Tuesday May 22 2018
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Village News
Are you the owner of a lost ring?
A Village reader is seeking the owner of a ring found in Bromsgrove high street.
Villagers hoping for reassurance that the suggestion of a new town between Alvechurch and Barnt Green was a non-starter were left deflated when Bromsgrove’s strategic planning chief told them the Green Belt was not sacrosanct.
Members of the Barnt Green Chuggers running group had their moment in the spotlight when they answered a plea for extras on a locally-made film.
Barnt Green parish councillors are hopeful that the promised railway station lifts may be installed by 2020, after a meeting with Network Rail representatives.
Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council has asked Bromsgrove District Council to look into claims that more protected trees have been cleared from an area of land off Cherry Hill Road.
A new milestone commemorating the life and work of a local historian was unveiled at Tardebigge on the towpath of The Worcester & Birmingham Canal.
Village burglary victims will still be visited by a police officer, despite other policing areas cutting back.
Village parish councils discussed installing extra grit bins after the hard winter caused dangerously icy pavements.
Alvechurch Parish Council is planning to hold a Christmas lights switch-on this year, parish chairman Andy Humphries told the annual meeting.
Phil and Sheila Meads, of the Coach and Horses Inn at Weatheroak, have received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Alvechurch’s Knit & Natter group were able to help to three charities after raising money through sales of their knitted goods.
Barnt Green skiing ace Siena Horton took the overall title at the British National Alpine Championships in Tignes and has become U16 Overall British National Champion – a fantastic end to her career in the children’s racing category.
Barnt Green Parish Council Chairman Robert Cholmondeley made a presentation to resident Wendy Tricklebank, who for the past 14 years has kept the village’s open spaces litter-free and inspected play equipment to ensure its safety.
Barnt Green parish councillors discussed concerns about the state of the roads after the winter.
Lickey and Blackwell residents have been encouraged to support local businesses.
Alvechurch Neighbourhood Plan is now with Bromsgrove District Council for a six-week consultation, before being considered by a Government examiner.
Good news for council relations
The working relationship between Alvechurch Parish Council and the new district and county councillors is excellent, parish chairman Andy Humphries told the annual parish meeting.
Fallen soldier’s family found at last
A photograph of a Barnt Green man killed in World War II has finally been returned to his family, with a little help from The Village.
Reader Charlie Bateman has asked us to publish this photo, showing pupils and staff at Lickey End First School in about 1900, to see if anyone recognises an ancestor.
Fingers crossed for sunny picnic
The Alvechurch Picnic in the Park is nearly here, and everyone is hoping for good weather between now and then, and on the day itself – Sunday May 27. Rain has never stopped play before!
Blackwell singing group The Cats Chorus celebrated its first birthday with a music quiz and social night, and raised funds for charity at the same time.
Two-year-old Thomas Roulston, of Lickey End, was the latest winner of a Mini Vinny in our monthly competition.
Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.
Finstall and Cofton Hackett WI held their 81st Birthday Party at Finstall Village Hall, writes Jessica Wilson.
A charity fashion show in Barnt Green has raised £2,500 for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
Saturday June 16 will be a bumper day in Lickey and Blackwell, as both villages hold summer events.
Welcome to Barntchurch Newtown
The Green Belt around Alvechurch and Barnt Green is under threat – again. This time, it could be really serious . . .
The Village delves into the housing study to see why this area is under threat and what ‘Barntchurch’ would really mean.
There have been mixed responses to the GL Hearn report among parish and district councillors across The Village area, with some fearing that even by talking about it they might be giving it too much credence.
MP responds to Green Belt threat
Bromsgrove MP Sajid Javid has given his response to the Greater Birmingham Housing Market Area Strategic Growth Study, which proposes building thousands of homes on Green Belt land around Alvechurch and Barnt Green.
Barnt Green’s new parish councillor, 18-year-old Sam Harris, shares his vision for the village.
Barnt Green Parish Council has joined calls for a public right of way to be reopened.
Alvechurch parish councillors had a heated debate over the colour of village street lighting columns after a resident requested that a newly-replaced one on Snake Lane should be painted.
As the final preparations for this year’s Alvechurch Picnic in the Park get under way, the event now has its official logo, chosen from entries into the annual competition.
Talented youngsters showed off their musical skills as The Midland Sinfonia hosted its annual Young Musicians’ Showcase.
Snow lands parish with fun run bill
An unexpected spring snowfall forced the cancellation of Barnt Green’s Sport Relief fun run and cost villagers up to £500, parish councillors heard.
Consultation letters go astray
Residents of Bear Hill in Alvechurch are to be consulted on whether or not they would support the introduction of residents-only parking on their street.
Village parish councils are preparing to hold their Annual Parish Meetings.
Network Rail representatives have agreed to a meeting with Barnt Green parish councillors on April 5, to discuss the lack of lifts at the village railway station.
Barnt Green Parish Council has asked Worcestershire County Council to look at the possibility of restricting parking on sections of Sandhills Lane and Sandhills Road.
Village Views
When Alvechurch and Barnt Green faced an assault on their Green Belt land 18 years ago, this magazine reported the fight by the local planning authority to defend it.
MAY 2018
I have just read your article (April 2018) about the proposed new town, “Barntchurch”, with great disdain.
There are better places to build
Thank you for highlighting the current issues regarding future housing development in this area.
Please tell me that the letter from Major Cuthbert Parker-Smythe (Barnt Green folks deserve a first-class service, April 2018) was a “wind up” for April 1st. . .
Dear most excellent Editor – If you would send me the telephone number of the scullery maid mentioned in Major Parker-Smythe’s letter, I would remain forever obliged to you and indebted.
After 12 years, I will be stepping down as leader of 1st Barnt Green Scouts, and would like to appeal for some new helpers.
APRIL 2018
Building homes on green fields is a profitable business. It is much simpler than taking on the challenge of brownfield sites and then, more often than not, the new homes have a greater value because of their lovely location.
A proposal is to be considered by Bromsgrove District Council for 15,000 new homes on land between Alvechurch and Barnt Green.
MP should support own community
Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government is the momentous title bestowed on Sajid Javid, our Member of Parliament.
Barnt Green folks deserve a first-class service
I am a retired gentleman of class, born and bred in Barnt Green, and am writing to say I am much looking forward to the newly-electrified railway link to Bromsgrove.
Village reader Gill Hayes sent us this photo of an “icicle tree” on Sandhills Green, Barnt Green.
MARCH 2018
When plans for the “new” Longbridge were first being discussed in the years after the closure of MG Rover in 2005, there was widespread recognition that the development would increase traffic flowing between the new homes, shops and businesses that would be created there and the motorway network through this area.
We have heard a lot recently about the state of the car park at Alvechurch railway station.
I agree with the part of your January Village View that welcomes the “new blood” that has invigorated our local councils, but must strongly disagree with your wish that “Brexit reality will topple the current Government”.
Town parking fees are ‘brainless’
Every week in local newspapers there are complaints about parking in Bromsgrove – justifiably, in my opinion.
Fingers crossed for prediction
I hope your reading of the crystal ball for 2018 (Village View, January) is 100% correct.
Historical knowledge needed to understand case for Brexit
Like thousands across The Village mag’s catchment area, I get a tingle of excitement as each month ends, in eager anticipation of the next issue and the chance to voraciously consume its contents.
Protect our area from rubbish and urban sprawl
Hats off to the members of Alvechurch Village Society’s footpath group, who do so much physical work to ensure that the footpath network through our delightful countryside is in a usable state.
TheVillage magazine
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Village Features
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
Village Archive. . . 10 years ago
A look back at what was happening around here in May 2008.
This month I thought it would be useful to provide you with some of the important tax thresholds for 2018/2019, writes Martin Pryor.
Mark Meads: Equity Release Specialist
As another busy month goes by, I thought it would be useful to show you how some of my clients are using the equity in their property.
John Williams, president of charity Where Next, explains why its work is still so important.
Alvechurch FC close in on promotion and hope for cup success.
Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.
Music, wine & sweet scented flowers . . .
Evening opening for cottage garden full of colour and interest.
Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes
Real wood worktops are a great way to give your kitchen a new look – and as they can be a big investment, they need to stand the test of time.
Dave Morgan looks forward to the bi-annual opening of diverse gardens in Alvechurch.
In our occasional recipe series, keen baker Jen Morris, of Rowney Green, combines fresh chives with classic British cheese.
In the two years since it opened, The Potting Shed café and restaurant at Singletons Nurseries has proved a hit with its tasty homemade food and relaxed atmosphere.
Village Archive. . . 10 years ago
A look back at what was happening around here in April 2008.
Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.
Mark Meads: Equity Release Specialist
Firstly I would like to thank you for the response to my last two adverts; I can really see how people value getting personal advice from a local advisor!
A common source of regret for many of us is that we didn’t spend more time listening to the life stories of older relatives while they were still around.
Give up six things to save a deposit
There’s no need to rely on the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’, writes Martin Pryor.
Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.
Are you a woman struggling to cope with anxieties or challenges? Do you feel as though you could do with some help or support?
Julie Ward is a qualified, experienced alcohol specialist who runs ACT Alcohol based in Bromsgrove. Her service provides one-to-one sessions to teach individuals how to gain control over their drinking.
Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.
Hannah Genders introduces a special project celebrating our county’s fruit-growing.
AFC’s final push for promotion
Alvechurch FC gathers support for its crucial home games this month.
Village What's On