Rail closure theory in spate of village shed break-ins
Posted on May 09 2012 at 9:34:10

Bicycles worth more than £2,500 were among property stolen from a number of sheds in Barnt Green and Alvechurch in raids residents link to the closure of the rail line for engineering work.

Helen takes European duathlon title
Posted on May 02 2012 at 3:43:16

Marlbrook triathlete Helen Russell powered her way to victory in the European Sprint Duathlon Championships, not only winning the 35-39 age group title but finishing first female overall, taking the European title outright.

George Lord victim speaks of ordeal
Posted on May 01 2012 at 1:22:54

One of the victims of George Lord, the former Conservative county councillor for Alvechurch who was jailed for sexually assaulting two teenagers, is encouraging other victims of historic sexual abuse to come forward.

First look at new station plans
Posted on April 23 2012 at 12:20:00

Plans for new platforms and a pedestrian bridge at Alvechurch Station have been revealed by Network Rail.

Memories of ‘an inspiration’
Posted on April 22 2012 at 12:10:00

One of Pete Rippington’s former pupils has created a commemorative book using pictures and stories sent from around the world.

Party in the park to mark jubilee
Posted on April 22 2012 at 11:50:00

Alvechurch is putting the finishing touches to plans for a big party to celebrate the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee.

Remembering Titanic
Posted on April 21 2012 at 12:28:00

Residents at The Lawns, Alvechurch, were enthralled by a talk on the Titanic 100 years to the day after it set off on its fateful maiden voyage.

George Lord gets 4 years
Posted on April 21 2012 at 12:25:00

The former Conservative county councillor for Alvechurch George Lord has been sentenced to four years in prison for sex assaults.

Barnt Green presents a united front
Posted on April 21 2012 at 12:01:00

Barnt Green villagers have formed a fully fledged residents’ association in response to the imminent bulldozing of green fields which will change their village forever.

New bells from old
Posted on April 20 2012 at 12:15:00

A group of Alvechurch bellringers travelled to the Whitechapel Foundry, London, to see the casting of three new bells for St Laurence Church.

Anger over homes plan
Posted on April 20 2012 at 12:04:00

Sarah Rees reports from Bromsgrove’s biggest estate – which may get bigger . . .

Search for cause of major Barnt Green house blaze
Posted on April 19 2012 at 11:01:07

Investigators are trying to find the cause of a fire that ripped through the first floor and roof of a house in Barnt Green and took 60 firefighters all night to bring under control.

Do you want fewer Bromsgrove councillors?
Posted on April 16 2012 at 8:46:41

There are just a few weeks left for villagers to have their say on reducing the number of councillors on Bromsgrove District Council.

Alvechurch cottage burglary plea
Posted on April 08 2012 at 12:31:56

Police are appealing for witnesses and in particular motorists who passed the scene of a burglary as it was happening in Alvechurch.

Bluebell bonanza
Posted on April 05 2012 at 12:07:28

Flower fans will have the chance to view a carpet of beautiful bluebells when a local wood opens to the public.

Burcot burglary plea
Posted on March 31 2012 at 9:10:58

Police are appealing for information about a burglary in Pikes Pool Lane, Burcot.

Stolen Rowney Green knighthood medal returned
Posted on March 28 2012 at 6:15:32

A knighthood medal presented by the Queen was among many items stolen during a burglary in Rowney Green that have now been recovered.

Charity football match in memory of Mr Rip
Posted on March 28 2012 at 12:33:50

A charity football match in memory of Peter Rippington will take place on Friday May 11 at Alvechurch FC.

Sci-fi tale on sale
Posted on March 26 2012 at 1:34:39

An Oakalls author has seen her debut novel go on sale as an ebook, available from major booksellers.

Barnt Green Mile a success
Posted on March 26 2012 at 11:28:24

More than 250 villagers took part in the first Barnt Green Mile in aid of Sport Relief.

Olympic cash to restore The Meadows
Posted on March 25 2012 at 10:08:08

The longstanding campaign to drain The Meadows playing fields in Alvechurch has at last found the money to carry out the work.

Alvechurch band play memorial gig
Posted on March 24 2012 at 11:20:03

Max Lyrical, the seven-piece Alvechurch band, will perform at Alvechurch Social Club in aid of the Peter Rippington Memorial Fund.

A star is born
Posted on March 23 2012 at 2:59:05

A 12-year-old Bromsgrove girl will be following in the footsteps of stars such as Billie Piper, Tamzin Outhwaite and Samantha Janus after winning a place at the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School.

Could you put on a Jubilee performance?
Posted on March 23 2012 at 11:17:24

The organisers of entertainment for the Alvechurch Queen’s Jubilee celebrations are urging villagers to join in the fun.

Special gig at Rowney Green
Posted on March 23 2012 at 11:00:03

Local music promoter Erin Green has lined up a great series of gigs at Rowney Green Village Hall in the coming months - including an event in memory of Peter Rippington, with all profits donated to his memorial fund.

Village playgroup on a roll
Posted on March 22 2012 at 11:13:24

Children at Bearhill Playgroup, Alvechurch, got ready for Easter with an egg-roll down the slide at their Village Hall HQ.

Running for NSPCC
Posted on March 21 2012 at 3:13:05

Adam Harvey, a planning officer from Hopwood, is set to take part in the 2012 London Marathon in support of the NSPCC.

Village’s ‘keeper of order’
Posted on March 21 2012 at 11:19:24

Barnt Green has lost a real village character with the death of Bill Oakley at the age of 81, writes Anna Horton.

The People’s Orchestra wants you!
Posted on March 21 2012 at 11:16:38

Midlands musicians are wanted for a new orchestra recently launched in Birmingham.

Weighbridge is Pub of the Year again
Posted on March 21 2012 at 12:33:35

The Weighbridge at Alvechurch has been declared Pub of the Year by Redditch & Bromsgrove Campaign for Real Ale - for the fifth time!

Playgroup’s sports day
Posted on March 20 2012 at 11:44:38

Lickey End Playgroup recently held a Sports Day at Lickey End Social Club, to celebrate the acquisition of new sports and play equipment – purchased with the help of a £200 donation from Forest Motor Company.

Family tributes to Peter Rippington
Posted on March 20 2012 at 10:44:24

Amy, Max and I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful messages of support, help and love that we have received, writes Sharon Rippington.

Kings of darts
Posted on March 19 2012 at 2:54:05

The Alvechurch Sports & Social Club darts team are celebrating after finishing top in the first division of the Bromsgrove & District Winter Darts League.

New Scout HQ finally open
Posted on March 19 2012 at 11:22:24

After many years of hard work and fundraising, the Barnt Green Scout and Guide Centre is finally open for business – and residents can see it for themselves at the official opening on Saturday May 12.

Another accolade for Helen
Posted on March 18 2012 at 3:02:05

Marlbrook triathlete Helen Russell is delighted to have been named as runner up in the 220 Triathlon magazine award for Female Duathlete of the Year, following a nationwide vote.

Tip talks ‘are like a high wire act’
Posted on March 17 2012 at 11:11:24

Bromsgrove planners are walking a tightrope in attempting to sort out the over-tipping of more than one million cubic metres of waste in the foothills of the Lickeys, a public meeting for villagers heard.

Tennis ace to serve up a treat at Barnt Green club open day
Posted on March 16 2012 at 5:06:26

Former British tennis number one Greg Rusedski is to visit Barnt Green Sports Club to officially open their three new artificial clay tennis courts.
    Greg is a former US Open finalist, and BBC Sports Personality of The Year. He was the World Number Four in 1997, and spent a total of 98 weeks as Britain’s No. 1 player.

Villagers invited to Marlbrook Tip update
Posted on March 09 2012 at 3:51:13

Recent events surrounding Marlbrook Tip - where more than a million tonnes too much waste has been dumped - will be aired at another public meeting.
  It is being held by Bromsgrove District Council at the Trinity Centre in Lickey on Tuesday March 13 at 7pm.
  The meeting follows one in November which heard the council planners wanted the owner of the site to apply for retrospective planning permission for the overtipping.

Barnt Green burglaries: Two arrested
Posted on March 08 2012 at 2:08:12

Police investigating two burglaries in the same road in Barnt Green have arrested two men.
  A flat and a house off Plymouth Road were broken into on Saturday (March 3).

VILLAGE COMES TO A STANDSTILL FOR PETE RIPPINGTON’S FUNERAL
Posted on March 03 2012 at 9:09:15

Hundreds of people lined the aisles of St Laurence Church for the funeral of Pete Rippington.
  They filled The Ark adjoining the church, watching on a big screen, and they stood in silence in the churchyard, listening to the service relayed through loudspeakers.
  At Alvechurch Middle School, where ‘Mr Rip’ taught for more than 30 years and became the soul of school life, pupils watched the service via a satellite link.
  He had touched the lives of so many and they all came to say goodbye after his death, aged 59, in a coach crash in France almost a fortnight earlier on the way back from the school skiing trip to Italy.

Queen’s jubilee party plans take shape
Posted on February 21 2012 at 1:12:25

Plans for a large event in Alvechurch to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee are forging ahead.

Bliss stylists in national competition
Posted on February 20 2012 at 3:25:13

Good luck to Zoe and Jennifer of Bliss Hair Therapy in Alvechurch, who have entered the L’Oréal Professionnel Colour Trophy 2012.

88 homes appeal shelved
Posted on February 20 2012 at 3:22:25

Hopes of a successful legal challenge to approval for 88 homes on the green fields behind The Barnt Green Inn have been dashed.

Sailor’s high seas drama
Posted on February 20 2012 at 1:15:03

Barnt Green amateur yachtsman Nick Woodward had to be checked out in hospital after being flung across his yacht cabin in rough seas off the coast of Taiwan.

Hopwood traffic plea
Posted on February 19 2012 at 1:17:25

A petition bearing the signatures of just about everyone in Hopwood was handed to police at the Alvechurch PACT meeting pleading for help with the busy A441 through their hamlet.

Village in shock over crash
Posted on February 19 2012 at 11:28:49

The Alvechurch teacher killed in a school ski-trip coach crash in France has been named as Peter Rippington, known to everyone at Alvechurch Middle School as Mr Rip.

Cyclists’ terrific total
Posted on February 18 2012 at 1:18:25

A cheque for nearly £4,500 was handed to Joanne Danaher and Leonie Hudson, of Acorns, by charity bike ride organisers Pete Joannides and Jeremy Roberts.

Sinfonia welcomes return of founder
Posted on February 18 2012 at 1:15:17

The Midland Sinfonia’s founder, Nigel Morley, is back by popular demand.

Finstall cycle star Jess takes gold in new world record time
Posted on February 18 2012 at 10:58:14

Finstall Olympic hope Jess Varnish has pedalled into the record books with her sprint partner Victoria Pendleton at the Track Cycling World Cup.

Table sale boosts funds
Posted on February 16 2012 at 12:26:47

Emily Yates reports on the latest activities at The Lounge in Alvechurch.

Apologies, but no action
Posted on January 26 2012 at 11:27:53

The future of Marlbrook Tip remains mired in limbo, with Bromsgrove District Council wringing its hands in apology but apparently powerless to make anything happen.

Your chance to shape your village
Posted on January 25 2012 at 10:28:16

Moves to create a Neigh­bourhood Plan for Alvechurch have been gathering pace in the New Year.

Dangerous prisoner sprung at Tardebigge
Posted on January 23 2012 at 2:56:22

A dangerous prisoner is on the run after escaping in a van ambush near Hewell Prison in Tardebigge.
  John Anslow (31) was sprung from the prison escort van by a masked gang who smashed its windows with sledgehammers.

Bin complaints
Posted on January 21 2012 at 11:03:22

The siting of a new recycling bin in Alvechurch is unlikely to win a reprieve after a number of residents complained to Bromsgrove District Housing Trust.

Early days of wind power in Hopwood
Posted on January 21 2012 at 10:55:22

As villagers breathe a sigh of relief at the withdrawal of plans for a 330ft wind turbine rearing over Barnt Green, readers may be interested in a far less intrusive version installed at Hopwood in the 1950s.

Car park for all to use
Posted on January 20 2012 at 11:13:22

Villagers visiting the centre of Alvechurch have been reminded that there are now plenty of car parking spaces at Alvechurch Sports and Social Club.

Speeding motorists ‘woggled’
Posted on January 20 2012 at 10:33:22

Motorists speeding through Barnt Green one Saturday morning last month may have been surprised to see a speed trap being run by boy scouts.

Donations urgently required
Posted on January 20 2012 at 9:19:30

Sense, the leading national charity that supports and campaigns for children and adults who are deafblind, is in desperate need of donations.

Cofton speed limit delay
Posted on January 19 2012 at 11:09:22

Plans to introduce a 30mph speed limit along Barnt Green Road in Cofton Hackett by the beginning of the New Year have been delayed.

Zone reprieved
Posted on January 19 2012 at 11:01:22

Alvechurch’s alcohol-free zone has been reprieved amid confusion over its legality, the parish council heard.

Parish and residents seek legal opinion over challenge to 88 new homes
Posted on January 18 2012 at 6:28:22

Barnt Green Parish Council is seeking legal opinion over a possible challenge to the decision to allow 88 new homes on the fields of Fiery Hill.

Run the Barnt Green Mile
Posted on January 18 2012 at 11:12:22

Barnt Green Chuggers running club and Barnt Green Parish Council are teaming up to host a Sport Relief Mile on March 25.

Ringers’ show of strength
Posted on January 17 2012 at 11:38:22

The ringers of St Laurence, Alve­church, showed their strength by manhandling more than 20 tonnes of bells from the top of the church tower.

Parish plans next move in fight to save Barnt Green fields
Posted on January 10 2012 at 10:00:17

Barnt Green Parish Council is to hold a special meeting on Monday to discuss its next move after outline planing permission was granted to bulldoze the fields behind the Barnt Green Inn.

Driver’s lucky escape in lorry ‘hit and run’
Posted on January 04 2012 at 4:26:17

A lorry pulling out of a Hopwood side road collided with a small car sending it spinning on to the other side of the main road, according to police.

Alcohol-free zone wins reprieve
Posted on December 16 2011 at 10:18:17

Alvechurch’s alcohol-free zone has been reprieved amid confusion over its legality, the parish council heard.

Pressing on with the Neighbourhood Plan
Posted on December 12 2011 at 3:42:17

Grassroots leaders are urging the people of Alvechurch parish to get involved with the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan.

Serious road crash appeal
Posted on December 12 2011 at 3:36:17

Police are appealing for witnesses to a car crash in Alvechurch in which a man was badly injured.

Calendar of local scenes
Posted on December 12 2011 at 1:40:17

A talented Bromsgrove photographer has used his portfolio of local scenes to create a special calendar for 2012.

Alcohol-free zone under threat
Posted on December 06 2011 at 10:01:17

The alcohol-free zone may be removed from the centre of Alvechurch.

Double yellows for Alvechurch schools
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:40:17

DOUBLE YELLOW lines are to be painted outside the schools in Alvechurch to stop dangerous parking, the parish council heard.

Moving the goalposts . . .
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:39:17

Blackwell may have to move its goalposts to solve the problem of unwanted football matches being played.

Blackwell affordable homes site agreed
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:37:17

Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council agreed unanimously on the piece of land on Greenhill, Blackwell, as the site for a proposed affordable housing project.

Marlbrook Tesco crossing plan
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:35:17

A new car park is still being considered to solve poor parking outside Tesco at Marlbrook, Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council heard.

Coffers ready for homes battle
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:23:17

Barnt Green Parish Council is preparing for the financial implications of a possible battle with Banner Homes and Bromsgrove District Council over plans for 88 homes at the foot of the Lickey Hills.

Village homes surprise
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:17:17

Major planning decisions affecting Alvechurch have left parish councillors scratching their heads.

Village shops urged to join litter effort
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:09:17

Shops in the centre of Alvechurch have been urged to encourage their customers not to drop litter – and to clean up after them if they do.

Barnt Green rail squeal solutions
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:08:17

The nuisance of “rail squeal” as trains turn the bend into Barnt Green has been eased, the parish council heard.

Chance for a last peek
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:03:17

Alvechurch Baptist Church is opening its doors on the mornings of December 9 and 16 to anyone who wants to see it as it is before it undergoes a £160,000 building project.

Allotment hopes grow for Alvechurch
Posted on December 06 2011 at 10:02:17

Would-be vegetable growers may soon by able to sign up for allotments in Alvechurch.

Hopwood: Where’s our traffic calming?
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:57:17

HOPWOOD residents have asked why they are missing out on traffic calming measures.

Dave and Tricia call time at The Crown
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:51:17

Tricia and Dave Fisher say goodbye to The Crown Inn, Withybed Green, after running it for the past 26 years. They have sold the lease, but will still be living in the area. ‘We’d like to thank all of our fantastic customers,’ said Tricia.

Turbine ‘like Big Ben in backyard’
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:41:17

Barnt Green Parish Council has warned a proposed 330ft wind turbine close to the village centre would be like having “Big Ben in your backyard”.

My car park theft ordeal
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:25:17

The county councillor for Alvechurch has revealed how she was the victim of a “horrible” incident in a Redditch supermarket car park, leaving her fearful of going out alone.
  June Griffiths (left) spoke out to warn other villagers to be aware when putting their PIN into cash and self-service machines.

Lest we forget . . .
Posted on December 06 2011 at 9:10:17

Pink night at The Vic
Posted on November 30 2011 at 3:25:17

Two Barnt Green businesses came together for a charity night in aid of Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Form cycling to Riverdance
Posted on November 24 2011 at 3:10:54

A ladies’ cycling group put on their dancing shoes for charity…

African culture comes to Tardebigge
Posted on November 22 2011 at 3:18:54

Tardebigge School and church welcome a Ugandan children’s choir.

Family devastated by theft of memorial bench from Lickey Hills beauty spot
Posted on November 17 2011 at 3:20:00

A family has been left “devastated” by the theft of a memorial bench from the top of the Lickey Hills.

Make a date for next year!
Posted on November 16 2011 at 6:54:51

The Village is bringing out a special publication in the New Year – it’s a cross between a calendar, an almanac, a directory, a diary and a what’s on guide . . . with even more in between.

‘Huge’ Barnt Green wind turbine protest
Posted on November 16 2011 at 5:55:47

Barnt Green residents are urging villagers across the area to object to plans for a 100m high wind turbine close to the centre of their village.
  They say this is around the same height as the clock tower at Birmingham University and will be visible for miles around.

Family pay tribute to ‘great young man’ killed in Cofton car crash
Posted on November 10 2011 at 12:19:24

The family of a man killed in a car crash in Cofton Hackett have told of their “terrible shock” and paid tribute to “a great young man”.
  Father-of-two James Ansell (left) was described as a caring and big hearted man who would be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Police name Cofton man killed in crash
Posted on November 08 2011 at 5:28:43

The man killed in a Cofton Hackett car crash last Friday night has been named as James Ansell, who lived in Cofton.

Man killed in Cofton car crash
Posted on November 07 2011 at 5:02:07

Police are appealing for witnesses to a head-on car crash in Cofton Hackett in which a man was killed.

Marlbrook Tip public meeting date
Posted on November 02 2011 at 12:27:18

Villagers worried about the future of Marlbrook Tip have been invited to a public meeting on November 29.

Fancy a Sunday tea party?
Posted on October 31 2011 at 4:00:41

A charity dedicated to tackling loneliness and isolation among older people is looking for volunteers to help elderly residents make friends.

Ergul aims for talent show win
Posted on October 23 2011 at 9:54:40

A young musician from Barnt Green is hoping to gain a place in the final of a national competition.

Councillor urged to attend meeting
Posted on October 23 2011 at 9:20:19

Alvechurch Parish Council is to urge county councillor June Griffiths to attend its November meeting to discuss matters that need her involvement.

All good in the wood
Posted on October 22 2011 at 2:13:37

Pepper Wood near Bromsgrove will soon be more accessible to all, thanks to a grant awarded to The Woodland Trust.

Singing sisters
Posted on October 22 2011 at 9:41:11

A pair of talented sisters were among the performers at a Burcot Village Hall event.