In and Around the Parish (Security News here)

Latest news:

Christmas events: we have two events coming up, a joint event in Blackwell with Blackwell Community Hall starting at 5pm on Friday 8th December at St Catherine’s church and the community hall.  On the 10th December we have a Christmas concert at the Trinity Church in Lickey from 4pm with Blackwell Concert Band and our special guest…Santa!

Bakul our Chairman recognised for his excellent work at a national awards ceremony. Well done Bakul! Here he is on 29th November receiving his finalist award with Baroness Scott.

Have you heard about this exciting new project that will impact our local area? https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/worcestershire-herefordshire/clent-hills/8-hills

Parish Councillors – we have co-opted a new Councillor, Anwen White

Annual Residents Afternoon Tea

Thanks to all who attended the annual residents afternoon tea on 3rd July, 2pm at the Old Rose and Crown. It was a great success.

We have published our latest newsletter and annual report for 2022-2023.  It was delivered to residents and is available here: Annual report 2022-23

We have had a new Vehicle Activated Sign (VAS) to encourage motorists on Old Birmingham Road to SLOW DOWN.  We have listened to residents and acted on their concerns.  Thank you to Cllr Shirley Webb for her support on these improvements to Old Birmingham Road which include a new planter and bollards too.

 

 

Lickey and Blackwell Parish Council has signed up to the Civility & Respect Pledge. You can read about it here Civility & Respect

Our Lengthsman has been installing bollards along Old Birmingham Road, these are being installed after public demand to help prevent verge parking.

Upcoming Road Closures in the Parish: 

Alvechurch Highway 22nd November up to 5 days tree maintenance
M5 J4A to M42 J2 8th December overnight 1 night 9pm-6am urgent technology repairs
Cherry Hill Road 3rd January 1 day Openreach utility works


Clent and Lickey Hills Landscape Study: CPRE Worcestershire has commissioned a Landscape Value Areas Study for the Clent and Lickey Hills from landscape architects.  This recommends that certain areas should be designated as Landscape Value areas and some adjacent areas should also be protected as buffers for these.   We hope to use this as further evidence towards our Neighbourhood Plan.

All the documents concerning the above study are available using the link to a Dropbox folder at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cu97th78lzka8oy/AAB8UK4FAaeXU-Ttjpic0C7la?dl=0

It will be noted that high resolution versions of the maps are available as separate files.  A low resolution (e-mail friendly) version can be downloaded from http://www.cpreworcestershire.org.uk/news/recent-news/item/2255-landscape-value-study

High House Wood : The Parish Council is aware that High House Wood has been sold and we discussed a response to this at our September meeting.  We are aware that the sale is of concern to many residents, particularly those who live nearby.  Anyone who should like to contribute to this discussion is welcome to e-mail our Executive Officer.

Keith Woolford, who is part of the High House Wood Management Team, is posting any new developments on his website which may be found at www.thelickeyhills.uk/high-house-wood. 

Marlbrook Tip has been of concern to residents recently. Please see here for minutes of the last meeting at Parkside with the concerned parties.  The Lickey Hills Society had an excellent article in their newsletter summarising the situation and more which can be viewed here.

We have had a couple of incidents of fly tipping in the Parish – to report to Bromsgrove district Council click here

Grants available for those installing central heating for the first time:Warm Homes Fund
Free energy check and assistance for the elderly to stay warm this winter see here
Activities for people living with dementia and their carers – Suitcase Stories – an interactive reminiscence and music project for people living with dementia and their carers – for more information see here and a new monthly music workshop as part of the same project see here

Our first ever page in The Village magazine – May 2018
In case you missed it you can catch up here. Look out for our next page in the November edition.  The latest Parish Council Newsletter is available here.

Lickey Festival 2018 – latest news
The 2018 Lickey Festival will be a joint event with Lickey Hills Primary School.
Join us on 16 June 1-4 at the school site for the ‘Lickey Hills School & Community Festival’. Make your own slime, pet the animals and buy goods from the childrens’ enterprise stalls and lots more. Free Entry.

Blackwell Party in the Park 2018 – Vikings!
Bring a picnic to the playing field from 12pm on 16th June and join in the Viking Party fun.
Viking Camp & Fighting, Birds of Prey,
Play Sand, Bouncy Castle,
Tardebigge Cider, WI Tea & Cake Tent and loads more…
Free Event
from the Blackwell Festival Charity

 

Onside Charity – volunteering update
Local registered charity Onside, which supports vulnerable adults across Worcestershire, has now had their first successful training session.

Their January 2018 press release is HERE.
If you can assist with their endeavours and wish to learn more, click HERE.

 

Onside Charity – volunteering opportunity
This is a local registered charity supporting vulnerable adults across Worcestershire.

Established around for 20 years, volunteers play a vital role in currently supporting 2000 vulnerable adults. They are now looking to recruit volunteers across Worcestershire, especially in the rural areas.

If you can assist this worthy charity or wish to learn more, please see their flyer HERE.

 

2017  Blackwell Music Festival
Saturday 9 Sept 2017, 1-9pm

Now in its second year. Fabulous music with friends, family, a pint of Horlicks and tons of fun – what’s not to like.

Pete Hobbs and the team serve up the final festival offering for the year.

Full programme of the acts can be viewed and downloaded Here.

This year’s photos HERE.
Last years pictures are here in our PC Gallery page and the boot-leg film here.