Village in shock over crash
Posted on February 19 2012 at 11:28:32

The Alvechurch teacher killed in a school ski-trip coach crash in France has been named as Peter Rippington, known to everyone at Alvechurch Middle School as Mr Rip.

Pupils and parents have been laying floral and other tributes outside the school throughout the week as the shocking reality of the motorway tragedy hit home.

The crash happened near Reims at around 2.30am on Sunday. A 13-year-old Alvechurch girl reported to be in a coma at a French hospital is now said to have regained consciousness.

It is thought Mr Rippington’s wife, Sharon, is now travelling back to Alvechurch with daughter Amy, 24, who was also on the coach and 21-year-old son, Max, who had travelled to Reims to be with them.

The Foreign Office says three further passengers on the coach, which was returning to Alvechurch from Pila, northern Italy, are in a serious condition and 19 others have minor injuries.

Pupils attend Alvechurch Middle School from across The Village area, including Barnt Green and Blackwell.

The death of Mr Rippington, aged 59, who has organised the school ski trips for many years, has come as a great shock to the community. He was due to retire from full-time teaching at Easter.

He lived in Alvechurch all of his life and was known by everyone as a man with a heart of gold who would do anything for anybody. He touched the lives of thousands of children in more than 30 years of teaching in the village.

Mr Rippington was head of maths at the school, but he was best-known to many as a sports teacher and only last month coached the school’s under-11s girls football side to victory in the county seven-a-side championship.

He would have been taking them to Nottingham on March 17 for the Midland stage of the competition.

Any youngster who has played competitive football in the area over the past 20 years would have found Mr Rip to be their referee at some point as he would don his black kit most weekends to officiate at match after match.

He loved skiing and without his efforts, generations of youngsters from The Village area would never have been able to enjoy a school trip to the mountains.

Outside of school he continued to organise walking trips around the country for his many friends - known affectionately as “Rip’s Trips” - and a trip to Devon planned for June is likely to still go ahead in a tribute to him.

He also enjoyed playing golf - and was looking forward to improving his game in retirement. Those who knew him didn’t expect the flag at Kings Norton Golf Club to be flying at half mast in his memory so soon.

The Foreign Office is investigating the incident and has issued an emergency helpline for people worried about relatives and friends: 0207 008 1500.

The FCO issued a statement on behalf of the Rippington family, saying: “We ask that our privacy is respected and that we are left to grieve with our friends and family.”

“We, as a family, are devastated at the tragic loss of Peter, a wonderful husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, friend and teacher.

“We are still extremely concerned about the health of his wife, Sharon, who was injured and is still recovering in hospital in France. Sharon is accompanied by her daughter Amy, who escaped the incident with minor injuries.

“Until they are safely home we ask that our privacy is respected and that we are left to grieve with our friends and family.”

Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said: “We will continue to assist both those who were on the coach and their families and friends at this difficult time.

“Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with everyone involved in or affected by the tragic coach crash in Northern France earlier today. The French authorities are investigating the accident and we are working closely with them.

“Our Ambassador to France, Sir Peter Ricketts, has seen many of the affected passengers this afternoon and has assured them that we are doing all we can to help them recover and get home. The Deputy Ambassador will be accompanying some British Nationals on their journey home today.

“The FCO has been operating a reception centre in France and a UK helpline all day and we will continue to assist both those who were on the coach and their families and friends at this difficult time. I would like to thank the French emergency services for all they have done.”

 

Holiday company Interski issued a statement this morning, saying: “We are saddened and distressed to report the death of a party leader following a coach accident in the Rheims area of Northern France at approximately 02.30 CET/GMT this morning.

“Our thoughts are with the bereaved family and friends, to whom we offer our sincere condolences. We also extend our sympathy to the four seriously injured passengers, to 22 passengers with minor injuries and to all others involved in this tragic incident.

“We understand that the coach in question veered from the motorway before coming to rest on its side at the foot of an embankment.

“The emergency services were alerted by passengers on a following coach, which stopped and assisted with the evacuation and rescue.

“The injured were taken to hospitals in Rheims and Chalon. 27 were admitted, with the remainder being taken to a nearby leisure centre in Fagnieres, where a French Red Cross team offered support, both physical and psychological.

“As soon as Interski’s senior incident staff were alerted, contact was made with the coach operator, its insurers, ABTA, the control centre of the Prefecture de la Marne, the Foreign Office, and, of course, the drivers and some of the rescued party.

The coach involved was chartered by Interski from Solus Travel. On board were 48 passengers and 2 “drivers. Of the passengers, 42 were from Alvechurch School [13 adults and 29 pupils]. The remaining 6 were Interski instructors. We are fully cooperating with the investigators to determine the cause of the accident.

“The coach was returning from the Aosta Valley, in North West Italy, following a snowsports trip. All parties directly involved are fully informed of the situation.

“A rescue vehicle is mid-Channel with P & O Ferries and is anticipated to reach Fagnieres late afternoon to bring home those considered fit to travel.

“Currently present in the area are a team from the British Consulate and senior members of the Interski Resort Team (Aosta Valley).”

 

Finstall cycle star Jess takes gold in new world record time
Posted on February 18 2012 at 10:58:14

Finstall Olympic hope Jess Varnish has pedalled into the record books with her sprint partner Victoria Pendleton at the Track Cycling World Cup.

Apologies, but no action
Posted on January 26 2012 at 11:27:53

The future of Marlbrook Tip remains mired in limbo, with Bromsgrove District Council wringing its hands in apology but apparently powerless to make anything happen.

Your chance to shape your village
Posted on January 25 2012 at 10:28:16

Moves to create a Neigh­bourhood Plan for Alvechurch have been gathering pace in the New Year.

Dangerous prisoner sprung at Tardebigge
Posted on January 23 2012 at 2:56:22

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.

Bin complaints
Posted on January 21 2012 at 11:03:22

The siting of a new recycling bin in Alvechurch is unlikely to win a reprieve after a number of residents complained to Bromsgrove District Housing Trust.

Early days of wind power in Hopwood
Posted on January 21 2012 at 10:55:22

As villagers breathe a sigh of relief at the withdrawal of plans for a 330ft wind turbine rearing over Barnt Green, readers may be interested in a far less intrusive version installed at Hopwood in the 1950s.

Car park for all to use
Posted on January 20 2012 at 11:13:22

Villagers visiting the centre of Alvechurch have been reminded that there are now plenty of car parking spaces at Alvechurch Sports and Social Club.

Speeding motorists ‘woggled’
Posted on January 20 2012 at 10:33:22

Motorists speeding through Barnt Green one Saturday morning last month may have been surprised to see a speed trap being run by boy scouts.

Donations urgently required
Posted on January 20 2012 at 9:19:30

Sense, the leading national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind, is in desperate need of donations.

Cofton speed limit delay
Posted on January 19 2012 at 11:09:22

Plans to introduce a 30mph speed limit along Barnt Green Road in Cofton Hackett by the beginning of the New Year have been delayed.

Zone reprieved
Posted on January 19 2012 at 11:01:22

Alvechurch’s alcohol-free zone has been reprieved amid confusion over its legality, the parish council heard.

Parish and residents seek legal opinion over challenge to 88 new homes
Posted on January 18 2012 at 6:28:22

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.

Run the Barnt Green Mile
Posted on January 18 2012 at 11:12:22

Barnt Green Chuggers running club and Barnt Green Parish Council are teaming up to host a Sport Relief Mile on March 25.

Ringers’ show of strength
Posted on January 17 2012 at 11:38:22

The ringers of St Laurence, Alve­church, showed their strength by manhandling more than 20 tonnes of bells from the top of the church tower.

Parish plans next move in fight to save Barnt Green fields
Posted on January 10 2012 at 10:00:17

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’
Posted on January 04 2012 at 4:26:17

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
Posted on December 16 2011 at 10:18:17

Alvechurch’s alcohol-free zone has been reprieved amid confusion over its legality, the parish council heard.

Pressing on with the Neighbourhood Plan
Posted on December 12 2011 at 3:42:17

Grassroots leaders are urging the people of Alvechurch parish to get involved with the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan.

Serious road crash appeal
Posted on December 12 2011 at 3:36:17

Police are appealing for witnesses to a car crash in Alvechurch in which a man was badly injured.

Calendar of local scenes
Posted on December 12 2011 at 1:40:17

A talented Bromsgrove photographer has used his portfolio of local scenes to create a special calendar for 2012.

Alcohol-free zone under threat
Posted on December 06 2011 at 10:01:17

The alcohol-free zone may be removed from the centre of Alvechurch.

Double yellows for Alvechurch schools
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:40:17

DOUBLE YELLOW lines are to be painted outside the schools in Alvechurch to stop dangerous parking, the parish council heard.

Moving the goalposts . . .
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:39:17

Blackwell may have to move its goalposts to solve the problem of unwanted football matches being played.

Blackwell affordable homes site agreed
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:37:17

Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council agreed unanimously on the piece of land on Greenhill, Blackwell, as the site for a proposed affordable housing project.

Marlbrook Tesco crossing plan
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:35:17

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
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:23:17

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.

Village homes surprise
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:17:17

Major planning decisions affecting Alvechurch have left parish councillors scratching their heads.

Village shops urged to join litter effort
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:09:17

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
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:08:17

The nuisance of “rail squeal” as trains turn the bend into Barnt Green has been eased, the parish council heard.

Chance for a last peek
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:03:17

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
Posted on December 06 2011 at 10:02:17

Would-be vegetable growers may soon by able to sign up for allotments in Alvechurch.

Hopwood: Where’s our traffic calming?
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:57:17

HOPWOOD residents have asked why they are missing out on traffic calming measures.

Dave and Tricia call time at The Crown
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:51:17

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’
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:41:17

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”.

My car park theft ordeal
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:25:17

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.

Lest we forget . . .
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:10:17

Pink night at The Vic
Posted on November 30 2011 at 3:25:17

Two Barnt Green businesses came together for a charity night in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Form cycling to Riverdance
Posted on November 24 2011 at 3:10:54

A ladies’ cycling group put on their dancing shoes for charity…

African culture comes to Tardebigge
Posted on November 22 2011 at 3:18:54

Tardebigge School and church welcome a Ugandan children’s choir.

Family devastated by theft of memorial bench from Lickey Hills beauty spot
Posted on November 17 2011 at 3:20:00

A family has been left “devastated” by the theft of a memorial bench from the top of the Lickey Hills.

Make a date for next year!
Posted on November 16 2011 at 6:54:51

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
Posted on November 16 2011 at 5:55:47

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
Posted on November 10 2011 at 12:19:24

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
Posted on November 08 2011 at 5:28:43

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
Posted on November 07 2011 at 5:02:07

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
Posted on November 02 2011 at 12:27:18

Villagers worried about the future of Marlbrook Tip have been invited to a public meeting on November 29.

Fancy a Sunday tea party?
Posted on October 31 2011 at 4:00:41

A charity dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people is looking for volunteers to help elderly residents make friends.

Ergul aims for talent show win
Posted on October 23 2011 at 9:54:40

A young musician from Barnt Green is hoping to gain a place in the final of a national competition.

Councillor urged to attend meeting
Posted on October 23 2011 at 9:20:19

Alvechurch Parish Council is to urge county councillor June Griffiths to attend its November meeting to discuss matters that need her involvement.

All good in the wood
Posted on October 22 2011 at 2:13:37

Pepper Wood near Bromsgrove will soon be more accessible to all, thanks to a grant awarded to The Woodland Trust.

Singing sisters
Posted on October 22 2011 at 9:41:11

A pair of talented sisters were among the performers at a Burcot Village Hall event.

Hortons expands its team
Posted on October 22 2011 at 9:38:11

Thomas Horton Solicitors, which has a branch in Barnt Green, has appointed Claire Pottinger as Director of Wills, Trusts and Probate Services.

Development site ‘suits more homes’
Posted on October 22 2011 at 9:15:19

A proposal to build just 10 houses on one of the last remaining development sites (ADRs) in Alvechurch has been rejected by planners.

Victorian market opening in Rubery
Posted on October 21 2011 at 2:27:37

Rubery is set is to become the thriving market town it once was, thanks to the development of a Victorian-themed indoor market and café.

Blackwell homes site ‘picked’
Posted on October 21 2011 at 9:30:11

Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council has earmarked a site in Greenhill for a Blackwell affordable homes development, councillors heard.

Let the bells ring out
Posted on October 21 2011 at 9:23:11

After six years of fundraising, the ringers of St Laurence, Alvechurch, have revealed detailed plans for the restoration of their beloved bells.

Post office petition grows
Posted on October 21 2011 at 9:11:19

A petition seeking the reopening of a post counter at Blackwell has reached 478 signatures.

Local artist supports charity auction
Posted on October 20 2011 at 2:22:37

A Redditch artist has had a piece of her work auctioned at a prestigious charity event in London.

Cricket club seeks new sponsors
Posted on October 20 2011 at 2:15:37

Thanks to a relatively dry summer, Alvechurch & Hopwood Cricket Club had a very busy and on the whole successful season.

Burials deal for parishioners
Posted on October 20 2011 at 11:06:10

Parishioners of Alvechurch can continue to request burials in the churchyard at St Laurence’s even if they are not churchgoers, after the parish council agreed to pay towards the upkeep of the cemetery for another year.

Family fun at Blackwell Court
Posted on October 20 2011 at 10:05:05

Blackwell’s annual Autumn Craft Fair and Family Fun Day takes place at this Sunday, October 23, at Blackwell Court.

Village calls summit on planning proposals
Posted on October 20 2011 at 11:02:53

Grass-roots groups in Alvechurch are joining for a public summit meeting over the Government’s move to make it easier for developers to build on green fields.

Successful debut for gospel singers
Posted on October 19 2011 at 2:26:09

The debut gig of the Barnt Green Community Gospel Choir took place at Barnt Green Baptist Church on Bittell Road. The event was very well attended with around 60 people enjoying a performance which demonstrated the choir’s talents and versatility.  

Maisie’s dancing dreams come true
Posted on October 19 2011 at 12:05:40

When four-year-old Maisie Butler was taken to see The Nutcracker by her grandmother, she never imagined that she herself would be dancing in the much-loved ballet just six years later.

A Bible for all village pupils
Posted on October 19 2011 at 12:44:09

Sixty books in one cover – that’s just one way of describing it. It took volunteers from Alvechurch 80 hours to read it cover to cover.

Steam surprise
Posted on October 19 2011 at 9:12:19

There was excitement at Alvechurch Library when a traction engine steamed into the car park.

100 years of history
Posted on October 19 2011 at 8:52:19

St Andrew’s Church in Barnt Green has a permanent reminder of its recent centenary celebrations with the completion of a commemorative wall-hanging.

Parish ‘approves’ Uplands plan
Posted on October 19 2011 at 9:31:01

Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council has expressed approval for the proposed changes at The Uplands in Blackwell, as reported in the last issue of The Village.

Meet local author at book signings
Posted on October 18 2011 at 11:30:34

Bromsgrove author Sue Watson will be signing copies of her first novel, Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes, at local branches of Waterstones over the next few weeks, starting in Worcester this coming Saturday.

 

Parents raise pounds
Posted on October 18 2011 at 9:33:11

A group of Bromsgrove School parents has raised more than £2,000 with a charity bike ride.

Deadline for sponsor money
Posted on October 18 2011 at 9:10:19

Cyclists who took part in the annual charity towpath ride from Withybed Green, Alvechurch, to Worcester, have been reminded that the deadline for returning their sponsorship money has now passed.

Thumbs-up for Jubilee plans
Posted on October 18 2011 at 9:08:19

Alvechurch Parish Council has decided to go ahead with plans to make The Meadows available for community celebrations over the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee holiday next year.

Speeding drivers beware
Posted on October 18 2011 at 9:03:19

Police have launched a crackdown on speeding through our villages – a constant complaint at PACT meetings across the area.

Little Annie’s big trip
Posted on October 17 2011 at 9:27:11

Little Annie must be one of the most-travelled dogs in the country after accompanying her owner on a 3,400-mile open-air tour of Britain.

Sign up for spooky quiz
Posted on October 05 2011 at 9:48:14

Get into the Halloween spirit with a spooky evening of fun at Barnt Green Social Club.

See the stars with Astronomical Society
Posted on September 28 2011 at 11:39:53

Bromsgrove Astronomical Society is holding a free open evening and exhibition at Bromsgrove Rugby Club on Monday October 17, starting at 7pm.

Garden centre raids ‘linked’
Posted on September 28 2011 at 8:28:41

Two village garden centres have been broken into in raids police think could be linked.

Your chance to show us the funny!
Posted on September 27 2011 at 11:41:53

Everyone’s trying their hand at ‘stand-up’ and now you have a chance to make ‘em laugh as Bromsgrove’s Artrix theatre launches its new season of comedy workshops for wannabe comedians.

£20m rail plans on show
Posted on September 25 2011 at 3:24:26

Rail chiefs are asking villagers what they think of their plans, revealed in The Village in the summer, to upgrade the line through Alvechurch.

Village prepares for Mop Fair
Posted on September 25 2011 at 12:49:31

Radford Road will be closed in the centre of Alvechurch on October 5 for the annual Mop Fair.

Speed chiefs reveal Cofton road plans
Posted on September 24 2011 at 11:48:36

Detailed plans for making the main road through Cofton Hackett safer have been sent to residents after their summer campaign to overturn a county council decision to do nothing.

Success for Fair and Festival
Posted on September 23 2011 at 11:52:53

Sunny weather and a host of attractions ensured a great success for two local events.

Alvechurch joined to Redditch?
Posted on September 23 2011 at 11:36:36

Alvechurch will be sliced off the Bromsgrove parliamentary constituency and added to Redditch, if proposed boundary changes go ahead.

Wendy wins a Royal reward
Posted on September 22 2011 at 12:44:34

Barnt Green villager Wendy Tricklebank enjoyed an afternoon at a Royal Garden Party as thanks for her work for the community.

Alvechurch Parish Council round-up
Posted on September 22 2011 at 12:02:28

The parish council is now up to its full complement after co-opting two new members at the September meeting.

‘New Cofton’ is unveiled
Posted on September 22 2011 at 11:30:36

Detailed plans have been submitted for the first phase of new housing to nearly double the size of Cofton Hackett.

Winter warning to motorists
Posted on September 21 2011 at 11:47:36

Alvechurch motorists are the “worst in the force area” for leaving unattended cars running on frosty mornings, according to a local beat officer.

Village’s ‘zero’ drugs problem
Posted on September 21 2011 at 11:39:02

Alvechurch has a “zero” drugs problem, villagers were told by police in a set of figures that showed a very low crime rate across the parish.

Charity golf day
Posted on September 21 2011 at 10:30:51

The third John Bromley Memorial Golf Day was won for the second year running by a team from The Abbey (above) – with the event again being held on their home course.

Tribute to former councillor
Posted on September 20 2011 at 1:27:04

Parish chairwoman Jill Harvey paid tribute to former councillor Norma Rogers, who the council heard had recently passed away.

Bus shelter will not return
Posted on September 20 2011 at 1:26:04

The missing Blackwell bus shelter will not be replaced outside the village store after parish councillors decided to accept cash from developers who had removed it temporarily.

Advice sought on housing plans
Posted on September 20 2011 at 1:19:04

Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council is to seek advice on whether new housing plans for Cofton Hackett and Barnt Green have changed the affordable housing requirements in the parish.

Bottle pledge dug up at P.O.
Posted on September 20 2011 at 12:34:34

When bricklayer Josh Taylor saw something glinting as a digger cleared the ground at a building site in Blackwell, he realised it was a bottle.

Problem of parking at Tesco
Posted on September 19 2011 at 1:25:04

Marlbrook councillor John Ruck told the parish council he was looking into improving parking at the Braces Lane Tesco store.

Marlbrook Tip inquiry pledge
Posted on September 19 2011 at 1:17:51

The debacle that led to a reported million extra tonnes of waste being tipped on the Lickeys is to be investigated at Bromsgrove District Council.

She’s still winning after all these years
Posted on September 19 2011 at 11:59:56

More years ago than she cares to remember, Caroline Gosling won the Silver Wheelbarow at Rowney Green Flower Show.

Get your objections in now, Barnt Green residents urged
Posted on September 19 2011 at 10:50:31

A public meeting called at short notice on a Friday evening still drew more than 50 Barnt Green villagers anxious over a planning application to build 88 homes on a prominent field.

Thank you to Children’s Hospital
Posted on September 19 2011 at 9:25:10

Young Joshua Davies of Rubery has been fundraising for Birmingham Children’s Hospital A&E department, which saved his life last December when he developed meningitis and a blood clot on the brain.

Serving up a surprise
Posted on September 18 2011 at 1:43:51

An Alvechurch schoolgirl is raising eyebrows in the tennis world after a surprise performance in the Lawn Tennis Association national finals.