<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0" xmlns:itunes="http://www.itunes.com/dtds/podcast-1.0.dtd" xmlns:googleplay="http://www.google.com/schemas/play-podcasts/1.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[The Hagley Mile]]></title><description><![CDATA[Celebrating the people and village of Hagley.]]></description><link>https://www.hagleymile.com</link><image><url>https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!Q2wV!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb04499bf-7a08-4b85-8e5f-8ea75fe391b2_250x250.png</url><title>The Hagley Mile</title><link>https://www.hagleymile.com</link></image><generator>Substack</generator><lastBuildDate>Wed, 14 Oct 2026 22:01:19 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.hagleymile.com/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><copyright><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></copyright><language><![CDATA[en-gb]]></language><webMaster><![CDATA[hagleymile@substack.com]]></webMaster><itunes:owner><itunes:email><![CDATA[hagleymile@substack.com]]></itunes:email><itunes:name><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></itunes:name></itunes:owner><itunes:author><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></itunes:author><googleplay:owner><![CDATA[hagleymile@substack.com]]></googleplay:owner><googleplay:email><![CDATA[hagleymile@substack.com]]></googleplay:email><googleplay:author><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></googleplay:author><itunes:block><![CDATA[Yes]]></itunes:block><item><title><![CDATA[Hagley Spotlight: Monday 14 September - Sunday 20 September 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Heritage, live music, family games, and useful local dates shape the week ahead.]]></description><link>https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-14-september</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-14-september</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 13 Sep 2026 13:29:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VhuY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdaed73f7-cf23-4ba7-8f7b-0f75fca4f7f9_4503x3377.heic" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!VhuY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fdaed73f7-cf23-4ba7-8f7b-0f75fca4f7f9_4503x3377.heic" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="icon-noB79L"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2 icon-noB79L"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">A view of the Hagley high street from the front porch of Moodys&#8217; caf&#233;.</figcaption></figure></div><h2>Contents</h2><ol><li><p>Author&#8217;s Note</p></li><li><p>Latest News</p></li><li><p>What&#8217;s On?</p></li><li><p>Special Offers</p></li><li><p>Traffic Alerts</p></li><li><p>Security Alerts</p></li><li><p>Bibliography</p></li></ol><h2>Author&#8217;s Note</h2><p>Mid-September brings a good mix of familiar routines and reasons to look a little further afield, from a village walk and family games to industrial heritage and live performance.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">If you&#8217;d like to <strong>advertise</strong> in The Hagley Mile, please drop us a note by replying to this email.</p></div><p>This week&#8217;s Spotlight includes two Hagley Library activities, local police drop-ins, a Stourbridge youth cup tie, and a busy Heritage Open Day at Stourbridge Glass Museum. There are also nearby talks, theatre, and music, with more Hagley and Stourbridge dates coming soon.</p><p>Alongside the diary, you&#8217;ll find a housing-register deadline, free Blue Badge information sessions, practical recycling advice, local meal offers, and two overnight motorway programmes to note. Follow the source links for the latest details before booking or travelling.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">Subscribe <strong>free</strong> for local news, events, offers, and alerts, delivered straight to your inbox.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p></div><p>I&#8217;m also excited to mention that Moody&#8217;s in Hagley is now open on <strong>Mondays</strong>! Great news for those of you who, like myself, enjoy kicking-off your working week by planning your activities in your local coffee house.</p><p>I hope this issue saves you some searching and helps you make the most of the week.</p><p><strong>James.</strong></p><div><hr></div><h2>Latest News</h2><p><strong>The final Home Choice Plus listings appear this week.</strong> Bromsgrove Home Choice is replacing Home Choice Plus, and existing applications do not transfer automatically. The council says the last properties on the old system will be advertised on Tuesday 15 September, with bidding ending on Monday 21 September. Existing applicants who reapply before Thursday 1 October, with unchanged circumstances, retain their effective date. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/change-to-district-housing-register-confirmed/">Read Bromsgrove District Council&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>Free Blue Badge information sessions run during the week beginning 14 September.</strong> Healthy Worcestershire sessions will explain what Blue Badges are, who they are designed to support, and how to apply. Everyone is welcome, the sessions are free, and no booking is required. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/learn-more-about-blue-badges-healthy-worcestershire">Read Worcestershire County Council&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>Batteries and battery-powered items must stay out of household bins.</strong> After a fire at a recycling site in Stoke Prior, the county council is reminding residents to take batteries, vapes, power banks, and electrical items containing batteries to a household recycling centre, supermarket, or participating retailer collection point. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/worcestershire-county-council-issues-urgent-warning-after-battery-related-fire-stoke-prior-recycling">Read Worcestershire County Council&#8217;s advice</a>.</p><p><strong>A new regional website brings emergency-planning advice into one place.</strong> West Mercia Local Resilience Forum&#8217;s site covers risks including severe weather, flooding, infrastructure disruption, and cyber attacks, with practical preparation guidance and agency contact details. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/september/new-website-launched-to-help-communities-be-better-prepared-for-emergencies/">Read West Mercia Police&#8217;s announcement</a>.</p><h2>What&#8217;s On?</h2><h3>This week</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Wildlife in Sri Lanka:</strong> Tom and Anne Wilkins give an illustrated wildlife talk for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust&#8217;s Bromsgrove and North East Worcestershire Local Group. <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-14-wildlife-sri-lanka">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Monday 14 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Amphlett Hall, Crown Close, off Market Street, Bromsgrove</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;3, payable in cash</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Stourbridge FC Under-18s v Hednesford Town Youth:</strong> The teams meet in the FA Youth Cup first qualifying round. This is an all-pay cup tie, so club memberships are not valid. Pay on arrival by cash or card. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/fa-youth-cup--stourbridge-to-host-hednesford-town-on-tuesday-night-2997333.html">Read the club&#8217;s admission note</a> and <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/65503/match-centre/0-6609290">check the official match record</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday 15 September, 7:45pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> War Memorial Athletic Ground, High Street, Amblecote, Stourbridge</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Adults &#163;5; ages 65 and over &#163;3; ages 13 to 17 &#163;3; ages 6 to 12 &#163;2</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Hagley Library Walkers Group:</strong> Meet at the library for an approximately one-hour walk around the Hagley area. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/walkers-group-2">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Wednesday 16 September, 10:30am to 11:30am</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Library, Worcester Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Police drop-in at Clent Connect:</strong> Meet the Hagley and Rubery Safer Neighbourhood Team and raise local concerns. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/our-priorities">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Wednesday 16 September, 11am to noon</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Clent Connect, 40 Church Avenue, Clent</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Police surgery at Waseley Country Park:</strong> Another opportunity to speak with the local Safer Neighbourhood Team. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/our-priorities">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Wednesday 16 September, 1pm to 2pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> The Windmill Caf&#233;, Gannow Green Lane, Waseley Country Park</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Mark Kingswood Live:</strong> The singer performs an intimate programme with a live pianist and orchestral tracks. The running time is approximately two hours, including an interval, and online booking is available. <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/mark-kingswood.html">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Friday 18 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;25, plus booking fees</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Saturday board games and puzzles:</strong> A free family morning at Hagley Library. Children must remain with a parent or carer throughout, and no booking is required. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-board-games-and-puzzles">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 19 September, 9:30am to 12:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Library, Worcester Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Tunnel Tours:</strong> Explore the tunnels beneath Stourbridge Glass Museum and learn about the former Stuart Crystal factory. Arrive ten minutes early and wear sensible footwear. The uneven route is not suitable for all abilities, or for people with claustrophobia or nyctophobia. Booking is available through the museum. <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/tunnel-tours-september/">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 19 September, 11am to 11:40am, or 1pm to 1:40pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Glass Museum, Stuart Works, High Street, Wordsley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;12, including museum admission</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Churchill Forge Open Day:</strong> See working waterwheels and machinery at the historic forge. Pay on the day by cash or card. Access to the main areas involves steep steps and uneven floors, so disabled access is very limited. <a href="https://visitworcestershire.org/events/churchill-forge-open-days">See Visit Worcestershire&#8217;s event details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 19 September, noon to 4pm; last admission 3:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Churchill Forge, Churchill Lane, Churchill, near Kidderminster</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;6 per person; under-14s free</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Jason Ellis Talk and Heritage Open Day:</strong> The local historian and author gives a free illustrated talk about the Richardson family, Wordsley Flint Glassworks, and its makers. The museum is free to enter from 10:30am to 4:30pm that day. Talk places are limited, so advance booking is required. <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/heritage-open-day-2/">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 19 September, 2pm to 3pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Glass Museum, Stuart Works, High Street, Wordsley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free; booking required for the talk</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>No Jacket Required:</strong> The Phil Collins tribute brings its Both Sides of the Hits tour to Stourbridge. The running time is approximately three hours, including an interval. <a href="https://boroughhalls.co.uk/no-jacket-required.html">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 19 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;29.50, plus booking fees</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>The Haunting of Blaine Manor:</strong> Joe O&#8217;Byrne&#8217;s haunted-house stage thriller is recommended for ages ten and over and runs for approximately two hours, including an interval. <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/haunting-blaine-manor.html">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Sunday 20 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;24; under-16s and over-60s &#163;19.20; family of four &#163;78; booking fees apply</p></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Coming soon</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Stourbridge v Real Bedford:</strong> A home Southern League Premier Central fixture. Check the club&#8217;s match page for late changes and admission arrangements. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/match-centre/1-19918930">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday 22 September, 7:45pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> War Memorial Athletic Ground, High Street, Amblecote, Stourbridge</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Music of the Night:</strong> West End singers present an afternoon celebrating the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. Online booking is available. <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/music-of-the-night.html">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Thursday 24 September, 2:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Halesowen Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;19, plus booking fees</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Subtracting grass snakes and dividing adders:</strong> Paul Wilkinson discusses snake conservation in a talk for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust&#8217;s Stourbridge and Hagley Local Group. <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-25-subtracting-grass-snakes-and-dividing-adders">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Friday 25 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> St Saviour&#8217;s Church, 1 Park Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;3 per person</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>King Edward VI College 50th Anniversary Concert:</strong> Current students and alumni perform music by Brahms, Strauss, Faur&#233;, and Vivaldi. The concert runs for approximately two hours. <a href="https://boroughhalls.co.uk/kedst-anniversary-concert.html">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 26 September, 7pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;10; concessions &#163;8; booking fees apply</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Hagley Park Group Dog Walk:</strong> The approximately one-hour walk includes dog treats and a &#163;5 coffee-and-cake voucher for owners. No booking is required. <a href="https://www.hagleypark.co.uk/events/walkies-dog-walking-group-3/">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Sunday 27 September, 10:30am</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Park and Visitor Centre, Birmingham Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Standard park admission; season-ticket holders free</p></li></ul></li></ul><h2>Special Offers</h2><p><strong>Monday and Tuesday Banqueting Nights at New Delhi.</strong> The dine-in menu at 113 Worcester Road, Hagley, costs &#163;17.95 per person, or &#163;12.95 for children under ten. It includes any starter, any main course, rice or naan, and tea or coffee. Diners may bring their own alcohol without a corkage charge. Use the restaurant&#8217;s table-booking link. <a href="https://www.newdelhihagley.co.uk/banqueting-nights/">Read New Delhi Hagley&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>Early-bird dining at East at West One.</strong> At 159 Worcester Road, Hagley, the set menu is available Wednesday to Saturday until 7pm. Two courses cost &#163;22, and three cost &#163;26. Reserve through the restaurant&#8217;s booking link, and ask staff about allergens before ordering. <a href="https://www.eastatwestone.co.uk/whats-on/early-bird-set-menu">Read East at West One&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>Sunday and collection savings at Shenapur.</strong> The restaurant at 86 Worcester Road, West Hagley, advertises a Sunday-evening three-course meal for &#163;19.95 per adult and &#163;16.95 for children under eight. The Sunday special is unavailable in December. A separate 10% takeaway discount applies to collection orders only. <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Read Shenapur&#8217;s details</a>.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#128294; Found this spotlight enlightening?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Share this week&#8217;s edition with a friend, neighbour, or local group.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-14-september?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-14-september?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><h2>Traffic Alerts</h2><p><strong>M5 works close the northbound Strensham Services slips.</strong> National Highways lists overnight closure of the northbound entry and exit slips from Monday 14 to Thursday 17 September, between 8pm and 6am, as part of safety-barrier maintenance between junctions 7 and 9. A signed diversion to the next junction and back will be in place. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">Read National Highways&#8217; details</a>.</p><p><strong>M54 junction 2 westbound exit slip closes for two nights.</strong> The published programme schedules the closure for Thursday 17 and Friday 18 September, from 8pm to 6am, with a signed diversion. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">Read National Highways&#8217; details</a>.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; Plans can change at short notice.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Check Worcestershire&#8217;s live roadworks and emergency updates</a> before a longer journey.</p></div><h2>Security Alerts</h2><p><strong>Hagley and Rubery&#8217;s current policing priorities remain active.</strong> They cover antisocial behaviour, including illegal use of electric bikes, drug use, and youth-related crime; shoplifting and other business-related criminality; and speeding and illegal use of the road network. The first two were issued on Thursday 27 August 2026, and the road-use priority on Wednesday 1 July 2026. The page records August patrols and engagement in Hagley, Clent, Rubery, Lickey Hills, and Cofton Hackett. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/our-priorities">Read West Mercia Police&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>Police are warning families about courier fraud.</strong> West Mercia Police says officers will never ask someone to make a payment, buy high-value items, withdraw or transfer money, or reveal bank details. If a caller makes such a request, end the call and contact the police or bank using another phone. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/august/warning-to-protect-elderly-and-vulnerable-people-after-courier-fraud-incidents/">Read West Mercia Police&#8217;s advice</a>.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; In an emergency, call 999.</p><p style="text-align: center;">For non-emergency reports, use <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">West Mercia Police&#8217;s online reporting service</a> or call 101.</p></div><h2>Bibliography</h2><p>Sources checked on 13 September 2026. Each unique editorial source appears once.</p><ol><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council, <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/change-to-district-housing-register-confirmed/">Change to district housing register confirmed</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/learn-more-about-blue-badges-healthy-worcestershire">Learn more about Blue Badges at Healthy Worcestershire</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/worcestershire-county-council-issues-urgent-warning-after-battery-related-fire-stoke-prior-recycling">Battery-related fire warning</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/september/new-website-launched-to-help-communities-be-better-prepared-for-emergencies/">New emergency-preparedness website launched</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-14-wildlife-sri-lanka">Wildlife in Sri Lanka</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club, <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/fa-youth-cup--stourbridge-to-host-hednesford-town-on-tuesday-night-2997333.html">FA Youth Cup admission note</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club, <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/65503/match-centre/0-6609290">Stourbridge FC Under-18s v Hednesford Town Youth</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/walkers-group-2">Hagley Library Walkers Group</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/our-priorities">Hagley and Rubery meetings, events, and priorities</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/mark-kingswood.html">Mark Kingswood Live</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-board-games-and-puzzles">Saturday board games and puzzles at Hagley Library</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Glass Museum, <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/tunnel-tours-september/">Tunnel Tours</a></p></li><li><p>Visit Worcestershire, <a href="https://visitworcestershire.org/events/churchill-forge-open-days">Churchill Forge Open Days</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Glass Museum, <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/heritage-open-day-2/">Jason Ellis Talk and Heritage Open Day</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://boroughhalls.co.uk/no-jacket-required.html">No Jacket Required</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/haunting-blaine-manor.html">The Haunting of Blaine Manor</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club, <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/match-centre/1-19918930">Stourbridge v Real Bedford</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/music-of-the-night.html">Music of the Night</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-25-subtracting-grass-snakes-and-dividing-adders">Subtracting grass snakes and dividing adders</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://boroughhalls.co.uk/kedst-anniversary-concert.html">King Edward VI College 50th Anniversary Concert</a></p></li><li><p>Hagley Park, <a href="https://www.hagleypark.co.uk/events/walkies-dog-walking-group-3/">Group Dog Walk</a></p></li><li><p>New Delhi Hagley, <a href="https://www.newdelhihagley.co.uk/banqueting-nights/">Monday and Tuesday Banqueting Nights</a></p></li><li><p>East at West One, <a href="https://www.eastatwestone.co.uk/whats-on/early-bird-set-menu">Early-bird set menu</a></p></li><li><p>Shenapur, <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Sunday and collection offers</a></p></li><li><p>National Highways, <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">West Midlands maintenance schemes</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Roadworks and live updates</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/august/warning-to-protect-elderly-and-vulnerable-people-after-courier-fraud-incidents/">Courier fraud warning</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">Online reporting service</a></p></li></ol>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hagley Spotlight: Monday 7 September - Sunday 13 September 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[An artisan market, library crafts, glassmaking, and local consultations fill September&#8217;s diary.]]></description><link>https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-7-september</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-7-september</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 06 Sep 2026 07:02:28 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nNAY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3eda6463-a5af-4d98-9e99-91a664a0d383_4032x3024.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!nNAY!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F3eda6463-a5af-4d98-9e99-91a664a0d383_4032x3024.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="icon-noB79L"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2 icon-noB79L"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Grey skies and bales of hay on a stretch of farmland in the Hagley countryside.</figcaption></figure></div><h2><strong>Contents</strong></h2><ol><li><p>Author&#8217;s Note</p></li><li><p>Latest News</p></li><li><p>What&#8217;s On?</p></li><li><p>Special Offers</p></li><li><p>Traffic Alerts</p></li><li><p>Security Alerts</p></li><li><p>Bibliography</p></li></ol><h2>Author&#8217;s Note</h2><p>September leaves room for a fresh page in the diary, whether that means a local outing, an evening of music, or time to try something creative.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">If you&#8217;d like to advertise in The Hagley Mile, please drop us a note by replying to this email.</p></div><p>This week&#8217;s Spotlight brings together Hagley Park&#8217;s artisan market, a free family craft session at the library, and glassmaking and heritage walks in Wordsley. There are also nearby cinema and music dates, with more local activities to look forward to later in September.</p><p>Alongside the diary, you&#8217;ll find school-application dates, a housing-register reminder, local meal offers, and the proposed overnight works on the A456. Follow the source links for the latest details before booking or setting out.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">Subscribe free for local news, events, offers, and alerts, delivered straight to your inbox.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p></div><p>I hope you find something here to enjoy, and a useful reminder or two for the weeks ahead.</p><p><strong>James.</strong></p><div><hr></div><h2>Latest News</h2><p><strong>Housing-register applicants need to reapply.</strong> Bromsgrove Home Choice is replacing Home Choice Plus, and existing applications will not transfer automatically. The council says applicants who re-register before Thursday 1 October, with unchanged circumstances, will retain their effective date. The last properties on the old system are advertised on Tuesday 15 September, with bidding ending on Monday 21 September; advertising on the new system starts on Tuesday 6 October. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/change-to-district-housing-register-confirmed/">Read Bromsgrove District Council&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>Plan ahead for September 2027 school places.</strong> The council&#8217;s application timetable opened on Tuesday 1 September 2026. High-school applications close at midnight on Saturday 31 October 2026. Applications for primary, first, infant, junior, and middle schools close at midnight on Friday 15 January 2027. Free computers and Wi-Fi are available at Worcestershire libraries for families without internet access. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/applications-september-2027-school-places-open-1-september-2026">Read Worcestershire County Council&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>There is still time to comment on your neighbourhood.</strong> Bromsgrove District Council&#8217;s My Neighbourhood Survey asks residents about living, working, and spending time locally. It takes about ten minutes and closes at 9am on Monday 21 September. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/calling-all-bromsgrove-residents/">Read Bromsgrove District Council&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>Business growth support has been extended.</strong> The Elevate Growth Programme will continue until Wednesday 30 June 2027. Worcestershire County Council says established small and medium-sized businesses across the county can register interest in future cohorts, which combine consultancy, peer learning, and help developing a growth strategy. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/popular-elevate-growth-programme-extended-until-june-2027-following-outstanding-success">Read Worcestershire County Council&#8217;s details</a>.</p><h2>What&#8217;s On?</h2><h3>This week</h3><ul><li><p><strong>EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (12):</strong> Baz Luhrmann&#8217;s film is the Monday Movie Matinee. The venue lists a 12 certificate and a running time of 100 minutes. Book through the venue&#8217;s ticket link. <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/epic-elvis-presley-in-concert.html">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Monday 7 September, 1:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;4.50, plus booking fees</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>St Chad&#8217;s Park skatepark consultation drop-in:</strong> Speak to council representatives about possible improvements. The accompanying survey covers St Chad&#8217;s Park and Sanders Park, welcomes all ages, and closes at midnight on Monday 14 September. These are proposed improvements. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/help-shape-future-improvements-to-skateparks/">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday 8 September, 3pm to 5pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> St Chad&#8217;s Park Skatepark</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>An Evening with Jack the Ripper:</strong> Steve Morgan presents a stage exploration of the Victorian London case. Age guidance is 12+, and the running time is approximately one hour and 40 minutes, including an interval. The venue provides online booking. <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/an-evening-with-jack-the-ripper.html">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Thursday 10 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Halesowen Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;18, plus booking fees</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Saturday story and craft:</strong> Children aged three to ten can hear a story and make a craft to take home. A parent or carer must stay with each child throughout. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-story-and-craft">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 12 September, 10am to 12:30pm, or until craft materials run out</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Library, Worcester Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free; no booking required</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Artisan Market at Hagley Park:</strong> Browse products and gifts from makers and crafters, with food available from the park caf&#233;. The event page does not state an admission price or booking requirement, so check with the park before travelling. <a href="https://www.hagleypark.co.uk/events/midsummer-artisan-market/">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 12 September, 10am to 4pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Park and Visitor Centre, Birmingham Road, Hagley</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Heritage Glass and Church Walking Tour:</strong> Explore the churches, canals, factories, and people behind the local glass industry. Book ahead and wear suitable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing. Parts of the route may be unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs; contact the museum about access before booking. <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/heritage-glass-and-church-walking-tour-6/">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 12 September, 11am to 12:30pm; arrive at 10:45am</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Start at Stourbridge Glass Museum, Stuart Works, High Street, Wordsley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;15, including museum admission</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Introduction to Modelling Glass Workshop:</strong> Linda Tate leads an adults-only session modelling coloured glass powders. Materials and tools are supplied. Work is taken away for firing, and participants are contacted when it is ready to collect. Places are limited, and early booking is recommended. <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/introduction-to-modelling-glass-workshop/">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 12 September, 11am to 1pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Glass Museum, Stuart Works, High Street, Wordsley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;50, including museum admission and workshop</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Police drop-in surgery at Rubery station:</strong> An opportunity to raise local concerns with the Hagley and Rubery Safer Neighbourhood Team. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/our-priorities">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 12 September, 2pm to 3pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Rubery Police Station, 164 New Road, Rubery</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>The Kilkennys:</strong> The Irish folk band brings its 25 Year Celebration Tour to Halesowen. Book through the venue&#8217;s ticket link. <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/the-kilkennys.html">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 12 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Halesowen Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;25, plus booking fees</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>A &#8216;slow&#8217; walk around Pound Green:</strong> This approximately four-mile walk includes ascents, descents, five stiles, two gates, and two road crossings. Paths may be muddy or slippery after rain. Dogs must stay on a lead. The organiser provides a contact route for enquiries. <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-13-slow-walk-around-pound-green">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Sunday 13 September, 10am</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Meet at Hawkbatch car park, Button Oak Road (B4194), DY12 3AF</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Donations to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust welcome</p></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Coming soon</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Wildlife in Sri Lanka:</strong> Tom and Anne Wilkins give a wildlife talk for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust&#8217;s Bromsgrove and North East Worcestershire Local Group. <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-14-wildlife-sri-lanka">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Monday 14 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Amphlett Hall, Crown Close, off Market Street, Bromsgrove</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;3, payable in cash</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Police drop-in at Clent Connect:</strong> Meet the local Safer Neighbourhood Team at its advertised Clent Connect surgery. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/our-priorities">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Wednesday 16 September, 11am to noon</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Clent Connect, 40 Church Avenue</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Stourbridge v Real Bedford:</strong> A home Southern League Premier Central fixture. Check the club&#8217;s match page for late changes and admission arrangements. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/match-centre/1-19918930">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday 22 September, 7:45pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> War Memorial Athletic Ground, High Street, Amblecote, Stourbridge</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Subtracting grass snakes and dividing adders:</strong> Paul Wilkinson discusses snake conservation in a talk for Worcestershire Wildlife Trust&#8217;s Stourbridge and Hagley Local Group. <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-25-subtracting-grass-snakes-and-dividing-adders">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Friday 25 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> St Saviour&#8217;s Church, 1 Park Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;3 per person</p></li></ul></li></ul><ul><li><p><strong>Hagley Park Group Dog Walk:</strong> The walk includes dog treats and a &#163;5 coffee-and-cake voucher for owners. No booking is required. <a href="https://www.hagleypark.co.uk/events/walkies-dog-walking-group-3/">See the official details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Sunday 27 September, 10:30am; approximately one hour</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Park and Visitor Centre, Birmingham Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Standard park admission; season-ticket holders free</p></li></ul></li></ul><h2>Special Offers</h2><p><strong>Monday and Tuesday Banqueting Nights at New Delhi.</strong> The dine-in menu at 113 Worcester Road, Hagley, costs &#163;17.95 per person, or &#163;12.95 for children under ten. It includes any starter, any main course, rice or naan, and tea or coffee. Diners may bring their own alcohol without a corkage charge. Use the restaurant&#8217;s table-booking link. <a href="https://www.newdelhihagley.co.uk/banqueting-nights/">Read New Delhi Hagley&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>Early-bird dining at East at West One.</strong> At 159 Worcester Road, Hagley, the set menu is available Wednesday to Saturday until 7pm: two courses cost &#163;22 and three cost &#163;26. Reserve through the restaurant&#8217;s booking link, and ask staff about allergens before ordering. <a href="https://www.eastatwestone.co.uk/whats-on/early-bird-set-menu">Read East at West One&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>Sunday and collection savings at Shenapur.</strong> The restaurant at 86 Worcester Road, West Hagley, advertises a Sunday-evening three-course meal for &#163;19.95 per adult and &#163;16.95 for children under eight. The Sunday special is unavailable in December. A separate 10% takeaway discount applies to collection orders only; arrange your meal or collection directly with the restaurant. <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Read Shenapur&#8217;s details</a>.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#128294; Found this spotlight enlightening?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Share this week&#8217;s edition with a friend, neighbour, or local group.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-7-september?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-7-september?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><h2>Traffic Alerts</h2><p><strong>A456 Hagley Causeway resurfacing remains a proposed closure.</strong> The published council notice proposes closing 1,695 metres eastwards from the Wassell Grove roundabout, including the Hagley Wood roundabout, to the Dudley boundary, plus the first ten metres of Hagley Wood Lane. It anticipates two nights from Tuesday 8 September, between 8pm and 6am. Access exemptions cover premises with no alternative access and the works themselves. The notice gives an A456/A491 diversion for the main closure and separate routes for Hagley Wood Lane. Check the full notice and live updates before travelling; the proposal is not confirmation that work has started. <a href="https://publicnoticeportal.uk/notice/traffic-and-roads/6a7ed0e2178ae9c7d6dd5c98">Read Public Notice Portal / Worcestershire County Council&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>M6 southbound closures affect journeys through Birmingham.</strong> National Highways lists overnight closure of the M6 southbound between junctions 6 and 5 through Tuesday 8 September, on weeknights from 9pm to 6am. This includes Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 September within this issue&#8217;s week. Follow the official diversion information. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">Read National Highways&#8217;s details</a>.</p><p><strong>M54 junction 1 westbound exit slip is scheduled to close.</strong> The published programme lists closures from Wednesday 9 to Friday 11 September, between 8pm and 6am, with signed diversions. Check the live scheme notice if your journey uses this route. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">Read National Highways&#8217;s details</a>.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; Plans can change at short notice.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Check Worcestershire&#8217;s live roadworks and emergency updates</a> before a longer journey.</p></div><h2>Security Alerts</h2><p><strong>Hagley and Rubery&#8217;s current policing priorities.</strong> The priorities cover antisocial behaviour, including illegal use of electric bikes, drug use, and youth-related crime; shoplifting and other business-related criminality; and speeding and illegal use of the road network. The first two were issued on Thursday 27 August 2026, and the road-use priority on Wednesday 1 July 2026. The page records patrols, enforcement, and engagement. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/our-priorities">Read West Mercia Police&#8217;s details</a>.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; In an emergency, call 999.</p><p style="text-align: center;">For non-emergency reports, use <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">West Mercia Police&#8217;s online reporting service</a> or call 101.</p></div><h2>Bibliography</h2><ol><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council, <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/change-to-district-housing-register-confirmed/">Change to district housing register confirmed</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/applications-september-2027-school-places-open-1-september-2026">Applications for September 2027 school places</a></p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council, <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/calling-all-bromsgrove-residents/">My Neighbourhood Survey 2026</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/popular-elevate-growth-programme-extended-until-june-2027-following-outstanding-success">Elevate Growth Programme extension</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/epic-elvis-presley-in-concert.html">EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert</a></p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council, <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/help-shape-future-improvements-to-skateparks/">Help shape future improvements to skateparks</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/an-evening-with-jack-the-ripper.html">An Evening with Jack the Ripper</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-story-and-craft">Saturday story and craft at Hagley Library</a></p></li><li><p>Hagley Park, <a href="https://www.hagleypark.co.uk/events/midsummer-artisan-market/">Artisan Market</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Glass Museum, <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/heritage-glass-and-church-walking-tour-6/">Heritage Glass and Church Walking Tour</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Glass Museum, <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/introduction-to-modelling-glass-workshop/">Introduction to Modelling Glass Workshop</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/our-priorities">Hagley and Rubery meetings, events, and priorities</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/the-kilkennys.html">The Kilkennys</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-13-slow-walk-around-pound-green">A &#8216;slow&#8217; walk around Pound Green</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-14-wildlife-sri-lanka">Wildlife in Sri Lanka</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club, <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/match-centre/1-19918930">Stourbridge v Real Bedford</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-25-subtracting-grass-snakes-and-dividing-adders">Subtracting grass snakes and dividing adders</a></p></li><li><p>Hagley Park, <a href="https://www.hagleypark.co.uk/events/walkies-dog-walking-group-3/">Group Dog Walk</a></p></li><li><p>New Delhi Hagley, <a href="https://www.newdelhihagley.co.uk/banqueting-nights/">Monday and Tuesday Banqueting Nights</a></p></li><li><p>East at West One, <a href="https://www.eastatwestone.co.uk/whats-on/early-bird-set-menu">Early-bird set menu</a></p></li><li><p>Shenapur, <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Sunday and collection offers</a></p></li><li><p>Public Notice Portal / Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://publicnoticeportal.uk/notice/traffic-and-roads/6a7ed0e2178ae9c7d6dd5c98">Proposed A456 Hagley Causeway and Hagley Wood Lane closures</a></p></li><li><p>National Highways, <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">West Midlands maintenance schemes</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Roadworks and live updates</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">Online reporting service</a></p></li></ol>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hagley Spotlight: Monday 31 August - Sunday 6 September 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Falconry, local history, creative sessions, and two Stourbridge home fixtures usher in September.]]></description><link>https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-31-august</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-31-august</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 29 Aug 2026 13:16:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_SYQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fae94874c-3583-4800-99fe-a95f45360ac6_5712x4284.heic" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!_SYQ!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fae94874c-3583-4800-99fe-a95f45360ac6_5712x4284.heic" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="icon-noB79L"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2 icon-noB79L"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Overlooking the railway tracks whilst standing on the rail bridge.</figcaption></figure></div><h2>Contents</h2><ol><li><p>Author&#8217;s Note</p></li><li><p>Latest News</p></li><li><p>What&#8217;s On?</p></li><li><p>Special Offers</p></li><li><p>Traffic Alerts</p></li><li><p>Security Alerts</p></li><li><p>Bibliography</p></li></ol><h2>Author&#8217;s Note</h2><p>As the weather begins to shift towards Autumnal downpours, it&#8217;s a reminder that summer is coming to an end. We&#8217;re now heading into Pumpkin Spiced Latte (a.k.a. PSL) season! &#9749;&#65039; Which is my favourite feature of the season. (well, that and my girlfriend&#8217;s birthday, of course!).</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">If you&#8217;d like to advertise in <strong>The Hagley Mile</strong>&#8482;, please drop us a note by <em>replying to this email</em>. We&#8217;d be delighted to hear from you.</p></div><p>September begins with a full local diary. The bank holiday brings an extra Falconry Centre display, Hagley&#8217;s historical society starts its new season, and Stourbridge has two home matches, including an FA Cup tie.</p><p>This edition also gathers the practical details that are easy to miss, from school-place deadlines and a closing planning consultation to bus savings, overnight roadworks, and current police advice. I hope it helps you plan the week.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">Subscribe free for local news, events, offers, and alerts, delivered straight to your inbox.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p></div><p>For those with Bank Holiday weekend plans, I wish you an enjoyable break. To those returning to school and work this week, I wish you a fun, prosperous, and successful autumn term. It&#8217;ll be Christmas before you know it.</p><p><strong>James.</strong></p><div><hr></div><h2>Latest News</h2><p><strong>Applications for September 2027 school places open on Tuesday.</strong> Worcestershire County Council&#8217;s new Parent Portal opens on Tuesday 1 September for children starting or transferring school in September 2027. High-school applications close on 31 October 2026, while applications for primary, first, infant, junior, and middle schools close on 15 January 2027. Families without internet access can use computers and Wi-Fi at county libraries. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/applications-september-2027-school-places-open-1-september-2026">Read the County Council admissions update</a>.</p><p><strong>The district&#8217;s Local Plan scoping consultation closes on Friday.</strong> Bromsgrove District Council is seeking views on the scope, vision, and priorities of the plan to 2044. This stage is not a consultation on specific development sites, and the council says comments made in earlier consultations do not need to be repeated. Responses close at 5pm on Friday 4 September. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/councillors-back-next-step-in-preparing-new-local-plan/">Read the council update and consultation information</a>.</p><p><strong>Residents can comment on two district skateparks.</strong> Bromsgrove District Council&#8217;s survey on potential improvements at Sanders Park and St Chad&#8217;s Park remains open until midnight on Monday 14 September. A drop-in session at Sanders Park runs from 3pm to 5pm on Friday 4 September, followed by one at St Chad&#8217;s Park at the same time on Tuesday 8 September. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/help-shape-future-improvements-to-skateparks/">See the consultation details</a>.</p><h2>What&#8217;s On?</h2><h3>This week</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Bank Holiday displays at The Falconry Centre:</strong> The bank-holiday programme adds a 2:30pm flying display to the usual 1pm and 3:30pm displays, weather permitting. <a href="https://thefalconrycentre.co.uk/visitor-centre/2023-special-events/">Check the official programme</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Monday 31 August, centre open 11am to 5pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> The Falconry Centre, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Adults &#163;8, children aged five and over &#163;4, under-fours free, concessions &#163;7, or family ticket for two adults and two children &#163;21</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>The Earls of Dudley:</strong> Philip Bowen opens Hagley Historical and Field Society&#8217;s new season with a talk on the Earls of Dudley. <a href="https://hhfs.org.uk/hhfs/">See the society programme</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday 1 September, 8pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> St Saviour&#8217;s Church Hall, West Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Visitors &#163;2, including refreshments; annual membership &#163;10</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Stourbridge v Leamington:</strong> Stourbridge hosts Leamington in the Southern League Premier Central. Check the club page for any late fixture or admission update. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/match-centre/1-19918843">View the official match page</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday 1 September, 7:45pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> War Memorial Athletic Ground, High Street, Amblecote, Stourbridge</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Hagley Library Walkers Group:</strong> Meet at the library for an approximately one-hour walk around the Hagley area. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/walkers-group-1">Read the County Council listing</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Wednesday 2 September, 10:30am to 11:30am</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Library</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>September Paint n Sip:</strong> Coffee n Clay hosts an adults-only evening session, with a glass of fizz or a soft drink included. <a href="https://www.coffeenclay.co.uk/event-details/september-paint-n-sip">Read the organiser&#8217;s event details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Thursday 3 September, 7pm to 9:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Coffee n Clay, 5 Station Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;5 per person</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>International Vulture Awareness Day:</strong> Visitors can learn about vultures, their role in ecosystems, and the threats they face in the wild. The usual 1pm and 3:30pm flying displays are weather permitting. <a href="https://thefalconrycentre.co.uk/visitor-centre/2023-special-events/">Check the Falconry Centre programme</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 5 September, centre open 11am to 5pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> The Falconry Centre, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Adults &#163;8, children aged five and over &#163;4, under-fours free, concessions &#163;7, or family ticket for two adults and two children &#163;21</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Saturday board games and puzzles:</strong> Families can drop into Hagley Library for board games and puzzles. Children must be supervised by a parent or carer. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-board-games-and-puzzles">Read the library event details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 5 September, 9:30am to 12:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Library</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free, with no booking required</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Annual Joint Honey Show:</strong> Hagley and Stourbridge Beekeepers&#8217; Association accepts entries before judging begins. The official record says entry is free and there are no cash prizes, but does not publish general public-viewing arrangements. <a href="https://wbka.uk/event/event?event_id=82">Check the official show record</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 5 September, entries accepted from 8:30am to 10am</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Free Church Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free to enter</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Stourbridge v Rushall Olympic:</strong> The Glassboys host Rushall Olympic in the Emirates FA Cup first qualifying round. Advance tickets go on sale online on Wednesday 2 September. Club memberships, season tickets, flexi tickets, and passes are not valid for this fixture, so all spectators must pay. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/emirates-fa-cup--home-tie-with-rushall-to-be-played-on-sunday-6th-september-2994659.html">Read the club&#8217;s match and ticket notice</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Sunday 6 September, 3pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> War Memorial Athletic Ground, High Street, Amblecote, Stourbridge</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Advance tickets are adults &#163;13, over-65s &#163;10, ages 13 to 17 &#163;7, or ages six to 12 &#163;5; each price rises by &#163;1 on matchday</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Sunday Lunch at Hagley Golf Club:</strong> The Hawthorn Suite serves a choice of two- or three-course Sunday lunch menus. The club welcomes non-members and asks diners to reserve a table; a children&#8217;s menu is available for those aged 12 and under. <a href="https://www.hagleygolfclub.co.uk/the-clubhouse/sunday-lunch/">See the current Sunday Lunch information</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Sunday 6 September, from noon</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Golf Club, Wassell Grove Lane, Hagley</p></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Coming soon</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Mummy &amp; Me Creative Parent and Baby Session:</strong> Coffee n Clay&#8217;s relaxed session for mums, dads, carers, and babies includes journalling, collage, and mindful art. Materials are included. <a href="https://www.coffeenclay.co.uk/event-details/mummy-me-creative-parent-and-baby-session">Read the organiser&#8217;s event details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Monday 7 September, 10am to noon</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Coffee n Clay, 5 Station Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;6 per person</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert (12):</strong> The Monday Movie Matinee at Stourbridge Town Hall has a running time of 100 minutes and a 12 certificate. <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/epic-elvis-presley-in-concert.html">Read the official film listing</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Monday 7 September, 1:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> All tickets &#163;4.50, plus booking fees</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>An Evening with Jack the Ripper:</strong> Producer and broadcaster Steve Morgan brings his stage investigation of the Victorian London case to Halesowen. The show has an approximate running time of one hour and 40 minutes, including the interval. <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/an-evening-with-jack-the-ripper.html">Read the official show listing</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Thursday 10 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Halesowen Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> All tickets &#163;18, plus booking fees; age guidance 12+</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>The Kilkennys:</strong> The Irish folk band&#8217;s 25 Year Celebration Tour visits Halesowen Town Hall. <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/the-kilkennys.html">Read the official show listing</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 12 September, 7:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Halesowen Town Hall</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> All tickets &#163;25, plus booking fees</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>A &#8216;slow&#8217; walk around Pound Green:</strong> Worcestershire Wildlife Trust&#8217;s Wyre Forest Local Group leads an approximately four-mile walk with ascents, descents, five stiles, two gates, and two road crossings. Paths may be muddy or slippery after rain, and dogs must be kept on a lead. <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-13-slow-walk-around-pound-green">Read the Trust&#8217;s walk details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Sunday 13 September, 10am</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Meet at Hawkbatch car park on the B4194 near Pound Green Common</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Donations to Worcestershire Wildlife Trust are welcome</p></li></ul></li></ul><h2>Special Offers</h2><p><strong>Children travel free on participating Worcestershire buses.</strong> Children aged 15 and under can travel free on participating bus services until Monday 31 August. Operator participation is voluntary, so check before travel. Children aged 11 to 15 travelling independently must ask for the &#8220;Under 16 Free Travel Offer (August 26)&#8221; ticket, and Worcestershire on Demand is included. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/children-travel-free-bus-august">Read the eligibility and operator conditions</a>.</p><p><strong>Reduced admission at Hagley Park.</strong><span> Until Tuesday 1 September inclusive, admission is reduced to &#163;8.75 for adults, &#163;4.40 for children, &#163;21.90 for a family ticket covering either two adults and two children, or one adult and three children, and &#163;7 for concessions and students. Under-threes enter free, while access to the caf&#233;, picnic area, and patio is free. </span><a href="https://www.hagleypark.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times-prices/">Check opening times and current prices</a><span>.</span></p><p><strong>Monday and Tuesday Banqueting Nights at New Delhi.</strong> The dine-in offer is &#163;17.95 per person, or &#163;12.95 for children under ten, and includes any starter, any main course, rice or naan, and tea or coffee. The restaurant is bring your own alcohol, with no corkage charge. <a href="https://www.newdelhihagley.co.uk/banqueting-nights/">Check the restaurant&#8217;s offer conditions</a>.</p><p><strong>Early-bird menu at East at West One.</strong> The restaurant&#8217;s set menu is available from Wednesday to Saturday until 7pm, priced at &#163;22 for two courses or &#163;26 for three. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available, and parking is free. <a href="https://www.eastatwestone.co.uk/whats-on/early-bird-set-menu">View the current early-bird menu</a>.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#128294; Found this spotlight enlightening?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Share this week&#8217;s edition with a friend, neighbour, or local group.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-31-august?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-monday-31-august?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><h2>Traffic Alerts</h2><p><strong>Overnight M5 northbound closure between junctions 4 and 3.</strong> National Highways is closing the M5 northbound between junction 4 at Lydiate Ash and junction 3 at Quinton from 9pm to 6am through Monday 31 August. Frankley northbound services cannot be accessed during the closure, and the official page gives the signed diversion. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">Check the current closure notice</a>.</p><p><strong>Proposed overnight closure on the A456 through Hagley.</strong> A Worcestershire County Council notice proposes closing 1,695 metres of the A456 Hagley Causeway, from the Wassell Grove roundabout eastwards through the Hagley Wood roundabout to the Dudley boundary, together with the first ten metres of Hagley Wood Lane, for carriageway resurfacing. The works are anticipated to start on Tuesday 8 September and last two nights, from 8pm to 6am. Access would remain for properties with no alternative route and for works purposes. <a href="https://publicnoticeportal.uk/notice/traffic-and-roads/6a7ed0e2178ae9c7d6dd5c98">Read the published statutory notice and diversions</a>.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; Plans can change at short notice.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Check Worcestershire&#8217;s live roadworks and emergency updates</a><span> before a longer journey.</span></p></div><h2>Security Alerts</h2><p><strong>Hagley and Rubery policing priorities.</strong><span> The current local priorities cover antisocial behaviour, including illegal use of electric bikes, drug use, and youth-related crime; shoplifting and other business-related criminality; and speeding and illegal use of the road network. The antisocial-behaviour and shoplifting priorities were issued on 27 August 2026, while the road-use priority was issued on 1 July 2026. The page records patrols, engagement, enforcement, and partner work. </span><a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/social-media/our-priorities">Read the current local priorities</a><span>.</span></p><p><strong>Police warning after courier-fraud incidents.</strong> West Mercia Police reported several recent incidents across the force area, including two in Worcestershire. Police say genuine officers will never ask someone to make a payment, buy an item, withdraw or transfer money, or disclose bank details. If in doubt, hang up and use another phone to check the caller&#8217;s identity. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/august/warning-to-protect-elderly-and-vulnerable-people-after-courier-fraud-incidents/">Read the full police warning</a>.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; In an emergency, call 999.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><span>For non-emergency reports, use </span><a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">West Mercia Police&#8217;s online reporting service</a><span> or call 101.</span></p></div><h2>Bibliography</h2><p>All sources below were checked and accessed on 29 August 2026. Duplicate links used for more than one listing appear once.</p><ol><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/applications-september-2027-school-places-open-1-september-2026">Applications for September 2027 school places open on 1 September 2026</a></p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council, <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/councillors-back-next-step-in-preparing-new-local-plan/">Councillors back next step in preparing new Local Plan</a></p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council, <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/help-shape-future-improvements-to-skateparks/">Help shape future improvements to skateparks</a></p></li><li><p>The Falconry Centre, <a href="https://thefalconrycentre.co.uk/visitor-centre/2023-special-events/">Visitor information and special events</a></p></li><li><p>Hagley Historical and Field Society, <a href="https://hhfs.org.uk/hhfs/">Programme</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club, <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/match-centre/1-19918843">Stourbridge v Leamington</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/walkers-group-1">Hagley Library Walkers Group</a></p></li><li><p>Coffee n Clay, <a href="https://www.coffeenclay.co.uk/event-details/september-paint-n-sip">September Paint n Sip</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-board-games-and-puzzles">Saturday board games and puzzles</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Beekeepers&#8217; Association, <a href="https://wbka.uk/event/event?event_id=82">Annual Joint Honey Show</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club, <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/emirates-fa-cup--home-tie-with-rushall-to-be-played-on-sunday-6th-september-2994659.html">FA Cup home tie with Rushall Olympic</a></p></li><li><p>Hagley Golf Club, <a href="https://www.hagleygolfclub.co.uk/the-clubhouse/sunday-lunch/">Sunday Lunch</a></p></li><li><p>Coffee n Clay, <a href="https://www.coffeenclay.co.uk/event-details/mummy-me-creative-parent-and-baby-session">Mummy &amp; Me Creative Parent and Baby Session</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/epic-elvis-presley-in-concert.html">EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/an-evening-with-jack-the-ripper.html">An Evening with Jack the Ripper</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Borough Halls, <a href="https://www.boroughhalls.co.uk/the-kilkennys.html">The Kilkennys</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, <a href="https://www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/events/2026-09-13-slow-walk-around-pound-green">A &#8216;slow&#8217; walk around Pound Green</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/children-travel-free-bus-august">Children travel free by bus in August</a></p></li><li><p>Hagley Park, <a href="https://www.hagleypark.co.uk/plan-your-visit/opening-times-prices/">Opening times and prices</a></p></li><li><p>New Delhi, <a href="https://www.newdelhihagley.co.uk/banqueting-nights/">Banqueting Nights</a></p></li><li><p>East at West One, <a href="https://www.eastatwestone.co.uk/whats-on/early-bird-set-menu">Early-bird set menu</a></p></li><li><p>National Highways, <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">West Midlands maintenance schemes</a></p></li><li><p>Public Notice Portal, <a href="https://publicnoticeportal.uk/notice/traffic-and-roads/6a7ed0e2178ae9c7d6dd5c98">Proposed A456 Hagley Causeway and Hagley Wood Lane closures</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Roadworks and live updates</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/social-media/our-priorities">Hagley and Rubery local policing priorities</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/august/warning-to-protect-elderly-and-vulnerable-people-after-courier-fraud-incidents/">Courier-fraud warning</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">Online reporting service</a></p></li></ol>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hagley Spotlight: 24-30 August 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[Art, jazz, and family days as we approach the August bank holiday.]]></description><link>https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-24-30-august-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-24-30-august-2026</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 25 Aug 2026 18:25:03 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zX7z!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9657b035-d92c-4e68-8106-4ce7955268a6_1814x1794.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!zX7z!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F9657b035-d92c-4e68-8106-4ce7955268a6_1814x1794.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="icon-noB79L"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2 icon-noB79L"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Morning latte at Moody&#8217;s caf&#233; on the high street.</figcaption></figure></div><h2>Contents</h2><ol><li><p>Author&#8217;s Note</p></li><li><p>Latest News</p></li><li><p>What&#8217;s On?</p></li><li><p>Special Offers</p></li><li><p>Traffic Alerts</p></li><li><p>Security Alerts</p></li><li><p>Bibliography</p></li></ol><h2>Author&#8217;s Note</h2><p>The last full week of August brings an unusually broad local mix. Worcestershire Open Studios is under way, Sanders Park has two free family events, and Saturday offers crafts, cricket, football, and a recycled-glass seminar. With the bank holiday following on Monday 31 August, the coming-soon list starts there.</p><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">Subscribe free for local news, events, offers, and alerts, delivered straight to your inbox.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p></div><h2>Latest News</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Fridge and freezer disposal is temporarily suspended at county recycling centres.</strong> Worcestershire&#8217;s household recycling centres are temporarily unable to accept fridges, freezers, and other cooling appliances because of national treatment-capacity constraints. Residents are asked to retain unwanted appliances safely, use a retailer&#8217;s take-back service, or employ a licensed waste collector. Previously booked district-council collections will be honoured where possible. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/fridge-and-freezer-collections-suspended-household-recycling-centres">Read the County Council update</a>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Support remains available after the Norton wildfire.</strong> Dudley Council&#8217;s recovery hub brings together information for residents directly affected by the Norton wildfire, along with official routes for donations, volunteering, and practical support. The page also carries the council&#8217;s published resident briefings. <a href="https://www.dudley.gov.uk/norton-fire-residents-daily-briefing">Use the official recovery hub</a>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Free careers help follows GCSE results day.</strong> Careers Worcestershire is offering free support through its 16 to 24 Careers Hubs for young people considering further education, training, apprenticeships, or work after receiving GCSE results. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/gcse-results-day-congratulations-and-support-available-worcestershire-students">See the County Council&#8217;s support information</a>.</p></li></ul><h2>What&#8217;s On?</h2><h3>This week</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Suzanne Nicholl Open Studio:</strong> Painting and mixed-media work form part of Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week. The organiser publishes the attendance address and access details on the artist&#8217;s page. <a href="https://www.worcestershireopenstudios.org/entry-2026/suzanne-nicholl/">Check the official artist listing</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Monday 24 to Sunday 30 August, 10:30am to 4:30pm daily</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Meadowcroft studio, Worcester Road, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>August weekday features at The Falconry Centre:</strong> Flying displays are scheduled at 1pm and 3:30pm, weather permitting. During August weekdays, the centre also schedules a 2:30pm feature, which may be a talk, a meet-a-bird session, or an additional flight. <a href="https://thefalconrycentre.co.uk/visitor-centre/2023-special-events/">Check the visitor information and display programme</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Monday 24 to Friday 28 August, visitor centre open 11am to 5pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> The Falconry Centre, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Adults &#163;8, children aged five and over &#163;4, under-fours free, concessions &#163;7, or family ticket for two adults and two children &#163;21</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Punch and Judy at Sanders Park:</strong> The district council&#8217;s Summer Fun programme brings Punch and Judy to the park. It is an outdoor, drop-in event for all ages. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/summer-fun-sanders-park-2026/">See the council&#8217;s Summer Fun programme</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Thursday 27 August, noon to 4pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Sanders Park, Bromsgrove</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>The Other Glass exhibition opens:</strong> The exhibition explores art made with recycled glass and runs until 27 February 2027. <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/featured-exhibitions/">Read the exhibition listing</a> and <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/">check current opening and admission information</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Friday 28 August, then open Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30am to 4:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Glass Museum</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Standard museum admission is adults &#163;10, children aged four to 17 &#163;5, under-fours free, or a family ticket for two adults and up to three children &#163;25</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Chris Frost and guest artists open studio:</strong> Chris Frost&#8217;s Worcestershire Open Studios venue brings together a group of artists working across several media. The organiser publishes the full artist list, attendance address, and access details. <a href="https://www.worcestershireopenstudios.org/entry-2026/chris-frost/">Check the official venue listing</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August, 10am to 4:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Lawnside, Hall Lane, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Saturday Story and Craft:</strong> The session is for children aged three to ten. A parent or carer must supervise throughout, and the activity may finish early if craft materials run out. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-story-and-craft">Read the library event details</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 29 August, 10am to 12:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Library</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free, with no booking required</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>The Other Glass Seminar:</strong> The seminar explores the stories, sustainability, and creative possibilities of recycled and second-life glass. It is led by Tone &#216;rvik, curator of <em>The Other Glass</em> exhibition. <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/the-other-glass-seminar/">Read the official event details and book tickets</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 29 August, 10am to 1pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourbridge Glass Museum</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> &#163;10</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Hagley Cricket Club Third XI v Stone:</strong> Hagley&#8217;s Third XI hosts Stone Cricket Club Worcestershire&#8217;s Second XI in Division Eight North. <a href="https://www.hagleycc.com/teams/277978/match-centre/1-18165468">Check the official match centre</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 29 August, 12:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Cricket Club, Hagley</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Halesowen Town v Real Bedford:</strong> The Southern League Premier Central fixture is listed on Halesowen Town&#8217;s official schedule. Check the club page for any fixture or admission update before setting out. <a href="https://ht-fc.co.uk/mens-first-team-all-fixtures-results/">View the official fixtures</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 29 August, 3pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> The Grove, Halesowen</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>RJ Jazz Collective at the bandstand:</strong> The council&#8217;s Sunday bandstand series continues with RJ Jazz Collective. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/music-in-the-bandstand/">See the official Music in the Bandstand programme</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Sunday 30 August, 2:30pm to 4:30pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Jubilee Bandstand, Sanders Park, Bromsgrove</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p></li></ul></li></ul><h3>Coming soon</h3><ul><li><p><strong>Bank Holiday displays at The Falconry Centre:</strong> The bank holiday programme adds a 2:30pm flying display to the usual 1pm and 3:30pm displays, weather permitting. <a href="https://thefalconrycentre.co.uk/visitor-centre/2023-special-events/">Check the official bank holiday programme</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Monday 31 August, visitor centre open 11am to 5pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> The Falconry Centre, Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Adults &#163;8, children aged five and over &#163;4, under-fours free, concessions &#163;7, or family ticket for two adults and two children &#163;21</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>The Earls of Dudley:</strong> Philip Bowen opens Hagley Historical and Field Society&#8217;s new season with a talk on the Earls of Dudley. <a href="https://hhfs.org.uk/hhfs/">See the society programme</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday 1 September, 8pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> St Saviour&#8217;s Church Hall, West Hagley</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Visitors &#163;2, including refreshments; annual membership &#163;10</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Stourbridge v Leamington:</strong> Stourbridge hosts Leamington in the Southern League Premier Central. Check the club listing for any fixture or admission update. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/fixtures-results">View the official fixture</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Tuesday 1 September, 7:45pm</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Stourton Park, Stourbridge</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Hagley Library Walkers Group:</strong> Meet at the library for an approximately one-hour walk around the Hagley area. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/walkers-group-1">Read the County Council event listing</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Wednesday 2 September, 10:30am to 11:30am</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Library</p></li><li><p><strong>Cost:</strong> Free</p></li></ul></li><li><p><strong>Annual Joint Honey Show:</strong> Worcestershire Beekeepers&#8217; Association lists the Hagley and Stourbridge branch&#8217;s Annual Joint Honey Show. The live listing gives a start time but does not state public viewing arrangements, so prospective visitors and exhibitors should confirm details with the organiser. <a href="https://wbka.uk/">Check the official WBKA listing</a>.</p><ul><li><p><strong>When:</strong> Saturday 5 September, from 8:30am</p></li><li><p><strong>Where:</strong> Hagley Free Church</p></li></ul></li></ul><h2>Special Offers</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Children travel free on participating Worcestershire buses.</strong> Children aged 15 and under can travel free on participating bus services in Worcestershire until Monday 31 August. Operator participation is voluntary, so check before travel. Children aged 11 to 15 travelling independently must ask for the &#8220;Under 16 Free Travel Offer (August 26)&#8221; ticket, and Worcestershire on Demand is included. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/children-travel-free-bus-august">Read the eligibility and operator conditions</a>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Kids go free at Avoncroft Museum.</strong> Until Monday 31 August, one full-price adult ticket at &#163;15 admits up to two children free. Further children aged five to 17 cost &#163;7, under-fives are free, students pay &#163;12, and an essential carer can enter free with proof. The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday and bank holiday Monday, 10am to 4pm. <a href="https://avoncroft.org.uk/product/summer-holidays-1-july-31-august-kids-go-free">Check the offer and book</a>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Sunday set menu and takeaway saving at Shenapur.</strong> Shenapur&#8217;s Sunday evening three-course menu is &#163;19.95 for adults and &#163;16.95 for children under eight. The restaurant also advertises 10% off collection takeaways. The Sunday offer does not operate in December. <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Check the restaurant&#8217;s current offers</a>.</p></li></ul><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#128294; Found this spotlight enlightening? </p><p style="text-align: center;">Share this week&#8217;s edition with a friend, neighbour, or local group.</p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-24-30-august-2026?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-24-30-august-2026?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><h2>Traffic Alerts</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Overnight M5 northbound closure between junctions 4 and 3.</strong> National Highways is closing the M5 northbound between junction 4 at Lydiate Ash and junction 3 at Quinton from 9pm to 6am each night through Monday 31 August. Frankley northbound services cannot be accessed during the closures. A signed diversion is published on the scheme page. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">Check the current closure notice and diversion</a>.</p></li><li><p><strong>M6 southbound lane closures between junctions 6 and 5.</strong> Resurfacing works are scheduled on Tuesday 25, Wednesday 26, and Thursday 27 August, from 9pm to 6am. Three lanes will close while the hard shoulder remains open to traffic. National Highways states that no work is planned on Monday 24 or Friday 28 August. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">Check the maintenance schedule</a>.</p></li></ul><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; Plans can change at short notice. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Check Worcestershire&#8217;s live roadworks and emergency updates</a> before a longer journey.</p></div><h2>Security Alerts</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Hagley and Rubery policing priorities.</strong> The local policing team&#8217;s priorities, issued on 1 July 2026, cover antisocial behaviour, including illegal electric-bike use, drug use, and youth crime; shoplifting and wider business crime; and speeding and illegal road use. The page records patrols, engagement, enforcement, and partner work. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/social-media/our-priorities">Read the current local priorities</a>.</p></li><li><p><strong>Crime-prevention event at Cofton Village Hall.</strong> The Hagley and Rubery Safer Neighbourhood Team is holding a crime-prevention event at Cofton Village Hall, Cofton Hackett, on Sunday 30 August from 10am to noon. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/crime-map">Check the police event listing</a>.</p></li></ul><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; In an emergency, call 999. </p><p style="text-align: center;">For non-emergency reports, use <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">West Mercia Police&#8217;s online reporting service</a> or call 101.</p></div><h2>Bibliography</h2><ol><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/fridge-and-freezer-collections-suspended-household-recycling-centres">Fridge and freezer collections suspended at household recycling centres</a></p></li><li><p>Dudley Council, <a href="https://www.dudley.gov.uk/norton-fire-residents-daily-briefing">Norton fire resident recovery hub</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/gcse-results-day-congratulations-and-support-available-worcestershire-students">GCSE results day support</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Open Studios, <a href="https://www.worcestershireopenstudios.org/entry-2026/suzanne-nicholl/">Suzanne Nicholl</a></p></li><li><p>The Falconry Centre, <a href="https://thefalconrycentre.co.uk/visitor-centre/2023-special-events/">Visitor information and special events</a></p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council, <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/summer-fun-sanders-park-2026/">Summer Fun at Sanders Park 2026</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Glass Museum, <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/featured-exhibitions/">Featured exhibitions</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Glass Museum, <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/">Opening times and admission</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Open Studios, <a href="https://www.worcestershireopenstudios.org/entry-2026/chris-frost/">Chris Frost</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-story-and-craft">Saturday Story and Craft</a></p></li><li><p><span>Stourbridge Glass Museum, </span><a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/the-other-glass-seminar/">The Other Glass Seminar</a></p></li><li><p>Hagley Cricket Club, <a href="https://www.hagleycc.com/teams/277978/match-centre/1-18165468">Hagley Third XI v Stone Second XI</a></p></li><li><p>Halesowen Town Football Club, <a href="https://ht-fc.co.uk/mens-first-team-all-fixtures-results/">Men&#8217;s First Team fixtures and results</a></p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council, <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/music-in-the-bandstand/">Music in the Bandstand</a></p></li><li><p>Hagley Historical and Field Society, <a href="https://hhfs.org.uk/hhfs/">Programme</a></p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club, <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/fixtures-results">Men&#8217;s First Team fixtures and results</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/walkers-group-1">Hagley Library Walkers Group</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Beekeepers&#8217; Association, <a href="https://wbka.uk/">Upcoming events</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/children-travel-free-bus-august">Children travel free by bus in August</a></p></li><li><p>Avoncroft Museum, <a href="https://avoncroft.org.uk/product/summer-holidays-1-july-31-august-kids-go-free">Summer holidays: kids go free</a></p></li><li><p>Shenapur, <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Menus and offers</a></p></li><li><p>National Highways, <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">West Midlands maintenance schemes</a></p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council, <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Roadworks and live updates</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/social-media/our-priorities">Hagley and Rubery local policing priorities</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/meetings-and-events/crime-map">Hagley and Rubery meetings and events</a></p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police, <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">Online reporting service</a></p></li></ol>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[A note following the wildfires.]]></title><description><![CDATA[To those affected in Stourbridge and the surrounding area.]]></description><link>https://www.hagleymile.com/p/a-note-following-the-wildfires</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hagleymile.com/p/a-note-following-the-wildfires</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:24:44 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png" width="1456" height="971" data-attrs="{&quot;src&quot;:&quot;https://substack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com/public/images/22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png&quot;,&quot;srcNoWatermark&quot;:null,&quot;fullscreen&quot;:null,&quot;imageSize&quot;:null,&quot;height&quot;:971,&quot;width&quot;:1456,&quot;resizeWidth&quot;:null,&quot;bytes&quot;:3161031,&quot;alt&quot;:null,&quot;title&quot;:null,&quot;type&quot;:&quot;image/png&quot;,&quot;href&quot;:null,&quot;belowTheFold&quot;:false,&quot;topImage&quot;:true,&quot;internalRedirect&quot;:&quot;https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/211159858?img=https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png&quot;,&quot;isProcessing&quot;:false,&quot;align&quot;:null,&quot;offset&quot;:false}" class="sizing-normal" alt="" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!aVMF!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F22890e4c-9a5f-4c77-9804-2be54a193533_2400x1600.png 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="icon-noB79L"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2 icon-noB79L"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a></figure></div><p><span>After the horrifying scenes in Stourbridge last night, I wanted to express my heartfelt sympathies and well wishes for anyone who&#8217;s been impacted, and to those who have lost homes or been injured due to the wildfires.</span><br><br><span>Stourbridge is our closest neighbour. The fires were walking distance from Hagley. We could see and smell the acrid smoke throughout the afternoon and evening. Seeing such tragedies so close to home reminds us that any one of us can be vulnerable at any given time. </span><br><br><span>The world is changing. We need to prepare ourselves for what&#8217;s to come. Community matters now more than ever.</span></p><p><span>My thoughts and prayers are with you.</span><br><br><strong><span>James.</span></strong></p>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hagley Spotlight: 10 to 16 August 2026.]]></title><description><![CDATA[Portraits, Vikings, and Summer Savings in Hagley.]]></description><link>https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-10-to-16-august</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-10-to-16-august</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 09 Aug 2026 13:53:04 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,w_424,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,w_848,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,w_1272,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,w_1456,c_limit,f_webp,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw"><img src="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg" width="728" height="602.5" 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srcset="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,w_424,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg 424w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,w_848,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg 848w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,w_1272,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg 1272w, https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!MZc1!,w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F83de8a7f-cffa-42b2-9e7c-f1af45b33f81_4284x3545.jpeg 1456w" sizes="100vw" fetchpriority="high"></picture><div class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="icon-noB79L"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2 icon-noB79L"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption">Roadworks closed the Hagley high street in one direction, forcing drivers to divert. It has since reopened.</figcaption></figure></div><h2>Contents</h2><ul><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/210461264/authors-note">Author&#8217;s Note</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/210461264/latest-news">Latest News</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/210461264/whats-on">What&#8217;s On?</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/210461264/special-offers">Special Offers</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/210461264/traffic-alerts">Traffic Alerts</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/210461264/security-alerts">Security Alerts</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/210461264/bibliography">Bibliography</a></p></li></ul><h2>Author&#8217;s Note</h2><p style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to The Hagley Mile&#8482; Spotlight: a practical round-up of what is happening in and around Hagley. This edition brings together a portrait demonstration, family activities, a local record-holder talk, summer sport, live music, free travel, and dates worth saving.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">You will also find the road closures and current police advice most relevant to local journeys and households. Every time-sensitive item links to an organiser, council, business, league, or police source, so you can check the latest details before making plans.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Details below were checked against live sources on 9 August 2026. Events, prices, offers, and travel arrangements can change, so follow the linked source before travelling.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">James.</p><div><hr></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span>Subscribe free for local news, events, offers, and alerts, delivered straight to your inbox.</span></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe now&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?"><span>Subscribe now</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h2>Latest News</h2><ul><li><p><strong>The Summer Reading Challenge continues at Hagley Library.</strong> The free Read to the Beat challenge runs until 12 September for children aged 4 to 11. Children who read six library books receive a medal and certificate, with interim rewards also available. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/over-1500-children-have-already-signed-worcestershires-summer-reading-challenge">Worcestershire County Council: Summer Reading Challenge</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Weekend access at Quantry Lane Household Recycling Centre is more flexible.</strong> Residents may now book up to six Saturday-to-Monday visits in a 14-day period, subject to availability. Bookings remain required from Saturday to Monday, but not from Tuesday to Friday. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/weekend-booking-restrictions-eased-quantry-lane-household-recycling-centre">Worcestershire County Council: Quantry Lane update</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Worcestershire&#8217;s council structure will change in 2028.</strong> The Government has confirmed that the present seven councils will be replaced on 1 April 2028 by two unitary councils, one covering North Worcestershire, including Hagley, and one covering South Worcestershire. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/future-of-worcestershire-s-councils-decided/">Bromsgrove District Council: local government reorganisation</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Two countywide online tools remain available.</strong> The Community Services Directory brings together local support, activities, volunteering, and practical services. A separate broadband checker shows current gigabit-capable availability and planned Project Gigabit upgrades by address. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/discover-support-available-your-local-community">Community Services Directory</a> and <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/worcestershire-residents-encouraged-check-their-gigabit-broadband-availability">broadband availability checker</a></p></li></ul><h2>What&#8217;s On?</h2><h3>This week</h3><ol><li><p><strong>Hagley Art Club: Hannah Broadhead portrait demonstration</strong><br>Monday 10 August, 7:30pm to 9:30pm, Hagley Community Centre. Visiting artist and former Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year contestant Hannah Broadhead will give a live portrait demonstration. <a href="http://www.hagleyartclub.co.uk/events/monthly-meeting-visiting-artist-hannah-broadhead/">Event details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Read to the Beat: Capybara Disco Dreams</strong><br>Wednesday 12 August, 10am to 11am, Hagley Library. Children aged 4 to 11 can hear the story and make a disco ball. Places cost &#163;1, payable at the library, and advance booking is advised. Children must remain with a parent or carer. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/read-beat-capybara-disco-dreams">Event details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>An Audience with Louis Alexander</strong><br>Wednesday 12 August, 6pm to 7pm, The Gables, Bennett Drive, Hagley. The British adventurer and Guinness World Record holder will discuss completing marathons on all seven continents and marathon-distance swims in all seven seas. The event is free, but booking is required. <a href="https://www.cinnamoncc.com/news/cinnamon-care-collection/an-audience-with-louis-alexander/">Event and booking details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Avoncroft summer fairground fun and miniature railway</strong><br>Wednesday 12 August, 10am to 4pm, Avoncroft Museum, Stoke Heath. Summer activities include a vintage fairground, trails, traditional games, crafts, windmill tours, and a miniature railway scheduled to run that day for &#163;1 a ride. Adult admission is &#163;15, with two free child tickets for each full-price adult ticket; other activities may cost extra. <a href="https://avoncroft.org.uk/product/summer-holidays-1-july-31-august-kids-go-free">Summer programme and tickets</a> and <a href="https://avoncroft.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Train-timetable-A4-Document-A3-4.pdf">2026 train timetable</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Viking Workshop at Sanders Park</strong><br>Thursday 13 August, 10am to 4pm, Sanders Park, Bromsgrove. This free outdoor family activity forms part of Bromsgrove District Council&#8217;s Summer Fun programme. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/summer-fun-sanders-park-2026/">Summer Fun programme</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Hagley Free Church Prayer and Bible Study Group</strong><br>Friday 14 August, 2:30pm, Hagley Free Church, Worcester Road. The group meets regularly on Friday afternoons for prayer and an interactive Bible study. <a href="https://www.hagleyfreechurch.org.uk/about/activities">Regular activities</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Saturday story and craft at Hagley Library</strong><br>Saturday 15 August, 10am to 12:30pm, Hagley Library. This free fortnightly session begins with a story followed by a craft activity for children aged 3 to 10. Children must remain with a parent or carer, and no booking is required. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-story-and-craft">Event details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Hagley Cricket Club Saturday fixtures</strong><br>Saturday 15 August. Hagley&#8217;s Second XI hosts Pershore Second XI at noon, while the First XI plays Himley Second XI away at noon. The published Worcestershire County League schedule also lists the Third XI away to Halesowen Fifth XI at 12:30pm. <a href="https://www.hagleycc.com/">Hagley Cricket Club</a> and <a href="https://worcscl.org/download/Worcester%20Handbook%202026%20-%20Final%20%28200326%29%20%283%29.pdf">Worcestershire County League 2026 handbook</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Music in the Bandstand: We Blow Saxes</strong><br>Sunday 16 August, 2:30pm to 4:30pm, Jubilee Bandstand, Sanders Park, Bromsgrove. The outdoor concert is free. Bring a picnic or use nearby food and drink options. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/music-in-the-bandstand/">Bandstand programme</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Lifecentral Hagley Sunday gathering</strong><br>Sunday 16 August, 4pm, Hagley Community Centre. The weekly gathering lasts about an hour and includes music and practical teaching, with children&#8217;s provision during the service. <a href="https://lifecentralchurch.org.uk/hagley/">Service details</a></p></li></ol><h3>Coming soon</h3><ol start="11"><li><p><strong>Steve Kaos Circus at Sanders Park</strong><br>Wednesday 19 August, 12pm to 4pm, Sanders Park, Bromsgrove. A free outdoor circus activity in the council&#8217;s Summer Fun programme. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/summer-fun-sanders-park-2026/">Summer Fun programme</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Orchardfest</strong><br>Friday 21 August from 7pm until late, and Saturday 22 August from 12pm to 11pm, Pools Farm, Moorgate Road, Bromsgrove. The family-friendly Primrose Hospice fundraiser features more than 15 local acts across two stages, with camping, free parking, food traders, and a licensed bar. Children and dogs are welcome. <a href="https://primrosehospice.org/events/orchardfest/">Festival details and tickets</a></p></li><li><p><strong>A Celebration of Glass</strong><br>Friday 21 to Sunday 23 August, 10:30am to 4:30pm, across Stourbridge&#8217;s Glass Quarter. Stourbridge Glass Museum&#8217;s programme includes exhibitions, an artist talk, and live glassmaking. Its adult glass-fusing workshop on Sunday is fully booked. Museum admission is &#163;10 for adults and free for children, with separately ticketed activities where stated. <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/a-celebration-of-glass/">Full programme</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week</strong><br>Saturday 22 to Monday 31 August, at participating studios and creative venues across Worcestershire. Entry to venues is free, but individual opening dates, times, and facilities vary, so plan visits using the organiser&#8217;s digital guide and map. <a href="https://www.worcestershireopenstudios.org/open-studios-2025/">Art Week planning details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Annual Joint Honey Show</strong><br>Saturday 5 September, Hagley Free Church Hall. The Hagley and Stourbridge, Kidderminster, and North East Worcestershire branches of Worcestershire Beekeepers&#8217; Association host the show. Entries are free and must be delivered between 8:30am and 10am, before judging begins. <a href="https://wbka.uk/event/event?event_id=82">Show details, rules, and entry forms</a></p></li></ol><h2>Special Offers</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Free bus travel for children throughout August.</strong> Children aged 15 and under can travel free on participating services from 1 to 31 August, including Worcestershire on Demand. Participation in the national scheme is voluntary, so check the operator and route before travelling. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/children-travel-free-bus-august">Worcestershire County Council announcement</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Free Worcestershire bus travel for veterans and serving personnel.</strong> Eligible passengers who do not already hold a concessionary bus pass can travel free on the county&#8217;s commercial bus network and Worcestershire on Demand. Veterans need a Veteran Card, and serving personnel need military ID. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/free-bus-travel-all-veterans-and-serving-personnel-launching">Scheme details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Two children go free at Avoncroft this summer.</strong> Until 31 August, each full-price &#163;15 adult ticket includes admission for up to two children. Extra children aged 5 to 17 cost &#163;7, and under-fives enter free. Some activities and rides cost extra. <a href="https://avoncroft.org.uk/product/summer-holidays-1-july-31-august-kids-go-free">Avoncroft summer offer</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Shenapur, West Hagley.</strong> The restaurant advertises a Sunday evening three-course meal at &#163;19.95 for adults and &#163;16.95 for children under eight, plus 10% off takeaway collection orders. <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Shenapur offers</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Stourbridge FC family savings.</strong> Junior flexi-ticket and season-ticket prices have been reduced for 2026/27. The club also confirms free admission for all spectators at its Women&#8217;s First Team home league games this season. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/202627-memberships-and-season-tickets-now-on-sale-2983643.html">Membership and ticket announcement</a></p></li></ul><div><hr></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span>Found this week&#8217;s round-up useful? Share this post with a friend, neighbour, or local group.</span></p><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-10-to-16-august?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;,&quot;action&quot;:null,&quot;class&quot;:null}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-10-to-16-august?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p><div><hr></div><h2>Traffic Alerts</h2><ul><li><p><strong>A38 between New Road Junction and Oakalls Roundabout, Bromsgrove:</strong> weeknight closures are planned from Monday 10 to Saturday 15 August for work ahead of a traffic phase change. The council&#8217;s current summary does not state the nightly closure times and warns that dates can change. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-developments/road-improvements/a38-bromsgrove-route-enhancement-programme-brep/latest-news-and-progress-a38-bromsgrove">A38 improvement works update</a></p></li><li><p><strong>M5 northbound, junction 4 to junction 3:</strong> National Highways lists full overnight closures from 9pm to 6am until Monday 31 August for resurfacing. Frankley services cannot be accessed during closures. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">National Highways maintenance schedule</a></p></li><li><p><strong>M6 southbound, junction 6 to junction 5:</strong> full weeknight closures continue from 9pm to 6am through Friday 14 August. From 17 to 27 August, the programme changes to three closed lanes with the hard shoulder open. No work is planned on 24 August. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">National Highways maintenance schedule</a></p></li><li><p><strong>M42 southbound, junction 9 to junction 8:</strong> overnight weekday closures from 9pm to 6am continue through Tuesday 18 August for resurfacing. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">National Highways maintenance schedule</a></p></li></ul><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; For short-notice changes, check the council&#8217;s <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">roadworks and live updates page</a> before setting out.</p></div><h2>Security Alerts</h2><ul><li><p><strong>Current Hagley and Rubery police priorities:</strong> West Mercia Police lists anti-social behaviour, including illegal use of electric bikes, drug use, and youth-related crime; shoplifting and other business crime; and speeding and illegal use of the road network. Each was issued on 1 July, with police action recorded for 1 October. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/social-media/our-priorities">Local policing priorities</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Burglary advice for Hagley and Belbroughton:</strong> police linked eight burglaries reported during March and April, including entry through open first-floor windows and lock snapping. Residents are advised to close windows when out, secure rear and patio doors, consider anti-snap locks and motion-sensor CCTV, and photograph or mark valuables. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/may/advice-to-residents-following-burglaries/">West Mercia Police advice</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Motorbike theft warning:</strong> police reported a recent summer increase in thefts of smaller motorbikes in parts of Worcestershire. Advice includes layered locks, securing the frame to an immovable object, a cover, a tracker or immobiliser, CCTV, and a ground anchor for bikes stored in a garage. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/july/warning-to-make-sure-motorbikes-are-safe-and-secure/">Motorbike security advice</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Lickey collision witness appeal:</strong> police are seeking the driver of a white Ford Fiesta after a collision at Old Birmingham Road, Twatling Road, and Monument Lane on 17 July left a motorcyclist with life-changing injuries. Anyone with relevant dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from around 4:20pm is asked to contact the investigation team. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/july/appeal-for-witnesses-and-information-to-identify-driver-following-serious-collision-in-lickey/">Police appeal</a></p></li></ul><div class="callout-block" data-callout="true"><p style="text-align: center;">&#9888;&#65039; In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergency reports, use <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">West Mercia Police&#8217;s online reporting service</a> or call 101.</p></div><h2>Bibliography</h2><ol><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/over-1500-children-have-already-signed-worcestershires-summer-reading-challenge">Over 1,500 children sign up for Worcestershire&#8217;s Summer Reading Challenge</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/weekend-booking-restrictions-eased-quantry-lane-household-recycling-centre">Weekend booking restrictions eased at Quantry Lane Household Recycling Centre</a>.</p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/future-of-worcestershire-s-councils-decided/">Future of Worcestershire&#8217;s councils decided</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/discover-support-available-your-local-community">Discover support available in your local community</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/worcestershire-residents-encouraged-check-their-gigabit-broadband-availability">Check gigabit broadband availability</a>.</p></li><li><p>Hagley Art Club. <a href="http://www.hagleyartclub.co.uk/events/monthly-meeting-visiting-artist-hannah-broadhead/">Hannah Broadhead visiting-artist demonstration</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/read-beat-capybara-disco-dreams">Read to the Beat: Capybara Disco Dreams</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-story-and-craft">Saturday story and craft at Hagley Library</a>.</p></li><li><p>Cinnamon Care Collection. <a href="https://www.cinnamoncc.com/news/cinnamon-care-collection/an-audience-with-louis-alexander/">An Audience with Louis Alexander</a>.</p></li><li><p>Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings. <a href="https://avoncroft.org.uk/product/summer-holidays-1-july-31-august-kids-go-free">Summer holidays and children-go-free offer</a>.</p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove Society of Model Engineers and Avoncroft Museum. <a href="https://avoncroft.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Train-timetable-A4-Document-A3-4.pdf">2026 miniature railway timetable</a>.</p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/summer-fun-sanders-park-2026/">Summer Fun at Sanders Park 2026</a>.</p></li><li><p>Lifecentral Church. <a href="https://lifecentralchurch.org.uk/hagley/">Lifecentral Hagley services and groups</a>.</p></li><li><p>Hagley Free Church. <a href="https://www.hagleyfreechurch.org.uk/about/activities">Regular activities</a>.</p></li><li><p>Hagley Cricket Club. <a href="https://www.hagleycc.com/">Club website and fixtures</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County League. <a href="https://worcscl.org/download/Worcester%20Handbook%202026%20-%20Final%20%28200326%29%20%283%29.pdf">2026 handbook and fixtures</a>.</p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/music-in-the-bandstand/">Music in the Bandstand</a>.</p></li><li><p>Primrose Hospice and Family Support Centre. <a href="https://primrosehospice.org/events/orchardfest/">Orchardfest 2026</a>.</p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Glass Museum. <a href="https://www.stourbridgeglassmuseum.org.uk/event/a-celebration-of-glass/">A Celebration of Glass</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Open Studios. <a href="https://www.worcestershireopenstudios.org/open-studios-2025/">Art Week 2026</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Beekeepers&#8217; Association. <a href="https://wbka.uk/event/event?event_id=82">Annual Joint Honey Show</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/children-travel-free-bus-august">Children travel free by bus in August</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/free-bus-travel-all-veterans-and-serving-personnel-launching">Free bus travel for veterans and serving personnel</a>.</p></li><li><p>Shenapur. <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Restaurant menus and offers</a>.</p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/202627-memberships-and-season-tickets-now-on-sale-2983643.html">2026/27 memberships and season tickets</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-developments/road-improvements/a38-bromsgrove-route-enhancement-programme-brep/latest-news-and-progress-a38-bromsgrove">A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme: latest works</a>.</p></li><li><p>National Highways. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/roads-and-travel/road-projects/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">West Midlands maintenance schemes</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Roadworks and live updates</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/social-media/our-priorities">Hagley and Rubery local policing priorities</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/may/advice-to-residents-following-burglaries/">Advice following burglaries in Hagley and Belbroughton</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/july/warning-to-make-sure-motorbikes-are-safe-and-secure/">Motorbike safety and security warning</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/july/appeal-for-witnesses-and-information-to-identify-driver-following-serious-collision-in-lickey/">Witness appeal following serious collision in Lickey</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">Online reporting service</a>.</p></li></ol>]]></content:encoded></item><item><title><![CDATA[Hagley Spotlight: 3 to 9 August 2026]]></title><description><![CDATA[A weekly round-up of what to know and where to go in Hagley.]]></description><link>https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-1st-ed-3-9-aug-2026</link><guid isPermaLink="false">https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-1st-ed-3-9-aug-2026</guid><dc:creator><![CDATA[James S. Bayley]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 05 Aug 2026 13:27:33 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0HHn!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2fb23771-24e8-4365-ae58-fc728d6f67a9_5712x3835.heic" length="0" type="image/jpeg"/><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="captioned-image-container"><figure><a class="image-link image2 is-viewable-img" target="_blank" href="https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0HHn!,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F2fb23771-24e8-4365-ae58-fc728d6f67a9_5712x3835.heic" data-component-name="Image2ToDOM"><div class="image2-inset"><picture><source type="image/webp" 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class="image-link-expand"><div class="pencraft pc-display-flex pc-gap-8 pc-reset"><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container restack-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg aria-hidden="true" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 20 20" fill="none" stroke-width="1.5" stroke="var(--color-fg-primary)" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" class="icon-noB79L"><g><path d="M2.53001 7.81595C3.49179 4.73911 6.43281 2.5 9.91173 2.5C13.1684 2.5 15.9537 4.46214 17.0852 7.23684L17.6179 8.67647M17.6179 8.67647L18.5002 4.26471M17.6179 8.67647L13.6473 6.91176M17.4995 12.1841C16.5378 15.2609 13.5967 17.5 10.1178 17.5C6.86118 17.5 4.07589 15.5379 2.94432 12.7632L2.41165 11.3235M2.41165 11.3235L1.5293 15.7353M2.41165 11.3235L6.38224 13.0882"></path></g></svg></button><button tabindex="0" type="button" class="pencraft pc-reset pencraft icon-container view-image buttonBase-GK1x3M"><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="20" height="20" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" class="lucide lucide-maximize2 lucide-maximize-2 icon-noB79L"><polyline points="15 3 21 3 21 9"></polyline><polyline points="9 21 3 21 3 15"></polyline><line x1="21" x2="14" y1="3" y2="10"></line><line x1="3" x2="10" y1="21" y2="14"></line></svg></button></div></div></div></a><figcaption class="image-caption"><span>Photo by </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/@jsbayley?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">James S. Bayley</a><span> on </span><a href="https://unsplash.com/photos/black-and-white-train-station-with-covered-footbridge-and-tracks-aLn2vShvdDE?utm_source=unsplash&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_content=creditCopyText">Unsplash</a></figcaption></figure></div><h1>Contents</h1><ol><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/209905012/authors-note">Author&#8217;s Note</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/209905012/latest-news">Latest News</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/209905012/whats-on">What&#8217;s On?</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/209905012/special-offers">Special Offers</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/209905012/traffic-alerts">Traffic Alerts</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/209905012/security-alerts">Security Alerts</a></p></li><li><p><a href="https://hagleymile.substack.com/i/209905012/bibliography">Bibliography</a></p></li></ol><div><hr></div><h1>Author&#8217;s Note</h1><p style="text-align: justify;">Welcome to the first edition of The Hagley Mile&#8482; Spotlight: a practical round-up of what&#8217;s happening in and around the village. With the summer holidays in full swing, this issue brings together family activities, free bus travel, community news, local offers, and dates worth putting in the diary.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">You&#8217;ll also find roadworks and safety updates that may affect the week ahead. Every item links to its original source, so you can confirm the latest details before making plans. I hope it helps you spend less time searching and more time enjoying what Hagley and the surrounding area have to offer.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">James.</p><div><hr></div><div class="subscription-widget-wrap-editor" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/subscribe?&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Subscribe&quot;,&quot;language&quot;:&quot;en-gb&quot;}" data-component-name="SubscribeWidgetToDOM"><div class="subscription-widget show-subscribe"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption"><span>Subscribe free for local news, events, offers, and alerts, delivered straight to your inbox.</span></p></div><form class="subscription-widget-subscribe"><input type="email" class="email-input" name="email" placeholder="Type your email&#8230;" tabindex="-1"><input type="submit" class="button primary" value="Subscribe"><div class="fake-input-wrapper"><div class="fake-input"></div><div class="fake-button"></div></div></form></div></div><div><hr></div><h1>Latest News</h1><ul><li><p><strong>The Summer Reading Challenge is under way at Hagley Library.</strong> More than 1,500 children had signed up countywide by 31 July. The free Read to the Beat challenge runs until 12 September for children aged 4 to 11, with medals and certificates for those who complete six books. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/over-1500-children-have-already-signed-worcestershires-summer-reading-challenge">Worcestershire County Council: Summer Reading Challenge</a></p></li><li><p><strong>A new broadband checker is available.</strong> Residents and businesses can check whether gigabit-capable broadband is available at their address and whether future Project Gigabit work is planned. The council says nearly 89% of Worcestershire premises had access by July 2026. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/worcestershire-residents-encouraged-check-their-gigabit-broadband-availability">Worcestershire County Council: broadband availability</a></p></li><li><p><strong>A countywide Community Services Directory has launched.</strong> It brings together local health and wellbeing support, activities, volunteering opportunities, groups, and practical services. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/discover-support-available-your-local-community">Worcestershire County Council: Community Services Directory</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Small community organisations can use a free Funding Finder.</strong> The database is open to Worcestershire voluntary, community, and social enterprise organisations with annual turnover below &#163;1 million, and includes grants, guidance, and application support. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/unlock-new-funding-opportunities-free-funding-finder">Worcestershire County Council: Funding Finder</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Worcestershire&#8217;s council structure will change in 2028.</strong> The Government has confirmed that the existing seven councils will be replaced on 1 April 2028 by two unitary authorities, one for North Worcestershire, including Hagley, and one for South Worcestershire. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/future-of-worcestershire-s-councils-decided/">Bromsgrove District Council: local government reorganisation</a></p></li><li><p><strong>An active-travel plan has been published for nearby Wyre Forest.</strong> The plan covers Kidderminster, Bewdley, and Stourport-on-Severn, while the same council update says public engagement on the emerging Bromsgrove walking and cycling network is due later in 2026. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/county-council-launches-new-wyre-forest-towns-local-cycling-and-walking-infrastructure-plan">Worcestershire County Council: Wyre Forest LCWIP</a></p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h1>What&#8217;s On?</h1><h2>This week</h2><ol><li><p><strong>Hagley Library Walkers Group. </strong>Wednesday 5 August, 10:30am to 11:30am. Meet at Hagley Library for a free walk of roughly one hour around the village. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/walkers-group-1">Event details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Bounce and Rhyme at Hagley Library. </strong>Wednesday 5 August, 2:15pm to 2:45pm. A free singing and rhyme session for pre-school children and their carers. Advance booking is essential. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/bounce-and-rhyme-17">Event details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>National Travelling History Museum and Wilson Fun Fair. </strong>Wednesday 5 August, 10am to 3pm, Sanders Park, Bromsgrove. Both outdoor activities are free. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/summer-fun-sanders-park-2026/">Summer Fun programme</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Lifecentral Hagley stay-and-play. </strong>Thursday 6 August, 10am to 11:30am, Hagley Community Centre. For children aged 1 to 4. &#163;5 for up to two children, then &#163;1 for each additional child. No booking is needed. <a href="https://lifecentralchurch.org.uk/hagley/">Lifecentral Hagley</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Bromsgrove Library and Little Potters Allotment Workshop. </strong>Friday 7 August, 10am to 2pm, Sanders Park, Bromsgrove. Free outdoor holiday activity. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/summer-fun-sanders-park-2026/">Summer Fun programme</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Hagley Free Church Friday activities. </strong>Friday 7 August at Hagley Free Church, 95 Worcester Road. Shoppers&#8217; Coffee runs from 10am to 11:45am, with cake and coffee for &#163;3. The weekly Prayer and Bible Study Group meets at 2:30pm. <a href="https://www.hagleyfreechurch.org.uk/about/activities">Weekly activities</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Read to the Beat: The Bear and the Piano. </strong>Friday 7 August, 2:15pm to 3:15pm, Hagley Library. A music-themed paper craft for children aged 4 to 11. Places cost &#163;1 and should be booked and paid for at the library. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/read-beat-bear-and-piano-4">Event details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Board games and LEGO at Hagley Library. </strong>Saturday 8 August. Free family board games and puzzles run from 9:30am to 12:30pm, followed by the free all-ages LEGO Club from 2:30pm to 3:30pm. Children attending the board-games session must be accompanied by a parent or carer. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-board-games-and-puzzles">Board games details</a> and <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/lego-club-13">LEGO Club details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Stourbridge FC v Stamford AFC. </strong>Saturday 8 August, 3pm, War Memorial Athletic Ground, Amblecote. This is Stourbridge&#8217;s opening Southern League Premier Central fixture of the 2026/27 season. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/fixtures-results">Official fixtures</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Worcester Show. </strong>Sunday 9 August, 10am to 5pm, Pitchcroft, Worcester. The programme includes food and market stalls, music, competition marquees, a kids&#8217; zone, sports, a fun dog show, and Worcester Mela. Adult admission is &#163;2.60 in advance or &#163;4 at the gate, and under-16s enter free. <a href="https://www.worcestershow.org.uk/">Worcester Show</a></p></li></ol><h2>Coming soon</h2><ol start="11"><li><p><strong>Hagley Art Club: Hannah Broadhead portrait demonstration. </strong>Monday 10 August, 7:30pm to 9:30pm, Hagley Community Centre. The visiting artist and former Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year contestant will give a live demonstration. <a href="https://www.hagleyartclub.co.uk/events/monthly-meeting-visiting-artist-hannah-broadhead/">Event details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Hagley and Stourbridge Beekeepers: Annual Joint Honey Show.</strong><span> Saturday 5 September, Hagley Free Church Hall. Entries must be delivered between 8:30am and 10am, after which judging will begin. Entries are free.</span> <a href="https://wbka.uk/event/event?event_id=82">Event details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week. </strong>Saturday 22 to Monday 31 August, at participating venues across Worcestershire. More than 180 artists and makers at 104 venues will offer exhibitions, demonstrations, workshops, and work for sale. Entry is free, but individual opening days and times vary. <a href="https://visitworcestershire.org/events/worcestershire-open-studios-art-week-2026-22-31-august-countywide-be-inspired-free-event">Event and planning details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Bank Holiday displays at The Falconry Centre, Hagley. </strong>Monday 31 August. Flying displays are scheduled for 1pm, 2:30pm, and 3:30pm, weather permitting. The centre lists admission at &#163;8 for adults, &#163;4 for children aged 5 and over, free for under-fours, &#163;7 concessions, and &#163;21 for a family of four. <a href="https://thefalconrycentre.co.uk/visitor-centre/2023-special-events/">2026 special events</a></p></li><li><p><strong>The Earls of Dudley, with Philip Bowen. </strong>Tuesday 1 September, 8pm, St Saviour&#8217;s Church Hall, West Hagley. Hagley Historical and Field Society welcomes visitors for &#163;2, including refreshments. <a href="https://hhfs.org.uk/hhfs/">Society programme</a></p></li></ol><div><hr></div><h1>Special Offers</h1><ul><li><p><strong>Free bus travel for children throughout August.</strong> Children aged 15 and under can travel free on participating services from 1 to 31 August, including Worcestershire on Demand. Check the operator&#8217;s conditions and the specific route before setting out, as participation in the national scheme is voluntary. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/children-travel-free-bus-august">Worcestershire County Council announcement</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Free Worcestershire bus travel for veterans and serving personnel.</strong> The scheme covers the county&#8217;s commercial bus network and Worcestershire on Demand for veterans and serving personnel who do not already hold a concessionary bus pass, showing a Veteran Card or military ID. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/free-bus-travel-all-veterans-and-serving-personnel-launching">Scheme details</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Badgers Sett, Hagley.</strong> The Beefeater daytime menu offers mains under &#163;8 from Tuesday to Friday, noon to 5pm. Its &#163;11.99 unlimited breakfast also allows two children to eat free with each paying adult. Offers are subject to the published conditions and availability. <a href="https://www.beefeater.co.uk/en-gb/locations/worcestershire/badgers-sett">Badgers Sett offers</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Shenapur, West Hagley.</strong> The restaurant advertises a Sunday evening three-course meal at &#163;19.95 for adults and &#163;16.95 for children under eight, plus 10% off takeaway collection orders. <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Shenapur offers</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Stourbridge FC family savings.</strong> Junior flexi-ticket and season-ticket prices have been reduced for 2026/27. The club also says admission to its Women&#8217;s First Team home league matches will be free for all spectators this season. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/202627-memberships-and-season-tickets-now-on-sale-2983643.html">Membership and ticket announcement</a></p></li></ul><div><hr></div><div class="captioned-button-wrap" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-1st-ed-3-9-aug-2026?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="CaptionedButtonToDOM"><div class="preamble"><p class="cta-caption">Found this week&#8217;s edition useful? Share this post with a friend, neighbour, or local group.</p></div><p class="button-wrapper" data-attrs="{&quot;url&quot;:&quot;https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-1st-ed-3-9-aug-2026?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share&quot;,&quot;text&quot;:&quot;Share&quot;}" data-component-name="ButtonCreateButton"><a class="button primary" href="https://www.hagleymile.com/p/hagley-spotlight-1st-ed-3-9-aug-2026?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email&utm_content=share&action=share"><span>Share</span></a></p></div><div><hr></div><h1>Traffic Alerts</h1><ul><li><p><strong>Regents Park Road, Bromsgrove:</strong> off-peak three-way lights at Abbey Close are proposed through Friday 7 August. Overnight closures between Oakalls Roundabout and Royal Worcester Crescent are scheduled from 8pm to 6am on the nights of Friday 7, Saturday 8, and Sunday 9 August. Resident, pedestrian, and emergency access arrangements are set out by the council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-developments/road-improvements/a38-bromsgrove-route-enhancement-programme-brep/latest-news-and-progress-a38-bromsgrove">A38 improvement works update</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Further Bromsgrove works are provisional:</strong> the published programme lists an overnight A38 Stoke Road closure on 14 August, off-peak three-way lights on Buntsford Drive from 17 to 19 August, and weeknight closures on Stoke Road from 25 to 31 August. These entries are marked proposed or to be confirmed, so check again before travelling. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-developments/road-improvements/a38-bromsgrove-route-enhancement-programme-brep/latest-news-and-progress-a38-bromsgrove">Latest works programme</a></p></li><li><p><strong>M6 southbound, junctions 6 to 5:</strong> National Highways lists full weeknight closures from 3 to 14 August, generally from 9pm to 6am, as part of resurfacing between junctions 6 and 4. This may affect evening journeys between Hagley and Birmingham. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">National Highways maintenance schedule</a></p></li><li><p>For short-notice local changes, use the council&#8217;s <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">roadworks and live updates page</a> before setting out.</p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h1>Security Alerts</h1><ul><li><p><strong>Current Hagley and Rubery police priorities:</strong> West Mercia Police lists anti-social behaviour, including illegal use of electric bikes, drug use, and youth-related crime, alongside shoplifting, business-related crime, speeding, and illegal road use. The priorities were issued on 1 July, with actions dated 1 October 2026. The team says it will use engagement, visible patrols, education, and enforcement. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/social-media/our-priorities">Local policing priorities</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Burglary warning for Hagley and Belbroughton:</strong> police linked eight reported burglaries from March and April, including entry through open first-floor windows and lock snapping. Residents are advised to close windows when out, secure rear and patio doors, consider anti-snap locks and motion-sensor CCTV, and photograph or mark valuables. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/may/advice-to-residents-following-burglaries/">West Mercia Police advice</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Motorbike theft warning:</strong> West Mercia Police reported a summer rise in thefts of smaller motorbikes in parts of Worcestershire. Suggested precautions include layered locks, securing the frame to an immovable object, a cover, a tracker or immobiliser, CCTV, and a ground anchor in a garage. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/july/warning-to-make-sure-motorbikes-are-safe-and-secure/">Motorbike security advice</a></p></li><li><p><strong>Lickey collision witness appeal:</strong> police are still seeking the driver of a white Ford Fiesta after a serious collision at Old Birmingham Road, Twatling Road, and Monument Lane on 17 July. Anyone with dashcam, CCTV, or doorbell footage from the area around 4:20pm is asked to contact the investigation team. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/july/appeal-for-witnesses-and-information-to-identify-driver-following-serious-collision-in-lickey/">Police appeal</a></p></li></ul><div><hr></div><h1>Bibliography</h1><ol><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/over-1500-children-have-already-signed-worcestershires-summer-reading-challenge">Over 1,500 children sign up for Worcestershire&#8217;s Summer Reading Challenge</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/worcestershire-residents-encouraged-check-their-gigabit-broadband-availability">Worcestershire residents encouraged to check gigabit broadband availability</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/discover-support-available-your-local-community">Discover support available in your local community</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/unlock-new-funding-opportunities-free-funding-finder">Free Funding Finder for community organisations</a>.</p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/news/posts/future-of-worcestershire-s-councils-decided/">Future of Worcestershire&#8217;s councils decided</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/county-council-launches-new-wyre-forest-towns-local-cycling-and-walking-infrastructure-plan">Wyre Forest Towns Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/walkers-group-1">Hagley Library Walkers Group</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/bounce-and-rhyme-17">Bounce and Rhyme at Hagley Library</a>.</p></li><li><p>Bromsgrove District Council. <a href="https://www.bromsgrove.gov.uk/things-to-do/activities-events/posts/summer-fun-sanders-park-2026/">Summer Fun at Sanders Park 2026</a>.</p></li><li><p>Lifecentral Church. <a href="https://lifecentralchurch.org.uk/hagley/">Lifecentral Hagley groups and activities</a>.</p></li><li><p>Hagley Free Church. <a href="https://www.hagleyfreechurch.org.uk/about/activities">Regular activities</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/read-beat-bear-and-piano-4">Read to the Beat: The Bear and the Piano</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/saturday-board-games-and-puzzles">Saturday board games and puzzles at Hagley Library</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/events/lego-club-13">LEGO Club at Hagley Library</a>.</p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/teams/61056/fixtures-results">First-team fixtures and results</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcester Show. <a href="https://www.worcestershow.org.uk/">Official event website</a>.</p></li><li><p>Hagley Art Club. <a href="https://www.hagleyartclub.co.uk/events/monthly-meeting-visiting-artist-hannah-broadhead/">Hannah Broadhead visiting-artist demonstration</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire Beekeepers&#8217; Association. <a href="https://wbka.uk/event/index/4">Hagley and Stourbridge branch events</a>.</p></li><li><p>Visit Worcestershire. <a href="https://visitworcestershire.org/events/worcestershire-open-studios-art-week-2026-22-31-august-countywide-be-inspired-free-event">Worcestershire Open Studios Art Week 2026</a>.</p></li><li><p>The Falconry Centre. <a href="https://thefalconrycentre.co.uk/visitor-centre/2023-special-events/">Special events and bank-holiday displays</a>.</p></li><li><p>Hagley Historical and Field Society. <a href="https://hhfs.org.uk/hhfs/">Society programme</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/children-travel-free-bus-august">Children travel free by bus in August</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/news/free-bus-travel-all-veterans-and-serving-personnel-launching">Free bus travel for veterans and serving personnel</a>.</p></li><li><p>Beefeater. <a href="https://www.beefeater.co.uk/en-gb/locations/worcestershire/badgers-sett">Badgers Sett, Hagley</a>.</p></li><li><p>Shenapur. <a href="https://shenapur.co.uk/">Restaurant menus and offers</a>.</p></li><li><p>Stourbridge Football Club. <a href="https://www.stourbridgefc.com/news/202627-memberships-and-season-tickets-now-on-sale-2983643.html">2026/27 memberships and season tickets</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/planning-and-developments/road-improvements/a38-bromsgrove-route-enhancement-programme-brep/latest-news-and-progress-a38-bromsgrove">A38 Bromsgrove Route Enhancement Programme: latest works</a>.</p></li><li><p>National Highways. <a href="https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-roads/west-midlands/west-midlands-maintenance-schemes/">West Midlands maintenance schemes</a>.</p></li><li><p>Worcestershire County Council. <a href="https://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/council-services/travel-and-highways/roads-pavements-verges-and-lighting/roadworks-and-live-updates">Roadworks and live updates</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/area/your-area/west-mercia/herefordshire-worcestershire/hagley-and-rubery/social-media/our-priorities">Hagley and Rubery local policing priorities</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/may/advice-to-residents-following-burglaries/">Advice following burglaries in Hagley and Belbroughton</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/july/warning-to-make-sure-motorbikes-are-safe-and-secure/">Motorbike safety and security warning</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/news/west-mercia/news/2026/july/appeal-for-witnesses-and-information-to-identify-driver-following-serious-collision-in-lickey/">Witness appeal following serious collision in Lickey</a>.</p></li><li><p>West Mercia Police. <a href="https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/">Online reporting service</a>.</p></li></ol>]]></content:encoded></item></channel></rss>