Better BromsgroveTogether 2019 Su

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SummerEvents Pull

Out CalendarInside!

Here's just some of what's onoffer in this magazine...

Get in touchVisit us / Write to usParkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove,Worcs, B61 8DAMonday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Call usCustomer Services: 01527 881288Out of Hours emergency: 01527 871565

Click onwww.bromsgrove.gov.uk

If you want this magazine in a differentformat, e.g. audio CD, or language, call01527 881651.

The council does not endorse any of theproducts or services advertised in thismagazine by external customers.

To advertise in this magazine call01527 881651.

All information was correct at time ofgoing to press.

@BromsgroveDC

BromsgroveDistrict Council

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Election Results: Page 4

ParkImprovements:Page 7

Space Week: Page 11

Pull Out and Keep EventsCalendar: Pages 12 & 13

Bromsgrove Festival:Pages 16 & 17

Front cover image: Ravji Vaya

Message from the LeaderAs a stalwart Bromsgrovian I am delighted to have been elected asLeader of the district where I have lived for most of my life.I am passionate about seeing Bromsgrove continue to thrive and thisis why I have also taken responsibility for Economic Developmentincluding the Town Centre.It’s events and projects such as those highlighted in this magazinethat will see Bromsgrove flourish. Working with partners, we have a

packed calendar of events, an historic market to be proud of, a range of independentbusinesses who all add to the eclectic mix of our shopping experience and a buzzingnight time economy.Of course we have other areas which I want to focus on. These include looking at ourhousing strategy and utilising our land and assets to benefit the district. But most ofall to build a Better Bromsgrove which offers the opportunity for everyone to live andwork in. I hope you enjoy this summer edition.Councillor Karen May, Leader of Bromsgrove District Council

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What’s on the menu?

The district council serves up two kinds of localservices for its 12% of your Council Tax bill.

There’s the statutory services, which the council has to provide by law,like collecting your bin. And then there’s the discretionary services, which thecouncil chooses to provide to improve the district, like your parks and play areas.

On top of that set menu, there are plenty of optional extras available too, whichyou can buy if you want to.

Set Menu£4.60 per household per week

Selection of statutory main coursesMix of collected binsFreshly picked litter

Street of housed families

Processed planning applicationsMedley of counted votes

Collected local taxes

Selection of discretionary side dishesParks on a bed of mown summer grass

Community transport a la BURTCleaned graffiti mess | Chilled events

Optional extras a la carteLifeline £4/wk

Sofa au van £8.50Parked car 80p/hr

Garden waste £2/bin

Swim £5.20 (register for20% off & free under 8s)

Function rooms£13 - £339

Seasonal specials - ask your waiter

Elections for Bromsgrove District Council and parishcouncils were held on Thursday May 2, as 36% of

eligible voters turned out to the polls. The votes were counted the followingday, in the sports halls on School Drive, Bromsgrove. Here’s who was elected tothe district council.For the complete results in full including parishes, contact details for yourcouncillor, and lots of other information, go to www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/council

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LabourCharfordMichael ThompsonHill TopLuke MallettRock HillHarrison Rone-ClarkeRubery NorthPeter McDonaldSidemoorSue Douglas

ConservativeAston FieldsPhilip ThomasAvoncroftMalcolm GlassBelbroughton& RomsleyKaren May &Margaret SherreyCatshill NorthJo-Anne Till

Catshill SouthShirley WebbCoftonRichard DeemingHollywoodAdam KentLowes HillRod Laight

MarlbrookHelen JonesPerryfieldsDrew BeaumontRubery SouthAdrian KrissSanders ParkMaria Middleton

SlideslowCaroline SpencerTardebiggePeter WhittakerWythall EastSarah HessionWythall WestGeoff Denaro

Wythall ResidentsAssociationDrakes CrossSue Baxter

BromsgroveCentralSiobhan Hughes

Lickey HillsJanet King

NortonRob Hunter

Liberal Democrat

IndpendentAlvechurch SouthAnnette EnglishAlvechurch VillageKate Van Der Plank

Barnt Green& HopwoodCharles Hotham

Hagley EastRachel JenkinsHagley WestSteven Colella

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CLASS DETAILSVenue: Health PromotionRoom (ground floor) BHIParkside, Stourbridge Road,Bromsgrove, B61 0AZDay: Tuesdays & ThursdaysTime: 2.45pm to 3.45pmStarting: Tuesday 11th June(12 sessions over 6 weeks)Cost: £3.30 per 1hr session

Do youhave knee

or hip pain?An education and exercise programme for peopleliving with Osteoarthritis of the hip or knee

Testimonial:Veronica Ashley• I was originally interested in this project as I had just

finished physio and then had the injection in theknee joint. It was to help with the horrible pain I washaving and perhaps gain a bit of information aboutosteoarthritis.

• I really enjoyed the company, the laughs,understanding that you are not alone and mainly theexercises I have of the 6 weeks of being there, andthe explanations about joint pain.

• I feel a lot more confident now then when I joinedthe course. I can walk further and know when toeither stop or slow the pace down. I know I shall notever be able to walk a marathon again but to walk 2miles instead of 100 yards is fabulous.

• I intend to continue to exercise and join a Walks forHealth group.

• You have given me back the confidence that havingosteoarthritis had taken away - Thank you.

HOW DO I SIGN UP?Contact Hayley Gwilliam - Bromsgrove District Council Tel: 01527 881404Email: hayley.gwilliam@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Testimonial:Joan Chandler• I was originally interested in this

project as I was looking for somehelp with a painful hip.

• I really enjoyed the regularity ofthe sessions and the camaraderieof the group.

• Having completed the courseI have got less pain and moreinclination to exercise.

• I intend to continue exercisingand walking more.

Ten charge points, for taxi drivers to use, will beinstalled in Bromsgrove after a successful bid by theDistrict Council for £300,000 of Government cash.

The District already has two ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV) as part of itslicensed taxi fleet and now hopes that these chargers will help more driversmake the change to the electric vehicles technology.

The bid for part of the £6m potwas made after consultationwith drivers and operators whohighlighted the lack of rapidcharging is a major consideration.

Council officers worked withpartners including WorcestershireCounty Council, NWedR andneighbouring authorities to covercross boundary issues includingBirmingham, and Solihull.

Sites for charge points include the town centre, Rubery and Wythall areas and are set tobe put in place at the end of April 2020.

The Council is looking to get extra funding to install more points for public use.6

Environment officers Kath Manning and Anna Wardell with taxidrivers Manos Passaris and Pete Butcher.

Funeral costs have risen 3x fasterthan house pricesBeat tomorrow’s prices today75-year burial plot reservations nowavailable in Bromsgrove District

To find out more call 01527 62174†UK average, 2008-2018, Cost of Dying Report (SunLife)

†

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A walk and a cycle ride in the park

Work has started to create and improve cycling and walking routes in Sanders Park.Not only will the changes mean it’s easier to transition through the park but therewill be an inclusive route through the more natural areas so the whole park can beenjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.This follows Worcestershire County Council’s successful bid for £3.4 million‘National Productivity Infrastructure Funding’ (NPIF) to improve the routes.The district council is working in collaboration with the county council to supportthe design and connectivity of pedestrian and cycle routes through park.Following early consultation and promotion of these proposals in Sanders Park latelast year at the 50th Anniversary celebrations, they are now becoming a reality.The works will be phased throughout the year to ensure minimal disruption duringthe school holidays and busy events.

Right waste, Right place

Animallitter

No thanks

Building waste | Business wasteLPG/gas cylinders | Soil & rubble

Packagingnot acceptedin recycling

Foodwaste

Sanitarywaste &nappies

No thanks

Paper

Glass bottles& jars

(all colours)

Food cans

Aerosol cans

Drinks cans

Too big for yourbin? Visit the tipor book a bulky

collection on01527 881188

Electricals | Glitter Batteries | FoilChemicals | Paint

Plastic bags | Food Polystyrene | Clothes

For more details & how to recycle more items, visit letswasteless.com

food packaging)bottles

bin such assoft plastic(i.e. cling film)

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Right waste, Right place

No thanks

Aerosol cans

Electricals | Glitter Batteries | Foil

Grass cuttingsBranches up to

10cm in diameterClippings & leaves

Weeds, plants

Plastic bags | Food Polystyrene | Clothes

For more details & how to recycle more items, visit letswasteless.com

No thanks

Card

Plastic:(all colours

except black)pots, tubs

& trays (fromfood packaging)bottles (tops on)

Or getdiscounted homecompost bins at

letswastelessbelow

Kitchen waste | Turf, soil & rubbleAnimal waste & bedding | Wood

Plastic bags & liners

Cartons(e.g. Tetra Paks)

Bins outby 7am

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®

get sometips fromthe pros &have a go!

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Sat 17thAugust11am - 4pm

bromsgrove high stoutside argos

all ages welcome

skateboards/safety

gear provided

pro shows & FRee

workshops from:

- team gb pro bmx

rider jack clarke

- UK pro skaters daryl

dominguez/kris vile

Space week! This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Space Chase, anout-of-this-world adventure inspired by the 50th anniversary

of the first moon landing. It encourages children aged 4 to 11 to read six librarybooks during the long summer holiday.

DON’T MISS: Urban Astronaut, Saturday 3 August, Bromsgrove (venue TBC)A space-suited traveller arrives from a polluted andinhospitable future Earth and meets a girl. Can the humanrace still change, and avoid that poisoned future? Witnessthe Urban Astronaut defy gravity, spinning and turning highin the air with no strings attached thanks to a unique hipharness. An intriguing, enchanting, thought-provokingspectacle on air pollution from Highly Sprung Performance.(same day as DigbethBromsgrove DiningClub: see page 18) 11

Rocket Building Workshop, Bromsgrove LibraryParkside Hall, Wednesday 7 August, 10am – 1pmBy the University of Birmingham Physics and Astronomy Department.Kids benefit even more when the whole family engages with thewonders of physics and astronomy!£5.50 per family. Spaces are limited, so don’t delay, book now atBromsgrove Library. Look out for other events at your local library too!

And in honour of that other space-themed events are running in Bromsgrovefor the week starting Saturday August 3!

ArtrixApollo 11, Friday 9 August ,11amCrafted from a newly discovered trove of footage, Apollo11 has gathered rave reviews as it takes us straight to the

heart of NASA’s most celebrated mission that first put men on the moon. Vividlyexperience humankind’s giant leap into the future and Neil Armstrong and BuzzAldrin’s entrance to legend.Alien, Friday 9 August, 7.30pm In Artrix no-one can hear you scream.A special 40th anniversary screening of the gripping modern classic thatspawned the Xenomorph and revolutionised scary movies. A masterpiece.Presented in glorious Sony 4K. For tickets, prices, and more info seewww.artrix.co.uk. Box Office: 01527 577330

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16Charity Yoga in the ParkSanders Park, 10amFor tickets searchfor ‘Yoga in the ParkBromsgrove’ onwww.eventbrite.co.uk

BARNVolunteerFairBromsgroveMarket.

‘Strings on a SummerEvening’ Concert -Bromsgrove FestivalAvoncroft Museum, 7.30pmFor tickets seewww.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk

BromsgroveFestival untilJuly 21stSee previousbox for website.

EnjoyRubery -Bromsgrove FestivalFrom 10am,www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk

EnjoyRubery- BromsgroveFestivalFrom 10am.

BromsgroveCourt LeetTown Centre,10.30am.

EnjoyRubery: SummerJam & SkateboardingCompetition -Bromsgrove FestivalSt Chad’s Park,Rubery, 2 - 5pm.

Orchestra ofSt John BiteSized ClassicsFREE ConcertSt Chad’sRubery, 4pm.

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12 &1313

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EnjoyRubery -BromsgroveFestivalFrom 10am.

Bandstand Musicin the Park -Choirs EventSanders Park,1.30 - 4.30pm.

BandstandSchools in thePark - MillfieldsFirst SchoolSanders Park,10am.

BromsgroveSociety HistoryWalkCatshill, 1.30pm.For tickets seewww.bsoc.co.uk

Free Family Fun onthe High Street -Bromsgrove FestivalBromsgrove High Street,from 10.30am.

BandstandSchools inthe Park -SidemoorFirst SchoolSandersPark, 1pm.

Bandstand Schoolsin the Park - RigbyHall Special SchoolSanders Park, 12pm.Stoke Prior FirstSchoolSanders Park, 1pm.

Bromsgrove SocietyHistory Walk & Orchestraof St John Bite SizedClassics FREE ConcertChrist Church Catshill,1.30pm walk, 3pm concert.For walk tickets seewww.bsoc.co.uk

BromsgroveFestival Dayof DanceBromsgroveHigh Street,from 10am.

BandstandMusic inthe Park -WorcestershireYouth JazzOrchestraSanders Park,2.30 - 4.30pm.

July

Armed Forces Day Tea Dance -Bromsgrove FestivalParkside Suite, 2 - 5pm.For info on tickets seewww.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk

129 - 1113 &14

Bromsgrove SocietySummer School Seewww.bsoc.co.uk for details.

BandstandSchools in thePark - ChadsgroveSpecial SchoolSanders Park, 11am.

BandstandSchools in thePark - FairfieldFirst SchoolSanders Park, 1pm.

Bromsgrove Carnival &Tommy Wilson’s FairBromsgrove Town Centre.http://bromsgrovecarnival.org

Bromsgrove Society History Walk &Orchestra of St John Bite Sized ClassicsFREE Concert St Andrew’s Charford, 1.30pmwalk, 3pm concert. For walk tickets seewww.bsoc.co.uk

Tommy Wilson’s FairBromsgrove Town Centre.

Bandstand Music in thePark - Alcester VictoriaSilver Band SandersPark, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

20Free Family Fun onthe High Street -Bromsgrove FestivalBromsgrove HighStreet, from 10.30am.

Children’s OperaSt John’s Church, 5pm.For tickets seewww.osjbromsgrove.org

Orchestra of St JohnMusicFest Gala ConcertSt John’s Church, 7.30pm. Seewww.bromsgrovefestival.co.ukfor tickets and details.

Bandstand Musicin the Park - ArrowValley Brass BandSanders Park, 2.30 -4.30pm.

24Street TheatreBromsgroveRecreation Ground,11am - 3pm.

Street TheatreWythall Park,11am - 3pm.

Bandstand Music in thePark - Royal Spa BrassSanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Street TheatreCatshill VillageMeadow,11am - 3pm.

StreetTheatreSanders Park,11am - 3pm.

30Bandstand Music in thePark - Celebration Reed &Brass BandSanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

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31Summer Funin Bromsgrove- The Owl ManSanders Park,11am - 4pm

StreetTheatreHagley Park,11am - 3pm

Digbeth Dining ClubBromsgrove RecreationGround, time TBC. Seewww.bromsgrove.gov.ukfor details.

Urban AstronautTime/location TBC. Seewww.bromsgrove.gov.ukfor details.

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6 7Aug

Bandstand Musicin the Park -Bedworth BrassSanders Park,2.30 - 4.30pm.

Street TheatreSt Chad’s Park,Rubery,11am - 3pm.

Summer Fun inBromsgrove - CircusKaos WorkshopsSanders Park,12pm - 4pm.

Space Week - RocketBuilding WorkshopParkside Library, 10am - 1pm.Book at Bromsgrove Library.

Summer Fun in Bromsgrove - ProfessorChandler’s Punch and Judy ShowSanders Park, 1.30pm & 3pm.

Apollo 11Documentary ScreeningArtrix, 11am

Alien 40thAnniversary ScreeningArtrix, 7.30pm

11 1315 17 18For tickets see www.artrix.co.uk or box office

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BandstandMusic inthe Park -Sovereign BrassSanders Park,2.30 - 4.30pm.

Summer Funin Bromsgrove- Circus KaosWorkshopsSanders Park,12pm - 4pm.

Summer Fun inBromsgrove -The Owl ManSanders Park,11am - 4pm.

BMX &Skate EventBromsgrove HighStreet, outsideArgos, 11am - 4pm.

Bandstand Musicin the Park -Chase Jazz MenSanders Park,2.30 - 4.30pm.

Summer Funin Bromsgrove- Circus KaosWorkshopsSanders Park,12pm - 4pm.

Summer Fun inBromsgrove -Professor Chandler’sPunch and Judy ShowSanders Park,1.30pm & 3pm.

Bandstand Musicin the Park -Teme Valley BandSanders Park,2.30 - 4.30pm.

Summer Funin Bromsgrove- Circus KaosWorkshopsSanders Park,12pm - 4pm.

Summer Funin Bromsgrove- Wolly theClownSanders Park,12pm - 4pm.

8 151Bandstand Music inthe Park - AvonbankBrass BandSanders Park,2.30 - 4.30pm.

Bandstand Music inthe Park - Stourport onSevern Brass BandSanders Park,2.30 - 4.30pm.

Bandstand Music in the Park -Worcester Concert BrassSanders Park, 2.30 - 4.30pm.

Sept

Nov

Please visit www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/eventsor www.bromsgrovefestival.co.ukfor further details and information.

(Information correct at time of going to press, all events subject to change)

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This summer the wonderful Orchestra of St John haveteamed up with like minded local organisations to bring

music and history together for the town. In partnership with the Bromsgrove Society localhistory walks combine with “Bite Sized Classic Concerts” - they’re FREE, informal and fun!See centre page calendar for dates and visit www.bsoc.co.uk for walk details.

In partnership with The Bromsgrove Festival & Friends of St John’s the OSJ 2019 MusicFestwill conclude the Festival with two uplifting concerts in St John’s Church.

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Bromsgrove Court Leet’sAnnual Fair DayThe Annual Court Leet Parade,reading of the Royal Charterand Street Market takes place inBromsgrove on Saturday 22nd June2019 celebrating 820 years of historyin our town. Members of the Court

Leet and guests will process from Housman Hall on KidderminsterRoad to the Housman Statue on the High Street. The parade be ledby the Shirley Pipe Band with Court Leet members in full robes andregalia, creating a colourful and jolly display!The parade sets off at 10.30am and concludes around 11am, witha brief stop at the Red Lion Pub on the High Street to taste the ale!Traditional assizes of Ale, Bread, Meat, Leather and a report on thetown’s brooks will be conducted by members of the Court LeetJury in traditional roles which reflect those of a modern day tradingstandards officer. Dr Bill Tucker, Bailiff and head of the Court, willproclaim the Charter of 1199 granted to the town by King John tothose gathered at the Housman Statue.All are welcome to witness this centuries old tradition and supportthe market in the High Street. Running alongside the regularSaturday market local charities, craft sellers and producers will beselling locally made items and raising funds for their chosen causes,many will dress in traditional costumes as a prize is awarded to thebest dressed stall. Further informationwww.facebook.com/CourtLeetBromsgrove

Saturday 20th July at 5pm A Children’s Opera - Sabrina, Spirit of the Severn Writtenby Worcester Composer Claire Prewer the tale of the legend of Sabrina will be told by theOrchestra and a choir of local children.Sunday 21st July at 7.30pm Music Fest Gala Concert A symphony of love, sunshine andblue sky! An uplifting orchestral evening with Wagner, Grieg & Sibelius to stir your emotions.

Visit www.osjbromsgrove.org for full details or Decanter Spirit on BromsgroveHigh Street to buy tickets. Proceeds from all OSJ concerts support theHeritage Future Appeal at St John’s Church to raise £1million.Visit www.facebook.com/FriendsStJohnsBromsgrove

For more info please call01527 534030 or visitwww.bromsgrove.gov.uk/events

Rec Ground24th July

Wythall 25th JulyCatshill 30th July

Sanders Park 31st JulyHagley 1st AugustRubery 6th August

11am - 3pmRec Ground next to Asda,Bromsgrove, B61 8DAWythall Park, Silver Street,Bromsgrove, B47 6LZCatshill Village Meadow, MeadowRoad, Catshill, Bromsgrove, B61 0JLSanders Park, Bromsgrove, B61 7JPHagley Park, Worcester Road,Hagley, DY9 0NWSt Chad’s Park, Leach Heath Lane,Rubery, B45 9JW

Theatre 2019Bromsgrove Street

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The 2019 Bromsgrove Festival is once again offering an excitingprogramme. We know that you will find something that you will enjoy andwe encourage you to try something new right here on your doorstep inBromsgrove District.

The full programme and details of ticket purchase arrangements for eachevent are available on the Bromsgrove Festival website atwww.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk. Alternatively, free programme brochurescan be picked up at libraries, community centres, Artrix, Avoncroft Museumand many cafés, churches and shops.

Similar to last year, there will be a range offree community events on Saturday morningson Bromsgrove High Street and New Road Rubery, as well as a Summer Jamand skateboarding competition in Rubery Park on the afternoon of Saturday22nd June. The Festival is grateful for financial support from BromsgroveDistrict Council for these free community events.

www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk

During the four week Festival period,there will be an arts or cultural eventon virtually every day at venues rightacross the Bromsgrove District!These range from theatreproductions, both inside andoutside, jazz, folk and bluesconcerts as well as a numberof classical orchestral andchoral performances. Thereare also dance events, artexhibitions, comedy andthe spoken word. Manyof these events are

designed for childrenand younger people, withparticipation encouraged.

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Great line up for the 2019 Bromsgrove Festival

2019 will beanother greatyear for the artsand culture inBromsgrove.

In its 59th year of existence, the 2019 Bromsgrove Festival programme willonce again take on a wide ranging community based style with a focus onproviding high quality, local arts and cultural activity. This year, the trusteeshave sought to continue the emphasis on free community arts events, forexample by supporting the EnjoyRubery programme over the weekend ofFriday 21st June to Sunday 23rd June, and by promoting additional Free BiteSized Classics concerts in Catshill and Rubery. We hope that this will encouragegreater participation in Festival activities.

The programme runs for justover four weeks and will bekicked off on the eveningof Thursday 20th June with‘Strings on a Summer Evening’– the opening concert atthe Guesten Hall, AvoncroftMuseum featuring the well-known Astaria String Quartet. Itwill then close with a final Galaconcert on Sunday, 21st July,given by the Orchestra of StJohn at St. John’s Church.

Digbeth Dining Club bring their travelling street food event toBromsgrove’s Recreation Ground for the first time in August.

With 10 different food traders, including Birmingham burger legends Original PattyMen, Only Jerkin, Beef On The Block and Bournville Waffle Company, the eventwill showcase flavours from across the globe plus a fine selection of drinks. DDCresident DJ’s will be creating atmosphere with awesome sounds at an event thatwill have a little something for everyone. www.digbethdiningclub.com

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SATURDAY AUGUST 3RD, RECREATION GROUND

DigbethDining Club

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Parenting andCommunity Team

Parenting and

Community Team

Local support for you& your family

Search and like: Parenting and Community Team

www.parentingandcommunityteam.com

Worried abouta child?

A venue forall occasions...

Parkside SuiteFor Weddings, Parties, Exhibitions,

Conferences and more!

For enquiries please contactroombookings@

bromsgroveandredditch.gov.ukor call 01527 881478

Parkside Suite, Parkside,Market Street, Bromsgrove,Worcestershire, B61 8DA20

Community Panel

Do you want to be asked your opinion on thedecisions that help shape your community

and drive the future of Bromsgrove?

As a member of the Community Panelit’s easy to have your say.

For residents of Bromsgrove onlyRegular surveys on local issuesInvites to discussion meetings

You can do as little or as much as you likeby registering your email address.

Register for the Community Panel at:

www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/communitypanel

Do you live inBromsgrove?

Your views canmake a difference.

CCTV investment Thanks to everyone who had their say in the recentconsultation over the latest proposed investment in

CCTV infrastructure in Bromsgrove District.At the time Better Bromsgrove Together went to press, dozens of residents acrossAlvechurch, Barnt Green, Hagley, Hollywood, Rubery and Wythall had responded tothe short surveys, which ran for six weeks up to Monday June 10. The surveys askedpeople’s local priorities for CCTV, and what they thought about current cameralocations.The consultation came ahead of potential work to upgrade CCTV infrastructureto newer digital standards, and to add new movable CCTV cameras that can bedeployed to areas of concern.The money that could pay for the works has beengranted to the North Worcestershire CommunitySafety Partnership by the West Mercia Police andCrime Commissioner and matched by BromsgroveDistrict Council.Judith Willis, the district council’s Head ofCommunity Services, said:“Understanding how CCTV is perceived locally willhelp us direct resources to where they’re neededmost, so thank you to everyone that responded tothe consultation.”

Loneliness is a deeply personal experience -unique to every individual. It can have different

causes and different consequences for each and every one of us. No one shouldhave no one and yet 1.4 million older people feel cut off from society. It’simportant to know that you’re not alone.What you can do to helpIf you suspect someone you know may be lonely, you can help by:• Being there: Having someone who is willing to listen could be a great comfort.• Encourage and support them to get help.• Be patient. You may need to offer gentle assurance.Do you, or someone you know feel lonely?Then we could help by offering friendly, practical and emotional support toreconnect you with activities and interests you enjoy. Contact us to bring the funback into your life.Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forestprovides a range of services and activities aimed atreducing loneliness and isolation including:Our Befriending Service and Bromsgrove Men In ShedsFind out more about our services and/or how you can help tackle loneliness bybecoming a volunteer call 01527 570490 www.ageuk.org.uk/brwf

Tackling loneliness

Providingpeace of mind

NEW Lifeline is a telecare service available 24 hours, 365 days a year toany vulnerable people living within the Bromsgrove, Redditch and CannockChase districts as well as surrounding areas. It allows residents such as theelderly, disabled or those with serious health problems to continue to liveindependently in their own homes.A Lifeline unit installed in the home and a portable pendant allow the user to call for helpin an emergency at any time of day or night. Our Monitoring Centre Operators will receivethe call and assist the user with their emergency.

You can now have all the comfortof Lifeline away from home. For your security and peace of mind, the newGPS Tracker Pendant allows you to call for help wherever you are. In anemergency, it can even tell us your exact location.

Need help away from home?

For more info please call 01527 534060 or email: contact@newlifeline.org.uk

Would you like to upgrade? We can now offer you an upgradefor a small additional cost to the next generation of digital technology. Thenew Lifeline units use GSM technology, similar to mobile phones, so youcan put them wherever you want as long as there is a power supply.

Telecare Service

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Christmas

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So, after reading about all that summer fun, it’s time to lookforward to Christmas! But first remember what a host of

festive fun there was in 2018.We had the first ever ‘Indie’ party down Worcester Road after the ChristmasLights Switch-on Entertainment that weekend, which also saw free parking,included the Friends of St John’s Christmas Market, music from RedditchOperatic Society, stilt-walkers and fire jugglers!The following weekend the Festival of Light sparkled in the town. Our centresalso joined in the fun with light switch-ons and Christmassy capers in Barnt Green,Rubery, Hagley, Catshill and Alvechurch.

This year the Bromsgrove Christmas Market starts on Friday November 22 andruns til the following day when the Christmas Lights Switch-on is set to happen.The Festival of Light is due to take place on Sunday 8th December.Other dates from across the district and more details on 2019 Winter wonders willbe in the next edition of Better Bromsgrove Together.

In the meantime check us out on Facebook, Twitter or our website.22

The Bromsgrove Indie Club is madeup of independent local businesses andenthusiastic residents, who want to seeBromsgrove flourish.We are not only passionate about whatwe do, but also what we sell, fromcoffee shops to fine dining restaurants,photographers, and tattoo artists.Our aim is to come together and makeBromsgrove community like no other,through events and pop ups we wanteveryone to re connect with the townand with each other.Follow us on our journey via all socialmedia channels just search TheBromsgrove Indie club and stay up todate with our website:www.thebromsgroveindieclub.com

Bromsgrove Indie Club

Start a market stall todayWith great footfall and low costs, if you’re thinking of starting a retail enterprise or

branching out, why not try a stall at Bromsgrove Market for 1 day or all 3 days. Covered,powered stalls run the length of the High Street, with extra areas set aside for your special

events. Call 01527 881288 or email market@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Image © Anthony Hall Photography

Markets

Bromsgrove town centre is anhistorical market town so why notpop along to our outdoor market fora unique mix or fresh produce andhandmade items every Tuesday, Fridayand Saturday 8am - 4pm.It’s been at the heart of the town since1200, although the Tuesday marketis a newcomer, having only been runsince 1317.

2019

20th June to 21st July

Pick up a brochure at Artrix, Avoncroft Museum, BromsgroveLibrary and other community venues. Or visit our website.

www.bromsgrovefestival.co.uk

Try Something New!