Spaghetti Gazetti

Friday, 27 November 2009

A Christmas Carol

Wednesday 25 November to Saturday 9 January

This Christmas, Charles Dickens’ heartwarming family favourite A Christmas Carol comes to life at Birmingham Repertory Theatre in a fabulous new stage adaptation.

Bah! Humbug! It’s Christmas Eve and the meanest, most cold-hearted man in London, Ebenezer Scrooge has no time for merriment or mistletoe. But just as the clock strikes midnight Scrooge’s world turns around when he is taken on a vivid journey by three spirits who show him visions of happy memories from his past, cruel realities from his present and the very likely future should Scrooge continue with his unloving and uncaring ways. Can the spirits convince Scrooge to change his ways in time for Christmas Day?

Following last year’s enormously popular production of The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe, The REP brings Charles Dickens’ timeless and heart-warming tale of redemption to life in a fabulous new stage adaptation.

A Christmas Carol promises to delight audiences of all ages and banish all those Christmas Bah Humbugs with lashings of goodwill and Christmas cheer!

Tickets are priced at £10 to £27.50 and can be purchased from the Box Office on 0121 236 4455 or online at http://www.birmingham-rep.co.uk/.

Celebrate Christmas 2009 with the City of Birmingham Choir

Messiah

Friday 4th December, 7.00pm,Symphony Hall

Tuesday 8th December, 7.00pm, Town Hall

An opportunity to hear Handel’s masterpiece, Messiah, in both of Birmingham’s stunning concert venues. Celebrated City Organist Thomas Trotter will be playing the harpsichord for the 25th year of the choir performing annual Messiah performances.

This year also marks Handel’s 250th anniversary and the Town Hall’s 175th birthday. The choir will once again be joined by the CBSO and a quartet of excellent soloists.

Christmas Celebrations

Sunday 20th December, 2.30pm, Town Hall.

Join the Heart of England Brass and Voice Factory III for a fabulously festive concert to get you into the Christmas spirit with carols to enjoy and sing along with. City of Birmingham Choir are especially pleased to welcome the children from Voice Factory III, their outreach singing project, who will be making their Town Hall debut.

Tickets are priced from £11 with a wide range of discounts available and can be purchased from the THSH Box Office on 0121 780 3333 or online at http://www.thsh.co.uk/.

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Thursday, 26 November 2009

1966 WORLD CUP WHISTLE HERALDS BIRMINGHAM’S BID FOR 2018

Back row, left to right: Robin Russell, Chief Financial Officer, Aston Villa FC; Simon Topman, Managing Director, Acme Whistles; Steve Hollingworth, Assistant Director of Sport and Events, Birmingham City Council; Steve Town, Head of Sport; Birmingham City Council; Chad Ehlertsen, Football Development Officer and Kim Miller, Event Director, NEC Group

Front rows: Year 7 pupils from Hodge Hill Sports College (aged 11)

Birmingham’s bid to be a host city for the World Cup 2018 was delivered to the FA at Wembley Stadium today by an official delegation that included eleven Year 7 pupils from Hodge Hill Sports College (aged 11) and their ‘referee’, Birmingham businessman Simon Topman of Hudson & Co whose company produced the original Acme Thunderer whistles used by the referees at the World Cup 1966 matches in England.

The football team sized delegation of local children, sporting ‘Back the Birmingham Bid’ kit and England 2018 scarves, travelled to Wembley by coach at 6.00am (for a 9.15am handover) together with other members of the city’s official delegation including representatives from Birmingham City Council, Marketing Birmingham, NEC and the city’s football clubs. Simon Topman kept his team in order using one of the original whistles from the England 1966 World Cup, commemorative copies of which have been made with Birmingham’s 2018 branding and have been presented to the FA together with the city’s bid documents.

Simon Topman said “We’ve been making Acme Whistles in Birmingham since the 1860s and they are used by referees all over the world. Indeed Birmingham has an amazing sporting and manufacturing heritage and is famous for making football medals, badges and cups including the FA Cup. It’s a great honour for me to be asked to represent the city’s business community as part of the official Bid delegation.”

Two of the children from Hodge Hill Sports College, Sam Fallon and Awa Bittaye, were given a celebrity send off on Tuesday in Birmingham by avid football fan Jasper Carrott and adopted Brummie and football legend Cyrille Regis, who were on hand when council leader Mike Whitby handed the official documents to the children for delivery to Wembley.

Cllr Mike Whitby said “The children from Hodge Hill School are the perfect ambassadors for Birmingham. Birmingham’s passion for sport goes across all ages and cultures from school playing fields to amateur clubs and professional stadia. These youngsters represent the future of football in the city and we hope that they will remember this moment for the rest of their lives.”

Legendary football player, Cyrille Regis, whose career has included several Midlands clubs including Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion said, “Staging a world cup in Birmingham will leave a fantastic legacy for future generations” and comedian Jasper Carrott, a lifelong Blues fan and passionate supporter of Birmingham’s bid said, “It goes without saying that Birmingham, as centre of the universe, should be chosen by the FA to be a host city”.

Birmingham has been working on its application to the FA for the last five months putting together a comprehensive proposal that outlines its facilities and plans, its sporting heritage and its passion for football. Its bid is built on a strong partnership with Aston Villa FC, using Villa Park as the stadium venue and the city's other Football Clubs - Blues and West Bromwich Albion - providing training grounds and camps. There would also be four team base camps in the region where National teams would stay for the duration of the tournament. The NEC would become the site of a National Fan Park and there would be another Local Fan Park at Cannon Hill Park. The city’s iconic buildings and venues would also be used for other major elements of the competition such as the official Tournament Draw and there would be a host of ‘live’ sites from to watch matches, whilst the city would be festooned with banners, flags and posters to welcome the national teams and visitors.

Cllr Mike Whitby added: “Birmingham is an ideal host city. We’ve got everything, the transport infrastructure, the facilities, the expertise and of course a huge passion for sport. Such is our cultural diversity that we can guarantee a warm welcome for any teams based in Birmingham and, very likely, a home crowd for every game. Hosting the World Cup would be a tremendous achievement for the city, enabling us to showcase our ability to stage international sporting events on a grand scale and involving everyone in the community in some way. We are grateful for all of the support we have received from stakeholders, businesses and the public and hope that the FA’s decision will acknowledge Birmingham’s passion for staging World Cup football.”

With public support for the Bid counting as one of the factors that the FA considers when deciding on applicant cities will go forward, Birmingham has generated a far-reaching hearts and minds campaign that has involved celebrities, professional and amateur football players and footie fans from all over the region. Traditional and digital elements of the campaign encouraged people to vote for the city through the official England website and helped to build a 2000 strong Facebook group and hundreds of people uploading kicks in support of the campaign at the official website http://www.backthebirminghambid.com/

Coming soon - Pete Millington's history of Birmingham Disability Resource Centre

In September 1992 a new centre opened in a ground floor section of an old public building in Birmingham which used to be a school.

When the school itself opened in 1928, it was known as Bierton Road Council School and 86 primary school leavers came from nearby Yardley Primary School to attend. Many local people from South Yardley still have memories of their school days from 1928 right up until the school closed in 1985.

One can only imagine the excitement and trepidation for both children and teachers alike on their first morning at this brand new building with it’s magnificent and resplendent Birmingham City Council coat of arms positioned over the entrance hall from the main playground.

We can but speculate whether the children gained inspiration for their educational studies from gazing up at the sculpted objects which are to this day displayed on either side of the heraldic shield on the city’s coat of arms, as they entered the school each morning or following play time. On one side of the coat of arms are tools of industry, including an imposing anvil from the smith’s foundry, representing Birmingham’s industrial heritage and on the other side are the implements of leisure and the arts, representing the city’s cultural tradition. Or perhaps the pupils of Bierton Road were inspired by the city’s optimistic and self-assured motto, Forward, which was adopted at the very first meeting of the Council in December 1838 and has henceforth adorned the base of the coat of arms.

What we can say with certainty is that very few disabled children would have passed under that beautiful crest in the decades between 1928 and 1985. In 1928 there were few opportunities for disabled children, least of all access to academic education. In the early part of the 20th century, if they did not die in infancy or were not forced to beg on the streets in order to survive, the majority of disabled children were destined to spend their lives in long-term institutions, hospitals, workhouse infirmaries and even asylums. The luckiest children might have attended a more forward thinking charitable institution where therapy and occupational training replaced academic study. Even the guarantee of education for disabled children provided by the 1944 Education Act contained no mention of inclusion into mainstream schools like Bierton Road and, whilst the introduction of special schools no doubt offered a great improvement from what had gone before, disabled children were still destined to spend their lives away from their peers with no prospects of gaining qualifications in readiness for the big wide world.

Perhaps there is some irony therefore in the fact that the new centre, opening on the old Bierton Road school site in 1992, was going to be one of the country’s first support centres not just committed to the inclusion of disabled people in wider society, but actually set up and run by disabled people themselves. The conversion of a ground floor wing of the school into a fully accessible centre known as Birmingham Disability Resource Centre was even funded by the same City Council whose forward-looking motto and coat of arms acknowledging the firm foundations of industrial and cultural heritage still embellishes the front entrance hall at Bierton Road.

The most important story behind the launch of Birmingham Disability Resource Centre is that of the pioneering disabled people whose own vision of an inclusive future led to a seven year campaign of lobbying, negotiating with and working alongside the local council. For the most part these were ordinary disabled people who got together in 1985 to form a group called Birmingham Disability Rights Group in order to raise awareness about disability and to campaign for greater access and equality of opportunity. Most were people whose own personal experiences were not greatly dissimilar to the disabled citizens of the early 1900s whom we have already mentioned. Experiences of segregation, isolation, rejection, disadvantage, life on low income, medicalisation and discrimination.

Here is the Centre’s own attempt to document, celebrate and recognise the legacy of the disabled people and their allies who set up Birmingham Disability Resource Centre. It is a celebration of the achievements of the group and all those who have been associated with both the Rights Group and the Centre in the 25 years that will have passed in 2010 since the vision emerged back in 1985 at a time when concepts like equal citizenship and social justice for disabled people were virtually unheard of. The vision of a centre in Birmingham run by disabled people for disabled people.

This history would not have been possible without financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (West Midlands) who have recognised the importance of heritage to disabled people by funding the 12 month oral history project which has provided the material for the book. This is much more than a history of a building; a history of bricks and mortar. It is the story of Birmingham’s role in the wider change brought about by the international disabled people’s movement, change based on inclusive living principles, user led direction of services and the liberating ‘social model of disability’.

This is by no means the end of the road in this history of social transformation, but if we are to continue to move forward, it is essential to pause every now and again to reflect on the heritage we have inherited from the past.

Pete Millington

This is the introduction from the soon to be published history of Birmingham Disability Resource Centre and it's origins with the radical Birmingham Disability Rights Group. A history funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund containing oral history interviews with around 20 disabled people and their allies who have played a part in either the Rights Group and/or the Resource Centre in the past 25 years.

Nine chapters help to tell the story, not just of the rights movement in Birmingham, but the parallel history of the disabled people's movement in Britain, even internationally.

Read about:

The historical context of the lives of disabled people in the 20th century
How did eugenics theory lead to the extermination of disabled people in Nazi Germany?
Why were disabled people in Britain segregated in institutions?
Find out about early 20th century disability groups and charities in the West Midlands
What happened to World War One veterans in the Midlands?
Discover how 3 disabled Coventry men set up their own group in the 1930s and how their group survived the Blitz
What was the response of Birmingham Corporation to disabled people in the early 1950s?
Listen to the experiences of someone who attended a Harborne special school from the late 1940s
Why did disabled people from South Staffordshire go to London to protest in the 1960s?
Why is a Walsall day centre named after a national disability activist?
Why did a letter in The Guardian newspaper inspire a Derbyshire couple to help kick-start an international campaign for civil rights?
Who thought up the social model of disability?

A lot of questions? And these are just the ones answered in chapter one.

Think global... act local. Read a history of disability that relates the personal to the political right here in Birmingham. What motivated some disabled people to take to the streets in anger and others to develop alternative ways around old barriers?

Community and oral history taken to a different level.

Don't miss this fascinating and truly explorative history of local people arguing, fighting and working for a fairer world on a local level. The final equality frontier - to boldy go where all others have been before.

Funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund

Will be available in book, audio CD, PDF and online formats

Jim Bob and Tommy Downes in conversation

Last October I published a great little story about a Water Orton pensioner named Tommy Downes who was awarded a Local Heroes Award by the Birmingham Mail for his bravery in seeing off three young thugs who had broken into his property. I spoke to Tommy at some length on the phone at the time about some of his other fascinating experiences in life but sadly never got around to doing a proper interview with him.

So what a surprise and a coincidence to learn that Jim Bob Spencer who writes our regular Pick of the Pubs feature is a close neighbour of Tommy's and has already beaten me to it and called round to Tommy's home to interview him. Thanks then to the formidable but absolutely diamond, Tommy Downes and of course to Jim Bob for the following interview. Oh, and talking of neighbours, yes that's Jason Donovan pictured with our very own Carl Chinn presenting Tommy with his award last year. Over to Jim Bob...

Tommy Downes

Jim Bob Spencer

A FORMER Desert Rat tells the story behind his medals and trophies – over a cup of his speciality coffee.

Tommy Downes, a 90-year-old great-grandad and widower, is a veteran of Dunkirk and the D-Day landings. He lost many friends but is proud of his bravery and achievements, and said: “I wish somebody would write a book about my experiences, but it’s the people with all the money - who were never on the front line - that get stories written for them.”

Tommy was never called up to fight the Nazis – he volunteered. At 18-years-old he was a plasterer, and remembers being disillusioned with the job.

“One day I just looked around at the older workers and thought ‘I don’t want to still be doing this in 20 years’, so the next day I joined the army. My dad went crazy.”

Tommy signed up on 22 April 1938 – a year before war was declared. He is most proud of his certificate of service, which gives him a glowing report for hard work and courage. He has a Military Medal for bravery, and star medals for service in Italy, Africa, France and Germany. He also has a couple of Iron Crosses – which he stole from German prisoners of war.

“We used to take their watches as well - I had 50 at one point. They used to do the same to us.”

Tommy gained his Military Medal when he was the sergeant in charge of making a lane in a German minefield; he checked the ground with a bayonet before British tanks moved forward.

Last year, when Tommy was making a cup of tea, three masked intruders smashed his patio windows with concrete and demanded his car keys. But his brave spirit was still alive and strong.

“I pushed them out of the way and shouted ‘over my dead body’. I was a Desert Rat in the war, so I’m not scared of anybody – and the car is my pride and joy.”

Tommy owns a Ford Focus ST 3, and has since been made an honorary member of the owners club. He also received a Birmingham Mail Local Heroes award, which was presented by Jason Donovan.

But Tommy feels that police and neighbours were not so supportive.

“I lived in Ladywood when it was all slums. One tap of water served 14 buildings, but the people were good. There is no sense of community anymore. The police took 15 minutes to arrive and I was charged £250 to have my window boarded up.”

It would be easy to write a book about Tommy – he has achieved so much. His house is full of trophies for every sport imaginable; he has played exhibition snooker matches against Dennis Taylor, and John Pullman – who was eight times world champion. He still loves sport and plays bowls three times a week.

He attended a VE Day celebration in 1995 and sat behind the Queen. He was then invited for luncheon with the Queen Mother at Marlborough House – where he got drunk.

“My wife and I were drinking Dom Pérignon all afternoon and ended up being escorted back to the hotel.”

In 1946, his wife came third in the Miss Great Britain competition, and he has many fond memories of her.

“She stole the key to Al Capone’s prison cell when we visited Alcatraz. I still have it.”

He has travelled all over the world, and treasures his photographs of places such as Singapore, New Zealand and San Francisco. There are snaps of him outside the Taj Mahal, and dressed up for the Mardi Gras carnival in New Orleans.

He was a member of the Masons, and speaks fondly of the voluntary work they did – he still remembers the secret handshake.

Tommy is still active and enjoys going to Drayton Manor once a month, “to see the people and go on a few rides.” He also takes pride in his speciality coffee.

“Add a dash of brandy in the morning – it’s a stimulant and wakes you up. Add a dash of gin in the evening – it gets you to sleep.”

Somebody could easily write a bestseller – and Tommy has the medals, trophies, photographs and artefacts to prove it’s a true story.

Wednesday, 25 November 2009

North Arden Local History Society - Report from Meeting November 2009

WATER ORTON TO COLESHILL & BEYOND

Colin Green’s ‘More Local Views’ Continued

Thursday 12th November witnessed a good gathering of both members and visitors at the meeting of the North Arden Local History Society in Arden Hall for the second instalment of Colin Green’s presentation of ‘More Local Views’ – ‘Part One’ having been seen last March. It was well worth the wait and included some recent photographs from (where possible) the same viewpoint so that we could see just how much places had changed over 40 to 50 years (or indeed more).

Colin’s illustrated talks are always well worth making the effort to attend because it must not be forgotten that one picture alone is worth a thousand words; this talk used over a hundred slides so to do it justice would require a novel length publication at the very least. We can only advise you to keep an eye and ear open for word of the next time he will be venturing out to present one of his shows. He tells me that in the spring of 2010 he will be exhibiting at the Methodist Hall in Water Orton so, as they say, ‘watch this space’ for dates and further details. Previous exhibitions of his ginormouse archive have always attracted large numbers of visitors which present a valuable learning experience for viewers as well as Colin himself.

Water Orton’s ‘Medieval’ Bridge built in the 1500’s by Bishop John Vesey

This evening’s talk began in the Churchyard in Old Church Road that is now at the centre of a Conversion Zone and was the nucleus of the original (Domesday) settlement. Water Orton’s 16th Century bridge (see picture) over the River Tame on Minworth Lane was built on the instigation of Bishop John Vesey whose lands included Minworth and Curdworth on the north bank of the Tame (but that is another complex tale): it has been damaged and restored through the action of 20th Century traffic, flooded completely in recent memory but still continues to form one of the main village access routes directly to the original settlement. We saw the old (rugged) cross (photo) still present in the Churchyard from which a travelling priest would have conducted prayers, and read out proclamations to the villagers even before the now vanished Chapel of Ease (to Aston Parish Church) was constructed in the 14th Century. The photographs clearly illustrated how much the actions of today’s (mindless) vandals have damaged this listed monument in the last half century.

Medieval Preaching Cross – pre 13th Century in the old church yard

We next spent time going around the Conservation Zone with Colin who told us about the older properties that the Zone includes, beginning with ‘The Chestnuts’ that is indisputably the oldest surviving building in Water Orton (photo), Wakefield House on the corner of ‘Manor House’ Lane and others. Pictures were seen of a pair of gates that once graced King Edward’s School in Birmingham’s New Street but recently fell victim to a storm that left them irreparable that once formed a rear entrance to ‘The Chestnuts’. In case readers are unaware of Colin’s biography he once worked as general purpose jobbing builder/decorator with his uncle, Jim Wyatt and they worked on many of the village’s older properties decorating both inside and out that enabled to us to learn about interior features like timber framing and why a window on Wakefield House bows outward. Colin’s ancestors include Mansell’s and Wyatt’s (his mother was a Wyatt and it is rumoured that the oft depicted Wyatt Earp of the American West was a distant relative! And so is Nigel Mansell come to that).

The Chestnuts: Water Orton’s oldest surviving building dating to the 1400’s

It was the coming of the Railways in the 1840’s (Birmingham to Derby via Tamworth) that enabled Water Orton to flourish in the 19th Century and accounts for the large number of large, surviving, ‘Victorian’ residences along New Street, Coleshill Road and Vicarage Lane. As we saw not all have survived the passing of time, such as Long Leys’ (photo) now ‘modern’ apartments opposite the ‘Digby’. It is fair to say the Water Orton set the way for ‘Commuter Settlements’ due to the coming of the Railway bringing Birmingham with easy reach for professionals (bankers, lawyers, industrialists etc) who could have a house in the countryside and travel daily into ‘Brum’ for work.

Long Leys House with Coach and Four Outside: - Now maisonettes opposite the Digby.

Colin was able to give us chapter and verse on the 19th Century village showing these houses, then and now, who lived in them and the local shops and shopkeepers. He has many pictures of residents, organisations and functions with an almost impossible task of putting names to faces but giving our audience an intriguing look back at times past. One of the notable families of the late 19th Century were the Mercer’s who lived at ‘The Cot’ (photo) that was close to New Road and Watton Lane where Coleshill Road branches off – originally (but no longer) going to Gilson. Look carefully among the surviving graves in the old Churchyard, where this report began, and you will find one marking the last resting place of Thomas (Pop) Mercer (photo) who we think was the Village Squire (he certainly looks it sitting on his horse; (Mercer Avenue off Minworth Lane is named after the family and originally comprised cottages for Railway Workers). In the photo Colin showed the grassed triangle and tree can still be seen in 2009, 120 years later at Watton Lane/Coleshill Road.

‘The Cot’ Home of the Mercer Family in the 19th Century (q.v. ‘Mercer Avenue’)

Thomas ‘Pop’ Mercer in the late 19th Century, he was virtually the local Squire. The Grassed ‘tiangle’ and tree can still be seen in the 21st Century.

The present Parish Church of St Peter’s and St Pauls dates from the 1870’s when it was built to replace the then decaying chapel in Old Church Road. Originally this had a tall spire as we saw that was taken down in recent memory because 20th Century atmospheric pollution had caused the limestone to decay – no one wants lumps of masonry falling on them ‘from a great height’: in fact some of this stone ‘found its way’ to a rockery in Colin’s garden but even this has crumbled away to dust! Water Orton’s Cricket Ground in Coleshill Road has seen some very well known players in its long history and Colin showed several photographs of the ground in both summer and winter, one even including a double rainbow. When he first moved to the Village from Castle Bromwich he and his mother lived a house opposite the ground that had enabled the seasonal views to be taken. Our ‘tour’ of Water Orton concluded in Vicarage Road with photographs of the Woodlands in the 1890’s when it was the home of Colin’s hero Edwin Howard Jaques the Birmingham Solicitor, from Knowle and Dorridge, friend and colleague in photography of Sir Benjamin Stone remembered for the (1890’s-early 1900’s) Warwickshire Photographic Survey now housed in the Birmingham Central Library – again enough information to fill a book. He was also the son-in-law of ‘Pop Mercer’ who was mentioned above.

Time was, by this time advancing at a rapid rate and to conclude we saw pictures of the Roman Site at Grimstock Hill, Coleshill that was originally identified by Colin in 1978: some early views of Coleshill Church, notable for several views taken from the top of its tower that included Hams Hall ‘C Station’ and the long disappeared Lurgi Gas Plant in those fond remembered days before the M42 cut across the countryside. We next met the son of the founder of Melbicks Garden Centre and learned of his now luxurious lifestyle in Balsall Common. The last few photographs were by way of a reminder to Colin’s origins in a house on Water Orton Road next door but one to the original Park Hall School where his ‘Part One’ – last March – had concluded.

All in all it was yet another memorable evening in the history of the Society that the audience had all enjoyed, participated in with their memories, and indeed learned from, we were all grateful to Colin for sharing this nostalgia with us. Without people like Colin recording the present as it is being experienced at the time the past would be lost to us forever. We therefore appeal to readers of the Gazette Series to be ever vigilant of what is going on around where we live and get it captured and recorded on camera for the future.

We are always pleased to welcome guests and visitors at our meetings, the next of which will be on 14th January 2010 when the topic will be ‘Chatting to the Stars’ presented by Mrs Bobby Collison. The following meeting will be ‘The Story of Baddesley Clinton’ by John Jarman. Meetings are held in the Spencer Lounge Bar at Arden Hall, Water Orton Road at 7.45pm.

JERRY DUTTON.

NORTH ARDEN LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Vidar's latest review

Review of audio described performance of Welsh National Opera’s La Traviata at Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday 20 November – from Vidar Hjardeng

For any devotee, like me, of romantic opera, Welsh National Opera’s recent visit to the Birmingham Hippodrome served up some real treats, not only with Puccini’s ever popular Madam Butterfly but also Guiseppe Verdi’s equally loved La Traviata. I was lucky enough to see both, and whilst I was completely absorbed by the 2 productions, the fact that La Traviata (which I know less well than Butterfly), came with audio description meant that I was able to get so much more out of it. Based on Alexandre Dumas’ 19th century novel, The Lady of the Camelias, La Traviata is the story of the consumptive courtesan, Violetta Valery and her love for the young Alfredo – in this production brilliantly sung by the best selling tenor, Alfie Boe, in his WNO debut.

Accompanied by WNO’s assistant stage manager, Katie and our 2 describers, Julia Grundy and Margaret Spittles, visually impaired patrons and their companions were taken on to the stage for a very detailed, and leisurely pre-show touch tour, where we shown the set and literally got a feel for some of the lavish props including champagne bottles and glasses, a period card table inlaid with black and gold, as well as some of and imitation flowers and the real roses, used throughout the production. Violetta’s bed dominated the stage, in the early part of the opera draped in luxurious white sheets and as the opera moved to its tragic climax, these were replaced by heavy black damask. Being on this type of touch tour certainly makes me feel a VIP, in all senses, as you get to learn so much more about the tricks of the production, such as the imitation cigarettes which when ‘smoked’ by the chorus produced talcum powder to give a very realistic smoke effect.

Philippa, from the Hippodrome’s front of house team gave us our headsets and showed us to our seats, in time for us to listen to the very informative introductory notes presented by the audio describers, 15 minutes before curtain up. Again, at the end of each of the 2 intervals it was useful to tune in to our headsets to have the scene set for the next act, and at the end of the opera, as the audience registered its enthusiastic appreciation with rapturous applause, it was great to be told who was coming on stage to take their well deserved bow. Once again, both Margaret and Julia ably demonstrated their audio descriptive expertise through a combination of skilful timing, which allowed us to fully enjoy the wonderful singing, and empathetic vocabulary, which perfectly complemented this beautiful opera.

- The next audio described performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome will be the festive panto, Sleeping Beauty - on the evening of Tuesday 12 January 2010, and information on tickets, how to book headsets and places on the touch tour can be obtained from the box office on 0844 3385000.

International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010

Last night International Dance Festival Birmingham’s funders, sponsors, organisers and friends came together for the official unveiling of the International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010 which is due to take place next year at Birmingham Hippodrome.

After a joint performance by 2FaCeD DaNcE Company, Rosie Kay Dance Company and cossack dancer Bruce Tetlow, festival co-directors David Massingham (DanceXchange) and Stuart Griffiths (Birmingham Hippodrome) took to the stage to welcome everybody and announce a phenomenal line-up of international talent.

The launch pack handed out to guests has details of the festival programme and can be downloaded below, along with a press release from festival sponsor Brewin Dolphin (right-click and save as on the following links):

IDFB 2010 Launch Pack

International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010 is produced by DanceXchange and Birmingham Hippodrome, and funded by Advantage West Midlands, Arts Council England West Midlands, and Birmingham City Council. It is also sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, has a Media Partner (BBC WM) and Accommodation Partner (Crowne Plaza Birmingham City Centre), and is part of the West Midlands’ Culture Programme for 2012.

In the picture above:

Back row, L-R: Chris Linda (Rosie Kay Dance Company), Mathew Chambers (2FaCeD DaNcE Company), Johnny Autin (2FaCeD DaNcE Company), Stuart Griffiths (Co-Director IDFB), John Driver (Divisional Director, Brewin Dolphin), David Massingham (Co-Director IDFB), Tamsin Fitzgerald (Artistic Director, 2FaCeD DaNcE Company), and Rosie Kay (Director, Rosie Kay Dance Company)

Front row, L-R: Robby Graham (2FaCeD DaNcE company), Tilly Webber (Rosie Kay Dance Company), Bruce Tetlow, Nathan French (2FaCeD DaNcE Company)

Spreading the word about sustainability

Herefordshire Council has been working with Herefordshire College of Arts to spread the word about the importance of sustainability.

Performing Arts and Music students from the college have visited 10 county schools with their Theatre In Education Project, and performances involved musical theatre, acting and dance.

Schools that were visited were Brampton Abbotts, St. Josephs, Burley Gate, Bredenbury Primary, Canon Pyon Primary, Weobley Primary, Weobley High, Hampton Dene Primary and St. Mary's High

Antonia Fitch, Herefordshire Council’s sustainability officer, said: “This project has been positive because it delivers an environmental message in a fun manner that all students can relate to. Bonnie Simpson, Performing Arts Course Leader, is very proud of the work her students have put in to make this project happen. “

Leeks… Camembert… Action! Be the star of eatthechef.com

Welcome to a brand-new cookery video sharing website - where anyone with a video camera can be the star of the show

25 November 2009: Whether you’re a foodie, a pressed-for-time professional, a student – or a real celebrity chef - you’ll love eatthechef.com, the new website that lets cooking enthusiasts show off their skills from the comfort of their own kitchen. Launching today, it is the first ever UK site dedicated to sharing home cookery videos and it’s as simple as boiling an egg. Just record yourself making your favourite dish, submit your video, and feel the fame as you and your recipe go global. If you’re a seafood show-off, a vegetarian virtuoso or just plain crackers, eatthechef.com is your chance to shine as a gastro-icon – and to learn new recipes and techniques from your fellow cookery stars.

The site is being launched by TV chef Simon Rimmer, of Something For the Weekend, who has kick-started roceedings by recording and uploading several of his own step-by-step recipe videos to give you an idea of how to get started.

“This is real cooking, by real people, for real people,” says Simon. “If you’re hungry, you’ll be able to go online and find a video of how to cook everything from a humble bacon sandwich to a sophisticated sauce. But it’s not just packed with recipes and information – it’s also going to be peppered with fun throughout because it lets everyone have a go at being a TV chef. The rules are simple: just don your apron, press ‘record’, and give us a great recipe and a great performance.”

A sparkling, social and cutting-edge way to share your recipes, cookery skills and personality, eatthechef.com is TV cooking by everyone, for everyone. Whether you want to share your food and personality with the world – or you just want to learn how to cook what’s in your fridge – it’s the place to be. eatthechef.com is now live on a computer near you.

Launch promotion: win one of 100 signed Simon Rimmer cookbooks

To celebrate the launch of eatthechef.com, here’s a tasty opportunity to get your hands on a cooking treasure: a signed, personalised copy of Simon’s cookbook The Seasoned Vegetarian. eatthechef.com has a copy to give away to each of the first 100 people to upload a cookery video after the site goes live. It’s packed with recipes that’ll inspire veggies and non-veggies alike – so get your first video ready to upload on November 25…

‘DIVERSITY IN THE RAF’ EXHIBITION TOUR VISITS TIIVIDALE'S HINDU COMMUNITY

The Royal Air Force launched a national ‘Diversity in the RAF’ exhibition tour on Remembrance Day, Sunday 8 November, to celebrate the huge contributions made by the many diverse communities who have served the Armed Forces and last Saturday the exhibition tour visited the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple of UK in Tividale near Oldbury.

The ‘Diversity in the RAF’ exhibition tour has been offering an opportunity for local communities in London, Bristol, Glasgow and Birmingham to see a photographic account of examples of the close ties that many of the UK’s ethnic communities have with the Armed Forces.

The Royal Air Force has a long and distinguished history of diversity, with many examples of exemplary service covered in the RAF’s exhibition, including Sikh, Muslim, Hindu and African Caribbean servicemen and women.

Dr Rao, Chairman of the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple of the UK said: ‘It’s a privilege for the Hindu community to host the ‘Diversity in the RAF’ exhibition here at the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple. The Hindu community is proud of the heritage of those who have served or are serving with the Royal Air Force. We also want people from the local community who attend the Temple to find out more about their heritage and how their forefathers made a huge contribution during the first and second World Wars.’

RAF Sergeant Shiv Chand, who works with communities in Birmingham, said: The ‘Diversity in the RAF’ tour is an opportunity to take the exhibition into communities. Remembrance Day is celebrated right across the UK and launching the tour on Remembrance Day, before taking it around the country, is one way of celebrating the many members of ethnic communities who have made such valuable contributions whilst serving in the Armed Forces. We want all communities to be aware of and feel proud of the contributions their members have made.

1966 WORLD CUP WHISTLE HERALDS BIRMINGHAM’S BID FOR 2018

Birmingham’s bid to be a host city for the World Cup 2018 will be delivered to the FA at Wembley Stadium tomorrow by an official delegation that includes eleven Year 7 pupils from Hodge Hill Sports College (aged 11) and their ‘referee’, Birmingham businessman Simon Topman of Hudson & Co whose company produced the original Acme Thunderer whistles used by the referees at the World Cup 1966 matches in England.

The football team sized delegation of local children, sporting ‘Back the Birmingham Bid’ kit and England 2018 scarves, will be travelling to Wembley by coach at 6.00am (for a 9.15am handover) together with other members of the city’s official delegation including representatives from Birmingham City Council, Marketing Birmingham, NEC and the city’s football clubs). Simon Topman will be keeping his team in order using one of the original whistles from the England 1966 World Cup, commemorative copies of which have been made with Birmingham’s 2018 branding and which will be presented to the FA together with the city’s bid documents.

Simon Topman said “ We’ve been making Acme Whistles in Birmingham since the 1860s and they are used by referees all over the world. Indeed Birmingham has an amazing sporting and manufacturing heritage and is famous for making football medals, badges and cups including the FA Cup. It’s a great honour for me to be asked to represent the city’s business community as part of the official Bid delegation.”

Two of the children from Hodge Hill School, Sam Fallon and Awa Bittaye, were given a celebrity send off on Tuesday in Birmingham by avid football fan Jasper Carrott and adopted Brummie and football legend Cyrille Regis, who were on hand when council leader Mike Whitby handed the official documents to the children for delivery to Wembley.

Cllr Mike Whitby said “The children from Hodge Hill School are the perfect ambassadors for Birmingham. Birmingham’s passion for sport goes across all ages and cultures from school playing fields to amateur clubs and professional stadia. These youngsters represent the future of football in the city and we hope that they will remember this moment for the rest of their lives.”

Legendary football player, Cyrille Regis, whose career has included several Midlands clubs including Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion said, “Staging a world cup in Birmingham will leave a fantastic legacy for future generations” and comedian Jasper Carrott, a lifelong Blues fan and passionate supporter of Birmingham’s bid said, “ It goes without saying that Birmingham, as centre of the universe, should be chosen by the FA to be a host city”.

Birmingham has been working on its application to the FA for the last five months putting together a comprehensive proposal that outlines its facilities and plans, it sporting heritage and its passion for football . Its bid is built on a strong partnership with Aston Villa FC, using Villa Park as the stadium venue and the city's other Football Clubs - Blues and West Bromwich Albion - providing training grounds and camps. There would also be four team base camps in the region where National teams would stay for the duration of the tournament. The NEC would become the site of a National Fan Park and there would be another Local Fan Park at Cannon Hill Park. The city’s iconic buildings and venues would also be used for other major elements of the competition such as the official Tournament Draw and there would be a host of ‘live’ sites from to watch matches, whilst the city would be festooned with banners, flags and posters to welcome the national teams and visitors.

Cllr Mike Whitby added: “Birmingham is an ideal host city. We’ve got everything, the transport infrastructure, the facilities, the expertise and of course a huge passion for sport. Such is our cultural diversity that we can guarantee a warm welcome for any teams based in Birmingham and, very likely, a home crowd for every game. Hosting the World Cup would be a tremendous achievement for the city, enabling us to showcase our ability to stage international sporting events on a grand scale and involving everyone in the community in some way. We are grateful for all of the support we have received from stakeholders, businesses and the public and hope that the FA’s decision will acknowledge Birmingham’s passion for staging World Cup football.”

With public support for the Bid counting as one of the factors that the FA considers when deciding on applicant cities will go forward, Birmingham has generated a far-reaching hearts and minds campaign that has involved celebrities, professional and amateur football players and footie fans from all over the region. Traditional and digital elements of the campaign encouraged people to vote for the city through the official England website and helped to build a 2000 strong Facebook group and hundreds of people uploading kicks in support of the campaign at the official website http://www.backthebirminghambid.com/

Caroline is our PuterTutor

Save £££ on your Christmas Shopping

Most people realise that it is often cheaper to buy goods online rather than in the shops. Not so many people are aware that it is possible to save 20% or more on top of that by shopping around the various online retailers.

To save time there are a number of website that trawl the internet for you finding the cheapest website for your item. These sites are called “Shopbots”. There are specialist sites for particular goods like CDs and DVDs (e.g. http://www.find-dvd.co.uk/ and http://www.media-pricer.co.uk/ ). There are also more general “Shopbots” like http://www.pricerunner.co.uk/ , http://www.kelkoo.co.uk/ and www.google.co.uk/products.

It is best to search a couple of these sites as no one site covers all the online retailers.

Once you have established the cheapest source for your purchase, check out one of the cash back websites like www.quidco.com or http://www.topcashback.co.uk/ . Once you have signed up with one of these you make your purchase via their website link and earn up to 10% of your purchase price back! For example, I decided to buy a new DVD from www.play.com for £15.99. I made the purchase through my www.quidco.com account earning myself a commission of 4% (63p). This isn’t a huge amount but as you use the site more for a variety of purchases it is possible to earn back £100s of pounds a year (I earned £50 cash back on my car insurance). The payments are made straight into your bank account as you accrue sufficient funds.

One for the kids - Don’t forget to track Father Christmas again this year at http://www.noradsanta.org/.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank all my customers this year and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Caroline The ‘Putertutor.

Tuesday, 24 November 2009

Tweedeleededeedee Sir Ru Barb and the Green Wolf

As we enter this fantambulous festivitic period, I am delighted to hear once again from a very good friend of Spaghetti Gazetti, Mr Tweedeleededeedee who has invited us all to a telling of his story by our own dear Paul Murphy, of Ye Olde Destroyers fame.

Those who attended the live performance of Tweedeleededeedee Sir Ru Barb and the Green Wolf last wintertide at the newly resplendent olde Towne Hall in Birmingham will be thrilled to hear that the said mythological tale has now consolidated into a storyteller performance by the aforementioned Mr Murphy with a short tour starting on December 13th at the Kitchen Garden Cafe, York Road in Kings Heath, going to Oxford and then Bridport (though not on the same day).

There is more information available on www.myspace.com/jigsawbridge

"Also" pipes in a learned representative of Mr Tweedeleedeedee "we have developed some online presence for interested followers:

http://www.jigsawbridge.co.uk/ and "News From Dead Trees" which links from there (big blue picture at the bottom)."

Sounds interesting, thank you Valeria for this exciting news. Not to be missed by young or old alike.

To recap:

A storytelling experience of a strange but powerful tale on 13th December at Kitchen Garden Cafe (5.30-6.30pm).

Don't miss it and don't forget to bring granny.

And the kids, because it does get ever so slightly scary at times and someone has to look after dad (well that was my excuse).

About Tweedeleededeedee Sir Ru Barb and the Green Wolf

"It is a project that has been in development many years " said writer and creator Paul Murphy. Its recent meeting with artist Paul Nocher and The Destroyers production at Birmingham Town Hall last December was a vital stage in the evolution of this project.

At heart however, as Pete Millington said, it is "A rich and colourful tale which is unashamedly dark in good measure - a style of storytelling whose roots are in the tradition of folk mythology which existed for centuries, long before Walt Disney and friends came along to brighten up and sanatize every good kiddie's yarn ever passed on"

info@jigsawbridge.co.uk

Art imitates life imitates art

The set of Rough Justice

Offenders on Community Payback have been working on a theatre production of a play about justice.

A Community Payback team from Lower Essex Street have been doing their hours at Hall Green Little Theatre, clearing the overgrown car park, repainting the walls and staircase up to the Studio, and even constructing the set for the play Rough Justice.

Billed as a “provoking courtroom drama”, the plot centres on James Highwood, celebrity TV presenter of a show called “British Justice” who appears in court charged with the murder of his severely disabled baby son.

The play is directed by Graham Walker, who also designed the set. The CP team helped him with the construction and painting of the striking black-and-white design – does it hint that life is more complicated than the simple guilty/not guilty verdict of the court system? He is very impressed with the dedication shown by some of the offenders, so much so that he thanks them in the programme.

“Some of them stayed even when their hours were completed because they wanted to finish the job and do it properly,” he says. “One offender was so taken with the whole theatre world that he said he was going to get involved with his local theatre group.”

Maz Al-Moghraby, Probation Service Officer at Lower Essex Street, says some of the offenders got really enthusiastic about set design and were even advising Graham where to put props so that it looked suitably dramatic and realistic. “Young people can get a lot out of theatre work, so it was great to introduce the offenders to it – some of them had never been in a theatre before,” he said.

The play is thoroughly gripping. Written in 1994, it cunningly draws the audience in by addressing them as the jury. By doing this, the people watching are asked to follow the twisty plot as it weaves back and forth and make their own judgement on the facts of the case. A confident cast put on an accomplished performance, shown off beautifully by the clever set design.

Hall Green Little Theatre is a charity run by volunteers. This production marks the 60th birthday of the theatre. For more information on Hall Green Little Theatre, go to http://www.hglt.org.uk/

Poetry by Alice Jackson

“Time” by Alice Jackson

They say that life’s a journey

A journey for the soul.

They say the soul’s immortal

So what is it that makes us whole?

Six billion different souls speed from place to place,

Without realising the importance of a slow and peaceful pace.

Because it’s time to take a breath and smile at passers-by,

It’s time to watch the sunrise; if only for a while.

It’s time to sing the song of a settling summer breeze,

It’s time to walk along the shores with perfect, graceful ease.

These days are ours to cherish; could be stolen in a moment,

As we’re walking the shores of wonder, the tide is drawing in.

But with the rise of each passing moon comes a magical blanket of new;

And in the first of every new, a tiny seed is sown.

So as the sun flees from up high, giving way to faithful time,

Her roots will travel through your soul and blossom in a while.

You may not recognise the smiles or one more star burning bright up high,

But you should know that you are blessed

To be graced with this magnificence

Of time.

Free Seminar Event @ Birmingham Chamber: The Labour Market — a place free

BIRMINGHAM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S MAGICAL CHRISTMAS PROM

2 FOR 1 TICKET OFFER TO THIRD SECTOR

Birmingham Town Hall, Tuesday 15th December, 8.00pm to 10.00pm

All funds raised for the charity will be matched 100%

Tickets are £15 each.

To take advantage of this offer contact the Town Hall Box Office on 0121 780 3333 or visit http://www.thsh.co.uk/

The special reference of CPSE24109 should be quoted when making the booking.

Compered by broadcaster and journalist Adrian Goldberg and performed by the Birmingham Philharmonic Orchestra, the performance will feature such popular classics as Once in Royal David’s City, O Little Town of Bethlehem and Deck the Halls, together with traditional classical favourites such as Jerusalem, Pomp and Circumstance and Rule Britannia.

The Birmingham Community Foundation supports over 900 community projects each year, providing assistance to those in need, reducing crime levels and providing fresh lifestyle, support and career opportunities for young and old alike.

Don’t forget that the German Christmas market will also be well underway in Victoria Square so why not enjoy that glass of mulled wine and a bite to eat to create a really special evening!

For more information on the Foundation visit http://www.bhamfoundation.co.uk/

Celebrating diversity in North Warwickshire

The North Warwickshire Race Equality Group (NWREG) is encouraging Dickens Night revellers to find out more about diversity in their local community.

Representatives from NWREG will be manning a stall at the event from 6pm on Saturday 28 November in Memorial Hall, Atherstone, giving out information about what the partnership is doing to bring communities together – as well as celebrating our local diversity.

The group’s display will be alongside Nasz Dom (Nuneaton) who will be providing a taste of Polish food and culture.

Partners involved with the North Warwickshire Race Equality Group include the Police, local councils including Warwickshire County Council, housing associations, fire service, Warwickshire Race Equality Partnership, voluntary and community sector organisations and the NHS.

Dance at 8 - What's On?

The 'Dance at 8' Christmas Dance

Saturday, December 5th, 2009

St John's Sports Centre, Worcester, Worcestershire WR2 4LE

Doors open 7-11pm

Live Dance Music with Robert Redman and the Dave Dee Quartet. Along with Dance at 8's own unique Ballroom, Latin, Salsa & Argentine Tango dance music for your dancing pleasure.

You are welcome to bring your own refreshments / nibbles.

Tickets are 12 pounds each. To order tickets phone 'Dance at 8' on 01386 556 665. Or see http://www.danceat8.com/

Everyone welcome regardless of where you currently dance.

Dress for the evening : Jacket & Tie / Party Wear

January 2010: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Worcester - St John's, Worcestershire

Christopher Whitehead School, Bromwich Rd. Worcester WR2 4AF

Starting Monday, January 4th, 2010 - Both Styles 6 Weeks

7-8pm Cuban Salsa for Absolute Beginners. Salsa is exuberant, fiery, fun, romantic and flirtatious. Everyone of all ages should learn to Salsa. No previous dance experience necessary. All ages welcome, with or without a partner. Classes are just £4 per person - pay as you go. For more information phone 'Dance at 8' on 01386 556 665.

8-9pm Simple Latin: Cha Cha Cha... for Beginners. Learn to Cha Cha Cha like the best of them then dance it like you mean it! Cha Cha is a playful Cuban dance that teaches you to have fun with the Latin rhythm. All ages welcome, with or without a partner. No previous dance experience necessary. Sessions are just £4 per person - Pay as you go. A Very popular class, easy to learn and Loads of Fun. For more information phone 'Dance at 8' on 01386 556 665 or see http://www.danceat8.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bredon / Tewkesbury

Bredon Village Hall, Main Road Bredon

Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire GL20 7QN

Starting Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 - Both Styles 6 weeks

7:30-8:30pm Latin: Beginners Romantic Rumba.

Rumba is the spirit and soul of Cuban music and dance. The fascinating rhythms and bodily expressions make the Rumba one of the most popular Latin dances. Perfect for those looking for a wedding dance or if you just want more confidence on the dance floor. No previous dance experience necessary. All ages welcome, with or without a partner. Classes are £4 pounds, per person. For more information phone Dance at 8 on 01386 556 665 or see http://www.danceat8.com/

8:30- 9:30pm Beginners: Slow Foxtrot - 'The Real Thing'.

The Ultimate Ballroom Dance is the Foxtrot. If you ever wanted to glide around the floor to those smooth swing rhythms - Now is your chance. If you have been inspired by 'Strictly' now you too can give it a go! Everyone welcome with or without a partner. Classes are £4 pounds, per person.. Classes are just 4 pounds per person - pa as you go. For more information phone 'Dance at 8' on 01386 556 665 or visit http://www.danceat8.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Malvern - Worcestershire

'Dance at 8' at Club Dance UK.

Spring Lane

Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1BY

Starting Wednesday, January 6th 2010 - Both Styles 6 weeks.

7:30pm - 8:30pm Sizzling Samba for Absolute Beginners.

Originating in Brazil, this Fun and Festive Latin dance that is sure to lift your mood and give you loads of Exercise! (Great for after all those Christmas parties.) Up-tempo music and loads of fun. We’ll teach you to dance it with Style! No partner or previous dance experience necessary. Sessions are 1 Full hour and only 4 pounds per person - Pay as you go. For more information phone 'Dance at 8' on 01386 556 665 or see http://www.danceat8.com/

8:30pm - 9:30pm Argentine Milonga for Absolute Beginners. Milonga - Is the New Salsa! Argentine Milonga is the forerunner of Argentine Tango with a slightly bouncy action to syncopated rhythms. The music is very uplifting making this a fun, and exciting dance to learn, great for beginners. (Not to mention easy.) We get you dancing it in no time. No previous dance experience necessary. All ages welcome with or without a partner. Sessions are 1 Full hour and only 4 pounds per person - Pay as you go. For more information phone 'Dance at 8' on 01386 556 665 or see http://www.danceat8.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Malvern - Worcestershire

'Dance at 8' at Club Dance UK.

Spring Lane

Malvern, Worcestershire WR14 1BY

Starting Thursday, January 7th, 2010 - Both Styles 6 weeks.

A Super Dance evening for more experienced dancers.

7pm- 8pm Argentine Tango Vals for Beginners New Class.

A beautiful dance utilising classic Viennese style waltz music with an Argentine Tango edge to it. Most of the steps used in Tango & Milonga can be used but with slightly adapted timing. Slightly more challenging but well worth the effort. Note should have some general dance experience * Sessions are 1 Full hour and only 5 pounds per person - Pay as you go. For more information phone 'Dance at 8' on 01386 556 665 or see http://www.danceat8.com/

8pm- 9pm Latin: Cha Cha Variations for those who know the basics.

A zany look at Latin Cha Cha with Very up to date music and some some Innovative variations designed for those who know the basics of the Cha Cha. This class will add some 'Steps and Style' to your dancing. All you need to know to really look good on the dance floor from Professional Dance Champion and Coach Paul Pritchard with over 40 years dance experience. Everyone welcome regardless of where they currently dance. £5 per session. All ages welcome, with or without a partner. (Note: Must know at least basic Cha Cha) Sessions are 1 Full hour. For more information phone 'Dance at 8' on 01386 556 665 or see http://www.danceat8.com/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Pershore - Worcestershire

Wulstan Hall, Priest Lane (Next to Holy Redeemer Church) WR10 1EB

Starting Friday January 8th, 2010.

7:30 - 8:30pm Beginners Ballroom: Waltz. (It’s easy as 1, 2, 3......)

Perfect for those looking for a special wedding dance or if you just want more confidence on the dance floor. Are you tired of being the Wallflower? Never miss a dance again. We can teach you. Everyone welcome Singles or couples. No previous dance experience necessary. Join us and have some fun and exercise on a Friday night. Sessions are 1 Full hour and only 4 pounds per person - Pay as you go. For more information phone 'Dance at 8' on 01386 556 665 or see http://www.danceat8.com/

Monday, 23 November 2009

Youngsters eating their way to new health award

A new project to get youngsters eating healthier meals has been launched in Stafford Borough.

The ‘Nurturing Health Award’ scheme is a borough council initiative which will be run across nurseries in the borough.

Local nurseries in line for the award will be visited by borough council health officers to find out if children are being provided with a balanced diet. It will also look at the amount of physical activity the children undertake as well as oral health and food safety on the premises.

And nurseries meeting the healthy eating standard will be awarded certificates to mark their achievement. There are four awards ranging from bronze level to platinum.

The scheme is being run by the borough council and is part of the ‘Live well be well in Staffordshire’ partnership.

Cabinet member for Environment and Health, Councillor Stan Highfield, said: “Improving the health and wellbeing of our community is one of the council’s top priorities.

“This new scheme is about supporting those working with young children to provide a varied, safe and balanced diet and to encourage a healthier lifestyle.”

Letters have gone to more than 40 nurseries in the borough inviting them to take part in the project. The pre-schools will now be registered with the council before being visited by a health officer.

For more details about the scheme go to www.staffordhealth.co.uk or email kharrold@staffordbc.gov.uk or on 01785 619000.

Christmas events in Wolverhampton

It’s Christmas!

We all know that children love Christmas.

The children of Wolverhampton are no exception, and knowing our kids as well as we do, they’d probably love to see something different at Christmas this year.

Ok, so for starters, how about a Monster Truck, driven by Father Christmas himself and an inflatable Snow Globe?

With heaps of family entertainment laid-on across the city this Christmas, shopping in Wolverhampton has never been such fun.

You’ll get great value for money too with a superb choice as the hugely popular Christmas Market opens for an extended 10 days this year, plus the top high street names and over 200 independent shops will extend their opening hours. Free and reduced-rate car parking will also be available.

With family favourites such as lights switch-ons, the real reindeer parade, street entertainers, fireworks, panto stars and vintage engines the people of Wolverhampton will have reasons aplenty to hit the streets and celebrate the festivities together, filling the city with peace and good will to all!

Wolverhampton Christmas Light Switch-On

25/11 – 5.15pm – 6.30pm

Wolverhampton’s lights will be switched on in Victoria Street this year by Bob The Builder, Titan The Robot and the Mayor of Wolverhampton as Father Christmas rolls into town accompanied by a real Reindeer Parade, panto stars and children of the Punch Theatre Company.

At 6.30pm the sky will be set aglow with a dazzling firework display launched from a city centre rooftop.

Tettenhall Christmas Light Switch-On

27/11 - 6.30pm

The lights go on in Tettenhall on the Green. Local girl band Belle Sorelle, stars of The X Factor, and ITV Grimefighters celebrity Lew Carrington from Wolverhampton’s Street Scene will flick the switch together.

Wednesfield Light Switch-On

27/11 - 3.30pm - 4.30pm

The lights will be switched on by star of The Apprentice, Ruth Badger in the gardens of St Thomas’s church, Wednesfield.

Bilston Christmas Light Switch-On

28/11 – 4.30pm – 5.00pm

X Factor’s Belle Sorelle will be given the honour of illuminating Bilston’s Christmas lights at the Town Hall.

Wolverhampton’s Christmas Market

11/12 – 20/12

9am – 5pm daily, Dudley Street + Queen Square

This year’s extended 10 day Christmas Market will have even more stalls offering Christmas gifts ranging from jewellery, art, clothing and accessories to gourmet meats and cheeses, chocolates and sweets, cakes, puddings, pies, local honey and jams and free range port and poultry.

Santa’s Coming to Town

11/12 – from 5.00pm.

This great family event begins with Santa’s Coming to Town, a spectacular Reindeer Parade featuring Father Christmas and the Elves accompanied by Vintage Fire Engines and Steam Traction Engines, West Midlands Fire Service Band, Tividale Tigers marching band, the children of Punch Theatre Company and an array of Street Entertainers.

The parade will see Father Christmas dropped off at The Wulfrun Centre to take up residence there.

Father Christmas Charity Parade

20/12 – 12 noon

Father Christmas takes the wheel of a Monster Truck to collect and deliver a cargo of toys donated by generous city centre businesses to some of the bravest and most deserving children in the Wolverhampton area.

The Snow Globe Experience and Father Christmas!

A brand new fun filled experience that has attracted worldwide appeal and the ‘must have’ attraction of the winter season the Snow Globe is coming to the Wulfrun Centre!

Get inside the spectacular inflatable Snow Globe, complete with snow and pose for a photo with friends and family and take a copy away with you. Father Christmas will be on hand too to talk to the children or to pose for photos with you. Admission is £8.00 (including photo).

Christmas and Bank Holiday Shopping Hours

Late night shopping until 9.00pm: Wednesdays 25th November - 23rd December + Thursday 17th, Friday 18th, Monday 21st - Wednesday 23rd December.

Saturday opening until 7.00pm: 12th and 19th December.

Sunday trading 10.30am until 5.00pm.

Shops open until 5.30pm on Christmas Eve.

Free & Reduced Rate Parking for Sundays & Late Night Shopping

Sundays: Mander Centre + council car parks (except the Civic Centre) + Beatties (29th November to 20th December) + all city centre Pay and Display bays.

Mander Centre (from 4.00pm) + Beatties (from 5.30pm) free on Wednesdays and all late night shopping evenings: 25th November - 23rd December.

Council car parks: Reduced flat fee of £2.50 after 5.30pm.

Pay and Display bays are free after 6.00pm (with the exception of Paternoster row where no parking is permitted at all after 6.00pm).

For more information on all of our Christmas Celebrations including specific times and prices visit www.wolverhamptoncity.co.uk/itschristmas or call 01902 556110.

Historic Prospect wall handed over to Herefordshire Council

The historic Prospect Wall in Ross has now been officially handed over to Herefordshire Council.

Work has now been completed on the wall, through the council’s service delivery partners Amey and sub-contractors I. J. Preece and Son Ltd, based in Hereford.

The wall, which collapsed some two years ago, has now been completely rebuilt using a mixture of the remaining stone and new stone sourced from a local quarry.

During works on the wall, archaeologists discovered stone foundations that date from Roman times and part of the medieval Bishop’s Palace, and the rebuilt wall has been designed to ensure these remains are preserved.

Councillor John Stone, chairman of Herefordshire Council, said: “This project has been a huge success and the contractors have done a splendid job. This area now offers a splendid view and Prospect is a very fitting word for it.”

Andrew Maxwell - Wolverhampton Little Civic: Thursday 3rd June 2010

Stand-up comedian Andrew Maxwell has won and been nominated for several awards including an Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show, a Time Out Live Award in the category of Best Stand-up, a Loaded Magazine Award for best stand-up and Chortle Award for best contribution to the live comedy circuit.

In the past six months alone Andrew has performed a new show at the Edinburgh Festival (THE LAMP), a nationwide tour of Ireland and has appeared as a regular panellist on RTE’s THE PANEL. He has also appeared on the most recent series of BBC’s HAVE I GOT NEWS FOR YOU, ITV2'S CELEBRITY JUICE and the Dave channel's ARGUMENTAL, cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most sought after comedians.

Last Autumn, Andrew filmed one-off pilot CONFLICT REVOLUTION for BBC Northern Ireland. It was released as a DVD alongside a live recording of the 2008 Edinburgh show (in Ireland) and marks Andrew’s continued development and exploration of comedy as a way of crossing cultural, social and religious borders.

Andrew is a founder member of ALTITUDE, a comedy festival staged in the Alps every Spring.

Andrew continues to dominate the live and festival circuits. Notable appearances have included several sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Festival, The Amnesty / Channel Four Secret Policeman's Ball (alongside Eddie Izzard, Chevy Chase and Dylan Moran - "Maxwell turned it around... he made us feel part of an event" THE TIMES), at the HBO US Comedy & Arts Festival in Las Vegas (alongside Jerry Seinfeld and Chris Rock), several sell-out runs in the main house of The Soho Theatre, Kilkenny Cat Laughs Festival, Glastonbury and the Montreal Just for Laughs Festival.

“One of the best comics around... A consummate raconteur” TIME OUT

"One of the most significant comedians working in the country today" THE INDEPENDENT

“A brilliant show... commands the audience's attention from start to finish” THE OBSERVER

“Fiercely funny and utterly invigorating” THE TIMES

"Ill-advised hedonism is rarely this politically well-informed or thought-provoking" THE SCOTSMAN

Official Website: http://andrew-maxwell.co.uk/

Tickets priced £12.00 are available from Midland Box Office: 0870 320 7000 or online at http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/

Donation of seven artworks increases Wolverhampton’s collections

Wolverhampton Art Gallery will soon be receiving a much welcomed gift in the form of seven drawings by internationally-renowned, British artist Sir Frank Brangwyn.

The new additions, a selection of cartoon drawings from the early 20th century, were kindly left to the gallery by Mrs I Sidaway of Bridgnorth, now sadly deceased. The gallery already holds a large selection of Brangwyn’s artwork, including paintings, drawings and prints, and is delighted to be able to enhance their collection with these new pieces.

Frank Brangwyn was born in Bruges, Belgium in 1867. His father was an English architect, and from a young age Frank saw art as a part of everyday life. After moving back to London with his family, Brangwyn began teaching himself to draw, and soon became an apprentice to William Morris, one of the most influential voices in Victorian art and architecture, and leader of the Arts and Crafts Movement.

He travelled widely during his career, developing his artistic skills by making colourful sketches and paintings of foreign scenery and architecture. Brangwyn became highly accomplished in all aspects of art, not just oil painting and watercolours but also illustration, stained glass, and jewellery and furniture design. With his expressive and realistic drawing style, seen in this selection of drawings donated to the gallery, he was also appointed as an official war artist for the First World War.

Sir Frank Brangwyn was ultimately best known for his large scale murals. These were often figurative and featured historical subjects. He was a painter of great empathy and had an affinity with working people. After completing murals for variety of international institutions, in Canada, New Zealand and America, he earnt an international reputation not only as a skilled muralist, but also as a high-ranking British artist. His mural for the former RCA Building at the Rockefeller Centre in New York, 1934 was among his most celebrated works.

Marguerite Nugent, Head of Curatorial Services at Wolverhampton Art Gallery, said:

“We are very grateful to Mrs Sidaway for leaving the gallery these drawings by Frank Brangwyn. They will form an important part of our collection which visitors will be able to enjoy.”

She continues, “If other potential benefactors are interested in donating pieces to the gallery then we would be interested to hear from them. Donations and bequests enable us to develop our collections and it means that some fantastic art works are kept in the public realm for all to enjoy.

World Diabetes Day in Walsall

Walsall Centre for Independent Living will be holding an information event for people with Diabetes on

Friday 27th November 2009

Over 13,000 people in Walsall have Diabetes. Come along and find out more about the illness, equipment, benefits advice and get a free cuppa and a reduced sugar biscuit!

The event is on from 11.00am – 2.00pm at the

Centre in Bridge Street, Walsall.

Guest speakers - Richard Rawlinson – Diabetic Optometrist and

Tom Cassey Diabetic Chiropodist

For more information call 01922 650790

Birmingham Central Library

Good news for Birmingham – reaction to today’s announcement that Birmingham Central Library has been granted immunity from listing.

Margaret Hodge MP's letter to Mike Whitby, Leader of Birmingham City Council.

Birmingham Central Library

Cllr Whitby commented: “We are delighted that Government has granted our application for ‘immunity from listing’ for the Central Library, giving us a major boost in our plans to regenerate the city.

“Now, our vision around a new world-class library and theatre will be enriching transformational change in the heart of the city.

“Today’s decision helps pave the way for a multi-million pound redevelopment of Paradise Circus, which will allow people to enjoy a spectacular long-view from our Council House up to the new Library of Birmingham.

“We expect the completed scheme to create up to 13,000 jobs with a further 250 created by the first phase of construction. Therefore, with its capacity to create significant jobs and investment, and to link the Council House with the Library and Centenary Square with Victoria Square, the Paradise Circus plans must form one of the most exciting developments in the country.”

Gary Taylor, Joint Managing Director of Argent (UK Developments), added: “The Paradise Circus site is of strategic importance to Birmingham and holds enormous potential for the City.

“The decision to grant immunity from Listing creates a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity for us to work with the City Council to re-model the area. We want to open the area up to create new streets and squares and create a first class setting for the remarkable collection of historic listed buildings that sit adjacent to Paradise Circus.

“We will now aim to hold a Public Information Event in the New Year to get views from members of the public with the intention of progressing with the planning process for comprehensive re-development of the area.”

High profile ambassadors speak up for Herefordshire

Visit Herefordshire is to launch its Ambassador Programme at Hampton Court this Thursday, November 26, with many of the high profile ambassadors for the county in attendance.

Visit Herefordshire has signed up a wide ranging team of world renowned personalities, as its ambassadors to carry the message that Herefordshire is a wonderful county to visit and relocate to.

During the evening the new 2010 visitor guide for the county, which has a number of quotations from our Ambassadors, will be revealed.

Peter Hands, Chairman of Visit Herefordshire who has worked for several months tracking down the “Good and the Great” to enlist their support in promoting Herefordshire, said: “It has been along process but I am deeply heartened by the responses I have received to date, given that everyone is so busy with their own professional careers.

“Ambassadors who have already signed up include John Challis, Quentin Letts, Mathew Engel, Sir Roy Strong, Richard Johnson, Ian Storey, Walenty Pytel, Sam Llewelyn, Kate Bliss, Kevin Sheedy, Eleanor Oldroyd, Miranda Richardson, Lord Alex Carlile; Julian Lloyd Webber, Colin Addison, Robert Rogers and Brian Huggett.”

Ian Storey, world famous tenor, commented: “I really look forward to returning home to Herefordshire as I am always away performing in various opera’s around the world. It is just the most tranquil county I know”.

Jane Lewis, tourism marketing manager for Herefordshire, said: “It is quite amazing who we have discovered with connections to the county, I am delighted that we have been able to recruit such great Ambassadors and we thank them for their contributions to the new visitor guide.

Christmas Pageant - Kingshurst

Kingshurst Evangelical Church are holding a Christmas Pageant from Thursday 17 December until Sunday 20 December ( four nights )

{Dec 17, 18, 19 & 20}

This year promises to be a spectacular event with a childrens' choir of 20 in addition to the choir of grown-ups with plenty of additional drama, telling the wonderful story of the Nativity

Each performance starts at 7p.m. and while all tickets are free, seating is limited for health & safety at each performance, so they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets are available from Kingshurst Evangelical Church - Cooks Lane - Kingshurst - B37 6NP - tel. no:- 0121 - 770 - 9759

Futsal Festival

Hi ALL

ON BEHALF OF TEAM UTD BIRMINGHAM FUTSAL CLUB

we would like to invite you to our forthcoming futsal festival on 29th nov 2009,6.45PM @

NORTH SOLIHULL SPORTS CENTRE

CONWAY RD

BIRMINGHAM

B37 5LA

WE WOULD APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT, THE VENUE HAS A 400 SEATER SPORTS HALL AND WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE IT FULL . SO COME AND ENJOY SOME FUTSAL.

EVENING WILL CONSIST OF TWO FUTSAL FRIENDLIES

TEAM UTD BIRMINGHAM vs ST ANDREWS JFC (u14s)

TEAM UTD BIRMINGHAM vs CHIPPENHAM FUTSAL (mens)

Kind regards

Ikhlaq Hussain