Saturday January 28 2012
Village News
Dangerous prisoner sprung at Tardebigge
A dangerous prisoner is on the run after escaping in a van ambush near Hewell Prison in Tardebigge.
John Anslow (31) was sprung from the prison escort van by a masked gang who smashed its windows with sledgehammers.
Parish and residents seek legal opinion over challenge to 88 new homes
Barnt Green Parish Council is seeking legal opinion over a possible challenge to the decision to allow 88 new homes on the fields of Fiery Hill.
Parish plans next move in fight to save Barnt Green fields
Barnt Green Parish Council is to hold a special meeting on Monday to discuss its next move after outline planing permission was granted to bulldoze the fields behind the Barnt Green Inn.
Driver’s lucky escape in lorry ‘hit and run’
A lorry pulling out of a Hopwood side road collided with a small car sending it spinning on to the other side of the main road, according to police.
Alcohol-free zone wins reprieve
Alvechurch’s alcohol-free zone has been reprieved amid confusion over its legality, the parish council heard.
Pressing on with the Neighbourhood Plan
Grassroots leaders are urging the people of Alvechurch parish to get involved with the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan.
Police are appealing for witnesses to a car crash in Alvechurch in which a man was badly injured.
A talented Bromsgrove photographer has used his portfolio of local scenes to create a special calendar for 2012.
Alcohol-free zone under threat
The alcohol-free zone may be removed from the centre of Alvechurch.
Double yellows for Alvechurch schools
DOUBLE YELLOW lines are to be painted outside the schools in Alvechurch to stop dangerous parking, the parish council heard.
Blackwell may have to move its goalposts to solve the problem of unwanted football matches being played.
Blackwell affordable homes site agreed
Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council agreed unanimously on the piece of land on Greenhill, Blackwell, as the site for a proposed affordable housing project.
A new car park is still being considered to solve poor parking outside Tesco at Marlbrook, Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council heard.
Coffers ready for homes battle
Barnt Green Parish Council is preparing for the financial implications of a possible battle with Banner Homes and Bromsgrove District Council over plans for 88 homes at the foot of the Lickey Hills.
Major planning decisions affecting Alvechurch have left parish councillors scratching their heads.
Village shops urged to join litter effort
Shops in the centre of Alvechurch have been urged to encourage their customers not to drop litter – and to clean up after them if they do.
Barnt Green rail squeal solutions
The nuisance of “rail squeal” as trains turn the bend into Barnt Green has been eased, the parish council heard.
Alvechurch Baptist Church is opening its doors on the mornings of December 9 and 16 to anyone who wants to see it as it is before it undergoes a £160,000 building project.
Allotment hopes grow for Alvechurch
Would-be vegetable growers may soon by able to sign up for allotments in Alvechurch.
Hopwood: Where’s our traffic calming?
HOPWOOD residents have asked why they are missing out on traffic calming measures.
Dave and Tricia call time at The Crown
Tricia and Dave Fisher say goodbye to The Crown Inn, Withybed Green, after running it for the past 26 years. They have sold the lease, but will still be living in the area. ‘We’d like to thank all of our fantastic customers,’ said Tricia.
Turbine ‘like Big Ben in backyard’
Barnt Green Parish Council has warned a proposed 330ft wind turbine close to the village centre would be like having “Big Ben in your backyard”.
The county councillor for Alvechurch has revealed how she was the victim of a “horrible” incident in a Redditch supermarket car park, leaving her fearful of going out alone.
June Griffiths (left) spoke out to warn other villagers to be aware when putting their PIN into cash and self-service machines.
Two Barnt Green businesses came together for a charity night in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.
A ladies’ cycling group put on their dancing shoes for charity…
African culture comes to Tardebigge
Tardebigge School and church welcome a Ugandan children’s choir.
Family devastated by theft of memorial bench from Lickey Hills beauty spot
A family has been left “devastated” by the theft of a memorial bench from the top of the Lickey Hills.
The Village is bringing out a special publication in the New Year – it’s a cross between a calendar, an almanac, a directory, a diary and a what’s on guide . . . with even more in between.
‘Huge’ Barnt Green wind turbine protest
Barnt Green residents are urging villagers across the area to object to plans for a 100m high wind turbine close to the centre of their village.
They say this is around the same height as the clock tower at Birmingham University and will be visible for miles around.
Family pay tribute to ‘great young man’ killed in Cofton car crash
The family of a man killed in a car crash in Cofton Hackett have told of their “terrible shock” and paid tribute to “a great young man”.
Father-of-two James Ansell (left) was described as a caring and big hearted man who would be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Police name Cofton man killed in crash
The man killed in a Cofton Hackett car crash last Friday night has been named as James Ansell, who lived in Cofton.
Man killed in Cofton car crash
Police are appealing for witnesses to a head-on car crash in Cofton Hackett in which a man was killed.
Marlbrook Tip public meeting date
Villagers worried about the future of Marlbrook Tip have been invited to a public meeting on November 29.
A charity dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people is looking for volunteers to help elderly residents make friends.
Boos for the 'Merchant Banker' - Picture Gallery Special
The annual New Year Mummer's play staged by Alvechurch Morris at The Crown, Withybed Green, took Tory politicians and their money-grubbing friends in the City to task, personified by 'The Merchant Banker' (above).
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Village Features
The 2012 New Year mummers play brought the latest news to the villagers of Alvechurch and beyond, courtesy of the cast of the Alvechurch Morris.
Sarah Rees enjoys some community spirit on the Parklands/ Oakalls . . .
When the clocks went back and the earlier dark nights arrived, there was a sudden resurgence of outdoor life on the estate. It seemed as if every child living here was dressed up and braving the chill to offer neighbours the option of a trick or a treat on October 31.
‘Intimate’ gig promises a treat for all you pretty things . . .
A Rowney Green photographer will see his work gracing the walls of Bromsgrove’s Artrix in a new exhibition this winter.
Don’t forget your tax return . . .
While it is true that Christmas is a time of giving, you would be naive to assume the taxman shares such festive thoughts. On the contrary, the taxman is positively rubbing his hands together with glee at the prospect of additional tax revenues.
Bromsgrove Pre-Preparatory and Nursery School was delighted to support Operation Christmas Child again this year, with children filling shoe boxes with gifts for underprivileged children around the world.
After a successful first year in business, Barnt Green salon BeautyBox would like to wish all their loyal clients a very merry Christmas and happy New Year, and a very big thank you for all their support.
Gently Does It, the ladies-only gym at Rednal, has a no-pressure relaxed environment with warm, friendly, welcoming and supportive staff, who will work with you to help you achieve your goals, whatever they may be.
An Alvechurch institution for the best part of 40 years, David E Matthews Insurance Services is very much a traditional family business – and it’s now even more of a family affair as David’s twin brother John has joined the firm, offering private health insurance through his own company BMJ Healthcare Ltd.
A round-up of the latest books by local authors.
With a growing ageing population – it is often said that 70 is the new 60 and 80 is the new 70 etc – more and more people are choosing to keep their independence for as long as possible by staying in their own homes with the support of home care.
If you want to look dazzling for the party season, Glam Hair is the perfect place to start!
When the Christmas lights appear around our villages, we know the festive season has officially begun – and the man tasked with ensuring those lights keep twinkling safely is Gareth Hodson of GJH Electrical Services.
While heavy snow was falling in the run-up to Christmas last year, local shops were rolling in customers as villagers took to their feet rather than their cars. Two Alvechurch businesses are hoping for more of the same – and even if the sun shines, they say there are plenty of very good reasons to shop locally.
Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.
Club Secretary Pete Gwilliam continues his series on the goals and successes of Alvechurch Lions FC.
Your guide to some of the health and beauty professionals on your doorstep.
Mary Green introduces some of our feathered friends.
Matthew Purvey of Rubery introduces his escape-prone hens, Rita and Wendy.
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
Since it opened in April this year, Green Space Salons has grown from just one therapist offering beauty and holistic therapies to a total of four therapists, each specialising in their own area.
Community spirit lights up Alvechurch
Christmas was almost cancelled in Alvechurch – but, thanks to help from Woods Farm and this magazine, the centre of the village is looking its festive best.
Hopwood-based artist Paula Hamilton compares online art with the real thing.
Blackwell travel counsellor Jane Ward organises an Alaskan odyssey.
Village Views
DECEMBER 2011
What should we expect from our county councillors? We ask because the member representing Alvechurch at Worcester recently felt the need to defend her limited appearances at Alvechurch Parish Council’s monthly meetings.
DECEMBER 2011
Who says The Oakalls doesn’t want a shop?
Sir – I am writing in response to the letter in October’s Village magazine entitles “Who says The Oakalls wants a shop”?
Sir – I was pleased to read in November’s Village that another local resident has raised concerns about the proposed car park opposite Tesco in Marlbrook.
Sir – This morning my father, who is 79, was almost barged off his bike on a cycle track through the Oakalls on his morning journey to the newsagent to fetch his paper.
Sir – What a pity that Alvechurch residents so keen to be linked to Bromsgrove do not shop there.
Sir – Thank you for including the Barnt Green Winter Art Exhibition in your What’s On section.
Sir – I would just like to say what a great edition of The Village I have just read. I’ve picked it up several times and find it so interesting; you have covered everything.
Sir – I am a young member of the Alvechurch community and until now I have been attending the youth club, ever since it first started at the Social Club (where I preferred it).
Sir – On November 8, Bromsgrove District Council’s Planning Committee, with minimal debate, and not a single reference to the objections of those who so recently elected them, voted to sacrifice yet more of Alvechurch to developers.
Sir – I was quite concerned on reading about the poor lady who slipped and in doing so cut her hand on barbed wire while using the country footpath from the Meadows to Old Rectory Lane, Alvechurch (Village Views, November 2011).
NOVEMBER 2011
At last the menace of motorists speeding through our villages appears to have come to the notice of those who can do something about it.
As a resident of Old Rectory Lane, Alvechurch, and a bed and breakfast proprietor, I am writing to express my serious concerns over the footpath that runs from Old Rectory Lane into The Meadows.
In answer to your questions:
Should Alvechurch become part of Redditch? NO
In the October edition of The Village you give an upbeat account of plans to restore The Uplands. According to your source “many people welcomed the proposals”.
NOVEMBER 2011
