On Saturday, a couple of Wildmoor Wombles went out with the Community Association’s litter picking sticks and filled 8 bags of rubbish; litter picked up from roads in the Wildmoor area. Huge thanks to these fantastic volunteers.
In recent months there has been a increase in dog faeces being left in fields that are used by livestock, with a very noticeable rise in the fields leading to the Fairfield Forest, especially in the field from Pepperwood Close.
Dog faeces can pose significant risks to livestock, particularly when they are contaminated with infectious sporocysts. These sporocysts can cause serious health issues in cattle, sheep, and other livestock, leading to conditions such as fever, anorexia, and even death. The spread of neosporosis, a disease caused by these sporocysts, can result in abortions and other health problems for affected animals. To prevent these risks, it is crucial to ensure that dogs are kept under control and that their faeces are properly managed.
To prevent illness and abortions, please pick up and bag dog mess, and carry with you until you reach a waste bin.
Huge thanks to all our fantastic supporters over the past 12 months.
2025 has been another good year for the Community Association, with monthly Foodie Fairfield, over 80 BARTS events, Wednesday socials, including table tennis, village picnic, heritage event, litter picks, maintaining the Yew Tree Lane planter, maintaining the area around the Wood Lane bench, producing & distributing a quarterly newsletter, a full Festive Fairfield programme, planting the Coronation Orchard and spring bulbs, plus part funding the information lectern, which will be installed next year, purchasing shelving for the shop, procuring a library trolley (Book Swap goes live in January), and much more. Unfortunately, during the summer the Dining Group ended, with there being no coordinator, perhaps, one day, this initiative will be resurrected.
People not from Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge often comment how active and vibrant our community is. For a small community – just over 400 dwellings – we do punch above our weight.
All this doesn’t just happen; it can only happen with a team of amazing volunteers, and to each and every volunteer, thank you.
We would like to wish you and those that you love all the very best this Christmastide; may the spirit if Christmas bring you great joy and may 2026 be kind to you all.
With traditional Christmas carols, Festive songs and entertaining bell ringing, a wonderful Christmas Carol Service was held on Sunday 14 December, followed by an enjoyable social afterwards. Thanks to residents, friends of our Community and the Clent Bell Ringers for coming.
In recent years, there have been an increase in the use of fireworks as part of Christmas and New Year celebrations.
As a rural area with livestock, horses and pets, can we ask that you refrain from setting off fireworks, as the loud bangs and flashes can be very frightening, and can cause injury, and in some cases death, which happened a few years ago.
For many the festive season is a period of good cheer, however, it is not as joyous for some people, and that it can be a difficult time of year. If you need a chat, try calling one of the following who are available to listen:
With band members only 15 years of age, Dead Spirit Music led last ROCK AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE on Wednesday 17 December, with vocal support from the audience.
Huge thanks to everyone who came to our Festive Fairfield event. We hope you enjoyed the evening.
With tunes from the Great American Songbook, a sprinkling of festive songs and, at the end of the show, an unexpected audience participation, singing and dancing’s to New York, New York (written by John Kander and Fred Ebb and popularized by Frank Sinatra), the Midland Concert Orchestra’s A Hint of Christmas, held on Sunday 30 November, did not disappoint.
Huge thanks to the very talented Midland Concert Orchestra and to our wonderful audience.
As the Cyclamen flowers fade away, the Pansies start to bloom in the Community planter (Yew Tree Lane – Stourbridge Road junction), maintained by dedicated volunteers, thank you
We need YOU to be part of our Nativity on Christmas Eve, 4pm in the Village Hall. 16 adults are needed to fill the various parts, our readthrough will be on Thursday 11th December 7pm – 7.30pm in St. Mark’s (wrap up warm, there’s no heating). Please help bring joy to the season. There’s no need to memorise the script.
On Sunday 9th November 2025, our community gathered at the War Memorial to remember those members of the armed forces and civilians who died in service of our nation. Wreaths were laid by the Parish Council, Community Association, Women’s Institute & Fairfield First School.
Thank you to everyone who came, the collection raised £145.05, which will be donated to the Royal British Legion.
LUXlife magazine applauds the winners of this year’s Hospitality Awards, which includes Bromsgrove Arts, winning best community arts venue in Worcestershire.
TheLUXlife Hospitality Awards recognise businesses and individuals going above and beyond for their clients, customers, and guests in the hospitality industry, and the team at LUXlife is proud to announce the tenth instalment of this esteemed programme.
Awarded with Best Historical Slovenian Walking Tours Provider 2025, The Crow’s Flight graces the cover of this year’s Hospitality Awards’ magazine. It’s LUXlife’s pleasure to applaud The Crow’s Flight for its dedication, especially because “true luxury begins with human connection”. Bringing people together and helping them to create memories to last a lifetime, through meaningful connection and adventure, this award-winning tour provider continues to elevate what it means to be part of the hospitality industry.
Of course, LUXlife is delighted to announce all of this year’s successful businesses, and the individuals behind them, as the hospitality industry continues to thrive. From restaurants to wineries, travel services to yacht catering experiences, and so much more, the 2025 programme is varied, influential, and a milestone for both the awardees and LUXlife.
Awards Coordinator Melissa Bramall commented on the winners within 2025’s Hospitality Awards: “Our commitment to recognising and rewarding businesses for their craft is something that remains unwavering. It is always a delight to be part of a team dedicated to acknowledging excellence and providing opportunities for that excellence to be showcased, and I want to congratulate our winners again for their hard work.”
Bromsgrove Arts is a Fairfield Village Community Association initiative, a spokesperson for the Community Association said: “We are bowled over with winning this award, which recognises the fantastic service our volunteers deliver to enable us to bring people together and to reduce loneliness & social isolation by using cinematic and performing arts; it is they, along with all our audience supporters, that make our Bromsgrove Arts initiative what it is today, a warm, welcoming community arts initiative.”
To find out more about these prestigious awards, and the dedicated establishments that have been selected for them, please visit https://lux-life.digital/lux_awards/global-hospitality-awards/ where you can view the winners supplement and full winners list.
Bromsgrove Arts
Fairfield Village Community Association launched Bromsgrove Arts (BARTS) in 2019, a Community Entertainment initiative, based at Fairfield Village Hall (B61 9LZ), that use cinematic and live performing arts to bring people together and to reduce loneliness & social isolation. The BARTS programme is varied, and includes National Theatre Live, Andre Rieu, and movie screenings, and has become a popular venue giving quality live music and small-scale professional touring drama a platform to shine.
Delivered by a team of volunteers, the BARTS team aim to keep ticket & bar prices affordable, and there is no booking fee when purchasing tickets online.
For information and advanced tickets for all events visit www.bromsgrovearts.org.uk
On Thursday 4th September, residents from our community joined the residents of Belbroughton and Chaddesley Corbet to welcome our new priest Rev. Chloë Hewett.
The service was led by Bishop Martin Gorick (Bishop of Dudley & Acting Bishop of Worcester) and supported by the Archdeacon of Worcester (Mark Badger) with clergy from across the West Midlands also in attendance.
The Licencing and Installation service was held in a packed Holy Trinity Church, which was also had a sizable number of people from church where Chloë undertook her training. Following the formal service everyone enjoyed a buffet supper at Belbroughton Church Hall, the food kindly provided by volunteers from all three churches in the group.
Welcome Chloë to Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge.
Residents and local farmers came together on Sunday 12th October for our village Harvest Festival service. Despite the low numbers supporting this annual village event, the generosity of those people attending was fantastic, with several boxes of food being donated to Dodford Children’s Farm and a similar number to Bromsgrove’s Basement Project. The collection was shared with The Royal Countryside Fund, which supports farmers and rural community, the fund receiving £55.00.
Huge thanks for all your kind donations, and to the team that decorated the church, it looked amazing.
This year’s Remembrance Service will be held on Sunday 9th November, a short act of remembrance will be held at the village war memorial, starting 10.50am.
Over the coming weeks large Poppies will be placed around the village by a group of fantastic volunteers: Ian, Dannii, Paula, Bryn, Dave and Sharon. These poppies have been purchased from the Royal British Legion, funded by the Community Association. They will hopefully symbolise our community’s collective remembrance of those people who died in time of war.
Individuals may wish to buy their own large Poppy for their property; each poppy comes supplied with two nylon cable ties so it can be secured to multiple items; the nylon ties can be recycled with your plastic waste. The poppy can be used both inside, like in your window, and also outdoors, so that you can display your poppy with pride. The poppy measures 40cm (H) x 36cm (W) (widest part). All money raised will go to the Royal British Legion.
We will have a few poppies left over after decorating the village. If you would like to buy one of these, please email admin@fvca.org.uk
The District Council’s Draft Housing Plan suggests sites in neighbouring area. Even though the current plan does not propose any large scale developments in our community, this could change as the plan progresses, as they have identified some potential sites. Any development in neighbouring areas will have an impact on our local infrastructure and services.
PLEASE HAVE YOUR SAY – Consultation Closes 5pm Monday 20th October
Our annual Harvest Festival service will be on Sunday 12th October, starting 11.15am at our village church.
This short service will include upbeat songs and poems, and the charities being supported are Royal Countryside Fund, Dodford Children’s Farm and the Basement Project
Please do join us
Single fares capped at just £1 on all local bus services.
Hop on board and enjoy stress-free travel for less every Saturday & Sunday this October.
Find out more about bus travel in the county athttps://worcestershire.gov.uk/bustravel
Stoneybridge’s Beacon Barkers has been named a FINALIST in THREE categories at the 2025 Pet Industry Federation Awards:
🏆 Kennel of the Year
🏆 Dog Walking Business of the Year
🏆 Grooming Business of the Year
Winners will be announced early November at the PIF Awards Gala.
It is with great sadness that we have to share the news of the death of Sheila Bretherton, who is now reunited with her husband Eddie Bretherton, who died several years ago.
Sheila was a well known resident, previously living in Dodford, supporting many village events and was a member of the Women’s Institute for many years.
Despite her advancing years and failing hearing, Sheila would, until very recently, continue to attend events, and will be missed.
Our thoughts go out to Sheila’s family, especially to daughter Sarah and son John.
The Bromsgrove District Council Draft Plan is a DRAFT, it could change, with other sites being considered, which include in and around our community.
Even if the final plan does not include sites in Fairfield, Wildmoor or Stoneybridge, any development in neighbouring area will likely have an impact on our local infrastructure, including road and services, e.g. school, doctors, etc.
🗣️ Have Your Say on the Bromsgrove District Council Draft Plan, before the final plan is produced
There are multiple ways to get involved in the consultation:
—
📍 Online
Visit: https://bromsgroveplan.commonplace.is
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📧 By Email
Submit your response to:
📩 bromsgroveplan@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk
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📬 By Post
Pick up a paper copy at Catshill Library.
Our Community Shop has turned one and we need your views with regard its future.
We would appreciate your feedback in our online survey. All responses will remain confidential and secure. Thank you in advance for your valuable insights. Your input will be used to ensure that we continue to meet your needs. We appreciate your trust and look forward to serving you in the future.
We have contracted with QuestionPro, an independent research firm, to field your confidential survey responses. Please click on this link to complete the survey:
https://questionpro.com/t/APKtTZ6yqU
Please contact admin@fvca.org.uk with any questions.
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) takes place on Friday 15 August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War.
While VE Day (Victory in Europe) marked the end of the war in Europe in May 1945, many thousands of Armed Forces personnel were still engaged in fighting in the Far East. Victory over Japan would come at a heavy price, and Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) marks the day Japan surrendered on 15 August 1945, which ended the Second World War.
Fighting in the Asia-Pacific took place from Hawaii to North-East India. Britain and the Commonwealth’s principle fighting force, the Fourteenth Army, was one of the most diverse in history – more than 40 languages were spoken, and all the world’s major religions represented.
The descendants of many of the Commonwealth veterans of that army are today part of multicultural communities around the world, a lasting legacy to the success and comradeship of those who fought in the Asia-Pacific.
To mark this occasion, we invite you to:
Light a candle during the evening of 15 August and place a symbol of peace in your window, download an outline of a dove, you may wish to ask a child to colour it in, and in the space provided write down your Pledge of Peace.
Please take a photo of your candle and your symbol & pledge of peace and share on our social media accounts (tagging in our handle), or email admin@fvca.org.uk for us to share.
We are also asking the community to write a short poem or your thoughts on the theme of peace. Pop your poem in the Village Hall letterbox or email it to admin@fvca.org.uk by 12th August. Our plan is to share these poems on our website and in the village hall’s front window, so that they can be read on 15 August.
STOURBRIDGE ROAD TO CLOSE 11th August 8.30am – 15th August between Swan Lane and Stoneybridge Island, and no 147 & 318 bus services will be servicing the village. During works, a road closure will be in place.
The road closure has been scheduled so that footpath reconstruction can take place in the hollloway.
Regulation 18 of the Town and Country (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012
Bromsgrove District Council is in the process of reviewing and replacing the Bromsgrove District Plan (adopted January 2017), which will set out where new housing, employment and other development alongside its supporting infrastructure will take place over the next 15 years.
This consultation is all about further fact-finding and identifying where the Council needs to prepare or commission additional evidence to inform the preparation of the Local Plan as it progresses. The sites and the draft Development Strategy that are being consulted upon now is an initial draft and additional information is needed from you. A lot of information is already known about the all the sites submitted to date, but local knowledge from residents and stakeholders is invaluable to inform the plan-making process.
To view the consultation documents and to respond to the consultation, please visit our consultation platform Commonplace:
https://bromsgroveplan.commonplace.is.
Alternatively, to view consultation documents, see upcoming consultation events, and view the privacy notice please visit:
https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/bromsgroveplan
Paper copies can be viewed at:
• Alvechurch Library: Birmingham Road, Alvechurch, Birmingham, B48 7TA
• Bromsgrove Library: Parkside, Market Street, Bromsgrove, B61 8DA
• Catshill Community Library: The Community Room Catshill, Middle School, Meadow Road Catshill, Bromsgrove, B61 0JW
• Hagley Library: Worcester Road, Hagley, Stourbridge, DY9 0NW
• Wythall Library: Woodrush Community Hub, Shawhurst Lane, Hollywood, Birmingham, B47 5JW
If you have any queries please contact bromsgroveplan@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk or call 01527 881211
Giant Hogweed has been found growing on the verge of A491 on both sides of the entrance to Wildmoor Quarry.
One is already in bloom, two have buds and there are others currently in leaf. Potentially a public health issue if someone comes into contact with the plant, so PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH.
Worcestershire Highways have been notified.
Giant hogweed is an immensely tall umbellifer (can grow up to 5 metres tall) that displays large, white, umbrella-like clusters of flowers. Its hollow stem is ridged and purple-spotted, and its leaves are large and divided.
The plant produces phytotoxic sap. The sap contains photosensitizing furanocoumarins, which in contact with human skin and combined with UV radiation cause skin burnings. Damaged skin will heal very slowly. Contact can also develop into phytophotodermatitis. This is a type of skin condition that flares up in sunlight and for which there is no straightforward treatment. The intensity of the reaction depends on individual sensitivity. The danger to human health complicates eradication efforts.
If you come across Giant Hogweed elsewhere in Fairfield, Wildmoor or Stoneybridge, please contact us, admin@fvca.org.uk, so that we can monitor and report.
On Saturday 3rd May, a 1940s Night was held at Fairfield Village Hall, with people enjoying a selection of 40s songs, a Fish & Chip supper, followed by songs from the 50s & 60s.
And on 8th May, the 80th Anniversary of VE Day, a small group of residents and children from Fairfield Preschool attended a short service at the village war memorial, during which the speech given by King George VI was read, two-minutes silence, a wreath was laid and a poem was also read out.
Thank you to everyone who came to our Community Challenge & AGM last night, Wednesday 20th March.
Despite not many people attending, those present enjoyed the wine & nibbles, and the Community Challenge rounds, which were great fun, some people got carried away with the nursery rhymes.
The committee for the year ahead was elected. We still have a few spaces if you would like to join us (it’s only 4 or 5 meetings a year).
To view the draft minutes for this year’s Community Association AGM visit https://fvca.org.uk/community-association/
Every year, it is disappointing that not many residents attend our AGMs, which celebrates us as a community and that shows its appreciation for all the volunteers who work hard to benefit Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge. If you don’t agree with what others in the community are doing to benefit where we all live, tell us, and if you appreciate what is being done, by attending this annual event, and occasionally others during the year, it will mean so much to the team.
Dog fouling is an issue that is often raised with the Community Association, and we keep asking that people pick up their dog’s mess from the footpath, verge, farmland and other people’s gardens.
Dog excrement, in addition to it being messy and smelly, can carry bacteria and worms that can be harmful to humans and livestock.
When it comes to the law relating to dog fouling, ignorance is NOT bliss.
Dog fouling in public places is included in the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, introduced in 2014.
Public places covered by the law include:
Dog fouling can be reported to Bromsgrove District Council https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/residents/my-place/street-cleaning/dog-fouling/ . The penalty for not clearing up dog fouling can be up to £1,000 if taken to court, but there is also provision for a fixed penalty scheme.
Exceptions to the offence are:
There are some areas where picking up is not a legal requirement (unless a specific order or bylaw has been placed), and these are heathland, woodland, land used for the grazing of animals. However, farmers/landowners can seek a private prosecution, using a relevant piece of legislation. Remember, excrement in the grass and feed can kill livestock, abort unborn lams & calves and can end up on the food that you eat.
With regard the incident that mentioned. Even though it is fitting that the dog mess should be picked up the legal bit is unclear and whether the mess should be legally picked up will depend on where the dog mess was, i.e. if the dog mess was adjacent to that part of Wood Lane that is a track between Wood Lane Farm and the entrance to Pepperwood that land is private, does not belong to Worcestershire County Council and is designated a bridle path, therefore, it is up to the landowner to say whether he permits dog fouling on his land.
In response to a request from a group of residents, the Community Association gathered responses requesting a Community Governance Review.
The number of responses requesting a Community Governance Review did not achieve the required number of responses and have now been shredded.
Even though responses did not achieve the threshold, it was clear, from the number of responses received, that there are residents who wish that a review to take place.
Earlier today (Monday 27 January 2025) residents and children from Fairfield First School & Fairfield Preschool came together to plant the Coronation Orchard on the Recreation Ground. Huge thanks to everybody for giving up their time.
This project has been made possible thanks to support received from Worcestershire Council and our Divisional County Councillor, Shirley Webb, plus permission to use the Recreation Ground from Belbroughton & Fairfield Parish Council.
In the autumn, the Community Association will be calling on volunteers to help plant daffodil and snowdrop bulbs amongst the orchard trees, and eventually an information board will be erected giving details of each fruits tree and what each fruit can be used for, e.g. a culinary apple or a dessert apple.
The Community Association would also like to thank ACERTREES, who are based in the village, for providing beech chippings that have been used as mulch.
Think about what could happen to you and your dog, if it is allowed to be loose around livestock.
West Mercia Police have recently had a number of reports of livestock worrying across North Worcestershire.
Livestock worrying is when loose dogs chase or attack farmed animals and it is a serious problem. Even well-behaved dogs can exhibit predatory behaviour around livestock like sheep or cows. This behaviour can cause the animals to become extremely stressed or injured, and can be fatal.
Livestock worrying isn’t just a risk to animal welfare; it causes significant distress and financial losses to farmers.
Responsible dog ownership is essential in preventing livestock worrying. You should always keep your dog under control and on a lead when around livestock, even if you believe your dog is well trained. This shouldn’t just be considered when out and about with your dogs, you should also remember to ensure that your property or boundaries are secure enough to prevent your dogs escaping and venturing into agricultural land.
As well as an owner being prosecuted for an offence, it is worth remembering that a farmer does have a legal right to shoot a dog in order to protect their property. None of us would like this to happen.
Further information about how to safely enjoy the countryside can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code-advice-for-countryside-visitors
A resident has informed us that they had a nasty encounter this morning with a fast driving vehicle on the narrow part of Claypit Lane, the driver failed to slow down and the residents had to squeeze into the hedge, waving to him to slow down. The resident said “thank heaven I didn’t have a child or dog with me. Dread to think what would have happened if I was on a horse”.
Other residents have also reported similar incidents, such as on Swan Lane.
Unfortunately, according to studies, most drivers who speed or drive at an inappropriate speed are local or regular use a specific road; for a large portion of Claypit Lane it’s the National Speed Limit, which some people see as a target, rather than drive at a speed that takes into consideration the road condition, environment and potential hazards, such as walkers.
Some motorists want other motorists to slow down, but not them, because they are “good drivers”, and they complain about the enforcement van, but their attitude changes when someone they know gets killed.
The Albrighton & Woodland held a News Years Day hunt, which included horses and hounds crossing land in our area and entering Pepper Wood, a member of the hunt group claiming that they have had landowners permission.
The Woodland Trust have not given any permission for the hunt to access their land (horses are permitted to use the bridal path), at the least two other landowners have said that they have not given permission, it is unknown whether other landowners have given consent or were aware that the hunt was taking place in the area.
Reports have been received from people visiting Pepper Wood being distressed when faced with a group of horse riders and a pack of hounds, and several people have reported a quad bike driving fast down the bridal path, the rider and his passenger, following the hunt.
The police have been made aware.
If you encountered the hunt in Pepper Wood, please report your sighting to enquiries@woodlandtrust.org.uk; any photos/videos you have would be appreciated.
If you felt threatened or intimidated, please share your experience by reporting to the police https://www.westmercia.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us-beta/contact-us/
A new planter has been made by the Pepper Wood volunteers, using a felled Oak tree, and has been sited next to the Yew Tree Lane junction bench.
The planter, which has been purchased by the Community Association, with support of County Councillor Shirley Webb’s Divisional Fund, will be looked after by community volunteers.
On New Years Eve, volunteers Carol and Geoff added compost and plants, and it is going to look Blooming Lovely.
Wednesday 11th December 2024, 09:30—11:30, Bournheath Community Centre, Claypit Lane.
If you own land within the Elmbridge Brook catchment (Bournheath and Fairfield areas), please join us for a meeting to discuss how Natural Flood Management (NFM) techniques could be used locally to reduce flood risk.
Officers from Worcestershire County Council & North Worcestershire Water Management will share experiences of NFM projects elsewhere in the County, and will ask you to annotate maps with areas known to flood or where water often flows off land, and if you know of areas where you think water could be stored for short periods of time.
Also present will be Philippa, a Catchment Sensitive Farming Officer from Natural England. CSF offers free, confidential advice to help manage land productively and sustainably including measures to look after soils – a precious and valuable resource. Taking steps to increase sustainable management practises to prevent both soil erosion and nutrient losses from fields is also key in protecting natural ecosystems. CSF works with farmers and partners across England to produce food in a way that protects water, air and soil, using schemes such as Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship.
We look forward to seeing you on Wednesday 11th December.
On behalf of:
– Bournheath Parish Council,
– Worcestershire County Council
– North Worcestershire Water Management
– Catchment Sensitive Farming
Changes to the makeup of Belbroughton & Fairfield Parish Council could further disadvantage the residents of our community.
Please read this article and action accordingly by 31st January 2025.
Currently we are a Ward within the Parish of Belbroughton & Fairfield, which currently is made up of 8 councillors elected to represent the Belbroughton Ward and 6 councillors elected to represent the Fairfield [Wildmoor & Stoneybridge] Ward.
But all this will soon change, due to a slight redrawing of our internal Parish boundary, and the forecasted electoral numbers in 5 years’ time.
From the Parish Council elections in 2027, the make up of the Council will be 9 Councillors elected to represent Belbroughton and 5 councillors elected to represent Fairfield [Wildmoor & Stoneybridge].
Some residents feel that the reduction in numbers of elected to represent Fairfield [Wildmoor & Stoneybridge] will further disadvantage our community and have asked if it is possible if we could become a Parish on our own, with local decisions being made by our community; there are other communities with similar or smaller populations to ours that are Parish Councils and operate effectively.
Residents have expressed concern that a future redrawing of the Parish or internal Ward boundaries could further disadvantage us, with the forecast population of Belbroughton increasing with future proposed development, and our community not increasing by the same rate due to no/minimal development.
The option for residents is to request a Community Governance Review, which needs to be requested by at least 200 electors living in the Parish.
If a Community Governance Review is requested, and agreed, Bromsgrove District Council will consider several options:
Or
Comparison with other Parish/Town Councils
Currently Belbroughton & Fairfield Parish Council is made up of 14 Councillors (if all seats are taken). The Parish has 2,582 usual residents as at Census day 2011.
In comparison, the number of councillors currently on (if all seats filled) and their respective populations for:
It has been suggested that in comparison with other larger population Parish/Town Councils, the makeup of Belbroughton & Fairfield Parish Council is disproportionately high. Councils with populations similar to ours often have 6 to 8 Councillors.
What can YOU do?
If you would like Bromsgrove District Council to conduct a Community Governance Review, please complete the request, which can be download via the link at the bottom of this article or that will be published within our Winter Newsletter.
The Community Association has agreed to collate the requests and forward them on to Bromsgrove District Council, you can hand in your Community Governance Review request at any of our events or pop it in the Village Hall post-box. NOTE: The Governance Review Request can only be signed by those people on the electoral register.
If the Association has received 200 signatures by the deadline of 31st January 2025, we will forward all requests for a Community Governance Review to Bromsgrove District Council. If the number of required signatures has not been achieved by the deadline date, request forms received will be shredded.
Thanks to the support of County Councillor Shirley Webb & Worcestershire County Council , the Community Association have been able to install a new bench in Wood Lane. Thanks also to volunteers Nick & Paul for their assistance.
Today is the start of a ten-week public consultation, by the Local Government Boundary Commission for England, inviting proposals for new council wards and ward boundaries for Bromsgrove District Council.
The consultation will close on 2 December 2024.
After the Commission have considered all representations made to them during this consultation, they intend to publish draft recommendations in May 2025.
The Commission will then hold a further period of consultation on their draft recommendations. The final recommendations are expected to be published in November 2025.
The new electoral arrangements will come into effect at the local elections in 2027.
The electoral review will recommend new electoral arrangements for Bromsgrove District Council. They will propose:
This is a public consultation and the Commission welcomes views from individuals and organisations across Bromsgrove on where they think new ward boundaries should be drawn.
The Commission are minded to recommend that 31 councillors should be elected to Bromsgrove District Council in the future.
This is no change from the current number of councillors.
The Commission are now inviting proposals to help us draw up a pattern of wards to accommodate 31 councillors.
In drawing up new electoral wards, the Commission must balance three legal criteria, namely:
The Commission will treat all submissions equally, and judge each case on its merits and against the legal criteria.
If you wish to put forward a view, the Commission would also urge you to ensure that evidence supports your submission.
For example, if you wish to argue that two areas should be included in the same electoral ward, make sure you tell the Commission why they should be together, providing evidence about community facilities, ties, organisations, and amenities, rather than simply asserting that they belong together.
There is more advice on the Commission’s website about how you can get involved in the consultation.
The Commission’s website features technical guidance that explains the process and their policies, as well as guidance on how to take part in each part of the process.
They have also set up a webpage dedicated to the review of Bromsgrove, where you can find all the relevant information, access interactive maps of the current ward boundaries, and give your views.
Early morning on Tuesday 10th September, a Fairfield farmers lost 6 sheep due them being attacked by a dog, the police have been informed. This incident has created unnecessary stress on the farmer, as well as financial loss. The injuries to the sheep are so graphic that we are unable to share the images.
PLEASE keep dogs on a lead when walking through fields with livestock. If your dog is found to have attacked or worried livestock you will be prosecuted. If a farmer sees your dog worrying sheep, they can shoot your dog.
PROPOSED EXTRACTION OF SAND AND GRAVEL AND SUBSEQUENT INFILLING WITH INERT WASTE TO ACHIEVE FULL RESTORATION AT PINCHES (4) QUARRY, WILDMOOR LANE, WILDMOOR
The above application will be considered by the Planning & Regulatory Committee on Tuesday, 24 September. The meeting will commence at 10.00 am and will be held at Wychavon District Council (Civic Centre, Queen Elizabeth Drive, Pershore, Worcestershire, WR10 1PT).
Unfortunately, the Council Chamber at County Hall, Worcester is not available due to issues associated with RAAC and therefore the meeting is being held at Wychavon District Council Civic Centre.
We need some one to take over the booking of tables and gathering of numbers for our monthly Dining Group for next year; January to November.
Each month the Dining Group different eateries, and this monthly activity has grown to become an enjoyable social occasion, which attracts people of all ages.
Currently, the Dining Group meets on a Monday lunchtime, but this is not set in stone, so if inconvenient for you, we could change when the Dining Group meets.
Support will be available, and there will be cover when you are not available.
If you can help, email chair@fvca.org.uk
The Swan Inn are running a raffle to help raise money and awareness for Prostate Cancer UK.
Any donations are greatly appreciated. If you are interested feel free to pop in.
There are two hampers up for grabs for the winning tickets.
It is with sadness that we share the news of the death of Pauline Wilkes, wife of Ron Wilkes and former resident of Fairfield.
Pauline was born locally and grew up around Clent, Holy Cross and Fairfield. As a young married couple Ron and Pauline lived in one of the cottages opposite the village hall in Fairfield where their two children Melanie and Jeremy were born. Many years later Pauline and Ron returned to Fairfield and spent many happy years of their retirement living once again here in Fairfield.
Pauline died on Sunday 12th May at the Great Western hospital in Swindon. Details of the funeral arrangements to follow.
For this year’s Heritage Open Days we want to promote skills and crafts, whether that be spinning wool, flower arranging, crochet, or anything else that can be demonstrated and that can also can get people involved.
Initially, demonstrations/skill sharing will take place inside St. Mark’s church, Fairfield, on Saturday 14th September, 10am to 1pm, if there is the demand, we could be looking at the village hall, if it is available. If you have a skill or interest that you would like to share, please be part of this year’s national event. Email chair@fvca.org.uk
See below update that we have received:
The Bromsgrove District Plan is now ready to move onto the next stage. The plan has continued to be developed over recent years with the Strategic Planning teamworking to develop the evidence base and assess all 400+ sites previously submitted to us. The Council is now in a position to announce that we are expecting to publish a consultation document this summer which will set out the planning strategy for Bromsgrove District for the next 15-20 years. The full details including the summer consultation dates will be confirmed shortly.
The Council is still awaiting further information on how the plan making reforms included in the Levelling up and Regeneration Act are to be enacted. Following the summer consultation the Council expects to then progress its plan using the‘new30 month system.’ Once we have this information a full timetable will then be published showing all the stages up to adoption. Please check regularly on the Council’s website for more updates, we would ask kindly that you do not contact the Council requesting further updates – updates will only be provided via the website and emails sent to those registered on our database. This ensures all stakeholders receive the same information at the same time.
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
