Issue #217 April/May 2021

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NEWS & FEATURES from , , Blackwell, Burcot , , , Hopwood, Bordesley, , , , Marlbrook, The Oakalls . . . everywhere in between! TheVillage Issue 217 April/May 2021 Chris Chipps TIMBER WINDOWS Bespoke insideBringing you village life for more than 22 years timber windows Conservation

The Future Pulls In Representing YOU! and listed Page 13 Pages 25-31 building registered Editorial: Editor: www.chrischipps.co.uk Richard Peach The Limes 0121 458 3326 Alvechurch Rev Rob Retires Pages 34-35 0796 8990 258 B48 7RR Tel: 0121 445 6757 email: [email protected]

To advertise Bird Homes Bonus in The Village Pages 50-51 Call Louise Robinson: 0121 445 6757 email: [email protected] visit: www.thevillage.co The Village (ISSN 1466-3376) is published by Platform Publishing & Media Ltd (Reg Office: 87 Hewell Rd, Hedgehog Highway Barnt Green, B45 8NL) and printed by Pages 50-51 Buxton Press in Derbyshire. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written consent is prohibited. The publishers do not accept responsibility for any errors made in advertisements or for claims made by any advertisers which are incorrect. The publishers reserve the right to refuse advertising for any reason. All material submitted for publication is done so at the owner’s risk and no responsibility is accepted by the Sense of Wonder publisher for its return. Pages 57-63

Cover: Rapeseed fields ripen in by Village reader Dennis Brown. Village News Indies step A LESSON IN LITTER up for polls as contest heating up INTEREST is already high in Oakalls, , Tarde- the county elections across bigge and Tutnall. The Village area with more After Coun Charlie than a month still to go until Hotham’s success in taking polling day on May 6. the Alvechurch Division Independent candidates away from Tory control in are standing in at least two 2017, independent candi- of the three Worcestershire dates are again throwing County Council “divisions” their hats in the ring. we cover. Coun Hotham is standing Barnt Green schoolboy Freddie Gibbons (above) Candidates can enter the down from the county, used his half-term break to give a lesson in commu- race right up to April 8, so while remaining a Broms- nity service – and in being organised. there could yet be more. grove district and Barnt Freddie, aged ”almost nine”, decided he and dad The Alvechurch Division Green councillor. Martin were to spend an hour each day collecting takes in an enormous area, Transport expert and lo- litter. And to make sure he had everywhere covered, including all of Alvechurch cal campaigner Alan Bailes, he printed out a map of the area, from Shepley Road parish, part of par- of Bordesley, is standing for right across to the Lower Bittell. He divided it up and ish and all of Beoley parish. county as an independent worked on a different area each day of half term. Beacon Division includes in his place, prompting Freddie even kept a spreadsheet of what litter they Barnt Green, Cofton Hackett independent district coun- collected, averaging more than 100 items a time. and part of Lickey, while cillor Kate Van Der Plank to Martin told The Village: “While we both really East Division stand in Beacon Division. enjoyed spending the time together, the volume of covers villagers living in Village Elections: rubbish that we encountered was really distressing.” Blackwell, Lickey End, the Pages 23-30 ‘No decision has been made’ about Quaker hall Central Quakers have land to the Barnt Green Surgery. ers will be contacted when there are told The Village that no decision has No decision has been made about changes in the arrangements to use been made about the future of their the future of the Meeting House in the rooms when Covid 19 restric- Barnt Green meeting house. Sandhills Road. tions are lifted. The building will be They were responding to the “Central England Quakers are cur- maintained by the trustees’ property statement by the Quaker represen- rently discussing the management committee.” tative in Barnt Green that the site in of the building which is presently For queries about the hall, con- Sandhills Road was to be given to closed to due Covid 19 restrictions tact the Clerk to Central England the village GP surgery. but which was previously used by Quakers Trustees by email: clerk. The trustees of the Central many community groups in the [email protected] or by phone: England Quakers said: “There are village.” 07538076912. no plans to gift the building and The trustees added: “Regular hir- Village Views: Page 23

The Village April/May 2021 5 Village News image interiors Calagate pressure still ‘on’ l l The public right of way from Barnt Kitchens Bedrooms Bathrooms Green through the Cala Homes estate to the will “one day” be open, the parish council heard. Gates were installed by the developer at either end of a section of the intended footpath, despite planning officers asking for them to be removed from the plans. Cala Homes has since described the public footpath as “an aspiration”. District coun- cillor Charlie Hotham told the parish council’s March meeting that he was not able to say too much about the dispute, which is being HAPPY ENDING: Alicia Stanford (cen- The new paddock, in the centre pursued by Bromsgrove’s planning tre) and her horses Treacle and Tuffy of the village, was owned by Geoff officers. settle into their new Alvechurch Crow, who ran EJ Crowe butchers for “As I have said before, it is a slow paddock with the help of (from many years. Geoff died a year ago and long process, but as long as the left) Melissa Crow, Mia and Jorga after contracting Covid-19. Image Interiors are appointed stockists for pressure is kept on, we will get there,” Broomhall and John Hall. Alicia told The Village: “Geoff’s he said. “I am keeping the pressure Village readers responded to daughter Melissa came to our rescue Symphony, Neff Master Partner, on, I know the officers are working on Alicia’s plight after we reported that and gave us a new home. Her dad it in the best way they can, so hope- she had been asked to leave her would be so proud of her.” and Crown Kitchens, Bedrooms & Bathrooms fully, one day that gate will open,” paddock of 50 years because the Alicia also thanked all the other added Coun Hotham. landlord, St Laurence Church, was people who contacted her via The selling the land to raise money for Village offering help. repairs to its church tower. Village Views: Page 20 Visit our showroom for a free plan and quotation Pitch battle “Immense pressure” is being felt by Alvechurch Parish Council over its Help on high against tippers stance on an application to build 25 A parish councillor has given a big with the perfect thing to help safe homes on the site of Alvechurch Foot- lift to a campaign to stop the scourge installations: a hydraulic cherry-picker ball Club’s ground at Lye Meadow. of flytipping in village lanes. platform that can lift the installer The council objected formally to The scheme, which is being run 24ft into the air. “I got it because I the plan because it contravenes the on community donations, covers don’t like heights,” Coun Urry told policies of the Alvechurch Parish Alvechurch, Portway and Beoley and The Village,” and it is just the thing for Neighbourhood Plan and was also in involves solar-powered cameras be- placing cameras up high.” the Green Belt. ing installed on private land watching For more information on the Council chairman Marc Worrall told gateways. Now Beoley parish council- Community Scheme and to donate or councillors: “There is immense pres- lor James Urry has come forward volunteer: www.flytips.co.uk sure from the football club to relook at this.” Cofton Hackett Parish Council is to investigate what is planned for the He added: “It is a difficult one for us former Bilberry Tea Rooms at the foot of the Lickey Hills after a resident Visit our showroom at Aston Fields Industrial Estate, because the football club is an impor- asked if the now-empty building could be listed. The boys’ organisation which had been using the property was now Sherwood Road, Bromsgrove B60 3DR tant part of our parish, nevertheless, from a planning point of view it is defunct and the keys handed back to its owner, City Council. difficult for us to consider anything The council also heard that Cofton Hall, a Grade II* listed building, may www.image-interiors.co.uk other than our formal stance.” have been sold, but this was not verified.

Call for a FREE Design Consultation 01527 576565 The Village April/May 2021 7 Village News

Chim, chimney . . . Chim, chimen-no ...... Chim, chimney! Roof goes back to stack The developers of the former post The developers received a further in Swan Street, office building in Alvechurch have setback in March over their applica- Council threw out the plan saying the rebuilt the chimney stack on the roof tion to turn one of the two ground proposed use would “adversely affect of the village “heritage asset”. floor shop units created in the the amenities of adjacent residential This follows the recommenda- building into a drinking establish- properties”. tion of Bromsgrove’s conservation ment, with a smoking area in the rear Planners said increased use of the officer after the chimneys on the19th garden. outdoor area would result in a signifi- century building were demolished After very strong objections from cant additional level of disturbance during refurbishment. villagers living nearby in Bear Hill and for people living nearby. R. M. B. SERVICES Spring Domestic Appliance & Gas Engineer Open Week as seen on Alvechurch Village Society’s Facebook page Private Tours 26-30 April

Don’t forget to book your winter boiler service now! BOILER Breakdown SERVICE Spring into King’s Boiler servicing l Servicing of gas fires etc Home owner and landlord certificates An education that inspires pupils. A place that shapes them. This is an exciting time to join King’s. Here at King’s, we’re committed to providing the finest education experience Repairs to washing machines, tumble driers, fridges, for our pupils. One that is focussed on developing confidence, resilience leadership and character and not only freezers, electric ovens & cookers, electric showers inspires our pupils to academic success, but provides the strongest foundations for the next, pivotal steps in their education and beyond. Based in To book a Private Tour and experience how a King’s education can shape your child, ready for the future, visit: 0121 445 0184 Alvechurch ksw.org.uk/meetkings #MeetKings 07977 487 999 Find us on Facebook: ‘RMB Services’ Village News Bromsgrove’s Eating up the mountains Premier Fishing Tackle Retailer ALVECHURCH extreme cyclist Tim For all your fishing needs Roberts is back in training – this time for The Silk Road Mountain Race through Kyrgyzstan. Tim completed the Tour Divide race from Canada to New Mexico in 2019 in just under 23 days, coming 34th out of 164 starters and raising £2,000 for charity. Fresh Live bait coming soon - Early MAY The challenge of the 1,804km Silk Road is the 30,500 metres of climbing Maggots - Pinkies - Squats - Casters - Worms it involves. “I am in the full flow of training now and building miles into my legs with • Family Friendly store • Full Range of Brands two or three rides a week ranging • Fox & Fox Rage from 50 to 100 miles on the bike I • Extensive Range • Shimano will be using,” Tim, aged 51, told The • Daiwa Village. Tim Roberts stops to admire the view during the Tour Divide race. • Large Car Park • Korda & Guru “You can never fully prepare for to 10,000 calories a day and fuelling Tim is again raising money for • Loyalty Points these sorts of things as I have a job is key. Cancer Research UK. You can find his • Preston and can’t ride every day, added Tim, “They say these events are an Just Giving page at: • Carp • Nash of Roberts Bespoke Joinery in the eating competition with a bit of https://www.justgiving.com/ • Course & Match • RidgeMonkey village centre. “I expect to use 8,000 cycling!” fundraising/tim-roberts15 • Trakker • Predator • JAG Pre-Preparatory & Nursery • Bait - Live / Shelf life • Sonik • Strike King • Terminal tackle • Lew’s • Clothing • Matrix • Luggage • Garbolino • Sensas R E G I • Bivvies • Gardner • Sleep Systems • Maver • Okuma • Chairs • DAM Founded 1553 • Seatboxes • Reuben Heaton FLAIR • Rods and Reels • Frenzee DISCIPLINE • Middy • Kodex ACADEMIC RIGOUR • Korum www.facebook.com/rodsandlines.co.uk • Avid We now offer 30 hours through the • Map An outstanding range of - • Leeda Government funding scheme for curricular activities is available to www.instagram.com/rodsandlines/ • Mainline Baits eligible 3 & 4 year olds suit all tastes, which range from • Sticky Baits • Sonubaits ƂHGCPFDCNNGVKPVJGRTGRTGRVQ %QPVCEVVJG#FOKUUKQPU/CPCIGTVQƂPFQWVOQTG EQQMGT[CPFEQORWVKPI Tel: 0121 663 6650 01527 579679 [email protected] KPVJGRTGRISI Shop in store - Click & Collect - Online ordering bromsgrove-school.co.uk 220 boys & girls aged 2 - 7 F2 Sapphire Court, George Rd, www.rodsandlines.co.uk 10 The Village April/May 2021 Bromsgrove Technology Park, Bromsgrove, B60 3FP [email protected] Village News Train of future takes a test run The new Class 730 Aventra arrives at Alvechurch. Picture/David Bissett There was great excitement among replace the existing Class 323 units, the south and the squeal “was as bad rail enthusiasts when the prototype built almost 30 years ago. as any squeal”, and there was also replacement train for the Cross-City Barnt Green Parish Council heard a “thumping”. He has passed on a line stopped off at village stations. that the problem of “rail squeal” was recording of the squeal to be studied The new Railway still evident as the new train pulled by the train manufacturers and by Class 730 Aventra made its debut run into their station from the south. Worcestershire Regulatory Services. down the branch line to and Coun Charlie Hotham said that ar- “We can’t have a whole lot of new back, stopping at Barnt Green and riving from Birmingham, the train was trains that still squeal,” he said. Alvechurch, on March 15. very quiet and they were “euphoric”. n The council heard that preparatory Manufactured by Bombadier in But this was shattered 20 minutes work on the lifts for Barnt Green sta- Derby, these trains will eventually later when the train reappeared from tion was progressing.

The Village April/May 2021 13 3040 TR Village Mag Ad 245x170mm_AW_Layout 1 15/03/2021 11:22 Page 1

Create a room for all seasons Lickey & Blackwell Parish Council News Keep your conservatory cooler in summer and warmer in winter with an insulated tiled ThermeRoof Bernice joins the parish council Hello all, my name is Bernice Jones and I am a new Parish Councillor in Lickey. I have been living in the Parish area for almost two years now and absolutely love it here! I had no idea Newsletter what Parish Councils did un- April 2021 til I joined a meeting last year after seeing a Facebook post Speedwatchers wanted and seeing the Parish was Cllr Nick Forknell in his role as High- looking for a new Councillor ways lead is working hard to improve for the Lickey Grange ward. highways issues in the Parish. We are I met the other Council- actively looking to set up a Commu- lors, found out some more, nity Speedwatch group, these groups put myself forward and was We have some limited powers to are managed and run by volunteers co-opted in! make decisions about our local com- but supported by the Police. If you I am passionate about people and munity, however we can absolutely would be interested in getting in- community and really want to see influence the other organisations what I can do to help ensure Lickey that do make the final decisions. The benefits volved please contact us. and Blackwell remains a fantastic I am really looking forward to get- Litter-picking exercise place to live for us all. ting involved in our local community of ThermeRoof Thank you to all residents who are Parish Councils get involved with engagement, so if you have anything using their daily walks as an opportu- planning matters, crime prevention, you want to contact me about, then I nity to pick up litter. We are also very managing open spaces, campaigning would love to hear from you. • Local Authority Building control lucky to have two South Bromsgrove for and delivering better services and You can email me at: facilities. [email protected] You will receive a certificate of Building regulation students who are working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award pick- approval upon completion of the installation ing litter in Blackwell every week. from our EO. This will form the basis Entries to our EO. Challenge: We If anyone would like to borrow a of our annual Residents’ Meeting on will be looking out for a “Photo of the • Install to your existing window and door frames litter-picker grabber or have some Monday 19th April. Month” of life in our wonderful Parish • Traditional internally plastered ceiling bags for collecting, please contact us Our annual meeting where we elect via our Instagram/Twitter/Facebook or the District Council. our Chair will be on Monday 17th May. pages #lickeyandblackwell or please with a selection of lighting options We continue to receive reports of Residents are welcome to attend all email them to our EO who will post occasional fly tipping and this can be meetings and details can be found them for you. • ThermeRoof will reduce external noise reported to us or direct to the District along with a calendar of meetings on These may also be considered for • Your conservatory will be cooler Council who are very efficient and our website. our Calendar Competition if you email clear it very quickly. Thank you every- The new calendar and Annual Report a high-resolution picture to the EO. in summer and warmer in winter one – together we can protect the can be found at: beautiful environment of our area. www.lickeyandblackwellpc.org Contact Us Fully transferable, insurance backed We offer a free survey [email protected] 10 YEAR GUARANTEE Annual meeting dates Parish Photo Challenge www.lickeyandblackwellpc.org and quotation service Look out for our Annual Report in the Following the success of the Parish www.facebook.com/lickeyand coming month. This will be avail- Council photo competition last year blackwellcouncil/ FOR MORE INFORMATION able as a digital copy – either on our we have decided to do it again. instagram.com/lickeyblackwell website or by email on request to our Calendar Competition: We are look- twitter.com/LickeyBlackPC 0800 917 5109 totalroofcare.co.uk Executive Officer (EO). ing for high quality photos of life in The views and opinions on this If you are unable to access it online, the Parish to be considered for the page are those of Lickey & REGISTERED OFFICE: AMSPRAY BUSINESS CENTRE, WORCESTER RD, KIDDERMINSTER, WORCS DY10 1HY paper copies will be available, also Parish Council calendar 2022. Blackwell Parish Council. COLESHILL INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, STATION ROAD, COLESHILL Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a Credit Broker not a Lender. We offer Credit Facilities from one Lender. The Village April/May 2021 15 Parish Council News: Spring 2021

elcome to this Spring issue Chairman and Chairs of committees. The Parish Council successfully W of Cofton News. This has been Attendees are invited to raise issues negotiated, and recently received, a busy time for the Parish Council of interest or ask any question of just over £50,000 from St Modwen but we have now set our budget your Councillors. It should be noted Developments, via Bromsgrove and precept (the Parish Council’s that although the meeting is hosted District Council. As per the Act share of the Council Tax) figures for by the Parish Council, it is not a these funds must be spent on the 2021/22 and have fixed the date for formal Parish Council meeting. improvement of open space or our Annual Parish Assembly. Details If you do wish to attend, please infrastructure within the parish. can be found below. contact the Clerk for meeting de- During the next two financial years, We seem to be seeing some light tails – email clerk@coftonhackettpc. the Parish Council intends to spend at the end of the COVID tunnel and org or telephone 07496 979153. these funds on various qualifying I hope that you will soon be able Agenda is on our website www. initiatives including the creation of to get out and enjoy the Spring coftonhackettpc.org. new allotments, additional street weather. furniture and improvements to the I am sure we are all looking Parish Council Finances under-8s play area. forward to meeting up with friends At the end of 2020, the Parish Coun- A further significant sum will and family, and the Parish Council cil completed its budget planning be due when phase 3 of the new hopes to be able to hold its monthly for the next financial year starting in development is completed. meetings face-to-face shortly, and April 2021. to be able to arrange some social A request of £49,059 was submit- Highways and events for the community. Take care ted to Bromsgrove District Council Environment and stay safe. in January for the Parish Council’s In recent months, the Parish Council Councillor Roger Westbury share of the Council Tax. This rep- has continued to pursue the pos- Chairman, Cofton Hackett Parish Council resents an increase of £1,769 from sibility of opening access to our the financial year 2020/21 and for allotment site behind The Grove. Annual Parish Meeting households equates to an increase Negotiations are ongoing with St All Parish and Town Councils of 1.1% over the previous year. Modwen in the hope that an ac- throughout England are required by For this financial year, the Parish cess route might be possible from law to hold an Annual Parish Meet- Council is budgeting for a total adjoining land. ing, which must take place between income of £59,939 which includes Discussions are also under- 1st March and 1st June. rental income, grants and allow- way with St Modwen to secure The Annual Meeting scheduled ances. an independent survey of the for April 2020 was cancelled due to We are anticipating expenditure nearby balancing pond to ascertain COVID-19 restrictions. The Parish of just over £50,000 in the next whether this might need dredging Council will be holding this year’s financial year and therefore mak- in the light of local concern about Annual Meeting for members of the ing a net contribution to our total flooding on neighbouring land. Cofton Hackett Parish as an on-line reserves of approximately £9,900. Regular inspections routinely meeting using the Zoom platform continue on the Myhill Field Play on the evening of Tuesday 27th £50,000 Contribution Area. Graffiti has recently been April 2021 at 7:30pm. from St Modwen removed from the play area, with The Annual Parish Meeting In accordance with the 1990 Town the cost of its removal being kindly enables the Parish Council to report & Country Planning Act section covered by Neighbourhood Watch. to its electorate on what it has 106, contributions can be sought accomplished in the preceding from developers towards the costs Contact the Clerk year. Electors, public and press are of providing community and social Email: [email protected] invited to hear reports from the infrastructure. Telephone: 07496 979153

Any views and opinions on this page are those of Cofton Hackett Parish Council. The Village April/May 2021 17 Alvechurch Parish Council News stock this year. Many of our lanterns NEWSLETTER are not LED ones and replacement March 2021 lamps for them are no longer made. We extend a warm invitation to As a result, repairs can’t be carried out residents of the Parish to attend our and the only remedy is to install new Annual Parish meeting scheduled LED lanterns. This is expensive and to take place on Monday 26th April, combined with the need to replace starting at 7pm. This meeting will be some antiquated held virtually via Zoom. If you wish lampposts; the to join us, please phone or email our whole exercise Clerk for the Access Code which will would need to be made readily available. be to be funded Alvechurch Parish Council will through a Public use this meeting to provide details Works Loan. of its strategic plans over forthcom- which have not resulted in any loss of Whilst consider- ing years. Parish Councillors will be productivity. However, do Parish resi- ing the extent of seeking residents’ general views on dents welcome the fact that the Parish the required path- what the Parish Council intentions Council has a presence in the village way lighting refurbishment, the Parish and priorities will be as well as want- allowing information to be obtained Council seeks the views of residents ing to launch a consultation period or issues to be raised directly with on the need to increase or decrease to seek views on two important the Clerk? Again, the Parish Council is the number of pathway lights in the subjects. These relate to what is the seeking your views on this subject. Parish. For instance, are there any best way the Council could carry out The Parish Council continues with areas where the amount of light pol- ‘community engagement’ and what its business as usual, especially related lution is considered excessive or areas improvements residents want for the to Planning matters. Recently there’s where having additional lights would pathway lighting provided by the been a major housing develop- be beneficial? Parish Council. ment approved off Weights Lane in Finally, the Parish Council remains It’s clear that the Covid restrictions Redditch which will impact on traffic grateful for the considerable efforts have affected all of our lives in some volumes through Bordesley. made by residents to abide by the way. The Parish Council has continued The football ground has a current restrictions imposed by Central to operate, conducting all its meet- application pending for 25 houses to Government. In particular, last year ings via Zoom. This has worked well be built on it. The site is in the green when so many volunteers came and has provoked discussion regard- belt and current policies, including forward to offer their help to those ing further use of Zoom to encourage those in our Neighbourhood Plan, are needing greater assistance during greater involvement and engagement relevant. The decision also has impli- lockdown. There’s clearly a spirit of with residents. Is this something that cations for AFC. The owner of 14 The goodwill within our Parish and the would be welcomed? Would residents Square has appealed again the latest Parish Council would like to explore like to attend regular Zoom ‘surgeries’ decision to refuse consent for exten- the possibilities of that goodwill be- to discuss concerns/opportunities sions to the building even though a ing extended to other worthy projects with their Councillors? previous appeal was dismissed for for the benefit of our community led a not too dissimilar proposal in the by the Council. For instance, would recent past. any residents volunteer to adopt the Residents will also be aware that responsibilities of maintaining the there have been a number of defec- village green or be part of a working We are still able to admit new residents to The Grange and The Lodge despite the tive pathway lights in the Parish. Not party to maintain The Wiggin? Would you like to volunteer your services? current circumstances relating to Covid-19. all lights are owned by the Parish Council, some are owned by the Parish Councillors hope you will County Council. Councillors have join us on the 26th April. If you would like further details about a permanent or respite stay, please call undertaken a detailed survey of the Contacting the pathway lights it owns over recent Mike on 0121 269 1237 or email [email protected] In addition, we would request views on the need for the Parish weeks and a full schedule accompa- Parish Council Council to have a permanent office in nied by a photographic record has Contact the Parish Council on 0121 447 the village. Our officers have had to been produced. 8016 or email [email protected] work from home during much of the This information will form the The minutes of recent meetings appear lockdown period and this has identi- basis of a refurbishment programme at www.alvechurch.gov.uk and we’re on fied different methods of working planned for our pathway lighting Facebook at ‘Alvechurch Parish Council’.

The views and opinions on this page are those of Alvechurch Parish Council. The Village April/May 2021 19 Village Views Village Views Village Views Th e Vill a ge View . . . Village horses ‘a pleasure’ where’s e could save the space of this column and just suggest: “See The Village Views, spring 2017”. Dear Editor – I am writing about the Lawton’s View There were two of them, over three months, story in The Village (February/March vinny? W as first we urged villagers to vote for the independent issue) Horses looking for a new home Lickey End First School – I can’t offer them one, but could pupil Alice Taylor (right), Charlie Hotham in the county council elections and you put a plea in your magazine for St aged eight, was the then, a couple of months later, we said the indepen- Laurence Church to be more lenient latest winner of a Mini dent Kate Van Der Plank should be backed in a by- and help her to find a new home? Vinny in our competi- election to choose a district councillor for Alvechurch. Those horses give us a lot of tion. Both of them were elected and in the years since pleasure, they really do; maybe more If you want to win have shown themselves worthy of our votes as they pleasure than the church tower. one for yourself, you’ll have tackled the things that mattered to us, the Why can’t the church just raise the need to try to find people they represent, rather than the things that the little hedgehog funds? Just help her out; she gives matter to some political party or other. hiding somewhere in everybody pleasure. She has been in They have brought an uplifting breath of fresh air the village for years and she deserves this magazine (the one and the difference they have made to village govern- our help as much as the church does, shown above is just a maybe more. guide!) ment is what makes it more than relevant to write this Can someone help her and give her Tell us where he’s new column in 2021. a field at a convenient place; it would hiding via phone, email We only need look back six years, to April 2015, be so lovely, we do need her in the or post – see details on when this magazine lamented: “Where are the candi- village. bottom of Page 20 – dates?” Worrying that local democracy had taken a hit Name and Address supplied and please include your contact details, especially if before a single vote had been cast in the Bromsgrove Alvechurch leaving a voicemail message, and we’ll draw a winner District Council elections, we pointed out that many I wrote to Mr Javid three times last as part of my job and never wait long- The Editor writes: We received a number at random. villagers had no one to vote for. year and each time, I had to chase up er than a few days for a response, so I of offers to help which were passed on The closing date is midnight on April 28th. We’ll In the new ward of Alvechurch South, for example, the email I had sent in order to get am very disappointed that Mr Javid is let you know if you’ve won and you can collect your to Alicia Stanford. Her horses are now there was the choice between Tory and UKIP . . . and a response. On Mr Javid’s website, unable to reply to his constituents in a Mini Vinny from our office – and pose for a socially settling into their new home in the that was it. centre of Alvechurch (see Page 7). it simply says there will be a “short timely manner. distanced photo with your prize! delay” in replying to emails. If Mr Javid is struggling to keep The one chink of light was a Barnt Green parish Snail-mail MP I waited nearly two months for a up with his emails, perhaps it would councillor who had decided to have a go as an inde- Dear Editor – I am writing to express reply to my first email, so I decided to be wise if he gave up his second job pendent in the Barnt Green and Hopwood Ward. Had my dissatisfaction with the email call his office and ask for an update. as an adviser at JP Morgan. That way, Charlie Hotham not stood, a Conservative candidate responses of our MP, . I rang his office no fewer than 15 he will be able to keep on top of his from would have walked into the seat unop- Mr Javid has done many good times on this particular day and it emails and put his constituents first. posed. Coun Hotham’s surprise victory showed the things as our MP, including running went to answerphone every time. Rebecca Foster (via email) way forward. jobs fairs and Pensioners Fairs, cam- Ironically enough, the answerphone By contrast, in Alvechurch Village Ward that year, message told me it was best to email. paigning for better transport services, Post office, please voters with not a lot of choice blithely ticked the Tory and, most recently, completing a 10K On the two other occasions that I Dear Editor – wrote to Mr Javid, I also waited well box and ended up with another Conservative from run and raising £13,000 for Primrose When will we get a new post office in Catshill. This one was almost never seen again and Hospice, which I am very grateful to over a month and heard nothing, so I Alvechurch and when will the 146 bus resigned two years later – which created the opening him for. had to ring to request that my email be back on the road? And when will for Coun Van Der Plank at the by-election. However, his track record for corre- was seen to. I do not believe that I, or a new car park be built at Alvechurch spondence with me has been nothing any other constituent, should have to station? Her ensuing victory paved the way for further in- short of abysmal. do this. I email other MPs frequently Mark Williams, Alvechurch dependent gains in 2019 and the high interest in the current county council elections. We now have “candi- Conservative proof-reading? dates galore” from all parts of the political spectrum email: [email protected] Dear Editor – This election pamphlet implores us to standing in the three divisions on our patch on May 6, Have your or write to: Letters, The Village, trust the authors, but surely a competent organisation with the possibility of more still to sign up. The Limes, Swan Street, Alvechurch B48 7RR would begin with the correct spelling of my place of Local democracy has been brought back to life by Please include your name and address – even if you request them to residence. A consequence of their education budget the independent villagers who have shown that just say . . . about cuts perhaps? be withheld from publication. We reserve the right to edit submissions voting for a party (and in this constituency that is still Stephen Farley, Cofton Hacket(t) for reasons of space or legality. more likely to be Tory than anything else) may not anything! The deadline for the next issue is May 10. Village Views continues overleaf bring you what you wish for.

20 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 21 Village EnvironmentViews Village Views

vegetables and was Remembering always selling his produce to friends John Folkes and neighbours. Mr Gibbins: A true Quaker Dear Editor – I want to let the read- He fished and Dear Editor – I was very interested would be very happy to know what is get the cardiovascular benefit of their ers of this magazine know of the sad enjoyed the tranquil- to read about the Quakers’ gift to intended for his piece of holy ground effort. death of my father, John Folkes, of ity of spending his Barnt Green surgery (The Village, Feb- in Barnt Green. Fat lot of good excellent lung Latimer Road, Alvechurch. spare time in the ruary/March 2021), not least because Audrie Burton capacity will be if they have broken He had been poorly for a while lovely Worcestershire I worked there for 25 years . . . but be- Bromsgrove limbs or worse because they collide and although he will be sadly countryside. fore I go any further I must point out The Editor writes: What lovely stories – with a moving vehicle – and yes, I missed, it is a blessing that he is no I was proud to call that the Quaker benefactor referred and what a generous man! did mean the words to be that way longer in pain. During his last weeks him my Dad. to was John Gibbins not Gibbons. You will have seen on Page 5 that around. we had some special times together His funeral was at Older readers will remember Barnt sometimes something really is too Julian Cobbledick playing dominos and sharing jokes St Laurence Church Green Garage and my late husband, good to be true and that the sincere Cofton Hackett and that is a good memory. on 30 March and Ken, and his father Sam. wish of the Barnt Green Quaker John lived in the village most of tor of Alvechurch Sports and Social sadly due to COVID, the attendance Mr Gibbins was a good friend to representative to give away the Friends Woodland worries his life and worked as a plumber Club, and enjoyed the social scene at was limited. them both, and when Sam needed Meeting House, as faithfully reported Dear Editor – Two estate agents until his retirement but had plenty The Crown Inn, known by him as the Should you wish to remember the money to buy out his partner, in The Village last issue, doesn’t align bought a parcel of land on the Lick- of interests outside work. He was a “Withybed.” John in some way, there is the op- the bank wouldn’t lend it to him, with the plans of the trustees of the eys 75 years ago called High House gregarious man and enjoyed dress- He was a keen domino player and portunity to donate to our chosen but John believed in him and was Central England Quakers. Wood and Lyn Wood. The intention ing smartly for a social occasion. could still beat you at a game and charities, the RAF Benevolent Fund prepared to do it. was to either kick start their post He spent his National Service in hold a mental picture of who had and Macmillan Nurses, through Tho- My mother-in-law made sure that Path-illogical WWII business with an eye to build or, the RAF and wore his 90 Squadron what tiles right up to the end. He was mas Brothers Funeral Directors. Their the money was paid promptly every Dear Editor – I am astounded at the failing that, was a long-term invest- RAF badge proudly on his jacket a gardener, too, and at his busiest phone number is 01527 547777 month, cash, in a sealed envelope. seemingly growing trend for pedes- ment for their future offspring. whenever he had the excuse to dress had a couple of allotments and a Julie Folkes-Skinner When the full amount had been trians to avoid using footpaths and Several attempts to gain develop- up. He was a keen member and visi- back garden dedicated to growing paid back, Mr Gibbins handed every pavements – or is it just my imagina- ment permission later, it was handed envelope back to them, unopened. tion? down with an ensuing stalemate Unbelievable generosity. As a carer living in Cofton Hackett, I between siblings on whether to When Ken and I were getting mar- have to travel the Barnt Green/Black- sell or not. “Or not” won the day for ried in 1965, Ken was telling Mr Gib- well roads in my car regularly; and several seasons, as it would need a bins about the house we were buying at various times of the day and early unanimous decision to proceed. in Orchard Croft, Barnt Green. evening. I seem to be continually This fine balance worked in the He wanted to know if it had either stopping or having to steer to community’s favour and following central heating. It hadn’t, but Ken avoid people in the road when there an appreciable grant in 2005 and explained that we were going to have is a perfectly acceptable pedestrian subsequent annual parish council it installed. Mr Gibbins asked about option for them. precept funding, High House Wood the boiler and Ken told him it was a What is going on? Is it a death was maintained. But, a surprise was Robin Hood, Beeston. wish? Is it yet another symptom of lurking in the undergrowth with an “Good choice,” said Mr Gibbins, “I’m the mysterious virus? Could there be unannounced sale board appearing. a shareholder in the company. How a vaccine for this peculiarity? Will the The High House Wood Manage- much is it going to cost?” NHS be overrun by accident victims? ment Team then consisted of the Ken told him it was £50. Out came And to add insult to injury (or parish council, a local residents as- the chequebook and he wrote out a near-miss after near-miss), almost sociation and the owner’s agent, with cheque for £50. As he handed it to all of them are wearing dark colours varying degrees of interest. Ken, he said: “And don’t invite me to at all times, in all weathers. Am I the The final selling price is a tribute the wedding!” only person to remember the cam- to local knowledge – particularly the He was a very clever engineer, and paigns “wear something light” and speculative and over-priced parcels if any car parts were needed that “be seen-be safe” or similar? of land sold in recent years in Barnt couldn’t be obtained, John would So many of these people seem to Green, going for many times the ask- make them in his own workshop at be approaching or well into middle ing price of woodland. his beautiful house, Horns Boon in age: don’t they realise that they are Much has been done to protect Linthurst Road. required to set good examples? As for these eight and half acres, but with Ken learned a lot from him and those regaled in running gear – well! the whole site apparently now in loved nothing better than spending They, in particular, seem to believe the hands of one owner (so says the time with him in his workshop. they are armour-plated and invinci- auctioneer), we await its uncertain Such a generous man with his time ble. And that to run anywhere except future. and his money – a true Quaker. He in traffic lanes will mean they don’t Keith Woolford, Lickey

22 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 23 Village People Village Elections Sahara trek for Sarah lvechurch villager Dean truly consider them angels on earth. Marsh is planning to trek across “I would like to specifically thank A the Sahara in memory of his nurse Rachel Ede who went above partner Sarah Quiney and to raise and beyond to support us, even money for Macmillan nurses and the staying past the end of her shift to hospital ward that cared for her. continue to sit with me.” Sarah, who owned The Village Tea Dean added: “I have been blown Rooms in Barnt Green, died from can- away by how quickly donations have cer in September last year and now been flooding in from all over the Dean wants to thank the “angels on world in honour of Sarah’s memory. earth” who were there to help during “This challenge has given me some- a traumatic time. thing to focus on and is my way of He will walk 78km through the Sa- giving back to the absolutely incred- hara, camping all the way, eventually ible staff at the QE. I know Sarah will arriving in Marrakesh. be by my side every step of the way.” He is hoping his October trek will Cathryn Worth, Fundraising raise £6,000 for Macmillan nurses and Manager at UHB Charity, said: “We are Ward 622 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital incredibly humbled by Dean’s story Birmingham – and at the time of writ- and cannot thank him enough for ing was already three quarters of the selflessly choosing to support us dur- way towards his fundraising target. ing this immensely difficult time. Dean said: “Sarah is the love of my “Our thoughts are with him and life and her diagnosis had a huge Sarah’s family and we wish him the Just in time: Charlie Hotham tries the new central refuge on the A441 at Hopwood, installed as his term ends. emotional impact on us both. very best of luck with his fundraising “Although her short stay in the challenge.” QE was traumatic, I cannot begin to Dean’s fundraising page is https:// thank the staff who cared for both www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ of us when we were at our lowest – I Above: Sean Marsh and Sarah Quiney. deansaharatrek Independence in action our years ago, when Charlie Charlie Hotham looks ning decisions and enjoyed his work Hotham became a Worces- with children’s services “which are on F tershire county councillor, he back over his four years an improving journey”. noticed a “disconnect” between the But he has consistently highlighted county and the three parish councils as the independent the county council’s weak financial within his Alvechurch Division. county councillor for position. “I passionately believe This wasn’t surprising; his pre- council services across Worcestershire decessor had been all but invisible Alvechurch Division. need reorganising to form both North during her term representing the and South unitary authorities, poten- Conservative Party, an absence that had been “pleasing”, but there was tially saving millions of pounds a year.” had prompted pleas from Alvechurch always more to do. Coun Hotham said that being an Parish Council to County Hall to ask For him, the highlight had been independent councillor had many her to at least attend their meetings “people, people, people. So many advantages, the main one being he once in a while. lovely residents that it has been a joy could represent residents and not Coun Hotham, who is independent assisting in any way I can.” have to follow the instructions or poli- of any political party, was noticeable He went on: “I know a major con- cies of a political party. by his presence at these meetings. cern is traffic and speeding and I am “I am heartened that two excellent independent candidates are standing Villagers can now watch 7 Days – the film made in The 2019 film tells the story of Blind Dave’s at- “I hope that by regularly attending delighted that the 20mph Alvechurch and working with the parish councils zone has now been officially sanc- in the forthcoming election: Alan in and around this area about local hero “Blind Dave” tempt to run seven marathons in seven days across the disconnect has become less so, to tioned and will soon be implemented. Alvechurch and Kate in Beacon. Heeley – on terrestrial TV. seven continents. Many local actors and crew were the benefit of residents,” he explained. I hope it will be the first of many “Once again, a big thank you to all Made by the local film team of producer Nigel involved including acting cameos from Harry Potter He said that the major county across the division.” who voted for me four years ago. It Davey, of Cofton Hackett, and Hopwood directors Ian twins Oliver and James Phelps as well as members of task of getting roads and pavements At the Worcestershire strate- has been an honour and privilege to and Dominic Higgins, of Pixel Revolution Films, it is Barnt Green Chuggers runners (above, filming a shot resurfaced, including recent improve- gic level, Coun Hotham has been have served as your County Council- now showing on Channel 5 My5. at Hillscourt in Rose Hill). ment in Alvechurch and Hopwood involved in major infrastructure plan- lor,” added Coun Hotham.

24 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 25 Village Elections Worcestershire County Council Alvechurch Elections 6 May 2021 Alvechurch, Beoley, Bordesley, Hopwood, Portway, Vote for a strong Rowney Green and Wythall South Candidates galore! independent voice ith nominations still open until April 8, a feast incumbent Tory four years ago. His main challenger of candidates had already declared them- will be 21-year-old Lickey & Blackwell parish councillor for OUR area W selves as runners for the three Worcestershire Aled Luckman, standing as a Conservative. County Council seats – known as Divisions – in The With Alan stepping up in Alvechurch, independent Vote Village area as we went to press. Bromsgrove District Councillor Kate Van der Plank, There should be plenty of excitement in two of who had been planning to stand in the division, them, Alvechurch and Beacon, where very few votes decided to run in Beacon, covering Barnt Green, Cofton Alan Bailes separated the winners from runners-up back in 2017. Hackett and Lickey. In our third division, Bromsgrove East, covering This could prove interesting because the division’s Blackwell, Lickey End, the Oakalls Aston Fields and long-standing Labour councillor, Peter McDonald, won “I want to create partnerships Finstall, the current county councillor is standing again by only 123 votes last time. with local people so after winning with almost 60 per cent of the vote last Labour has candidates in all of our divisions this that together we can time. But Tory Kit Taylor won’t be taking anything for election, as does the Green Party. create local solutions granted after losing his seat at Bromsgrove in the last As The Village went to press, the Lib Dems had to local problems.” district council elections. declared a candidate in Bromsgrove East, but not in And we have, of course, the ever-growing presence Alvechurch or Beacon, a move which could give the of independent candidates, with newcomer Alan Bailes independent vote a boost in those divisions. hoping to hold the Alvechurch Division, won by fellow Over the following pages, the candidates say why My professional experience often I’m standing for election on 6 May to be independent Charlie Hotham by just 73 votes from the they deserve your vote on May 6. means I’m called upon to assist with the Independent County Councillor for transport issues in the area, such as our area – and I would love your vote. planned and, indeed, threatened, it is and for us to find a way together to speeding and planning applications. I’ve ALVECHURCH vital to have experienced and credible bring about the change we all want been actively involved with Alvechurch I have lived in Bordesley for 30 years and been actively people representing our community. and need in Alvechurch. Parish Council in assisting them with the involved in local issues. I love living in the area, care DIVISION Many of us feel like spectators in AlED LUCKMAN Neighbourhood Plan and Action Plans. passionately about what goes on and have a proven CONSERVATIVE the political system these days. We I’m co-founder of Bordesley Matters, Alan Bailes have never enjoyed so many op- track record for serving our community. IndEpendent I am a local lad and aiming to get a speed reduction for a recent law gradu- portunities to have a say in shaping Seeing what a Birmingham Road and HGVs re-routed. I will also bring essential, relevant professional experience ate at the University our democratic society, yet we can difference our cur- to this role as a highly experienced transport planning of Birmingham. We feel too feeble and helpless to do Over the years I’ve also undertaken rent independent anything about it. consultant, working with Councils across the county on county councillor are lucky to have the following local roles: Chairman As a Labour councillor, I will be traf c plans for the area. I know how Councils work and will Charlie Hotham such a fantastic community and place of School Governors at Alvechurch in which to live, however, it is clear actively invoking change in council, hold them to account – making sure essential services and has made, I believe it is important Crown Meadow; Chairman of Redditch that there are local problems that not just consuming change. infrastructure are delivered when promised. to retain an independent voice for Association of Governors & Chairman Alvechurch Division. many of us face day-in day-out that Kevin White of Worcestershire Association of I have lived in the Alvechurch area need to be addressed. Green Party I’m not a member of a political party nor am I interested in for more than 30 years and been We need to work together to en- I’ve lived in Governors; and West Midlands party rhetoric. I’m an Independent and I’m more interested actively involved in local issues. sure that our community is protected Redditch and Transport Forum – Committee Member. in seeking your views and working with you to get the right and its sustainable future secured. Bromsgrove for As a transport planning consultant While transport is my expertise I’m improvements for our area. working with councils throughout the It is for this reason that I am stand- most of my life also passionate about: country on traffic and planning issues, ing for election. As a young candidate, and am passionate Only by working in partnership can we I know how councils work and I will I believe I can bring my energy and about the area. • Reducing speeding enjoy holding them to account. enthusiasm to make a real difference I believe it‘s very important to stand • Erosion of the green belt get a better deal for residents. and to bring proper representation A county councillor should listen up and speak out against injustice, • Better public transport provision for all in Alvechurch. to local residents and it is important and to promote more sustainable and • Reducing crime and safety Simon Nicholls ethical ways of living. So vote for the person – not the Party to have independent and commu- • Explosion of litter in the area nity minded councillors fighting for Labour This has resulted in my involvement • Environmental issues – on 6 May. the interest of local people, rather I believe in a in dozens of local groups, campaigns than party political representatives relational approach and projects over the past 20 years, focusing on party political manifestos, to enable issues to including Redditch Freegle/Freecycle. I’m keen to listen to you [email protected] which are irrelevant to local people. emerge from local I would provide a fresh, distinctive and understand what With so much development people organically voice to our council. alan4alvechurch issues you want me to 26 The Village April/May 2021 ght for at County level. Promoted and published by Alan Bailes, 397 Birmingham Road, Bordesley B97 6RH Village Elections Worcestershire County Council level: we need hard-working, commit- Now my plan is to continue to help Elections 6 May 2021 Beacon ted people who put the needs of our people in a different way, firstly, in my BEACON Beacon division covers Barnt Green, communities first. election as the district councillor for Cofton Hackett, Lickey and DIVISION Peter Rubery South in May 2019. Vote for a strong Mcdonald If elected as county councillor I independent voice Kate Van Der commit to working with all council- Plank LabouR I campaigned lors to serve our residents. Further- for OUR area IndEpendent more, we must safeguard the green Over the past few with residents to save the 145 bus, belt and ensure that Local Neighbour- Vote years, we have hood Plans are adhered to. demonstrated that a lifeline to many. I independent coun- had the speed limit reduced in Barnt Jill Harvey cillors, focused on our communities Green Road and got a child bollard Green Party Kate Van der Plank not a political party are really making located outside St Andrew’s School to I have lived in a difference. improve safety – then campaigned to Beacon Division I have strong connections with Bea- stop it being removed by the county. nearly all my life. “I understand local con division through various groups I had speed activators located During this time I and projects as well as enjoying and where they were needed throughout have worked locally issues and care about being committed to protecting our the local area. I have always believed as a volunteer and have been a parish beautiful Lickey Hills. in action not words, and will continue councillor for 16 years. what happens here. “ It’s an area I know well, I care about to do so if re-elected. I joined the Green Party 40 years and I would love the opportunity Adrian Kriss ago, attracted by its policies on tack- to use my experience, energy and Conservative ling environmental degradation and enthusiasm to make a difference. I have lived social injustice. I am an experienced councillor with I’ve lived in Worcestershire for 20 years and been It is exciting to have strong inde- and worked in This party really does “follow the a proven track record for working pendent candidates in two divisions: Bromsgrove, as a science” and we believe that “business actively involved – joining local groups, volunteering, hard, getting involved and making a I think people are realising that party health professional, as usual politics” should be a thing of enjoying our beautiful countryside and setting up and difference for our local communities: politics is just not relevant at a local for almost 40 years. the past. leading various community and environmental projects. • Set up and helped lead the Covid-19 Unlike other candidates, I’m not going to promise a magic volunteer group to help residents fast and superfast broadband. Serving been campaigning for improvements. solution to every issue. We hear the same things at every in need BROMSGROVE E. you for another four years would be I have been working with residents to election, from the main political parties, but it’s empty words that my privilege. fix their issues, however big or small. • Successful in getting more litter bins, are rarely delivered. DIVISION I have been reporting blocked dropped kerbs and more CCTV to Mattie What I will promise – and have already demonstrated – is that drains, potholes and more across the reduce crime and y tipping KIT TAYLOR Osborne I will listen and campaign hard on the things that matter to our LABOUR area and helped to save the vital 202 • Helped local businesses access CONSERVATIVE communities. I’ll work hard to represent you and make sure As someone who bus service by launching a petition – Covid grants and successful in Having lived in and I pushed the council into backing our area gets its fair share of resources. l’ll participate in local has grown up in a winning funding for local groups Bromsgrove all enforcement against cars parking meetings, be actively involved, keep you informed about issues my life, raised two rural community, I and charities was raised to respect wholly on the pavement outside a that affect our area and help you access the services you need. daughters here and • Set up and led various environmental and care for our environment. busy roundabout in Aston Fields. And I’ll support and encourage our amazing community groups run a business, the projects and community litter picks issues that concern residents concern Our green spaces provide us with Peter Measham and volunteers, helping them access funding and support. • Helped gain agreement to speed me. As your current county councillor, such joy and freedom to explore and Green Party The independent councillors are making a real difference reductions on local roads I have the experience to get the most exercise that they have become a core Having lived in locally, and I want to continue this progress. part of our rural identities. Bromsgrove for • Helped stop the proposed out of the position and have worked Party politics is just not relevant at local level and the petty with you to solve the problems you I’m looking forward to giving more than 30 years, library cuts bickering between the two main political parties is divisive and have raised with me. people ease to know that their green I want to help solve belts will be protected, fought for • Gained commitment for our area unhelpful. I am willing to work with all parties on any sensible We will continue to reduce speed the housing and to be included in the new electric and avenged within the limits of our traffic problems the area faces. I’ve idea, if it’s in the best interests of the people I represent. limits to reflect the increased usage bus services by cyclists and walkers so that our political system. personally given back to our local roads are safer for all users. SAM EVANS area by helping to run a couple of • Previous experience as a school Development is increasing the LIB DEM community groups, which I feel have governor, Chair of the PTA and On 6 May please vote for the person – pressure on our roads and services. I am a 22-year-old improved the lives of local people. charity trustee not the Party or the empty promises We will continue to put pressure on Master of Laws If elected I will press the county I have a business background after developers and planners so that your student, standing to council to do more to improve the 25 years working at Cadbury and journeys are safer and more comfort- represent the com- district’s air pollution, carbon foot- National Grid and I am currently a [email protected] able. Great strides are being made to munity I have lived print and congestion problems by senior manager for a national charity. ensure every resident has access to in for my entire life and where I have embracing walking and cycling travel. kate4beacon

28 The Village April/May 2021 Promoted and published by Kathryn Van der Plank, 11 Swan Street, Alvechurch, B48 7RR.

Village People Farewell to Rev. Rob . . . welcome to The Fieldson Orchard After 25 years’ work in Barnt Green and Cofton Hackett, the Rev. Canon Rob Fieldson is hanging up his cassock. Here, he reflects on the changes he has seen.

came to be Vicar of Cofton been growth in Hackett and Barnt Green the more informal in July 1995, little realising services, such as all- that this would be the place age worship, Messy from where I’d retire nearly Church, and the new The legacy of Rob All this for the princely sum of vious that it would not be a place 26 years later. Foundry congrega- 110 guineas. A record was also for peaceful reflection by relatives I Fieldson’s work will live In the intervening years tion in Cofton Fields. found that the then Bishop of and friends. Philippa and I have brought up And there’s been a on in many ways, but Birmingham had subsequently The ECO group of the church two children, made many friends, proliferation of small there will now be a lasting consecrated all of this land. took over “ownership” of this piece seen lots of exciting things hap- groups like Monday Fellow- tribute in his name, thanks There is no record of why the Earl of land and decided an orchard of pen in the church and communi- ship, men’s breakfasts, book of Plymouth made such a gesture, fruit trees for the community would ty, and grow to love this area on club, craft group, celebrating to the work of a church but it is assumed that with the be an excellent idea. the edge of the city yet surround- women, mid-week children’s group. Peter Talbot takes coming of the motor car a car park One member of the group is a ed by beautiful countryside. groups and much more. up the story: was needed and at the same time landscape designer and quickly A lot has changed in that time. None of this could have hap- worship would still be limited he tidied up the future of the land drew up plans. In 2019/20 we I used to say I’d never go to a pened without a fantastic team. and farewell events impossible. n the Eastern side of the surrounding the church. started clearance of the land. church with a building project. We’ve been blessed with great Perhaps we’ll come back for that graveyard of St Michael’s A working party started to exam- The best time for planting is in But in our years here we’ve seen curates, children’s workers, parish some time in future. Church in Cofton Hackett ine this triangular strip of land and the autumn so money was raised O by public subscription to buy trees major restoration and reordering administrators, Readers, church We will be very sad to say stands a substantial brick wall and quickly found that our assumption of both St Michael’s and St An- wardens, and lots of other gifted goodbye to all the people we’ve it was always assumed that the that it was owned by the railway and to provide enough for mainte- drew’s churches, refurbishment and committed people who con- grown to know and love in the strip of land beyond belonged to was proving correct by the amount nance of the orchard in the future. of the Parish Centre, extensions tribute in all sorts of ways. church and community here, the railway. of junk that was found in this area. In early December 2020 we to St Andrew’s School, and most The church really is the people but are excited to be moving to During building work inside the There were parts of railway track, planted a variety of fruit trees, 14 recently the construction in Cof- not the building. Grantham in my home county of church in 2019 it was necessary to bits of fencing and other parapher- in all, and hopefully they will all ton Hackett of a new village hall, We’ve learnt that the hard Lincolnshire. obtain old papers from the archives nalia from the railway. What then survive and be available for picking of which I’m a trustee. way over the last year. Because It’s just off the A1, and visitors held in Birmingham Library. were the church to do with this in a few years. We’ve also seen hundreds of of lock-down, worship in church will always be welcome. It was found that in 1926 the triangular strip of land? The orchard helped the ECO new houses going up around has been impossible for many And we know we leave a Earl of Plymouth had bought from Extension of the graveyard for group to be awarded its Bronze the parish, perhaps with more to months and we’ve grown to church where the work of God a farmer in Wythall, the land that funerals was quickly ruled out as ecology badge by the Church of come. value Zoom worship and the new will continue, where there’s a is now the church car park, also access was very limited for coffins, England. Things have changed in the possibilities it offers. welcome for young and old, and the undeveloped and wild part of without serious modifications to And it has been decided it will church as well. While congrega- When I decided to retire at the which will go on serving the com- the graveyard and the small strip the stone wall. A garden of rest was be named The Fieldson Orchard, tions of some of the traditional end of April 2021 (just after turn- munity around it for many years of land beyond the stone wall and considered, but with trains passing in recognition of Rob’s years of services have declined, there’s ing 65) I didn’t realise that church to come. n running adjacent to the railway. every three minutes, it became ob- service to the community.

34 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 35 Village People Advertisement feature Village Financial Bella’s Zoom show bags Mortgage advice on a big bounty Ten-year-old Bella Alden raised £530 for the Palace Youth Theatre in your doorstep . . . Redditch with her own online concert. Village Financial’s Bella (right), a pupil at Alvechurch Middle School, put on the live show friendly staff are and 75 people “tuned in” over Zoom to hear her perform seven songs. looking forward to She normally attends the youth meeting you. theatre, but they have not been able to perform together because of the s we move out of lockdown Life in church pandemic. It was Bella’s first live solo singing we are looking forward to the and temple performance and she hoped to raise potential of resuming face to A retired vicar living in Withybed A £200, so was staggered to smash her face meetings with our new and Green, Alvechurch, has written a target and she is now planning more existing clients. book, Christian and Sikh, about the fundraising mini concerts in 2021. Village Financial is run by Mark challenges and the joys he encoun- www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ Meads, MD and Financial Adviser tered living a dual spiritual life. pytbella and Martine Pope, Office Manager. He spent several years worshipping Whilst our Barnt Green shop may as a Sikh in Wolverhampton while still Check your cupboards for any old football boots you no longer need have been shut during lockdown, active in his Christian ministry and – you could score some joy in western Africa. we are still very much open for this experience forms the core of his Village reader Elaine Rushton, of Alvechurch, sends unwanted boots business via the telephone or over book, while exploring wider themes to children in Tamale, Ghana. zoom! of religious identity and loyalty as “These children are passionate about football; some of them play in We know that the mortgaging of well as the expectations of the com- bare feet or share a pair between two children. a property is one of the biggest fi- munities with which he was involved. “The children are so proud to receive football boots, so please if you nancial decisions you will make, that Above: Mark Meads outside the Village Financial shop on Barnt Green high nChristian and Sikh, by John Barnett have any boots, no matter how old, please remember me – any type is why we have many conversations street, where he is looking forward to being able to meet his clients. (Sacristy Press, Durham £19.99, also any size.” with potential clients to see how we available from Amazon as an ebook Email [email protected] may be able to help. This is particu- source the most suitable mortgage for first time buyers with as little as a at £7.99) larly important if you wish to discuss to meet your financial needs and 5% deposit, we can help ensure that What’s Happening options around Equity Release make the house buying process less you are able to take advantage of mortgages. We do not charge any stressful for you. these initiatives. ALVECHURCH LIBRARY and study table are available for fees unless we are able to complete n We’ll help you every step of your Whatever your home plans, it can From highways writes: “We are delighted to learn 50 minutes and they are bookable a mortgage for you. mortgage journey. be hugely helpful to discuss your that libraries are set to reopen for on the hour from 10am onwards. Providing a one-stop mortgage n We’ll liaise with your estate agent financial options with an indepen- to railways browsing and borrowing from 12th Computers are single-person use for shop for clients seeking first time and law firm as needed. dent expert. Let’s arrange to have a April and we can’t wait to welcome everyone aged 12 or over n We’ll keep you updated as your chat about your plans and see how The Bromsgrove Society Local mortgages, re-mortgages, buy to During lockdown we were lucky mortgage process progresses. we can help. History Group is holding talks on you back through the library doors! let, equity release services and life Things are a little different enough to have a new bespoke cover, Village Financial can help you n We won’t keep you in the dark – Please call us on: Zoom during March and April start- window display unit, built by CW ing at 7.30.pm. though: please wear a face covering with all your home finance plans we’ll phone you when we say we 0121 445 1227 if you can and sanitise your hands. Joinery, to show our books and to and mortgage requirements. will. April 20: Highways and Waymarkers Please keep to the 2 metre distance tempt borrowers to use our services. With the current housing market or contact us via of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and There are still a number of gov- within the library where possible. We have used this corner window still moving swiftly, as an Indepen- the website: Gloucestershire, with speaker Jan ernment incentives in place, with You can browse in the library for in the library to keep in touch with dent Mortgage Brokerage, we can Scrine. stamp duty relief and also support www.villagefinancial.co.uk up to 20 minutes. The number of our borrowers and enjoyed building May 18: L.T.C. Rolt: Railway and Canal customers allowed into a library at displays such as The Gruffalo Scare- Preservation Pioneer, with speaker This firm usually charges a fee for mortgage advice. The amount of the fee will depend upon your needs and circumstances. This will be discussed and any one time will be managed and crow, Lego Hedrig made by Riley and agreed with you at the earliest opportunity. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up payments on your mortgage. An Equity Release product Julian Hunt. nder-12s must be accompanied our latest display of Eeylops Owls will reduce the value of your estate, will not be suitable for everyone and may affect your entitlement to state benefits. To understand the features Full details: www.bsoc.co.uk and risks please ask for a personalised illustration. Village Financial Solutions Ltd is an appointed representative of PRIMIS Mortgage Network. PRIMIS by an adult. The public computers Emporium. Watch this space! MortgageNetwork is a trading style of Personal Touch Financial Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

36 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 37 Advertisement feature Village Finance Financial Jargon Explained #3 ‘What is a Hedge Fund?’ £407 billion later . . . edge funds have a certain mystique n some counts the Budget was Martin Pryor However, from 2023 he has been Habout them. No one entirely seems to Rishi Sunak’s 15th major an- bolder, with no less than a 6% increase understand what they do, but the news- nouncement since his first Bud- looks at how in the rate of corporation tax. papers unfailingly turn to the term “hedge O get, just under a year ago. During this BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS funds” as soon as anything complicated or period, the pandemic has dominated you are going with geopolitical implications happens in the Chancellor’s actions and this was to pay the bill. n The main rate of corporation tax financial markets.T hey’re the renegades true of his latest Budget. will be increased to 25% from April of the financial world.T hey operate in the To no small degree the framework over the same two years, according to 2023 for companies with profits of at shadows. They are the puppet masters of for Mr Sunak’s latest appearance at the Office for Budget Responsibility least £250,000. At the same time, a the global economy. the despatch box had been set by the (OBR). new small companies’ rate of 19% will This reputation is almost entirely non- data-dependent (but date-filled) road Such spending has left a hole in apply to companies with profits of up sense. It’s a carefully curated image whose map outlined by the Prime Minister the UK’s public finances that the to £50,000. main function is to help hedge funds to nine days before the Budget. Chancellor has regularly said must be n For the two years from April 2021, justify the significantly higher fees that Mr Sunak extended the main em- addressed. companies investing in qualifying new they charge their investors. This is similar ployment support schemes to the end However, many outside bodies, plant and machinery will benefit from to the same way that banks once had of September. The most significant of from the International Monetary Fund a 130% first-year capital allowance. opulently decorated branches in order to these, the coronavirus job retention to the Institute for Fiscal Studies, have n The personal allowance will rise to project a sense of solidity, and thus win the £12,570 and the higher rate threshold trust of potential customers. It’s a form of scheme (CJRS – furlough scheme), was told him that now is not the time to will be £50,270 for 2021/22 and both branding. covering 4.7 million employments at raise taxes. will then be frozen for four years. So what’s the reality? Hedge funds are the end of January with a cumulative Their argument is that he should n The capital gains tax annual exemp- just like any other fund. A manager pools cost of nearly £54 billion. only address the deficit (£355 billion tion, inheritance tax rate nil rate bands money from a number of investors, and According to the Chancellor, the in 2020/21) once the economic recov- and pensions lifetime allowance will invests it on their behalf. There are two government’s total pandemic-related ery is firmly entrenched. all be frozen at their current levels main differences.T he one we’ve already spending during 2020/21 and 2021/22 In this Budget, Mr Sunak has largely until April 2026. mentioned is that hedge funds charge very will amount to £407 billion. followed that cautious advice, initially n high fees. The other is that these funds are To put that figure into context, limiting his tax rises to the old stealth The exemption from stamp duty not open to your average private inves- it is £14 billion more than the total option of freezing most personal tax land tax on the first £500,000 of tors. They’ll typically require minimum amount that income tax will produce allowances and bands until 2026. residential property value will be investments of upwards of £100,000 or extended to 30 June 2021 and then more. This is because hedge funds tend replaced by a £250,000 exemption to use more exotic investment strategies until 30 September 2021. that financial regulators deem too risky for n The coronavirus job retention ordinary investors. scheme will be extended in full until One of the most obvious examples of 30 June 2021 and will be phased out such a strategy is short-selling. Short- over the following three months. selling involves betting on share prices n The self-employed income support going down rather than up. Short-selling scheme will also be extended at its is a valid strategy and one that can be current level with a fourth grant cov- useful in uncovering fraudulent or badly ering the period February to April. A run companies. But the potential losses are fifth grant will cover the period May to technically unlimited – hence the restric- September, but this will be at a lower tions on using it in funds that are aimed at level for those who have seen less small investors. than a 30% drop in turnover. The other thing that hedge funds have If you would like to discuss how any in common with normal actively-managed of these changes may affect your own funds is that most of them struggle to beat personal financial or business financial the market over time. Hedge fund manag- planning then please contact us. If you ers would argue that they are not there to would also like a more detailed copy of beat any underlying index, but rather to our budget summary then please email diversify a portfolio by offering protection for a free copy. in bear markets or extreme events. How- Tel: 07961 162818 ever, there are arguably easier and cheaper martinpryor@ ways to secure such diversification for most ppmfinancialplanning.com people. www.ppmfinancialplanning.com 38 The Village April/May 2021 39 VillageVillage ViewsCartoons Advertisement feature Village Holidays Rory: The van you want for the adventure you need From Doctor Who to , this camper van is ready for you to hire now. ack in September 2020, after the first full UK lockdown, B village couple Oli Muscutt and Jess McLinden wanted to escape the Covid madness for a few days and decided to hire a VW camper van. They enjoyed the experience so much that they are now launching their own business offering other people the chance to get away in a VW camper themselves. Get-away vehicle: Oli Muscutt and “We quickly fell in love with the Jess McLinden (above) relax with van we hired and were set on look- Rory, a camper van waiting to Backwards ing for one to own ourselves upon whisk you on an adventure. our return after the trip,” said Jess. became quickly apparent that they “Fast forward four months and we would also love to hire the van out are delighted to say we are now the and we thought – why not? proud owners of a VW T2 Brazilian & forwards! “It was from this idea that On The Kombi we have named Rory – our Road was born.” egular Village cartoonist Bob Lawton has dream became reality!” Rory is available to hirers in amaz- launched a website where people can order Oli and Jess say that in his earlier ing condition with a great candy red his work as greetings cards. years Rory had been an ice cream R and white paint job and a beautiful There’s a choice of subjects, but the one that van and also featured in an episode interior. may appeal to readers of The Village is the “Al- of Doctor Who, in the Matt Smith He seats five people and comfort- era. “It’s fair to say Rory has already vechurch Now and Then” section. ably sleeps four people, with two on had a very exciting life,” said Oli. In these cartoons, Bob takes a scene from the the spacious rock-and-roll bed and “Off the back of this, what at first village’s history and superimposes a modern event two above in the pop-top roof (20st seemed like a mammoth task to re- interacting with the past. weight limit). furbish the van and get Rory to the These can be sent to friends as greetings cards “Being based in the middle of the way we wanted him quickly became for birthdays, anniversaries, with “Good Luck”, countryside in lovely Tardebigge an enjoyable project over the next “Congratulations” or “Be My Valentine” messages we’re incredibly local and would several weekends as we revamped love to hear from anyone interested and, of course, “Merry Christmas”. The message is the van internally to make it our in hiring our van,” said Oli. “Please printed inside the card. own, with the view of travelling get in touch with any questions: The greetings card is printed on 300gsm card around the UK whenever we got a we’d love to hear from you!” and comes with an A5 envelope. Delivery is free. chance. www.ontheroadcamper.co.uk “We had an amazing reaction See: www.lawtoons.co.uk Instagram: @ontheroadcamper from friends and family and it Email: [email protected]

40 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 41 Village Stargazing Directory Perseverance deposits its little TheVillage helicopter, Ingenuity, to the surface of Mars. To get your business or service noticed, Courtesy of NASA call Louise on 0121 445 6757 Protect your loved ones by FURNITURE & traditional Joinery making a Will today Hand-made Sue Jenden Associates kitchens u Specialists in Wills, Trusts, Free-standing inheritance tax planning, and and fitted administration of estates furniture u Affiliate member of the Society Specialist joinery of Trust & Estate Practitioners Design and u Meetings in your own home fitting service u Based in Lickey u Fixed fees

The Workshop, 3 Bear Hill, Alvechurch B48 7JX Tel: 0121 445 5874 This firm complies Tel: 0121 447 8017 [email protected] with the IPW fly-drive TOUR OF MARS www.robertsbespokejoinery.co.uk www.suejendenassociates.co.uk Code of Conduct pring has finally sprung and Amateur astronomer night sky that can outshine just about the activity on Mars continues. everything else. This time though, Perseverance, NASA’s newly Brian Watkiss peers she is being unusually coy because Jesson landedS rover has been busy taking into the Village she never rises far above the horizon Sewell and pictures with its many cameras but night sky. so you will need a very clear view of Swadkins most notably with its SuperCam, and it just north of west. Start looking as Independent home care agency owned and has driven short distances. soon as the Sun has set, as you will Architectural Designers & Construction Consultants run by an experienced Registered Nurse It has even been listening to the leaning over to the right a little. To get less than an hour before Venus sound of the Martian wind. It is yet to the right of the top of Orion, is a disappears too. Design, Planning, Building Regs Traditional, bespoke, person-centred care lower its helicopter, Ingenuity, to the bright reddish star which is Aldebaran Mercury pops up alongside it on ground but that is expected to hap- in Taurus the Bull. Further right still the 25th, although you will prob- Contract Admin Safe, caring, effective, responsive and well-led pen any day now. is the misty patch of stars known as ably need binoculars to find it. While Alterations and Extensions, Registered with the Ingenuity will have to survive a Pleiades or the Seven Sisters. Mercury passes just to the right and Care Quality Commission Martian night before its first flight Looking up above Aldebaran, you carries on climbing higher each eve- Refurbishment & New Build, and that will be a pretty chilling should find Mars looking distinctly ning, Venus stays stubbornly glued to Residential & Commercial Contact Jackie Grant on experience, with temperatures drop- red now, especially when compared her lowly position in the sky. 0121 448 3348 ping as low as minus one hundred to the next star above it, which is The Moon comes to the rescue on The Gate House, Hewell Lane, B45 [email protected] degrees. Elnath in the constellation of Auriga. the 12th of May, however, appearing www.windmill-hill-care.co.uk And you thought it got a bit cold If you were to observe Mars as a thin crescent just below Venus Tel: 0121 454 1144 Email: [email protected] when the canal froze over! through a telescope, you would find but alongside Mercury on the follow- Mars is still visible in our skies that it’s just a crescent because of the ing day, forming a beautiful triangle during April and May but as we leave angle from which we are now view- of celestial objects. it further and further behind on our ing it but as you look at it, think of Another SpaceX Crew Dragon is smaller orbit, it will get dimmer, be- those two rovers roaming the surface due launch in April, on the 22nd, car- coming no brighter than most of the and that little helicopter, surviving in rying four astronauts including one Lloyd Morgan Full PPE available for stars in the sky. those chilly conditions and try not to from Japan and one from France. The 07789 622453 full reassurance Looking over in the west as soon shiver. previous Crew Dragon should return 0121 445 6441 as it is dark, you can still see the giant Towards the end of April, another around the same time but I think the morganplumbingandheating.co.uk constellation of Orion. He’s looking planet starts to peep over the hori- most important date to remember is slightly less majestic now that he’s zon. This is Venus, that goddess of the May the 13th. City & Guilds Fully Qualified Plumber 42 The Village April/May 2021 Village Directory

l Plumbing & Heating Services l Boiler Replacement A.S. PAINTING & l Bathrooms DECORATING l Service & Repair l Pipework Design & Installation Kevin Smith l Domestic, Commercial & l For all your decorating needs [email protected] Industrial contact Alan on 07730 477564 Tel: 0121 445 5636 l Worcester boiler Cleanliness Assured Free Quotes Mobile: 07813 188806 accredited installer T.S. Electrical Domestic & Commercial Property/Landlord Inspections Full & Part Rewires l Fuse Board Replacements Alarms Fitted l PAT Testing l Part P Certified 01564 823882 / 07974 829794 Lilley Green Road, Alvechurch

Bookkeeping F Payroll PPledger D.J.SCRIVEN ROOFING CONTRACTOR CIS returns F Auto Enrolment DAVID JAMES SCRIVEN - ROOFER ElectricalE Self Assessment Tax Returns LOCAL TILE / SLATE / LEAD / TRADITIONAL ROOFING ELECTRICIAN Part P Registered NO JOB TOO SMALL - FREE QUOTATIONS Company Accounts ServicesS Installer 160 SIR HILTONS ROAD, BIRMINGHAM B31 3NW Corporation Tax F VAT n Installations n Maintenance & Repair TEL: 0121 291 9452 07845 268 841 07841 684 547 n Inspection & Testings n Reliable Service Email: [email protected] Call Dean: 0121 445 1601 or 07891 498909 Facebook: DJScriven Roofing Contractor [email protected] www.facebook.com/pg/kjbookkeepingandpayroll Friendly Service, Free 0121 720 0514 LOGS Estimates, The Village Quality Work Kiln-dried, all hardwood is hand-delivered to 10,000 All Internal & External Carpentry logs: cut small homes across this area, so your Insurance Work Undertaken J & D MASON £70 a bag: discount for 2 Dave Terry 0121 445 1574 or 07970 966470 – OPTICIANS – Plus: net of kindling with each bag FOC advert is guaranteed to reach a www.classic-carpentry.co.uk wide audience. [email protected] Providing quality eyecare for over 40 years Call: 07973 216283 To make sure your business or CTB alarms ltd service gets noticed, call Louise Your local alarm company on 0121 445 6757 – and don’t • Alarm Installations • Alarm repairs • Alarm system servicing forget that we offer a FREE • Upgrade/Modernisation of alarms 24/7 response • 25+ years experience design service! Texecom & Honeywell approved 23 The Square, Alvechurch t: 0121 445 2865 Company reg number: 06164927 e: [email protected] w: www.ctbalarms.co.uk 0121 447 8682 44 The Village April/May 2021 Village Directory

& HETAS Stove Installer Kiln-dried l Prompt, reliable and friendly service hardwood logs l Cowls and Chimney Pots fitted l Fully qualified and fully insured l Guild certificates issued after every sweep Coopers Hill Farm, Alvechurch B48 7BX Call Eddie: 01527 962555 / 07712 220671 www.elitesweeps.co.uk 0121 447 7313 [email protected] QUALITY FLOORING. . . AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Treat Your Home to a Roofing, Floors, Kitchens, Doors, 1st & 2nd Fix Recommended New Build, Extensions & Refurbishment Find Us on Facebook: NEW Carpet or Rug Transform Flooring Domestic, Commercial and Schoolwork

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Domestic, Industrial and Commercial Electrical Services Unit 6, Accredited Installers of Electric Vehicle Charging Points Britten House, The Old Needle David Hughes 07540 182293 Works, [email protected] Service Work, Engine Management Faults, Britten Street, Electrical Repairs and All Mechanical Repair Work we now sell Redditch B97 6HD composite doors 07592 303104 or Nicky Robinson Aesthetics www.acsinteriordoors.co.uk 07910 289565 Advanced Aesthetic treatments with registered nurse/midwife prescriber (reg. with NMC) All Makes Accepted l Volkswagen Master Technician Anti-wrinkle treatments, dermal fillers, 20 Years’ German Car Experience n Plumbing Phil Newton Life Coaching Therapy Microneedling with Skin pen, Profhilo n Plastering Now at Coopers Hill, Alvechurch B48 7BX u Fully insured u Certified by Derma Medical n Tiling u Make a positive change Member of the British Association of Cosmetic Nurses n Carpentry Tel: 07948 044671 n t. 0800 310 2720 Tel: 07843 047688 E: [email protected] Vinyl/Laminate Fitting [email protected] Alicia Benbow: n Fully Insured m. 07900 925 651 Web: www.nraesthetics.co.uk Life & Business Coach Instagram: @Nickyrobinsonaesthetics w. www.newtonbathrooms.co.uk e. [email protected] EMDR & Master NLP practitioner Clinical Hypnotherapist/Psychotherapist The Village Energy healer K M Window Cleaning Service Local, Reliable, Affordable, Professional Clear: m Anxiety m Panic attacks . . . is hand-delivered to 10,000 Free Quotes Competitive Prices m Stress m Phobias m Grief m PTSD Regular 6 Weekly Visits homes across this lovely area. Improve: m Confidence m Relationships FRIENDLY FAMILY BUSINESS Commercial & Residential m Resilience m Happiness m Balance To give your advert a very large 7 days a week l 24 hours a day l Fully insured All Types of Windows Frames & Sills Conservatories l audience, call us on: Tel: 07876 688497 Free boxes, bubble wrap, tape and a packing service Gutter Clearing Email: [email protected] www.moveit-removals.com Freephone 0800 7734189 www.lifecoachingtherapy.co.uk Life Coaching Therapy Karl McLeod 07716 738134 [email protected] 0121 445 6757 Tel: 01527 893250 Mob: 07973 358392 Village Wildlife Village Animals Help for hillfields! Animal sanctuary faces growing demand as chances to raise money diminish, writes Ingrid Bromley. illfields Animal Sanctuary in Greenhill, Blackwell, was H founded more than 40 years ago by Lynne Tudor, who has lived all her life in the local community. The sanctuary began with just a few animals and since those early days in 1979 the number of animals at Hill- fields has increased steadily and it is now home to more than 300 animals, Birds’ new homes bonus including: horses, ponies, goats, pigs, he New HOMES of Cofton Avian homes: St sheep, ducks, geese, chickens, dogs Hackett may be nearing Andrew’s pupils and cats. completion, but village (above) with the Many of the animals have been T rescued from cruelty or neglect or, in church members and school staff new boxes for their jumped at the chance to provide school grounds, some cases, when their owners were much-needed avian houses, writes including the simply unable to look after them any Douglas Allenby. ‘sparrow terrace’ longer. When Severn Trent Waste offered seen in situ (left). Lynne, who runs the sanctuary 27 beautifully constructed RSPB almost single-handedly, is devoted to bird boxes, members of St Andrew’s Mike Powell and caring for the animals and works tire- church and primary school, Barnt Douglas Allenby lessly every day and has never taken Green, and St Michael’s church in (below, left) install a holiday. She puts the welfare of Cofton set to work. a box for a kestrel the animals before her own on many The boxes came in all different (close-up below) in occasions. shapes and sizes ‚ from small indi- the new Fieldson In 2000, Hillfields was one of only vidual boxes suitable for robins and Orchard by St ten animal sanctuaries in the UK to be wrens, through multi-occupancy Michael’s in Cofton nominated for an award from Sir Paul sparrow terraces, right through to Hackett. McCartney in memory of his late wife, made a personal donation to Hillfields. to raise funds have been far fewer huge owl and kestrel boxes. Linda. Entertainer and BBC Radio 2 presenter than usual. Fifteen were installed at St Hillfields received a generous dona- Paul O’Grady made a donation to the Lynne urgently needs funds to help Michael’s churchyard, five at St An- tion from Sir Paul, which was used to Hillfields charity last month. with food, hay, vets’ bills, fencing re- drew’s church, two at the Vicarage, build barns to house the animals. To Lynne would also like to thank local pairs and repairs to sheds that house and five at the primary school. this day Lynne still has no idea who businesses for their support in donat- the animals. With the bird-nesting season nominated her but was so relieved at ing raffle prizes for a fundraising event She hardly ever turns an animal now in full swing we hope that new the time to receive such support. Hillfields was able to hold in 2020 – away and has rescued thousands of residents will make the most of Hillfields is now a registered charity, special thanks go to The Victoria, Barnt animals over the years. these desirable residences. and to secure the sanctuary’s future Green, and The Red Lion, Alvechurch. If you would like to find out more Do keep your eyes out to see Lynne continues to rely on donations As it has been for almost everyone, about helping, see: whether the boxes are being used from the public for its survival. the past year has been very difficult www.hillfieldsanimalsanctuary.org.uk over the coming months – and a A few months ago, actress Joanna and challenging for Lynne – she has where donations can be made online. big thank you, too, to both the RSPB Lumley, who is passionate about received more calls than ever to help Alternatively, there is a collection box and Severn Trent Waste for this animal welfare, heard about the to rescue animals, but opportunities for cash donations at Blackwell Stores. generous donation. excellent work that Lynne does and

48 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 49 Village Wildlife Village Environment Cleaner Greener Alvechurch HELP US TO looks ahead Cleaner Greener Alvechurch has been meeting on Zoom during the lockdown, having useful talks about reducing our carbon footprint, biodiversity, recycling and waste reduction, and sustainable food and build a homeware shopping, writes Jessica Thistleton. Left: A rescued baby hedgehog, pictured by Annette English. Above: We are now planning some activi- Highway hole in fence/ courtesy of ties that can happen when more free Hedgehog Street. movement is possible. or even two in your gardens. If you do, An exciting initiative is the Bee hedGehog Wild! Project that we hope everyone remember to log your sighting on the Alvechurch Hedgehog map. You can will get involved in. It will involve put out food to encourage them such people choosing part of their garden, as special dried hedgehog food or wet big or small, to let wildlife flourish, so or dry cat food (preferably not the fish we make a wildlife-friendly patch- variety). work throughout the village, like a highway Please do not give hedgehogs milk networked nature reserve. id you know that hedgehogs Humans can help these There will be lots of suggestions can travel up to a mile every as they are lactose-intolerant, nor from letting grass and wildflowers night in search of food? That’s fantastic little creatures mealworms as this affects their cal- D cium level and is bad for their bones. grow to installing a pond or making a long way for a little spiny creature to thrive in our villages, your garden hedgehog-friendly. to snuffle around our gardens and Always remember to put out a shal- Look for more details on our website scurry across our roads in search of writes Annette English. low dish of water, too. You may find and Facebook page soon. their favourite foods, such as insects ing through more than 60 gardens. that other animals are attracted to the Following on from the waste and invertebrates including worms, The route includes miniature ramps food you put out so you could make a reduction session, we hope to collect beetles, slugs, caterpillars, earwigs and staircases with CD-sized holes hedgehog feeding station. some difficult-to-recycle materials and millipedes. through ancient stone walls, fence Or if you don’t fancy making your like blister packs from medicines. Unfortunately many hedgehogs panels and even special concrete (Jan Brice, Dave Perryman and Donna I really hope we can make a own you could buy one from vil- We are also looking at setting up get injured crossing roads or find their gravel boards with ready made holes. Timms) and we have created our Hedgehog highway to rival Kirtling- lager Andy Fincham, who is making a bra bank for re-use by charity. Fol- way blocked by the fences and walls The village has a map of all the gar- very own Hedgehog Highways map. ton’s. Imagine if everyone joined in, hedgehog houses (see opposite page) lowing the success of the swap shops we put around our gardens. dens that are connected and its aim is Well, I say “we”, but really I mean Dave that would be a huge area that our for us that can be used as feeding in 2019, we hope to run further One village in Oxfordshire decided to connect all 75 gardens in time. Perryman who has been the technical Alvechurch hedgehogs could roam stations or hedgehog homes. Check events. The first will be a welly-swap to try to help. You may have read Kirtlington village inspired me to wizard behind setting the map up and safely around. It really is important to out the Cleaner Greener Alvechurch for children – or even adults. about Kirtlington: they have one of wonder if Alvechurch could do the we are very grateful for his expertise. help our wildlife in any way we can. website for details. The group is aiming to make a dif- the longest hedgehog highways in same? So, I talked to a few people I You can log on to our local map Did you know that the hedgehog Fingers crossed, you will all join ference in Alvechurch, to contribute the country with a highway pass- know who are fellow hedgehog lovers which is part of the Cleaner Greener population has fallen by 90 per cent in with this initiative. If anyone from Alvechurch web-site: since the second world war? And one areas outside of Alvechurch village to the fight against climate change www.cleanergreeneralvechurch.org.uk of the reasons for this is the way we would like to map their gardens too, and other ecological threats. Here you can log any sightings of have compartmentalised land into then we can extend the map; just log This includes reducing excessive hedgehogs and if your garden has private gardens that are inaccessible your hedgehog-friendly garden on carbon and air pollution, minimising easy access for hedgehogs, you can to them. the webpage and Dave will add it on. the use of plastics and encourag- put it on to the map and let your Hedgehogs need space to forage, We are hoping to link all our ing re-use and recycling in place neighbours know so they can hope- create territories and find a mate and sightings and maps to the national of throw-away culture, and trying fully do the same. soon they will be waking up from Hedgehog Street campaign – www. to combat species loss and lack of Making your garden easily acces- their winter hibernations. They will hedgehogstreet.org biodiversity in our wildlife. sible is as simple as a creating a hole start roaming again to find food, put Log on to their website to be- n You can find out more on our web- in your garden fence or wall. The hole on any weight lost during the winter, come one of over 90,000 Hedgehog site, www.cleanergreeneralvechurch. only needs to be 13 cms x 13cms (5” x gaining the strength and energy to Champions and find lots of useful org.uk or search for Cleaner Greener 5”) to allow the hedgehogs to be able start their new families. information regarding these wonder- Alvechurch on Facebook. to meander through our gardens. With luck you will see a hedgehog ful creatures.

50 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 51 Village Weather Village Country Diary Spring arrives on time Alvechurch Left: An ‘upward Flow of nature: amateur icicle’ spotted and Woodland roots hint photographed by at the ‘wood wide weatherman Phil Village reader Geoff web’ below. Thomas records Franklin in Cofton the changes. Church Lane, Cofton Hackett during the oth temperature and rainfall February cold spell. were slightly above normal for Geoff told The Village: BFebruary. The mean temperature “The air overnight had of 5.0C was 0.3C above the local 30- been just the right year average. Rainfall also was slightly temperature for the more than the average, with 58.6mm water to freeze as it was – 109% of the 30-year average. being squeezed out of There was a cold spell from the 6th the post and the wind to the 14th of February when snow has honed it to the fell on five consecutive days, the 7th shape of a feather. to 11th. The 11th was a very cold day “I’ve found similar with a maximum temperature only photos online but only reaching just above freezing at 0.3C. from places where it’s March has been cooler than normal. seriously cold.” Daytime temperatures were mostly lower at 9.7C, which is 0.7C below the Below: The sun glows local average. through a snowfall. ANCIENT LIFE . . . Overnight temperatures were at 3.1C – 0.3C above the local average. The mean temperature of 6.4C was slightly lower than normal. These temperatures result from t’s been a typical climate-change spring of more overcast skies than we would very cold and very warm, with confusion to Important as they are, expect at the start of Spring. Overcast some of our wildlife. I’ve been watching the there is so much more to weather means fewer night frosts and hazels trying to coordinate the appearance lower amounts of sunshine. of the little red female flowers with the male woodland than trees, With only five days of March remain- catkinsI being pollen-ready. They’ve found it hard this writes Mary Green. ing, the number of hours of sunshine year so I hope there won’t be a nut shortage. was 64.3hrs, which is only 57% of In the last issue I wrote about naturally regenerat- There are some ancient woodlands within The Vil- the entire month’s expected average ed woodland. This time I’ll look at another biodiverse lage area, but there are far more remnants of ancient level. habitat you can see round here: ancient woodland. woodland where you can see something of the com- Rainfall was also low at 29.4mm, just The definition of this is woodland that has existed plex of species that used to be there. There are also half of the normal values. Outlook likelihood is greater for high pressure at least since 1600. It is one of our most important newer woodlands planted on ancient woodland, and February 2021 More settled in the south, very mild to build across the UK giving more habitats and has many species that we all know and these too will have a lot of the biodiversity still there. Mean Max 8C 0.2C above average at times to start the month. There are settled conditions for most. Tem- recognise as part of the English countryside. In fact, there are some patches of ancient woodland Mean Min 2C 0.4C above average signals for a significant area of low peratures are likely to start cooler in People are getting very keen on planting trees to Mean 5C 0.3C above average that don’t have any old trees at all, but because they pressure focused over the northwest the north with mild conditions in the help combat climate change. That is fine, but the Rainfall 58.6mm 109% of average have been re-wooded or allowed to regenerate, the as we move further into April, bring- south, becoming very mild at times, Royal Botanic Society, the Woodland Trust and oth- Sunshine 76.3hrs 102% of average other species are still there. ing heavy rain or showers, alongside however this may be tempered by ers have warned that there are more urgent things A woodland is not just a collection of trees. It has strong winds which may sink south wind and rain, trending back towards to do. First, we must stop destroying existing wood- March 2021 (to 26th) across the UK into April. However, the average conditions into April. trees, with their roots underground and inter-relat- land, and conserve it. Next, we must encourage Mean Max 9.7C 7C below average ing with others and with fungi, linked in a way some natural growth like the woodland I wrote about last Mean Min 3.1C 0.3C above average More information at www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com You can people have called “the wood wide web.” It will have Mean 6.4C 0.2 below average time. They emphasise that it is about establishing see an improved HD weather-cam, updated at one-minute intervals, at: an “understory” of smaller trees and shrubs. It will Rainfall 29.4mm 55% of average a biodiverse environment, not planting individual Sunshine 64.3hrs 57% of average www.alvechurchweather.metsite.com/webcam_alvechurch.php trees. continues overleaf

52 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 53 Village Country Diary continues from previous page have creepers and vines. Most of all it will have a ground layer of flowering plants, ferns and mosses that thrive in this habitat. Then of course it will have all the fungi, insects, invertebrates, birds and mammals that live with these plants. It’s fascinating when out walking to find some of the “markers” of ancient woodland, usually along a lane or hedge, or in one of the dingles our streams run down. April and May are ideal times to see them. The trees are coming into leaf and blossom so are more clearly identifiable, as well as beautiful. It’s also the main flowering time for the ground plants before the leaves close out the sunlight overhead. You can find ancient woodland in An old woodland remnant near Barnt Green. Pinfield Wood, up from the station at Barnt Green, and open to walkers. A path is diverted above the tunnel, is Lane, Old Birmingham Road, all round different woodland conditions so good part of Peck Wood in Rowney mostly relatively recent tree planting Rowney Green and on Aqueduct Lane rarely grow together. There’s a great Green is also ancient, though only – 19th and 20th centuries – but is on (where there are some lovely “sympa- example in the Wiggin Meadows open for a week in May, and possibly ancient woodland so there are some thetic gardens” including woodland in Alvechurch which has bluebells not this year, but you can see into it older trees and lots of “markers”. flowers.) in woodland remnant on one side from roads. There are other patches An easy place to see remnants of Parts of the canal have been carved and wild garlic on the other. Birches of ancient woodland in Rowney ancient woodland is Birches Lane out of woodland, and there are signs bridleway also has both in different Green, one with a footpath through it. bridlepath, which leads from With- of it in many places, sometimes along places. These bulbs do well as they Hopwood Dingle is excellent ancient ybed Green to Cooper’s Hill. It has lots the towpath side though the trees flower early before the leaves shut out woodland. Though it is a nature re- of classic markers, but also several that form hedges are often over-cut. the sun, and don’t depend entirely on serve you can’t visit, it has benefits in garden rejects that have established There is an especially good patch of insect pollination. preserving this kind of habitat. There themselves, mostly without damaging remnant woodland alongside the ca- The earliest marker in the year is are similar wooded dingles on other the old flora too much. nal just beyond the Shortwood tunnel dog’s mercury, a little green-flowered farms, not open to the public. There’s Just walking round the roads you before Tardebigge Old Wharf, which is plant, which survives in hedges long a fascinating stretch of old woodland can see it in the hedges and verges, easy to walk alongside. after the trees have gone. This grows with footpath above the railway though these are often destroyed along the canal and in lots of hedges leading out of Barnt Green towards by the council and their contractors. hat are the markers? First round here. Blackwell. Scarfield Hill is a good example, but the trees, old oaks and ash, Wood anemones and wood sorrel Shortwood, where the canal tow- there are also remnants on Foxhill W occasionally beech, but are also markers, obviously named, Gnarled: An old oak is a marker of ancient woodland. also smaller trees like hazel, haw- and both delicate white spring flow- harmony with the other plants.) True town hall clock plant. This has tiny thorn, cherry, crab-apple, yew and ers growing along with bluebells. You yellow archangel grows in Peck Wood, green flowers with four outward faces holly. I like to think of trees being like can find them in Birches bridleway, along the canal near Alvechurch and like a municipal clock. It flowers at mushrooms – the noticeable fruiting Scarfield Dingle, Scarfield Hill road under a hedge in Withybed. In clearer Easter and is thought of as a symbol bodies above the ground while the hedge, Peck Wood and other places. patches you’ll find primroses, and of Christian watchfulness. I’ve seen it important part is hidden underneath Also in Birches bridleway is sweet maybe spring orchids, especially early along the canal near Shortwood, in in their roots. Creeping and climbing woodruff, with tiny white stars that purple orchids – I have seen these in the dingles near Withybed, and along plants like ivy, clematis, honeysuckle, release a beautiful perfume. Shortwood. the north shore of Bittell reservoir. rose and bramble grow with them. There is also yellow archangel, Less obvious are the non-flowering Woodland is full of insects, spiders On the ground are the key markers a yellow version of the deadnet- plants. Harts tongue fern is a good and crustaceans, including flies, midg- which are still there if the big trees tle. (Unfortunately, there is a similar marker, and again is frequent in es and mosquitos in summer, but also have gone. The best known is the garden plant with variegated leaves Birches Lane. There are sedges and some specialists. There are wood ants, bluebell. Our bluebell species grows that takes over if it gets into the reeds that particularly like woodland, which build tall nests, spray acid and almost exclusively in the UK, and wild and has driven some of these and mosses and lichens. travel in columns. They eat aphids and especially likes ancient woodland. out. Because they are not naturally One of my favourite flowers to find even “farm” them till they are ready. Bluebells, a key marker of ancient woodland, around an old oak. Another bulb plant is wild garlic, part of the “web” they don’t grow in also a marker. These two like slightly is moschatel, otherwise known as the continues overleaf 54 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 55 Village Country Diary Village Gardening continues from previous page cry, the nuthatch, with its beautiful There are woodlice of course – two colouring creeping down trees, and kinds, one which rolls into a ball and the little brown tree-creeper creep- one which doesn’t. They feed on ing up them. wood. There is a woodlouse spider, You may not see mammals, but which eats woodlice. Everything is they will be there. Most of our old linked. There are specialist bugs – woods have badgers – Peck Wood those small insects with hard backs - is especially good – foxes will visit, such as the forest bug which lives on deer will graze, and any number THE SENSE oak, and the hawthorn shieldbug. of small rodents will feed there There is even a slug which only lives especially, of course, wood mice. in old woodland, the lemon slug. This means there will also be birds And there are butterflies, including of prey visiting the woods, especially owls. I have seen a tawny owl flying the common speckled wood. Ancient woodland markers: Wild Fungi of course are everywhere garlic (above), moschatel (below) down one of the dingles here in underground in the woods, some and yellow archangel (bottom). daylight, and you will hear them fruiting bodies coming out on at night in any of our woodland OF WONDER the tree branches and trunks, remnants. some on the ground underneath. Enjoy seeing these remnants of Some of these are specialists like ancient woodland this spring: they the birch polypore or the jelly ear are an important part of our life, not which grows on elder. Others grow just for biodiversity but for carbon more generally on or round either capture and absorbing pollution deciduous trees or round conifers, too. being linked to their roots. Ancient And they don’t look after them- woodland will have well established selves in the absence of a full set networks of these. of wild mammals to graze them, so Old woodlands and remnants of sensitive management is needed. them are full of birds. We are familiar They are supposedly protected but with most as they are also garden this is often over-ridden for building birds – thrush, blackbird, chaffinch, and infrastructure projects. They woodpigeons and so on. At this cannot be replaced by “planting time of year especially you will hundreds of trees to compensate” – hear migrants that come in spring: we don’t have four hundred years to chiffchaffs and wood warblers, and wait for ecosystems to develop! possibly cuckoos. There are also n I wrote this poem (below) in April specialist woodland birds like the last year and didn’t think I’d still be greater spotted woodpecker, which in the same situation now. It’s set drums on trees instead of singing in my garden during lockdown, but to attract a mate and mark terri- the memory in it is of Grovely Wood tory. There’s the green woodpecker in Wiltshire, a wonderful ancient or yaffle, which makes a laughing woodland. Then a strand of music comes across the hedge Fingers slide on a guitar string, the air trembles This music A voice takes up an old song, quiet and strong I am motionless, spellbound. The livingness of it. I’ve forgotten what live music means. The hand, the voice crept by me The way it comes and goes across the breeze. Somehow I am taken back forty odd years How will I remember this in time to come? Sitting quiet in an old oak wood in Wiltshire If the next generation ne of the many things I love about hanging I occupy the foam of cow-parsley, scent of lilac Listening to nightingales, feeling like an intruder out with my grandchildren, (and I’m lucky loves the natural world, enough to have five of them) is learning how A blackbird pours its liquid gold from one ash tree But wrapped for ever in the music of ages they live in the moment. A walk is slow if you Woodpigeon purrs on the other, leaves breaking round, I am as old as the oak tree, young as the sweet woodruff they will look after stop to check out every beetle or flower or The sunny day becomes a hazy evening it, writes Hannah Part of everyone who has ever sat among trees tell stories about unicorns! It is this innate I drink my tea and feel the air of spring Listening to music and birds, my eyes brimming. Genders. O continues overleaf The Village April/May 2021 56 The Village April/May 2021 57 Village Gardening Village Gardening continues from previous page sense of wonder in the world around us and especially in the natural world that we can sometimes lose as we get older. I was friends with an elderly lady once (she lived to be 100) and she never lost that sense of wonder or excitement at new things; she was fabulous to be with. If we can harness this sense of wonder and excitement at the natu- ral world, we can teach our children or grandchildren to fall in love with it, and if we fall in love with something we look after it. I believe gardening can be a way in, so I want, this month, to give some ideas on how to involve the next generation.

s you will know from reading this article, I love growing food A and so do children with the right amount of encouragement. If you have room, give them a small plot, one metre square is enough. Talk to them about what they would like to grow to eat and get some seeds of their choice. I think choice in this is vitally im- portant, most children love peas, car- rots, and sweetcorn. All are relatively easy to grow and once they have tasted a pea straight from the pod there will be no looking back. times called are ideal. Once you have to be aware of this: mud pie kitchens used up all the mixture making the Beans are also great seeds to han- them, they will take over so make are a great way to encourage outdoor balls, allow these to dry in the sun. dle and plant as they are quite large. sure you plant them somewhere that play and can give a small child hours Then comes a bit of environmental One idea to help them understand they can ramble away and cover the of fun. anarchy, these seed bombs can be how plants grow and the difference ground – they also need to be in a I recently asked a student what lobbed into places where more wild- between roots and shoots, is to plant sunny spot. The strawberries they was one of their favourite childhood flowers are needed. a broad bean seed in a jam jar. Half produce are small but very sweet. memories and they said it was mak- Woodland spaces are places that fill a small jam jar with cotton wool, If you have room grow raspber- ing mud pies. It is very easy to set up, children love, if you are fortunate dampen it and then put the seed in, ries (and in my experience once the you just need some old saucepans, a enough to have a garden large making sure the bean is sideways on children have found them there measuring jug, an old wooden spoon enough to incorporate a wilderness and visible, so you and your child can won’t be any left for you or the birds) and some clothes to get muddy in. or woodland area. see the root and shoot appear. redcurrants, white currants and Create a log pile, leaving old logs to Get them to look after it, keeping blackcurrants. nother mud idea is to make rot down will attract all sorts of small the cotton wool damp. It is quite If you only have room to grow a seed bombs. In a bowl or a insects or creatures to be discovered. magical when it starts to grow, you climber try a loganberry or thorn- A bucket, mix together one cup of I went on a bug hunt recently with can of course plant it outside after- less blackberry. If your garden is seeds, ideally wildflower seeds, then two of my grandchildren and in one wards too and eat the beans when larger, apples, pears and plums – and add five cups of compost and three old log we found, beetles, worms, mil- they have formed. perhaps get a child to plant one of cups of clay (or it can be eight cups of lipedes, grubs and some hibernating Fruit is also an excellent thing to the trees with you. It then becomes clay soil). wood wasps. I was as excited as they grow to encourage children to forage their tree, and they help look after it Then start adding water until the were; I always encourage them to in the garden. Wild strawberries or as well as eating its fruit. mixture forms a small ball and sticks handle what we find and talk about alpine strawberries as they are some- Play is so important, and we need everything together. Once you have Continues overleaf 58 The Village April/May 2021 The Village April/May 2021 59 Village Gardening Devon Finney All aspects of Tree Surgeon tree surgery NPTC Qualified undertaken Fully Insured l Stump grinding l Hedge cutting Specialist in all aspects of tree work: l Landscaping Felling, removal, topping, thinning, reductions, pollards, NPTC qualified tree surgeon lifts, cut backs, tree inspections l stump grinding Fully insured l Grass cutting 24-hour emergency service For a free no-obligation quotation call Oli: 07391 551413 or For a free estimate and advice, call 07800 532690 Neil: 07834 554710 Email [email protected] [email protected]

Garden Landscaping & Maintenance: RHS Award-winning garden design Driveways, Patios and landscaping services. & Decking All aspects of hard and soft Lawn Mowing landscaping undertaken. Fencing & Gates For a free no-obligation quote call Dan Ryan 0121 445 1253 on 07890 532859 or 0121 453 6520 Hedge Cutting [email protected] or Garden Clearance www.designitlandscapes.co.uk 0751 7367663 Continues from previous page www.hopwoodgardenservices.co.uk Proud to be members of the creatures as our friends, which [email protected] they are – we would not last long without them. Building dens outside was one of my favourite things to do as a child, although I always seemed to be repairing my den between rain showers. I would encourage you to have a pile of den building equipment in your garden and keep it natural. Willow is ideal or large hazel poles to make a wigwam style structure. For older children, get them to design the den first and give them the challenge of using only natural materials. The more hidden they can be the more they love it. I did this exercise in a school a few years ago and a group of girls built a lovely den only to find the next day a duck had appeared and laid three eggs in it which she was proudly sitting on. The girls were thrilled and carefully observed her until the ducklings hatched. Another fantastic way to be absorbed in nature is to be near or in Continues on Page 62

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new showroom now open: unit 1 hewell road, enfield, redditch b97 6bw SALES/SERVICE/REPAIR OF ALL LEADING MAKES OF MOWER Continues from page 60 the reeds and under the water lilies. and he went on to write many water. Wild swimming is fantastic for Roger Deakin, who was a famous wonderful books, as well as to set l Garden Shredders nature writer and environmentalist, up Common Ground helping people children if you can get them swim- l Hedge Cutters ming in a lake or a safe river while said his love of nature came when, all over the UK to celebrate local they are still young, they will do it as a young boy a teacher asked him distinctiveness, from heritage apples l Blowers l Strimmers when they are older. to study the great diving beetles in a to parish maps and tree trails. l Pond dipping is also a fun activity, pond at school. Let’s together get the next gen- Garden Vacuums helping them to learn about another He was hooked from that moment eration engaged in the natural world l Sharpening of Shears eco system and the magical world in on, his love for nature never waned and see where it leads them. & Chainsaw Chains

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