Village Weddings
Posted on January 20 2012 at 12:36:22

After hitting an all-time high of £20,000 a few years ago, the average cost of a wedding has dropped significantly in the wake of the financial crisis, with many couples looking for ways to lower the cost without compromising on their dream day.

A new heart of village life
Posted on January 19 2012 at 12:21:22

Alvechurch’s ambitious community project, The Lounge, is celebrating a successful first year.

Dreaming of a white Christmas
Posted on November 28 2011 at 10:55:50

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.

Rejoice and be merry!
Posted on November 24 2011 at 10:30:41

As we go to press, it would seem that rumours of another white Christmas have been greatly exaggerated… but let’s ignore that for now, because the weather could yet change and snow lovers could still get their Christmas wish!

Much more than a cookery book
Posted on October 21 2011 at 12:10:40

Combining tantalising recipes with family history, a new book by local food expert Anita Sharma-James is a very special tribute to her inspirational mother.

Fairy-cake ending?
Posted on October 20 2011 at 2:27:07

Oakalls author Sue Watson chats to Sally Oldaker about writing her first novel, the importance of pursuing your passions, and the joy of fairy cakes.

Going the whole hog
Posted on October 20 2011 at 12:49:57

Barnt Green butcher and grocer join forces to offer a professional catering service.

Fresh from the farm
Posted on October 20 2011 at 11:07:28

A new farm shop in Alvechurch offers the chance to buy truly local produce.

Vintage party planner
Posted on September 18 2011 at 2:33:28

As the trend for vintage-style, afternoon-tea-inspired homeware continues apace, local business Constance Wallace is expanding rapidly thanks to owner Diane Cooke’s many ideas based around the traditional tea-party theme.

Come and join us
Posted on May 21 2011 at 1:01:44

Tucked away on Ash Lane in Hopwood, Five Ways Old Edwardians Sports Club offers excellent facilities for a range of sporting and social opportunities – and this thriving club is keen to let more people know about them.

New image for Hillscourt
Posted on May 17 2011 at 11:43:27

The latest phase of refurbishment at Hillscourt Conference Centre has given the venue a new name as well as a new look – it has been rebranded to become simply “Hillscourt”. 

Spa quality at The Abbey
Posted on February 20 2011 at 3:51:04

New treatment room means even more reasons to visit the popular hotel.

12 pages of Christmas
Posted on November 29 2010 at 12:04:47

Everything you need for a fabulous festive season!

Welcome to Vinalia!
Posted on October 25 2010 at 7:26:58

Frequent visitors to Barnt Green’s high street will soon notice that the shop formerly known as Thresher has undergone a transformation, decked out in stylish purple livery and with a new name – Vinalia.

Christmas is coming!
Posted on October 24 2010 at 5:15:58

Oh yes it is – so make sure you’re ready with our guide!

Tapas night is tasty treat
Posted on October 19 2010 at 5:31:58

Sally Oldaker enjoys a taste of the Mediterranean in the middle of Barnt Green. . .

Tea-time treats
Posted on September 22 2010 at 4:43:41

It’s almost a year since we reported on the launch of Constance Wallace, an unusual local business based at Tardebigge Court and founded on owner Diane Cooke’s love of all things vintage.

The story of spice
Posted on September 22 2010 at 3:15:12

Village reader and spice connoisseur Lubna S Haq traces the development of the modern curry.

Carvery is a cut above
Posted on September 22 2010 at 3:10:12

Sally Oldaker finds out why Sunday lunch is a winner at the Old Rose & Crown.

Welcome to the show!
Posted on August 22 2010 at 3:34:03

Your guide to the wide range of ideas and services on display at our second Wedding Show!
See a Picture Gallery from the Wedding Show catwalk

Join the Bilberries for breakfast
Posted on August 17 2010 at 3:38:00

We Meet, We Talk, We Do Business

Good day at Black Rock!
Posted on February 18 2010 at 7:32:25

Sally Oldaker samples the unusual cooking technique that’s creating a stir at the Dodford Inn.

Cultivating a sweet sensation
Posted on February 15 2010 at 5:10:28

Sally Oldaker meets the chef bringing a world of experience to the restaurant at Little Heath Garden Centre.

How to enjoy Christmas…
Posted on October 19 2009 at 1:48:42

Our Office Grouch discovers he knows more than he thought about making the most of the festivities.

Why haven’t I had a curry here before?
Posted on October 19 2009 at 12:57:42

Sally Oldaker, who has eaten a few curries in her time, finds the Dilshad lives up to its reputation.

Time for tea
Posted on October 07 2009 at 1:52:42

Introducing a brand new business based on tea-time traditions.

The pub in the field
Posted on August 17 2009 at 12:53:15

Sally Oldaker visits the Dodford Inn – no longer under threat from property developers – and finds the food is just as good as the beer…

Plan ahead to enjoy home-grown fruit & veg all year!
Posted on June 17 2009 at 2:52:33

Summer is the time when gardeners can relax a little and take time to enjoy the fruits of their labours from the spring.

Abbey’s new flavour
Posted on June 16 2009 at 2:13:33

Sally Oldaker finds a new look but the same excellent food at the Abbey Hotel in Bordesley.

The taste of summer
Posted on May 15 2009 at 2:40:02

You might have lost touch with the pleasures of cooking and eating outdoors after the last couple of summers – but if the forecasters can be believed, then this is the summer to rekindle your relationship with your barbecue.

Eating out is the new eating in
Posted on April 23 2009 at 2:17:11

There has been much talk recently about the trend to entertain friends at home rather than going out to expensive restaurants. However, as summer approaches with the promise of warm balmy evenings, then thoughts turn to entertaining out – but out in your garden.

Shoots and leaves
Posted on March 16 2009 at 5:57:42

Growing your own vegetables is a cheap, simple and healthy option, says Hannah Genders. 

Mint condition
Posted on February 21 2009 at 1:46:09

Sally Oldaker discovers a world of choice at The Mint Lounge in Bromsgrove.

Raising a pint to Paul
Posted on January 15 2009 at 1:56:40

Martyn Read tells the story of a special tribute to a sadly missed friend.