IT HAS been another busy year in Bromsgrove district and we have been with you all the way, bringing you the latest news, sport and entertainment.
This year’s headlines have been dominated by Artrix and its possible return with the first story about the popular arts centre emerging in February when the Liberal Democrats put forward a proposal to bring it back, using a small council tax rise to fund it. That motion was lost, as talks continued behind the scenes.
It was in October that we revealed that Artrix would finally be back – thanks to The Core Theatre in Solihull which, after the discovery of RAAC concrete in its main auditorium, moved some of its shows to the venue. Since then it has thrived and now Bromsgrove Community Arts has the chance to take it to the next level, when it takes over the running from April.
Picture by Marcus Mingins. s
Other big stories include the local elections in May when the Conservatives lost control of the district council. With ‘no overall control’, the following months led to discussions about the leadership model until a ‘hybrid’ approach was voted through in September.
May was our busiest month news-wise with our stories garnering almost 500,000 page views. As well as the elections, there was also the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. There were plenty of parties and celebrations organised across the district, most notably the RocKING the High Street which featured live bands and other entertainment.
Enjoying the sunshine. Picture by Marcus Mingins 1923009MMR7 www.buyphotos247.com
Likewise, the Christmas Markets and lights switch-on were as popular as ever with bumper crowds turning out for two days and evenings of festive entertainment.
It has been a mixed year for Bromsgrove town centre and High Street – while there are a good number of independent businesses thriving, big names were lost. Superdrug and New Look closed their doors within weeks of each other, Iceland shut its store, urging shoppers to use its Food Warehouse and banking giant NatWest closed its town branch. Maxi-Deals opened in the former Iceland building in May.
The Life After Stroke Centre closed its doors and has since been put up for sale but, in better news, the Ryland Centre was also taken over by Bromsgrove School to safeguard its long-term future.
Bromsgrove Carnival was as popular as ever despite heavy rain and wind on the day.
The ‘Magic of the Movies’ themed event was officially opened by Bromsgrove’s Harry Potter and Father Brown star Mark Williams. The carnival also raised £4,650 for good local causes.
Bromsgrove Carnival committee members hand over donations to their chosen charities. Picture by Marcus Mingins 4323001MMR www.buyphotos247.com
Crime stories are always well-read and shocking incidents this year included sheep being decapitated on two separate occasions in Bromsgrove and the historic barn at Avoncroft being destroyed in an arson attack.
Public transport is never too far away from our pages and websites. In April, it was announced the 144A, which ran from Bromsgrove to Longbridge from last year after the 144 was curtailed, would be replaced by the 20.
The new route was extended to Birmingham’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital, via Northfield, and a Sunday service was introduced.
On the railways, calls have been repeated for CrossCountry services to stop at Bromsgrove Station so commuters and users can go south without having to go north to Birmingham New Street.
And our readers – and others across the country – got behind the campaign to prevent the controversial station ticket office closures, forcing the Government to rethink its plans.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 5023016MMR4 www.buyphotos247.com
There was plenty of excitement earlier this month when iconic locomotive The Flying Scotsman passed through Bromsgrove and Barnt Green en route to Worcester. Social media was flooded with fantastic photographs and videos. Our short reel became our best-watched video ever on both Facebook and Instagram.
We are looking forward to bringing you all of the latest news, sport and entertainment for Bromsgrove, Rubery and south Birmingham in 2024 – you can read the latest updates at bromsgrovestandard.co.uk and follow us on social media by searching for ‘Bromsgrove Standard’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
In the meantime, we would like to thank all our readers and advertisers and wish you a very happy new year.
