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

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

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.

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 12^th 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.

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.

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:

• roads, pavements and public footpaths
• parks and green spaces
• town centres and shopping precincts
• car parks
• playing fields, playgrounds and school grounds

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:

• The person in charge of the dog has a reasonable excuse for not clearing up. (Being unaware of the fouling or not having the means to clean up is not an excuse.)
• The owner or occupier of the land has consented to the faeces being left
• The person puts the faeces in a bin on the land
• The person in charge of the dog has a registered visual impairment

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.

Are you a dog owner and do you care about their welfare?

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

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.

Invitation for landowners and farmers – Natural Flood Management in Bournheath and Fairfield

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 31^st 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:

• Splitting the Parish and creating a new Parish of Fairfield (or whatever name is agreed).  Do we have a population that could sustain a Parish of Fairfield?  The Census 2021 population dataset at Parish level has yet to be made public by the ONS, so we can only go by 2011 census data; the population for Fairfield was 942, our neighbours in Bournheath had a population of 465 and Dodford with Grafton 758.  The nearby Parish of Frankley had a population of 122

Or

• A revised overall number of Parish Councillors, the overall number proposed could be less than at present (the current number is disproportionately high compared to other Councils).  The Ward allocation would be based – as present – on number of electors.  If the overall Council was reduced to, for example, 8, the allocation may be 5 for Belbroughton, 3 for Fairfield, the difference of 2 would be far better than the proposed difference of 4, or more.

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:

• Evesham Town Council is 24 councillors and 23,428 usual residents as at Census day 2011.

• Droitwich Spa Town Council is 18 councillors and 23,504 usual residents as at Census day 2011.

• Pershore Town Council is 15 and 7,065 usual residents as at Census day 2011.

• Malvern Town Council is 20 and 29,626 usual residents as at Census day 2011.

• Catshill and North Marlbrook Parish Council is 10 and 6,858 usual residents as at Census day 2011.

• Kidderminster Town Council is 18.  The population for the Kidderminster Built-up area (Census 2011) was 57,059.

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 31^st 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.

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

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.

A well attended Service of Remembrance this morning, which was held inside the Village Hall.

Wreaths were laid by the Parish Council (Cllr. Gibbs), Community Association (by a child, Miss Jessie Gibson), West Mercia Police (PCSO Cadwallader), Fairfield Women’s Institute (Mrs. Cotterill) & Fairfield First School (child & headteacher, Mr. Scott Smith).

Following the service, members of the community enjoyed refreshments.

The collection raised £134.30, which will be donated to the Royal British Legion

Thanks to all volunteers involved with the service and serving refreshments.

Thanks to Keith & Carol, who have volunteered to coordinate litter picks, our Community Litter Picks will continue in 2024.

A deputy is needed for when Keith & Carol are on holiday. Can someone help with this?

The next Community Litter Pick will be on Saturday 13th January 10.30am.

As nobody has come forward to coordinate our Community Litter Picks, and with dwindling volunteers, the last outing for the Fairfield Wombles will be on Saturday (11th November) 10.30am, meet outside the Village Hall.

Everyone is welcome to give our community one last Fight The Grot, it’s only one hour of your time.

It is disappointing, after 7 1/2 years, that litter picking is coming to an end, but we have been struggling for far too long with lack of support, with 3 to 6 volunteers, or is it that people living in the community are content with how it once was, with litter along our roads & open spaces and in our ditches.

We are delighted to be partnering the Woodland Trust with this competition. Email your suggestions to admin@fvca.org.uk

Smith of Derby Clockmakers Proudly Restores Copper Dial for St. Mark’s Church, Fairfield

Smith of Derby is pleased to announce the successful restoration of the copper dial at St. Mark’s Church in Fairfield. The project was led by our Complex Projects Manager, Martin Butchers, who oversaw the refurbishment.

During the initial inspection we discovered that the copper dial had been dislodged by the wind. Traditional wooden plugs and slotted screws were found to have been used originally to attach the dial to the wall, and with weathering over many years these had become loose.

The restoration process involved: a faithful restoration of the dial to its original black colour, with gold leaf and hands; the provision and installation of one of our clock movements, replacing the previous one; and significant improvement to the attachment method of the dial to St. Mark’s Church, ensuring the dial’s stability and safeguarding it against future dislodgment. In response to the desire of the Church’s representatives to commemorate the Coronation of King Charles III, as well as the life of service given by our late Queen, Elizabeth II, the Royal cyphers of both monarchs have been painted onto the dial.

“We take great pride in the work we do at Smith of Derby and it has been a privilege to work on the dial at St Mark’s Church” said Martin Butchers. “This project ensures the dial’s longevity and functionality for the future.”

For further information about this project or interviews, please contact us at enquiries@smithofderby.com

About Smith of Derby Clockmakers:

Smith of Derby specialises in the restoration and preservation of historic timepieces. Founded in 1856, our team of horologists is dedicated to safeguarding iconic clocks around the UK and the world.

About the Fairfield Clock

The clock was first installed in 1953, in the coronation year of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with the present reinstallation in the year of His Majesty’s Coronation.  To mark these historical events Royal cyphers have been added to the restored clock.

The restoration work was required as the clock had stopped working and had fallen from its position at the west end of the church.

Often incorrectly assumed to be the Church’s Clock, it is a Public Clock that, like in many communities across the country, is attached to the tallest building, which at the time was often a church.

According to a Bromsgrove Messenger report in 1953 “The Coronation Committee decided that a clock costing £10 be put in the wall of the Church where all could see it”.  A plaque attached to the wall below the clock (below) reads “The clock in this church was installed by the people of Fairfield and District to commemorate the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II June 2^nd 1953”.

The cost of the clock refurbishment is over £8000 and has partly been funded by Mrs. Margaret Must in memory of her husband, Chris, however, more money is needed to pay the balance of the refurbishment bill. (above photo, Mrs. Must with Rev. Canon Wyn Beynon at the service of rededication)

Wyn Beynon, Priest in Charge at St. Mark’s, said  “The clock face looking out on to the village is a shared community asset. It may be on the church building, but it was put there by the village for everyone, and indeed was originally paid for by public subscription. We hope you will appreciate the skill of the makers, and those who have beautifully restored the face. It has still got an electric mechanism (it was never clockwork) and this new one is exactly the same type as is installed in clocks in Middle Eastern deserts and Siberian snows… but we hope it’s up to British weather! If you are interested in contributing to the cost – please contact one of the church members or me at bfcoffice@btconnect.com”.