Monday November 11 2019
Village News
Alvechurch Post Office was to close its doors on Monday October 28, villagers were told at the monthly parish council meeting.
The new footbridge over the railway at Cofton Hackett – installed at a cost of £1 million to replace the original foot crossing deemed unsafe by Network Rail – was “christened” when Barnt Green’s annual Community Walk incorporated it on each of its three routes.
Bromsgrove’s Head of Planning was “horrified” to learn of the locked gates blocking access to public space on the CALA Homes “Foxhills” development in Barnt Green, the parish council heard.
Fitting tributes to the airmen who lost their lives in a bomber crash in Wythall.
A calendar of “boob art” featuring designs hand-painted on to the chests of village women (and men) is now on sale, raising awareness of breast cancer in both sexes and funds for Cancer Research UK.
Sharing the story of the Lickey Hills
Visitors to the Lickey Hills Country Park were given a tour of its WWI sites during a special Local History Weekend.
After 14 years as Minister of Alvechurch Baptist Church, Rev Fiona Lee and her family are moving on to pastures new.
The group of independent councillors on Bromsgrove District Council have decided to adopt the name “Bromsgrove Alliance Group”.
Highways officers are considering double-yellow lines down the grass side of the Birmingham Road service road in Alvechurch.
Barnt Green hosted its fourth annual “Café bridge” fundraiser at four village venues, with local businesses donating prizes to help raise £1,000 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
A young Barnt Green golfer helped his Bromsgrove Golf Club team-mates to win this year’s Junior West Midlands Golf League
Alvechurch FC Under 14s have enjoyed a flawless start to the new season, winning their three opening fixtures.
Cofton Hackett’s brand new village hall was officially opened with a special launch weekend, and is now seeking volunteers to help keep it running smoothly.
Barnt Green Parish Council agreed to keep the village’s controversial tiered planters for another year.
Beoley Parish Council has invited the Police Commissioner, John Campion, to attend its next meeting.
Bordesley has a “new natural feature”, according to parish councillor Steve Hornsby, who told colleagues that when it rains a river of brown water runs out of a manhole and down the main road.
A charity fashion show organised by the Alvechurch Knit & Natter group was a great success, raising £840 from ticket sales and a raffle.
Missing bollards and railings bent by wayward vehicles around the centre of Alvechurch are to be the focus of work district councillor Kate Van Der Plank hopes to see instigated in the village.
Recent and severe flooding in Beoley village has prompted local parish councillors to look at ways in which natural drainage streams can be cleared of debris before the winter.
Barnt Green will light up for Christmas on Saturday November 30 between 4pm and 6pm, with Santa doing the countdown in the absence of the town crier.
A new gully drain is to be installed at the junction of School Lane and Station Road, Alvechurch, to prevent surface water that freezes into sheet ice over winter, district councillor Kate Van Der Plank told parish councillors.
The Hagley doctor who turned whistle-blower over the Government’s “Operation Yellowhammer” is to be the Liberal Democrats’ prospective parliamentary candidate for Bromsgrove.
There should be a vacancy at the Alvechurch allotments in the new year.
Another Garden Festival is planned for Barnt Green for summer 2020, with parish councillors agreeing to a £300 grant for set-up costs.
Beoley residents will be relieved to hear that the lights will be kept on in Watery Lane.
Six-year-old Raphael Slade, of Alvechurch, was the latest winner of a Mini Vinny in our monthly competition – and has named his new toy “Greenie”.
Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.
The Riding for the Disabled group based at Seechem Equestrian Centre in Rowney Green celebrated its 50-year anniversary with a special event for riders and their carers, organisers and volunteers past and present.
Green Belt roll-back keeps Barntchurch on table
The controversial GL Hearn study, which outlines the concept of a “garden town” in the Village area, is still on the table as Bromsgrove moves into the next stage of its District Plan.
Litter-pick boost for green village
The campaign for a Cleaner, Greener Alvechurch, launched by independent district councillor Kate Van Der Plank this summer, received a boost with the introduction of a “Two-Minute Litter Pick” board at The Meadows.
Residential streets around Lickey Hills Country Park could become clogged with parked cars if charges are introduced at car parks serving the popular visitor attraction.
Price-check on nature site sale
The Friends of High House Woods, formed after the Lickey wildlife area was put up for sale, are applying to Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council for a grant to pay for an independent valuation of the site.
Barnt Green Parish Council took the opportunity to reiterate its “wish-list” for the village station during a visit by West Midlands Railway representatives.
It’s nearly time for Alvechurch’s annual Pumpkin Festival, which takes place this year on Saturday October 26 from 10.30am to 4pm in the village hall.
Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council has co-opted two new councillors.
The future of Worcestershire’s libraries, including in Alvechurch, remains unknown.
Over the summer, Beoley Parish Council has referred more than 20 incidents of uncontrolled dogs in the parish to Bromsgrove District Council’s dog warden.
Barnt Green Parish Council agreed to fund seeds for new planting in its wildflower patch on Hewell Road.
Blackwell residents are urging the parish council to press for “no HGVs” signs on Greenhill.
Barnt Green Parish Council almost had to downgrade their full council meeting to an informal discussion when only three councillors were present.
Village Views
NOVEMBER 2019
We English are a funny bunch. As the very nice chap from Post Office Ltd – a company wholly owned by the Government – finished telling residents their village post office would close its doors before Christmas and he couldn’t really say when another would open for business, he received a polite round of applause.
I am writing with regard to Alvechurch Parish Council’s proposed car parking options for Rowney Green, and in particular the option to relocate the children’s play area.
Access-only sign is out of date
Having read much of the debate surrounding cars using Ten Ashes Lane between Groveley Lane and Barnt Green Road (Village News, September 2019 and Village Views, October 2019) can we just remember that the “Except for Access” signs are not some ancient historical local by-law.
Despite the wet weather, my husband and I and our two 11-year-old Labradors set out on a fairly regular walk route from our home in Barnt Green, on to the path behind the Sports Club in Margesson Drive.
I wanted to say how much I appreciate the hard work, time and effort of the volunteers who are helping to sow perennial flowers in Greenbank’s wild flower meadow in Barnt Green.
Following the very generous offer of Peter Gwilliam and Scott Wilkinson of Alvechurch FC to donate a season ticket for the first draw of “J’s Football Cards” in August, I was thrilled to be the winner!
Burcot homes plan will change village life
It is sad to learn that the beautiful hamlet of Burcot is being forced to accept a new housing development on the garden centre site.
OCTOBER 2019
What a fine mess there appears to be on a new housing estate in Barnt Green.
As Chair of the Lickey Hills Society (LHS), I would like to respond to the letter from John A Ridarta in your September edition.
Your contributor last month asked about the management of the Lickey Hills. I moved back into this area from Hertfordshire two years ago.
Police should listen to residents’ concerns
With regard to the issue of motorists using Ten Ashes Lane as a cut-through (Short-cut concerns, The Village September 2019), I find it interesting that the local police deem that the speed and volume of traffic was “not of a high level of concern”.
Law is clear and must be upheld
Your picture of one of the six identical road signs sited at the entrances to Ten Ashes Lane, Cofton Hackett, clearly shows a red circle.
Closing junction is not solution
I don’t agree with Steve Smith and his proposals that Ten Ashes Lane be closed at the junction with Barnt Green Road.
Saj is respecting ‘will of people’
I would like to comment on the September Village View, and firstly point out that, like our MP Sajid Javid, I also voted “remain” in the EU referendum.
Your September Village View bemoans local vandalism before going off on an irrational rant about Brexit.
What a charming and interesting article, Flowers for the future, by Mary Green in your September magazine.
SEPTEMBER 2019
Yet again, the chairman of Alvechurch Parish felt compelled at the council’s monthly meeting to urge adults to talk to their children about the costs to everyone of vandalism.
I would like to take the opportunity to clear up one or two misunderstandings in the letter about the new Cofton Village Hall in last month’s magazine.
TheVillage magazine
villageonline.co.uk
villageonline.co.uk is published by Platform Publishing & Media Ltd,
The Limes
B48 7RR UK
Tel: +44 121 445 6757
All content is copyright of Platform Publishing & Media Ltd 1998-2019. For further help or information, please contact the Editor.
Village Features
A look back at what was going on around here in November 2009.
A look back at what was happening around here in November 1999.
Barnt Green Zen Den is a Yoga and Wellness Studio dedicated to well-being and creating a relaxing and holistically rejuvenating experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and renewed.
After almost eight years in the village, Alfredo’s Barbershop is excited to announce the move to a downstairs premises in Barnt Green at the end of this year.
The Cosy Stove Company is a modern independent company that holds traditional values.
Taking the long view on your investments?
Beware of short-term swings in the market, warns Martin Pryor.
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
Mary Green explores the fruits, nuts and fungi of autumn.
Hannah Genders takes a trip to the mountains.
Alvechurch FC end a run of defeats with a morale-boosting victory.
On the 80th anniversary of the start of the Second World War, it is fitting that the latest production by Alvechurch Dramatic Society, An Unsentimental Journey, should be a new play set in the 1940s.
Keen baker Jen Morris, of Rowney Green, makes a sticky autumnal pudding.
Mithing something? Let Acorn Dental replace those missing teeth
Missing teeth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile, and can also cause health problems – but Acorn Dental in Barnt Green offers a safe and affordable way to replace them.
Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.
The Village Archive. . . 10 years ago
A look back at what was happening around here in October 2009.
The Village Archive. . . 20 years ago
A look back at what was happening around here in October 1999.
Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.
Balancing the school fees equation
Private school fees are rising faster than the rate of inflation, creating financial challenges for parents, says Martin Pryor.
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
Mary Green gives a guide to different types of grain.
Hannah Genders creates an al fresco cooking area.
Alvechurch FC bounce back with unexpected league victory at faraway Leiston.
Bromsgrove artist Richard McIlwraith hopes to inspire readers with his travel pictures.
The Village Archive. . . 10 years ago
A look back at what was happening around here in September 2009.
Village What's On