^{Christmas concert for charity}

Blackwell Concert Band hold their eighth annual Christmas concert at St Andrew’s Church in Barnt Green on Sat Dec 1 at 7.30pm, with all proceeds once again going to Macmillan Cancer Support.

^{Tale of skulduggery on the high seas}

For their latest pantomime Alvechurch Dramatic Society are heading to the high seas for a tale of piratical skulduggery: The Lost Treasure of Numbskull Island.

^{Textures in nature}

Bromsgrove artist Richard McIlwraith encourages participation in future art workshops.

^{Autumn delights}

Plant photographer Judy Lawrance shares her ideas on some colourful places to visit this season.

^{Start of winter brings great constellations}

Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.

^{Dark month, dark trees}

Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.

^{Investment: the key questions}

Martin Pryor provides tips on deciding how to invest and how much risk you want to take.

^{Stirring up some festive flavours}

In our recipe series, keen baker Jen Morris, of Rowney Green, gears up for Christmas with a traditional mincemeat recipe.

^{Mild autumn. . . for now}

Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.

^{’Church cup runs end}

AFC out of three cups but on course for top-six league finish.

^{Enjoy a Christmas drink}

Would you like a Christmas to remember? Alcohol specialist Julie Ward can help you to enjoy drinking this season without going over the top.

^{A seamless service}

Since setting up in business last year, Seamless Chauffeur has attracted plenty of customers – so much so that the firm has been able to expand and offer some additional services.

^{The Village Archive. . . 10 Years Ago}

A look back at what was happening around here in November 2008.

^{The Village Archive. . . 20 Years Ago}

A look back at what was happening around here in November 1998.

^{The Village Archive. . . 10 years ago}

A look back at what was going on around here in October 2008.

^{Goals galore for AFC}

AFC are involved in plenty of cup action this autumn.

^{Autumn has arrived}

Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.

^{Are you due a refund on power of attorney?}

Government payout is also a reminder to sort out your ‘living will’, says Martin Pryor.

^{As black as any sloe}

Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.

^{Snaps from space}

Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.

^{Perfect planters}

Judy Lawrance, flower photographer, shares ideas for the next growing season.

^{Words to artistry}

Bromsgrove artist Richard McIlwraith is thrilled by the talent of local embroiderers.

^{Warm up with autumnal cake}

In our occasional recipe series, keen baker Jen Morris, of Rowney Green, creates a seasonal spiced bake.

^{September harvest}

Mary Green continues her series on trees in the Celtic calendar.