In and around Lickey!
Lickey Extension Cemetery working party 18 November 2024 (11)
Only 24 hours before the first fall of snow on the Lickey Hills, a party of volunteers had a morning of clearing unwanted plants and seeded saplings from the Holy Trinity Church Extension Cemetery.
Two ’Tree Poppers’, donated to the country park by The Lickey Hills Society, were offered by the rangers to help persuade the more stubborn specimens they were not needed saving a few sore backs in the process!
Remberance Sunday 10 November 2024 (12)
The sun peeked out at 11 o’clock as the name of the fallen was read out at the Lickey Memorial by Cllr. Bakul Kumar. Taking the service was Revd. Sheri Gidney with local guide and scouts troops in attendance.
Joe Hayden retirement 29 October 2024 (8)
The very first Head Ranger at the then brand new Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre celebrated his 36 years with Birmingham City Council. Joe Hayden was invited back to Lickey by his colleagues and friends for a farewell reunion.
Joe was eloquent in his final speech saying that his time in Lickey was some of his happiest and most satisfying of his career. He ceremoniously planted a tree as part of the event.
Gifts were presented by Steve Hinton, Head of Ranger Services and Sue Ames, Constituency Parks Manager. Mike Brooke, Chair of The Lickey Hills Society said that Joe had given the society and other organisations enormous support over the years and as a gesture of his contribution to the park, including being instrumental in achiveing the first Green Flag Award, a special picture by Simon Woolford given.
Lickey parking at school times meeting 23 October 2024 (4)
An issue that has been troubling residents in and around Lickey Hills Primary School for many years has been the discourteous and illegal parking when parents deliver and collect children.
Top of the list of grievances is the safety of the children where vehicles have been double parked making it difficult to move unless walking on the road.
Probably the most frequently heard complaint is the abusive nature of some drivers, particularly when parking across residents drives hampering leaving their own property. Or even driving across front gardens.
Although the school acknowledges the situation and sends notes to parents asking them to be respectful, its a small number that actually cause the problems.
The Parish Council have been in dialogue with the school and it was appreciated that the local County Councillor Adrian Kriss had arranged and hosted an open meeting of more than 30 people at the Trinity Centre when the position and possible solutions could be aired. In attendance was District Councillor Anita Dale for Cofton, PCSO Stuart Taylor along with the school headteacher David Dathan and his deputy Helen Williams. Disappointingly, the Parish Council and the Civil Enforcement agency, although expected, were unable to send representatives.
It was repeated that the principal concern of the residents was the potential injury to young schoolchildren and it was generally agreed that pure luck had so far played its part – but it was only a matter of time before this didn’t hold. Also, the shock of the verbal abuse and aggressive stance levelled by some drivers at residents came across loud and clear.
Members of the Lickey Community Group reiterated their exasperation and suggested that the only way of encouraging respectful parking was to issue penalty notices. Interestingly, a panel member indicated that enforcement officers visited Lickey every two weeks, which was totally refuted by the majority. Another request was made by the group that the panel revisit a previous possibilty of utilising a large piece of derelict land beside the school to move vehicles off the Old Birmingham Road and the side roads.
It was a surprise to many that the District Council had removed the ability of the police to deal with certain traffic offences and then failed to provide sufficient enforcement officers in satisfactory numbers.
Possibly the lack of forethought during the expansion planning stages of the school in relation to the local infrastructure contributed to the problems now experienced.
It was agreed that the panel would report back early in the new year with possible solutions.
Police Surgery 20 October 2024 (1)
Now a regular to the Lickey Hills Country Park Visitor Centre, PSCO Stuart Taylor was on hand to answer questions from the public. He was joined by County Councillor Adrian Kriss with local parking being an issue discussed.
Blackwell PTA Scarecrow Festival 19 October 2024 (31)
An opportunity to wander around Blackwell village courtesy of the hard work by Blackwell First School PTA. Maps were available from the school playground, along with treats and wonderful hot dogs, setting visitors on a trail seeking scarecrows. This years theme was the movies with the Beetlejuice entry winning the popular vote, Cruella second and Barbie third. The weather was generously kind strolling around amid autumn colours. In all, they raised £50 short of a thousand pounds towards resources and subsidised trips.
The Weighbridge Beer Festival 20-21 September 2024 (12)
A moment of contemplation as the pub’s manager Chris Lamb hosts his final fest before moving on. Plenty of beer, cider and, courtesy of Gin & Pickles from the village, gin to turn those frowns upside down!
St Laurence Church Heritage Day 14 September 2024 (81)
Many local groups joined Revd. Gail Rogers as she announced the award of a substantial 189k grant towards much needed building repairs.
Heritage Day in the Park 14 September 2024 (8)
Taking the opportunity of the space vacated by the closed cafe, the Visitors Centre revealed a welcome area for the myriad of displays. Apart from the knowledgable members of the Lickey Hills Local History Soc. on hand to answer question of the maps, paintings and information, Head Ranger Steve Hinton took visitors on WWI and WWII walks.
Blackwell Music Festival 7 September 2024 (300)
Now a successful fixture in the music festival calendar, our home-grown event had a maximum capacity once again. All ages were catered for including bouncy whatsit’s, food wagons aplenty, drink and juggling (not at the same time) and tons of fantastic music.
Barnt Green Food & Music Festival 7 September 2024 (25)
A well supported festival (shame it clashed with another) included a funfair, a picnic tables for everyone, an amazing variety of food wagons. Oh, and some great bands, as well!
GlastonBeoley – 28-29 June 2024 (75)
With 20 big stage performances and another 21 in the club house over the two days, there is something for every musical taste.
Event organiser Debbie Joynes said “This years GlastonBeoley took us all by surprise. It seemed as though we doubled in numbers overnight!” Referencing the visitors, she went on to say “The people were as varied and beautiful as the music. It was so lovely to see so many families having such a great time together.”
The festival’s raison d’etre is to raise money for charity and over £35,000 has been raised so far from 2018-23! “The brilliant musicians, who all performed for free, are just amazing.”
“The running of this real community event is only possible with our dedicated volunteers, and we are always looking for more”.
Bremi’s Bar – 28 June 2024 (20)
A brand new bar employing 20 local people has opened its doors at No.7 Stoke Road in Aston Fields. Formerly a carpet shop of long standing, the property has been throughly renovated to a high standard. The owners Jason Pirie and Martyn Rollason, best chums since teenagers, felt time was right to open this independent bar. Offering coffee and cake during the day with craft beers and cocktails later, it official opened on the last weekend in June. Clearly, great care has been taken in the decor making a visit a real treat.
“Although there are great places to eat and drink in the area, we wanted to provide an alternative and a high quality drinks experience”, says Martyn.
Jason, whose long held dream was finally realised with Bremi’s, added that their small function room can be booked at no cost for private parties and events. Tables can also be reserved in the large principal area. With nooks a plenty, home workers are encouraged to pop in for refreshments and use their fast fibre!
Walking the dog has suddenly become a little more trendier as the four-legged visitor is welcomed and catered for with dedicated snacks and a drink!
Bromsgrove Beer & Cider Festival – 27-29 June 2024 (56)
This CAMRA run festival was hailed by the organisers as another brilliant event. Over three day, they offered 130+ ales and 50+ ciders enticing many away from the footy on the telly. The sunshine and good company may also have played its part.
The Town Crier, Kevin Ward, introduced the Court Leet, who duly tested the ale declaring it suitable for all to enjoy. Food wagons, tons of outside seating and more than enough space to pitch a tent/park a camper van and/or swing a cat. The youngsters could even kick several footballs. The Bromsgrove Rugby Club at Finstall is ideal as the train station is only a stones throw and there’s plenty of parking for the designated driver.
Entertainment included singer/guitarist Clare Portman, ‘Lost Notes’ group, the Alvechurch Morris Men, the Got2Sing choir and the Blackwell Concert Band.
This year’s logo was ’The Rousler’, meaning “to wake up” – there wasn’t the slightest chance of anyone dozing off as each of the enthusiastic volunteers had it embroidered on their bright day-glo orange t-shirts!
The Grace Kelly Childhood Cancer Trust charity benefited from the festival proceeds, who were “delighted and thrilled to have been chosen” and gave their heartfelt thanks to CAMRA and the festival team.
Almost 80 new CAMRA members were signed up during the festival and the organisers would like to welcome new volunteers in any capacity to help out in the future.
Lickey Community Group AGM – 1 May 2024
With the conclusion of the chairman’s report and approval of the accounts & subs, guest speaker Mike Brooke gave an entertaining talk on two new local information boards. Located at Rednal, one side had historic detail of the village, while the reverse had an illustrated scene by Simon Woolford of the long-gone tram terminus – more here.
Tram & Rednal Village boards – 27 April 2024
An excellent turnout for the unveiling dispite a damp April afternoon. Following extensive research by the dedicated team, the culmination of work that started in 2023 saw an appreciative crowd giving a positive thumbs-up. More details Here.
Murder on the Nile – 25-27 April 2024
Another colourful production by Alvechurch Dramatic Society. An Agatha Christie story sans Poirot. A very wordy and lengthy play allowing the performers time to flesh out their character and to establish the clever plot.
Muntjacs Cafe – 24 April 2024
The opening of a new local cafe by the organisers of the Blackwell Community Hall in the village. Every Saturday 10-2pm for freshly ground coffee, homemade cakes and more…
A Bunch of Amateurs – 18-20 April 2024
This was the 139th production put on by the Rubery Drama Group. Co-written by Ian Hislop, it pretty much follows the screenplay of the 2008 movie starring Burt Reynolds. Playing the American male lead was Ben Pugh as the flagging actor out of his depth. Great support with plenty of laughs before arriving at the inevitable conclusion.
Look for a Book in Lickey – 15 April 2024
Although only formed recently, some 100 books have been hidden locally for children to find. Starting with a treasure hunt, each book is free to the finder. With 1 in 4 children not owning a book, Becky Henman and Stacey Scott decided to be proactive.
For future events check their Facebook Page.
Great Britain XVI Steam Train – 14 April 2024
A non-stop visit to Barnt Green Railway Station saw a crowd welcoming the steam locomotive on its journey north. Heading to the Scottish Highlands, passengers were on a nine-day trip.
Lickey Cemetery Working Party – 20 March 2024
An overcast morning greeted volunteers at the Holy Trinty Church Cemetery Extension for clearence work. This was in preparation for the anticipated official ‘closing’ of the cemetery and handing the maintenance duties to Bromsgrove District Council. A programme of wildflower seeding has seen the area go purposely a little wild following the local PC’s initiative. Any unsteady head stones will be laid flat to ensure the safety of visitors.
Lickey War Graves Work – 7 March 2024
The invaluable contribution of Lickey Community Group members Roy and Sue Hughes includes regular visitors to the Holy Trinty Church Extension Cemetery for maintenance purposes. In collaboration with the War Graves Commission, Roy & Sue have dedicated much of their time to ensure these are kept in the best possible condition.
Wassail – 20 January 2024
The annual Wassail and Mummers play draws a good crowd regardless of the weather. This year it was clement, apart from a small icy patch. We were treated to morris dancing at the Visitor Centre as the Queen Pea and King Bean were anointed. The resurrection of the ancient tradition of the apple parade then joined the procession to the orchard. Much merriment, noise, warm apple drinking, a poem by Spoz and the dressing of the fruit trees with toast ensued. The rather enthusiastic Mummers play saw a city council’ assets being sold off to those in the audience.
Alvechurch Mummers & Morris – 1 January 2024
The now established start to the new year as we gather at (pot-holed/car parked) The Crown on Withybed Lane, Alvechurch. Familiar characters with the usual story peppered with topical political satire. Suitably accompanied entertainment from local and guest Morris Dancers who all reassembled at the welcoming Weighbridge Inn just up the road for more of the same. Great family fun.