Skip to content Skip to left sidebar Skip to right sidebar Skip to footer

Notices

Rural Crime Prevention Message

A rural crime prevention message from PCSO Mark Hyder:

Farms and Rural properties are often in isolated locations and can be vulnerable to crime if not properly secured and protected. A secure perimeter around your property and its outbuildings can help deter would be thieves and burglars from targeting livestock, vehicles and buildings within your boundary.

Regularly check your fences and hedges in order to identity any gaps or weak spots that could help provide unauthorised access by criminals and secure these where necessary. Consider restricting access to your properties entrance with a gate or other form of barrier system, this will help prevent unwelcome guests and vehicles entering onto your land.

You may wish to consider having an infrared passive tripwire system installed. This type of system projects an infrared beam which when broken would alert you to the fact that there may be somebody on your properties grounds. Remember to install this type of system high enough off the ground so local wildlife such as fox’s and badgers do not accidentally set it off.

Install good security lighting around your home, outbuildings and any isolated locations. This can also deter would be criminals as most thieves and burglars would rather remain unseen in order to help prevent them being spotted by the property owner or any possible passersby or police patrols.

Avoid leaving property in isolated locations or in fields – particularly near roadside or any where they can be easily removed without attracting any unwanted attention.

Items such as motorbikes, quad bikes, trailers and sit on lawn mowers are very desirable to thieves. Consider shackling multiple items together or chain items to a sturdy bracket which is secured to the ground or the wall of a building making them difficult to remove.

For further information on all aspects of security Visit https://www.westmercia.police.uk/crime-and-safety

Tackling Hare Coursing – West Mercia Joins Operation Galileo

West Mercia Police are pleased to announce they have joined Operation Galileo, a nationwide plan targeting those engaged in illegal hare coursing, by working with 23 other police forces we will endeavor to curtail this cruel and, quite frankly outdated so called ‘sport’. By working with other forces across the country, we can share information and intelligence on offenders who cause the greatest harm to our rural communities. Prevention will be the focus of Operation Galileo, supported by more sophisticated prosecution and intelligence gathering capabilities.

Hare coursers do not just have a negative impact on farming communities. The people that partake in this cruel pursuit are responsible for other crimes across our rural communities and our road network.

People who live in our rural communities play a vital part in helping us gather intelligence, and we really need your support.

What is hare coursing?

Hare coursing is a bloodsport where dogs are used to chase, catch and kill hares.

It is illegal in the UK under the Hunting Act 2004, which makes it an offence to hunt wild mammals with dogs. Anyone convicted of the offence can receive a fine of up to £5,000 by a Magistrates’ Court.

Legislation also gives police the powers to seize and detain vehicles until the court hearing. Powers to seize vehicles may also be granted under section 30 of the Game Act 1831.

Hare coursing tends to start after harvest when large areas of land have been cleared of standing crops. It usually occurs at dawn or dusk.

Our rural landscape makes it a popular area for hare coursing. It often attracts coursers from outside of the county.

What to look out for

  • You can help us fight hare coursing by looking out for activity in your area.
  • The most obvious sign is groups of vehicles parked in a rural area, perhaps by a gateway to farmland, on a grass verge, on a farm track or bridle path.
  • They will usually be estate cars, four wheel drives or vans. It will be obvious looking inside whether there is evidence of dogs or not.
  • They often travel in convoy, with vans at the front and rear containing minders.
  • They will often use binoculars to spot hares.
  • Coursers will often walk along the edge of a field to frighten a hare into the open.

Report it

  • If you see hare coursing taking place, or suspect it is happening in your area contact us immediately on 101. We advise that you do not approach the participants.
  • It may help us if you can answer any of the questions when reporting wildlife crime:
  • Are the suspect/s alone or in a group?
  • Are they trespassing?
  • Do they have equipment with them?
  • Do they have dogs or firearms with them?
  • Where are they going?
  • Where have they been?
  • What do they look like?
  • Have they any vehicles?
  • What are the number plates and vehicle models?
  • Can you safely get a photograph?

What3Words – Easy way to supply accurate location information

What3Words is a free app designed so people can easily relay location information without the hassle of having to find GPS coordinates or long-winded instructions such as “across the field with the burnt oak tree near the pond”.
Instead every 3m square in the UK has been assigned a three word address which can be given to emergency service call handlers.
The app is free to use and can be downloaded from your mobile devices app store.
You can also access via the website at https://what3words.com/

Take Five to stop fraud

Criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police. They spend hours researching you for their scams, hoping you’ll let your guard down for just a moment. Stop and think. It could protect you and your money.
STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud.
Click here to find out more about how to protect against doorstep, mail, online, pension and investment, phone, or romance scams.

Watch Out for Rogue Traders

Rogue Traders have recently been cold-calling across Worcestershire offering to tarmac driveways. Residents are warned NOT to buy on the doorstep and to report suspicious callers to Trading Standards (Citizens Advice on 0808 223 1133 or the Police on 101).

Caravans and Motorhomes: Crime Prevention Advice

West Mercia Police have seen an increase in the reports of thefts/attempted thefts of and from caravans and motorhomes over the last few months. If you are a caravan or motorhome owner, here are a few tips which may help in protecting your property:  

When your caravan/motorhome is not in use:
·  Remove all your personal belongings and contents. Leave cupboard doors and curtains open, this may help to deter opportunist thieves if they can see it’s empty.
·  Store your caravan securely. If you are choosing a storage site, don’t just look at the price. Check to see that it offers good security measures.
·  If you are leaving your caravan/motorhome at home, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your caravan/motorhome as well as your home. Consider fixing good security posts on your drive to prevent your caravan/motorhome being stolen.

Store your caravan/motorhome securely
·  Choose a site operated by the Caravan Storage site Owners Association (CaSSOA)
·  Check to see if it offers good security measures for example secure posts to which your caravan can be hitch-locked, ground anchors, security staff or CCTV.
·  Remember if you can enter the storage area and remove your caravan without being approached, then so can a thief.

Devices for securing your caravan/motorhome
·  Installing a reliable alarm system (GSM) and tracking device.
·  Locking the coupling head into a cover using a good quality hitch lock.
·  Using locking wheel nuts and a good quality clamp on the caravan wheels.
·  Chaining your caravan to a robust and secure point. Use a heavy duty chain that is made out of hardened steel to reduce the chance of it being cut through.

Protect your belongings
·  Ensure you close and lock your doors, windows and roof lights when you leave your caravan.
·  Don’t leave anything valuable on display, laptops etc.
·  Consider security marking any valuables and make sure you have the serial numbers for any items.
·  Never leave Caravan Registration and identification documents (CRis) or V5 documentation in your vehicle.

Buying 
·  Check that the chassis number hasn’t been removed or altered / Check the vehicle registration matches the type of vehicle its on.
·  Before buying privately, consider checking the caravans history on CRiS.
·  Check all the keys are available and correct.
·  Check the number plate is the same as the one on the tow vehicle. Be wary if temporary or handwritten number plates are used.
·  Always ask about built in security features such as an alarm or tracking device, caravan safe, hitch-lock or wheel clamps.

Caravan facts
Caravans manufactured since 1992 by the National Caravan Council members are recorded on the CRiS database by their unique 17 digital Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) The 17 digit vehicle identification document (VIN) should be stamped onto the caravan chassis and etched on the windows. Even if you own a pre-1992 caravan, or imported your own caravan into the UK, you can still register it with CRiS yourself. All caravans manufactures since August 1997 are electronically tagged for added security.  

Hollie Guard

Hollie Guard is a free personal safety app that can be downloaded onto any iOS or Android device.

With Hollie Guard, if ever you feel threatened, you can send out an alert by either shaking your phone or pressing the icon button. Once you activate an alert, your location along with video and audio evidence is automatically sent to your emergency contacts via SMS and/or email. Your emergency contacts can then take action to help you quickly. 

There are multiple features which can be used:

  • Journey Feature – This ensures safe travel by providing real-time updates as users move between two places.
  • Meeting Feature – Meetings allow users to identify when they are going to a meeting with a risk factor. A timer can be set, and an alert is automatically created.
  • Man Down – For users in situations where injury or personal immobilisation is a possibility by flagging sudden deceleration, non-movement & impact.
  • Reports – Reports allow users to record and geotang incidents within the app. All reports will get saved to the users account, not on the device. 

As well as all the features of Hollie Guard, you can now choose to upgrade your service to Hollie Guard Extra, a brand-new service through which an alert response centre will monitor any alerts you trigger. 

Useful Links:

Website: https://hollieguard.com/

Email:  info@hollieguard.com

iPhone Download: http://tiny.cc/u9pioz

Android Download: http://tiny.cc/l8pioz

Twitter: @hollie_guard

Instagram: hollieguard

DPD Scam Alert

We have received a report of a scam text message claiming to be from DPD.
The message states you have missed a delivery and asks you to follow a link to book a redelivery.
Don’t follow the link, they are after your details.

Nominated Neighbour Scheme

Nominated Neighbour scheme is designed to deter cold callers and rogue traders and can help neighbours work together to give cold callers the cold shoulder.

A bright yellow Nominated Neighbour sticker, prominently displayed shows potential callers that their identity will be checked by a trusted neighbour and they will only been seen if accompanied by a known and trusted person. 

All it takes is a neighbour, family friend or family member to agree to be nominated and any callers will be directed to them for their identity to be verified.

The scheme makes it clear to any callers that their identity will be checked, deterring those callers who are not genuine.

The nominated neighbour scheme is funded by West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner to help reduce doorstep crime. It is free and delivered to homes by the North Worcestershire Community Safety Partnership represented by Council Community Safety officers or your local police officers.

In addition to the Nominated Neighbour window sticker, a pack containing useful information on keeping safe is also provided as part of the scheme.

Further information and details of how to join the scheme can be made by  contacting Community Safety at Bromsgrove District Council by calling on 01527 534187 or email at community safety@bromsgroveandredditch.gov.uk

Pepper Wood Extension Update

Paul Jarczewski, Woodland Trust Site Manger (Central England) has provided the Community Association with the following update:

The online consultation was very successful.  We had 79 responses, which indicated very obvious support for our plans to establish the new wood.  I’m sure this interest was in no small part due to the Community Association championing the project locally, so many thanks for that.

We are just about to submit our final design plans to The Forestry Commission for their approval.  The consultation response is an important appendix to this, as it provides evidence to the Commission that the new wood is something that local people will value.

One of the things we wish to do is set up some monitoring as the new land develops (hoping of course that our fundraising is successful and we acquire the land).  The monitoring will look at how well trees establish on different areas of the site, but also look at how the biodiversity changes/improves with time.  It is very interesting to know we already have some potentially rare species.

We are still fundraising to buy the land, so any opportunity you have to let people know would be greatly appreciated.

If you would like to know more about the proposed Pepper Wood Expansion visit http://fvca.org.uk/directory/pepper-wood/

Do You Know What A Ghost Broker is?

Just 15% of people have heard of a ‘ghost broker’.* Do you know what one is?
Have you ever heard of a ‘ghost broker’? No, we are not talking about things that go bump in the night – this is a lot scarier. ‘Ghost brokers’ are fraudsters who sell fake or invalid car insurance policies. Victims are sold fake insurance documents for a policy that does not exist, or for a genuine policy that has been set up using false details to lower the price of the premium.

How do ‘ghost brokers’ operate?
Fraudsters lure victims in with the offer of cheaper insurance premiums, usually via social media or by word-of-mouth. These individuals or groups pose as middlemen for well-known insurance companies, claiming they can offer you legitimate car insurance at a significantly cheaper price.

This type of fraud is typically carried out either by forging insurance documents, falsifying your details to bring the price down, or by taking out a genuine policy for you but cancelling it soon after.

Often, the victim is not aware that they have been scammed until they are involved in an accident and try to claim on the policy.

Who do ‘ghost brokers’ target?
‘Ghost brokers’ tend to target vulnerable communities, including members of non-English speaking communities who may not have full knowledge of UK insurance and laws, as well as young people looking for cheaper insurance deals.

Last year, Action Fraud received 694 reports of ‘ghost broking’, with almost a third (29%) coming from victims aged 17-29. The reported losses for these victims alone totalled £113,500, with each individual losing an average of £559.

Figures also indicate that over half (58%) of all reports in 2020 were submitted by men.

What could happen if I drive without valid insurance?
As policies sold by ‘ghost brokers’ are either invalid, non-existent or fraudulent, this means that the driver is technically uninsured, meaning that you could face:

  • £300 fixed penalty notice
  • Six points on driving licence
  • Vehicle being seized and crushed

How can I protect myself from ‘ghost brokers’?
There are simple steps that you can take to spot the signs of these scams and avoid being taking for a ride by ‘ghost brokers’:

  • ‘Ghost brokers’ often advertise and communicate via social media, online forums and messaging apps. If a broker is only using a mobile phone or email as a way of contact, this can be a sign of this type of crime. Fraudsters do not want to be traced after they have taken money from their victims.
  • They may also try to sell insurance policies through print adverts in pubs, clubs or bars, newsagents
  • If a deal seems too good to be true, then it probably is. If you are not sure about the broker, check on the Financial Conduct Authority or the British Insurance Brokers’ Association website for a list of all authorised insurance brokers. You can also contact the insurance company directly to verify the broker’s details. You can also check to see if a car appears to be insured on the Motor Insurance Database website.
  • If you think that you have been a victim of a ghost broker, you can report your concerns to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or on 0300 123 2040.
  • You can also contact the Insurance Fraud Bureau via its confidential Cheatline on 0800 422 0421 or on the IFB website.

Released Balloons Can Kill

Another balloon found next to pasture land, near Pepper Wood. This balloon, in the shape of a bottle with the word ‘Cheers’ on it, was made out of plastic. In addition to being unsightly, spoiling our beautiful countryside, balloons can kill livestock – cattle have been known to eat balloons that end up stuck in their throat, choking them to death.

WHAT IS FAIRFIELD 200 CLUB?

Members of the 200 club buy one or more numbers which go into a monthly draw. There are 200 numbers in total. The subscription is only £1 per month for each number. Over the course of the year £1500 is given out as prizes and the remainder (up to £900) goes into Fairfield Village Hall funds. Twice per year the top monthly prize is £200.

You may have been resident in the Fairfield area for a number of years and never got around to joining or you may be new to the village.

Either way, please consider giving your support by joining the 200 Club. Most members pay £12 annually for each number.

Further details and application forms can be found on the website http://fvca.org.uk/200-club/.  Alternatively, please contact the Administrator (details below).

If you wish to join the 200 Club, please take the completed form(s) and subscriptions to the Administrator or contact her and she will collect them.

The 200 Club Administrator is

Linda Garvin

83 Brook Road

Fairfield

01527 834935

Cryptocurreny Investment Scams

Criminals will cold call consumers and convince them to share their personal details and to sign up to cryptocurrency investment websites. The consumer is then asked to make an initial minimum deposit, after which the criminal will call again to persuade them to invest more to achieve a greater profit.

Consumers have realised that they have been defrauded, but only after the website has been deactivated. The friendly person they had previously spoken to can no longer be contacted.

Action Fraud have provided these tips on how to protect yourself:

• Don’t assume it’s real – professional-looking websites, adverts or social media posts don’t always mean that an investment opportunity is genuine. Criminals can use the names of well known brands or individuals to make their scams appear legitimate.

• Don’t be rushed or pressured into deciding – a genuine bank or financial organisation won’t force you to part with your money on the spot. Always be wary if you’re pressured to invest quickly or promised returns that sound too good to be true.

• Stay in control – avoid uninvited investment offers, especially those over cold calls. If you’re thinking about making an investment, get independent advice and thoroughly research the company first

Holiday Fraud & Top Tips from ‘Which?’

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) have issued an alert to warn members of the public about the risk of holiday fraud and ticketing scams following the announcement of the government’s planned road map out of lockdown.
Any significant demands for holidays are likely to be exploited by scammers leading to an increase in holiday fraud.
Here are some top tips around holiday scams from ‘Which?’:
Incredibly cheap online deal – If the price for your flight or holiday is considerably cheaper than the average cost elsewhere, you should be suspicious.
Look out for logos – Looking out for official logos is a good way to check the authenticity of holiday booking, travel agent and tour operators. Seeing the ATOL logo in your travel company’s brochures, adverts and websites should mean your holiday will be protected.
Watch out for fake listings – Check out if a property exists by using Google Street View to see the property and the area. You can also use Google Images Reverse Search to see if the interior photos have been used elsewhere on the internet for other property listings.
Bank transfer – If a bank transfer is your only option for payment, this should set alarm bells ringing. You should be especially cautious if you’re asked to pay directly into a private individual’s bank account. Not only does this show no bank is prepared to provide credit card facilities, but – if you’re dealing with a scammer – it will be almost impossible to get your money back.Check online reviews – Do a thorough search to check the company’s credentials. Check multiple reviews for information on other people’s experiences and take note of any warnings about the company.

Do you have scam mail?

Please write the date you received the mail on its envelope, then pop it into any mailbag or envelope and send to the National Trading Standards Team using this address:
FREEPOST
NTSST
MAIL MARSHALS

Church Services at St. Mark’s

Church services will resume at St Mark’s Church this weekend on Sunday, 13th June at 11.15am when there will be a Worship of All service.
It is good that the congregation will again be able to be physically present at services. Remember that everyone attending the service must respect the current Covid-19 guidance. In particular, everyone attending the service must wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) and they should continue to comply with the social distancing requirements. The “two metre rule” applies for communal worship.
It is hoped that future services will be held on the second and fourth Sundays of each month.

Revised Speed Limit Order Creating 40 mph Buffer Zone

Worcestershire County Council are to consider making an Order the effect of which will be to IMPOSE a 40 MPH on the following length of road in Fairfield: –B4091 Stourbridge Road from a point 81.5m south of its roundabout junction with A491 Sandy Lane to a point 298m north of its junction with Swan Lane, i.e. the north village planter, where the current 30 mph zone starts. For details visit CLICK HERE.

Any objection/representations you may have must be sent in writing to County Hall, or email roadtrafficregs@worcestershire.gov.uk; to be received by 23 June 2021.

Fairfield Village Community Association welcomes this revised proposal. The Association will continue to lobby for additional much needed traffic calming engineering works.

Pepper Wood Design Plans Revealed

The Woodland Trust have released the design plans for the proposed Pepper Wood extension and they would like to hear your views. The proposed design plan is below.

To have your say, please complete a 5-minute survey, to access CLICK HERE

Flood Alleviation Recreation Ground

At last we have contractors due to carry out works to improve the drainage at the footpath end of the Recreation Ground.

The work by Kelbec Civils Ltd is due to commence Monday 17th May with initial marking out of the areas. The works will take circa 5 to 7 days.

The access will be via the carpark and with no traffic using the lane to the school. 2 bays will be out of commission on the car park for the duration.

All works will be suitably ‘Harass fenced’ off.

Another Collision on Sandy Lane

Sandy Lane was closed Wednesday 12th May following a collision at the junction of Money Lane.

A spokesperson from West Mercia Police said: “The road is currently closed and will be for sometime.

“Officers are currently dealing with a collision on Money Lane.”

A spokesperson from West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called at 3:11pm to reports of a two car RTC at the junction of Sandy Lane and the B4551.

“We currently have one ambulance at the scene assessing two patients. “

Malware alert: beware of fake delivery company text messages

A text-message scam that infects Android mobile phones with malicious software (malware) is targeting people in the UK.

The text message, which pretends to be from a delivery company, includes a link that claims to allow you to track a parcel.

However, this is an attempt to infect your phone with malware, which occurs if the link is clicked on. The scam text has been received by customers on all major UK networks. One example of this text, shown below, claims to be from DHL.

A screenshot of the ‘Flubot’ scam text

The malware, called Flubot, can allow criminals to access personal information on your phone, including online banking details.

If you receive one of these text messages, take the following steps:

  1. DO NOT press the link.
  2. Report the text by forwarding it to 7726.
  3. Delete the text from your phone.

If you think you have fallen victim to this scam, contact your provider as soon as possible, as well as Action Fraud, the reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Reports of fraud and any other financial crime in Scotland should be reported to the police via 101.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has also published advice for people who may have been affected by this scam.

Pepper Wood Extension: View Site and Public Consultation

The Woodland Trust have organised a public consultation event planned on 19th May regarding their proposed plans to extend Pepper Wood.  The provisional design for the new woodland is ready to be viewed and the Woodland Trust would like to share these plans with you and invite your opinion.

The event itself will be quite informal.  Paul Jarczewski (Woodland Trust Central England Site Manager) and a design consultant will lead 2 short walks over the new land, one leaving at 2 pm and another at 6 pm.  Maps and layouts of the design will be available for people to view.

To join the walk and/or view the design, meet Paul in the Swan Inn car park.  Each will last about an hour.

For more information regarding the Pepper Wood Appeal and to make a donation visit http://fvca.org.uk/directory/pepper-wood/

Village Spring Clean 2021

This year’s Village Spring Clean will take place on Saturday 12th June. 

Please donate an hour to help clear the grot from our community and to wash street signs.  Meet outside the Village Hall at 10.00 am, wear suitable clothing & footwear, litter picking equipment will be provided.   

If you would like to help wash the street signs, please bring a bucket, sponge and some mild detergent.  If you have step ladders, they will come in very hand.

Community Association Seeks New Chairman/lady

Interested? Email chair@fvca.org.uk

Message from the current FVCA Chair:

As you all know I have previously said that I will be stepping down as Chair at the AGM. In addition to having served as Chair for over 5 years, I do have some personal & family matters that require my full attention.
I am sure that there are people in the community who would be willing to take on the role and the nudge they need to step forward is knowing that the position is vacant.
Therefore, so as to help focus minds, I have decided, after much thought, that I will step down as Chair by 31st August or at the A.G.M, whichever is earlier. Ideally I would like it to be sooner, rather than the later date.
In the meantime, I will continue – when time permits – with existing lobbying/work. I will not be taking on any new work. I may have to ask for assistance to respond to any communications that we receive.
It would be helpful if someone could volunteer to be a media administrator, along with me. In my view the person would have to take a strict approach. Please ask people that you feel will be able to help deliver our current service standard or better.

Floral Fairfield 2021

Let’s create ribbons of colour throughout our community this July.
Floral Fairfield is usually a is a bit of competitive fun, with many residents winning a Bronze, Silver or Gold certificate. This year there will be no judging or certificates, it is just going to be fun and we are asking residents and businesses to help create fantastic colourful floral displays that can be seen and enjoyed by people passing by, whether it a basket, tub or a front garden arrangement.

Meet Your Local Policing Team

Bromsgrove North Safer Neighbourhood Team will be in Fairfield (outside the Cafe) Thursday 22nd April from 6pm for 1hr. Please come and say hello. Share any concerns or seek advice that is needed.
A representative from FVCA, your local Neighbourhood Watch Group, will also be present.

Be kind and thoughtful this St. Mark’s Day and Eve

Our village church was named to honour St. Mark the Evangelist, whose feast day is on 25th April.

Mark was an Evangelist—one of the four men who wrote the Gospels found in the New Testament.

It was tradition in many English villages between the 17th and late 19th Centuries for people to sit in the church porch on the night of St Mark’s Eve and stay silent between the bell tolling at 11pm until the bell struck 1am. During this time, the ghosts of those who were to die in the year ahead would be observed entering the church.

In our community we don’t want ghosts, and on this St. Mark’s Eve (Saturday 24th April), we invite you to light a candle, pause and think of those people suffering in body, mind or spirit and ask that they receive strength and healing.

And, on St. Mark’s Day (Sunday 25th April) let’s show our loving, caring nature with a Random Act of Kindness with someone else who also lives in our community.

Share your candlelight photos and tell us about your Random Act of Kindness (whether what you have done or what you have received) by emailing admin@fvca.org.uk or message our Facebook page.

Duke of Edinburgh’s Funeral

The Duke of Edinburgh’s ceremonial royal funeral will take place at St George’s Chapel on Saturday 17th April. The procession and service will be televised. Details tbc. After the service, the duke’s coffin will be lowered into the royal vault below the quire. A national minute’s silence will be observed as the service begins at 3pm.

The Duke of Edinburgh 1921 – 2021

The death of HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has been announced, the Union Flag in front of the Village Hall has been lowered to half-mast. Many residents have expressed deep sorrow at this news, and wish the Queen and the Royal Family strength at this very sad time.

Revised Countryside Code

For 70 years the Countryside Code has been guiding us on how to protect our outdoor spaces, and it’s still as important as ever.


Read the updated Countryside Code: CLICK HERE

School Easter Trail

The school PTFA have created an Easter Trail around the village that will run throughout the Easter holidays.

Along the trail, attached to benches, there will be some clues that children can use to find a winning word. If you see these clues, please do not remove.

The PTFA have asked that people participating in the Easter Trail follow clear rules:

1) Adhere to social distancing and all of the current government COVID guidelines, https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do

2) Dogs are kept on leads and any dog mess to be picked up.

3) All litter is taken home and/or disposed of correctly.

4) Vehicles parked with consideration to village residents.

If you have any questions please contact the PTFA at the following email address fairfieldfirstschool@gmail.com

Hedgerow Fire

A Fire & Rescue crew from Bromsgrove attended a fire in the open involving 25m of hedgerow today (Tuesday 30th March), Middle Road, Wildmoor.

Ultrafast Broadband Has Arrived

If your property is connected to the Mount Road OpenReach junction box, you can now upgrade your internet connection to FULL FIBRE.
Contact your internet service provider to upgrade your package – see what deals they are offering.
Your Internet Service Provider will arrange for an engineer to visit your property to install the fibre connection.

Pepper Wood Appeal Update

Philip Shipway, Appeals Manager at the Woodland Trust, has provide FVCA with a Pepper Wood appeal update.

In his email, Philip said how pleased the Woodland Trust are to have the support of residents and Fairfield Village Community Association and that it is wonderful that local residents have been contributing to the appeal.  

Public support for the appeal has been phenomenal, and with money from other funding sources the Woodland Trust are confident they will raise the money needed to acquire the extension which will allow them to double the size of the wonderful Pepper Wood. However, they do still need donations to take them over the line, so please keep spreading the word.

For further information about the appeal and to make a donation CLICK HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

Philip has provided some answers to some frequently asked questions, plus an aerial photograph from which you will be able to see the area of land we are hoping to purchase to extend the existing Pepper Wood.

“We aim to establish a lot of the new trees on the extension via natural regeneration but there will still be a need to prepare the ground, and protect areas from deer etc so any young trees can flourish.   We will carry out some tree planting and this will give us the opportunity to run several low-key tree planting events with, for example, local schools. This is very much a conservation-driven project.  We are not necessarily aiming to attract lots of new visitors to the site and put extra pressure on the already limited parking facilities at Pepper Wood.  There will be a footpath network across the new land linking to Pepper Wood but on the whole facilities and any public events will be relatively low-key.“ 

Vulnerable people targeted by fraud gangs

In the last few days, more attempts to defraud people have been reported to the police, with some victims handing over thousands of pounds. West Mercia Police are aware that criminals, pretending to be police officers are targeting people in Shropshire and North Worcestershire in a scam known as ‘Courier Fraud’. Again, the victims are elderly and vulnerable people.

Detective Inspector Emma Wright said: “Sadly, these predators are again targeting vulnerable people who may not have seen the news recently or aware of media and police reports about this scam.

“I urge everyone who has elderly or vulnerable relatives to please give them call, call over the fence to their neighbour or remind them if they pop into your shop that the police will never, ever, call you and instruct you to withdraw your cash. No officer will ever ask for you to travel to a bank and hand over your money as part of an investigation, if a loved one is in custody or if your account has been compromised. These are all lies.

“These criminals are significant members of organised crime gangs with the confidence and the experience to be very convincing and ‘Courier Fraud’ is just one element of their criminal activities. But we can defeat them in one simple act: hanging up the phone. No police officer will telephone your granny, your dad or you and ask for your money. They are lying, they are criminals and you can beat them by ending the call.

“So please, tell anyone you think needs to know, that no police officer from any force or department will ever ask you to hand over money or transfer funds, regardless of their name or unit. If you work in a bank, you can help us by using the Banking Protocol and preventing vulnerable people who potential victims of fraud from withdrawing large amounts of cash to hand over to couriers in these scams. Please alert us if you suspect a vulnerable person is withdrawing cash for this purpose, so we can check they are not a victim. I would like to reassure people in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford and Worcestershire that we are investigating these crimes and these gangs and want to hear from anyone who has been contacted in this way”

“If the crime is still in progress, because for example, you have recently provided bank details or handed over cards or cash or are going to visit your bank or the caller has arranged for someone to visit your address to collect items, you should call the police to report this on 101. In an emergency dial 999.”

“Please remember the police will never contact you asking for your bank card, details, cash or ask you to go to a bank to withdraw cash. If someone does, it’s a scam – provide no details and hand nothing over, hang up, wait ten minutes then call 101.”

Please Help Stop Livestock Thefts

Livestock thefts occur throughout the year, and there are times when it it more prevalent.

Last year there were several occasions in and around our community where livestock were stolen or butchered on site.

Please help stop livestock thefts. If you see suspicious activity – REPORT IT, tel. 101.

Tracing the family of Reginald Farmer

We have received the following from Angelique Cremer in the Netherlands:

“For the English War Cemetery in Brunssum the Netherlands I am (still) looking for relatives of Reginald Farmer. Mr Farmer died during WW2 and is buried in the Cemetery. He was with the Worcestershire Regiment, 1st bn. His date of birth should be around 1915.

The only thing we know about him is that he mentioned his ‘Auntie Ada Hancox’ in his soldier’s Will. I realise she doesn’t have to be his actual aunt. Ada Hancox was living at 1 Woodlane Fairfield Bromsgrove in the 1940’s.”

Angelique would like to inform Reginald’s family that his grave is well looked after and that he will never be forgotten by the Dutch people.

To help trace the family of Reginald Farmer, we are trying to trace the family of Ada Hancox to see if Reginald was a family member.

The Community Association have been doing some research and have found the below leads.  Do you know anyone who is mentioned, perhaps they or any memories that you may have may shed some light on our enquiries.

According to the 1911 census, a family by the name of George Ernest Hancox (28, born about 1883), Ada Selina Hancox (24, born about 1887) and Lizzie Hancox (48, born about 1863) lived in Fairfield. George Hancox is recorded as a Glassworker and Ada as Charwoman, but this has been crossed out.

In the first quarter of 1910, George Ernest Hancox married Ada Selina Evans, in the Bromsgrove registration District.

Ada Evans, according to the 1901 census, lived with parents and siblings, at Bournheath Glassworks, which would have been on Parish Hill.  The family at the time consisted of: Thomas R Evans (40), Mary Evans (35), Ada Evans (14), Lilly Evans (11), Esther Evans (7), Albert Evans (5) and Ralph Evans (6 months).

It could be that after her husband’s death in 1940 (see below), Ada moved back to Fairfield to be nearer to her family, possibly living in one of the Wood Lane Alms Houses.

Unfortunately census records for 1921 are not yet online.

In the 1891 census, a family by the name Hancocks is recorded living in Belbroughton: Abratha Hancocks (68), Rose Hancocks (68), Elizabeth Hancocks (28) – Who we are assuming is Lizzie – John Hancocks (26), Earnest Hancocks (8) – we are assuming is George Ernest – Ellen Hancocks (4) and John Hancocks (2).  It is quite possible that the enumerator spelt the family name incorrectly.

A further search (1939 War Register), we have found that a George E Hancox (56) and Ada S Hancox (53) – date of birth being about correct – lived in Brierly Hill, Staffordshire, George Hancox was an Agricultural Heavy Worker.  The 1941 Probate Register records that a George Ernest Hancox (17 Queen Street, Wordsley, Staffordshire) died 20th December 1940, leaving £421 5s to his widow, Ada Selina Hancox.

Traffic Calming – Message from FVCA Chairman

Residents may wish to see the notice that has been placed on the FVCA website today (10th March 2021) detailing the proposed revised 40 mph plan, please do have your say and inform WCC if the revised plan is acceptable, http://fvca.org.uk/notices/tro-update-revised-proposed-plans/.

FVCA have pushed for a 40 mph buffer to the planter from Stoneybridge Island, and so welcome this more sensible proposal.

Of course, more needs to be done to reduce the speed of vehicles entering and driving through the community.

The Parish Council are considering the proposal to replace the VAS with one that displays the vehicle speeds. If installed it will use the current VAS site and electricity supply.

It has been suggested that we should adopt a gated entrance, and funding has been offered to part support the purchase of the gates – an offer that been made previously from our County Councillor’s Divisional Fund. To date, both FVCA and the Parish Council have been reluctant to spend any additional money on what studies have said may be ineffective.  Studies have shown that gated entrances can reduce speeds by up to 6% should certain other road conditions be met and if sited in the correct position. The entrances of our village do not meet the required conditions.   And, with the speed that some vehicles enter the village at (in excess of 50 & 60 mph), any speed reduction needs to be greatly more than 6%.  Another factor to consider is that regular drivers through a community get so used to seeing the gates that they take no notice, driving on “autopilot”, and most driver found speeding through our village are regular users of Stourbridge Road.

FVCA strongly believes that meaningful traffic calming should be adopted that will actually slow down all vehicles, preferring Road Speed Tables that have the support of the emergency services and other groups.   The Road Speed Tables just before the village, near the planters, will reduce vehicle speeds entering the village and will slow down vehicles exiting the village, making the road safer for residential properties nearby.  Road Speed Tables could also be installed at other strategic locations, but with regard to properties and minimising any unintended consequences.  Should Speed Tables, or any traffic calming measures, be considered by Worcestershire County Council, FVCA believes that residents should be consulted.

Residents may wish to read https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/traffic-calming-ltn-107  which gives the Department of Transport pros and cons for various traffic calming measures. Hopefully by reading this document you will understand why we have not pushed for some other traffic calming measures.

It is worth noting that when discussions have taken place with County Cllr Shirley Webb and Richard Clewer (Worcestershire Highways), they have both refused any traffic calming works (except gates).  FVCA and the Parish Council’s Traffic Calming working group have even turn round and said if they will not fund Speed Tables, what will they fund and install, so far the answer is zilch.

In the past 5 years, not one traffic calming measure, including visits by the Police Speed Enforcement Unit, has been supported.  FVCA battled for the speed enforcement visits to take place.  Until nearly 5 years ago, even though 30 mph signs were displayed at both ends of the village, the police would only stop and give you a verbal warning if driving above the speed limit, they could not fine a motorist as the TRO was non-compliant.  Thankfully FVCA lobbied for the TRO to be compliant, MR. Clewer arranged for the installation of the appropriate signs in the correct locations and now motorists are fined, etc if found exceeding the speed limit. 

County Council election will take place on 6th May.  Candidates/existing Councillors need your votes, perhaps saying what you want to hear.  Something that you could do is ask the candidates for a written/email commitment that they will not oppose and will fight for meaningful traffic calming engineering works in Fairfield Village.   If they agree and provide the statement then do not honour their written commitment that can be held against them, perhaps at a future election.