Monday June 18 2018
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Village News
A Blackwell road described by residents as “the Black Hole of Calcutta” is to have new warning signs after a campaign to make the road safer.
Height barrier to keep gates open at park
The gates to The Meadows playing fields in Alvechurch, locked for much of the summer last year to keep travellers out, are to be fitted with a height restriction system.
Hopes that any consideration of a proposed “garden village” between Alvechurch and Barnt Green would be shelved were dashed when Conservative councillors got together to keep it on the agenda.
The plague of potholes in Barnt Green may soon be over, at least on Sandhills Lane.
Village reader Paul Wilde sent us these pictures showing a new brood of cygnets that hatched in May near Abbey Meadows in Bordesley.
Lickey and Blackwell parish councillors agreed to consider the possibility of installing a bench or a cycle rack by the horse trough outside the Trinity Centre.
Tennis players should find firmer footing at the Rowney Green courts after the parish council agreed to jet wash the surface which has become “slimy”.
Andy Humphries, the long-serving Chairman of Alvechurch Parish Council, has been elected to the role for a sixth year by fellow councillors, despite having said the past year would “probably” be the last.
Alvechurch Community Safety Forum, which succeeded PACT meetings in the parish, is to be suspended.
Pet owners will be able to take their animals to centres at Hopwood and Rowney Green under the Emergency Plan being drawn up by Alvechurch Parish Council.
Choir joins in with joyful duo
While millions of people watched a certain royal event on TV, a somewhat smaller but no less special wedding was taking place that same day in Alvechurch.
A sponsored spinathon in Alvechurch raised money for the Pituitary Foundation in memory of a young villager.
After being cancelled because of snow in March, the Barnt Green Fun Run in aid of Sport Relief has been rescheduled for Sunday June 24.
Barnt Green film company Walktall Productions is getting ready to scare audiences with its current project, a Hammer-style horror thriller.
Alvechurch resident John Davies has been shortlisted in a nationwide competition to find inspirational people aged over 60.
Environment Agency gets ready for tip application
The Environment Agency has completed a survey of the former Marlbrook Tip in the Lickey Hills and is now preparing to apply for planning permission to carry out work to make the site safe.
Victory in close-run road race
Alvechurch cyclist Cameron Biddle is celebrating his latest win, after snatching victory at the last moment of an exciting road race.
An Oakalls youngster represented Great Britain in archery in her first international competition.
Barnt Green Colts U12s enjoyed a fantastic season of football, ending with them being crowned league champions.
We usually report on Barnt Green teenager Siena Horton’s skiing success, but she’s also a rising star in the hockey world.
Alvechurch Parish Council agreed to ban metal detectorists from its land, after a resident with a licence asked for permission to search in the area.
Alvechurch Middle School is sending out an SOS to anyone with DIY expertise who can help with a building project.
Simply Fresh plan goes to appeal
The long wait for “upmarket” grocer Simply Fresh to open for business in Alvechurch is set to continue.
Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.
1st Barnt Green Scouts are seeking new leaders and assistants to help offer more opportunities to young people in the Village area.
Rugby event spotlights future stars
Kings Norton RFC hosted young rugby talent of the future in the local Primary Schools Tag Rugby end-of-season Cup Festival at Hopwood Park, Ash Lane.
Adventurous types had the opportunity to try out some exciting new activities when Blackwell Adventure held a Fun Day for all the family.
Six-year-old Samuel Westwood-Tams, of Cofton Hackett, was the latest winner of a Mini Vinny in our monthly competition.
Are you the owner of a lost ring?
A Village reader is seeking the owner of a ring found in Bromsgrove high street.
Villagers hoping for reassurance that the suggestion of a new town between Alvechurch and Barnt Green was a non-starter were left deflated when Bromsgrove’s strategic planning chief told them the Green Belt was not sacrosanct.
Members of the Barnt Green Chuggers running group had their moment in the spotlight when they answered a plea for extras on a locally-made film.
Barnt Green parish councillors are hopeful that the promised railway station lifts may be installed by 2020, after a meeting with Network Rail representatives.
Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council has asked Bromsgrove District Council to look into claims that more protected trees have been cleared from an area of land off Cherry Hill Road.
A new milestone commemorating the life and work of a local historian was unveiled at Tardebigge on the towpath of The Worcester & Birmingham Canal.
Village burglary victims will still be visited by a police officer, despite other policing areas cutting back.
Village parish councils discussed installing extra grit bins after the hard winter caused dangerously icy pavements.
Alvechurch Parish Council is planning to hold a Christmas lights switch-on this year, parish chairman Andy Humphries told the annual meeting.
Phil and Sheila Meads, of the Coach and Horses Inn at Weatheroak, have received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Alvechurch’s Knit & Natter group were able to help to three charities after raising money through sales of their knitted goods.
Barnt Green skiing ace Siena Horton took the overall title at the British National Alpine Championships in Tignes and has become U16 Overall British National Champion – a fantastic end to her career in the children’s racing category.
Village Views
JUNE 2018
You know that feeling when you’re not convinced someone is telling you the full story? They’re doing something you don’t understand, and the justification for their course of action doesn’t make much sense either?
I note that Coopers Hill in Alvechurch has now been reduced to an urbanised 30mph.
Road only fit for horse and cart
I have just driven from Barnt Green to Alvechurch and my shaken bones are yet to recover.
It is high time that something drastic was done about the traffic situation in Aston Fields.
Here is an original verse of seasonal poetry:
MAY 2018
When Alvechurch and Barnt Green faced an assault on their Green Belt land 18 years ago, this magazine reported the fight by the local planning authority to defend it.
I have just read your article (April 2018) about the proposed new town, “Barntchurch”, with great disdain.
There are better places to build
Thank you for highlighting the current issues regarding future housing development in this area.
Please tell me that the letter from Major Cuthbert Parker-Smythe (Barnt Green folks deserve a first-class service, April 2018) was a “wind up” for April 1st. . .
Dear most excellent Editor – If you would send me the telephone number of the scullery maid mentioned in Major Parker-Smythe’s letter, I would remain forever obliged to you and indebted.
After 12 years, I will be stepping down as leader of 1st Barnt Green Scouts, and would like to appeal for some new helpers.
APRIL 2018
Building homes on green fields is a profitable business. It is much simpler than taking on the challenge of brownfield sites and then, more often than not, the new homes have a greater value because of their lovely location.
A proposal is to be considered by Bromsgrove District Council for 15,000 new homes on land between Alvechurch and Barnt Green.
MP should support own community
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government is the momentous title bestowed on Sajid Javid, our Member of Parliament.
Barnt Green folks deserve a first-class service
I am a retired gentleman of class, born and bred in Barnt Green, and am writing to say I am much looking forward to the newly-electrified railway link to Bromsgrove.
Village reader Gill Hayes sent us this photo of an “icicle tree” on Sandhills Green, Barnt Green.
MARCH 2018
When plans for the “new” Longbridge were first being discussed in the years after the closure of MG Rover in 2005, there was widespread recognition that the development would increase traffic flowing between the new homes, shops and businesses that would be created there and the motorway network through this area.
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Village Features
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
2018 marks the tenth anniversary visit of the Sinfonia of Birmingham to St Andrew’s Church, Barnt Green.
The 58th Bromsgrove Festival will once again bring a wide-ranging programme of arts and cultural activity to the area, with extra emphasis this year on free community events.
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.
Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.
Alvechurch promoted for the second time in a row.
Philip Aubury, organiser of Alvechurch Open Gardens, offers advice on getting your garden ready for summer.
Smart approach to mental health
Fourteen months of hard work has paid off for two authors who launched their first book to coincide with Mental Health Awareness Week.
Julie Ward is a qualified, experienced alcohol specialist who runs ACT Alcohol based in Bromsgrove.
If your carpets and rugs are getting a bit tired, a new business in Bromsgrove offers plenty of inspiration to give your home a new look.
Village Archive. . . 10 years ago
A look back at what was happening around here in June 2008.
Album Review: No Stompy on Sunshine by The Stompies
Protecting yourself from financial fraud
Martin Pryor warns against some new trends in investment scams.
Village Archive. . . 10 years ago
A look back at what was happening around here in May 2008.
This month I thought it would be useful to provide you with some of the important tax thresholds for 2018/2019, writes Martin Pryor.
Mark Meads: Equity Release Specialist
As another busy month goes by, I thought it would be useful to show you how some of my clients are using the equity in their property.
John Williams, president of charity Where Next, explains why its work is still so important.
Alvechurch FC close in on promotion and hope for cup success.
Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.
Music, wine & sweet scented flowers . . .
Evening opening for cottage garden full of colour and interest.
Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes
Real wood worktops are a great way to give your kitchen a new look – and as they can be a big investment, they need to stand the test of time.
Dave Morgan looks forward to the bi-annual opening of diverse gardens in Alvechurch.
Village What's On