^{Fine art old and new}

Hopwood-based artist Paula Hamilton visits two exhibitions in the local area.

^{Musicians wanted!}

March saw the launch of a brand new orchestra in the Midlands – The People’s Orchestra – and one of the driving forces behind the project was Alvechurch resident Andy Sinclair.

^{Sport and spice pitch in}

What do you get if you put a Worcester Warrior and England rugby player, two Warwickshire cricketers and a former Midlands footballer into a local curry house for the evening? The answer – a great night out raising a decent amount of money for charity!

^{Silver jubilee for local playgroup}

Children at Lickey End Playgroup are celebrating the group’s 25th birthday with various fun activities. The silver jubilee celebrations include a sponsored “toddlerthon” to raise cash for the group, and a disco and buffet evening.

^{April ends with showers}

Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.

^{Martians and Titans}

Amateur astronomer Brian Watkiss peers into the Village night sky.

^{Drought and aphids}

Bartlett Tree Experts point out two of the dangers to plants and trees this spring.

^{Take away a treat!}

Fish and chip fans will be delighted by the reopening of Ben’s Lickey Hills Fish Bar, which had been closed since a fire last November.

^{Building on its success}

Birmingham’s longest standing Builders Merchants are building up to some exciting changes at their Longbridge branch.

^{Kicking off the future}

Club Secretary Pete Gwilliam concludes his series on the goals and successes of Alvechurch Lions FC.

^{The magic of Disney}

Blackwell travel counsellor Jane Ward helps a local family visit Disneyland in Paris and the USA.

^{Making a bee-line}

Mary Green explains the importance of hedges for our insects.

^{Lies, damned lies and statistics}

A view of the property market by Angie Osborn of Stacks Property Search.

^{Seeds of the future. . .}

Hannah Genders gets involved in an exotic project in the name of charity.

^{More to offer}

David Morgan points out some of the unusual features in local gardens opening for the NGS.

^{Update decor for spring}

If your home is in need of a little TLC, spring is the perfect time for a new look with a fresh coat of paint, bright new wallpaper or sprucing up the woodwork.

^{A friend in need}

Joanne Hayes of Rednal describes how a rescued stray Staffie called Dash came to join her family.

^{Easter treats}

Burcot Grange celebrated Easter with a range of fun activities, starting with a “naughty but nice” chocolate fondue on Easter Saturday.

^{From pigs to plants}

David Morgan visits a former farm that’s evolved into a wedding venue with beautiful gardens.

^{March adds to the drought}

Alvechurch amateur weatherman Phil Thomas records the changes.

^{My April vegetable garden}

Hannah Genders takes us through her plans for growing plenty of vegetables this spring.

^{Save our hedgehogs!}

Charlie and Jayne of Willows Hedgehog Rescue explain the importance of helping our prickly friends.

^{Celebrating the humble beanpole}

National Beanpole Week takes place from April 21 to April 29 this year. The annual event, promoted by the Small Woods Association, encourages gardeners to use hazel beanpoles sourced from British woods rather than using imported bamboo canes.

^{Fabulous fabrics}

If you want your home to look truly special, help is at hand in the shape of Tudor Rose – a local business founded by a designer with a passion for fabrics.