Jubilee Bake Sale

General Events

Come and celebrate the Diamond Jubilee with Onside’s Great Bake Sale on Saturday May 26, from 11am to 3pm at The Guildhall, Worcester.

Lots of yummy homemade cakes, icing crafts for the kids, fun royal-themed games, stalls, refreshments and 50s music.

Onside Independent Advocacy is a Worcestershire-based registered charity providing advocacy, mentoring and befriending services across Worcestershire to ensure fairness and equality for adults who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged, or discriminated against.

Every £20 raised for Onside will enable the charity to provide one hour’s support to a vulnerable adult in need of its life-improving services. More information on fundraising can be found at http://www.onside-advocacy.org.uk/

Jubilee Party and Fair

General Events

Lickey End First School hosts a Jubilee Street Party and Summer Fair on Sun June 3 from 2–6pm.

Join the street party in School Lane and enjoy a fun filled afternoon. Festivities include mass balloon release, DJ, stalls, inflatables, bar, BBQ, band, welly wanging, tug of war and loads more!

Tickets £2 per adult, kids (under 16) free. For tickets or more info call Sam on 07813 670618.

Fashion show supports Save The Children

General Events

The Bromsgrove Branch of Save The Children presents a charity Fashion Show on May 22, at 7.30pm in Lickey Church Hall (top of Rose Hill).

Tickets cost £5 (payable at door) to include a drink and nibbles.

There will also be a raffle, “Travel with Fashion” by Gill Pinfield, and items available for purchase at the end of the show.
 
 
 

Quiz at The Crown

Games& Competitions

A weekly quiz now takes place every Thursday at the Crown Inn, Withybed Green, Alvechurch from around 8.30pm.

Entry is £2 minimum per team, and there are cash prizes for the winners and runners up.

‘The Voice’ contestant sings in Alvechurch

Music

Singer John James Newman, who recently appeared on BBC1’s The Voice UK, has been booked to perform in Alvechurch.

He will be singing at The Swan pub on Swan Street on May 19 from 9pm - don’t miss it!

Beer, sport and music at festival

General Events

A Beer Festival takes place at Five Ways Old Edwardians Sports Club (Ash Lane, Hopwood B48 7BD) from June 2–4.

It runs from noon to midnight on Sat and Mon, and noon to 10.30pm on Sun, with five guest ales to sample.

On Sunday there’s also a six-a-side cricket match plus fun and games for all the family, and why not bring some food and join in The Big Lunch from 11.30am? There will be stalls selling various items on Sunday – if you would like to reserve a space, ring Sue Hope on 07970 455990. 

Monday brings music from Second City Soul (1–2pm and 2.30–3.30pm). Hot and cold food is available all weekend, and the bar will be open as usual.

FitBack & Bumps

Children & Families

FitBack & Bumps antenatal and postnatal education and exercise classes run by a chartered physiotherapist take place at Alvechurch Village Hall on Mondays 5.30–6.30pm.

Know how to stay in shape and keep a healthy back before and after having your baby. Focusing on maintaining good abdominal and pelvic floor muscles. Individual treatment sessions also available.

Please contact Leila on 07813 080223 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or visit http://www.fitbackandbumps.co.uk for more info.

Cricketing day out

General Events

Enjoy a village family day out at Alvechurch Cricket Club on Sunday June 3, from 10am till 8pm.

Six-a-side teams will be competing in a five over format that sees “agricultural” cricket collide with the real game – all lubricated by energy drinks such as cider, lager and bitter.

There will be runs and wickets galore, with pulled muscles, split trousers and general comedy guaranteed – plus an all-day bar and barbecue.

The club is located to the rear of 6 Birmingham Road, Alvechurch.

Beginners’ yoga

Health & Fitness

A beginners’ yoga class takes place at Tanyard Close Community Centre, Alvechurch on Tuesdays at 7.30pm, with a British Wheel of Yoga teacher specialising in yoga for healthy lower backs and yoga for special children.

For bookings and details call Cath on 0121 447 8245.

Alvechurch Road Runners

Health & Fitness

Alvechurch Road Runners meet on Sundays at The Meadows – advanced runners 9am, beginners 10am. £1 per session.

For more info contact Lee-Ann Dixon on 07888 841034 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Lee-Ann’s fitness classes

Health & Fitness

A new fitness class has recently started in Alvechurch. Lee-Ann’s Cardio Fitness Blast Class is a fun full body workout with core stability balls and bands, and takes place at The Ark on Thursdays at 6pm.

For more info contact Lee-Ann Dixon on 07888 841034 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Favourite classics

Music

The Midland Sinfonia presents Favourite Classics on Sat May 19, at 7.30pm in St Laurence Church, Alvechurch, with conductor Richard Laing.

The programme features Mozart’s Symphony No.29, Clarinet Concerto and Overture to The Marriage of Figaro, plus Schubert’s Symphony No.5.

Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto regularly tops polls of the most popular classical music, and in this concert it’ll be in the expert hands of Keith Slade, director of the Worcestershire Symphony Orchestra and a clarinetist of renown.

Also in the programme is an effervescent overture and a thrilling dance-like symphony by Mozart, together with Schubert’s sunny Fifth.

Tickets cost £12 and are available on the door, from The Village Green Grocer or via .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 0121 447 7040.  Students and reg. unemployed £5.

For more information visit http://www.midlandsinfonia.co.uk

Annie Get Your Gun

Theatre

Bromsgrove Operatic Society proudly presents Irving Berlin’s Annie Get Your Gun at Artrix (Slideslow Drive, Bromsgrove, B60 1PQ) from May 14–19.

This magnificent Broadway show is based on a captivating true story. Annie Oakley, an outspoken, happy country girl and sharpshooter, becomes the star of a Wild West show, falling for Rifleman Frank Butler in the process.

The production promises to be a spectacle full of colour and vibrancy, enhanced by music from one of the incomparable Irving Berlin’s most memorable scores, including Doin’ What Comes Natur’lly, The Girl That I Marry, You Can’t Get a Man with a Gun, They Say It’s Wonderful, My Defences Are Down, Anything You Can Do and There’s No Business Like Show Business.

An exhilarating show for the whole family. Tickets £12 (Mon), £13 (Tues-Wed), £14 (Thurs-Sat) available from http://www.artrix-tickets.co.uk or the box office on 01527 577330.

Come and visit kennels & cattery

General Events

Primrose Kennels & Cattery in Alvechurch is holding an Open Day on Sunday May 13 between 12 noon and 3pm.

There will be fundraising on the day, with all proceeds going to the St Bernard Trust. And visitors can also take advantage of a special offer: 10% off their pet’s first stay at the kennels or cattery!

For further information, please contact Jane on 0121 445 2965 or visit http://www.primrosekennelsandcattery.com

Messy Church

General Events

Village Messy Church takes place on May 12 in The Ark, Alvechurch from 3.30–5.30 pm.

The event is for “all age families” to have time to relax together and enjoy being messy, with something for everyone – participate in a story and then sit down to a meal together. It is ‘time off’ and’ time out’ from your busy working week…the organisers look forward to seeing you.

If you wonder what Village Messy Church is all about, why not come along to a “taster” on Jubilee Monday at the Meadows… come rain or shine! For more info, call Pat on 0121 445 1985.

Textile exhibition

Art & Literature

A Textile Exhibition takes place at Avoncroft Arts Centre on Sat June 23 (10am–5pm) and Sun June 24 (10am–4pm).

Textile Inspirations and Landscapes from Above is the annual exhibition by students of Edwina Mackinnon and Ineke Berlyn.

The venue is located on Redditch Road, Stoke Heath, Bromsgrove B60 4JR (by the pedestrian traffic lights) and admission is £3 to include refreshments – proceeds to charity.

Traders: for further info please contact Edwina Mackinnon on 07891 079080 or edwina.mackinnon@btinternet.com, or Ineke Berlyn on 07875 372589 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Open day at sailing club

General Events

Barnt Green Sailing Club is holding an Open Afternoon for prospective new members on Saturday May 12, from 2–4.30pm.

The club welcomes both beginner and experienced sailors and has thriving junior and adult sections. Classes sailed include Enterprises, Solos, Larks, Mirrors, Merlin Rockets, Lasers, Cadets, Optimists and Windsurfers, and also incorporates a handicap fleet enabling other dinghy classes to compete.

The Open Afternoon is a great opportunity to come and see the family-friendly club facilities and perhaps to go out in a sailing dinghy with an experienced club member, weather permitting!

The club is located at Upper Bittell Reservoir, Cofton Church Lane, Cofton Hackett, Birmingham, B45 8BH.

See the bluebells

Gardens & Flowers

Peck Wood in Rowney Green (B48 7QE) will be open for the public to view the bluebells on April 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19 between 10am and 8pm. 

A Bluebell Tea is being served on Wednesday April 18 between 2 pm and 6 pm.

Weighbridge beer festival

Food & Drink

The Weighbridge Inn at Alvechurch hosts its 2012 Spring Beer Festival on Friday May 11 (6pm–11pm) and Saturday May 12 (12noon–11pm).

Hot and cold food will be available, and the main bar will be open as usual.

Scarfield Wharf, Alvechurch B48 7SQ
Tel: 0121 445 5111
http://www.the-weighbridge.co.uk

Easter Coffee Morning

General Events

An Easter Monday Coffee Morning takes place on April 9 at Rowney Green Village Hall, organised by Rowney Green Flower Club.

Between 10.30am to 12 noon there will be bring and buy tables, a raffle to include flower arrangements, and cakes for sale.

Entrance £2 to include coffee and biscuits. Everyone is welcome.

Kids’ art workshops

Children & Families

Textile/print workshops for children are taking place in Bromsgrove during the Easter holidays, led by a fully qualified textile/print artist who has been CRB checked.

On Tuesdays April 3 and 10, it’s printmaking techniques, while on Wednesdays April 4 and 11 it’s silk painting. A screen printing class is on Thurs April 5.

All sessions take place at Metals & Ores, Unit 14D, Stoke Prior, Bromsgrove B60 4JZ from 10am–12noon, and are suitable for children aged 8+.

Sessions cost £15 per child (materials included). Places are limited so please phone 07949 582031 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to book.

Giving your child the best start

Children & Families

A new group in Alvechurch and Barnt Green is aiming to get children into reading from an early age.

Baby Book Group Ltd is the brainchild of local women Sally Meredith and Claire Taylor, both former primary school teachers who are using their experience to encourage pre-reading skills for school readiness and a lifelong love of books.

The new Alvechurch-based company offers fun and stimulating group sessions for babies, toddlers, pre-schoolers and their parents or carers, with activities and resources designed for the specific age group.

The pilot sessions take place at St Andrew’s Parish Centre, Barnt Green on Weds April 25, and the Baptist Church Hall in Alvechurch on Thurs April 26.

Barnt Green sessions are from 9.30–10.30am (3–4 year olds) and 10.45–11.45am (2–3 year olds), while Alvechurch sessions are from 1–2pm (2–3 year olds) and 2–3pm (3–4 year olds).

For more information contact Sally or Claire on 07517 393252 or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Toddlers turn 10

Children & Families

Catshill Toddlers are holding their 10th Anniversary Party on Wednesday April 25. The group will extend its hours that day to 1.30–4.30pm, so that any “old” boys and girls can visit after school.

A warm invitation is extended to anyone who has a connection with the group to pop in and say hello.

If anyone has any photographs from past year, the group would love to be able to display them on the day, so please bring them with you or contact Sheila on 0121 445 2813.

On your bikes!

Health & Fitness

The annual Alvechurch Bike Ride, now in its 15th year, takes place on Sat June 30 in aid of Acorns Children’s Hospice.

Starting at 9am at The Crown Inn at Withybed Green, the route follows the canal towpath for 23 miles to The Anchor Inn, Diglis Basin, Worcester – with plenty of pubs along the way!

A pay BBQ will take place at the finish (subject to weather). For more info and a sponsor form, visit http://www.theabr.org.uk or call 0121 445 4022.

An advance payment of sponsor money is payable on the morning of the event (£20 adults, £5 children, £30 per family) – this goes to the charity and is deductible from your final contribution.

Join the Walking Challenge!

Health & Fitness

The Great British Walking Challenge takes place in May as part of National Walking Month. Throughout May, everyone will be able to log their walking miles, whether it’s to or from school, on the commute to work or even taking the dog for a walk.

Every step counts as the whole country unites on a mission to see how many times residents can collectively walk between John O’Groats and Land’s End. Compete with your friends and family and get fitter, happier and healthier in the meantime.

Walking is the cheapest, simplest and one of the most effective forms of exercise. Walking for just half an hour each morning can transform your fitness levels, reduce stress, and vastly improve your concentration levels for the day ahead.

To find out more and be part of the Great British Walking Challenge, register at http://www.livingstreets.org.uk.

Whitehall farce promises lots of laughs

Theatre

Alvechurch Dramatic Society presents Look No Hans, the hilarious Whitehall farce by John Chapman and Michael Pertwee, from April 26–28 in Alvechurch Village Hall.

Set in Berlin in the 1960s, the play introduces the inept Peter Fisher who runs a British car dealership trying to sell cars to the Germans.

Cadwallader, a British Security agent, wishes to use Peter’s flat for a top secret operation – but Fisher’s wife, girlfriend and a visiting stripper add to the confusion. Will anyone lose their trousers before the curtains close?

Performances start at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £6 (£5 concessions) and are available from the Post Office or The Joshua Tree in Alvechurch, or by calling 0121 447 7071.

Evening of song

Music

Join local well-known mixed voice choir The Arrow Vale Singers for an enjoyable evening of song on April 28 at Mappleborough Green Village Hall at 7.30pm.

There will be a wide variety of music to suit all tastes, from musical theatre pieces such as Oliver to choral classics like Panis Angelicus, via Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody!

This will be the first concert under new Musical Director David Wynne who is guiding the choir in new directions and looking forward to the challenge of developing and widening its repertoire.

Tickets cost just £7 and are available from http://www.arrowvalesingers.co.uk, by calling 01527 893525 or on the door.

The choir’s chosen charity this year is Home Start (NE Worcs), supporting local vulnerable families with young children, and a proportion of our profits will be donated.

There will be a licensed bar available.

The Arrow Vale Singers are a friendly mixed voice choir of over 50 singers who meet every Wednesday evening at the Batchley Community Centre, Redditch, 8–10pm. They sing for pleasure, performing several concerts annually and always welcome potential new members who would like to attend a rehearsal to see them in action and join in.

The ability to read music is an advantage but not essential as the group rehearses in “easy steps”. The wide repertoire includes classics, classical pop, musical theatre numbers, spirituals, traditional songs and much more.
Please visit http://www.arrowvalesingers.co.uk for further details, or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Let them entertain you

Theatre

Rowney Green Players present variety show Let Us Entertain You at Rowney Green Village Hall at 7.30pm on April 27 and 28. 

With cabaret-style seating and a bar, the evening builds on the sell-out success of last year’s event. A combination of well-known and original comedy sketches with some songs thrown in, all washed down with a drink or two, will give you and your friends a memorable evening of laughter.

Dragon’s Den and Countdown are just two of the popular TV programmes that receive a comedy makeover from the Players.

Tickets £8 (no concessions) on 0121 445 1562. Bar open from 6.45pm. 

Pools Paradise

Theatre

Rubery Drama Group, celebrating its Diamond Jubilee this year, presents Pools Paradise, a farce by Philip King, at the Beacon Church Centre on Whetty Lane on April 26, 27 and 28.

This is the group’s 116th production and was last performed by them in 1965 – four members of the original cast are still active in the group.

Set in the mid-60s, it concerns the vicar of a village church who disapproves of gambling, but his wife looks set to share in a large football pools win…

Performances start at 7.30pm (doors open at 7pm) and tickets are available on the door or in advance by calling 0121 445 2323.

The group meets every Weds, 7.30 for 7.45pm, at Beacon Church Centre.

Music from 50s to present

Music

Max Lyrical, the 7-piece Alvechurch band, will perform at Alvechurch Social Club from 8pm on April 14, playing songs from the 50s to the present, from Mustang Sally to Moves Like Jagger.

The event is in aid of the Peter Rippington Memorial Fund – pay on the door.

The band is available for parties or fundraising events, and is happy to discuss individual requirements. Full list of songs available.

Call Mark on 0121 445 0466, see http://www.maxlyrical.moonfruit.com or email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)