Litter Picking + Road Signs Cleaning
Date: Saturday 12th September
Time: 10.30
Meet: Village Hall
Litter Pick: Equipment provided
Road Signs Cleaning: Please bring bucket and cloths
Have pride in where you live
Thank You
Saturday 5th September
Arm yourself with shears, secateurs and rakes, we need your help in keeping our village church yard tidy.
Stop by anytime during the morning, whether you can give 30 minutes or a couple of hours, your help in keeping our village church yard tidy will be greatly appreciated.
On 3rd July 2026, the North Worcestershire Water Management team and the Natural Flood Management Officer from Worcestershire County Council were joined by The Woodland Trust volunteers and the site manager for Pepper Wood to help create leaky dams to reduce flood risk.
During the morning, 7 leaky dam structures were built within a tributary of the Hockley Brook within Pepper Wood.
These structures are designed to allow base-flow to pass beneath, and during heavy rainfall will slow the flow and cause water to build upstream where it can safely spill out of bank into the woodland area; this will reduce the amount of water that reaches Dordale Road where it creates a flooding hazard.
Residents, businesses, and community organisations are being invited to share their views on how their communities should be represented in the future.
Bromsgrove District Council has launched an early engagement exercise to gather views on local governance, particularly in areas that do not currently have a parish or town council.
With Local Government Reorganisation expected to change how local government operates, the council is seeking feedback on how decisions affecting local areas should be made in future, and whether further work – including a formal Community Governance Review (CGR) – should be considered.
This engagement is about gathering views only. No decisions have been made.
The survey asks for views on:
· How people currently feel represented locally
· How important local or neighbourhood-level decision making is
· Possible future approaches to local governance
· Whether a formal review of governance arrangements should be explored
Darren Whitney, Electoral Services Manager, said:“Local government is expected to change soon, so this is an important time to understand what communities want in the future.
“That’s why we are asking residents, businesses and organisations to share their views now so we can understand whether there is appetite to explore different ways of representing local communities.”
The survey is open until 23:59 on 9 August 2026 and is available together with more information at www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/local-futures. For further support please contact the council’s Electoral Services team on 01527 881421.
Even though many of you will know the building that is currently standing as Fairfield Village Hall, its official name is Fairfield Church Hall.
In 1979 the old wooden Church Hall was knocked down and replaced by the Village Hall that stands today. The management of the hall was moved from St. Mark’s to a Committee of Management, elected residents from the community and designated service users.
Back in August/September 1926 there was no Church Hall, with Village activities taking place at Fairfield School. A Church Hall “Building” committee, consisting of Trustees and residents had been formed, and they held their meetings at the school, coordinating fund raising activities, studying building plans & commissioning a contractor to erect the building. By the end of 1926 the Church Hall had been built and formally opened.
Opening Ceremony of St. Mark’s Church Hall
The hall was formally opened on Saturday December 11th 1926 by Lady Georgina Vernon, who was supported on the platform by the Rector (the Rev. Douglas Alner Townsend), Mrs. Townsend, Messrs. W. H. Matty (Hon. Treasurer and Trustee), J. T. G. Davis (Trustee), H. S. Stevens & F. Handley (Churchwardens), J. B. Nickols (Hon. Secretary), W. S. Webb, Mrs. W. Shakespeare Webb & Mrs. W. H. Matty.
Having briefly introducing Lady Georgina Vernon, the Rector asked her to formally Open the Hall, and she proceeded to the door on the west side (veranda door), and with a silver key presented to her by the Contractor (Mr. Grosvenor Workman of Birmingham) unlocked the door and declared the Hall open.
Speeches from the Rector and several other persons followed, and a full report of the opening ceremony appeared the “County Express” & “Bromsgrove Messenger”.
Upwards of 300 people were present for the opening ceremony, the hall was filled to the utmost capacity. Many people had to stand as there was insufficient seating.
By hospitality of Mr. Matty everyone was served with tea, and a collection was taken for the Hall funds, which amounted to £10 10s 6d.
A concert followed the opening ceremony at 7pm, when the hall was again filled to capacity. Dancing was kept up until 11pm, and the day’s proceedings then ended. Everyone being pleased with their achievements and confident of the Hall’s future success.
Celebrating 100 Years
As there is a lot going on in December, with our and other Christmas events, we will mark the centenary of Fairfield Church Hall on Friday 30 October with an afternoon tea, starting at 2.00pm, with a selection of sandwiches, cakes and lashing of tea. During the afternoon, there will be demonstrations from some of our current hall users, dancing & taekwondo. There will also be a display of photos and memories in the Hall foyer, including videos of past pantomimes. Tickets are £8.00 each and can be purchased via our BARTS website (www.bromsgrovearts.org.uk) or from the Community Shop (open during Foodie Fairfield and The Wednesday Social. The Village Hall bar will be open for people wanting something stronger than tea & coffee.
For people unable to attend the Afternoon Tea, the display can be viewed on Saturday 31October, times will be posted on our social media sites and in the eNewsletter.
Do you have any photos or memories that you can share?
Pop them down to the Hall during the morning of Friday 30 October, collect on Saturday evening, during the Halloween Family Event. We’d like to scan your photos and memories, so that they can be kept for years to come.
For catering purposes, deadline for buying tickets is Friday 23rd October.
Another brilliant Foodie Fairfield last Saturday, with, as always, a great atmosphere.
We were joined by two new stalls, The Rushock Flower Farmer & Wildmoos Dairy, who were pleased with their first visit to our community initiative, supporting artisan & local food producers.
Due to the rain, Wally Wombat was unable to perform his show in front of the village hall, he did meet the children inside the hall, they were happy to see him, and he gave them duelling swords modelled out of balloons.
Huge thanks to all our supporters, customers, traders (Cooksey Quality Meats, Nicola Cooks, Crafted Preserves, Fruitfields, The Secret Garden, Anil Samosas, The Rushock Flower Farmer, Wildmoos Dairy plus bread from Meadow Mill Bakery), and volunteers).
Our community shop will be back open on Wednesday (10 June) 1.30pm – 3.30pm.
Foodie Fairfield will be back 4th July, with a return of ‘Ukes on the Edge’ raising money for Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity.
Giant Hogweed has, once again, been spotted growing on the side of Sandy Lane, near the entrance to Wildmoor Quarry. Bromsgrove District Council have been notified.
Giant hogweed poses significant health risks due to its toxic sap, which can cause phytophotodermatitis—a severe skin reaction that occurs when the sap comes into contact with skin and is then exposed to sunlight. Symptoms can include severe burns, blistering, and long-lasting skin discoloration.
We have previously mentioned through our various media strands (eNewsletter, quarterly newsletter & social media) that landlines are changing and the UK’s telephone network is being upgraded to a digital service to support the communication needs of the modern age.
Many residents in our community have already made the switch, some have not. Please the read below and discuss with your elderly neighbours & friends.
These changes will affect everyone who has a landline they’d like to keep using.
If you or someone you know has additional needs, such as elderly relatives or someone who uses a telecare device or pendant alarm, enhanced protections including free engineer visits and backup power is available where needed.
By January 2027, the old analogue phone network will be completely switched off, replaced by new digital landlines which work using broadband. As the programme enters its final phase, BT and other home phone providers continue to switch customers over to the new technology ahead of the deadline.
For most customers, the switch is incredibly simple, but the change can be daunting for some people. That’s why BT have been working closely with the UK Government and wider industry to ensure that everyone gets the support they need to take action when contacted by their provider.
Ahead of your switch over, you will be contacted by your landline provider. If you don’t respond to your provider, your services could be disrupted, so it’s important you take action when contacted about the switch. They are there to support you every step of the way.
Clare Balding meets BT Digital Voice customer, John Garrard, and chats about his switch
If you need extra support making the switch to Digital Voice, please contact your service providers customer service team.
If you have Telecare, and are a BT or EE customer, please call 0800 077 8813. If you are a Plusnet customer, please call 0800 079 0009.
What if you don’t have broadband?
You will be offered a dedicated landline service, allowing you to use your landline in the same way they do today.
Download the below checklist from Worcestershire County Council.
Road users across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire and Warwickshire can report incidents using footage from dashcams or other devices
As part of Operation Snap, members of the public can submit (via a secure online form ) digital footage showing potential traffic offences. This can range from driving dangerously or carelessly to overtaking on solid white lines, using a mobile phone while driving, ignoring traffic lights or dangerous driving around other road users, such as horse riders and cyclists.
Your submission will be sent to West Mercia Police and Warwickshire Police where the evidence will be reviewed by one of our road traffic officers, who will enforce against any offences committed. Any footage submitted through the portal can also be used by us to help educate other road users and to advise on case results.
See the Frequently Asked Questions section (https://www.warwickshire.police.uk/article/47353/National-Dashcam-Safety-Portal-NDSP-FAQs)
For further information regarding the Safer Roads Partnership please visit the West Mercia Police Website, (Crime & Safety Section) Safer Roads Partnership
https://www.westmercia.police.uk/article/38869/About-Safer-Roads-Partnership
Two Top Performances from the Midland Concert Orchestra & Guests
Over the weekend of 9th – 10th May, the Village Hall hosted THE BLITZ BALL, with music from the Midland Concert Orchestra and their guests; on Saturday vocalist Keith Phillips & compere Peter Tomlinson, and on Sunday a trio of vocalists THE DC3s with navigation of the evening by Patrick Murphy.
Feedback from people leaving the Village Hall and on social media has been very complementary; the two evenings did not disappoint.
The Midland Concert Orchestra will be back on Sunday 13 December with a festive concert.
Sounds like the start of a joke, but it isn’t.
A brilliant, uplifting, Rogation Service was held on Sunday 10 May, followed by our Community Spring & Share Lunch, with so much food that people will not need to eat for the next few days.
We went outside and blessed the fields & livestock, wishing our farmers a good harvest later in the year, and back in the hall there was lots of chatter.
Joining us were two week old lambs, which made the service interesting with their bleating (keeping people laughing) and we were also joined by the Bishop of Church of England Diocese of Worcester , Bishop Hugh, who took time to speak to everyone present, and he enjoyed the warmth he received from our community.
Some people came just to see the lambs, some just for lunch and others attended both events. It was nice to see people, young and not so young, coming together to keep this annual event alive.
To remind Bishop Hugh of his visit to our community, he was give one of our Fairfield Coffee Mugs.
Join the Fairbourne Dodders for an evening of laughter, drama, and brilliant local talent as they bring you THREE plays in one unforgettable night.
There are two performances, 5th & 6th June, both starting at 7.30pm.
There will be a Licensed bar also selling Light snacks
A perfect night out with friends and family
Come along, take your seat, and support your local drama group!
The Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, will be joining us on Sunday for our rogation service and community lunch at Fairfield Village Hall!
Do please join us and give Bishop Hugh a warm welcome to our community. The short family service is at 11.15am, hopefully, with lambs in attendance, followed by our annual Bring & Share Lunch at 12.15pm; you do not have to attend both.
6 people attended Wednesday’s Village Hall AGM, five residents (who are on the committee) and the vicar. There were a handful of apologies.
It does make you wonder why we bother, when people cannot attend an AGM or email in an apology; it is, as usual, a small group of people working hard to maintain an asset that members of the community can benefit from, and for people living in the community, hiring the building at a discounted rate.
A committee for the year ahead was elected; but there are still vacancies and volunteers are urgently needed. Meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month, except August & December, starting 7pm, and are usually around 45 minutes long. If you are interested in becoming a Village Hall trustee, email chair@fvh.org.uk
Please support your Village Hall. If committee member numbers continue to fall, we will soon be in the position that managing the Village Hall will not be possible.
The wildflower zone on the Recreation Ground around the War Memorial Orchard is coming along nicely, amongst the wildflowers that are growing are Oxeye Daisies and Common Knapweed, all good for our pollinators.
What wildflowers can you find growing in the zone?
Will You Help Keep This Village Tradition Alive?
Rogation comes from the Latin “rogare” which means to ask. And so, on Rogation Sunday we ask God’s blessing for the seed, for the soil, for those who labour in the fields and for all of God’s creation . . . this includes you.
Please join us on Sunday 10 May (11.15am) as we bless the fields, animals and farmers, and ask that they have a good harvest later in the year. There will be some uplifting songs and some bleating lambs (come along and stroke them but then wash your hands afterwards).
Following the service, at noon, there will be our annual Spring Bring & Share lunch; bring a plate of something, or a bowl or a packet of crisps, and let’s enjoy each other’s company.
You don’t have to attend both, it would be nice to see you at the service or lunch, please help keep this rural tradition alive.
Which Tree Bears Which Fruit?
Thanks to match funding from our County Councillor’s Divisional Fund, we have been able to buy an information lectern that is now sited near the Millennium Garden. The lectern, which was installed by volunteers Nick & Paul, contains a plan of the Coronation & War Memorial Orchards and details the trees that have been planted. The plan was produced with the support of Wade Muggleton at Worcestershire County Council.
Step back in time (and an opportunity to dress up) on 9 & 10 May and Swing with Glen Miller and friends for a night of glamour and celebration with the fabulous Midland Concert Orchestra at the 1940s Blitz Ball.https://bromsgrovearts.org.uk/events/
With hit songs from the 1950s to present day, THE PRONOUNCED provided non-stop entertainment when they took to the stage at the Village Hall on Saturday 18 April.
Their THROUGH THE DECADES SHOW included songs from Chuck Berry, Dusty Springfield, The Beetles, Abba, Donna Summer, Elton John, Guns & Roses, Robbie Williams, Dolly Parton, Mark Ronson, Oasis and many more artists. The show included humour, props, hats, a costume change, and many people taking to the dance floor.
Everyone left the building saying how good the band was and asking if we will have them back; they will be returning on Saturday 22nd May 2027.
Videos from the show can be found on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/fairfieldinformation
The Pronounced before the show enjoying the view from the Village Hall car park
The Coronation Orchard is starting to bloom, and looks lovely. Like last year, the blooms will need to be picked before they turn into applets, this allows the trees to retain energy and grow stronger; this may be the last year we have to do this, next year we may be able to let the apples form. Thanks you Carol H for the photos.
A resident has reported some vandalism on their land; property has been moved and it looks like someone has tried to make a small encampment, using logs and corrugated sheeting. Debris left including vape and deodorant can. The police have been notified. Residents are reminder to check and review their land and property security. If you encounter similar incidents, please report to the police, and if you feel safe to do so with us admin@fvca.org.uk https://fvca.org.uk/neighbourhood-watch/
Committee Member (4 meetings a year, scrutinising wat we are doing, putting forward ideas and helping to run events)
Litter picking (2nd Saturday in each month, 10.30am – 11.30am)
Foodie Fairfield (first Saturday in each month, 9.00am – 12noon)
Bromsgrove Arts/Fairfield Flicks (various dates)
Email: admin@fvca.org.uk for further details
The National Farmers Union encourages farmers and members of the public to report incidences of fly-tipping to the local authority, even when fly-tipping occurs on private land; the local authority should be informed so that the statistics reflect the scale of the issue more accurately.
https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/residents/my-place/street-cleaning/fly-tipping
On Wednesday 25 March 14 people enjoyed the Association’s Community Challenge (included One Foot in the Grave & Disney) and short AGM, celebrating Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge.
Once again, the numbers attending this annual event was disappointing and can be very deflating for the volunteers that help make our community a brilliant place to live.
PLEASE keep YOUR community alive, we need YOU.
Draft minutes, for last night’s meeting, have been prepared, to read CLICK HERE
At January’s Parish Council meeting, Councillors approved the increase of the Parish Precept, which is used to fund the Parish Council by £10000 for the year 2026-27 to £80000. It is understood that in the year 2025-26, the current fiscal year, the amount was £75000.
According to the Parish Council minutes:
“Approve the precept for 2026/2027 – After a robust discussion about the finances and the changes that will be occurring in councils, it was approved for the council to increase the precept to £80,000. This will mean an increase of £3.48 per year on Band D property.”
Currently Band D properties pay, as part of their Council Tax, a Parish Precept of £60.22 per year, an increase of £3.48 per year is equivalent to an annual rise of 5.79%.
According to the 2024/25 published Annual Accounts, the Parish Council has, excluding land assets, balances and reserves totalling £380,064. In addition to the precept, the Council received additional income of £29,918. The Council generates an income from land/property rental charges. https://belbroughtonandfairfield-pc.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Completed-and-signed-AGAR-2024-2025-1.pdf
According to a BBC News report, published today (27 February), the County Council element of the Council tax is set to rise by almost 9%, adding about £145 a year to Band D bills. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y68r40yzgo
Currently a Band D property pays a County Council element of £1,615.71 per annum.
The District Council element of the Council Tax that residential properties will have to pay will increase by 2.99%. District Councillors agreed the increase at their meeting on Wednesday 25th February.
According to the District Council:
“The rise will mean the council’s part of the average Band D Council Tax will cost £265.18”. https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/resilient-budget-agreed-for-bromsgrove
Currently, the District Council element of the Council Tax charged to Band D properties is £257.48.
The precept set by the Police and Crime Commissioner will rise by 5.15% (£15.00 increase) for a Band D Property for the 2026/27 financial year. The precept proposed is £306.50. https://www.westmercia-pcc.gov.uk/transparency/statutory-information/decision-making/decisions-2026/decision-notice—setting-the-precept-2026-2027
We currently do not know what the Council Tax element for Hereford & Worcester Fire & Rescue Authority will be. For the year 2025/26 is was £ 102.22.
Bromsgrove District Council collects the whole bill on behalf of Worcestershire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, Fire and Rescue Service and parish councils.
Due to a delay in the County Council’s setting of its precept, an extraordinary meeting of the District Council will be held on March 6. This is to incorporate the County Council’s agreed increases to complete the final council tax setting position and enable council tax billing to be generated.
Then the whole bill can be collated and send out to residents.
Please save this booklet – either in electronic format or handwritten – in a place where it can easily be found if the person it refers to goes missing.
https://www.westmercia.police.uk/notices/af/herbert-protocol/
Following consultation with neighbouring local authorities, there is now a new proposed boundary for 8 Hills. This revised area includes parts of Dudley, Birmingham and Solihull, covering approximately 58 square miles.
The project to establish the 8 Hills Regional Park is being led by the National Trust, with the support of various stakeholders, including Fairfield Village Community Association, representing Fairfield, Wildmoor & Stoneybridge.
As part of the project a pipeline of footpaths are being created and we would like to hear your suggestions, email chair@fvca.org.uk. It is hoped, working with local landowners, permissive footpaths can be created, with the landowner receiving a Payment for Access, funded by Cotswold Outdoors; landowners being fairly compensated based on the number of people using the path, ensuring that both the community and the landowner benefit from improved access to nature. Cotswold Outdoor has produced a short film for their social media channels, highlighting their role in the Payments for Access paths and how their sponsorship is being used: CLICK HERE
As an active partner in ReNEW, the Cultural Compact for North East Worcestershire, we look forward to collaborative working with 8 Hills community and local creatives to develop a cultural identity for the 8 Hills Regional Park which celebrates local people’s connectedness to the landscape. This will inform the production of a public art gateway that will act as the first physical marker for access to the regional park. Once further information is known we look forward to people in our community being part of this initiative.
From Everlock Productions, the feature length documentary ‘Our Planet, The People, My Blood’ will be having one of it’s first public UK screenings at Bromsgrove Arts @ Fairfield Village Hall on the 8th and 15th March 2026. The screening on the 8th will be joined by a select few participants from the documentary who will be available for a Q&A session after the screening.
After 3 years of filming, Director, Daniel Everitt-Lock is proud to present this global expos? of the effects of nuclear weapons testing.
Logline: “Alan Owen, a descendant of an Atomic Soldier, has fought tirelessly for the rights of those affected by Nuclear Weapons Testing around the world. Through global first hand accounts, we follow Alan on his journey, as he takes on the UK’s Ministry of Defence, in a landmark legal battle that seeks recognition and compensation for millions.”
The film was recently sponsored by Sir John Hayes, CBE MP, and Rebecca Long Bailey MP, for a special parliamentary screening on the 13th January, that saw the UK’s Atomic Test Veterans, who are the main subject of the documentary, gain cross party recognition and support from multiple MP’s.
Sir John Hayes said: “This outstanding film chronicles a decades-long campaign for the recognition of those who witnessed the first nuclear tests. Recognition must go beyond a medal, it must include acceptance of the effects of radiation on them and their descendants. The work addressed in this film will, in the end, deliver what these people deserve: justice.”
The film took Daniel and his team 3 years to complete, travelling over 100,000 miles across the USA, UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. They interviewed over 50 people with first hand accounts of the effects of nuclear weapons testing. Though most testing ceased in 1996, Trump and other have condoned a restart to testing.
Daniel is quoted as saying: “The injustice that these people have suffered by multiple governments for decades, cannot be left unnoticed any longer. It is my hope that this film brings to light the plight of these people, and the strength they have had to endure such suffering for so long. In the UK particularly, the nuclear test veterans have been denied justice and compensation for almost 70 years. Something needs to be done!”
The film will be beginning its theatrical run in March 2026.
For tickets: https://bromsgrovearts.org.uk/event/our-planet-the-people-my-blood/
The production company will donate 50% of the ticket sales to LABRATS International, an organisation that represents nuclear veterans, atomic veterans, scientists, civilians, and their families across the world who have been affected by the Atomic / Nuclear Testing program.
If we organised another BASIC EMERGENCY FIRST AID course, on a Wednesday evening, 6pm – 10pm, with a course cost, to be confirmed, likely £55.00 to £65.00, would this be of interest to you?
If yes, which of these dates would best 15th July, 22nd July, 26th August?
Please email admin@fvca.org.uk to register your interest and your preferred date(s).
Accidents do happen…but…to leave the soiled hand towel and paper towels next to the Wood Lane bench, not far from a dog waste bin (which is in sight), words fail us or cannot be repeated. Our volunteers should not be clearing this mess.
A new dog waste bin has been sited in the Swan Inn car park, thanks to the Swan Inn and the Community Association.
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.