‘Despicable’ burglars con Lickey End woman
Posted on May 24 2013 at 2:18:57

A woman in her 70s had a large sum of cash stolen from her by distraction burglars who called at her home in Lickey End saying they needed to carry out work in her garden.

Police link village burglaries
Posted on May 21 2013 at 1:17:31

Police believe two burglaries in Barnt Green and Lickey End may be linked.

County poll leaves seats unchanged
Posted on May 03 2013 at 4:53:34

There were no surprises in the Village area elections to Worcestershire County Council – although UKIP and the Independent candidate gave the sitting Tories a wake-up call in Alvechurch.

Bring on the bluebells
Posted on May 03 2013 at 9:57:32

Peck Wood’s annual Bluebell Week takes place from May 13 this year.

St George’s celebrations
Posted on April 23 2013 at 10:52:17

St George’s Day celebrations organised by local WIs saw Alvechurch Village Hall packed with people enjoying tea and cakes.

Big Lunch packs a punch
Posted on April 22 2013 at 10:27:28

Organisers of a big spring bank holiday party are hoping the weather gods will smile on them.

New policing tsar in village speed pledge
Posted on April 21 2013 at 10:46:17

Traffic speeding through our villages has been highlighted as a priority by the first Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia.

Thieves stay home
Posted on April 21 2013 at 10:38:17

There were only three house burglaries in Alvechurch parish between January to March this year, according to police figures.

Bordesley homes vetoed
Posted on April 21 2013 at 10:36:17

The threat of a sea of houses spreading into the Village area from Redditch has eased.

Try sailing at open day
Posted on April 20 2013 at 3:09:17

Barnt Green Sailing Club hosts an Open Afternoon on Saturday May 11 from 2–5pm.

Busy season ahead for concert band
Posted on April 20 2013 at 2:53:17

Blackwell Concert Band, now based in Catshill near Bromsgrove, is about to embark on an incredibly busy 2013 playing season.

Behaviour crackdown
Posted on April 20 2013 at 12:16:17

Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands . . .

Pedal plea
Posted on April 20 2013 at 10:39:17

Organisers of the annual Alvechurch Bike Ride are urging villagers to get their entry forms in.

From Pope to pop
Posted on April 20 2013 at 10:38:17

Thousands of pop music fans are set to follow in the footsteps of Christian pilgrims when the Fusion Festival takes over the same site at Cofton Park as that used for the Pope’s visit in 2010.

Swan update
Posted on April 20 2013 at 10:44:06

Last month we reported the sad story of a female swan at Paper Mill in Redditch, who had died and left her partner all alone at the start of the mating season.

Comic stress relief
Posted on April 19 2013 at 12:32:17

Three local businesswomen raised more than £400 on Red Nose Day when they provided “Comic Stress Relief” in Barnt Green.

Olivia’s got talent
Posted on April 19 2013 at 12:30:17

Talented Marlbrook youngster Olivia Withey brought home a bumper haul of prizes from the Worcester Competitive Arts Festival.

Village composer’s modern hymns
Posted on April 19 2013 at 10:40:17

First there was Crimond and Jerusalem, now there is Lickey End and Barnt Green.

Tournament success for family-run club
Posted on April 18 2013 at 3:05:17

Family-run club Rubery Taekwon-Do has gone from strength to strength since it began two years ago with just six students.

Award for Barnt Green chips
Posted on April 18 2013 at 10:48:12

Peter’s Pan fish and chip shop in Barnt Green celebrated second place in the ‘Best Chippy Chips’ Award, out of 500 chip shops across the Midlands.

Mysteries of the map revealed
Posted on April 17 2013 at 3:14:12

The 2013 Bromsgrove Lecture, a premier event in The Bromsgrove Society’s year, was held on the evening of April 9 and proved to be an outstanding success.

Easter fun for all ages
Posted on April 17 2013 at 12:21:12

There was Easter fun for everyone when Burcot Grange Residential Care Home invited children from nearby Blackwell First School to join residents on an Easter egg hunt around the gardens.

Garden event raises funds
Posted on April 14 2013 at 11:18:12

A special event at Little Heath Garden Centre in Lickey End provided fun for all the family as well as raising cash for the Bromsgrove Armed Forces Memorial Fund.

Hopwood actor in Indian film controversy
Posted on March 28 2013 at 1:11:55

Hopwood actor Mitch Powell is set to hit the big screen this weekend, in a film that’s causing a stir in India.

Diamond smiles
Posted on March 21 2013 at 11:06:33

On March 21 1953, newlyweds June and Trevor Collett posed in front of a privet arch in the garden of the Red Lion pub, Alvechurch, after their marriage at St Laurence Church.

Now it’s praise in the park
Posted on March 20 2013 at 11:29:33

The Alvechurch Big Lunch is growing as more groups come up with ideas for the May Bank Holiday bash, including a “songs of praise”.

The parish strikes back
Posted on March 20 2013 at 10:14:35

Parish councils across The Village area have been alarmed by remarks emanating from Bromsgrove political leaders calling for their abolition.

What a Re-Leaf!
Posted on March 19 2013 at 3:34:33

Littleheath Garden Centre welcomed the start of spring with a special charity event.

Healthy holiday of a lifetime
Posted on March 19 2013 at 1:00:33

A group of children whose lives are still being affected by the Chernobyl disaster have arrived for a month’s stay in the Village area

Policing questions
Posted on March 19 2013 at 10:43:33

Plans to shake up policing in this area, including the possible closure of Wythall Police Station, will come under the spotlight at the quarterly Alvechurch PACT public session on April 15.

Finstall speed appeal
Posted on March 18 2013 at 2:48:50

Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands . . .

Rail inquiry ‘should be expanded’
Posted on March 18 2013 at 11:56:33

A planning summit of the bodies involved in the rail and station upgrade in Alvechurch has been called by the inspector to tackle what should be done about car parking.

Towpath dog bin
Posted on March 18 2013 at 10:45:33

A dog-bin has been installed on the canal towpath near The Crown Inn, so dog-walkers will have no excuse for discarding poo-bags in the hedgerow.

Meat the winners!
Posted on March 18 2013 at 10:17:55

Two village butchers are celebrating winning top awards for their produce.

Hockey champions
Posted on March 17 2013 at 3:06:33

Bromsgrove School’s U14 boys hockey team have been crowned Midlands Champions following a strong performance at the Midlands Finals.

Fun events for all ages
Posted on March 17 2013 at 3:50:33

The Lounge’s Publicity Events Manager provides an update on recent activities.

Swan song
Posted on March 17 2013 at 1:34:33

Readers may remember the lovely swan photo from the weather article in our March magazine, taken by local photographer Paul Wilde on his daily walks around Paper Mill in Redditch.

Zoe’s colour creation
Posted on March 17 2013 at 1:16:33

An Alvechurch hair stylist has made it through to the regional final of a top competition. 

Fun for over-50s
Posted on March 17 2013 at 11:53:39

There was plenty of fun, food and friendship to be had at Burcot’s annual Over-50s Party which brings older residents together in the Village Hall.

Lickey paths sealed in outbreak
Posted on March 17 2013 at 10:27:27

A disease that could devastate plants and trees has reappeared in the Lickey Hills.

Have a Wilde time with Dramatic Society
Posted on March 17 2013 at 9:46:27

Alvechurch Dramatic Society presents The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde at Alvechurch Village Hall on April 25, 26 and 27, all at 7.30pm.

Alvechurch footballer picked for England
Posted on March 17 2013 at 10:46:04

Former Alvechurch schoolboy Josh Poole, of Rowney Green, was picked to play for the England Schools Under 18s Centenary Shield match against Wales.

25 years of fun run fundraising
Posted on March 16 2013 at 12:41:27

A Bromsgrove charity which has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for blood cancer research is gearing up for its 25th annual fun run.

Young foresters
Posted on March 16 2013 at 11:25:27

1st Barnt Green Scouts have planted a tree at Hopwood Park services as part of their Foresters badge.

Towpath cycle date
Posted on February 18 2013 at 3:34:35

This year’s towpath cycle ride from Withybed Green, Alvechurch, to Worcester will be held on the slightly later date of Saturday July 20.

The Lounge: not just for teens!
Posted on February 18 2013 at 11:41:17

Are you looking for a relaxed location for your group to meet? Would you like to get together with like-minded people to learn a new skill?

Legion’s two trophies
Posted on February 18 2013 at 12:08:17

The Lickey End branch of the Royal British Legion picked up two trophies at the Worcestershire County conference.

Villagers start to dig in
Posted on February 18 2013 at 9:49:17

After years of waiting, the growers of Alvechurch are at last moving on to their plots.

Calendar cash
Posted on February 17 2013 at 3:12:35

Young people from The Lounge saw their coffers swell by £400 as Mary Green handed over cash raised by our Village Walks Calendar 2013.

Tuning up for marathon
Posted on February 17 2013 at 3:28:16

Alvechurch violinist Byron Parish is tuning up for the London Marathon, aiming to raise £2,000 for Bowel & Cancer Research.

Now it’s the Big Lunch!
Posted on February 17 2013 at 10:01:17

After the success of last year’s Picnic in the Park, Alvechurch villagers are planning a “Big Lunch” to bring the community together.

MBE for charity work
Posted on February 17 2013 at 11:00:39

Barnt Green resident Gordon Cowie has received the MBE for his services to healthcare in Africa.

Great-gran’s charity leap
Posted on February 17 2013 at 9:52:17

Alvechurch great-grandmother Chrissy Beech is preparing to launch herself from a plane in a charity parachute jump this month.

Fears over rail impact
Posted on February 16 2013 at 3:15:35

Concerns are mounting over the impact of a better and more frequent rail service through large parts of The Village area.

Strictly costume for marathon bid
Posted on February 16 2013 at 3:23:31

An Alvechurch woman is hoping to quickstep her way through the London Marathon on April 21, wearing a costume featured on Strictly Come Dancing.

Garden competition to boost children’s charity
Posted on February 16 2013 at 11:53:17

Littleheath Garden Centre is encouraging greenfingered youngsters to help raise money for a children’s charity by supporting Re-Leaf Day 2013.

Teen behaviour plea
Posted on February 16 2013 at 11:14:17

Sarah Rees goes on walkabout around the Oakalls . . .

Parish Plan group meets villagers
Posted on February 16 2013 at 10:03:17

The Alvechurch Parish Neighbourhood Plan steering group met villagers at the coffee morning and Young Parents and Nippers Group at the Baptist Church over a wintry February weekend.

Action on speed limited
Posted on February 15 2013 at 3:18:35

The speed limit through much of Cofton Hackett has been reduced to 30mph – but motorists might not notice.

Villagers urged to support their shops
Posted on February 13 2013 at 2:56:13

The Barnt Green Area Residents Association (BGRA) is hoping to help village businesses with a Support Your Local Trader weekend on Friday and Saturday March 1-2.

Warning after village chip pan fire
Posted on February 13 2013 at 12:33:48

Firefighters had to force their way into an Alvechurch flat after a villager went out, leaving a chip pan on.

£42,000 Lickey Jag stolen
Posted on February 08 2013 at 12:25:24

Police are appealing for information about a Lickey burglary in which a £42,000 Jaguar was stolen.

Defrosting car stolen in Monument Lane
Posted on February 06 2013 at 10:45:20

The theft of a VW Polo from a Lickey driveway during icy morning conditions has prompted a fresh warning from police about leaving cars unattended to defrost.

Looking on the Bright Side
Posted on January 20 2013 at 3:25:38

Bright Side Music, the brainchild of local promoter Erin Green, presents an exciting series of gigs in 2013, bringing the best of acoustic music to Rowney Green Village Hall and beyond…

Orchestra’s choral concert
Posted on January 20 2013 at 3:09:38

The Orchestra of St John, conducted by Richard Jenkinson, had a very successful first year in 2012, with an orchestral concert, a choral concert and a MusicFest. 

Plan takes shape
Posted on January 20 2013 at 11:28:38

Mary Green gives an update on villagers’ efforts to have a say in their future.

History helpers wanted
Posted on January 20 2013 at 11:12:28

County historians and archaeologists are asking the community to take part in a planned survey of Alvechurch village.

Mystery story solved
Posted on January 19 2013 at 3:36:28

In our November issue, we brought you the intriguing story of Norah May, the Alvechurch girl whose memories of village life in the early part of last century had come into the hands of villagers Tom and Lillian Willis.

Pavilion parking plan booted out
Posted on January 19 2013 at 11:17:38

Plans to create parking spaces outside Rowney Green Pavilion have been shelved.

We want Hopwood!
Posted on January 19 2013 at 11:09:05

Proposals to hive off Hopwood from Alvechurch and join it with Barnt Green in a new district ward have been opposed by Alvechurch parish council.

Contemporary Arts Festival at Malvern
Posted on January 18 2013 at 3:22:38

A Contemporary Arts Festival organised by The Malvern Theatres Trust is due to start on March 22, bringing the very latest in modern drama, music, dance, comedy and film to Great Malvern and aiming to attract a wider theatre audience from the West Midlands and beyond. 

In the picture
Posted on January 18 2013 at 1:04:38

Christmas began with a village nativity scene when Alvechurch Baptist Church and The Lounge took part in a national festive event.

A great start to the year
Posted on January 18 2013 at 12:35:38

Alvechurch & Hopwood Cricket Club has been awarded the ECB Clubmark accreditation, recognising “high quality, safety and fair and focused support for young people”.

New life for old wood
Posted on January 18 2013 at 11:19:38

When a 300-year-old oak beam was removed from the tower at St Laurence Church during the restoration of its bells, one Alvechurch resident couldn’t allow it go to waste.

Development approved
Posted on January 17 2013 at 1:29:38

Sarah Rees reports from the Oakalls and Parklands.

Party time
Posted on January 17 2013 at 1:13:38

More than 50 Cofton Hackett residents aged 60 or over enjoyed a great Christmas party at their village hall in December.

Site office unmoved
Posted on January 17 2013 at 12:45:38

Builder Taylor Wimpey has failed to conform with the grace period for the removal of the site office from the green belt on Birmingham Road, Alvechurch, the parish council heard.

‘News’ in the news
Posted on January 17 2013 at 12:24:28

The 2013 New Year mummers play relayed the year’s news to the villagers of Alvechurch and beyond, with the modern-day media squarely in its sights.

Defrosting VW stolen in Barnt Green
Posted on January 16 2013 at 4:00:03

Police have issued a fresh warning for motorists not to leave cars unattended with the engine running to defrost following the theft of a VW Golf in Barnt Green.

Ready to dig
Posted on January 16 2013 at 12:44:28

Alvechurch’s first batch of growers are eager to get digging at their new allotments, the parish council heard.

Jewellery snatched in £2,500 Barnt Green raid
Posted on January 15 2013 at 4:20:15

Property worth more than £2,500 stolen in a Barnt Green house burglary included jewellery which was of great sentimental value to the owner.

Historic village homes saved from fire
Posted on January 15 2013 at 4:05:44

A working fire alarm and quick action by fire crews may have saved a historic row of houses in Alvechurch from serious damage.

Historic homes saved in fire
Posted on January 15 2013 at 12:43:28

A working smoke alarm and quick action by fire crews saved a historic row of houses in Alvechurch from serious damage.

£30k car stolen from Cofton drive
Posted on December 03 2012 at 6:12:49

A £30,000 car was stolen from a drive Cofton Hackett by thieves who broke into the house to get the keys.

Comedy and charity come together at Artrix
Posted on November 25 2012 at 3:21:07

Audience members at a recent Artrix comedy show joined in the “Movember” spirit by sporting false joke-shop moustaches.

Walking in the Lickeys
Posted on November 25 2012 at 11:33:07

One of the region’s outstanding attractions is the Lickey Hills and a group, whose name neatly describes a special interest, the Lickey Hills Society, has just launched a booklet encouraging people to make more use of this amenity.

A lovely charity gift!
Posted on November 25 2012 at 11:24:07

The Village has produced a charity calendar – featuring monthly walks around the area – to raise money for The Lounge youth project.

Party planners return
Posted on November 25 2012 at 10:39:07

After the success of the Diamond Jubilee Picnic in the Park in Alvechurch, another event is being planned for summer 2013.

The wages of theft: £100
Posted on November 25 2012 at 10:18:07

The thieves who risked life and liberty to scale a village church roof and steal a bell may have pocketed only £100.

Cooks for books
Posted on November 24 2012 at 11:28:07

Members of St Andrew’s, Barnt Green and St Michael’s, Cofton Hackett, often enjoy celebrating by having a Bring and Share meal together, writes Mary Kent.

Allotment lots drawn
Posted on November 24 2012 at 10:38:07

Lots were drawn randomly before Alvechurch Parish Council’s monthly meeting to assign 37 of the 40 allotment mini-plots to villagers who had confirmed an interest.

New Orleans singer comes to Redditch
Posted on November 23 2012 at 3:06:07

Lillian Boutte, known as the Musical Ambassador of New Orleans, will perform in a free concert at St Stephen’s Church, Redditch on Fri Dec 7 from 7pm.

Brothers reunited
Posted on November 23 2012 at 2:55:07

Celebrity guests joined a special party at The Wildmoor Oak pub and restaurant in Bromsgrove, as award-winning chef Lorenzo Richards and his wife Jules celebrated five years in charge of the popular venue.

Homes plans rejected
Posted on November 23 2012 at 10:37:07

An application to build two affordable homes in George Road, Alvechurch, has been turned down by planners who said the Bromsgrove District Housing Trust scheme was too cramped with poor access.

Village speeding shock
Posted on November 23 2012 at 10:30:17

The frightening extent of traffic speeding around Alvechurch parish has been revealed in a report prepared for Network Rail.

Golf Day raises cash
Posted on November 22 2012 at 11:50:07

The fourth John Bromley Memorial Golf day saw 40 golfers tee up at The Abbey Hotel course, which played well despite being closed earlier in the week after heavy downpours

New trophy presented
Posted on November 22 2012 at 10:52:07

A new sporting trophy has been introduced at Alvechurch Middle School, in memory of teacher Peter Rippington who died in the school ski coach crash in February.

Meet the author
Posted on November 22 2012 at 10:48:07

The monthly meeting of Alvechurch Library Reading Group took a significant departure in its normal business last month.

Heating oil alert
Posted on November 22 2012 at 10:41:07

Villagers are being urged to be on their guard following a theft of heating diesel oil worth £350 from a rural home on the edge of Alvechurch.

The Lounge needs you!
Posted on November 20 2012 at 3:27:07

The Lounge in Alvechurch needs a volunteer treasurer for 4–6 hours per week.