July, 4 2008 at Candlelit Acoustic @ Mansfield Football Club Field Mill, Quarry Lane., Mansfield, Midlands NG20Cost : £10
Gary O’Dea solo acoustic support to the excellent Mansfield based singer / songwriter Helen Boulding and her band. A Candlelit Promotions night - visit www.myspace.com/candlelitacoustic for more details
July, 6 2008 at The Little Civic North St,, Wolverhampton, Midlands Cost : £4 (£3 with flyer or advanced ticket).
The launch of Phil’s Fun Sunday Kooky Cabaret Night...featuring a live music set from Gary O’Dea, hilarious readings from celebrated local author Paul McDonald, chill-out sounds from the K-Ford groove master DJ Tomasco ’Shabba’ Hicks...plus lots, more - see attached flyers for more details.or visit http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/index.asp?loc=whatsonshow&woid=13441
Ssshhhh...now pass it on ...
Raga Muffin
Editor: Thanks Gary for regular updates of gigs. The invitation goes out to all local artists and musicians - send me your events info and they will appear ... oh yes .... they will appear!
Monday, 30 June 2008
Vidar at the Theatre - Latest Review
Review of Audio described performance of The Naked Truth at Wolverhampton Grand 27 June 2008 from Vidar Hjardeng.
Written by Dave Simpson, The Naked Truth focuses on 5 women of different backgrounds, shapes and sizes struggling to conquer the art of pole dancing for a Charity event to raise awareness and money for breast cancer. As their stories unfold they share laughter and tears in what is ultimately a moving play. After fellow visually impaired patrons were taken on the pre-show touch tour – where they were shown the set of the pink-walled church hall equipped with 3 small platforms complete with poles – we all took our seats 15 minutes before curtain-up for Anne Hornsby’s introductory notes. She once again reminded us of the set layout before going on to describe the 6 characters in this all-female cast starring Lisa Riley from ITV’s Emmerdale and Fat Friends. Anne described the costumes and the characters’ individual, easily recognisable accents. Although she was slightly apprehensive about how to describe all the raunchy dancing which forms a major part of the play, Anne needn’t have worried as she relayed the, sometimes graphically suggestive, manoevres to perfection! As a result VIPs were able to share in the laughter with the rest of the audience during the play’s more comic moments.
The production was, perhaps, not to everybody’s taste – not least because of the language used by one of the characters about which Anne had in fact warned us in her pre-show notes. However, the majority of the largely female audience, really seemed to enjoy the comedy of the piece as well as appreciating its more poignant moments.
The next audio-described show at the Wolverhampton Grand will be the musical Flash Dance at 5 pm on Saturday 16 August and details of ticket prices, the touch tour and how to book head-sets can be obtained from the box office in the usual way 01902 429212.
Written by Dave Simpson, The Naked Truth focuses on 5 women of different backgrounds, shapes and sizes struggling to conquer the art of pole dancing for a Charity event to raise awareness and money for breast cancer. As their stories unfold they share laughter and tears in what is ultimately a moving play. After fellow visually impaired patrons were taken on the pre-show touch tour – where they were shown the set of the pink-walled church hall equipped with 3 small platforms complete with poles – we all took our seats 15 minutes before curtain-up for Anne Hornsby’s introductory notes. She once again reminded us of the set layout before going on to describe the 6 characters in this all-female cast starring Lisa Riley from ITV’s Emmerdale and Fat Friends. Anne described the costumes and the characters’ individual, easily recognisable accents. Although she was slightly apprehensive about how to describe all the raunchy dancing which forms a major part of the play, Anne needn’t have worried as she relayed the, sometimes graphically suggestive, manoevres to perfection! As a result VIPs were able to share in the laughter with the rest of the audience during the play’s more comic moments.
The production was, perhaps, not to everybody’s taste – not least because of the language used by one of the characters about which Anne had in fact warned us in her pre-show notes. However, the majority of the largely female audience, really seemed to enjoy the comedy of the piece as well as appreciating its more poignant moments.
The next audio-described show at the Wolverhampton Grand will be the musical Flash Dance at 5 pm on Saturday 16 August and details of ticket prices, the touch tour and how to book head-sets can be obtained from the box office in the usual way 01902 429212.
Acoustic fun at Stafford Festival
Live @ the Castle Music and Comedy, brought to you by the Leisure Services Team at Stafford Borough Council, in partnership with RedSpot, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and the Ford Squad, is once again upon us. And following on from a fun packed Festival weekend this 5 July with the Street Theatre Extravaganza, Festival of Drama and Raw Talent Competition; and 6 July with the Party in the Park event; Stafford Festival really cranks up the volume for the popular Live @ the Castle event.
Taking place at Stafford Castle on Sunday 13 July, this year will be the 12th Live Music Event at the Castle, and the event, which runs from 12noon to 10pm, typically draws crowds of up to 5,000. Visitors can usually be found kicking off their shoes and chilling out on the hillside to the very best of local live music from funk to punk.
“Traditionally supported by some great weather, last year’s event was not so lucky,” said Adam Hill, Head of Leisure Services at Stafford Borough Council, “and the acoustic marquee and new comedy marquee welcomed droves of wet spectators through their doors!”
The two elements, acoustic and comedy, have been combined this year, and the marquee has a great line up of acoustic music, comedy and poetry readings in store; and with refreshments and bar provided by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, this marquee is certainly worth a look.
James Flanagan of The Ford Squad, who have coordinated this aspect of the event, fills us in on some of the performers:
“A Child Rasputin, also known as Mitch Taylor, is a Stafford lad who migrated south to London a few years ago, and performs regularly in and around Camden and Kentish Town. Mitch was once a member of fondly remembered Stafford band Sacred Monkfish. As ‘A Child Rasputin’, Mitch plays both acoustically and electronically, creating esoteric soundscapes combined with a very involving performance style.
“Andrew C Salt & The Honeymoon Fresh, the brainchild of local boy Andrew Salt, is a scenic journey of folk inflected acoustic rock, unique instrumentation and songs with a story inside them. The band has been performing around Stafford more regularly of late and always receives a great reception.
“Trent Vale Poet is something of cult hero in Stafford, with his hysterical rhyming observational poetry / comedy; the Trent Vale Poet is not to be missed. 'Trenty' has performed at all the ford squad nights and appears to be developing his very own dedicated following!
“Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band, generally based up north, are stalwarts of the Manchester live scene. Having performed in Stafford at the Shrewsbury Arms to a rapturous reception, Dr Butlers are returning to the county town to play the festival. Dr Butlers play old-fashioned hillbilly rock, dressed up in waistcoats, cloth caps and cravats, and they will be closing the evening in the acoustic tent.”
As well as these there are plenty more acts to be seen. Up and coming talent 'Hello Big World' and 'Something to Write About' are two local teenage bands just starting out performing their own material. We also have other local and not so local acts performing including: Da Moon; Lucy Fielding, an extremely talented local songstress in the vain of Carole King; Nomad Jones playing stripped down folk; Lisa Marie Glover with quirky observational lyrics and moody guitar; local comic Neil Reading; Barbershop quartet 'Under the Influence'; and many more.
The 2008 Live @ the Castle music & comedy event really does offer something for everyone. So pop along on Sunday 13 July between 12noon and 10pm, and keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine, in the confidence that you will be thoroughly entertained whatever the weather. Admission to the event is free, and car parking is £2. For more information log onto www.staffordfestival.co.uk or phone 01785 619300.
Taking place at Stafford Castle on Sunday 13 July, this year will be the 12th Live Music Event at the Castle, and the event, which runs from 12noon to 10pm, typically draws crowds of up to 5,000. Visitors can usually be found kicking off their shoes and chilling out on the hillside to the very best of local live music from funk to punk.
“Traditionally supported by some great weather, last year’s event was not so lucky,” said Adam Hill, Head of Leisure Services at Stafford Borough Council, “and the acoustic marquee and new comedy marquee welcomed droves of wet spectators through their doors!”
The two elements, acoustic and comedy, have been combined this year, and the marquee has a great line up of acoustic music, comedy and poetry readings in store; and with refreshments and bar provided by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, this marquee is certainly worth a look.
James Flanagan of The Ford Squad, who have coordinated this aspect of the event, fills us in on some of the performers:
“A Child Rasputin, also known as Mitch Taylor, is a Stafford lad who migrated south to London a few years ago, and performs regularly in and around Camden and Kentish Town. Mitch was once a member of fondly remembered Stafford band Sacred Monkfish. As ‘A Child Rasputin’, Mitch plays both acoustically and electronically, creating esoteric soundscapes combined with a very involving performance style.
“Andrew C Salt & The Honeymoon Fresh, the brainchild of local boy Andrew Salt, is a scenic journey of folk inflected acoustic rock, unique instrumentation and songs with a story inside them. The band has been performing around Stafford more regularly of late and always receives a great reception.
“Trent Vale Poet is something of cult hero in Stafford, with his hysterical rhyming observational poetry / comedy; the Trent Vale Poet is not to be missed. 'Trenty' has performed at all the ford squad nights and appears to be developing his very own dedicated following!
“Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band, generally based up north, are stalwarts of the Manchester live scene. Having performed in Stafford at the Shrewsbury Arms to a rapturous reception, Dr Butlers are returning to the county town to play the festival. Dr Butlers play old-fashioned hillbilly rock, dressed up in waistcoats, cloth caps and cravats, and they will be closing the evening in the acoustic tent.”
As well as these there are plenty more acts to be seen. Up and coming talent 'Hello Big World' and 'Something to Write About' are two local teenage bands just starting out performing their own material. We also have other local and not so local acts performing including: Da Moon; Lucy Fielding, an extremely talented local songstress in the vain of Carole King; Nomad Jones playing stripped down folk; Lisa Marie Glover with quirky observational lyrics and moody guitar; local comic Neil Reading; Barbershop quartet 'Under the Influence'; and many more.
The 2008 Live @ the Castle music & comedy event really does offer something for everyone. So pop along on Sunday 13 July between 12noon and 10pm, and keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine, in the confidence that you will be thoroughly entertained whatever the weather. Admission to the event is free, and car parking is £2. For more information log onto www.staffordfestival.co.uk or phone 01785 619300.
STILL TIME FOR GREEN AWARDS - STAFFORD
Local businesses, schools and organisations will have an extra chance to show off their green credentials.
Stafford Borough Council has extended the deadline for their annual Green Awards - with the closing date for applications now Friday 18 July 2008.
Application forms can be downloaded from the Borough Council website at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd or obtained from the Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford.
The prestigious Green Awards 2008 are for schemes that create a more sustainable and healthy community. They reward the positive impact that organisations are having on the world and communities by becoming green.
The council hope the short extension will give encouragement to prospective winners to get their applications in to show how green they are becoming.
“The Green Awards are a prestigious way to honour and celebrate businesses and organisations in Stafford Borough who are helping to improve the environment and being more sustainable”, said Councillor Stan Highfield, Cabinet Member for the Environment, “There is a lot of green activity going on locally and this is a way for the Council to say thank you. I hope other organisations will also follow the good examples highlighted by the Awards”.
This year the Green Awards are being augmented by a special award in partnership with the council’s Streetscene. The Schoolscene Award will be presented to the school that has made the most valuable contribution to their visual appearance in a sustainable way.
The Green Awards 2008 are open to any organisation that operates in Stafford Borough including businesses, schools, places of worship, voluntary organisations, youth groups, hotels, factories, public sector projects and community initiatives.
The Awards were set up in 1996 by Stafford Borough Council and has become an eagerly awaited feature of the civic calendar, with record breaking numbers of applicants year after year.
Last year’s winners included a small business, Risk Assessment Solutions, that implemented a series of simple changes to cut their carbon emissions, Berkswich Primary School for their new, vibrant environment centre, The Hollow Allotment Society for a project using a variety of reused materials and four environmentally friendly holiday apartments at Fairoak Grange.
The Awards are divided into four categories: Business, Youth and Education, Community and the Sustainable Tourism Prize.
The Green Awards 2008 application form and further details about the Awards can be downloaded from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd. Entry forms should be returned to the Sustainable and Healthy Communities Team at Stafford Borough Council by Friday July 18 2008.
For more information contact Sebastian Pearce, Sustainable and Healthy Communities Team, Stafford Borough Council, T: 01785 619408, e-mail: spearce@staffordbc.gov.uk.
Stafford Borough Council has extended the deadline for their annual Green Awards - with the closing date for applications now Friday 18 July 2008.
Application forms can be downloaded from the Borough Council website at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd or obtained from the Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford.
The prestigious Green Awards 2008 are for schemes that create a more sustainable and healthy community. They reward the positive impact that organisations are having on the world and communities by becoming green.
The council hope the short extension will give encouragement to prospective winners to get their applications in to show how green they are becoming.
“The Green Awards are a prestigious way to honour and celebrate businesses and organisations in Stafford Borough who are helping to improve the environment and being more sustainable”, said Councillor Stan Highfield, Cabinet Member for the Environment, “There is a lot of green activity going on locally and this is a way for the Council to say thank you. I hope other organisations will also follow the good examples highlighted by the Awards”.
This year the Green Awards are being augmented by a special award in partnership with the council’s Streetscene. The Schoolscene Award will be presented to the school that has made the most valuable contribution to their visual appearance in a sustainable way.
The Green Awards 2008 are open to any organisation that operates in Stafford Borough including businesses, schools, places of worship, voluntary organisations, youth groups, hotels, factories, public sector projects and community initiatives.
The Awards were set up in 1996 by Stafford Borough Council and has become an eagerly awaited feature of the civic calendar, with record breaking numbers of applicants year after year.
Last year’s winners included a small business, Risk Assessment Solutions, that implemented a series of simple changes to cut their carbon emissions, Berkswich Primary School for their new, vibrant environment centre, The Hollow Allotment Society for a project using a variety of reused materials and four environmentally friendly holiday apartments at Fairoak Grange.
The Awards are divided into four categories: Business, Youth and Education, Community and the Sustainable Tourism Prize.
The Green Awards 2008 application form and further details about the Awards can be downloaded from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd. Entry forms should be returned to the Sustainable and Healthy Communities Team at Stafford Borough Council by Friday July 18 2008.
For more information contact Sebastian Pearce, Sustainable and Healthy Communities Team, Stafford Borough Council, T: 01785 619408, e-mail: spearce@staffordbc.gov.uk.
The Great American Trailer Park
At the Alex Birmingham
On sale today notice
Performances: Tuesday 26 - Saturday 30 August 2008
Times: Tues to Sat 7.30pm, Weds & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets: £12.50 - £27.50 (£3 off if paid for before July 10th)
Booking info: ticketmaster 0844 847 2291 or online at http://mediatlasei.prnewswire.com/mediatlasei/Url.aspx?516795x2433x311247
For the first time in Birmingham and direct from the USA comes THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL - so that means no dodgy American accents - add to that a stunning cast who've guest starred in top US shows such as Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, Law & Order and Beverley Hills 90210.
The storyline
There's a new girl in town and she's wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive mobile home community.
When Pippi “the stripper on the run” comes between Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her toll collector husband, the storms begin to brew – and we ain’t talkin’ about any old Florida hurricane!
From a book by comedienne Betsy Kelso, the show may deal with spray cheese, road kill, hysterical pregnancy, and other problems worthy of the Jeremy Kyle Show, but it is the colourful characters and lasting friendships that are the heart of this new musical comedy.
**Please note: Contains adult material not suitable for children
Here's what the American press have been saying...
"The score is infectious, the script is cheeky and it features some of the most roof-raising girl group singing (and hair raising perms) since the pointer sisters."
The New York Sun.
"Every song is full of surprises as the music slips across the dial of American radio from country to blues, to rock disco, to bump and grind & R&B."
The New York Times.
Birmingham Alexandra - A Live Nation TheatreFor more information on the Birmingham Alexandra visit www.AlexandraTheatre.org.uk .
Live Nation Theatres
Live Nation Theatres (Live Nation (Venues) UK Limited) is the UK’s largest theatre group. It owns and operates leading theatres across the West End and the regions; including the Apollo Victoria, Dominion Theatre, the Lyceum, Edinburgh Playhouse, Sunderland Empire, Liverpool Empire, Manchester Palace and the Bristol Hippodrome. Live Nation is one of the UK’s leading theatrical producers with investments in The Sound of Music (West End), The Producers (West End & Touring), Guys and Dolls (West End & Touring), Starlight Express (West End & Touring) and Chicago (Touring); and is joint owner of First Family Entertainment, the nation’s leading pantomime producer. For more information on Live Nation’s theatres visit www.LiveNationTheatres.co.uk . Live Nation (Venues) UK Limited is a part of Live Nation, the world's largest live music company. In 2006, Live Nation connected nearly 60 million fans with their favourite performers at approximately 26,000 events in 18 countries around the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV". For more information on Live Nation visit www.LiveNation.eu .
HELP THE AGED URGES LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE TO GEAR UP TO CAMPAIGN FOR THEIR LOCAL POST OFFICE
BIRMINGHAM COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE PUBLIC CONSULTATION BEGINS
The public consultation period for the proposed closure of post offices in Birmingham Coventry and Warwickshire started last week on June the 24th, of and older people’s charity Help the Aged is urging people to have a say in what happens to their local community post office by responding to the consultation. The Charity is providing a detailed briefing pack for people in the area who wish to respond.
In May 2007, Post Office Ltd and the Government agreed that nearly one in five post office branches (2,500) should close. Birmingham Coventry and Warwickshire is one of 46 area plans being published for consultation from now until the end of July 2008. The proposed area plans are the Post Office’s analysis of where those closures should occur.
Alan Burnett, Help the Aged Senior Policy Officer for Community Living, says: "Each area plan will be published for consultation, but the consultation period for each will only last six weeks. Consultees will need to act fast to submit evidence and prepare responses. With a large part of the older population likely to be affected, it is especially important that older people themselves get vigorously involved with this process.
“Petitions and placards won’t be enough - some closures are clearly inevitable. But well-researched and factually-based challenges to the Post Office proposals could shape the final outcome. Older people will bring practical information and local experience to an exercise which might otherwise simply reflect computer modelling and brief visits by post office officials. You can’t beat local knowledge."
Help the Aged is issuing the following advice to people interested in responding to the public consultation:
Write individual letters showing local knowledge and personal experience;
Examine the facts presented for closure closely;
Find out the views of the local post office staff – how do they help older people in the community?
Look closely at the journeys that will have to be made to alternative branches – are they practical? For instance is the one mile up a steep hill?
Find out what plans are in place to make nearby branches able to cope with increased demand;
Make sure the timetable for consultation has been followed exactly;
Enlist the help of the media, locally elected representatives and a local celebrity – but only in conjunction with a detailed and well documented case;
Use evidence gathered to campaign for a suitable replacement, for example, a mobile post office service.
The Help the Aged briefing pack is available from the Campaigns team on 020 7239 1930 or campaigns@helptheaged.org.uk.
Help the Aged urgently needs donations and support to help it in the increasingly challenging fight to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect. Visit http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/ or call 0207 239 1982.
CURDWORTH GOES BANANAS OVER FAIRTRADE
It’s official; Curdworth has become the first Fairtrade Village in Warwickshire – and the community has gone bananas.
The Asda store in Minworth supplied the Fairtrade fruit for a celebration munch-in when the news was announced. Now an official Fairtrade dedication ceremony is planned at the Curdworth Village Church Fete on Saturday 5 July when the raffle prizes will include a Fairtrade hamper.
‘The village has worked very hard to achieve this recognition by the Fairtrade Foundation’ said Carol Evans chairman of the steering group. ‘The whole community have been involved including the children of Curdworth Primary School who designed the village Fairtrade poster’.
The project began with the launch in January last year and since then the word has spread. Now Fairtrade tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits are available at all meetings in the village and after the Sunday morning church service. Vicky of Icons hair salon also offers Fairtrade drinks to her clients and The Old School House Hotel has Fairtrade hospitality trays in each of it’s guests bedrooms.
To qualify for Fairtrade status, villages, towns or cities, must set up a steering group to achieve support from the local council, shops, hotels and restaurants for Fairtrade products and workplaces and organisations must commit to using them.
‘Having achieved Fairtrade status’ said Carol ‘It’s good to know that by buying Fairtrade we are helping disadvantaged farmers and workers in the developing world to get a better deal’.
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Check out Phil Solomon in Bloxwich and on his radio show
Forthcoming Clairvoyance Demonstrations with Philip Solomon in July. Bloxwich Library Theatre, Friday 4th July, 7.30 pm. Tickets £9.50 pay on the door.
Listen to Philip Solomon's radio show Monday nights, 7-9pm. on WCR 101.8 FM, Wolverhampton City Radio. Listen worldwide on your computer at www.wcrfm.com. Recent guests have included Kelly Groucott (ELO), Rustie Lee (TV Chef), Don Powell (Slade), Dave Berry, Marty Wilde, Uri Geller, Derek Acorah, Lee Everett, Sonny West (Elvis' friend and bodyguard), Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe (Living TV), Mickey Rooney, Noddy Holder, Russell Grant, Susan Jeffers, Geno Washington, Madeline Bell, Paul Young, Alvin Stardust .....
You can now visit my on-line eBay shop at www.stores.ebay.co.uk/philipsolomonthepsychicworld, which offers all things for sale to do with me, including telephone-readings with me, and items from other famous mediums and psychics too. My website is www.philipsolomon.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
Listen to Philip Solomon's radio show Monday nights, 7-9pm. on WCR 101.8 FM, Wolverhampton City Radio. Listen worldwide on your computer at www.wcrfm.com. Recent guests have included Kelly Groucott (ELO), Rustie Lee (TV Chef), Don Powell (Slade), Dave Berry, Marty Wilde, Uri Geller, Derek Acorah, Lee Everett, Sonny West (Elvis' friend and bodyguard), Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe (Living TV), Mickey Rooney, Noddy Holder, Russell Grant, Susan Jeffers, Geno Washington, Madeline Bell, Paul Young, Alvin Stardust .....
You can now visit my on-line eBay shop at www.stores.ebay.co.uk/philipsolomonthepsychicworld, which offers all things for sale to do with me, including telephone-readings with me, and items from other famous mediums and psychics too. My website is www.philipsolomon.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk
Hinduism in the West Midlands
Hinduism developed in India over a period of about 3,000 years. The word literally means 'the religion of the peoples of India'. Hindus believe in many gods, although most believe in an absolute spiritual force behind them all known as Brahma. Brahma unfolds into the Trimurti (or trinity) made up of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the great preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer and re-creator). All Hindus believe in reincarnation and vegetarianism, holding the cow to be a sacred animal. Popular gods and heroes of Hinduism include Ganesha the god with an elephant's head, Rama the virtuous god-king and his wife Sita, Hanuman the monkey god and Krishna the blue coloured eighth avatar of Vishnu.
Hindus believe there are three ways to salvation: performing correct religious observances, understanding the meaning of life through reason and meditation, and thirdly through devotion through the worship of a particular deity. Tradionally Hindus are born into one of four castes. The holy books of Hinduism include the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas and Upanishads.
Over half of Hindus in the United Kingdom were born in this country. The majority of older Hindus came from Kutch and South Gujarat in India with others coming from Mirpur and Punjab on the north west frontier between India, Pakistan and Kashmir. Other Hindus came from Sylhet in Bangladesh and about 10% from East Africa, primarily Kenya and Uganda. The areas of highest concentration of Hindus in the West Midlands are Sandwell, Handsworth, Soho, Wolverhampton, Coventry and Walsall.
Birmingham
Swaminarayan Hindu Mission, 23-43 Ivor Road, Birmingham B11 4NR
Shree Geeta Bhawan Temple, 107 - 117 Heathfield Road, Birmingham B19 1HL
Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, 541a Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2JP
Shree Krishna Temple, 10 Sampson Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham B11 1JL
Shree Geeta Bhawan Temple, 107 - 117 Heathfield Road, Birmingham B19 1HL
Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, 541a Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2JP
Shree Krishna Temple, 10 Sampson Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham B11 1JL
Coventry
Baba Balak Nath Ji Mandir, Profit Avenue, Coventry CV6 7EQ
Hindu Mandir, 43 Sullivan Road, Coventry CV6 7JX
Hindu Temple, 274 Stoney Stanton Lane, Coventry CV6 5DJ
Iskcon Coventry, 19 Gloucester Street, Coventry CV1 3BZ
Krishna Templ, 92a Stoney Road, Coventry CV1 4FL
Sanatan Dharam Hindu Temple, 56 Mason Road, Coventry CV6 7FJ
Baba Balak Nath Ji Mandir, Profit Avenue, Coventry CV6 7EQ
Hindu Mandir, 43 Sullivan Road, Coventry CV6 7JX
Hindu Temple, 274 Stoney Stanton Lane, Coventry CV6 5DJ
Iskcon Coventry, 19 Gloucester Street, Coventry CV1 3BZ
Krishna Templ, 92a Stoney Road, Coventry CV1 4FL
Sanatan Dharam Hindu Temple, 56 Mason Road, Coventry CV6 7FJ
Dudley
Hindu Cultural Society - Mata Da Mandir, 57-59 King Street, Dudley DY2 8PY
Krishna Temple, Hope Street, Dudley DY2
Hindu Cultural Society - Mata Da Mandir, 57-59 King Street, Dudley DY2 8PY
Krishna Temple, Hope Street, Dudley DY2
Leamington Spa
Krishna Temple, 10b High Street, Leamington Spa CV31 ILW
Krishna Temple, 10b High Street, Leamington Spa CV31 ILW
Nuneaton
Hindu Gujarati Samaj, 45 Abbey Street, Nuneaton CV11 5DE
Hindu Gujarati Samaj, 45 Abbey Street, Nuneaton CV11 5DE
Rugby
Bharat Sevak Samaj-Rugby, 4 Kimberley Road, Rugby CV21 3EZ
Bharat Sevak Samaj-Rugby, 4 Kimberley Road, Rugby CV21 3EZ
Stoke on Trent
Hindu Cultural Centre, The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Hindu Cultural Centre, The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Walsall
Hindu Mandir, 139 Darlaston Road, Walsall WS1 4JL
Hindu Samaj Mandir, 48 Cook Street, Walsall
Mandir Baba Balak Nath, 96a Caldmore Road, Walsall WS1 3PD
Rama Mandir, Ford Street, Walsall W52 9BU
Hindu Samaj Mandal Temple, 18, Salisbury St., Darlaston, WS10
Hindu Mandir, 139 Darlaston Road, Walsall WS1 4JL
Hindu Samaj Mandir, 48 Cook Street, Walsall
Mandir Baba Balak Nath, 96a Caldmore Road, Walsall WS1 3PD
Rama Mandir, Ford Street, Walsall W52 9BU
Hindu Samaj Mandal Temple, 18, Salisbury St., Darlaston, WS10
West Bromwich
Hindu Cultural Resource Centre, 72-76 New Street, West Bromwich B70 7PT
Krishna Mandir, 25 Dilliars Walk, West Bromwich
Krishna Mandir, 81 Old Meeting Street, West Bromwich B70 9SZ
Hindu Cultural Resource Centre, 72-76 New Street, West Bromwich B70 7PT
Krishna Mandir, 25 Dilliars Walk, West Bromwich
Krishna Mandir, 81 Old Meeting Street, West Bromwich B70 9SZ
Wolverhampton
Krishan Mandir, 123 Penn Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 0DR
Rama-Krishna Temple, 39 Wellington Road, Wolverhampton
Krishan Mandir, 123 Penn Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 0DR
Rama-Krishna Temple, 39 Wellington Road, Wolverhampton
Hinduism Holy Days
Hindu festivals are largely linked with the movements of the sun and moon and with seasonal changes, but they also incorporate the myths of the Ramayana, and Krishna's activities.
Diwali (Deepvali) A festival of lights which celebrates the New Year. It is celebrated between late October and mid-November.
Makar Sankrant Makar Sankrant is the first Hindu festival of the solar calendar year.
Mahashivratri Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva, one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity.
Holi The spring festival associated with Krishna when people throw coloured powder and water at each other. Holi also celebrates creation and renewal.
Varsha Pratipada The Spring New Year festival.
Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) An April harvest or New Year's festival depending on area, Vaisakhi is also celebrated by Sikhs.
Rama Navami Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya.
Hanuman Jayanti This festival marks the birth of Hanuman, the Monkey God.
Raksha Bandhan The Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love.
Janamashtami (Krishna Jayanti) The festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most highly venerated God in the Hindu pantheon.
Ganesh Chaturthi This festival sees Hindus all over the world celebrating the birthday of Lord Ganesh.
Navaratri (Navratri) and Durga Puja Navaratri (nine nights) is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil.
Dasara (Dassehra) Ten days of celebration in honour of Durga or Kali. It is held between late September and mid-October and lasts nine days to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.
Alphaspaghettical Guide to the West Midlands
B is for Botanical Gardens
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens were opened in Westbourne Road in Edgbaston in 1832.
The gardens were partly instigated by Matthew Boulton, the renowned industrialist of Soho in Birmingham and designed by J. C. Loudon, a leading garden planner, horticultural journalist and publisher.
The Botanical Gardens include a fine range of glasshouses which were added during the latter part of the 19th century with displays of tropical plants, orchids and cacti. The gardens also feature exotic birds; a huge and diverse range of flowering trees and shrubs; rock, alpine and fern gardens; a children’s play area; several items of outdoor art; a band stand; a number of historical and other small themed gardens and the popular BBC Television Garden.
Today the gardens offer a superb opportunity for recreation and relaxation close to the centre of Birmingham. They also boast well-run conference and function facilities, a shop and a restaurant.
Today the gardens offer a superb opportunity for recreation and relaxation close to the centre of Birmingham. They also boast well-run conference and function facilities, a shop and a restaurant.
Partners In Crime
Introducing "Partners in Crime" a fantastic local group comprising three Brummie pals who went to Park Hall School together back in the 1970s. The three lads who first started making music back at school are Alec Price, Kevan Harrison and Richard Heath. With their amazing singer, Emma Skipp the group call themselves Partners In Crime and are now rated as one of the top most bands in the Midlands after winning Jasper Carrott`s Heart FM "Search for a Star".All information about this ace band, i.e. history, photos, music ang gigs, etc. can be found on their website at http://www.partners-in-crime.co.uk/
ALVESTON GIRLS FC CELEBRATE FUNDING AWARD FROM FOOTBALL FOUNDATION
Footballers in Alveston were celebrating today following a £3,300 grant awarded by the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity.
The cash bonanza will allow Alveston Girls FC to expand its Girls section at the club. It will allow more coaches to attend FA coaching courses, it will help with affiliation costs for each team as well as help provide the necessary first aid equipment needed. The hope is that a female coach can be recruited and trained who can then help with the girls expansion plans working closely with the Birmingham County FA.
The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association, Sport England and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity with a £45m budget going straight into the heart of football.
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: “We warmly congratulate Alveston Girls FC and the Birmingham County FA for their hard work and dedication in securing this award.
“Sport is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit, strengthen communities and promote responsibility amongst young people. I am delighted that Football Foundation investment is opening up access to sport in Alveston and encourage other organisations in the region to apply to us.”
Martin Beese, Chairman of Alveston FC said: “It’s fantastic that the Football Foundation has seen fit to award this grant to help build and grow the girls section within Alveston FC Allowing even more girls to benefit from the excellent facilities that already exist is great news.
“I would encourage all female players and prospective coaches who want to get involved here at Alveston FC to contact us on 07812 908 458 to discuss what we have to offer. We as a club have a long term vision to continue to develop girls football in the area.”
The cash bonanza will allow Alveston Girls FC to expand its Girls section at the club. It will allow more coaches to attend FA coaching courses, it will help with affiliation costs for each team as well as help provide the necessary first aid equipment needed. The hope is that a female coach can be recruited and trained who can then help with the girls expansion plans working closely with the Birmingham County FA.
The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association, Sport England and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity with a £45m budget going straight into the heart of football.
Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: “We warmly congratulate Alveston Girls FC and the Birmingham County FA for their hard work and dedication in securing this award.
“Sport is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit, strengthen communities and promote responsibility amongst young people. I am delighted that Football Foundation investment is opening up access to sport in Alveston and encourage other organisations in the region to apply to us.”
Martin Beese, Chairman of Alveston FC said: “It’s fantastic that the Football Foundation has seen fit to award this grant to help build and grow the girls section within Alveston FC Allowing even more girls to benefit from the excellent facilities that already exist is great news.
“I would encourage all female players and prospective coaches who want to get involved here at Alveston FC to contact us on 07812 908 458 to discuss what we have to offer. We as a club have a long term vision to continue to develop girls football in the area.”
Social enterprise initiative lacks direction, experts say
By Helen Warrell, Third Sector, 25 June 2008
The Government-funded initiative to raise the profile of social enterprise is unfocused and lacks direction, according to several of the 33 experts appointed to act as social enterprise ambassadors under the scheme.
The idea of appointing ambassadors to tell their stories at high-level events and in the media was set out in the Office of the Third Sector's social enterprise action plan in November 2006.
After a meeting last week to discuss the initiative, one ambassador, who asked not to be named, told Third Sector: "There is a shared criticism that the scheme hasn't been focused enough or got ambassadors into the right places or levels."Some ambassadors at the London event were dissatisfied with PR company Hanover. It was suggested the ambassadors should reclaim its annual £68,000 fee and promote themselves.
A Hanover spokeswoman said it was committed to the scheme, provided a significant pro bono contribution each year and wanted to continue working with the ambassadors. The Social Enterprise Coalition has overall responsibility for the scheme as part of a £600,000 deal.Jonathan Bland, chief executive of the coalition, said the programme would become more targeted.
He said the ambassadors were due to launch two campaigns: 'People', which will focus on attracting new entrants to the sector, and 'Growth and Scale', which will aim to take social enterprise to the next level.
Sam Conniff, an ambassador and co-founder of youth marketing enterprise Livity, said the "feisty" group had to focus on agreeing goals.
Read more articles like this one at:
http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/
The Government-funded initiative to raise the profile of social enterprise is unfocused and lacks direction, according to several of the 33 experts appointed to act as social enterprise ambassadors under the scheme.
The idea of appointing ambassadors to tell their stories at high-level events and in the media was set out in the Office of the Third Sector's social enterprise action plan in November 2006.
After a meeting last week to discuss the initiative, one ambassador, who asked not to be named, told Third Sector: "There is a shared criticism that the scheme hasn't been focused enough or got ambassadors into the right places or levels."Some ambassadors at the London event were dissatisfied with PR company Hanover. It was suggested the ambassadors should reclaim its annual £68,000 fee and promote themselves.
A Hanover spokeswoman said it was committed to the scheme, provided a significant pro bono contribution each year and wanted to continue working with the ambassadors. The Social Enterprise Coalition has overall responsibility for the scheme as part of a £600,000 deal.Jonathan Bland, chief executive of the coalition, said the programme would become more targeted.
He said the ambassadors were due to launch two campaigns: 'People', which will focus on attracting new entrants to the sector, and 'Growth and Scale', which will aim to take social enterprise to the next level.
Sam Conniff, an ambassador and co-founder of youth marketing enterprise Livity, said the "feisty" group had to focus on agreeing goals.
Read more articles like this one at:
http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/
Debt Advisor Position - Part Time
Community Advocacy Support & Advice (CASA)
CASA has a part time job vacancy for the post of debt adviser.
Application packs can be obtained from the Mary Street office contact 01214405022, they should be returned by 18th July 08. Interviews will take place in the 1st week in August 08 this post is for 1 year.
CASA has a part time job vacancy for the post of debt adviser.
Application packs can be obtained from the Mary Street office contact 01214405022, they should be returned by 18th July 08. Interviews will take place in the 1st week in August 08 this post is for 1 year.
Local children display creations for Mayor's Festival Parade in Stafford
Children from a number of primary schools in Stafford have been busily making fantastic creations for the Mayor's Festival Parade on Saturday 12 July as they walk through Stafford town centre.
The children pictured are from St Dominic's RC School in Stafford.
Limited Edition Book Week
The New Art Gallery Walsall
Tuesday 1 July-Sunday 6 July 2008
10am-4pm each day and 11am-4pm on Sunday
Get your hands on a selection of limited editon art catalogues all from The New Art Gallery Walsall catalogue collection. We have specialist catalogues from past exhibitions over the last eight years which are ideal for school libraries, art centres, colleges and art enthusiasts.
For one week only we are inviting our visitors to browse a fascinating selection of artists books in the foyer to take away in exchange for a small voluntary donation.
Everything must go so drop in to the gallery and see what we have to offer...
10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday.
You can also visit the Art Library, a free resource with art catalogues, journals, books and archive information relating to the gallery collections.
For more information about future exhibitions and events please contact gallery reception on 01922 654400, email info@artatwalsall.org.uk or visit artatwalsall.org.uk
For more information about the Art Library call 01922 654464 or email artlibrary@walsall.gov.uk
Tuesday 1 July-Sunday 6 July 2008
10am-4pm each day and 11am-4pm on Sunday
Get your hands on a selection of limited editon art catalogues all from The New Art Gallery Walsall catalogue collection. We have specialist catalogues from past exhibitions over the last eight years which are ideal for school libraries, art centres, colleges and art enthusiasts.
For one week only we are inviting our visitors to browse a fascinating selection of artists books in the foyer to take away in exchange for a small voluntary donation.
Everything must go so drop in to the gallery and see what we have to offer...
10am-4pm Tuesday-Saturday and 11am-4pm on Sunday.
You can also visit the Art Library, a free resource with art catalogues, journals, books and archive information relating to the gallery collections.
For more information about future exhibitions and events please contact gallery reception on 01922 654400, email info@artatwalsall.org.uk or visit artatwalsall.org.uk
For more information about the Art Library call 01922 654464 or email artlibrary@walsall.gov.uk
Friday, 27 June 2008
Blind Dave to open Summer Fayre at Harborne school
Come and meet Dave Heeley (aka Blind Dave) the edurance Marathon runner who recently made the record books by becoming the first disabled athlete to run seven Marathons on seven different continents in seven consecutive days.
Dave has kindly agreed to open the summer fayre at Our Lady of Fatima primary school in Winchfield Drive, Harborne (opposite Lightwoods Park off Hagley Road) on Saturday 5th July 2008.
The annual summer fayre is organised by the Parent Teacher Association of the school to raise funds for school equipment and activities for the children. PTA Treasurer, Pete Millington, said:
"We are delighted that Dave has agreed to open our summer fayre, as an endurance athlete his recent achievement in running seven marathons on seven continents in seven days is incredible whilst also raising awareness about visual impairment on the way. To run a single marathon is beyond the expectations of most of us, the achievement of running seven in quick succession with long-haul inter-continental flights in between is truly remarkable and the feat also showed how disability does not have to be a personal barrier to achievement in any sphere of life. Dave achieved his success alongside his running buddy, Malc, which again makes a strong statement about how people can work together as equals to achieve their aspirations"
Pete continued:
"With the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games coming to England in four years time, we believe that children and young people in particular will benefit from direct contact with their sporting heroes and we are certain that the pupils of Our Lady of Fatima will benefit from Dave's visit to the school and will begin to think about disability issues".
So please come along and give Dave a cheer as one of our local sporting heroes, then stay and enjoy the summer fayre!
HEREFORD CHAMBER CHOIR CELEBRATES 25 YEARS OF MUSIC
Hereford Chamber Choir will be celebrating their 25th anniversary with a special concert at Hereford Cathedral on Saturday 5 July at 7.30 pm with an exciting programme of music including a specially commissioned work for the evening.
Hereford Jubilate by composer Andrew Carter has drawn on his knowledge and appreciation of Herefordshire while also ensuring that the music remains approachable for both the singer and listener.
‘This has very much been the nature of Andrew’s work in the past,’ said Howard Seymour, director of the chamber choir. ‘I have worked with him a number of times over the years and I know that we will be in for a great treat and I am particularly delighted that he will be joining us for the premiere.’
Andrew Carter is well known for his choral and organ works, which have been performed at King’s College Cambridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and York Minster, where he sang for several years as a member of their choir. His works also regularly feature in television and radio broadcasts and with BBC Magazine named Andrew Carter’s Christmas Carols, conducted by the composer, as one of the ’10 best ever’ Christmas CDs. Mary’s Magnificat was commissioned by former Hereford Cathedral organist, Dr Roy Massey, and was performed at the cathedral in 1986.
‘The music for the evening will be centred around anniversaries as we will be celebrating the 25 anniversary of the choir,’ said Howard Seymour. ‘The first half will be full of late 19th century and Edwardian music – full of swagger! The second half will contain more modern and contemporary pieces, which we hope will mean that the programme will appeal to as wide an audience as possible.’
Also appearing during the evening will be Lundon Hills, piano and organ, Edward Seymour bass and Cathedral Brass directed by Roger Tomlinson. The evening is directed by Howard Seymour.
Tickets for the concert are priced £10 (£8 senior/students) and can be purchased from the Cathedral Café, The Outback Hereford, or on the door of the concert. The concert is in support of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust.
Hereford Jubilate by composer Andrew Carter has drawn on his knowledge and appreciation of Herefordshire while also ensuring that the music remains approachable for both the singer and listener.
‘This has very much been the nature of Andrew’s work in the past,’ said Howard Seymour, director of the chamber choir. ‘I have worked with him a number of times over the years and I know that we will be in for a great treat and I am particularly delighted that he will be joining us for the premiere.’
Andrew Carter is well known for his choral and organ works, which have been performed at King’s College Cambridge, St Paul’s Cathedral and York Minster, where he sang for several years as a member of their choir. His works also regularly feature in television and radio broadcasts and with BBC Magazine named Andrew Carter’s Christmas Carols, conducted by the composer, as one of the ’10 best ever’ Christmas CDs. Mary’s Magnificat was commissioned by former Hereford Cathedral organist, Dr Roy Massey, and was performed at the cathedral in 1986.
‘The music for the evening will be centred around anniversaries as we will be celebrating the 25 anniversary of the choir,’ said Howard Seymour. ‘The first half will be full of late 19th century and Edwardian music – full of swagger! The second half will contain more modern and contemporary pieces, which we hope will mean that the programme will appeal to as wide an audience as possible.’
Also appearing during the evening will be Lundon Hills, piano and organ, Edward Seymour bass and Cathedral Brass directed by Roger Tomlinson. The evening is directed by Howard Seymour.
Tickets for the concert are priced £10 (£8 senior/students) and can be purchased from the Cathedral Café, The Outback Hereford, or on the door of the concert. The concert is in support of Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust.
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Brummie band UB40 new album
We are delighted to confirm that UB40 will finally be releasing their long awaited and much anticipated 25th studio album"TWENTYFOURSEVEN" in late June on their own independent record label REFLEXMUZIC. It's the bands final recording with former member and lead singer ALI CAMPBELL.
The band will also perform five UK shows this year as part of their world tour
05th July Brentwood Showground - Middlesex
13th July Petworth House - West Sussex
23rd July Motorshow - London
26th July Sound Island Festival - Kent
13th September Bowood House -Wiltshire
The band have always shunned the media spotlight, except when the band areperforming and raising money for charities (such as the United Nations AIDSAwareness Campaign and the Teenage Cancer Trust) or when appearing at suchworthy global causes as LIVE 8 when they joined the likes of MADONNA, PAULMcCARTNEY, ROBBIE WILLIAMS and ELTON JOHN for their historic performance inLondon. The band also appeared at former US Vice President Al Gore's LIVE EARTH concerts in Johannesburg alongside RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS, FOO FIGHTERS, SNOWPATROL, RAZORLIGHT, THE POLICE, ALICIA KEYS and KANYE WEST.
These causes serve to emphasise UB40's commitment to charitable causes and awareness of key humanitarian issues, that reaches back to their very earliest days UB40 are without doubt the world's biggest, most popular, well loved reggae band and one of the UK's finest musical exports. Their career has spanned three decades and next to the late great Bob Marley, no other band has done more to popularise reggae than UB40. Their combined single and album sales are in excessof 70 million with a staggering 41 Top 40 singles! A list of UB40's best-known songs reads like a litany of alternative national anthems: "One In Ten", "King","Tyler", "Many Rivers To Cross", "Cherry Oh Baby", "If It Happens Again", "I GotYou Babe", "Don't Break My Heart", "Rat In Mi Kitchen", "Homely Girl", "KingstonTown", "Higher Ground", "Red Red Wine" "Can't Help Falling In Love.
Their phenomenal success has earned them a rightful place alongside such great British artists as the BEATLES, the ROLLING STONES, LED ZEPPELIN and U2. They've had Number 1 smash hits in virtually every chart on the planet, including the notoriously hard-to-crack American market, a feat to which even British superstars Robbie Williams and Oasis have yet to conquer. UB40's celebrity following includes the likes of GWEN STEFANI, SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY and KEITHALLEN, while Hollywood A list big hitters KIEFER SUTHERLAND and SHARON STONE are fully-paid-up members of the UB40 fan-club. Their musical collaborations overthe past three decades have included such esteemed company as the late Robert Palmer, Chrissie Hynde, Afrika Bambaataa, 808 State, The Mighty Diamonds,Freddie McGregor, John Holt, Toots Hibbert, Gregory Isaacs, Max Romeo, andBeenie Man to name but a few
"TWENTYFOURSEVEN" represents UB40 at their creative and musical best which takes strength and inspiration from their political and social conscience, arguably producing one of their finest albums to date of original material, coverversions and collaborations.
The new album features seventeen tracks with collaborations from reggae stalwart MAXI PRIEST, 1 LOVE & RASA DON from ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, MARVIN PRIEST and HUNTERZ. The album was recorded in Birmingham,London, Sweden, New York & Fayetteville, Georgia, USA. The "TWENTYFOURSEVEN"full track listing is;
End Of War
Lost And Found
Dance Until The Morning Light
This Is How It Is
Rainbow Nation
Here We Go Again
I Shot The Sheriff
Oh America! (Extended version)
Once Around
Slow Down
I'll Be Back
Instant Radical
Change Of Perception
It's All In The Game
I'll Be There
Middle Of The Night
Securing The Peace
The Road
Highlights of the album include; "Lost And Found" a soulful duet between Ali Campbell and Astro, taken from the bands recent musical "Promises & Lies" a song about self realisation, from lonely desperation to redemption."Dance Until The Morning Light" (the double a-sided single) features a groovy sample loop taken from Desmond Dekker and the Aces' groundbreaking 1968 hit' Israelites' featuring Maxi Priest on vocals with rapper 'Truth'."Rainbow Nation" a poignant and haunting song that the band wrote 30 years on asa follow up to the original song 'Tyler' taken from UB40's first album 'Signing Off'. The song is about Gary Tyler, a black Southern Louisiana prisoner, incarcerated 35 years ago for a crime he didn't commit. Today after numerous appeals he remains on Death Row as one of the world's longest serving prisoners."I'll Be Back", a cover of the BEATLES classic from the album 'A Hard Days Night' originally sang by John Lennon and performed this time by UB40's Robin Campbell. "End Of War" An anti war song, the title of which was taken and inspired by President John F Kennedy's September 25th speech in 1961 to the UN General Assembly. The title says it all ' Mankind must put an end to war or war will end mankind'. A lyric that talks about the futility of war, its endlessrepetition, despite the experience of our past mistakes."I Shot The Sheriff" a collaboration between UB40 and Maxi Priest paying homage to Bob Marley's timeless classic.
The band will also perform five UK shows this year as part of their world tour
05th July Brentwood Showground - Middlesex
13th July Petworth House - West Sussex
23rd July Motorshow - London
26th July Sound Island Festival - Kent
13th September Bowood House -Wiltshire
The band have always shunned the media spotlight, except when the band areperforming and raising money for charities (such as the United Nations AIDSAwareness Campaign and the Teenage Cancer Trust) or when appearing at suchworthy global causes as LIVE 8 when they joined the likes of MADONNA, PAULMcCARTNEY, ROBBIE WILLIAMS and ELTON JOHN for their historic performance inLondon. The band also appeared at former US Vice President Al Gore's LIVE EARTH concerts in Johannesburg alongside RED HOT CHILLI PEPPERS, FOO FIGHTERS, SNOWPATROL, RAZORLIGHT, THE POLICE, ALICIA KEYS and KANYE WEST.
These causes serve to emphasise UB40's commitment to charitable causes and awareness of key humanitarian issues, that reaches back to their very earliest days UB40 are without doubt the world's biggest, most popular, well loved reggae band and one of the UK's finest musical exports. Their career has spanned three decades and next to the late great Bob Marley, no other band has done more to popularise reggae than UB40. Their combined single and album sales are in excessof 70 million with a staggering 41 Top 40 singles! A list of UB40's best-known songs reads like a litany of alternative national anthems: "One In Ten", "King","Tyler", "Many Rivers To Cross", "Cherry Oh Baby", "If It Happens Again", "I GotYou Babe", "Don't Break My Heart", "Rat In Mi Kitchen", "Homely Girl", "KingstonTown", "Higher Ground", "Red Red Wine" "Can't Help Falling In Love.
Their phenomenal success has earned them a rightful place alongside such great British artists as the BEATLES, the ROLLING STONES, LED ZEPPELIN and U2. They've had Number 1 smash hits in virtually every chart on the planet, including the notoriously hard-to-crack American market, a feat to which even British superstars Robbie Williams and Oasis have yet to conquer. UB40's celebrity following includes the likes of GWEN STEFANI, SIR PAUL MCCARTNEY and KEITHALLEN, while Hollywood A list big hitters KIEFER SUTHERLAND and SHARON STONE are fully-paid-up members of the UB40 fan-club. Their musical collaborations overthe past three decades have included such esteemed company as the late Robert Palmer, Chrissie Hynde, Afrika Bambaataa, 808 State, The Mighty Diamonds,Freddie McGregor, John Holt, Toots Hibbert, Gregory Isaacs, Max Romeo, andBeenie Man to name but a few
"TWENTYFOURSEVEN" represents UB40 at their creative and musical best which takes strength and inspiration from their political and social conscience, arguably producing one of their finest albums to date of original material, coverversions and collaborations.
The new album features seventeen tracks with collaborations from reggae stalwart MAXI PRIEST, 1 LOVE & RASA DON from ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, MARVIN PRIEST and HUNTERZ. The album was recorded in Birmingham,London, Sweden, New York & Fayetteville, Georgia, USA. The "TWENTYFOURSEVEN"full track listing is;
End Of War
Lost And Found
Dance Until The Morning Light
This Is How It Is
Rainbow Nation
Here We Go Again
I Shot The Sheriff
Oh America! (Extended version)
Once Around
Slow Down
I'll Be Back
Instant Radical
Change Of Perception
It's All In The Game
I'll Be There
Middle Of The Night
Securing The Peace
The Road
Highlights of the album include; "Lost And Found" a soulful duet between Ali Campbell and Astro, taken from the bands recent musical "Promises & Lies" a song about self realisation, from lonely desperation to redemption."Dance Until The Morning Light" (the double a-sided single) features a groovy sample loop taken from Desmond Dekker and the Aces' groundbreaking 1968 hit' Israelites' featuring Maxi Priest on vocals with rapper 'Truth'."Rainbow Nation" a poignant and haunting song that the band wrote 30 years on asa follow up to the original song 'Tyler' taken from UB40's first album 'Signing Off'. The song is about Gary Tyler, a black Southern Louisiana prisoner, incarcerated 35 years ago for a crime he didn't commit. Today after numerous appeals he remains on Death Row as one of the world's longest serving prisoners."I'll Be Back", a cover of the BEATLES classic from the album 'A Hard Days Night' originally sang by John Lennon and performed this time by UB40's Robin Campbell. "End Of War" An anti war song, the title of which was taken and inspired by President John F Kennedy's September 25th speech in 1961 to the UN General Assembly. The title says it all ' Mankind must put an end to war or war will end mankind'. A lyric that talks about the futility of war, its endlessrepetition, despite the experience of our past mistakes."I Shot The Sheriff" a collaboration between UB40 and Maxi Priest paying homage to Bob Marley's timeless classic.
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Stoneleigh show calls out for local models
Ladies who fancy themselves as the next Twiggy or Naomi Campbell will have the chance to take to the catwalk and make their modeling debut at the National Park Home and Leisure Lodge Show. The fashion show, held in association with Dorothy Perkins and organised by Smartys, will run daily throughout the duration of the show at Stoneleigh Park, from 16-20 July.
Dorothy Perkins in Coventry has teamed up with the National Park Home and Leisure Lodge Show - Europe’s largest show of its kind - and will showcase this season’s latest fashions for visitors to check out as they hit the high streets. Fashion show organiser Smartys, has nearly a decade of experience of hosting live catwalk shows and promises a fun and inspiring show. They will present a range of models of all shapes and sizes who will strut their stuff on the catwalk.
Organisers will choose one lucky reader, who will have the opportunity to model on Saturday 19 July at the show. The winner will have their hair and make-up done by a professional and get the chance to model some of this season’s top trends, picking up styling tips as they go. The prize will also include four tickets to the show and the winner will receive lunch and refreshments.
The fashion show will complement the main theme of the show - aspirational living - and provide visitors with entertainment and advice on this season’s must-have fashion. Smartys will also be taking a stand at the show and will offer ladies the chance to purchase the clothes on display, with huge discounts off the high street price.
“We are delighted to be involved with the show,” explained Darren Whiley, managing director of Smartys. “We have lots of experience at putting on fashion shows for a range of events and know that it will provide a lot of fun at the show, as well as giving ladies their shopping fix! It is very exciting to be opening up the catwalk to ladies everywhere by offering them the chance to win a modeling experience - I look forward to working with the winners at the show.”
The National Park Home and Leisure Lodge Show will showcase over 45 of the most exclusive park home and leisure lodge properties. Situated in Stoneleigh Park’s modern exhibition halls and beautiful surrounding grounds, it will be a one-stop-shop for those exploring park homes and leisure lodges for the first time.
Whether visitors are looking for that all important lifestyle change, to release equity in their property, to retire in style or for the perfect family holiday retreat, the show has something for everyone. In addition, there are a range of interactive features to ensure everyone leaves inspired and informed - and ultimately has a great day out. Visitors can try their hand at ballroom dancing with guidance from a group of professionals and join in health and fitness demonstrations.
To enter the competition for the chance to model at the show, send your name, age, address and dress size to info@atanyevent.co.uk or At Any Event Limited, 38 Wellesbourne House, Walton Road, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, CV35 9JB.
To find out more about the show visit www.parkhomeandleisure.co.uk or book tickets by calling the box office on 0871 9454510.
Dorothy Perkins in Coventry has teamed up with the National Park Home and Leisure Lodge Show - Europe’s largest show of its kind - and will showcase this season’s latest fashions for visitors to check out as they hit the high streets. Fashion show organiser Smartys, has nearly a decade of experience of hosting live catwalk shows and promises a fun and inspiring show. They will present a range of models of all shapes and sizes who will strut their stuff on the catwalk.
Organisers will choose one lucky reader, who will have the opportunity to model on Saturday 19 July at the show. The winner will have their hair and make-up done by a professional and get the chance to model some of this season’s top trends, picking up styling tips as they go. The prize will also include four tickets to the show and the winner will receive lunch and refreshments.
The fashion show will complement the main theme of the show - aspirational living - and provide visitors with entertainment and advice on this season’s must-have fashion. Smartys will also be taking a stand at the show and will offer ladies the chance to purchase the clothes on display, with huge discounts off the high street price.
“We are delighted to be involved with the show,” explained Darren Whiley, managing director of Smartys. “We have lots of experience at putting on fashion shows for a range of events and know that it will provide a lot of fun at the show, as well as giving ladies their shopping fix! It is very exciting to be opening up the catwalk to ladies everywhere by offering them the chance to win a modeling experience - I look forward to working with the winners at the show.”
The National Park Home and Leisure Lodge Show will showcase over 45 of the most exclusive park home and leisure lodge properties. Situated in Stoneleigh Park’s modern exhibition halls and beautiful surrounding grounds, it will be a one-stop-shop for those exploring park homes and leisure lodges for the first time.
Whether visitors are looking for that all important lifestyle change, to release equity in their property, to retire in style or for the perfect family holiday retreat, the show has something for everyone. In addition, there are a range of interactive features to ensure everyone leaves inspired and informed - and ultimately has a great day out. Visitors can try their hand at ballroom dancing with guidance from a group of professionals and join in health and fitness demonstrations.
To enter the competition for the chance to model at the show, send your name, age, address and dress size to info@atanyevent.co.uk or At Any Event Limited, 38 Wellesbourne House, Walton Road, Wellesbourne, Warwickshire, CV35 9JB.
To find out more about the show visit www.parkhomeandleisure.co.uk or book tickets by calling the box office on 0871 9454510.
Basil’s Shark Babies Fed By Hand
Baby bamboo sharks are growing rapidly at Birmingham’s National Sea Life Centre…thanks to a helping hand!
The five youngsters are thriving on a diet of tiny mysis shrimps, but will only consume their full daily ration if allowed to eat out of the palm of someone’s hand.
That someone is more often than not aquarist Lynsey Thompson, who explained that the babies shared their tank for the first few weeks of their lives with a shoal of greedy box fish.
“The sharks are a little bit dopey, and by the time they spurred themselves into action the box fish had eaten all the food,” said Lynsey.
“We started hand-feeding them to make sure they got enough, and now, even though the box fish have been moved to another tank, the sharks still want their meals hand-delivered.
“It sounds like a hazardous job, but if you cup the food in your palm they basically vacuum it up and there’s little danger of losing any fingers.”
Measuring between eight inches and a foot long, the five youngsters are the off-spring of well-known Sea Life resident Basil…formerly the much treasured pet of Acocks Green man Mike Sparrow.
Basil was himself just a foot long when Mike first acquired him from a garden centre, but more than doubled in size in the space of 12 months, threatening to burst out of the biggest tank Mike was able to provide him with.
“It was when he started turning over two kilogram rocks with his nose that I realised he needed a bigger home,” said Mike.
While he was the only shark in Mike’s tank, Basil was soon introduced to female bamboo sharks in his new home at the Sea Life Centre.
At least two of those females have produced the eggs from which five babies have emerged so far, and there are more eggs yet to hatch.
“We hadn’t anticipated the rearing of these babies being quite so labour intensive,” said Lynsey, “but we’re confident once they move onto diced squid and mackerel that we’ll soon get them feeding for themselves.”
The five youngsters are thriving on a diet of tiny mysis shrimps, but will only consume their full daily ration if allowed to eat out of the palm of someone’s hand.
That someone is more often than not aquarist Lynsey Thompson, who explained that the babies shared their tank for the first few weeks of their lives with a shoal of greedy box fish.
“The sharks are a little bit dopey, and by the time they spurred themselves into action the box fish had eaten all the food,” said Lynsey.
“We started hand-feeding them to make sure they got enough, and now, even though the box fish have been moved to another tank, the sharks still want their meals hand-delivered.
“It sounds like a hazardous job, but if you cup the food in your palm they basically vacuum it up and there’s little danger of losing any fingers.”
Measuring between eight inches and a foot long, the five youngsters are the off-spring of well-known Sea Life resident Basil…formerly the much treasured pet of Acocks Green man Mike Sparrow.
Basil was himself just a foot long when Mike first acquired him from a garden centre, but more than doubled in size in the space of 12 months, threatening to burst out of the biggest tank Mike was able to provide him with.
“It was when he started turning over two kilogram rocks with his nose that I realised he needed a bigger home,” said Mike.
While he was the only shark in Mike’s tank, Basil was soon introduced to female bamboo sharks in his new home at the Sea Life Centre.
At least two of those females have produced the eggs from which five babies have emerged so far, and there are more eggs yet to hatch.
“We hadn’t anticipated the rearing of these babies being quite so labour intensive,” said Lynsey, “but we’re confident once they move onto diced squid and mackerel that we’ll soon get them feeding for themselves.”
A Midsummer Night's Dream
Hi Everyone
An outdoor theatre performance is being held at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens on Saturday 28 June 2008 at 7.00 pm (gates will open at 6.00 pm).
The Crescent Theatre is staging A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Theatre goers are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy this classic in the surroundings of this unique 18th century restored walled garden.
Tickets are £8.00 and are available from the Gardens 0121 749 4100 or the Crescent Theatre Box Office 0121 643 5858.
Many thanks.
Sue Brain
Administrator
Castle Bromwich Hall & Gardens Trust
Chester Road
Castle Bromwich
Birmingham B36 9BT
An outdoor theatre performance is being held at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens on Saturday 28 June 2008 at 7.00 pm (gates will open at 6.00 pm).
The Crescent Theatre is staging A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. Theatre goers are invited to bring a picnic to enjoy this classic in the surroundings of this unique 18th century restored walled garden.
Tickets are £8.00 and are available from the Gardens 0121 749 4100 or the Crescent Theatre Box Office 0121 643 5858.
Many thanks.
Sue Brain
Administrator
Castle Bromwich Hall & Gardens Trust
Chester Road
Castle Bromwich
Birmingham B36 9BT
Learning disability artists grace Shire Hall (WCC)
Warwickshire County Council welcomed a group of inspiring artists to Shire Hall prior to cabinet today as part of Learning Disability Awareness Week (June 15-21). Mencap ACE (Arts and Crafts Extraordinaire) Arts Group were congratulated by the leader of the council, Cllr Alan Farnell on the display of paintings which had recently gained awards and praise alike in the Nuneaton Festival of Arts.
The group submitted eight paintings with Sarah Cousins''Ripened by the Sun' coming first in her category of still life. Nigel Smith's 'Star Wars - Lost in Space' received a merit in the fantasy category and the works of Julie Benham, Sara Baxter, Geoff Mansell, David Connolly, Clifford Steele, Marion Willden and Jenny Measures were all displayed.The group was set up with a grant from National Mencap, and is run by volunteers lead by Susan Steele who said:
"The paintings were all submitted without organisers knowing of the background of the artists and the praise and awards they have garnered is on merit alone. No dispensation was made for our artists and nor was it asked for. We are all delighted that our work is receiving such a high level of praise and recognition."
Leader of Warwickshire County Council, Cllr Alan Farnell, expressed his delight and admiration, on behalf of the county council. He said: "I don't profess to be an art critic but even I could tell that the standard of art on display was of an extremely high standard."
Given the disabilities that the artists face, the work was remarkable and my colleagues have joined me in remarking upon how inspiring it was for us to see the art and have the opportunity to meet the very talented group behind it."
Nuneaton ACE meets at Chetwynd House every Wednesday and welcomes new members with learning disabilities and carers who might well enjoy a relaxing afternoon being artistic. For further details contact Gill Smith on 02476 342447.
Picture shows Nigel and Sarah with their paintings and CllrAlan Farnell, leader of Warwickshire County Council
SNAP DRAGONS!
British Waterways is calling upon people in Birmingham to help capture the dragons of the waterBritish Waterways is launching a wildlife photography competition for people living near the Birmingham & Fazely and Grand Union canals, and wants to see their snaps of dragonflies and damselflies – the dragons of the water! The competition is designed to get people of all ages taking an active part in the organisation’s fifth annual wildlife survey which records biodiversity on the inland waterways, and is used to help British Waterways plan the management of its canals and rivers and the protection of their rich array of wildlife.
Last year, despite the wet weather, there were almost 4000 sightings of over 60 different species and for 2008, British Waterways has joined forces with the British Dragonfly Society to focus on dragonflies and damselflies. These are two of the UK’s most visually stunning insects which, in recent years, have come under threat from habitat destruction and the effects of climate change.
A cash prize of £100 is offered for the best photograph submitted to www.waterscape.com/wildlife during this year’s survey, which begins in May and closes on 30 September 2008. For the first time, British Waterways is opening the competition to children under 12, who have chance to win £50 of vouchers for their photos. The winning entries, along with a selection of runners-up entries, will be published on Waterscape.com.(1)
Dr Mark Robinson, National Ecology Manager at British Waterways explains:
“Watch out for dragonflies on sunny days, basking on light coloured surfaces including fences and footpaths. Dragonflies and damselflies belong to the same family but are easy to tell apart: Dragonflies are larger, faster and more aggressive, but don’t worry - they don’t bite or sting. Their wings are outstretched at rest, and males often set up territories which they can be seen patrolling. Damselflies are delicate, very thin, and fold their wings back over their bodies at rest. Look out for clouds of them flitting over the water surface and amongst waterside vegetation.”
Over half the population lives within five miles of one of British Waterways canals or rivers visit your local waterway this summer, whether by boat, foot or bike and tell us about the wildlife you see there.
To find out more about the competition or to take part in the survey www.waterscape.com/wildlifephotocompetition . Alternatively, people can take part by filling in a freepost reply form, part of a special wildlife guide for families visiting the waterways, downloadable from Waterscape.com or available by calling British Waterways Customer Service Centre on 01923 201120.
Art Exhibition - Trevor and Andrew Boult
You are invited to TREVOR AND ANDREW BOULTS 2008 EXHIBITION
To be held at the Berkswell Reading Room in the village of Berkswell from Saturday the 23rd to Wednesday August the 27th at 5pm.
To see a selection of work that will be available at this exhibition have a look in the preview gallery.
We know of no other major exhibitions that engage directly with the general public on this scale. On display will be well over one hundred and eighty originals plus fine art prints framed and unframed as well as a large range of greeting cards.
This is a rare opportunity to enjoy a major exhibition of traditional and contemporary watercolour paintings as well as fine art prints that reveals the beauty and romanticism of the British countryside captured so passionately by two of the leading exponents of watercolour techniques.
Trevor’s work is highly accomplished and detailed, he has received two major commissions from and for The Queen and his work has been profiled on The Heart of the Country television programme.
Andrew’s work combines dramatic powerful images with subtlety and sensitivity. He has established strong support for his unique and visually challenging work. He is a regular contributor to the Leisure Painter magazine. Visit his web site at: www.andrewboult.co.uk
Berkswell where the exhibition is being held is a picturesque English village with half timbered buildings, a beautiful church, interesting museum and a renowned pub.Home made cakes and cream teas will be served throughout the exhibition made by a volunteer team of helpers who are raising funds for the maintenance of the wonderful hall where the exhibition is being held.
Trevor Boult and Andrew run art classes and workshops throughout the year, information about them will be available at the exhibition or again you can find out more information through this web site and our email address.
During the exhibition, a Trevor Boult original will be raffled to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
Entry is free and there is ample parking and disabled access.
To be held at the Berkswell Reading Room in the village of Berkswell from Saturday the 23rd to Wednesday August the 27th at 5pm.
To see a selection of work that will be available at this exhibition have a look in the preview gallery.
We know of no other major exhibitions that engage directly with the general public on this scale. On display will be well over one hundred and eighty originals plus fine art prints framed and unframed as well as a large range of greeting cards.
This is a rare opportunity to enjoy a major exhibition of traditional and contemporary watercolour paintings as well as fine art prints that reveals the beauty and romanticism of the British countryside captured so passionately by two of the leading exponents of watercolour techniques.
Trevor’s work is highly accomplished and detailed, he has received two major commissions from and for The Queen and his work has been profiled on The Heart of the Country television programme.
Andrew’s work combines dramatic powerful images with subtlety and sensitivity. He has established strong support for his unique and visually challenging work. He is a regular contributor to the Leisure Painter magazine. Visit his web site at: www.andrewboult.co.uk
Berkswell where the exhibition is being held is a picturesque English village with half timbered buildings, a beautiful church, interesting museum and a renowned pub.Home made cakes and cream teas will be served throughout the exhibition made by a volunteer team of helpers who are raising funds for the maintenance of the wonderful hall where the exhibition is being held.
Trevor Boult and Andrew run art classes and workshops throughout the year, information about them will be available at the exhibition or again you can find out more information through this web site and our email address.
During the exhibition, a Trevor Boult original will be raffled to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.
Entry is free and there is ample parking and disabled access.
A look at Golf in Scotland….By Dennis Shaw
Padraid Harrington (a Carnoustie Champion, in 2007)
Following in the Footsteps of the Superstars…& a Superclown !
One of the many enjoyable benefits of being a golf journalist is the occasional invitations sent out by tourists authorities to take part in a promotional visits to their region in order to sample local courses and allied attractions.
As a member of the European Golf and Travel Media Association (EGTMA) your new columnist falls into this privileged category and, as such, took part recently in what was entitled The Home of Golf Challenge involving rounds at five courses in the Carnoustie region of Scotland.
Here, I have to come clean, and confess that, despite having attended Open Championships at St Andrews (twice), Troon (twice), Muirfield and Carnoustie, I’ve never actually played links golf in Scotland…in other words golf as it was originally created back in the mists of previous centuries.
So now, with that omission remedied, my name can be added to those millions of golfers ahead of me who understand that these particular areas of coastline were created by nature with two specific purposes in mind: firstly as a habitat for wildlife and secondly for humans to join them by playing the finest game that life can offer.
Our hosts, (http://golf.visitscotland.com/) provided an itinerary that took in five rounds of golf in five days on different course within less than an hour’s drive with accommodation first at the elegant old ancestral home of Letham Grange, and secondly at Carnoustie Hotel overlooking its famous course.
We played the Open Championship qualifying courses at Montifieth, Montrose, Panmuir and two courses at Carnoustie, including the Burnside, while being ‘fed and watered’ in some style between rounds. As ‘work’ goes, that sure beats digging ditches….
There is insufficient space here to describe the various courses. Nor is there any need. When golf began (and nobody is quite sure when that was) the modern-day practice of shifting trillions of tons of earth while artificially producing water hazards and re-arranging the earth’s surface had not begun.
Back then they embroidered fairways around existing areas of sand dunes, gorse, copses, hillocks and valleys, located an area most suited to be a putting green, and encouraged enthusiasts to negotiate the ball around a stretch of coastline that had been left pretty much as nature intended. That’s still the feeling you get today and very enjoyable it is, too.
While at Carnoustie a small incident prompted me to ask myself the question…‘in what other activity could this possibly be?’ Changing into my golf shoes in the locker room I noticed what at first seemed to be some scrawled graffiti on one of the locker doors opposite.
Intrigued (and, initially, disturbed) that any golfer would ‘deface’ such a revered environment I took a closer look.
This wasn’t ‘graffiti’ in the normal sense but a piece of recent history. ‘The 2007 Open Champion changed here,’ it read. And it was signed, along with a sketch of a shamrock, by Padraig Harrington. So here’s me - a high handicap great grandfather, barely able to walk around the course - about to tread in the footsteps of the world’s greatest players.
Does this happen in any other sport where, for the payment of a fee, you will use precisely the same facilities, and play on the same terrain, as the super heroes?’ I don’t think so. (This year’s US Open was staged at Torrey Pines…a municipal course where any Joe or Janice can pay-and-play. Rather like cricket staging a Test Match in the local park….)
And finally…how could one re-visit Carnoustie without re-calling the 1999 when that cheerful Frenchman, Jean Van de Velde threw away the 1999 Open Championship by staging golf’s blackest of black comedies ? I recall it particularly well because I happened to be sitting in the stand some 20 yards from where the scene pictured on this page.
I grit my teeth here to express the unpopular view that before his brain, not to mention his caddie’s, got out of sync with reality he was the UNLUCKIEST GOLFER ever to lose The Open.
That second shot he played wasn’t as bad, or as stupid, in my view, as is popularly presented. It actually fizzed in front of the noses of those of us sitting in that stand and, in 99 cases out of a hundred, or maybe 999 times out of a thousand, it would have dropped down into an ‘unplayable lie’ from the front of the stand thus allowing him to take his third shot from a DZ (Dropping Zone) near the green. An easy lob, two putts and he would have been crowned champion.
But, disastrously for him, the ball must have struck a steel scaffolding girder dead centre from where it rebounded, freakishly, some 25 yards into what monstrously looked something like a cornfield that never should have been there (it isn’t now, by the way!)…and it was then that he morphed himself from golf professional to circus clown.
Instead of hacking out sideways onto the fairway with this third shot, then onto the green, and one or two putts for victory, he chose to try an impossible shot to the green in three, splashed into the Barry Burn, took his socks off and went for a paddle (see picture below)…and, I gather, almost gave TV commentator Peter Alliss apoplexy…
That’s golf for you…the sport that truly does have everything.
For anyone wishing to enjoy a visit to Scotland, The Home of Golf, here are some e-mail contact addresses. Be assured, nothing will be too much trouble for them.
Media: Roger McStravick : roger.mcstravick@visitscotland.com Marketing/advertising: Mark McCardie mark.mccardie@visitscotland.com
Corporate enquiries: Donna Black donna.black@visitscotland.com
Brewood Music Festival
Just to let you know that Brewood Music Festival is on the weekend 11th – 13th July
Here’s the programme for the event
Friday 11th July
Bach in the Church – St Mary and ST Chads Church - £2.00 - Classical
John Richards Band – The Swan – Free – Folk Rock
The Undercovers – Pop Covers – Free – British Legion
The Jack Daniels Band – Rock Covers - Free – The Stirrups
Sat 12th July
Voodoo Johnson, The Copy Cats (Ex Soul Survivors) plus 70’s legends Showaddywaddy - £10.00 – bring your own picnic stuff – tickets available from Roy at the CIL from June onwards – cash and cheque only - no credit cards.
Sun 13th July
Silent Movies with live music – Jubilee Hall – 1000 onwards
Grand Finale – The Market Square (outside The Swan) – Free – 1300 onwards inc 1430 – The Three Amigos ft Roy LeManns… I wonder who that could be?????
If anyone is interested in going to the Saturday night Showaddywaddy concert for £10 please let me know asap as tickets are selling like hotcakes. I will need the money off you to reserve the ticket. Alternatively you can get them from the website – http://www.brewoodmusicfestival.co.uk/index.html
Hope to see you there – weather should be good and the beer definitely is!!
Rgds
Roy
BMF Promoter
Here’s the programme for the event
Friday 11th July
Bach in the Church – St Mary and ST Chads Church - £2.00 - Classical
John Richards Band – The Swan – Free – Folk Rock
The Undercovers – Pop Covers – Free – British Legion
The Jack Daniels Band – Rock Covers - Free – The Stirrups
Sat 12th July
Voodoo Johnson, The Copy Cats (Ex Soul Survivors) plus 70’s legends Showaddywaddy - £10.00 – bring your own picnic stuff – tickets available from Roy at the CIL from June onwards – cash and cheque only - no credit cards.
Sun 13th July
Silent Movies with live music – Jubilee Hall – 1000 onwards
Grand Finale – The Market Square (outside The Swan) – Free – 1300 onwards inc 1430 – The Three Amigos ft Roy LeManns… I wonder who that could be?????
If anyone is interested in going to the Saturday night Showaddywaddy concert for £10 please let me know asap as tickets are selling like hotcakes. I will need the money off you to reserve the ticket. Alternatively you can get them from the website – http://www.brewoodmusicfestival.co.uk/index.html
Hope to see you there – weather should be good and the beer definitely is!!
Rgds
Roy
BMF Promoter
Gary O'Dea in New York
Hello Groovers
...hit the link to Gary's MySpace page www.myspace.com/garygojomusic to see a load of pics via the pages 'slideshow' from Gary's recent trip to New York - plus live video footage of him from The Sidewalk Cafe gig in Greenwich (East) Village on Monday 16th June 2008. You can also see footage shot by Gary of New York subway busker Darryl Milton - it's pretty cool. You can check these two videos out by also accessing them direct from Gary's YouTube page link which is http://www.youtube.com/user/GOJOMUSIC
Enjoy...and Keep The Faith...Gary has dates coming up in Mansfield and Wolverhampton plus Liverpool / Portsmouth and Scotland dates to be confirmed a.s.a.p...keep checking the MySpace page for up to date news.
Raga Muffin
...hit the link to Gary's MySpace page www.myspace.com/garygojomusic to see a load of pics via the pages 'slideshow' from Gary's recent trip to New York - plus live video footage of him from The Sidewalk Cafe gig in Greenwich (East) Village on Monday 16th June 2008. You can also see footage shot by Gary of New York subway busker Darryl Milton - it's pretty cool. You can check these two videos out by also accessing them direct from Gary's YouTube page link which is http://www.youtube.com/user/GOJOMUSIC
Enjoy...and Keep The Faith...Gary has dates coming up in Mansfield and Wolverhampton plus Liverpool / Portsmouth and Scotland dates to be confirmed a.s.a.p...keep checking the MySpace page for up to date news.
Raga Muffin
Stress in dogs
Dog: Man's best friend
In today's modern Britain we worship our furry friends and treat them as equals and sometimes better than equal. Yet still we see incidents of dogs biting loving owners with nothing but good intentions for no apparent reason. Until recently, these canines have been deemed "vicious" and "dangerous" and destroyed for the "safety" of the general public and their owners. This mystery of unexplained aggression has gone on for many years unsolved, until now.
The theory of stress causing dogs to attack their owners is one that is now developing a wide following. Stress in dogs can be caused by a great number of things such as being frightened by noisy children or being shouted at. Another theory is that dogs emit physical traits to pass across a message to other dogs, messages such as "leave me alone", these are called 'calming signals' and can be interpreted by humans. For example, we often see dogs yawning and we think that they are tired but they could also be interpreted as a signal to other dogs to reduce levels of stress. If interpreted correctly, these signals could revolutionize the way we communicate with our canine companions.
A strongly held ideology with most of the disciples of the stress theory is that instead of training our dogs to be our minion and try to rule them with fear, we should try to build a strong bond with our dog and share respect, this will ultimately lead to a better relationship between you and your dog.
For more information upon this revolutionary way of communicating with man's best friend visit http://www.sheilaharper.co.uk/ .
In today's modern Britain we worship our furry friends and treat them as equals and sometimes better than equal. Yet still we see incidents of dogs biting loving owners with nothing but good intentions for no apparent reason. Until recently, these canines have been deemed "vicious" and "dangerous" and destroyed for the "safety" of the general public and their owners. This mystery of unexplained aggression has gone on for many years unsolved, until now.
The theory of stress causing dogs to attack their owners is one that is now developing a wide following. Stress in dogs can be caused by a great number of things such as being frightened by noisy children or being shouted at. Another theory is that dogs emit physical traits to pass across a message to other dogs, messages such as "leave me alone", these are called 'calming signals' and can be interpreted by humans. For example, we often see dogs yawning and we think that they are tired but they could also be interpreted as a signal to other dogs to reduce levels of stress. If interpreted correctly, these signals could revolutionize the way we communicate with our canine companions.
A strongly held ideology with most of the disciples of the stress theory is that instead of training our dogs to be our minion and try to rule them with fear, we should try to build a strong bond with our dog and share respect, this will ultimately lead to a better relationship between you and your dog.
For more information upon this revolutionary way of communicating with man's best friend visit http://www.sheilaharper.co.uk/ .
MAYOR OPENS WILDLIFE HAVEN AS COWS MOOOVE IN
The Mayor of Stafford Borough will be welcomed by a herd of cattle when she officially opens a wildlife spot this Friday.
The cattle are now grazing on the land at Barlaston Common and Rough Close Local Nature Reserve in the Fulford area. On Friday, Borough Mayor, Councillor Ann Edgeller, will officially open the reserve.
Traditional grazing is a more cost effective and environmentally friendly way of looking after the land.
In total between ten and 15 Red Poll cows will be living in on the 30 acres of common land as part of a Stafford Borough Council initiative. The Council secured more than £24,000 from ‘Landfill Communities Fund’ and ‘Natural England’ to fund work to erect two and a half kilometres of fencing. Water troughs and kissing gates have also been installed.
The Local Nature Reserve consists of rare heathland habitat including shrubs such as heather, bilberry and cowberry.
Red Poll cows have been chosen for their gentle temperament. The cattle will control unwanted vegetation - providing the right conditions to increase shrubs.
Councillor Stan Highfield, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said:
“It is another great example of how the Council has put sustainable development at the top of its agenda in helping to provide a better quality of life for everyone both now and in the future.”
Leaflets about the project have been sent to local householders and schools and are available on line at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd or from the Borough Council Offices, Civic Centre, Riverside, as well as local libraries. More information can be found on the Council’s website or by contacting Bio-diversity Officer, Bill Waller, at wwaller@staffordbc.gov.uk or 01785 619676.
And for those who cannot make the opening on Friday there is the chance to see the cattle and learn more about the project this Saturday as well as go on a nature walk at the reserve. Saturday’s event kicks off at 3pm.
The cattle are now grazing on the land at Barlaston Common and Rough Close Local Nature Reserve in the Fulford area. On Friday, Borough Mayor, Councillor Ann Edgeller, will officially open the reserve.
Traditional grazing is a more cost effective and environmentally friendly way of looking after the land.
In total between ten and 15 Red Poll cows will be living in on the 30 acres of common land as part of a Stafford Borough Council initiative. The Council secured more than £24,000 from ‘Landfill Communities Fund’ and ‘Natural England’ to fund work to erect two and a half kilometres of fencing. Water troughs and kissing gates have also been installed.
The Local Nature Reserve consists of rare heathland habitat including shrubs such as heather, bilberry and cowberry.
Red Poll cows have been chosen for their gentle temperament. The cattle will control unwanted vegetation - providing the right conditions to increase shrubs.
Councillor Stan Highfield, Cabinet Member for Environment and Health, said:
“It is another great example of how the Council has put sustainable development at the top of its agenda in helping to provide a better quality of life for everyone both now and in the future.”
Leaflets about the project have been sent to local householders and schools and are available on line at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd or from the Borough Council Offices, Civic Centre, Riverside, as well as local libraries. More information can be found on the Council’s website or by contacting Bio-diversity Officer, Bill Waller, at wwaller@staffordbc.gov.uk or 01785 619676.
And for those who cannot make the opening on Friday there is the chance to see the cattle and learn more about the project this Saturday as well as go on a nature walk at the reserve. Saturday’s event kicks off at 3pm.
Fund raising auction
Dear Mr Millington,
OnTuesday 5th August, the Coleshill Support Group for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice will be holding a Silent Auction at Coleshill Market Hall. The event starts at 7.15 p.m. and entrance is £1 which includes a glass of wine. There will be many exciting lots ranging from a bottle of whisky, a vase to tickets to the Botanical Gardens. Come along and see how a silent auction works, have some fun and successfully bid for your item or items of choice. Hope to see you there.
Yours faithfully,
Members of the Coleshill Support Group.
OnTuesday 5th August, the Coleshill Support Group for the Mary Ann Evans Hospice will be holding a Silent Auction at Coleshill Market Hall. The event starts at 7.15 p.m. and entrance is £1 which includes a glass of wine. There will be many exciting lots ranging from a bottle of whisky, a vase to tickets to the Botanical Gardens. Come along and see how a silent auction works, have some fun and successfully bid for your item or items of choice. Hope to see you there.
Yours faithfully,
Members of the Coleshill Support Group.
Dog Training Courses
Thanks to Rosie Lowry for this information about Dog Training courses:
Dear Pete,
I thought that you may be interested in running a feature about a marvellous course I have been attending recently. The Sheila Harper International Dog Training and Behaviour School. I have had dogs for 40 years and feel this course is the way to go in educating people about how to relate to their dogs. I'm sure you would agree if you had attended the course as well.
When I had my Mastiff (Kaos) as a puppy, I took all the best well-meaning advice to socialise her well, took her to good training classes, attended traditional dog behaviour training courses and so forth. All of this had an adverse effect on her and because of this she developed a fear of both people and dogs. Attending Sheila Harper's course has taught me how to solve most of Kaos' problems. The course is based on calming signals (first described by Turid Rugaas) and developing a two way relationship with your dog. I am working with my mastiff and she has changed dramatically over the past year. I am working with my dog not against her. If you try to dominate and control dogs, many of them will rebel.
From learning how to recognise calming signals and interpret them, I can see that socialising well doesn't mean the dog must learn to take on everything in the first few months of it's life, but that it is a life long programme carried out at the dog's pace. We don't expose our babies to all life has to offer as soon as we get them home (just imagine what that would do to a baby), so why do we tray and do this to our dogs? This course teaches us how to move around dogs in the best interest for them; (using body language that makes them feel comfortable and giving them space) to move slowly and not rush as this influences our animals a great deal. This in itself is life-changing. We are taught to work with the dogs, taking their calming signals into consideration and not do things that the dog can't cope with. Most people will be oblivious to these cues (calming signals). Other dogs recognise them and well adjusted dogs act accordingly to suit what is being 'said' by the dog they are with.
This course teaches us as owners how to think about what we are doing and why we are doing it, whilst questioning if we have to do these things at all. We change things to better suit the dog where possible. We do this in our relationships with other people so why not with our dogs? This is based on thinking more of what the dog needs instead of the dog having to do things that may be unnecessary. The course teaches us how to build a relationship based on 'give and take' with our dogs. It also teaches us how to bond with our dog and doesn't hype the dog (hyped up doesn't mean happy). Hyped up dogs may look to us as though they are happy (that's how we have been educated) but when you learn how to interpret these calming signals you realise that ,just as hyped up children inevitably end up crying or having a tantrum, so do our dogs (by nipping us or another dog and making mistakes etc). I must stress that my dogs haven't taken control of me, dogs don't want to control us. Yes, they can be challenging and often seen as controlling but by understanding and using their 'language' we can channel this challenging behaviour and work with it rather than extinguishing it.
For my dogs, life has changed so much. The walks they now have are far better for them than they have ever been before. They have the walk they enjoy in they way they enjoy it. Walking isn't all about what the owner wants and where the owner wants to go. Sometimes we go the way they want to go (within reason), it's always interesting to see where they want to go. They don't have to go anywhere they don't want to unless it is necessary. I have little need for training my dogs as they are close to me on walks now that we have built a good relationship. I can't think why I ever wanted them to lie down in the middle of a field or why they must weave in and out of dogs and people they don't really know. Recently I no longer see the need to take them shopping with me as it obviously makes them uneasy.
On a walk, my other dog, a King Charles Cavalier, would often run away, looking for rabbits and we would be half way home before she came back to us. Now she sniffs around rabbit holes but isn't so hyped up and overexcited. She has a healthy interest, not an obsession. We still go round burrows to explore but can walk away. I hardly need recall for my dogs as we have such a good relationship. I don't use many commands any more as there is hardly any need. My dogs have long leads so they can explore.
The things we learn on the course are skills the dogs will need for life so that they can eventually make good decisions for themselves. I also have made many changes for a less stressful life as my life affects my animals on a daily basis. They are often mirrors of ourselves. To make improvements for your dogs' lives you have to first start with yourself. Of course this process takes time; the time taken depends on the dog and the person.
I sincerely believe that if more people were educated in how to read the language of calming signals that dogs use all the time, there would be far fewer incidents of children and adults being bitten by frightened and confused dogs. It could be argued that this is something we should all be taught at school - we learn French, but many people never visit France, we don't learn dog language but everyone comes into contact with dogs in their daily life. Perhaps we have our priorities wrong?
Sheila Harper's website is: http://www.qanuk.com
Dear Pete,
I thought that you may be interested in running a feature about a marvellous course I have been attending recently. The Sheila Harper International Dog Training and Behaviour School. I have had dogs for 40 years and feel this course is the way to go in educating people about how to relate to their dogs. I'm sure you would agree if you had attended the course as well.
When I had my Mastiff (Kaos) as a puppy, I took all the best well-meaning advice to socialise her well, took her to good training classes, attended traditional dog behaviour training courses and so forth. All of this had an adverse effect on her and because of this she developed a fear of both people and dogs. Attending Sheila Harper's course has taught me how to solve most of Kaos' problems. The course is based on calming signals (first described by Turid Rugaas) and developing a two way relationship with your dog. I am working with my mastiff and she has changed dramatically over the past year. I am working with my dog not against her. If you try to dominate and control dogs, many of them will rebel.
From learning how to recognise calming signals and interpret them, I can see that socialising well doesn't mean the dog must learn to take on everything in the first few months of it's life, but that it is a life long programme carried out at the dog's pace. We don't expose our babies to all life has to offer as soon as we get them home (just imagine what that would do to a baby), so why do we tray and do this to our dogs? This course teaches us how to move around dogs in the best interest for them; (using body language that makes them feel comfortable and giving them space) to move slowly and not rush as this influences our animals a great deal. This in itself is life-changing. We are taught to work with the dogs, taking their calming signals into consideration and not do things that the dog can't cope with. Most people will be oblivious to these cues (calming signals). Other dogs recognise them and well adjusted dogs act accordingly to suit what is being 'said' by the dog they are with.
This course teaches us as owners how to think about what we are doing and why we are doing it, whilst questioning if we have to do these things at all. We change things to better suit the dog where possible. We do this in our relationships with other people so why not with our dogs? This is based on thinking more of what the dog needs instead of the dog having to do things that may be unnecessary. The course teaches us how to build a relationship based on 'give and take' with our dogs. It also teaches us how to bond with our dog and doesn't hype the dog (hyped up doesn't mean happy). Hyped up dogs may look to us as though they are happy (that's how we have been educated) but when you learn how to interpret these calming signals you realise that ,just as hyped up children inevitably end up crying or having a tantrum, so do our dogs (by nipping us or another dog and making mistakes etc). I must stress that my dogs haven't taken control of me, dogs don't want to control us. Yes, they can be challenging and often seen as controlling but by understanding and using their 'language' we can channel this challenging behaviour and work with it rather than extinguishing it.
For my dogs, life has changed so much. The walks they now have are far better for them than they have ever been before. They have the walk they enjoy in they way they enjoy it. Walking isn't all about what the owner wants and where the owner wants to go. Sometimes we go the way they want to go (within reason), it's always interesting to see where they want to go. They don't have to go anywhere they don't want to unless it is necessary. I have little need for training my dogs as they are close to me on walks now that we have built a good relationship. I can't think why I ever wanted them to lie down in the middle of a field or why they must weave in and out of dogs and people they don't really know. Recently I no longer see the need to take them shopping with me as it obviously makes them uneasy.
On a walk, my other dog, a King Charles Cavalier, would often run away, looking for rabbits and we would be half way home before she came back to us. Now she sniffs around rabbit holes but isn't so hyped up and overexcited. She has a healthy interest, not an obsession. We still go round burrows to explore but can walk away. I hardly need recall for my dogs as we have such a good relationship. I don't use many commands any more as there is hardly any need. My dogs have long leads so they can explore.
The things we learn on the course are skills the dogs will need for life so that they can eventually make good decisions for themselves. I also have made many changes for a less stressful life as my life affects my animals on a daily basis. They are often mirrors of ourselves. To make improvements for your dogs' lives you have to first start with yourself. Of course this process takes time; the time taken depends on the dog and the person.
I sincerely believe that if more people were educated in how to read the language of calming signals that dogs use all the time, there would be far fewer incidents of children and adults being bitten by frightened and confused dogs. It could be argued that this is something we should all be taught at school - we learn French, but many people never visit France, we don't learn dog language but everyone comes into contact with dogs in their daily life. Perhaps we have our priorities wrong?
Sheila Harper's website is: http://www.qanuk.com
Poetry by Spencer Lucas
NOISES FROM WATER ORTON – PAST
By Spencer Lucas – Water Orton
Built high on glacial pebble-drift above the Tame,
Overton thou once wert, the Saxon farmer’ name. Watery O’ erton to drunken drovers in the Dog
In muddy Marshy Lane, their beef for Brummagem impatient
In the stockyard by the railway station pent.
Ever noisy; first, from iron-shod sandaled Roman soldiers
Marching and sweating to their baths on Grimstock Hill.
Then loud with Saxon imprecations at Norman tax and tithes
And, later, Tudor packmen crossing Vesey’s bridge to cry their wares.
The ring of plater’s sledge in young Victoria’s reign
And hoarse ganger’s shouts laying track for the railway train.
Noisy from the squealing, Doppler-diminishing clink-clink-clink
Of shunting cattle trucks at the stockyard’s sidings
And hissing engine’s warning whistle.
Water Orton thou wert never still.
NOISES FROM WATER ORTON- PRESENT
By Spencer Lucas – Water Orton
Tame-drained and drain-tamed by grace of Severn Trent.
Noisier yet than ever Heaven meant.
Beset by the traffic’s constant roar,
Thou’rt now a green island trapped, triangled,
Strangled, within the noisy nexus of the nation’s motorways.
Attracting yet more distribution parks and industrial estates
Permitted by committees, greedy for the business rates
Just like their Norman forebears (the motive never changes!)
In spite of this, your ancient village spirit stays
And older, more bucolic, sounds can still be heard.
Children’s voices, fifth generation, at the village school on the village green.
Polite applause at the cricket club for another four.
A gentle murmur from the bowling green.
Thirst-provoking exhortations at the Rugby club.
Well watered by the Digby and the Dog,
Thou art a much-desired oasis – but never still.
By Spencer Lucas – Water Orton
Built high on glacial pebble-drift above the Tame,
Overton thou once wert, the Saxon farmer’ name. Watery O’ erton to drunken drovers in the Dog
In muddy Marshy Lane, their beef for Brummagem impatient
In the stockyard by the railway station pent.
Ever noisy; first, from iron-shod sandaled Roman soldiers
Marching and sweating to their baths on Grimstock Hill.
Then loud with Saxon imprecations at Norman tax and tithes
And, later, Tudor packmen crossing Vesey’s bridge to cry their wares.
The ring of plater’s sledge in young Victoria’s reign
And hoarse ganger’s shouts laying track for the railway train.
Noisy from the squealing, Doppler-diminishing clink-clink-clink
Of shunting cattle trucks at the stockyard’s sidings
And hissing engine’s warning whistle.
Water Orton thou wert never still.
NOISES FROM WATER ORTON- PRESENT
By Spencer Lucas – Water Orton
Tame-drained and drain-tamed by grace of Severn Trent.
Noisier yet than ever Heaven meant.
Beset by the traffic’s constant roar,
Thou’rt now a green island trapped, triangled,
Strangled, within the noisy nexus of the nation’s motorways.
Attracting yet more distribution parks and industrial estates
Permitted by committees, greedy for the business rates
Just like their Norman forebears (the motive never changes!)
In spite of this, your ancient village spirit stays
And older, more bucolic, sounds can still be heard.
Children’s voices, fifth generation, at the village school on the village green.
Polite applause at the cricket club for another four.
A gentle murmur from the bowling green.
Thirst-provoking exhortations at the Rugby club.
Well watered by the Digby and the Dog,
Thou art a much-desired oasis – but never still.
Potty Poetry in Water Orton
A POTTY PERFORMANCE
An exciting morning of “Potty Poetry” will take place at Water Orton Library on Thursday 31st July between 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Potty Poet, Chris White, will be showcasing his poetry at the library with his weird world of warped characters. Aimed at 8 – 13 year olds, the Potty Poet will be delivering a roller-coaster rhyme ride of brilliant performance poems and effective cartoon illustrations.
Author of “Bitey the Veggie Vampire”, “wang Foo the Kung Fu Shrew and Other Freaky Poems Too”, “The Armadillo Under My Pillow: Potty Poems for a Barmy Bedtime”and “Shark in the Toilet!”, Chris has given numerous performances in classrooms, libraries and on TV.
So come along for a hugely entertaining morning of potty poetry, cartoon characters and wacky humour.
Everyone welcome between the ages of 8 – 13 years old. Tickets for the event can be picked up from the library FREE OF CHARGE! Get yours quick before they all go!
For Further Information
Contact: Elaine Ashforth, Library Assistant, at Water Orton Library on 0121 748 6735.
An exciting morning of “Potty Poetry” will take place at Water Orton Library on Thursday 31st July between 10.30am – 12.30pm.
Potty Poet, Chris White, will be showcasing his poetry at the library with his weird world of warped characters. Aimed at 8 – 13 year olds, the Potty Poet will be delivering a roller-coaster rhyme ride of brilliant performance poems and effective cartoon illustrations.
Author of “Bitey the Veggie Vampire”, “wang Foo the Kung Fu Shrew and Other Freaky Poems Too”, “The Armadillo Under My Pillow: Potty Poems for a Barmy Bedtime”and “Shark in the Toilet!”, Chris has given numerous performances in classrooms, libraries and on TV.
So come along for a hugely entertaining morning of potty poetry, cartoon characters and wacky humour.
Everyone welcome between the ages of 8 – 13 years old. Tickets for the event can be picked up from the library FREE OF CHARGE! Get yours quick before they all go!
For Further Information
Contact: Elaine Ashforth, Library Assistant, at Water Orton Library on 0121 748 6735.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
TOP NAMES TO ATTEND COUGHTON LITERARY FESTIVAL
Friday 19th - Sunday 21st September 2008The Throckmorton Literary Festival at Coughton Court in Alcester, Warwickshire, run by the Throckmorton family who have lived at Coughton since 1409, will feature some of the top names from the literary world. It takes place in the award-winning gardens that are still owned and managed by the family.
Leading names from the literary world over a wide range of talks and events including historical drama, modern warfare, crime writing, gardening and children's events and much, much more.
(a full list of confirmed events is available and listed at http://www.coughtoncourt.co.uk/ )
Former BBC war correspondent Kate Adie will talk about her new book INTO DANGER and Clarissa Dickson Wright will be joined by her long-time friend and Midlands writer Christine Coleman to talk about their writing styles, friendship and life.
Patrick French provides a fascinating insight into the life of V S Naipaul and Carol Thatcher lets you into her life as she talks about her new biography - 'A Swim-On Part in the Goldfish Bowl'.
There will be a strong horticultural prescence, with the breathtaking back drop of the family gardens setting the scene. Speakers include Carol Klein, BBC Gardeners' World presenter, Katherine Swift, author of the best selling book The Morville Hours: The Story of a Garden and Noel Kingsbury, internationally acclaimed writer on plants, gardens and the environment.Many children's events will take place too - join the Director of Readathon, Brough Girling, for a lively debate with the children participating in their choice of children's literature, Valerie Wilding, author of the My Story books will talk about To Kill A Queen: An Elizabethan Girl's Diary (with lots of exciting reference to the Throckmortons!)
Caroline Lawrence will run a 'How to Write a Mini-Mystery' based on her Roman Mysteries books featuring popular heroine Flavia Gemima. Tony Pedley from The Roald Dahl Museum and Story TellingCentre will be presenting the magical 'A Taste of Dahl' show - a must for all ages!
A full programme featuring around 35 events over three days will be published soon including details of refreshments available, cheese & wine tasting, a performance by a RSC actor, and much more. The Endellion String Quartet willc lose the programme at 6pm on Sunday 21st with an exceptional concert by one of the finest quartets in the world as they celebrate their 30th anniversary.The programme features works by Beethoven, Haydn and Janáèek in a special programme created to celebrate the literary theme and the gardens at Coughton Court.
All tickets * cost £10 for adults and £5 for children (inc VAT) and include entrance to the Throckmorton Family Gardens.* Tickets for the concert and 'The Chatelaine and the Butler' are £15.
For further information visit http://www.coughtoncourt.co.uk/ or call the Box Office: 01789 766324
Monday, 23 June 2008
World Challenge to Morocco
A team of pupils from St George's School in Birmingham were lucky enough to take part in an “experience of a lifetime” trekking around the mountains of Morocco this year, which was an overall success and a learning curve for all involved.After weeks of fundrasing, including some imaginative ideas such as a 24 hour non-stop table tennis rally, they managed to collect enough to jet away on their travels.
‘World Challenge’ is a well established expedition company aiming towards giving schools an adventure packed experience through education.
So the time came and the team gathered together for the travel to Morroco and the start of this wonderful experience and challenge.
Physical and mental challenges faced the team throughout the week, including trekking across rough terrain and even camping out in the wild, but the team stuck together and spirits were high and the scenery was enjoyed by all along the way.
Louise Passmore, the Team Leader said “ The team took charge of responsibilities and I realised how well the group were going to work together. They went away as individuals and returned as a team!”
Boogie Nights at The Alex
Cast announcement:
Supported by a huge cast of 130 our 2 lead actors have been chosen for the forthcoming stage production of 'Boogie Nights' @ the Alex and they are:
Supported by a huge cast of 130 our 2 lead actors have been chosen for the forthcoming stage production of 'Boogie Nights' @ the Alex and they are:
Liam Doyle aged 17 from Coventry as 'love 'em and leave 'em Roddy' and Nicola Coall aged 17 from Solihull playing the role of 'pregnant Debs', both parts originally played by Shane Richie and Lisa Maxwell (DI Samantha Nixon in The Bill) respectively.
'Boogie Nights' is part of the Alexandra Theatre's annual Stage Experience project which aims to find the next batch of talented young actors aged 9 - 24 years of age who are then put through their paces by a team of industry professionals in readiness for the nail biting live stage show running from the 20th - 23rd August 2008.
House Martin chicks in Lea Marston
Following a recent report on the decline of House Martins, thanks to Colin Lewis for sending us this fantastic photograph of House Martin chicks sticking their heads out of the nest under the eaves of his roof in Lea Marston.Colin said "There was a report a few days ago about the decline of these African birds and the fact that numbers have decreased by 20 per cent this year. The report states that a number of house owners are destroying the nests"
"House Martins are believed to spend our winters hunting for insects over the forests of equatorial Africa. They then fly north in the spring, crossing North Africa, Spain and France arriving here in April and May".
"They make their nests from mud collected from puddles and streams rarely flying more than 150 yards from home. Well I am pleased to report that there are several pairs breeding in Lea Marston and three have attached themselves to my house!"
Colin manages the House & Home Property Centre at 112A High Street, Coleshill, so he knows all about the value of houses and is in a very good position to comment on whether House Martin nests cause damage, thereby affecting the value or external look of your property - which is presumably why some householders are tearing down the nests. If Colin, as an estate agent with many years experience is proud and happy with his House Martins, then I think we should all take a leaf out of his book (though not out of his nests!)
Find out more about Britain's birds from the RSPB at http://www.rspb.org.uk/
Find out more about properties in Birmingham and Warwickshire (with or without House Martin lodgers) from House and Home at http://www.houseandhome.co.uk/
She's about to land!
The wind has changed direction, the sweep's nose is twitching and Mary Poppins is about to drop down from the clouds for magic, song and family fun at Birmingham Hippodrome.Thu 10 Jul - Sat 27 Sep
Mary Poppins
THE WORLD’S FAVOURITE NANNY IS FLYING INTO BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME!
Following a triumphant run in London’s West End, Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s spectacular hit musical MARY POPPINS is coming to Birmingham in its first ever UK Tour.
Don't miss it!
Band Of Charitable Dad-Rockers Raising Money For Children's Charities
A mid-life crisis is a funny thing. Some men buy the motorbike they’ve always dreamed of, while others grow ill-advised facial hair and regress to denim jackets and faded T-shirts. But not Alan Sinnett, Mike Wilkie and Matthew Corbett who decided to do something positive with their ‘rocking’ hobby and have in the process already raised £10,000 for children’s charities.
The three ordinary middle-aged guys work as a Lawyer and as advertisers respectively during the day but like nothing better than to unwind with a good guitar jam session after work on a Wednesday evening. All three of the band have wives and children at home which dictates that they only have 3 hours a week to spend on their hobby and this explains why it’s taken them a year to put together their album, ‘267d Cranmore Boulevard’, named after the studio in which they recorded it.
However realising that sold-out stadium tours, groupies and rock and roll debauchery were probably no longer an advisable career option and knowing they didn’t really need the royalty money they decided to instead use their musical output as a fundraiser – and every penny from the album they’ve just produced will be going to children’s charities across the UK.
We hope that the story will inspire some men out there to spend less time on the sofa watching the football or polishing their mid-life crisis-inspired sports cars and more time turning their pass-times into something that benefits people who desperately need it.
You can hear some of the band’s music and find out more about their work at www.rainband.co.uk where people can also order the physical album in return for a cheque made out to the NSPCC or download the album for free (the band ask that if people do download the music and enjoy it that they make a donation of whatever they can afford to a charity of their choice.)
All the best
Robert Hurst
Senior Online Press Officer
GR8 Online PR - a Quite Great company
T: 01223 410000
M: 07957 906905
E: Robert@quitegreat.co.uk
Unit D, Magog Court, Shelford,
Cambridge, CB22 4AD
The three ordinary middle-aged guys work as a Lawyer and as advertisers respectively during the day but like nothing better than to unwind with a good guitar jam session after work on a Wednesday evening. All three of the band have wives and children at home which dictates that they only have 3 hours a week to spend on their hobby and this explains why it’s taken them a year to put together their album, ‘267d Cranmore Boulevard’, named after the studio in which they recorded it.
However realising that sold-out stadium tours, groupies and rock and roll debauchery were probably no longer an advisable career option and knowing they didn’t really need the royalty money they decided to instead use their musical output as a fundraiser – and every penny from the album they’ve just produced will be going to children’s charities across the UK.
We hope that the story will inspire some men out there to spend less time on the sofa watching the football or polishing their mid-life crisis-inspired sports cars and more time turning their pass-times into something that benefits people who desperately need it.
You can hear some of the band’s music and find out more about their work at www.rainband.co.uk where people can also order the physical album in return for a cheque made out to the NSPCC or download the album for free (the band ask that if people do download the music and enjoy it that they make a donation of whatever they can afford to a charity of their choice.)
All the best
Robert Hurst
Senior Online Press Officer
GR8 Online PR - a Quite Great company
T: 01223 410000
M: 07957 906905
E: Robert@quitegreat.co.uk
Unit D, Magog Court, Shelford,
Cambridge, CB22 4AD
Bruffy’s Antiquarian Footie Programmes
Part Three – Wolverhampton Wanderers Official Programme 1936
by Pete Millington
Special thanks to Phil Brough
Phil Brough was born in Liverpool but now lives in Shrewsbury and works in Birmingham. Phil (also known as Bruffy) collects Liverpool football programmes and has the third biggest collection in the UK. In this series of short articles we are looking at five old programmes from Phil’s collection, where Liverpool teams of the past visited our local grounds of Villa, Blues, Wolves, Albion and Walsall. In the first article we looked at a copy of Blues News from the 1925 to 1926 season and in our second article we looked at a programme from a rare match between Liverpool and Walsall in 1947. In this third article we take a look at the official programme from a Wolves versus Liverpool match of 1936.
It was December 5th 1936 when Wolverhampton Wanderers played host to Liverpool in a First Division clash at the famous Molineux Grounds in Wolverhampton. In 1936 Wolves would have entered this match with the disadvantage of being bottom three relegation contenders, they were third from the bottom of the division with 13 points from 17 matches although there may be some consolation for modern day Wolves fans in learning that the two teams beneath them were West Brom with 12 points and Manchester United at the bottom of the league with just 10 points.
Portsmouth were league leaders in 1936 with 21 points, closely followed by Sunderland, The Arsenal and Brentford, whilst Aston Villa were not featured in the top flight at all – their place being occupied by teams like Huddersfield, Grimsby Town and Preston North End. Liverpool themselves were positioned in the lower half of Division One, having just three more points than Wolves, they were in 15th position with 16 points. So this had all the bearings of an exciting and equally matched game.
In spite of their low position in the league, Wolves were approaching the game following a short run of good results. A 6-1 slaughter of Charlton Athletic at home at the Molineux on November 21st had been followed a week later with a respectable 1-1 draw at Grimsby. Liverpool were coming to Molineux following a 3-3 home draw against Derby County. The author of the club notes was keen to inject a note of strong optimism into his programme report:
“The work of the Wolves was very much admired on Saturday last by the Grimsby spectators, who were very frankly pleased that they had not been beaten”.
At the end of his match report the same club journalist highlights for us the conditions faced by teams of the 1930s in travelling around the country. The writer tells us that “the journey was a very trying affair and it was a tired party who arrived at Wolverhampton, having taken 8 solid hours to travel 132 miles!” With the advent of today’s modern motorway system, the same journey ought to take just two hours, but is more likely to take about nine!
The match programme of 1936 was not a fancy affair, lacking the touch of colour in the front pages which characterised Blues, Villa and Baggies programmes of the same era, the Wolverhampton Wanderers Official Programme had a more functional, black and white look to it. Having noted this though, the content followed a very similar format to other programmes of the day, a combination of basic facts and figures supplemented by loads of local advertising.
One interesting addition to the front page of the 1936 Wolves programme is a small box containing a message from the Football Association. In case we mistakenly believe that fan trouble is a modern phenomenon, perhaps we should make note of this warning given out to the fans of pre-2nd world war Wolverhampton:
“By order of the football association we hereby give due warning that should there be any further intimidation of referees, demonstrations against players or officials or conduct of a disorderly nature whatsoever, that such conduct may result in the closing of the ground.”
The programme’s advertisers included a front page slot for The Queen’s Picture House, promoting The Singing Kid with Al Johnson and Sybil Jason. Other adverts included Vinculum Concrete manfacturers of Ettingshall, the Market Tavern restaurant run by Harry Paulton, Don Everall’s Gaumont Garages at Wolverhampton and Bilston, The Victoria Hotel, Stantons Bread (Make health your goal), Frames Tours Limited, Footballs from Chas Hunter, boot repairs by James O’Connor and Wearwell Cycles where the latest Shadow Racer cost just £5/19/6.
A sign that Wolverhampton still had strong links with the countryside back in the 1930s is the number of adverts connected to agriculture and rural pursuits. Cannock Fertilisers, fishing tackle from G. Shakespeare, G.Engleton Hall Dairy, ploughs from Jack Davies of Bridgnorth, and Blakemores Grain Importers were all featured. But there are also signs of the area’s industrial heritage too, with Oakley’s Coal, Bettles & Sons for light constructional steelwork, enamelling and Japanning stoves, George & Matthews for road transport and Steelway Limited for those steel fire escape staircases that every football supporter simply can’t do without.
Local events and amenities in 1936 included greyhound racing at Willenhall, Billy Cotton and his Band appearing live at the Wolverhampton Hippodrome and Gene Autry in Red River Valley at The Scala. The musical programme for today’s match was being provided by the Cannock Chase Colliery Prize Band, playing a selection of marches and overtures, rounded off with a one-step called Tripping Along. What better accompaniment to the Butler’s Ales & Stouts which were on sale at all the bars in the ground?
The Wolves line-up on December 5th, 1936, included Scott, Morris, Taylor, Smalley, Cullis, Gardiner, Maguire, Galley, Clayton, Jones and Ashall. Liverpool’s eleven included Howe, Hanson, Balmer, Eastham, Nieuwenhuys, Rogers, Bush, Busby, Dabbs, Copper and Hobson. The bad news for Wolves fans is that they lost the match 2-0, the good news however is that they not only climbed out of the relegation zone that season, but finished in an incredible 5th position with 47 points, way above Liverpool who finished 18th with 35 points – a lesson in optimism here for modern day Wolves fans?
by Pete Millington
Special thanks to Phil Brough
Phil Brough was born in Liverpool but now lives in Shrewsbury and works in Birmingham. Phil (also known as Bruffy) collects Liverpool football programmes and has the third biggest collection in the UK. In this series of short articles we are looking at five old programmes from Phil’s collection, where Liverpool teams of the past visited our local grounds of Villa, Blues, Wolves, Albion and Walsall. In the first article we looked at a copy of Blues News from the 1925 to 1926 season and in our second article we looked at a programme from a rare match between Liverpool and Walsall in 1947. In this third article we take a look at the official programme from a Wolves versus Liverpool match of 1936.
It was December 5th 1936 when Wolverhampton Wanderers played host to Liverpool in a First Division clash at the famous Molineux Grounds in Wolverhampton. In 1936 Wolves would have entered this match with the disadvantage of being bottom three relegation contenders, they were third from the bottom of the division with 13 points from 17 matches although there may be some consolation for modern day Wolves fans in learning that the two teams beneath them were West Brom with 12 points and Manchester United at the bottom of the league with just 10 points.
Portsmouth were league leaders in 1936 with 21 points, closely followed by Sunderland, The Arsenal and Brentford, whilst Aston Villa were not featured in the top flight at all – their place being occupied by teams like Huddersfield, Grimsby Town and Preston North End. Liverpool themselves were positioned in the lower half of Division One, having just three more points than Wolves, they were in 15th position with 16 points. So this had all the bearings of an exciting and equally matched game.
In spite of their low position in the league, Wolves were approaching the game following a short run of good results. A 6-1 slaughter of Charlton Athletic at home at the Molineux on November 21st had been followed a week later with a respectable 1-1 draw at Grimsby. Liverpool were coming to Molineux following a 3-3 home draw against Derby County. The author of the club notes was keen to inject a note of strong optimism into his programme report:
“The work of the Wolves was very much admired on Saturday last by the Grimsby spectators, who were very frankly pleased that they had not been beaten”.
At the end of his match report the same club journalist highlights for us the conditions faced by teams of the 1930s in travelling around the country. The writer tells us that “the journey was a very trying affair and it was a tired party who arrived at Wolverhampton, having taken 8 solid hours to travel 132 miles!” With the advent of today’s modern motorway system, the same journey ought to take just two hours, but is more likely to take about nine!
The match programme of 1936 was not a fancy affair, lacking the touch of colour in the front pages which characterised Blues, Villa and Baggies programmes of the same era, the Wolverhampton Wanderers Official Programme had a more functional, black and white look to it. Having noted this though, the content followed a very similar format to other programmes of the day, a combination of basic facts and figures supplemented by loads of local advertising.
One interesting addition to the front page of the 1936 Wolves programme is a small box containing a message from the Football Association. In case we mistakenly believe that fan trouble is a modern phenomenon, perhaps we should make note of this warning given out to the fans of pre-2nd world war Wolverhampton:
“By order of the football association we hereby give due warning that should there be any further intimidation of referees, demonstrations against players or officials or conduct of a disorderly nature whatsoever, that such conduct may result in the closing of the ground.”
The programme’s advertisers included a front page slot for The Queen’s Picture House, promoting The Singing Kid with Al Johnson and Sybil Jason. Other adverts included Vinculum Concrete manfacturers of Ettingshall, the Market Tavern restaurant run by Harry Paulton, Don Everall’s Gaumont Garages at Wolverhampton and Bilston, The Victoria Hotel, Stantons Bread (Make health your goal), Frames Tours Limited, Footballs from Chas Hunter, boot repairs by James O’Connor and Wearwell Cycles where the latest Shadow Racer cost just £5/19/6.
A sign that Wolverhampton still had strong links with the countryside back in the 1930s is the number of adverts connected to agriculture and rural pursuits. Cannock Fertilisers, fishing tackle from G. Shakespeare, G.Engleton Hall Dairy, ploughs from Jack Davies of Bridgnorth, and Blakemores Grain Importers were all featured. But there are also signs of the area’s industrial heritage too, with Oakley’s Coal, Bettles & Sons for light constructional steelwork, enamelling and Japanning stoves, George & Matthews for road transport and Steelway Limited for those steel fire escape staircases that every football supporter simply can’t do without.
Local events and amenities in 1936 included greyhound racing at Willenhall, Billy Cotton and his Band appearing live at the Wolverhampton Hippodrome and Gene Autry in Red River Valley at The Scala. The musical programme for today’s match was being provided by the Cannock Chase Colliery Prize Band, playing a selection of marches and overtures, rounded off with a one-step called Tripping Along. What better accompaniment to the Butler’s Ales & Stouts which were on sale at all the bars in the ground?
The Wolves line-up on December 5th, 1936, included Scott, Morris, Taylor, Smalley, Cullis, Gardiner, Maguire, Galley, Clayton, Jones and Ashall. Liverpool’s eleven included Howe, Hanson, Balmer, Eastham, Nieuwenhuys, Rogers, Bush, Busby, Dabbs, Copper and Hobson. The bad news for Wolves fans is that they lost the match 2-0, the good news however is that they not only climbed out of the relegation zone that season, but finished in an incredible 5th position with 47 points, way above Liverpool who finished 18th with 35 points – a lesson in optimism here for modern day Wolves fans?
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