 12–16, contact Nick 

Jones on 07779 267609. 

Alvechurch Village Society’s next 

walk is on Fri July 12 when Nickie Thomas 

(07740 463509) leads the End of Season 

Social Walk, ending with a social gathering 

at The Weighbridge. Meet at Alvechurch 


The Village July 2019 61


rail station car park at 7pm. More info on 

the Society at www.alvechurchvs.org 

Kettlercise classes at Blackwell 

Methodist Hall, Greenhill, B60 1BL. Mon 

7.15–8.15pm, Weds 7.30–8.30pm, HIIT 

class Sat 8.15am. Kettlebells provided, all 

welcome. Contact Louise: 07792 229837. 

Facebook: ‘Kettlercise with Louise: North 

Bromsgrove’. 

Barnt Green Fishing Club manages 

angling on the Bittell Reservoirs complex. 

Trout and coarse fishing are available. For 

further information and application forms 

email the Membership Secretary at bgfcmembership@outlook.com 

Saracen cycling Club is seeking new 

members. Men, ladies, beginners, and 

regular riders are all welcome. The longestablished 

club meets regularly by 

the Tardebigge Pub on Thurs at 10am and 

Sun at 9.45am. See www.saracenroadclub. 

com or call Ivor on 0121 453 2287. 

THE RAMBLERS, BROMSGROVE GROUP: 

Guided walking with our group for pleasure, 

fitness and fun. Full programme of 

walks / events throughout the year. More 

info at www.bromsgroveramblers.webs. 

com or Martin on 01527 857117 or Peter 

on 01527 558203. 

ALVECHURCH WALKING Buddies: join a 

regular local walk with like-minded people 

who simply want to go on a local, sedate 

and friendly walk with no pressure. Wellbehaved 

owners and their dogs are very 

welcome. The group meets at 10.30am every 

Thurs. For more info, search for ‘alvwb’ 

on Facebook or contact Tony on 07763 

468893. 

Longbridge Ladies Cycling Club wants 

lovely new members! Weekly Weds and 

Sun rides, hotel and hostel weekends 

away, cycle camping adventures, social 

outings and much much more. Beginners 

and seasoned cyclists welcome. Call Deb 

on 07738982161, email debweston@aol. 

com or see www.longbridgeladies.co 

PILATES: ONE-TO-ONE tuition using studio 

Pilates equipment to improve body awareness, 

posture and fitness. An efficient mind 

and body workout – principles learned 

can be helpful in improving sports performance 

and functional fitness and managing 

pain. One-to-one tuition may lead to 

participation in studio and mat classes. 

Suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Call 

Cricket fixtures 

Come and enjoy the cricket at 

Alvechurch & Hopwood Cricket Club: 

Sat June 29 – 1st XI vs Romsley 

Sat July 6 – 2st XI vs Wyre Foresters 

Sat July 13 – 1st XI vs Astwood Bank 

Sat July 20 – 2nd XI vs Burlingham 

Sat July 27 – 1st XI vs Harborne 

1pm start. Bar open from 2pm – 

non-members welcome. 

or text 07759 590830, email pilates@steff 

affleck.co.uk or visit www.steffaffleck.co.uk 

SOCIAL TENNIS takes place at Rubery 

Community & Leisure Centre, Holywell 

Lane, Rubery B45 9AD on Mondays from 

1–3pm. The group would welcome a few 

more players – just turn up or ring Don on 

01527 759 318 for further details. 

Mindful yoga & Meditation classes, 

Day Retreats and Weekend Workshops. 

For Peace & Calm, Fitness, Vitality, & Better 

Sleep. For classes and bookings, contact 

Sally on 0790 366 3085 or classes@MyYoga 

Mind.co.uk; visit www.MyYoga Mind.co.uk 

or Facebook: Sally MyYogaMind 

PILates & piloxing: (Pilates and boxing): 

ALL levels of fitness. Tues (Barnt Green) 

7pm (Piloxing Express) and 7.30-8.30pm 

(Pilates Mat). Alison: 07790 916947, Facebook: 

‘@AlisonBFit’, alibenford@yahoo. 

co.uk, www.alison-personaltrainer.com 

FIVE WAYS Old Edwardians’ Cricket Club 

at Ash Lane, Hopwood: Junior, Men’s and 

Women’s teams, come and join in! Open to 

all. Excellent facilities. Everyone welcome. 

Coaching for juniors on Fri evenings May 

to Aug. Contact Mark Tovey on 01527 

835031. 

Mercian Nordic Walking: Walking and 

exercise activities outdoors at the Ryland 

Centre and on local walking trails. Ian 

Northcutt BEM and his colleagues provide 

instruction and lead fun, friendly groups 

for all levels of fitness. More info at www. 

merciannordicwalking.co.uk 

One Fit Mama: Mother & Baby Wednesdays, 

9.45am at Rowney Green Village 

Hall. Like us on Facebook: One Fit Mama 

Alvechurch, Barnt Green & Wythall. 

Barnt Green Sports Club holds a 

Badminton Social Open Evening each 

Thurs, 8pm to 11pm (Margesson Drive, 

Barnt Green, B45 8LR). No membership 

required. Players of all abilities welcome. 

More info from Nick Butcher on 

0121 445 1978 or visit www.barntgreen 

sportsclub.co.uk 

Alvechurch Cricket Club Pavilion (rear 

of 6 Birmingham Road) is available for 

meetings/functions/child and adult parties. 

Bowling alley, pool table, table football, 

darts, table tennis, excellent children’s 

entertainer and DJ. For details/availability, 

contact Pete Gwilliam on 07960 550884 or 

petergwilliam@btconnect.com 

CATSHILL FC offers youth coaching sessions 

each Saturday morning at Catshill 

Middle School, Meadow Road, Catshill, B61 

0JW. Boys and girls from Reception age 

upwards are welcome. Contact Gary on 

07462 118920 or see www.catshillfc.co.uk 

for further info. 

Astwood Bank Angling Club has 8 

lakes, including 2 just outside Alvechurch. 

Annual membership £63 adult, £48 conc, 

plus £10 joining fee. £10 juniors (no joining 

fee). Info at www.astwoodbankac. 

co.uk or contact Nick Powell on 07713 

562495 or abac.membership@virginmedia.com 

BROMSGROVE & REDDITCH Badminton 

Club welcomes players for social and 

league play. Playing Sunday evenings 5.40 

to 7.40pm. Details from Steve Whittaker 

07805 051456. 

Rubery Taekwon-Do at Waseley Hills 

High School, Rubery on Thursdays and 

Bournville College, Longbridge on Fridays, 

with Yvonne (2nd Degree Black Belt). For 

more info email yvonne@rubery-tkd.co.uk 

or visit www.rubery-tkd.co.uk 

mobility session for seniors: Tues 

9.30am at Alvechurch Baptist Church. Suitable 

for seniors who want to improve their 

mobility, strength and balance. Info from 

Hayley on 01527 881404. 

NEW Ravens (North East Worcestershire 

Ravens Rugby League Club) play at Kings 

Norton Rugby Club, Hopwood Park, Ash 

Lane, Hopwood. Playing opportunities 

for men’s open age, juniors, women and 

girls. Mixed touch every Mon from 7.30pm; 

open age training on Weds from 7.30pm. 

Juniors and “little leaguers” train each 

Sun from 10.30am. Masters RL is played 

for over-35s, with modified rules to suit 

different age cohorts, shown by different 

coloured shorts. New players always wel- 


come, regardless of experience, as are any 

supporters to this family-orientated club. 

Further details at www.newravens.net 

Zumba Gold: Thurs 1–2pm at Alvechurch 

Baptist Church. A fun, energetic 

class retaining the vibrancy of Zumba but 

without the impact and twisting around, 

to accommodate the more senior participant. 

More Information from Hayley on 

01527 881404. 

AEROBICS classes at Alvechurch School, 

Birmingham Road, Fridays 6.30–7.30pm 

(Tues classes suspended until further notice). 

Lapsed or new members welcome. 

More info from Tony on 0121 445 1819. 

Tai Chi (Qigong) sessions in Alvechurch 

Village Hall on Mon 10–11am and Fri 

11am–12noon. Qigong is an integration of 

physical postures, breathing techniques, 

and focused intentions. Tai Chi also takes 

place at Hopwood Village Hall on Tues 

7pm (beginners) and 8pm (intermediate/ 

advanced), and Weds 10–11am. More 

details on 07831 743737, or see www. 

paintingtherainbow.co.uk for daytime 

classes and www.kaiming.co.uk for 

evening classes. 

Kings Norton Rhinos offers contact 

and non-contact rugby for children from 

Reception to Year 12. A safe and friendly 

introduction to rugby – and plenty of 

outdoor fun and exercise! Training takes 

place at KNRFC Ash Lane, Hopwood, on 

Sundays from 10–11.30am. Contact Steve 

Washington on 07771 911209 or visit 

www.knrfc.co.uk 

Hopwood Ladies Cycling Club meets 

at Hopwood Playing Field on Tuesdays at 

11.30 am and Wednesdays at 9.30 am. For 

more information, visit www.hopwoodladies 

cyclingclub.co.uk or phone Sheila 

Evans on 07779 530017. 

Karate classes take place every Tuesday 

and Thursday from 7–8pm at Hopwood 

Community Hall. First three Classes 

FREE. Call Colin on 01527 578880 or 07738 

674023 or colin.abbott@homecall.co.uk 

CHILDREN & FAMILIES 

Pol pol’s Playtime Stay and Play is open 

for 0–4 year olds, 10am–12noon every 

Mon, Wed and Thurs at Rowney Green Village 

Hall. Toys, bouncy castle, crafts, singing, 

instruments and bubbles at the end 

of each session. Free tea and coffee. £4 per 

child and £1 per sibling. 

Tots Play classes at Bromsgrove Girl 

Guiding Centre on Tuesdays. Social Tots 

9.50am; Discovery Tots 10.50am; Baby Development 

11.50am. More info from lucy@ 

totsplay.co.uk or 07709 453 756. 

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 

Every Scout Group in Bromsgrove 

(which includes Barnt Green, Blackwell, 

Catshill, Finstall as well as the town centre) 

currently has girls and boys waiting to join, 

their numbers restricted by the ratio of 

adults to young people. A few more adults 

helping would enable existing leaders 

to open more Beaver Colonies and Cub 

Packs and allow more young people to 

experience Scouting. If you could spare a 

few hours, call Val on 01527 837060 or visit 

www.bromsgrovescouts.org.uk 

Marlbrook Pre-School: St Luke’s 

Church Hall, Braces Lane. Learning 

through play from 2 years to school age. 

Mon–Fri, 9am–3pm, term-time only. Contact 

Tina: 07951 869175 or Sharon: 07913 

486619. 

New NCT Home Birth Support Group in 

Alvechurch meets Sunday evenings in the 

home of a volunteer. All welcome. Meet in 

an informal atmosphere, share concerns, 

get information and hear first-hand experiences. 

More info from Emilie on 07874 927 

256 or emiliedeeringbfc@gmail.com 


CATSHILL TODDLERS Club meets at the 

Methodist Church, Golden Cross Lane, 

Catshill every Weds 1–3pm (except school 

hols). £1.50 per child (£1 for additional siblings; 

under 9 months free) includes drink 

and biscuit for you and your toddler, plus 

action toys, craft table, book corner, noisy 

instruments, and kicking footballs, learning 

to catch and having fun with hoops 

– all in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. 

For more information contact Sheila on 

0121 445 2813 or drop in. You will be very 

welcome. 

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. 

Barnt Green Preschool is at the heart 

of the community. Open since 1978, it 

offers learning through play in a nurturing, 

home-from-home environment. The 

Preschool follows the Early Years Curriculum 

and with regular visits to St Andrew’s 

School and lots of outdoor space, it’s the 

perfect place to prepare your child for 

school. It is proud of its OFSTED report (ref 

205125) and offers government-funded 

places. Sessions run 9am-12pm and/or 

12pm-3pm Mon and Weds, and 9am-1pm 

Tues and Thurs. For more information or to 

get on the waiting list call Tina on 07790 

017 777. 

Mum’s the Word playgroup takes place 

every Thursday in term time 9.30–11.20am 

at the Ark in Alvechurch. All are welcome, 

no charge; tea and coffee available for parents 

and grandparents. Come and join in! 

blackwell Baby & Toddler Group runs 

from 10–11.30am every Weds (term-time 

only) at Blackwell Methodist Church Hall, 

Greenhill, Blackwell B60 1BL. Small group 

run by local mums, all welcome. Great 

chance to meet local families and for your 

child to make new friends. Any questions 

please call Carrie on 07985 539983 or find 

the group on Facebook. 

Bromsgrove NCT Bumps and Babies 

Group now meets every Thursday, 

10–11.30am at David Lloyd Fitness Centre, 

Slideslow Drive, B60 1GJ. The group is free 

and anyone is welcome, including toddler 

siblings. Contact Claire and Karen at 

bromsgrove@nct.org.uk 

Rowney Green Pre-school offers learning 

through play for children from two 

years to school age, Tues–Thurs 9am–2pm, 

term-time only. More info from Rosemary: 

07836 770468 or Geraldine: 07725 553894. 

Lickey Baby & Toddler Group meets on 

Mon and Thurs mornings 9.30–11.30am, 

term time only. Have a hot drink while 

your children play in Lickey Trinity Centre 



63

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


(Parish Hall), Old Birmingham Road. For 

more information call Caroline on 07511 

660727, email caroline_rebecca@hotmail. 

co.uk or find ‘Lickey Baby & Toddler Group’ 

on Facebook. 

Lickey End Playgroup runs Toddlers, Pre- 

School and Rising Stars sessions at Lickey 

End Methodist Church, B60 1JX. More 

information on 07791 851382 or at 

www.lickeyendplaygroup.co.uk 

MENTOR LINK is seeking volunteer mentors 

to support children and young people 

in local schools – full training given. 

The charity is particularly seeking male 

mentors to work with boys for an hour a 

week, although female volunteers are also 

welcome. Anyone interested should be a 

good listener, patient and enjoy working 

with children and young people. If you 

can spare an hour or two a week, and you 

are able to commit to a minimum of six 

months volunteering, call Claire on 07973 

572768, email Claire.Quinn@mentorlink. 

org.uk or for more info see www.mentorlink.org.uk 

The National Childbirth Trust is now 

running antenatal courses in Alvechurch. 

These are designed to help parents prepare 

for labour, birth and early parenthood 

and run over a number of weekday 

evenings and/or weekends. For info please 

call 0844 243 6873 or email bookings6d@ 

nct.org.uk or visit www.nct.org.uk/confidence 

Finstall Pre-school in Finstall Village 

Hall, Mon–Thur 9.30am–1.15pm (termtime 

only). Led by qualified lower primary 

teacher. Visits welcome; call 07903 560787 

or email Finstallpreschool@hotmail.com 

New Road Parents Support for parents of 

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans children 

meets monthly in Aston Fields. A confidential, 

voluntary, small support group for parents 

by parents. Individual meetings can 

be arranged with another parent if preferred. 

Close links with FFLAG. Visit www. 

newroad parents.org, email evansmargar@ 

gmail.com or call Maggie on 01527 832492 

for details. 

games & COMPETITIONS 

BROMSGROVE BRIDGE Clubs: The Amphlett 

Bridge Club meets at the Stroke 

Centre in Church Lane, Bromsgrove, on 

Mon evenings. New members welcome, 

helpful guidance available and parking 

is excellent. Contact Alistair on 07814 

393416. 

Shirley and Wythall Chess Club meets at 

Wythall Community Association in Silver 

Street, Wythall, B47 6LZ, every Thurs from 

7.30pm. The club has four teams playing in 

competitive leagues. Friendly atmosphere. 

New players are most welcome, either just 

turn up or contact Barry Knee on 01564 

826250 for details. 

The ALVECHURCH Templars Wargames 

Club meets most Monday evenings from 

6.30pm at the Alvechurch Sports & Social 

Club. Visit (or join) the ‘Alvechurch Templars’ 

Facebook page for details or e-mail 

Karl Farrell at bluenostrils@outlook.com 

A WHIST DRIVE takes place every Weds 

from 7.15–9.30pm at Buckley’s Green Community 

Centre, Alvechurch (B48 7NG). The 

friendly group welcomes new members. 

£2 entry, includes raffle ticket and prizes. 

SPADESBOURNE BRIDGE Club plays at the 

Life After Stroke Centre in Church Lane, 

Bromsgrove. Join the group for friendly 

bridge in a pleasant venue on Thurs evenings, 

7pm for a 7.15 start. They aim to 

finish by 10pm. Table money for visitors is 

£3. Phone Jan on 01905 772256 for more 

details. 

Monday Bridge Club at Barnt Green 

Friends Meeting House would like to welcome 

a few new members – contact the 

organiser, Des Clarke, on 0121 453 3034. 

A “TEXAS HOLD EM” poker tournament 

will be held on the first Saturday 

each month in the lounge at Alvechurch 

Sports & Social Club. Registration from 

7pm for an 8pm start. Further info from 

Karl Farrell on 0121 445 4616 or 

bluenostrils@outlook.com 

The Friday Bridge Club plays friendly, 

competitive, duplicate bridge at the comfortable 

Burcot Village Hall. New members 

and visitors are very welcome. Play starts 

at the new time of 7pm. For further details 

phone Gill on 01527 401019. 

Bromsgrove Bridge Club meets at 

the Life After Stroke Centre, Church Lane, 

Bromsgrove each Tues – play commences 

7.30pm; doors close at 7.25pm. Table 

money (to include coffee/tea and biscuits) 

£3 for members, £4 for visitors, who are 

always welcome. The club operates a host 

system, which means a partner is guaranteed. 

Contact the Secretary, Sally Flood on 

01527 832468. 

BINGO every Wednesday and Sunday 

evening at the Alvechurch Sports & Social 

Club. First games start at 8.30pm in the 

lounge. Non-members welcome, phone 

0121 445 2121 for more info. 

A QUIZ takes place every Thursday from 

8.30–10.30 pm at Bridley Moor & Batchley 

Social Club, Bridley Moor Road, Batchley 

B97 6HS. £1 to enter; all money to the winning 

team. There is also stand-up bingo 

with a prize. For more info call quizmaster 

Dave on 07815 456178. 

“managed” duplicate bridge sessions 

are run by Anne Glendenning and Eugene 

Elijah every Tues (1pm prompt start) at 

Burcot Village Hall, Alcester Road (B4096) 

– perfect for emerging players. Entry £3.50 

covers session, some tuition and refreshments. 

Info from Anne on 01527 882169 

or Eugene on 01527 871255 or 1944@ 

hotmail.co.uk 

Bromsgrove Board Gamers is a 

friendly group which meets at 7.30pm 

each Weds at the Ladybird Inn, Aston 

Fields. More info on Facebook ‘Bromsgrove 

Board Gamers’. 

Rummikub Club meets in the Social 

Room at Rowney Green Peace Hall fortnightly 

on Tuesdays from 2–4pm. Entry 

£2 to include tea and biscuits. You will 

be made very welcome! Info from Betty 

Oakley on 01527 63725. 

Barnt Green Duplicate Bridge Club 

meets at St Andrew’s Church Hall each 

Weds afternoon and would like new members 

– contact Liz on 07538 092296. 

A popular weekly quiz takes place each 

Thursday at Alvechurch Sports & Social 

Club and follows the normal format. Doors 

open at 8pm. Organise a team, or just turn 

up and join a team. All welcome. 

Halesowen Bridge Club offers Chicago 

Bridge on Thursdays at 2pm in the United 

Church Hall, Hagley Road, Halesowen B63 

4PX and is seeking new members. All are 

welcome. Within easy reach of Bromsgrove; 

parking is available. For info ring 

Ann Gittins on 0121 550 5246 or see www. 

halesowenbridgeclub.org.uk 

ART & LITERATURE 

Withybed Poets are a group of poetry 

writers who meet in Withybed Green to 

share their poems and write together. 

They are open to anyone who enjoys 


writing and sharing poetry. They love 

reading their poems to audiences, which 

they do at the monthly Acoustic Roots in 

Alvechurch, but also for libraries, churches, 

community groups and festivals. They 

write poems on request for people and 

special occasions, as they did at the Picnic 

in the Park on May 26. Next meeting is July 

10 at 7.30pm; for details, or to ask about 

commissioning a poem, ring Mary on 0121 

445 5957. 

All About The Sew holds fun and sociable 

sewing workshops at Alvechurch 

Village Hall. For more details call Lorna 

on 07963 734756 or visit www.allaboutthesew.com 

Forge Mill Creative Textile Group (formerly 

Forge Mill Embroidery & Textile 

Group) are a friendly group of enthusiastic 

local crafters, both experienced and beginners, 

who meet weekly on Fri mornings 

at Beoley Village Hall. Various techniques 

and media are used to create textile artwork, 

such as printing, dyeing, hand and 

machine embroidery, along with fabric 

manipulation. They are a leisure learning 

and development group and work to a set 

programme. If you are interested in becoming 

a member, contact Lynda on 0121 

4453212 or Rita on 01527 545973. 

Art & Soul Creative – artist and potter 

offering tutored art and pottery activities 

in Alvechurch. All abilities welcome. Call 

Marina on 0121 445 0655, email artand 

soulcreative.org@gmail.com or visit www. 

artandsoulcreative.org 

Alvechurch Readers Group now meets 

in the library on the last Tuesday of the 

month from 2pm until 3.30pm. New members 

always welcome. Please ring the Hub 

on 01905 822722 and ask for Alvechurch 

Library or pop into the library on the Birmingham 

Road. 

Alvechurch Art Group meets at the 

Baptist Hall (rear of church) every Tues 

from 1–3.30pm, using all mediums except 

oil. All welcome, especially beginners. 

Friendly tuition. Call Paul on 0121 445 

5437 or drop in. 

Barnt Green Art Club runs a morning 

and afternoon tutored session on Fridays 

at The Friends Meeting House in Barnt 

Green. There is a waiting list for both sessions. 

Call Jackie on 0121 445 4745. 

Burcot Woodturning Club offers a 

friendly meeting place for woodturners of 

all abilities and experience. A varied programme 

includes demos, talks, hands-on 

practical evenings and visits to exhibitions. 

The group meets on the first Thurs each 

month, 7.15–9.30pm at Burcot Village Hall. 

Info from John on 0121 458 5884 or visit 

www.burcotwoodturners.org.uk 

Bromsgrove Art Society usually meets 

on the 3rd Weds each month (except Jan 

and Aug) at Burcot Village Hall, 340 Alcester 

Road, Burcot, Bromsgrove, B60 1BH, at 

7.30pm. Entry £1 for members and £4 for 

non-members. Visitors welcome. For more 

info email lyndasharp2010@yahoo.com or 

visit www.bromsgroveartsociety.org.uk 

ALVECHURCH Library is available to host 

day and short courses such as card-making 

or scrapbooking. If you have a skill to 

teach or share, call 01905 822722. 

WYTHALL WRITERS meet at the Peter 

Thompson Room at St Mary’s Church, 

Shawhurst Lane on the second Thurs each 

month. New members always welcome. 

More info from Helen on 01564 824517, 

Eileen on 01564 822214, Louise on 0121 

430 4992 or www.wythall writers.com 


LOVE YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY! 

Love your Library Day is on Tues July 

23, with fun events for the whole family. 

First there’s a talk from author Mark Lowery 

from 9.30–10.30am, suitable for all 

ages. Mark will bring lots of fun, games 

and silliness, with plenty of tips and hints 

about writing. 

Then from 11am–12.30pm there’s a 

Comic Strip Story Workshop for children 

aged 6–12 years. Using a jam doughnut 

as a stimulus, get a whole bunch of 

wacky ideas to work on a structured, illustrated 

story. 

A Creative Writing Workshop for adults 

and teens runs from 2.15–4.15pm, again 

with Mark Lowery. Using the quote 

“Begin on the day when everything is 

different,” you will focus on building an 

exciting opening that drags the reader in. 

The individual stories will be collated to 

celebrate the library. Suitable for writers, 

budding writers, enthusiastic amateurs 

and people who just want to have a go. 

Will the next J K Rowling be discovered? 

Will this event sow the seeds for a new 

writers’ group in the village? Either way 

it promises to be a lovely afternoon with 

like-minded people. Everyone has a story 

and our stories all have something in 

common – we all start from nothing, so 

come and give it a go. 

To help with planning these events, 

please pop into the library to book your 

space. There is no charge but there will 

be a doughnut sale! 

l This year’s Summer Reading Challenge 

(launching on Sat June 29) has the theme 

“Space Chase”, with lots of brilliant new 

books and great advice on what to read 

next. It’s an effective way to encourage 

children to read, and there are lots of 

events too, so check out the Facebook 

page or pop in for more information. 

Children aged 12 and under can join in 

the challenge and collect stickers and 

rewards until they’ve read six (or more) 

library books, when they’ll be invited to 

the grand medal ceremony in October. 

l Spanish tutor Patrick is taking a short 

break but will start back on Fri Aug 9, 

10am–12 noon. This ongoing class has 

a few spaces available so email Patrick 

at vdlt52@hotmail.co.uk or call 07708 

027372 to see if the level the class is being 

taught at would allow you to join in. 

l For any enquiries, pop into the library 

on Birmingham Road, contact The Hub 

on 01905 822722, email alvechurchlib@ 

worcestershire.gov.uk or see Facebook. 

For Adult Learning courses, pop in to pay 

by cash/cheque, or online by card. 

THE “CRAFTY Ladies” craft group meets 

every Monday morning in Alvechurch 

Library from 10am–1pm, with knitting, 

crocheting, sewing, quilting etc. More info 

on 01905 822722. 

Avoncroft Arts Society at Avoncroft 

Arts Centre (Redditch Road, Bromsgrove 

B60 4JR), runs tutored/ non-tutored classes 

in Art, Textiles, Ceramics, Embroidery and 

Dance. Contact Alyson or Joyce on 01527 

833829 or avoncroftarts@ 

btconnect.com 

LICKEY HILLS ART SOCIETY, a friendly 

bunch of artists and those interested in 

art, meet at Longbridge Methodist Church, 

Bristol Road, B45 9TY, on the first Sat each 

month at 7.30pm. Open to artists and 

non-artists alike. For more info call Graham 

on 0121 453 7097 or come along – the 

members would love to see you. 

GARDENS & FLOWERS 

Rowney Green Flower Club usually 

meets on the 4th Thurs of the month at 



65



Rowney Green Village Hall at 7.30pm. 

All arrangements are raffled at the end. 

Guests very welcome; £3 including refreshments. 

More info from Felicity on 

0121 445 2371. 

Dodford Gardening Club meets on 

the 2nd Monday each month (except 

August) usually in Dodford Village Hall 

at 7.45pm. New members and visitors 

welcome. More info at www.dodford 

gardeningclub.co.uk or call Penny on 

07706 153618. 

WYCHBOLD FLOWER Club meets nearly 

every 2nd Tues of the month (unless 

there’s an outing) at 7.30pm in the Royal 

British Legion Hall, WR9 7PN. The varied 

programme includes demos, workshops, 

garden visits and garden party, and there’s 

also a plant stall and raffle. Visitors welcome 

– just £4 to include refreshments. 

More info from Barbara on 01299 851282. 

ROWNEY GREEN Horticultural Society 

has arranged a visit to Wollerton Old Hall 

Gardens on Weds July 10. There are still 

a few places available; the cost of £22 

includes entry to the gardens, coach and 

gratuities. Full details from Marian Barwell 

on 07889 147861. 

The Main Show is on Sat Aug 31, for 

which the Schedule is available on www. 

rowneygreenhorticultural.co.uk, so take a 

look and decide how many entries you’d 

like to make. Pick up a copy at Alvechurch 

Post Office, Alvechurch Library and at 

Oasis florists in Barnt Green. For more info 

contact Lindsay Smith on 01527 592874. 

Rosehill Flower Arrangement Society 

meets at The Trinity Centre (Lickey Parish 

Hall) Old Birmingham Road, B45 8EU, on 

the second Monday each month (except 

January). Refreshments served before 

each meeting. Meetings start at 2pm. For 

further info please call Diana on 01527 

870549 or Belinda on 0121 447 7477, or 

visit www.tcandsw.org.uk/rosehill/html 

Solihull & District Orchid Society meets 

on the 1st Sat each month at St George 

& St Teresa’s Parish Centre, Station Road, 

Dorridge B39 8EZ. New members and 

visitors welcome, and members are always 

willing to offer help or advice. For more 

info or advice call Malcolm Moodie on 

01295 788159 or see www.solihullorchidsociety.org 

Burcot Gardening Club meets on the 

first Weds each month at Burcot Village 

Poetry and cake in the library 

You might recognise her 

from the Nationwide adverts: 

now, as part of Bromsgrove 

Festival, award-winning poet 

Jo Bell comes to Bromsgrove 

Library on Thurs July 18 at 2pm 

in an event called The Currency 

of Kindness: Poetry and Cake at 

Bromsgrove Library! 

Jo will read her work, 

including extracts from her 

Radio 4 docupoem, Slow Machine, and, 

especially for the afternoon, some 

previously unheard new poems. 

Jo is an entertaining speaker who 

lives on a narrowboat and writes 

about her life on boats, and her 

career as an archaeologist. Her global 

workshop, the 52 project, brought 

Hall. Meetings start at 7.30pm. New members 

and visitors very welcome. For more 

info call Jenny or Brian on 01527 522109. 

Fun Flower Arranging/Floristry Classes 

and Workshops. Thurs evenings at The Ark, 

St Laurence Church, Alvechurch. Contact 

Claire for more information on 07564 

339157. Website: www.clairewm.wixsite. 

com/floralcreations 

BROMSGROVE FLOWER Club meets on the 

3rd Thurs each month at 2.15pm (except 

Jan) in All Saints Church Hall, Burcot Lane, 

Bromsgrove B61 1AF. Visitors always welcome 

to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with 

tea and biscuits – you’ll receive a warm 

welcome and may even be lucky enough 

to win one of the arrangements. For more 

info contact Wendy Robertson on 01905 

480571. 

THE NORTH Worcestershire Fuchsia Society 

meets on the 2nd Weds each month at 

Bromsgrove Sports & Social Club, 7.45pm. 

Info from Stewart on 01527 877662. 

HELP & ADVICE 

Pic/ Lee Allen 

Divorced/separated and having 

trouble seeing your children? Being excluded 

from their lives? The Association 

for Shared Parenting has been helping 

mums and dads deal with the family court 

system and problems over contact and 

residence for over 20 years. Walk-in support 

workshops on the first Thurs each 

month at 7.30pm in Selly Oak (serving the 

Bromsgrove/Redditch area). Visit www.associationforsharedparenting.org.uk 

hundreds of poets 

together to write in 

a “virtual village”. 

Jo’s how-to books, 

including How to Be 

a Poet and 52: Write 

a Poem A Week are 

bestsellers. 

The event is free 

and is organised in 

conjunction with 

the library by WORDS, the Bromsgrove 

group which promotes interest in the 

written and spoken word. 

For more information on WORDS 

visit www.bromsgrovewords.com, 

or follow WORDS on Twitter @ 

bromsgrovewords You can follow Jo 

Bell at @jo_bell 

REDDITCH & BROMSGROVE Advanced 

Motorist Group are a local charity committed 

to helping drivers of all ages improve 

their driving skills. They meet at 7.30pm 

on the third Weds each month in Beoley 

Village Hall. Info from Geoff Poole on 

07707 054757 or secretary@redditcham. 

org.uk 

The Library Service at Home provides 

free delivery of books to people in their 

own homes. If you are housebound or 

unable to visit the library then please call 

Alvechurch Library on 01905 822722 to 

find out how they can provide you with 

brilliant reads. 

Barnt Green Day Care: Thursdays 10am– 

2.45pm at St Andrew’s Parish Centre. 

Offering a day out with care and lunch for 

older people in the local area. For more 

info on attending or helping ring Christine 

Davis on 0121 445 0125. 

ALVECHURCH LIBRARY hosts one-to-one 

Computer Sessions for people wanting 

to learn the basics. If you need help with 

your emails or advice on surfing online 

then why not pop into the Library to 

arrange for free tuition, provided by talented 

volunteers on Tuesday mornings. 

For more information please call The Hub 

on 01905 822722 or pop into Alvechurch 

Library. 

WOMEN’S INSTITUTES 

St Catherine’s WI meets at 7.30pm on 

the third Thursday each month, in ‘The 

Wheel’ at Blackwell. More information 


from Sue Barratt on 01527 596092 or 

s.barratt@bnvillej.bham.sch.uk 

Fairfield WI meets in Fairfield Village 

Hall on the second Weds of the month 

at 7.30pm. Contact Carol Hine on 01527 

873072 or fairfieldwi1932@gmail.com 

FINSTALL CROSS WI meets at Finstall Village 

Hall on the second Tuesday of the 

month at 7.30pm. For more info see www. 

finstallcrosswi.wordpress.com or email 

finstallcrosswi@gmail.com 

Bromsgrove Belles WI meets on 

the second Monday each month at The 

Life After Stroke Centre, Church Lane, 

Bromsgrove, B61 8RA at 7.30pm. For more 

info, contact President Carla Priddon at 

carlapriddon@aol.com 

BEOLEY WI meets on the first Tuesday 

of each month in Beoley Village Hall at 

7.30pm. For more info please contact 

Georgia Jacobs on 01527 62766. 

Lickey WI meets on the first Tues of every 

month at 7.30pm in the Parish Hall (Trinity 

Centre), Old Birmingham Road, Lickey. 

More info from President Janet Ratcliffe 

on 0121 445 0163 or see www.LickeyWI. 

Wordpress.com 

RUBERY WI meets at Beacon Church Centre, 

Whetty Lane, on the second Wednesday 

each month at 7.30pm. More info 

from Judie Fisher on 07810 765314. 

Bentley Pauncefoot WI meets at 

7.30pm on the second Tues every month 

at Bentley Village Hall. More info from 

Vivien Mackenzie on 0121 445 1245. 

Barnt Green WI meets at the Baptist 

Church in Barnt Green on the third Thurs 

each month, from 7.30–9.30pm. More info 

from Alyson Williams on 0121 445 6577. 

Hopwood WI meets at Hopwood Village 

Hall on the first Thurs of the month at 

7.30pm. For more info call Ann Thurrell on 

0121 447 7668. 

ALVECHURCH WI meets on the second 

Monday each month in Alvechurch Village 

Hall, at 7.30pm. For more information 

email President Julie Hurlston on 

presidentalvechurchwi@gmail.com 

ARK ANGELs WI meets on the second 

Monday each month from 7.30pm at the 

Ark, Alvechurch. For more info email 

ark.angels@hotmail.com 

Finstall & Cofton Hackett WI meets on 

the first Monday of the month at Finstall 

Village Hall at 2pm. For more info call 

President Val Wheeler on 01527 874518. 

Hillside at ALVECHURCH WI meets at 

7.45 pm on the first Weds each month at 

The Ark, Alvechurch. For more info call Pat 

McDonagh on 0121 628 4121. 

Blackwell & BURCOT WI meets at Burcot 

Village Hall on the second Weds each 

month, at 2pm. For info call President Mrs 

Barbara Knight on 0121 445 3456. 

To have your event or 

group listed here, send 

details to Sally Oldaker 

via the addresses on 

Page 3, by July 16. 

This cheesecake is so easy I’m 

not sure it counts as baking, 

but if you need a dessert for a 

crowd that showcases our beautiful 

British raspberries, it will do nicely. 

The biscuit base is made of a 

50/50 digestive and amaretti mix. 

The flavour is deliciously almond-y 

and works well with the fresh raspberries 

and the sharp lemon in the 

topping. If you don’t like almonds, 

use a full digestive base. For the 

cheese, I use a mix of ricotta and 

mascarpone, but normal cream 

cheese works fine. 

The quantities below make a 

large cheesecake; you can easily 

slice it into twelve. If this is too 

large, simply halve the quantities 

and use a smaller tin. 

Ingredients for the base: 

l 200g melted butter 

l 200g crushed amaretti biscuits 

l 200g crushed digestive biscuits 

Keen baker Jen 

Morris, of Rowney 

Green, makes a 

fruity treat. 

Ingredients for the topping: 

l 600g full fat cream cheese 

l 2 tins condensed milk 

l Juice of 2 lemons 

l Fresh British raspberries, to 

decorate 

Method: 

1) Line the base of a 23cm springform 

tin with non-stick baking parchment. 

2) Crush and combine the two types of 

biscuit, then add the melted butter and 

stir together. 

3) Tip the mixture into the tin, even the 

surface and press down so that it compacts 

into a firm base. I use the back of 

a large spoon, but I have seen people 

use the base of a pint glass! 

4) Refrigerate the base. 

Village Baking 

Easy no-bake cheesecake 

5) Put the cream cheese and condensed 

milk into a bowl and whisk 

together by hand. Add the lemon juice 

and continue to whisk by hand, and 

you will feel the mixture thicken as it 

combines. 

6) Pour the cheesecake topping on to 

the base and put back in the fridge, for 

a few hours or overnight if possible. 

7) When the cheesecake is set, spring 

the tin open and slide the cheesecake 

on to a plate or stand. Decorate the top 

with the raspberries. 


67

VISIT US AT: 

BROMSGROVE: Saxon Park, Hanbury Road, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove, B60 4AD - 01527 835924 

STUDLEY: Alcester Road, Studley, Warwickshire, B80 7AG - 01527 857772 

KENILWORTH: Leyes Lane, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 2DE - 01926 855044 

SHIRLEY: 153 Stratford Road, Shirley, Solihull, B90 3AY - 0121 744 0989 

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Village July2019

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