^{Month after month, it’s mild}

Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.

^{Barnt Green Art Club: A Historical Note}

Patricia White, former Honorary Secretary, and Professor Richard White, former Honorary Treasurer, tell the Club’s story so far…

^{Live-in care you can trust}

A local company can help elderly people stay in their own homes by offering 24-hour care.

^{Enjoy a battle of the planets}

Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.

^{A ‘W’ is for winning!}

Graham Mellor pushes the pain barrier to improve his golf.

^{Time to get healthy for 2012}

January 1st is of course the time-honoured date on which to begin a New Year’s resolution – but in practice, it’s far from ideal.

^{Village Weddings}

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.

^{The art of being creative}

Hopwood-based artist Paula Hamilton finds creativity in our midst.

^{Father and son team works!}

Club Secretary Pete Gwilliam continues his series on the goals and successes of Alvechurch Lions FC.

^{A new heart of village life}

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

^{New year, new project}

Hannah Genders looks forward to work on an exciting commission.

^{Ready for the year end?}

Make the most of the tax benefits on offer, writes Austin Broad.

^{Specs for the stars!}

A local optician found itself in the spotlight when its eyewear was modelled by the cast of Hustle.

^{Belle’s Beauty Box}

If you fancy treating yourself to a bit of pampering, a new local business can help you start the new year with a new look.

^{Anyone seen Scooby?}

Sharon Coleman of Barnt Green appeals for help in finding her missing dog.

^{Surfaces with style}

Founded by two experienced stonemasons, Shaw Stone Surfaces Ltd has built its success on supplying quality products and excellent customer service to independent kitchen specialists, leading retail chains, and the UK’s largest home builders and architects.

^{Show of community spirit}

Sarah Rees explores life on Bromsgrove’s biggest estate in our monthly column all about the Parkalls, or should that be Oaklands?

^{Country matters}

Mary Green explores a new angle in her 2012 Nature Diary.

^{Cycle group to dance troupe!}

Hopwood Ladies’ Cycling Club founder Deb Weston tells the story of the group’s latest adventure.

^{Busy time for local choir}

Alvechurch Community Choir had a busy end to 2011.

^{Lighting up for charity}

A Finstall couple who decorate their entire house and garden with Christmas lights every year have now raised around £25,000 for two local charities.

^{New Year news cast!}

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.

^{Life after dark . . .}

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.

^{Songs for all the old dudes}

‘Intimate’ gig promises a treat for all you pretty things . . .