Wednesday February 22 2012
Events
Zumba fun!
Health & Fitness
Barnt Green Pre-School invite you to try the latest fitness craze at 8pm on Friday 10th February (at Barnt Green Baptist Church).
Run by a professional instructor, the emphasis will be on fun - so bring your friends for a great night out.
Tickets £5 (includes glass of wine or OJ afterwards). Contact Sadie 07960 861 567.
‘Art Attack’ presenter to visit Rubery
Art & Literature
Neil Buchanan, the creator, artist, producer and presenter of the BAFTA-winning TV show Art Attack, will be appearing at Jamie Leigh Fine Art gallery in Rubery, on Sat February 4 from 2–4pm.
The visit coincides with the launch of his debut collection of signed limited edition prints – Neil Buchanan’s HOPE STREET – depicting “the story of childhood”.
Jamie Leigh Fine Art has recently relocated to stunning new premises at 112 New Road. The popular TV star will be the first artist to make a live appearance in the new gallery and an exhibition of HOPE STREET will remain on display in the gallery throughout the spring.
Scarecrow returns
Theatre
Mappleborough Green Amateur Dramatic Society (M.A.D.S) presents its second performance of The Scatterbrained Scarecrow of Oz at Tanworth-in-Arden Village Hall from Feb 16–18.
Tickets cost £3.50 for children and £7 for adults, and are available from John Pearson on 01564 742726.
Arsenic & Old Lace
Theatre
All & Sundry presents farcical black comedy Arsenic and Old Lace at the Palace Theatre in Redditch from March 28–31 (suitable for age 12+).
Evening performances 7.30pm; Sat matinee 2.30pm. Tickets £11/£10 (Tues, Weds,Thurs eve and Sat mat) or £12/£11 (Fri and Sat eve). Buy one get one free on Weds and matinee.
Tickets from the Palace box office on 01527 65203; more info at http://www.allandsundry.org
Gould Piano Trio
Music
Bromsgrove Concerts present the Gould Piano Trio at Artrix on Fri Feb 10. The concert begins at 8pm and features music by Haydn, Dvorak and Messiaen.
The Gould Piano Trio have built up an international reputation, with regular tours of the USA. Since 1999 they have held their own annual summer festival at Corbridge in Northumberland.
Clarinettist Robert Plane joins them for a performance of Messiaen’s stunning Quartet For the End of Time.
Mendelssohn and More
Music
The Midland Sinfonia presents Mendelssohn and More at 7.30pm on Sat Feb 18 at Artrix. Mendelssohn’s violin concerto in the hands of Shulah Oliver will be a thrilling and beautiful occasion.
That together with Mozart’s Haffner and Beethoven’s Seventh, featuring one of the largest orchestras The Midland Sinfonia has yet presented, should make for a splendid evening.
Tickets £15 (children accompanying an adult are free) available from www.artrix.co.uk or 01527 577330. F/t students and reg. unemployed £5.
For more info or to see details of the full programme visit www.midlandsinfonia.co.uk
Pre-school’s Nearly New Sale
General Events
Barnt Green Pre-School’s Nearly New Sale takes place on Sat March 3 from 10.30am at Barnt Green Baptist Church.
High-quality children’s and babies’ toys, clothes and nursery equipment – all at bargain prices.
For further info or a seller’s pack contact Vicky 0121 445 3953.
NCT’s Nearly New Sale
General Events
A Nearly New Sale organised by Bromsgrove & District NCT takes place on Sat March 24 from 10.30am-12 noon at the Methodist Church Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove B60 1AS.
Good quality second-hand nursery equipment, toys, books and games for babies, toddlers and young children.
To sell, call 0844 243 6065 or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) For all other enquires see: www.nct.org.uk/bromsgrove
Cocktails and Casino
General Events
A Cocktails and Casino Evening organised by Dodford First School PTA takes place on Friday March 2 at The Nailers Arms (62 Doctors Hill, Bournheath, B61 9JE) from 7:30pm ‘til late.
Tickets £20 per person to include chips for the casino tables, a complimentary cocktail upon arrival, hot buffet and a charity auction. Dress code is smart (black tie optional).
For additional information and tickets contact Jane Hughes on 07929 837736.
Pancake Afternoon
General Events
A Pancake Afternoon takes place at Alvechurch Baptist Church hall on Tues Feb 21, from 2–4.30pm.
There will also be a cake stall and hopefully a Traidcraft stall. Come and enjoy a pancake or two and save the mess at home! Children welcome.
Music from Fiona and friends
Music
Alvechurch Baptist Church presents a musical concert at 6.30pm on Dec 1, when “Fiona and Friends” will be playing the harp, singing and performing.
Tickets £5 per adult, £3 per child, in aid of Alvechurch Baptist Building Fund, to include light refreshments.
Tickets can be obtained from Fiona Lee on 0121 447 7369 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Car boot sales at Alvechurch FC
General Events
Lye Meadow is hosting Car Boot Sales on Sundays November 6, 13, 20 and 27, from 10am–2pm.
Sellers can arrive from 9am to set up. Car parking and hard standing (no wet or muddy field), catering cabin, toilet facilities.
**** No charge to car booters on Nov 6.
Charity quiz at Alvechurch FC
General Events
A Charity Quiz Night takes place at Lye Meadow on Friday November 11, 7.30pm for 8pm start.
Maximum teams of six, £2 per person. All proceeds will go to Bear Hill Pre-School. All welcome.
Book now for popular quiz
General Events
The Midland Sinfonia presents a Quiz and Supper Evening on Sat Nov 19, 7 for 7.30pm at The Ark, St Laurence Church, Alvechurch.
This year the fundraising quiz will strike a more traditional note with a new quiz master. With maximum teams of six, singles and couples are happily accommodated.
Cost £7.50 per person to include fish and chips supper. There will be a bar for wine and soft drinks.
Come along and support your local orchestra whilst enjoying a good lighthearted evening.
Booking is essential for this popular event – contact Marian 0121 447 7040 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Beer festival in Rowney Green
Food & Drink
The Goat & Trousers at Rowney Green Village Hall hosts its “Virgin Beer Festival” on Saturday November 26, from 12.30pm onwards.
Beers & Cider - Hot Pork Rolls - Entertainment
Craft fayres in Bromsgrove
General Events
Monthly craft fayres will take place at Avoncroft Arts Centre in Bromsgrove (B60 4JR), organised by local craft makers.
Taking place on the first Sunday each month, the events will be a fantastic opportunity for the public to meet highly skilled local craftspeople and shop for unique handmade gifts.
The next two fayres are on November 6 and December 4, both from 10am–4pm. Stalls will include ceramics, textiles, jewellery and much much more. Admission is free, and refreshments will be available.
Bringing cash is advisable as not all the makers can take card payments. Children must be accompanied by an adult. For more info or to apply for a stall visit http://www.craftmakersmarket.co.uk
Auction of promises
General Events
All & Sundry, the Bromsgrove theatre group, invites villagers and friends to An Auction of Promises at Rowney Green Peace Hall on November 12 at 7.30pm, with auctioneer James McGhie.
Includes entertainment, light supper with licensed bar and prize for best decorated table. All tickets £5 from Victoria Vollans on 0121 445 4065.
Auction proceeds to be shared between CIDP Research (in memory of the group’s founder Paul Vollans) and All & Sundry. Bar profits to be shared between the Peace Hall, CIDP Research and All & Sundry.
Christmas coffee morning
General Events
A Christmas Coffee Morning, also in aid of the Bell Fund, will be held on Dec 10 from 10am to 1pm in the Alvechurch Village Hall, Bear Hill.
This is the regular Bells coffee morning for those who need some refreshments after Christmas shopping!
More info at http://www.alvechurchbells.org.uk
Railway exhibition
General Events
A Railway Exhibition in aid of the St Laurence Bell Fund takes place in St Laurence Church on Sat Nov 12 from 10.30am to 3pm.
Trains and layouts will be on display along with a Table Top Sale.
Bible in an hour
General Events
St Andrew’s in Barnt Green is hosting an event called The Bible in an Hour on Sat Nov 12 at 7.30pm, as part of national celebrations of the 400th anniversary of the Authorised Version of the Bible.
Mike Fuller will offer a visual introduction to the themes of the Bible in a lively, quick, informative and enjoyable presentation.
Tickets £2 each (children free) to include light refreshments, and are available on the door. Everyone is welcome.
Table top sale
General Events
A table top sale in aid of Children in Need takes place on Sat Nov 19 at Bromsgrove Baptist Church, from 11am–3pm.
Stalls include The Body Shop at Home, Jewellery by Jackie, Handbags by Julia, Jamie at Home, Home at Heart, The Little Sewing Hut, Forever Living, Happy Hampers, Bric a Brac, Phoenix Trading and United by Cake (stalls accept cash and cheque).
Fun games for the children include a colouring competition, tombola, craft table and BB’s Face Lift face painting. Refreshments available.
Admission 50p for adults, children free. More info from Alison Hill on 01527 872733.
Christmas quiz for charity
General Events
A Christmas Quiz takes place on Fri Nov 25 at the Oak Tree on Lickey Road, Rednal, in support of Jill and Sue’s Sponsored Cycle Challenge.
The two Barnt Green ladies will be cycling from Vietnam to Cambodia in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice and Multiple Sclerosis, and the quiz should help them reach their target of £8,000.
The event starts at 7.30pm and costs £5 per person. Refreshments available. For more info or to reserve/buy tickets call Jill on 07855 798368 or buy from the Oak Tree.
* Jill and Sue would like to thank all who supported the Musical Extravaganza at The Ark, which raised in excess of £1,400.
Christmas at Crown Meadow
General Events
Crown Meadow School Christmas Fair takes place at the school on Sat Dec 3 from 12–3pm.
Father Christmas will be in his grotto and there will be entertainment provided by the children as well as numerous stalls and attractions including a chocolate tombola, teddy bear adoptions, face painting and pocket money stall.
Refreshments include licensed bar, cake stall and BBQ.
The fair is organised by the Parents Association and aims to raise funds to improve the children’s learning environment.
Bonfire fun
General Events
Bromsgrove’s bonfire & Music Spectacular takes place on Sat Nov 5. Run in partnership with Primrose Hospice, the event opens at 5pm and includes a fun fair and live music including soul band The Official Receivers, as well as the bonfire lit at 7pm and a fireworks display.
Tickets cost £5 for adults, £3 for under-17s, and family tickets for two adults and two children £14 (under twos go free), and are available from Primrose Hospice outlets in Rubery and Bromsgrove, as well as the Council’s Customer Service Centre on School Drive, Bromsgrove.
Tickets will also be available from a special Bromsgrove town centre market stall on Fri Nov 4 from 11am–3pm and Sat Nov 5 from 10am –4pm, and on the gate on the night.
Artwork on display
Art & Literature
Barnt Green Art Group is holding its very popular annual winter art exhibition on Saturday November 5, from 10am–5pm at the Friends Meeting House, Sandhills Road, Barnt Green B45 8NR.
More than 100 original framed pictures will be on display, as well as prints and Christmas cards to buy. Refreshments will also be sold in aid of charity.
For further details, contact Jo Lloyd on 0121 445 3209.
Halloween party at Alvechurch FC
General Events
A Halloween Party takes place at Lye Meadow, home of Alvechurch FC, on Sat Oct 29 from 8pm.
Fancy dress is optional, but prizes will be handed out to the best dressed in various age categories.
All ages are welcome - entry is free and there will be a fully stocked bar.
Website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/alvechurch/
Alvechurch entertain Birmingham City
General Events
Alvechurch FC will host Championship side Birmingham City at Lye Meadow on Tuesday October 18, in Round One of the Birmingham Senior Cup.
Kick off is at 7.45pm; admission £5 for adults and £3 for juniors.
Forthcoming home fixtures are as follows:
Saturday Oct 8
3pm - Rocester
Tuesday Oct 18
7.45pm - Birmingham City
(Birmingham Senior Cup)
Tuesday Nov 1
7.45pm - Malvern Town
(Worcester Senior Urn)
Saturday Nov 5
3pm - Coventry Sphinx
Saturday Nov 19
3pm - Dunkirk
Saturday Nov 26
3pm - Coleshill Town
Fixtures are subject to change – for the latest info check the website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/alvechurch/
1940s dance night
Dancing
The Phoenix Dance Club is holding a 40s Night on Sat Nov 12 at the Spadesbourne Suite, Bromsgrove Council House, from 8–11.30pm. Uniforms optional. Ballroom and Sequence dancing to the John Harrison Duo.
Admission by ticket only: £9.50 to include a meal. Please call Mick or Thelma on 01527 872634 for further info.
Week of Disney-themed activities
Theatre
Local theatre school The Star Project is offering a fabulous week of fun for children during half-term this autumn – a Disney Performance and Activity Week!
Running from Monday October 24 to Friday October 28 at the Barnt Green Parish Centre, the programme is open to children aged from four to 12 years old and of all abilities.
Participants will explore the world of Disney in a fun-filled week of games, activities and musical theatre, leading to a Cabaret performance for parents and families on the Friday evening.
The activities include learning Disney songs and dances, arts and crafts such as “make your own Disney character”, a fashion show, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and a Neverland Treasure Hunt.
Sessions run from 10am–3pm daily except Friday, when it’s 12noon–6pm. The cost is just £99 per child, and places are limited so make sure you book now to avoid disappointment!
Call Jo on 07917 197024 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Joy of quilting
General Events
Kingfisher Quilters’ 25th Birthday Exhibition takes place from Oct 15–16 at Beoley Village Hall (Beoley Lane, Holt End, Beoley B98 9AN).
The exhibition runs from 10.30am–4.30pm both days, featuring quilts, traders, a bag tombola and raffle.
Admission £2.50 to include cup of tea/coffee and biscuit. There is ample free parking and disabled access.
Christmas is coming!
General Events
Alvechurch Village Hall holds its annual Christmas Craft Fayre on Sat Nov 12, from 2–4pm.
Crafts on sale include cards and gift wrap, wood turning, hand weaving, jewellery and gifts, while children will have the chance to make their own tree decoration, post a letter to Santa and even meet the man himself!
There will also be a tombola, raffle and refreshments including mince pies, sausage rolls and mulled wine. Put the date in your diary and go along for a fun afternoon!
Market showcase for handmade goods
General Events
A market showcase of handmade goods is being planned by Bromsgrove-based events management company Blackberry Productions. The event will provide small businesses and individuals with an opportunity to promote and sell their products.
Taking place on Saturday November 19 to coincide with the town’s Christmas lights switch-on celebrations, the market showcase is available to any business or individual that produces handmade goods in the Bromsgrove area.
Celebrating the best in handmade goods, and supporting the Basement Project charity, the showcase will highlight the skills, creativity and talent in the Bromsgrove area.
Jackie Butler, director of Blackberry Productions, says, “There is a tremendous wealth of hidden local talent, so we have created this event to enable people to buy interesting and unusual Christmas gifts, and introduce them to local businesses they were previously unaware of.”
18 stalls are available at a price of £35 each which includes pre-event promotion, an advert in the event brochure and a dedicated area on Bromsgrove High Street for the HandMade Showcase.
If you have a handmade product that you’d like to promote request an application form and reserve a stall by emailing .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or calling 07935 456283.
Dellows on display
General Events
The Dellow Register holds its AGM in Alvechurch Village Hall on Sunday Sept 25 at 10am. After the meeting the hall will be a base for visitors to come and share information, memories etc and to view members’ cars. This will be part of the Dellow Register Autumn Weekend.
On the Saturday, Sept 24, as last year, the Register are joining the Morgan Sports Car Club, Midland Section to compete in a trial at Timberhonger Lane, Bromsgrove.
NCT Nearly New Sale
General Events
Bromsgrove NCT is holding a Nearly New Sale on Sat Sept 10, from 10.30am-12 noon at the Methodist Church Centre, 19 Stratford Road, Bromsgrove, B60 1AS.
Good quality second-hand nursery equipment, clothes, toys, books and games for babies, toddlers and young children will be on sale.
Entry £1 per family (suggested donation in aid of the NCT).
To sell call 0844 243 6065 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), or for all other enquires see http://www.nct.org.uk/bromsgrove
Rowney Green Flower Show
Gardens & Flowers
Rowney Green Horticultural Society’s 69th annual Flower Show takes place at the Peace Memorial Hall on Saturday September 3 at 3pm.
Members and non-members are invited to enter. Schedules available at Alvechurch Post Office and with the Calling Oak.
Entries will be accepted on Thursday Sept 1 from 7.30–9pm at the Peace Hall.
Don’t miss this lovely village occasion and the chance to taste delightful homemade cakes.
More details from Andrea on 0121 445 1929.
Poetry & Pints
Art & Literature
Withybed Green Poets will be back for a summer evening of Poetry and Pints in The Crown, Withybed Green, on Monday 25 July 2011.
Poetry starts 7.30 pm. Open to all – entry free. Come and listen to some of our poems, bring some to read if you like. New members welcome.
Ring 0121 445 5957 for further details.
Get your ticket for city’s fashion spectacular
General Events
Calling all fashionistas: Style Birmingham LIVE takes place from September 23–25, hosted for the second year running by the super-stylish George Lamb.
The three-day fashion spectacular involves the city’s top retailers and brands as well as emerging fashion design talent. This year, the tickets are valid for all three days of the event, allowing customers to take full advantage of all of the shopping offers and destinations.
Tickets provide entry to the Style Catwalk Show staged at the magnificent Town Hall on Victoria Square, showcasing the latest collections and trends for autumn and winter 2011, plus access to fashion and beauty events in participating stores and centres including House of Fraser, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges, M&S, Bullring, The Mailbox and Pavilions.
After each catwalk show there will also be an interactive audience ‘Q&A’ hosted by George Lamb and celebrity stylist Bradley Taylor.
The tickets are just £10, which includes an exclusive limited edition shopper bag by internationally acclaimed Birmingham-born designer, Osman Yousefzada.
Buy from http://www.theticketfactory.com, http://www.thsh.co.uk, or at the ICC Box Office in Centenary Square. Further information at http://www.stylebirmingham.com
Have your say!
General Events
The Alvechurch Village Hall AGM takes place on Monday July 18 at 7pm.
All are welcome – come and have your say in the running of your village hall.
Further details on 0121 445 6400.
Moonlight walk for children’s charity
General Events
Acorns Children’s Hospice is appealing for local ladies to be part of something special on Saturday September 17, when the Acorns Midnight Walk returns to Birmingham.
Starting and finishing in Victoria Square, this 10km female-only walking event will take in the Bullring, the Jewellery Quarter, St Philip’s Cathedral and Brindleyplace by moonlight as the participants raise much-needed funds to support local life limited and life threatened children and their families.
The event is a stark reminder that a good night’s sleep is hard to achieve when caring for a life-limited child. In giving up just one night, you can make a real difference to local families who depend on the support of Acorns.
So, don’t sleep through it – go it alone or get together with female friends, colleagues and family to join in a magical night. Gentlemen, you can be part of it too! Acorns needs more than 100 men to volunteer on the evening of the walk to help marshal the route, so make contact if you can help!
For more info or to register, visit http://www.acorns.org.uk/midnightwalk, call 0845 985 0405 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
It’s Fair & Show time!
General Events
This year’s Tardebigge Church Fair & Show will take place on Saturday September 10, starting at 1.30pm. Once again, the Fair & Show looks set to promise a superb afternoon of fun, games and bargains for all ages.
Located in and around the prominent landmark of Tardebigge Church, just off the A448 between Redditch and Bromsgrove, this well-known country fair offers an entertaining afternoon out for all the family.
Visitors can look forward to displays of classic cars, motor bikes, traditional games of skill such as cider fishing, coconut shy, skittles and much more. A mini train, bouncy castle and children’s corner will entertain younger visitors and a variety of refreshments will be available throughout the afternoon.
The usual grand prize draw and high-quality tombola are among stalls offering lots of chances to win prizes, whilst cakes, plants, videos, records, books, antiques and bric-a-brac will also be on sale.
Within beautiful St Bartholomew’s Church, the Produce Show will display award-winning flowers, vegetables, wine, preserves, baking and photographs. All entries are displayed in the church, providing a great opportunity for everyone to let their skills shine.
Anyone, whatever their standard, can enter by 11.30am on the day – schedules are available from the back of Tardebigge church or by ringing 01527 871132.
Swinging barn dance
General Events
Do you fancy a night of dosey-doeing on the dance floor? If so, then come along to the Bromsgrove Court Leet Summer Barn Dance on July 4.
Set on the marqueed lawns of Bromsgrove School, this will be a superb evening with food and wine followed by a swinging barn dance with music from “The Cat’s Whiskers” band.
Tickets for this wonderful event are just £25 pp, available from event co-ordinator Jo Slade on 07973 748544 or via .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
All proceeds will go to Help the Heroes, Avoncroft Museum and Friends of St John’s Church.
Finstall Flower & Vegetable Show
General Events
In addition to flowers and vegetables, the show has craft, baking, jam-making and flower-arranging categories. Trophies are awarded, and good-natured competition between friends and neighbours is a source of fun for all concerned. There are also categories for children, such as making an edible necklace and making a monster from vegetables. At the end of the day there will be an auction, when you can treat your family to superb fruit, vegetables and home-made produce.
Keep an eye on the Village Hall notice board for further details.
60 years of helping children and families
General Events
Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm, which offers disadvantaged children and families a residential experience in the countryside, celebrates its 60th birthday this year – and the Farm is marking the occasion with an Open Day and Party on Sunday July 10.
From 1pm, visitors can look at various stalls and displays, feed the animals and enter a raffle to win a kids’ quad bike. There will also be refreshments such as cream teas and cakes, and it’s a great opportunity to have a look around the Farm, which is not usually open to the general public.
All proceeds will be used to help the Farm – a registered charity – continue its work, which began in 1951 when children from Birmingham’s slums first came to stay. Today it offers children from deprived urban areas to spend time having fun in the country air and meeting farm animals for the first time!
For more information, visit http://www.dodfordfarm.co.uk or call 01527 878245. Dodford Children’s Holiday Farm is located on Warbage Lane, Dodford, Bromsgrove, B61 9BE.
Latest gig for Old Farts
Music
The Old Farts, the local band who have raised around £15,000 for various charities over the past 10 years, play their next gig on Saturday July 9 at Barnt Green Social Club. Starting at 8pm, the event will raise funds for the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Tickets £10 (to include barbecue), available from the Club or Phil Crawford on 0121 445 3196. The band plays a mixture of 60s and 70s pop and rock, with a few newer songs thrown in.
Change of date for Messy Church
General Events
CHANGE OF DATE: Village Messy Church now takes place on Sat June 11. Come and meet friends and families who enjoy a challenge! Families WORK together… Families WORSHIP together… Families EAT together. No charge! No washing up! Just an afternoon of sharing together as we look at Joshua and his trumpet through craft activities. All ages are welcome.
Summer Fair at Crown Meadow
General Events
A Summer Fair takes place at Crown Meadow First School on Sat July 9 from 12–3pm. Samba band Banda Sem Nome will be performing and there will be demonstrations from local dance and gymnastics groups. There will also be go-karts, the popular BBQ and the water and wine stall, together with some new attractions including a plant stall with plants grown by the children. The fair is organised by the Parents’ Association and aims to raise funds to improve the children’s learning environment.
Quiz Night at Alvechurch Middle School
General Events
Alvechurch Middle School PTA invite you to a Quiz Night with fish and chip supper on Friday June 10, at 7.30pm at the school. A children’s quiz will run alongside the adult quiz, and teams are encouraged to have a mix of adults and children. Max 10 people per team. A fish and chip supper will be served; additional refreshments available. Tickets £7.50 (adults) and £5 (children) – these need to be purchased in advance on 0121 445 1033.
Blackwell Craft Fair
General Events
Blackwell Craft Fair marks its 25th anniversary on Sun June 5 with an event at the Methodist church hall on Greenhill. The fair runs from 10am–4pm. Proceeds to Transition Town Bromsgrove.
Down in the woods today…
General Events
Pepper Wood, near Bromsgrove, hosts a very special Open Day on Saturday May 21, marking 30 years’ worth of work by a Worcestershire volunteer group.
The ancient wood is owned by the Woodland Trust and has been managed by a local community group since 1981.
The Open Day, running between 11am and 3pm, will see a number of displays and special walking routes laid out, highlighting the wildlife in the wood and the unique relationship between the management of the wood and its flora and fauna.
The focus of the event is the conversion of wood into produce. Horse logging and a mobile sawmill will see oak trunks end up as furniture, with a number of other traditional woodland-based crafts such as hurdle-weaving, pole-lathe turning and besom making also being demonstrated.
Visitors can meet the community group, see how they manage and care for the wood, and even try their hand at some traditional woodland crafts such as using a pole lathe and finishing a timber-framed building!
Everyone is welcome to attend; however, all children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
Pepper Wood is ancient, meaning it is at least 400 years old, with local history suggesting it is as much as 900 years old. The 134-acre wood is home to an array of native trees, including the nationally rare wild service tree and wild cherry. It also supports more than 100 species of flowering plant, 60 bird species and as many as a third of all the Ancient Woodland Indicators found in the whole of Worcestershire.
Jane Thomas, site manager for the Woodland Trust, comments: “To have what is essentially voluntary support in one of our woods for as long as 30 years is almost unheard of. One of the Trust’s main aims is to inspire people about the importance of our native woods and there’s no better example than the Pepper Wood community group – they are a great model of how local people can make a wood their own.”
Hugh Jenkins of the Pepper Wood community group adds: “As the name suggests, our work is very much a group effort. Without the combined efforts of every single person during the course of the last 30 years, Pepper Wood wouldn’t be in the glorious state we find it in today.”
More information and directions to Pepper Wood can be found at http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/our-woods/Pages/wood-details.aspx?wood=4065
The Woodland Trust is looking for people across Worcestershire to plant a new generation of ‘Jubilee Woods’ as part of its “More Trees, More Good” campaign to double native woodland cover. Find out more at http://www.MoreTreesMoreGood.org.uk/jubilee
Nights at the Opera
Music
Welsh National Opera presents two very different tales of passion at Birmingham Hippodrome from June 8–11.
Turandot is on Jun 8 and 10, as WNO’s Music Director Lothar Koenigs conducts a spectacular production of Puccini’s final opera. Set in the 20th century, this interpretation creates a portrait of a society where those who fail in their quest for love pay with their lives.
Così fan tutte is on Jun 9 and 11, as director Benjamin Davis invites the audience to pack up their buckets and spades and head off to the 1950s British seaside in his first new production for the Company.
All performances 7.15pm. Tickets from £15, available on 0844 338 5000 or at http://www.birminghamhippodrometickets.com
The Fairies are landing!
Theatre
Bromsgrove Operatic Society, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, presents Gilbert & Sullivan’s fanciful comedy Iolanthe at Artrix from Mon May 9 to Sat May 14.
Tickets £9 Mon, £11 Tues, Wed & Thurs, and £13 Fri and Sat. Book on 01527 577330 or http://www.artrix-tIckets.co.uk
Elvis is coming!
Music
ADVANCE NOTICE!
Where Next is hosting an exciting Elvis Night with Kevin Paul (as seen on GMTV) on Sat Oct 8 at The Ark in Alvechurch.
Tickets £10, available from the Where Next Redditch office: Wellesbourne Close, Easemore Road, B98 8ER, tel 01527 69955.
More info at http://www.wherenextassociation.co.uk and http://www.kevinpaul-elvis.co.uk
Lunchtime concerts
Music
Lunch-time concerts in St John’s Church, Bromsgrove will take place every Wednesday in July, from 1 –1.40pm.
The concerts are FREE, but retiring donations in aid of St John’s Church are requested.
For details please phone Cathy on 01527 870048 or just come along!
Berries rock on
Music
The Rockin’ Berries 50th Anniversary Tour is nearing its end as the boys play Artrix in Bromsgrove on Saturday June 4.
If you enjoyed the music of the Sixties and you can still do the Twist, book your tickets now on 01527 577330 or online at http://www.artrix.co.uk
European Masterworks
Music
The Midland Sinfonia presents a concert of European Masterworks at Bromsgrove’s Artrix on Sat May 21, featuring Elgar’s Serenade, Britten’s Simple Symphony, Wiren’s Serenade and Strauss’ Metamorphosen for 23 Solo Strings.
A rare opportunity to hear the extraordinary Metamorphosen by Strauss, one of his most heartfelt and expressive works.
Tickets £14 (students and registered unemployed £5, children free if accompanied by an adult). Call 01527 577 330 or book online at hhtp://www.artrix.co.uk
Rainbow Festival
General Events
Not long now until the Rainbow Festival, which takes place on Saturday June 18 at Tardebigge First School, 11.30am-3pm.
A summer fete with a rainbow of fun! Bottle tombola, Beat the goalie, Hook-a duck, Birds of prey, Face painting, Street dance display, Belly dancers, BBQ, cream teas and much more!
Walk around the meadow
Health & Fitness
On Sun June 5, The Village’s nature diarist Mary Green (0121 445 5957) will lead the monthly Avlechurch Village Society walk.
This will be centred on the ancient Eades Meadow with its wonderful orchids and other wild flowers.
As not everyone can park nearby, please meet at the Jinney Ring Centre (Hanbury) and a few people will be asked to ferry some walkers to the meadow end.
Those who prefer a shorter and easier walk than usual can then take a guided walk around the meadow while others do the usual longer walk, not spending much time in the meadow – and some can do an in-between walk.
Meet at the Jinney Ring car park for a 2.30pm start.
Springtime ramble
Health & Fitness
Alvechurch Village Society’s next walk is on Sun May 8, when Steve Thompson (0121 445 1733) will lead a Springtime Ramble around Alvechurch, starting at 2.30pm in Tanyard Lane car park (please note that this is the second Sunday in May, as the first is the Bank Holiday weekend).
Weekend of events at St Laurence
General Events
St Laurence Church in Alvechurch holds a two-day Flower Festival on the weekend of May 14 and 15, to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the building of the William Butterfield extension to the church.
The Festival runs from 10am to 5pm daily and culminates with a service of thanksgiving attended by the Bishop of Worcester.
As well as over 30 flower arrangements by local organisations, children from the schools, playgroups and the new youth group from the Lounge are also taking part, interpreting the theme of All the Days of my Life.
Coffee, lunches, a bar and teas will be served throughout the festival in the Ark.
On the evening of May 14, an extra event will take place after the Festival: a fundraising concert organised by Year 4 children from Crown Meadow First School.
They have been studying Peru this year and developing links with San Lucas School in Arequipa, facilitated through the Church of England Worcester Diocese and supported through the kind folk at St Laurence church. The children wanted to raise money for San Lucas School and the C of E churches in Peru, and hit upon the idea of putting on a concert.
They invited Alvechurch Community Choir and Bel Canto choir from Redditch to perform alongside them, and St Laurence offered the use of the church and Ark.
The Concert for Peru begins at 6.30pm.
The children are practising their own songs and will also join Bel Canto to sing Dona Nobis Pacem and Alvechurch Community Choir to sing two Peruvian songs in Spanish.
They plan to bring and sell cakes and also hold a Bring and Buy stall in the interval. Some artwork by year 4 will also be on display at the Flower Festival.
Tickets are available via the office at St Laurence or Crown Meadow First School, at a cost of only £3.
The Big Breakfast
General Events
The Alvechurch Big Breakfast takes place on Saturday May 14 at the Baptist Church from 8am–11.30am.
Regular Breakfast £5 (one sausage/one slice bacon etc); Super Breakfast £7 (2 sausages/2 slices bacon etc).
Tickets from Honor on 07793 917668 or at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). No ticket – no breakfast!
Money raised will go to various cancer charities in the hope that by contributing we can help to support people who are fighting this awful disease. Thank you for your support.
Open house at The FeckenOdeon
General Events
If you think a cinema in a village hall will involve a fuzzy DVD on a wobbly roller screen and hard plastic chairs, prepare to think again!
Feckenham’s own local cinema, The FeckenOdeon, has all the latest gizmos, comfy seats, a reasonably priced bar… and the uniformed “staff” are always on hand to make you welcome.
If you know Feckenham Village Hall (B96 6HN) you’ll be amazed at its transformation into a full scale picture palace!
It’s Open House at The FeckenOdeon on Sat May 21, from 11.30am–2.45pm and 6.45–7.30pm – watch previews, visit the projection room, and enjoy a FREE hot dog! The bar will be open and there’ll be a sale of cinema odds and ends.
On the same day, the cinema will show two feature films in jaw-dropping HD at bargain prices:
The endearing animated adventure UP (U) is at 3.15pm – tickets £2.50; under 14s and members £1.50.
Then INCEPTION (12A), the complex yet compelling thriller from Christopher Nolan, is at 8pm – tickets £2.50; members £1.50.
Buy tickets at The Rose & Crown and The Village Shop in Feckenham or at http://www.feckenodeon.co.uk
Annual Art Exhibition
Art & Literature
Bromsgrove Art Society has its Annual Art Exhibition at All Saints Church, Birmingham Road, Bromsgrove until May 14, weekdays 10am–4pm, Sundays 11.30am–4pm.
Exhibitors include All Saints Art Club, Avoncroft Art Society, Bromsgrove Art Society, Lickey Hills Art Society, and local artists.
Admission and catalogue £1.50 – proceeds to All Saints Church Restoration Fund.
More info from Tony on 01527 876659 or http://www.bromsgroveartsociety.org.uk
Tardebigge Flower Festival
Gardens & Flowers
A Flower Festival takes place at St Bartholomew’s Church, Tardebigge, on Sat June 25 and Sun June 26 from 9am.
The event will feature beautiful displays from local organisations, delicious refreshments and a Plant Sale from 10am on the Saturday.
On the Sunday there will be musical entertainment from Warwickshire Quire “Immanuel’s Ground”, including a sung Evensong at 4pm.
Entry fee £2 on Sat, donations on Sun.
Join the Easter egg trail!
General Events
Cadbury’s and The National Trust have teamed up to offer fabulous Easter Egg Trails for kids and families at a variety of properties and parks.
Events in the Midlands area take place at Hanbury Hall, the Clent Hills, the Birmingham Back to Backs, Kinver Edge & Rock Houses, Coughton Court and Packwood House.
For full details, dates, times and costs, visit http://www.eastereggtrail.com and find your nearest event!
Breakfast with Cyrille
General Events
Midlands footie legend Cyrille Regis will be the speaker at the next Barnt Green and Lickey Churches Men’s Breakfast on Sat May 14.
Regis scored 87 goals in 238 appearances for West Bromwich Albion, was in Coventry’s FA Cup winning side in 1987, and had spells with Aston Villa and Wolves before retiring in 1996.
Cyrille became a Christian after the death of his former WBA team mate Laurie Cunningham in 1989, and will speak about his life, his career and his faith at the breakfast, which takes place at Kings Norton Golf Club.
Tickets £9 each to include full cooked breakfast – available from Terry Peate (0121 445 3482) or Ivor Anderson (0121 453 2663).
Well over 100 local men are expected, so book your place soon!
Alvechurch Acoustic Roots
Music
Alvechurch Acoustic Roots has its next gigs on Fridays May 6 and May 27, upstairs at Alvechurch Social Club from 8–11.30pm.
The last couple of sessions have proved a great success, with performers including musicians, storytellers and the Acoustic Roots Orchestra (pictured).
The aim is to provide a stage for acoustic music and anything else appropriate, as long as it’s creative, artistic and live! Feel free to turn up and watch or even participate – a typical slot is 10 mins, and there may be some “open mic” slots available on the night (contact the organisers in advance if you wish to perform).
There are regular breaks when everyone can enjoy quality background music and real ale. Entry £3 (£2 conc).
For further info ring Paul on 0121 445 6055 or email jan.brice@gmail.com
Come and sing along!
Music
Arrow Vale Singers invite you to an Open Evening and Sing-Along on Weds April 27, from 8–10pm at Batchley Community Centre, Redditch B97 6PB.
Men and ladies, beginners and more experienced singers welcome. Join in some well-known songs, meet the members and stay for cake and coffee.
For more details, visit http://www.arrowvalesingers.co.uk or call 01527 454858.
Sinfonia hosts string quartet
Music
The Midland Sinfonia hosts the Enigma String Quartet on Sat April 30, at 7.30pm in St Laurence Church.
This ever-popular quartet offers an evening of Impressionistic music with an English and French influence. A delightful mix of tuneful and melodic pieces – some familiar, some less well known, from folk to opera and possibly a few surprises along the way.
Tickets £12 on the door or from The Village Green Grocer or Marian on 0121 447 7040. Students and registered unemployed £5, children free if accompanied by an adult.
More info at http://www.midlandsinfonia.co.uk
Meet Marina Lewycka
Art & Literature
Meet acclaimed author Marina Lewycka at Avoncroft Arts Association, courtesy of literary interest group ‘Words’.
Marina took the literary world by storm with her award winning first novel, A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian. This engaging and witty book was quickly followed by Two Caravans (short listed for the Orwell Prize) and We Are All Made of Glue. Marina deals with serious profound issues in an infectiously humorous way.
The even takes place at 8pm on Friday March 18, at Avoncroft Arts Centre, Redditch Road, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JS.
Tickets cost £8, and are available from Words on 01527 873335, the Bromsgrove branch of Waterstones, or on the door, subject to availability.
More information about Words at http://www.bromsgrovewords.com
Charity ball to support Women’s Hospital
General Events
A charity ball in aid of Birmingham Women’s Hospital takes place on Sat April 2 at the Macdonald Burlington Hotel in Birmingham, organised by Annette Welch of Rowney Green and her twin daughters Liesl Whale and Melanie Richardson.
The event features a three-course meal with coffee and mints, plus welcome drink and first drink with your meal, as well as a disco, live entertainment, auction and tombola. A table of 10 costs £360 or tickets can be bought at £36 each.
For further details, ring Annette on 01527 64814 or the Hospital’s Fundraising Manager, Mankit Yau, on 0121 623 6874 email
A celebration of choral music
Music
A Celebration of Choral Music takes place at Bromsgrove School on Sat April 9, with the renowned Treorchy Male Choir.
Organised by the Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council, June Griffiths, the concert will raise money for the Help for Heroes charity.
It begins at 7.30pm, with tickets costing £17.50 or £25 for a balcony seat – price includes programme and glass of wine.
Tickets available from the Customer Service Centre at the Dolphin Centre on School Drive, or from Sharon Chaplin on 01527 881484.
Jazz stars in Alvechurch
Music
The Ark at St Laurence extends a warm welcome to Richard Leach’s 7 Stars of Jazz on April 1.
The members of this terrific band are all stars in their own right, having played with some of the legends of jazz including Humphrey Lyttleton, Monty Sunshine, Chris Barber, George Melly and visiting musicians Willie “The Lion” Smith, Bud Freeman, Earl “Father” Hines and Wild Bill Davidson to name but a few.
The band plays a variety of musical styles, not just jazz – Chicago, Swing and Dixieland sprinkled with Vaudeville humour. It’s great entertainment and it is difficult not to be swept along by the atmosphere and music this marvellous band creates.
The concert starts at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £10 (includes a glass of wine) and are available from Sue Brotherton on 0121 447 7037 or The Village Green Grocer in Alvechurch.
Hall for hire
Clubs & Societies
Tardebigge Community Hall is available for hire to groups and societies or for private functions. Large, modern and well equipped. More info at www.tch.byethost13.com; bookings on 01527 544699.
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