Author: FVCA

An overnight resurfacing of the Stourbridge Road mini-island and the approach roads, which should have started at 7.30pm on Monday 25th March, was brought forward 12 hours, with the road being closed from 7.30am, causing early morning traffic confusion, and increased traffic using narrow lanes across our community.

The Community Association was contacted by several residents, and after liaising with Worcestershire Highways, an update was providing say that the road would reopen at 4pm, in time for evening commuter traffic, and a further closure at 7pm for lines to be painted.

18 residents attended this year’s Community Association AGM & inaugural Community Challenge on 20th March. 

On arrival, residents were given a complementary glass of wine or a glass of beer. The Community Challenge testing their knowledge about Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge, and observation skills with a Screen Test round(films/tv programme clips were Lady & the Tramp, Allo Allo and Blackadder Goes Fourth).

In between the two rounds there was alight supper of cheese and nibbles.

After a very brief AGM, which saw the committee elected for the year ahead, everyone enjoyed a game of Rock n Roll Bingo, the category TV theme tunes.

Thank you to those residents who came, supporting the community where they live.

The Committee elected for the year:

“The committee shall consist of a chairman, treasurer and secretary and up to three other members with power toco-opt up to three other members to the committee as and when it sees fit.”

Chairperson:  Conrad Palmer

Secretary: Carole Morris

Treasurer: Yvonne Watton      

Officers: Mary Gibbs, Sue Wilkes, Geoff Cotterill

Co-option: Carol Brogan

There is space on the committee to a co-opt a further two people, if you would like to join us, do speak to us or email chair@fvca.org.uk.  There are 4 committee meetings a year.

To view the minutes, and the 2023 annual report & accounts visit https://fvca.org.uk/documents/agm-2024/

Are you up for our Community Challenge?

Three fun rounds, prizes, wine & nibbles, plus a 10 minute AGM, on Wednesday 20th March 7.30pm at the Village Hall

During the very brief AGM, annual report and accounts will be presented, and the committee for the year ahead will be elected. If you would like to help shape our community and deliver social activities, why not join the team?

For documents relating to this year’s AGM, CLICK HERE

The Community Association has received another anonymous letter.  If residents wish to raise issues within the community, it would be appreciated if they do not make the letter anonymous.

In a letter received in February, the sender raises issues with parking and wreaths at the War Memorial.

The Community Association continues to ask for considerate parking.  The Community Association can only encourage and not enforce.  Any illegal parking or obstructions to the footpath (at the time when you are using the footpath) is a policing matter.  Parking in general, relating to the highway, is a County Council responsibility, and should be addressed to the local Divisional County Councillor, who for Fairfield, Widmoor & Stoneybridge, who is Cllr. Shirley Webb.

For approximately 7 years, wreaths at the War Memorial have been removed on 1st January of each year.  Previously, there was uncertainty when wreaths should be removed, and some residents had noted that the wreaths were starting to look weathered and dirty, which some people found disrespectful.

At that time, in response to the comments received, consultations took place at residents meetings, with St. Mark’s church and with the Parish Council.  The Royal British Legion was also consulted, they said:

“There is no guidance as to how long wreaths should remain at memorials after Remembrance Sunday. In some places they are removed after weeks, in others after months.”

A further enquiry with the Royal British Legion suggested removing wreaths after Christmas.

At the base of the War Memorial daffodils grow, to reduce the likelihood of treading on the emerging daffodils, it was agreed by all parties that wreaths should be removed on New Years Day.

It is appreciated that other communities may have adopted other protocols.

The Community Association has a history of respecting and remembering those people who have served this country and all people who have died in armed conflicts.  The Association, in partnership with St. Mark’s, coordinates the Remembrance Sunday service, has cleaned & registered the War Memorial and supports the Commonwealth War Graves Commission when their volunteers visit the village.  The Association also pegs down the wreaths that have been laid; prior to this, wreaths used to blow into the road, and get run over and damaged by passing vehicles.

If the person who has written to us wishes to discuss, or change, local protocols we are willing to listen, any changes would need consultation and agreement with residents and stakeholders.

It would be nice to regularly clean the War Memorial, to stop the buildup of dirt, etc.  If the sender of the letter is willing to assist with this, your help will be appreciated.

STAR PUBS AND BARS, who own The Wildmoor Oak, are working to reopen the venue, and they are advertising for a tenant. A refurbishment of the pub has been planned.

Star Pubs & Bars is part of HEINEKEN UK and the vast majority of our 2,400 pubs are leased out to small businesses and entrepreneurs.

They claim that their ambition is to Build Britain’s Best Pub Company by attracting and retaining the best operators, and investing to create great pubs at the heart of their communities.

When refurbished, the aspiration is that the Wildmoor Oak will offer:

• A high-quality, focused range of drinks including favourite lagers, spirits and wines

• A fantastic food menu

• Coffee and Wi-Fi

• Entertainment as part of the rhythm of the week

The planned complete refurbishment will include a new bar, the addition of a Snug, and a complete redecoration.

The pub exterior, lighting and signage will be refreshed to position it as an attractive community pub. The transformation will enhance site visibility, highlight the pub’s offering and complement the new look of the interior.

A planning application has been submitted to Bromsgrove District for new external signage, including an illuminated, hanging, pub sign.