Launch of the Regional Disability Network West Midlands
Thursday 9th October 2008, from 11am
Birmingham Disability Resource Centre, Bierton Road, Yardley, Birmingham
Key note speaker
Zahid Nawaz
Equality and Human Rights Commission
Workshops
Help us to:
Identify priority issues for consultation across the West Midlands region
Identify priority areas where organisations of disabled people need infrastructure suppot
Groups run by disabled people particularly welcome but anyone with an interest or personal experience of disability is welcome to attend
Places are now limited and advance booking is required as we can't go over maximum numbers at the venue
Venue accessible and car parking reasonable. Event is free and includes lunch and networking opportunity.
Email me Pete Millington either at pete@cdp.org.uk or info@bignbostin.com
Let me know the name (s) of people attending, diet and access preferences/support.
The project is funded by The Big Lottery Fund, Basis Round 1
Tuesday, 30 September 2008
Classroom politics in Herefordshire
Six Herefordshire councillors will be taking democracy into the classroom during the next few weeks to show how relevant and important it is…even to youngsters.
Herefordshire Council is taking part in “I’m a councillor, get me out of here” – an event which will see the cross-party group of councillors make a number of visits to schools to meet and discuss politics with youngsters.
“This is a great opportunity to help youngsters understand what their local councillors do, how they could get involved, and make suggestions as to how their local communities could be improved,” said Cllr John Stone, chairman of the council who is leading the group of councillors.
“Many people feel that politics is irrelevant – which is why so many don’t bother turning out to vote when we hold elections.
“But the council provides more than 800 different services across all corners of the county and to people of all ages.
“It’s by getting involved in local politics that you can really help to shape our communities and have a say on the kind of services the council provides,” added Cllr Stone.
This is the first time Herefordshire councillors have participated in the local democracy event and the schools taking part have been sent teaching materials for groups to use when studying citizenship.
Teachers will be encouraging their young people to question councillors on various topics both when they have them in the classroom, and also via a specially created website http://www.bigvote.org.uk/ during the first week.
The councillors taking part – Cllrs Ursula Attfield, Patricia Morgan, Sally Robertson, John Stone, Alan Taylor and Julie Woodward – have already posted their manifestos on the website so the youngsters know what they stand for.
Following a week of visits to schools and a week of on-line question sessions, the pupils will then vote for the councillor who they feel will best represent their views – with one councillor being voted off each day until there’s one councillor left standing.
“It’s a bit nerve-wracking – none of us wants to be the first councillor voted off,” added Cllr Stone, “but it’s for a very good cause, and if we help some of youngsters understand better what councillors do, then we will have achieved our aim,” he added.
Herefordshire Council is taking part in “I’m a councillor, get me out of here” – an event which will see the cross-party group of councillors make a number of visits to schools to meet and discuss politics with youngsters.
“This is a great opportunity to help youngsters understand what their local councillors do, how they could get involved, and make suggestions as to how their local communities could be improved,” said Cllr John Stone, chairman of the council who is leading the group of councillors.
“Many people feel that politics is irrelevant – which is why so many don’t bother turning out to vote when we hold elections.
“But the council provides more than 800 different services across all corners of the county and to people of all ages.
“It’s by getting involved in local politics that you can really help to shape our communities and have a say on the kind of services the council provides,” added Cllr Stone.
This is the first time Herefordshire councillors have participated in the local democracy event and the schools taking part have been sent teaching materials for groups to use when studying citizenship.
Teachers will be encouraging their young people to question councillors on various topics both when they have them in the classroom, and also via a specially created website http://www.bigvote.org.uk/ during the first week.
The councillors taking part – Cllrs Ursula Attfield, Patricia Morgan, Sally Robertson, John Stone, Alan Taylor and Julie Woodward – have already posted their manifestos on the website so the youngsters know what they stand for.
Following a week of visits to schools and a week of on-line question sessions, the pupils will then vote for the councillor who they feel will best represent their views – with one councillor being voted off each day until there’s one councillor left standing.
“It’s a bit nerve-wracking – none of us wants to be the first councillor voted off,” added Cllr Stone, “but it’s for a very good cause, and if we help some of youngsters understand better what councillors do, then we will have achieved our aim,” he added.
British Cactus & Succulent Society Autumn Show this Sunday
Sunday 5 October: British Cactus & Succulent Society Autumn Show.
Advice, Exhibition, Sales.
11am - 4pm
At the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR.
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
Tel: 0121 454 1860.
Advice, Exhibition, Sales.
11am - 4pm
At the Birmingham Botanical Gardens and Glasshouses, Westbourne Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 3TR.
www.birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk
Tel: 0121 454 1860.
Birmingham Jazz
We've got three fantasic gigs this week to remind you about!The first is on Tuesday 30th September at The Jam House at 9.30pm and features drummer Jim Bashford , an accomplished drummer who will be performing a set of originals and Charlie Parker arrangements with a band featuring Luis Mather, Adam Jackson and Ryan Trebilcock.This gig is free entry so there's no excuse not to hear some great music.
We then have a double whammy of excellent music on friday starting with Mike Hatton's MJHQ featuring guitarist Tom Robins. Go to http://www.myspace.com/mikehattonjazzquintet to have a listen. The gig is at Rush Hour Blues at Symphony Hall Foyer at 5.30pm on Friday 3rd October and is also free entry!
The finale of the week is at Town Hall Birmingham and features the 35 piece Heritage Orchestra playing the music of Amon Tobin and local rising star Lizzy Parks performing music from her latest album on Tru Thoughts "Raise The Roof". Alongside this DJ Cro will be presenting local MC talent throughout the evening.This amazing night is being co-presented by Town Hall Birmingham and alongside all this music there will be exclusive giveaways from event Media Partners Wax Poetics and limited edition t-shirts by sponsors RopeadopeTickets are £15.00 and available from www.thsh.co.uk or by calling the box office 0121 780 3333. Tickets are also available on the door until midnight on the night.
Monday, 29 September 2008
How Does She Do It?!
For an insight into how this new breed of mums; the ‘Mumpreneurs’ manage to juggle the madness of family life and run businesses from home, Jane Hopkins, the founder of Mumpreneur networking website MumsClub, has been talking to some busy Mums, to see how they manage to be a mum and a business mum!
Now I’m not going to lie, it’s not easy. No one ever said it would be, but it’s neither easy nor impossible. Somewhere hovering between the two is workable...that elusive area known as the work life balance. Some find it with ease, the rest of us have to search high and low just for a sign of it.
It’s Thursday morning and I’ve just dropped my little boy off at pre-school. It’s his first week and although he’s taken to it well (thus far!) my life has still been upturned – all for the sake of 2 ½ hours of school a day! I’m sure it’ll get easier as soon as I get used to the new routine...note the ‘I’ not the ‘we’; he’s taken to it like a duck to water.
I’m well into my Mumpreneur journey and have got a long way to go, but what sets us off on such an expedition? Generally it starts with a seed of an idea, perhaps a mum at home, thinking along the lines of “there must be more to life than these four walls”, or “I could do with some extra cash”. Quite right too! These thoughts will soon be followed by an idea; an idea to either make her some extra cash, or maybe mould her into the next mummy tycoon. Inspiration for ideas can come from anywhere; TV, friends, magazines, papers, but it’s what we do with this inspiration that counts.
These are some top tips from our forum members, who are all mums running businesses from home, around the children...who better to ask?
1. Is the idea actually viable?
Although you may think it’s great, other’s opinions may throw new light on it. Anne Daly from Education Takeaway suggests surrounding yourself with like-minded people; “Start networking, even if it's just in the idea stages. Doing this can help you to not make the same mistakes that others have done. Do your research, it's alright thinking you have a great idea but if the market is flooded you’re going to have to work so much harder.”
2. Plan for Success!
Once you’re happy your idea is workable, you need to start bringing it all together. Who is your ideal customer? What is the competition? What is unique about your idea? How will you market your business? The best way to do this is through a business plan. Mary Cummings from Antecell Business Services warns against jumping straight into business; “writing a business plan is like planning a long journey with the kids. You need to allow for snacks, loo breaks, boredom, getting lost – it’s all the same. There are always unexpected problems that you’ll need to deal with; having a plan in place will help you to deal with whatever is just around the corner”.
3. Think Stock Control!
Sharon from the lingerie store has learnt from her experience and advises to think very hard about how much stock you might need for certain ventures. “It's not something I thought about, and I am now in a business which has to stock between 23 and 33 bras in each style and colour, simply to cover the sizes available.” That makes for a lot of stock, which costs money and needs to be stored. And don’t forget that there is also a high risk of some pieces not selling that will then have to be sold off cheaply.
4. Create your own space
It is important to have your own space, where you complete all of your business tasks. Whether it’s an actual office, spare room or a corner of the kitchen – you need somewhere dedicated to the business and all the paperwork as well as somewhere to post your to-do notes. Jo Garrett from Cecily Plum agrees; “I think the single most important thing for me is having a space to do my work in, somewhere I keep all my work bits and bobs that is just for work - no toys, no Thomas the Tank magazines, and no nappies! At the moment that space is very small, but it's mine!”
5. Home life practicalities
Cheryl Hawkins from the Feeding Room gives some practical advice for keeping the house in order. She says “Lower your standards! You can't do everything and something has to give - for me it's definitely the ironing pile - flat clothing is the least of my priorities now, and the house is a mess. But the kids are fed and loved and the business is running. When I’m making loads of money I’ll get a cleaner and a gardener to find the garden under all the weeds. “
It’s not easy to keep your family, your home and your business running smoothly all the time. It’s all about finding the balance, Cari Parker from the Dales Party Company advises “Don't fall into the trap of thinking you can work and look after your kids at the same time. More often than not they decide to wreck the house at the very time you are doing something that needs concentration.”
Leigh Clarke from Special additions adds “It's important that you can shut it away when you're 'not working' as it's so easy to get drawn back to the e-mails or in pile when you're supposed to be taking time out!”
Work wise, try and on top of the jobs that require less concentration while your children are about, saving the more brain taxing tasks for when the little monsters are tucked up in bed!
6. Support from friends and family
Anne Daly recommends accepting that you can't do it all, “Take up offers of help. Let someone else take your child to dancing, football etc.” But as well as being a great support, often friends and family may not realise that you are very busy with your work, so make it clear that you are working even though you are at home, it’s often a difficult issue to address but you are not available to run all the errands just because you happen to be around during the day.
Cari adds “This caused so many arguments between myself and my husband, up until a couple of weeks ago he only worked part time hours, and we agreed that on his days off I would work and vice versa. But as I was working from home, he would take himself off for a lie down if he had a headache, or go outside to do something but leave the kids inside with me, and I would end up trying to work and watch them at the same time, which is impossible!”
7. Network for business success
Networking is the key to business success, hence the popularity of the MumsClub forums, but in addition to this you can get out and network face to face by joining local Business Groups, make sure everyone at the school gates knows what you do – wear your logo and website on your t-shirt! Tell everyone about your business, be proud and confident about what you do – you’ll be amazed at how your confidence in you will rub off on your business. Remember you don’t just sell or make – you run your own business.
People have asked me what planet I’m from to even consider starting a business from home with a small baby, let alone manage to do it and then go on to grow the business. But I have. My reasons were borne out of necessity and survival but regardless of our own personal reasons and journey, being a mum and a business mum is more than possible as long as you have passion for what you’re doing, a bit of know-how and the patience to one day bring it all together...and of course a modem with high speed internet access!
A warm welcome awaits any Mumpreneur or Mumpreneur-to-be on the MumsClub community forums at www.mumsclub.co.uk. If you’re a mum with a business idea then please visit our website to enter our Mumpreneur competition, there are prizes worth over £2600 including The Peter Jones Business Builder as donated by the Dragons Den entrepreneur himself. Good luck!
A warm welcome awaits any Mumpreneur or Mumpreneur-to-be on the MumsClub community forums at www.mumsclub.co.uk. If you’re a mum with a business idea then please visit our website to enter our Mumpreneur competition, there are prizes worth over £2600 including The Peter Jones Business Builder as donated by the Dragons Den entrepreneur himself. Good luck!
Kind thanks to all the mums who contributed to this article, they are all regulars on our MumsClub forums and are always full of superb advice. Without forum members like these, we wouldn’t have the thriving community we have today.
Sunday, 28 September 2008
Birmingham’s Retort House to become a base for homeless people.
Thanks to Brum based blogger Nick Booth for letting me reproduce this recent post from the site Birmingham Conservation Trust, original post at this link:
Earlier this month the homeless charity Crisis reported that they have secured a two million pound investment from the Department of Communities and Local Government to help turn the Grade II* former Retort House in Gas Street into an inspirational, world-class centre for delivering seamless homeless services.
The building will enable Crisis to set up a new Skylight centre and allow SIFA Fireside to join relocate their existing provision. It is anticipated, that the centre will also be used by a range of partners, to provide complimentary services to the main offer from Crisis and SIFA Fireside, particularly focusing on health.Crisis is now seeking further capital to develop the project. If you’d like to find out more information about this project, please contact us on 020 7426 3849.
The most recent entry on the English Heritage register describes the building as:
Retort house. Early C19. Current owner intends to let the building for range of leisure uses. Repairs have been completed and marketing has been in progress for some time, but specific end uses and users still to be determined. Discussions have taken place on possible subdivision of building to assist in marketing to potential occupants. Still for sale or let.
Although this is now clearly in the process of changing, which is great news.
Andy Foster, in his marvellous Pevsner Architectural Guide to Birmingham tells us that:
It was built with a fire proof ‘iron roof and slates’ and the roof survives inside: cast-iron trusses, wrought iron roof rods.
For more on the history of this important survivor of the earliest gas supply processes, take a look at this wikipedia page.
About the Birmingham Conservation Trust
Birmingham Conservation Trust is a charity created ‘to preserve and enhance Birmingham’s threatened architectural heritage. We are here to promote an enjoyment and understanding of the city’s historic buildings’.
Our projects secure the long-term future of buildings at risk, especially those ignored by developers, larger charities and public bodies.
We combine sensitive repairs with imaginative new uses for the buildings. Working in partnership with others, the Trust creates attractive places to live, work and play.
Check out this and many more posts about the future of Birmingham's historic buildings at:
What news from the People's Republic of Tipton?
Update from Gary O'Dea:
Hello Groovers,
Gary O'Dea's second gig at Katie Fitzgeralds pub in Stourbridge in October has now been confirmed. The two dates are both solo acoustic support slots by Gary to first of all...the excellent ex Godfathers guitarist KRIS DOLLIMORE on Thursday 16th Oct - for info on Kris visit http://www.katiefitzgeralds.co.uk/giginfo.asp?eventid=141
The second one is a week later on Thursday 23rd Oct with Gary supporting ex Hurrah singer - songwriter PAUL HANDYSIDES - for info on Paul visit http://www.katiefitzgeralds.co.uk/giginfo.asp?eventid=343
Gary will be kicking both evenings off about 8:30pm.Don't be late...great gig, great crowd and great beer...they sell ENVILLE ALES :-)...it don't get much better than that! For details on how to get there please visit http://www.katiefitzgeralds.co.uk/location.asp
Paul Handysides / Hurrah were ex label mates of Martin Stephenson & The Daintees - they were both signed to the Newcastle based Kitchenware Records...Paul as played on many of Matin's albums as well and also features along with Gary on the soon to be released tribute album to the Geordie troubadour 'The Great North Light' through Candlelit Records http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=336632576&albumID=0&imageID=7372594 - which leads us nicely into a little story from Friday...
Friday afternoon (29th Sept) - Gary's mobile rings and it's Martin Stephenson on the phone...''hello Gaz - I got a little gig at a private house party in Halesowen near Birmingham tonight (honestly - I kid you not the mans a legend) - would you be up for doing it with me? I'm on the train from Euston at the moment - could you meet me at the house and do some percussion / harmonica with me etc, etc,"?...Well - Gaz was at the house in Halesowen for 9pm on the evening and a bloody good night was had by all - and I should hope they did cos' the Geordie troubadour played until about 12.30pm and enthralled the party people (a lovely crowd as well - better than some venues get around here - ha ha) with songs and tales about day's on the road and recording some of the best songs ever written by any songwriter...talk about 'house rockin' music' - it was a brilliant night...and the food was something else...Rock n' Roll brothers and sisters - get in! He even did a little song in the guest lounge of The Village Hotel in Dudley where he was staying at about 1:30am in the morning to a group of ladies on a hen night - it was wicked - bless him ha ha :-)..!!!
Keep The Faith Brothers and Sisters and don't forget to visit Gary's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/garygojomusic - why not join as a friend...it's far more 'musically' friendly than Facebook.
Raga Muffin MC in the front-line of it all...
Hello Groovers,
Gary O'Dea's second gig at Katie Fitzgeralds pub in Stourbridge in October has now been confirmed. The two dates are both solo acoustic support slots by Gary to first of all...the excellent ex Godfathers guitarist KRIS DOLLIMORE on Thursday 16th Oct - for info on Kris visit http://www.katiefitzgeralds.co.uk/giginfo.asp?eventid=141
The second one is a week later on Thursday 23rd Oct with Gary supporting ex Hurrah singer - songwriter PAUL HANDYSIDES - for info on Paul visit http://www.katiefitzgeralds.co.uk/giginfo.asp?eventid=343
Gary will be kicking both evenings off about 8:30pm.Don't be late...great gig, great crowd and great beer...they sell ENVILLE ALES :-)...it don't get much better than that! For details on how to get there please visit http://www.katiefitzgeralds.co.uk/location.asp
Paul Handysides / Hurrah were ex label mates of Martin Stephenson & The Daintees - they were both signed to the Newcastle based Kitchenware Records...Paul as played on many of Matin's albums as well and also features along with Gary on the soon to be released tribute album to the Geordie troubadour 'The Great North Light' through Candlelit Records http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=336632576&albumID=0&imageID=7372594 - which leads us nicely into a little story from Friday...
Friday afternoon (29th Sept) - Gary's mobile rings and it's Martin Stephenson on the phone...''hello Gaz - I got a little gig at a private house party in Halesowen near Birmingham tonight (honestly - I kid you not the mans a legend) - would you be up for doing it with me? I'm on the train from Euston at the moment - could you meet me at the house and do some percussion / harmonica with me etc, etc,"?...Well - Gaz was at the house in Halesowen for 9pm on the evening and a bloody good night was had by all - and I should hope they did cos' the Geordie troubadour played until about 12.30pm and enthralled the party people (a lovely crowd as well - better than some venues get around here - ha ha) with songs and tales about day's on the road and recording some of the best songs ever written by any songwriter...talk about 'house rockin' music' - it was a brilliant night...and the food was something else...Rock n' Roll brothers and sisters - get in! He even did a little song in the guest lounge of The Village Hotel in Dudley where he was staying at about 1:30am in the morning to a group of ladies on a hen night - it was wicked - bless him ha ha :-)..!!!
Keep The Faith Brothers and Sisters and don't forget to visit Gary's MySpace page at www.myspace.com/garygojomusic - why not join as a friend...it's far more 'musically' friendly than Facebook.
Raga Muffin MC in the front-line of it all...
Help For Heroes
_at_the_Help_forHeroes_charity_rugby_match,_with_John_Howarth,_General_Andrew_Farquhar_andSteve_Bishop%5B1%5D.JPG)
Dan Byles (left) at the Help for Heroes charity rugby match, with John Howarth, General Andrew Farquhar and Steve Bishop
The story of the fund raising rugby match at Twickenhem is a week old now but this press release from Dan Byles, Conservative candidate for North Warwickshire is quite recent and puts forward a view that has been widely expressed on the radio this week. In the interests of balance I publish the odd press release from any party who cares to send them to me, excepting the ones who say extreme and unpleasant things about other human beings, but I especially like the ones who take good photographs.
I do appreciate a good photo and I've found that Dan Byles does seem to take a good photo or someone in his team takes a good photo. I'd say to any would-be politician, if you want to get a story in the press, give them a good photo. Don't go overboard on the antagonistic slurs about the opposition, but do give the media either a good image or a good photo opportunity. We love it. Here goes, has he got a point? Make your own mind up:
Dan Byles Supports Help for Heroes Charity Rugby Match at Twickenham
Charity for wounded soldiers shouldn’t have to exist, says Parliamentary Candidate
Former Army Major Dan Byles, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, this week accused the Government of relying on charities to support wounded soldiers due to inadequate medical resources in the Armed Forces.
Dan Byles, who was the youngest serving Major in the Army before leaving to enter politics, spoke out after attending the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity rugby match at Twickenham on Saturday.
Help for Heroes was established to raise money for essential facilities at the military rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, where badly wounded soldiers, including those who have lost limbs in Iraq and Afghanistan, are treated.
The charity rugby match, in which former England stars Lawrence Dallaglio and Martin Johnson took to the field, was attended by over 50,000 people and raised more than £1.1million.
Speaking after the match Dan Byles, who served operationally in Bosnia and Kosovo, said:
“Attending the Help for Heroes rugby match at Twickenham was a very moving occasion for everyone present. Before the game started we were shown a video of the tremendous work done at the rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the stadium.
“Help for Heores do a superb job raising money for badly needed facilities for wounded soldiers.
“What makes me angry is that we have a Government which has sent an unprecedented number of young men and women to war in recent years, hundreds of whom now require treatment for horrific injuries and missing limbs, and they are relying on a charity to provide the essential facilities they need.
“Gordon Brown should hang his head in shame for the way he has treated our Armed Forces. I note he barely mentioned them in his Party Conference speech this year. Despite Government borrowing predicted to reach a staggering £100billion this year, Brown plucked another £1.6billion out of his magic money hat for a few Conference bribes to try to shore up his disastrous popularity. At the same time young British soldiers are still dying because of a lack of suitable armoured vehicles – having to patrol in snatch Landrovers that we know are not up to the job.
“This is one reason I left the Army to go into politics. Our troops are being treated appallingly. We need a united Government that supports our Armed Forces. We need a general election now.”
I do appreciate a good photo and I've found that Dan Byles does seem to take a good photo or someone in his team takes a good photo. I'd say to any would-be politician, if you want to get a story in the press, give them a good photo. Don't go overboard on the antagonistic slurs about the opposition, but do give the media either a good image or a good photo opportunity. We love it. Here goes, has he got a point? Make your own mind up:
Dan Byles Supports Help for Heroes Charity Rugby Match at Twickenham
Charity for wounded soldiers shouldn’t have to exist, says Parliamentary Candidate
Former Army Major Dan Byles, Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, this week accused the Government of relying on charities to support wounded soldiers due to inadequate medical resources in the Armed Forces.
Dan Byles, who was the youngest serving Major in the Army before leaving to enter politics, spoke out after attending the ‘Help for Heroes’ charity rugby match at Twickenham on Saturday.
Help for Heroes was established to raise money for essential facilities at the military rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, where badly wounded soldiers, including those who have lost limbs in Iraq and Afghanistan, are treated.
The charity rugby match, in which former England stars Lawrence Dallaglio and Martin Johnson took to the field, was attended by over 50,000 people and raised more than £1.1million.
Speaking after the match Dan Byles, who served operationally in Bosnia and Kosovo, said:
“Attending the Help for Heroes rugby match at Twickenham was a very moving occasion for everyone present. Before the game started we were shown a video of the tremendous work done at the rehabilitation centre at Headley Court, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the stadium.
“Help for Heores do a superb job raising money for badly needed facilities for wounded soldiers.
“What makes me angry is that we have a Government which has sent an unprecedented number of young men and women to war in recent years, hundreds of whom now require treatment for horrific injuries and missing limbs, and they are relying on a charity to provide the essential facilities they need.
“Gordon Brown should hang his head in shame for the way he has treated our Armed Forces. I note he barely mentioned them in his Party Conference speech this year. Despite Government borrowing predicted to reach a staggering £100billion this year, Brown plucked another £1.6billion out of his magic money hat for a few Conference bribes to try to shore up his disastrous popularity. At the same time young British soldiers are still dying because of a lack of suitable armoured vehicles – having to patrol in snatch Landrovers that we know are not up to the job.
“This is one reason I left the Army to go into politics. Our troops are being treated appallingly. We need a united Government that supports our Armed Forces. We need a general election now.”
Thought for the day..
Nothing from Docco for a few days so here's a verse instead. If my memory serves me well (which it tends not to these days) it's a Milligan, as in Spike:
Doctor Dell fell in the well
as he was walking home
But doctors should attend the sick
and leave the well alone.
Over 1,000 lawyers across 5 Cities raise £50,000 for legal charities
Lawyers in Manchester, Cardiff, Birmingham, Brighton and Leeds participated in a charity walk to raise money for their local legal charities which provide vital free legal help to people in need.The walks, which took place on Friday, form part of an initiative to develop regional Trusts in each area to raise funds for legal advice centres and the national development of a new Access to Justice Foundation. The funds raised by the walks will be used to fund local legal advice agencies such as law centres and support agencies such as Lawworks.
The lawyers were led by leading members of the Judiciary including Lord Philips of Worth Matravers, the Lord Chief Justice and Lord Justice Carnwath the Senior President of Tribunals.
Teams of Civil and Tribunal Judges across the 5 cities raised over £10,000 between them, while Leading national law firms including DLA Piper, Irwin Mitchell, Hammonds and Eversheds had teams walking in more than one city, adding considerably to the totals.
A host of barristers chambers also participated in the series of walks, headed by Atlantic Chambers in Liverpool (walking in Manchester) and 1 Crown Office Row’s Brighton branch both of which raised over £1,000.
Bob Nightingale, Chief Executive of the London Legal Support Trust, whose May walk raised over £350,000, said: "Just as hospitals have their League of Friends and Schools have their PTAs we aim to develop similar support for the legal voluntary sector which does such a great job in preventing poverty, resolving debt, challenging discrimination and combating exploitation. These walks are the first step in that process. They will undoubtedly become annual events as has the London walk and will be joined by annual walks in all major cities as the project develops."
Heidi Newbigging, UK CSR Manager at law firm DLA Piper, said, "DLA Piper is delighted to be part of the legal walks in Manchester, Birmingham and Leeds. We understand the financial struggle of many advice agencies across the UK and are keen to support these agencies in recognition of the invaluable service they provide to the local community and the walks are a really fun way to do this."
Law Society President, Paul Marsh, said the response from across the legal professions has been exceptional; "These walks have raised valuable funds to assist legal advice charities that help with real life crises such as homelessness, debt and destitution and support people in dire need."
Editor's comment:
Without wishing to be flippant about this very worthy event and a cause I thoroughly support having worked in the advice business for many years, the prospect of 1000 judges, barristers and lawyers walking en masse through half a dozen cities must have made a few highways department managers very nervous. You wouldn't want any paving slabs sticking up a centimetre or two too high now would you?
"Careful now Lord Chief Justice ... oh my God! He's over... this is going to take years to sort out!"
No, fair play to 'em!
Apple Day at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
Photo by Sue Conway Hi All
IT'S CRUNCH TIME AGAIN!
Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens are holding their annual APPLE DAY ON Sunday 5 October from 12 - 4 pm. This popular event arouses so much interest due to the variety of unusual and historic apples on display in the Summer House and Green House many of which are grown in the orchards on site.
There will be plenty for the whole family to do including many apple themed activities and various stalls. Birdline UK will be present bringing along with them some exotic birds and the Retired Greyhound Trust will also be present.
The historic gardens will be open for viewing during the afternoon with Guided Tours at 2.00, 2.30 and 3.00 pm.
Normal admission prices apply which are: Adults £3.50, Concessions £3.00 and Children 50p.
Regards.
Sue Brain (Mrs) Administrator
Castle Bromwich Hall & Gardens Trust
Chester Road
Castle Bromwich
Birmingham B36 9BT
Registered Company No. 1944650 in England
Registered Charity No. 516855
Stratford hosts international Family Rights Group Conference
A major international conference to consider how families could be more central to child welfare decisions took place in Stratford-Upon-Avon earlier this month.The groundbreaking conference from 17-18 September was organised by national charity Family Rights Group in partnership with local authorities, including Warwickshire County Council. It focused upon ways of working effectively with families to improve the lives of the most vulnerable children, including those on the brink of the care system.The event kicked off with children and parents from Warwickshire describing what family means to them, followed by a rap song written and performed by StreetzRWatchin otherwise known as Kaz Gill and Ryan Leahy, two young people from Warwickshire. The two-day conference also featured a variety of workshops and speeches focusing on matters of child welfare.
One workshop focused on Family Group Conferences which are facilitated child centred meetings with families, getting them together to make joint decisions about the best support for children in their care.Warwickshire County Council and Coventry City Council Family Group Conferencing Services lent support to the ‘Family Voices’ session which was led by families from the region and young people from Wales and Stockport who had accessed the service.
The whole session was filmed with the intention of using the footage to produce DVD to advise families and practitioners service principles, taking learning opportunities beyond the conference.
Conference speakers included judges, directors of children's services and professors from the UK as well as family members with experience of children's social care services. There were also international experts including the head of social work in New Zealand as well as speakers from as far a field as Canada, South Africa, the USA, Norway and Germany.
Warwickshire County Councillor Izzi Seccombe, Portfolio Holder for Children, Young People and Families said:
“Warwickshire is passionate about and dedicated to providing the best possible care for our children and young people and I feel privileged that we were able to host this trailblazing conference.
“The excellent work of Warwickshire’s Family and Community Division has been ranked alongside examples of national and international good practice and I am proud of what we have been able to achieve to raise awareness of child protection issues.”
Cathy Ashley, Chief Executive of Family Rights Group said
"Warwickshire young people and families provided a wonderful start to the event. The children’s speeches were very moving and the young men gave a fantastic performance that participants continued to talk about throughout the 2 day event."
Get on the bus in Birmingham with Passenger Focus
Passenger Focus, the independent passenger consumer watchdog, will be taking a double decker bus to the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham this year to highlight the announcement that it will become the bus and coach passenger watchdog for England from 2009.
The Passenger Focus bus, fitted with a large billboard poster, will be found in Victoria Square, Birmingham on Tuesday 30th September from 9.30am to 5.00pm.
Passenger Focus can be found on the bus and passengers, politicians and stakeholders are encouraged to visit and put their views across. Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive said: “The bus gives us a perfect platform to listen to our most important stakeholders, the passengers - through consultation and research we are making sure we represent passenger priorities at the highest level”.
Conference delegates and members of the public can also visit us at our evening fringe event at the conference where we will be posing the question ‘Can we give passengers world class train and bus services?’ to speakers including Stephen Hammond MP, Shadow Minister for Transport, Councillor Tony Huxtable, Lead Member for Rail and Light Rail, West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority and Tony Depledge, Director of Transport Policy Development, Arriva PLC.
The Passenger Focus bus, fitted with a large billboard poster, will be found in Victoria Square, Birmingham on Tuesday 30th September from 9.30am to 5.00pm.
Passenger Focus can be found on the bus and passengers, politicians and stakeholders are encouraged to visit and put their views across. Anthony Smith, Passenger Focus chief executive said: “The bus gives us a perfect platform to listen to our most important stakeholders, the passengers - through consultation and research we are making sure we represent passenger priorities at the highest level”.
Conference delegates and members of the public can also visit us at our evening fringe event at the conference where we will be posing the question ‘Can we give passengers world class train and bus services?’ to speakers including Stephen Hammond MP, Shadow Minister for Transport, Councillor Tony Huxtable, Lead Member for Rail and Light Rail, West Midlands Passenger Transport Authority and Tony Depledge, Director of Transport Policy Development, Arriva PLC.
Family history enquiry - Droitwich - can you help?
Received this email today from Jonathan Taylor who is researching his family history in Droitwich. It sounds like there are some interesting stories in here. The Crooked House has an intrigue to it for starters. If Jonathan's email rings any bells please contact him and let us know if anything comes from it. Other genealogy enquiries always welcome and we love a little story or an old image to go with them. Over to Jonathan:
Hello Spaghetti Gazetti readers,
I am busy trying to trace my family tree and as this concerns 'The Crooked House,' Droitwich, I hope you could help?
I am the Great Grandson of Rebecca Johnson (nee Reeves) who was at one time the Land Lady of the pub. Indeed I only found this out recently and saw a picture of the pub on Main St, Droitwich only last night (Google Images.) I was under the impression it had been demolished many years ago.
Interestingly Rebecca was a pioneer of early cylindrical recording as a vocalist of the time though I have never managed to trace her or any of her recordings (possible stage name unknown). Her Grandson however, Bob (Robert) Johnson was to become very famous as the guitarist for folk super group, Steeleye Span. Bob ran a vegetarian restaurant in Banbury many years ago but this too has long closed and I have no contact.
Rebecca (I believe) had 6 children, 4 sons and 2 daughters. Len, Jofrey, Jack and Norman and Ivy (one name I do not know.) All served in the forces being army and RAF. Norman particularly was a member of a Bomber Crew (possibly a rear gunner in a Lancaster or Halifax) and was shot down over the Mediterranean. He was the only survivor (reported home as missing in action) of the crew rescued by a friendly fishing vessel.
One of the other sons (possibly Len) worked for the Rover plant in Birmingham but after the factory was bombed moved to Skipton, North Yorkshire where production was then at the Rolls Royce Plant. My mother was Ivy's daughter, Pat.
Very sketchy detail I know and could be very innacurate hence my problem in tracing them - but if any of your readers could help with any information about the pub or Rebecca and family I would be very grateful.
Thank you.
Jonathan Taylor, MIFL
http://www.thisisjonathantaylor.com/
P.G.C.E. (P.C.E.T)Ad. Prof. Dip. Mentoring
Dip. H.E. JNC. Youth & Community WorkB.A (Hons) Community Studies
Nat. Dip. Music Technology BRITTUNCULI MUSIC9
Jonathan is based in Bradford, United Kingdom but send him an email and I am sure he'll give you other contact details if you have common ground.
Email: otakustudios@gmail.com
Hello Spaghetti Gazetti readers,
I am busy trying to trace my family tree and as this concerns 'The Crooked House,' Droitwich, I hope you could help?
I am the Great Grandson of Rebecca Johnson (nee Reeves) who was at one time the Land Lady of the pub. Indeed I only found this out recently and saw a picture of the pub on Main St, Droitwich only last night (Google Images.) I was under the impression it had been demolished many years ago.
Interestingly Rebecca was a pioneer of early cylindrical recording as a vocalist of the time though I have never managed to trace her or any of her recordings (possible stage name unknown). Her Grandson however, Bob (Robert) Johnson was to become very famous as the guitarist for folk super group, Steeleye Span. Bob ran a vegetarian restaurant in Banbury many years ago but this too has long closed and I have no contact.
Rebecca (I believe) had 6 children, 4 sons and 2 daughters. Len, Jofrey, Jack and Norman and Ivy (one name I do not know.) All served in the forces being army and RAF. Norman particularly was a member of a Bomber Crew (possibly a rear gunner in a Lancaster or Halifax) and was shot down over the Mediterranean. He was the only survivor (reported home as missing in action) of the crew rescued by a friendly fishing vessel.
One of the other sons (possibly Len) worked for the Rover plant in Birmingham but after the factory was bombed moved to Skipton, North Yorkshire where production was then at the Rolls Royce Plant. My mother was Ivy's daughter, Pat.
Very sketchy detail I know and could be very innacurate hence my problem in tracing them - but if any of your readers could help with any information about the pub or Rebecca and family I would be very grateful.
Thank you.
Jonathan Taylor, MIFL
http://www.thisisjonathantaylor.com/
P.G.C.E. (P.C.E.T)Ad. Prof. Dip. Mentoring
Dip. H.E. JNC. Youth & Community WorkB.A (Hons) Community Studies
Nat. Dip. Music Technology BRITTUNCULI MUSIC9
Jonathan is based in Bradford, United Kingdom but send him an email and I am sure he'll give you other contact details if you have common ground.
Email: otakustudios@gmail.com
My Weekend - from little Acorns
I hope Spaghetti vistors won't mind my occasional indulgence into blogdom, especially at weekends. I took the photo above in Warley Woods yesterday morning, it's a beautiful place and well worth a visit, you would never guess it's literally 5 miles from the centre of Brum and marks the boundary between Harborne and Smethwick/Oldbury.The lighting conditions were especially good yesterday morning with a touch of mist, although my point and press camera doesn't really do it justice. I love this time of year when all the little squirrels are darting about collecting acorns.
Later in the afternoon I took 2 of my children down the Villa and my nephew Dan (the lickle fellah in the middle) came along to see his first ever footie match. His dad's an Everton fan (bless) so I felt it's important to indoctrinate him before he goes for ....Manchester City.
It's like a rite of passage isn't it ...your first proper footie match? I have two blue noses to thank for taking me to my first match at Villa Park, my older brother and my uncle, both named Denis and both Blues fans, so fair play to them for taking me on the Holte End because I had no one else to take me. Villa were in the old Divsion 3 (so you can never accuse me of being a glory hunter I'm afraid), I can't remember who we were playing, what the score was or who scored, but I do have a very clear memory of Willy Anderson blowing his nose into one of the corner flags. Nice.
Amazing what stays in the memory isn't it? I don't suppose little Dan will remember too much about John Carew's neat back pass for the winner or Ashley Young's sublime free kick into the top corner of the net, but just maybe he will remember the doughnuts on the road by Aston Hall and the bottle of Coke which lasted him the entire match. Oh, and meeting his head mistress as we walked to the car who by strange coincidence is a Villa fan - that surely is memorable.
And yes that is Homer Simpson on my scarf ...Doh! You know you're getting old when you start saying "no it's ok love, I won't spend £50 on the replica shirt this season, the £6 Homer Simpson scarf is just the business".
Has anyone guessed the two statues in my earlier post yet? Leave your answer in the comments box and I'll tell you who they are later in the week. I have to say the one of the female figure is probably easier to guess than the one of the boxer. I had heard of this guy before, I remember my dad saying he fought a guy from Ladywood whose name escapes me. But I had no idea he came from this particular Midlands town until I came across his statue.
By the way, well done to all the Birmingham and Black Country footie teams who won yesterday: Villa, Blues, Wolves, Baggies and Walsall. I can't wait for Blues and Wolves to get promoted back to the Prem and if Albion, Stoke and Villa stay up then what a season we're in for next year heh?
Bring it on the West Midlands!!!
From little Acorns - lifelong Villa fans will surely grow!
Get fit with a regular Sunday cycle
Dear Editor,
I am secretary of a local cycling club, the Concorde CC, who this year celebrate their 60th anniversary.
With the increased interest in cycling to improve health, reduce cost and improve the environment I write to ask if any of your readers are interested in joining me and one or two of my club members in a Sunday cycle ride starting outside Gascoignes Cycle shop, Coleshill.
We move off for a steady (12mph) 2 hour ride at 10am each Sunday.
We ride throughout the year and anyone interested is welcome, if over 12 years or accompanied by an adult, just turn up. Want further information? contact me on feasey24@btinternet.com
Denis Feasey,
Secretary,
Concorde Cyclist's Club,
Castle Bromwich.
I am secretary of a local cycling club, the Concorde CC, who this year celebrate their 60th anniversary.
With the increased interest in cycling to improve health, reduce cost and improve the environment I write to ask if any of your readers are interested in joining me and one or two of my club members in a Sunday cycle ride starting outside Gascoignes Cycle shop, Coleshill.
We move off for a steady (12mph) 2 hour ride at 10am each Sunday.
We ride throughout the year and anyone interested is welcome, if over 12 years or accompanied by an adult, just turn up. Want further information? contact me on feasey24@btinternet.com
Denis Feasey,
Secretary,
Concorde Cyclist's Club,
Castle Bromwich.
All Change - local nostalgia book by Bob Brueton
‘ALL CHANGE’
Bob Brueton a Community Centre Manager from Castle Bromwich has just had his first book published by Brewin Books.
The book is a nostalgic look back to the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s through the eyes of a child/teenager/young man growing up in inner city Birmingham. Memories of school, home, shopping, friends and neighbours, holidays, entertainment and work are fondly recalled with warmth, humour and sadness.
Also as a railway enthusiast Bob travelled the country in search of steam engines and the adventures and mishaps are recounted together with descriptions of what is now largely a bygone age. There are many photographs mainly of railways with several around the Birmingham area of long gone scenes.
The book will appeal to those who enjoy nostalgia, railway enthusiasts and those who like social history.
Bob told us
"I have lived in Castle Bromwich since 1972 and worked as a teacher and now as a community centre manager. I have been working on the book for about 5 years on and off and so pleased that it is now out.
The book is priced at £9.95, and is published by Brewin Books. Copies are available from Bob tel 0121 681 8631 or email bobbrueton@yahoo.co.uk Or contact Brewin Books via their website:
http://www.brewinbooks.com/
Bob Brueton a Community Centre Manager from Castle Bromwich has just had his first book published by Brewin Books.
The book is a nostalgic look back to the 50’s, 60’s and early 70’s through the eyes of a child/teenager/young man growing up in inner city Birmingham. Memories of school, home, shopping, friends and neighbours, holidays, entertainment and work are fondly recalled with warmth, humour and sadness.
Also as a railway enthusiast Bob travelled the country in search of steam engines and the adventures and mishaps are recounted together with descriptions of what is now largely a bygone age. There are many photographs mainly of railways with several around the Birmingham area of long gone scenes.
The book will appeal to those who enjoy nostalgia, railway enthusiasts and those who like social history.
Bob told us
"I have lived in Castle Bromwich since 1972 and worked as a teacher and now as a community centre manager. I have been working on the book for about 5 years on and off and so pleased that it is now out.
The book is priced at £9.95, and is published by Brewin Books. Copies are available from Bob tel 0121 681 8631 or email bobbrueton@yahoo.co.uk Or contact Brewin Books via their website:
http://www.brewinbooks.com/
Live and Local - What's on in the West Midlands?
Live & Local brings slap-stick comedy, Punjabi/Brummie storytelling and a pedigree string quartet to Warwickshire
Live & Local continues to bring top quality performances to small venues throughout Warwickshire in October. Highlights include a hilarious comedy caper, cross-cultural storytelling and a highly acclaimed quartet.
Jenny Clarke of Live & Local said ‘with the nights drawing in, what better way to spend a brisk October evening than heading down to your nearest village hall or community centre to warm up with some top quality entertainment. With an Edinburgh Fringe hit, the best in local storytelling talent and a cracking music line up, October promises to be an exciting month! Our website www.liveandlocal.org.uk can show you what’s on down the road or in the most distant corner of Warwickshire’.
Fresh from their third year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are Plested and Brown. This comedy duo bring another mad-cap show Health & Stacey to Pailton Village Hall on Saturday 18 October, 8pm. It’s a laugh-out-loud comedy about a man stranded on an island with his ex-girlfriend - it's an accident waiting to happen! And their inventive props and sets are worth a look too. To book tickets phone (01788) 833113.
Hijinx Theatre, a fantastic small-scale touring theatre company, bring their heart-warming drama The Other Woman to venues in Warwickshire. Inspired by family stories from the Welsh valleys, The Other Woman is about a young woman left to man the farm after her husband is called up to fight in WWI. A ‘conchie’ turns up on her doorstep seeking refuge but what will happen when her husband returns home though? See this show at Woolfenden Hall (Warwickshire College, Rugby Centre) on Wed 8 October (phone 01788 338632) and Atherstone Memorial Hall on Fri 10 October (phone 01827 722198).
For an evening of hilarious banter and tall tales from two sides of the globe, try Brumjabi Brothers at St Andrews Church (Shilton) on Saturday 25 October, 7.30pm. Join Peter Chand, a Wolverhampton storyteller with a Punjabi background and Chris Lowe, a highly entertaining storyteller from Birmingham as they share their tales from India and Europe. As well as watching them banter with each other, they'll be asking what the audience think, so don’t be shy! To book tickets phone (024) 76622999.
As part of Live & Local’s excellent music line up, The Brassketeers will be heading to venues across the county. This young, all-male brass quartet are young, good-looking, and their music is original, lively and fun. They play a wide variety of tunes ranging from The Beatles to Bach and even Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody! See this fantastic show at Lighthorne Village Hall on Fri 10 October (phone 01926 651454) and Bulkington Village Centre on Sat 18 October (phone 024 76494094).
We’re extremely excited to have the highly regarded Coull String Quartet the internationally renowned resident ensemble at the University of Warwick. The quartet aim to take the 'stuffiness' away from classical music, so their performances are very friendly and informal.
They only have one date with Live & Local this season, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to see one of the county’s most prestigious string quartets. See them at the magnificent All Saints Church (Sherbourne) on Saturday 18 October, 7.30pm (phone 01926 624619). This Grade II listed building is an impressive venue to enjoy an evening of first-class music. Full details of the season are on the Live & Local website www.liveandlocal.org.uk or by requesting our What’s On leaflet on (01926) 402173.
Live & Local continues to bring top quality performances to small venues throughout Warwickshire in October. Highlights include a hilarious comedy caper, cross-cultural storytelling and a highly acclaimed quartet.
Jenny Clarke of Live & Local said ‘with the nights drawing in, what better way to spend a brisk October evening than heading down to your nearest village hall or community centre to warm up with some top quality entertainment. With an Edinburgh Fringe hit, the best in local storytelling talent and a cracking music line up, October promises to be an exciting month! Our website www.liveandlocal.org.uk can show you what’s on down the road or in the most distant corner of Warwickshire’.
Fresh from their third year at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe are Plested and Brown. This comedy duo bring another mad-cap show Health & Stacey to Pailton Village Hall on Saturday 18 October, 8pm. It’s a laugh-out-loud comedy about a man stranded on an island with his ex-girlfriend - it's an accident waiting to happen! And their inventive props and sets are worth a look too. To book tickets phone (01788) 833113.
Hijinx Theatre, a fantastic small-scale touring theatre company, bring their heart-warming drama The Other Woman to venues in Warwickshire. Inspired by family stories from the Welsh valleys, The Other Woman is about a young woman left to man the farm after her husband is called up to fight in WWI. A ‘conchie’ turns up on her doorstep seeking refuge but what will happen when her husband returns home though? See this show at Woolfenden Hall (Warwickshire College, Rugby Centre) on Wed 8 October (phone 01788 338632) and Atherstone Memorial Hall on Fri 10 October (phone 01827 722198).
For an evening of hilarious banter and tall tales from two sides of the globe, try Brumjabi Brothers at St Andrews Church (Shilton) on Saturday 25 October, 7.30pm. Join Peter Chand, a Wolverhampton storyteller with a Punjabi background and Chris Lowe, a highly entertaining storyteller from Birmingham as they share their tales from India and Europe. As well as watching them banter with each other, they'll be asking what the audience think, so don’t be shy! To book tickets phone (024) 76622999.
As part of Live & Local’s excellent music line up, The Brassketeers will be heading to venues across the county. This young, all-male brass quartet are young, good-looking, and their music is original, lively and fun. They play a wide variety of tunes ranging from The Beatles to Bach and even Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody! See this fantastic show at Lighthorne Village Hall on Fri 10 October (phone 01926 651454) and Bulkington Village Centre on Sat 18 October (phone 024 76494094).
We’re extremely excited to have the highly regarded Coull String Quartet the internationally renowned resident ensemble at the University of Warwick. The quartet aim to take the 'stuffiness' away from classical music, so their performances are very friendly and informal.
They only have one date with Live & Local this season, so don’t miss this unique opportunity to see one of the county’s most prestigious string quartets. See them at the magnificent All Saints Church (Sherbourne) on Saturday 18 October, 7.30pm (phone 01926 624619). This Grade II listed building is an impressive venue to enjoy an evening of first-class music. Full details of the season are on the Live & Local website www.liveandlocal.org.uk or by requesting our What’s On leaflet on (01926) 402173.
Macmillan Coffee morning - Walsall
On Friday I went along to the Macmillan coffee morning at Walsall Centre for Independent Living and received an email from development manager Roy Cadman to say their event raised £184.46 for the charity that supports people with cancer.
Whilst at the Centre Roy, gave me a tour of this great service for disabled people and older people in the borough of Walsall. There is all sorts on offer from money advice to equipment assessments. So please give the Centre a bell or an email if you have any enquiries around independence, mobility, access or disability.
Walsall Centre for Independent Living
Tameway Tower
Bridge Street
Walsall
WS1 1JZ
Tel: 01922 650791
e-mail: cadmanr@walsall.gov.uk
Whilst at the Centre Roy, gave me a tour of this great service for disabled people and older people in the borough of Walsall. There is all sorts on offer from money advice to equipment assessments. So please give the Centre a bell or an email if you have any enquiries around independence, mobility, access or disability.
Walsall Centre for Independent Living
Tameway Tower
Bridge Street
Walsall
WS1 1JZ
Tel: 01922 650791
e-mail: cadmanr@walsall.gov.uk
Saturday, 27 September 2008
Aggression and Compassion
I've been out and about around the West Midlands region this past week and here are two very different local figures I photographed. Both are commemorated by statues in two quite different towns of the region.Do you know who these two local heroes are and what town centres they inspire with their presence? Both towns begin with the same first letter, so if you know one town you might take a guess at the second.
Friday, 26 September 2008
Guide dogs allowed into Mosques
A Statement from Guide DogsThe charity Guide Dogs has been working with the Muslim Council (MCB) of Britain for the last two years. Involving staff from across the organisation, the aim of this work has been to increase our understanding of the needs of blind and partially-sighted Muslims and to increase understanding amongst people from Islamic communities of the work of Guide Dogs.
One of the positive results of this collaboration has been the qualification of a young Muslim man from Leicester, Mahomed-Abraar Khatri, with guide dog Vargo. Even more positively, Vargo has become the first guide dog in the UK to enter a mosque following the issue of an historic "fatwa" stating that "a blind person, in the light of Shariah Law, will be allowed to keep a guide dog to help him and if required to take him to the mosque for his prayers ".
Vargo accompanied 18-year-old Mahomed-Abraar to his local mosque in Leicester; this is being seen as a major step forward for other blind and partially sighted Muslims. A specially constructed rest area has been set up in the entrance of the mosque for Vargo to stay in whilst Mahomed-Abraar is praying. Previously Mahomed-Abraar had to be accompanied to the mosque by a sighted assistant.
We hope that the fatwa and and the story of Mahomed-Abraar and Vargo will encourage other blind and partially sighted Muslims to consider guide dog ownership. It is also hoped that mosque leaders both in the UKand internationally will now make similar adjustments to enable Muslim guide dog owners to enter their mosques.
The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association
Registered Office: Hillfields, Burghfield Common, Reading, Berkshire, RG7 3YG.
A company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (291646) and a charity registered in England and Wales (209617) and Scotland (SC038979).
Tel: 0118 9835555
guidedogs@guidedogs.org.uk
http://www.guidedogs.org.uk/
Do you remember the Coronet Camera Company?
We received this very interesting enquiry from a gentleman in Sawbridgeworth, Herts, named Dr Gerald Connolly who is researching the Birmingham based Coronet Camera Company. Here's Dr Connolly's email:
Dear Peter,
I was pleased to see your web site (great links, info), and wonder if you can help me by either publishing the letter below or supplying any contacts or information you may hold yourselves that could help make this story of a fascinating Birmingham Photographic Co., come to light!
Dr Gerald P. Connolly
CORONET CAMERA COMPANY, 308-310 Summer Lane, Aston, Birmingham 19.
I have been collecting Coronet cameras for over a quarter of century and although having got rid of most of my original collection, due to final and space problems, I have restarted to collect again in earnest last year!
Presently, I am writing an article and eventually a book, on the history of the Coronet Camera Co., and would be pleased to hear from not only people who may have any coronet cameras, but more interestingly, from office and factory workers who worked for the Company.
I am also seeking to buy or view photographic company trade catalogues and any Coronet company archives that may still exist. If anyone knows more about this interesting and largely forgotten company could they please contact me?
Dr Gerald P. Connolly
Email: Coronet@talktalk.net
Dear Peter,
I was pleased to see your web site (great links, info), and wonder if you can help me by either publishing the letter below or supplying any contacts or information you may hold yourselves that could help make this story of a fascinating Birmingham Photographic Co., come to light!
Dr Gerald P. Connolly
CORONET CAMERA COMPANY, 308-310 Summer Lane, Aston, Birmingham 19.
I have been collecting Coronet cameras for over a quarter of century and although having got rid of most of my original collection, due to final and space problems, I have restarted to collect again in earnest last year!
Presently, I am writing an article and eventually a book, on the history of the Coronet Camera Co., and would be pleased to hear from not only people who may have any coronet cameras, but more interestingly, from office and factory workers who worked for the Company.
I am also seeking to buy or view photographic company trade catalogues and any Coronet company archives that may still exist. If anyone knows more about this interesting and largely forgotten company could they please contact me?
Dr Gerald P. Connolly
Email: Coronet@talktalk.net
Thursday, 25 September 2008
The Big Draw in Nuneaton
Bring your friends and familyTo Draw or be Drawn
“Faces of Nuneaton”
On National ‘’Big Draw ’’ Day
At Rope Walk
Sat 11th Oct 10am to 4pm
Featuring from 10.30 to 12.00
guest models
Carnival Queen and Maids
and
Players from Nuns Rugby Club
Carnival Queen and Maids
and
Players from Nuns Rugby Club
New shows at Atherstone Memorial Hall
Autumn entertainment kicks off in October with two new shows at Atherstone Memorial Hall.
‘The Other Woman’ is a play, inspired by stories about families in South Wales who gave refuge to conscientious objectors during the First World War. It lifts the lid on the fascinating lengths people go to when others are in need. The story unfolds at the beginning of the 20th century on a remote hillside farm in the Welsh valleys. Megan and Rhys are living in domestic bliss until their world is shattered when Rhys is called up to fight in the First World War. Megan is left to work the farm but when a ’conchie’ arrives seeking refuge from the war, Megan agrees to help him by disguising him as Mary Anne, her cousin from Cardiff. But there are difficulties in store when Rhys returns from the front.
The Other Woman is on Friday 10th October at 8.00pm.
On Saturday 18th October 2008, 8.00pm, the five piece ‘Steve Steinhaus Swing Band’ returns, fronted by the big voice and personality of Steve Steinhaus. Steve is backed by four rhythm section musicians form the Birmingham Conservatoire on sax, bass, drums and keyboard. They will serenade the audience with a night of swing and jazz from the American songbook. All the crooners will be present– Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong.
To book tickets and for more enquiries, ring Atherstone Leisure Complex on 01827 722198.
Photos attached taken by ALC staff
‘The Other Woman’ is a play, inspired by stories about families in South Wales who gave refuge to conscientious objectors during the First World War. It lifts the lid on the fascinating lengths people go to when others are in need. The story unfolds at the beginning of the 20th century on a remote hillside farm in the Welsh valleys. Megan and Rhys are living in domestic bliss until their world is shattered when Rhys is called up to fight in the First World War. Megan is left to work the farm but when a ’conchie’ arrives seeking refuge from the war, Megan agrees to help him by disguising him as Mary Anne, her cousin from Cardiff. But there are difficulties in store when Rhys returns from the front.
The Other Woman is on Friday 10th October at 8.00pm.
On Saturday 18th October 2008, 8.00pm, the five piece ‘Steve Steinhaus Swing Band’ returns, fronted by the big voice and personality of Steve Steinhaus. Steve is backed by four rhythm section musicians form the Birmingham Conservatoire on sax, bass, drums and keyboard. They will serenade the audience with a night of swing and jazz from the American songbook. All the crooners will be present– Ray Charles, Ella Fitzgerald, Louie Armstrong.To book tickets and for more enquiries, ring Atherstone Leisure Complex on 01827 722198.
Photos attached taken by ALC staffWellbeing Festival - Walsall
The New Art Gallery WalsallSaturday 11 October 2008, 11am-4pm
Join us at the gallery to sample creative workshops, holistic therapies, health checks and receive support and advice from mental health services in Walsall, including information stalls, Wellbeing walks, laughter therapy, art workshops, health checks, holistic therapies, mendhi, face painting and much more. All activities are free of charge, therapy sessions must be booked in advance.
Programme of events Holistic Therapies
Join laughter facilitator Robin Graham for drop in ‘laughter’ sessions. Also he will be leading a session exploring the health benefits of laughter including games, visualisations and theory.
Please reserve a place in advance.
Ssaplam Therapies will be offering ‘Stress busting taster sessions’, including kinesiology techniques and Candida testing.
Join Louise Bennett for a rejuvenating back massage on a specially designed chair. Sign up on the day for a session lasting approximately 10 minutes.
Health checks and physical activity
A pharmacist will be offering health checks in the Art Library.
Wellbeing walks led by Walsall Community Health Physical Activity team, meet in front of The New Art Gallery Walsall at 11am and 1pm. Easy to moderate walk lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Wellbeing walks led by Walsall Community Health Physical Activity team, meet in front of The New Art Gallery Walsall at 11am and 1pm. Easy to moderate walk lasting approximately 45 minutes.
Drop in Creative Sessions
Creative sessions offered on a drop in basis include; Poetry and Creative Writing, Jewellery making, arts on an environmental theme with members of Walsall’s youth arts forum and a chance to contribute to an artwork entitled ‘Life’s Journey’.
For further information and to reserve therapy sessions in advance, please contact Kerry Hodgkiss on 01922 653114 or email hodgkissk@walsall.gov.uk
The Wellbeing Festival 2008 is organised by Walsall's Creative Development Team and Walsall Teaching Primary Care Trust.
Pirates show the way for National Bookstart Day in Coventry on 10 October
Arrg arrh me hearties! It's National Bookstart Day on Friday 10 October and the theme is Pirates Ahoy! There will be lots of special events taking place in libraries and children's centres in Coventry and we hope that you will join in the celebrations. 6-12 October is also Children's' Book Week.
Cllr Tim Sawdon, Cabinet Member (Culture, Leisure and Libraries), said, "A whole raft of pirate theme events will be taking place over the whole week. The family-friendly events, all aimed at under fives will take place across the City and will include pirate rhymetimes, stories and fun activities. The events are free and aim to spread the word that children are never too young to start loving books, as part of Coventry's celebration of the National Year of Reading 2008."
A Pirate Rhymetime for children attending the Jolly Roger Nursery will be held on Wednesday 1 October 2008 between 10.15am and 11.15am to launch a range of events being held in the run up to National Bookstart Day on Friday 10 October 2008. The event will include pirate fancy dress, rhymes, songs and stories for children at the Nursery.
Children from Holbrook Primary School Nursery will also be attending a 'Pirate Party' at Borders Bookshop on Friday 3 October 2008 between 10.00 and 11.00am to celebrate the run up to National Bookstart Day. The children will be joining in with fancy dress, songs, rhymes and stories.
Libraries are celebrating National Bookstart Day this year with pirate rhymetimes for under 5's across the city:
Foleshill Library Tuesday 7 October 1.30 – 2.30pm
024 7678 6977
Coundon Library Friday 10 October 10.00 – 10.30am
024 7678 6969
Earlsdon Library Friday 10 October 9.30 – 10.00am
024 7678 6970
Stoke Library Friday 10 October 2.00 – 3.00pm
024 7678 6989
Central Library will also be running a Pirate Rhymetime on Friday 10 October from 10.00 to 11.00am, with rhymes, stories, songs and Bookstart goodies! Babies and toddlers are welcome – children's pirate/mermaid fancy dress is optional. Places are limited - to book a place please call 024 7683 2314, or call into Central Library. Under 8's must be accompanied by an adult.
National Bookstart Day 'pirates' will also be out and about in Coventry City centre on Friday 10 October between 1.00 and 3.00pm, giving out Bookstart goodies, and information about National Bookstart.
Cllr Tim Sawdon, Cabinet Member (Culture, Leisure and Libraries), said, "A whole raft of pirate theme events will be taking place over the whole week. The family-friendly events, all aimed at under fives will take place across the City and will include pirate rhymetimes, stories and fun activities. The events are free and aim to spread the word that children are never too young to start loving books, as part of Coventry's celebration of the National Year of Reading 2008."
A Pirate Rhymetime for children attending the Jolly Roger Nursery will be held on Wednesday 1 October 2008 between 10.15am and 11.15am to launch a range of events being held in the run up to National Bookstart Day on Friday 10 October 2008. The event will include pirate fancy dress, rhymes, songs and stories for children at the Nursery.
Children from Holbrook Primary School Nursery will also be attending a 'Pirate Party' at Borders Bookshop on Friday 3 October 2008 between 10.00 and 11.00am to celebrate the run up to National Bookstart Day. The children will be joining in with fancy dress, songs, rhymes and stories.
Libraries are celebrating National Bookstart Day this year with pirate rhymetimes for under 5's across the city:
Foleshill Library Tuesday 7 October 1.30 – 2.30pm
024 7678 6977
Coundon Library Friday 10 October 10.00 – 10.30am
024 7678 6969
Earlsdon Library Friday 10 October 9.30 – 10.00am
024 7678 6970
Stoke Library Friday 10 October 2.00 – 3.00pm
024 7678 6989
Central Library will also be running a Pirate Rhymetime on Friday 10 October from 10.00 to 11.00am, with rhymes, stories, songs and Bookstart goodies! Babies and toddlers are welcome – children's pirate/mermaid fancy dress is optional. Places are limited - to book a place please call 024 7683 2314, or call into Central Library. Under 8's must be accompanied by an adult.
National Bookstart Day 'pirates' will also be out and about in Coventry City centre on Friday 10 October between 1.00 and 3.00pm, giving out Bookstart goodies, and information about National Bookstart.
CALL to rescue adult education
NIACE, NUS, UNISON, UCU, the WEA and 20 other bodies have formed CALL to rescue adult education after the loss of 1.5 million course places in the last two years.
We believe our education system should provide:
1. equality of access to high quality education for all learners and a statutory right to learning in
the workplace
2. universal access to basic skills, ESOL and ICT courses and a first level three
3. learner, teacher and community involvement in all levels of decision-making
4. learning for personal wellbeing and development and the maintenance of local authority adult
education
5. a path out of poverty and disadvantage including widening participation in higher education and the provision of a second chance later in life
6. a stable, motivated and rewarded workforce of professional practitioners.
the workplace
2. universal access to basic skills, ESOL and ICT courses and a first level three
3. learner, teacher and community involvement in all levels of decision-making
4. learning for personal wellbeing and development and the maintenance of local authority adult
education
5. a path out of poverty and disadvantage including widening participation in higher education and the provision of a second chance later in life
6. a stable, motivated and rewarded workforce of professional practitioners.
To register for 30 September launch conference at 27 Britannia St WC1X 9JP
email dbussell@ucu.org.uk
email dbussell@ucu.org.uk
CAMPAIGNING ALLIANCE FOR LIFELONG LEARNING
http://www.callcampaign.org.uk/
BBC 4 DOCUMENTARY - GRANDPARENTS, PARENTS AND GRANDCHILDREN
Award-winning production company, Blast Films, is making a three part observational documentary series for BBC4 exploring the unique relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. Grandparents now play an increasingly important role in families – be it through child care, financial support and emotional support. We want to reflect issues that impact on grandparents particularly and all three generations of their family in general.
This is a great opportunity to make a sensitive and emotionally intelligent series which gives a voice to a generation rarely heard from on television.
We are at early stages of research and are keen to hear from as many people as possible.
To find out more, please contact Barney, Amy or Jo on 0207 267 4260 or families@blastfilms.co.uk.
This is a great opportunity to make a sensitive and emotionally intelligent series which gives a voice to a generation rarely heard from on television.
We are at early stages of research and are keen to hear from as many people as possible.
To find out more, please contact Barney, Amy or Jo on 0207 267 4260 or families@blastfilms.co.uk.
Wednesday, 24 September 2008
Mobility Advice Line under threat
The following article is from the Birmingham Mail website, at the link below. Thanks to Steve Graby for bringing it to our attention. I remember when the Mobility Advice Line started off based in Andy Whyment's house in Kings Norton, Andy was a well-known disabled ex-policeman who was a mine of information on mobility matters. It was with great credit to Andy's wife and a small group of other people who kept it going following Andy's death in the 1990s, when it transfered to the regional rehabilitation centre in Oak Tree Lane, but I wasn't aware it had moved elsewhere.
This is to the unending shame of both the local authority and the health service in Birmingham that they just constantly stand back and watch valuable information services go out of business, especially services run by service users or volunteers. The government keep publishing white papers declaring their intention to support disabled people's organisations in the third sector but the rhetoric and the reality never seem to match up. Let's keep an eye on this one because we need to keep the Mobility Advice Line going:
http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/08/18/disabled-charity-desperate-for-new-home-97319-21553930/
A BIRMINGHAM charity for disabled people is facing closure unless it can find a new home by the end of the month. Mobility Advice Line, which was set up 15 years ago in a bid to help people who struggle getting out and about, desperately needs to find new premises after being served notice to leave the property it currently operates from.
Brynn Tudor, chairman of the charity, based in Watford Road, Cotteridge, said: "This news has come as a massive shock.
"We were told previously that we could have the office for free and for as long as we wanted.
"But the person who owns the business has since handed it over to his son and we have been told we now need to move out."
He said originally the charity had been given until August 5 to move, but after having no luck finding premises, the deadline was extended until September 2.
"I have tried many different places, all to no avail," said Mr Tudor."If we do not find alternative accommodation then the charity will have no option but to close its doors.
"If this happens it will leave a big void in our clients' lives, as wellas the eight people who volunteer to run the charity.
"He said despite pleas to his local councillors and MP, he has not found anyone who can help the charity's plight.
"All we need is a room that can be locked and is big enough for two desks and a filing cabinet," he added."If we could pay rent we would, but we struggle on the limited funds we have.
"In fact it's not the first time the charity has found itself in trouble. In March 2007 it was forced to move from its rent free office in Selly Oak, where it had been based for eight years. And In March this year Mr Tudor staged a fund-raising musical to raise cash, as well as paying money out of his own pocket to keep the charity going. Angi Wright, a volunteer for the charity, added:
"We take around 1,000 calls a year and visit many disabled people, young and old, in their homes.
"The reactions we have got from those who are currently receiving help from us that we have to move is one of shock and anger."
Anyone who can help can call 0121 246 9150 or e-mail brynn@mobility-advice.org.uk
This is to the unending shame of both the local authority and the health service in Birmingham that they just constantly stand back and watch valuable information services go out of business, especially services run by service users or volunteers. The government keep publishing white papers declaring their intention to support disabled people's organisations in the third sector but the rhetoric and the reality never seem to match up. Let's keep an eye on this one because we need to keep the Mobility Advice Line going:
http://www.birminghammail.net/news/birmingham-news/2008/08/18/disabled-charity-desperate-for-new-home-97319-21553930/
A BIRMINGHAM charity for disabled people is facing closure unless it can find a new home by the end of the month. Mobility Advice Line, which was set up 15 years ago in a bid to help people who struggle getting out and about, desperately needs to find new premises after being served notice to leave the property it currently operates from.
Brynn Tudor, chairman of the charity, based in Watford Road, Cotteridge, said: "This news has come as a massive shock.
"We were told previously that we could have the office for free and for as long as we wanted.
"But the person who owns the business has since handed it over to his son and we have been told we now need to move out."
He said originally the charity had been given until August 5 to move, but after having no luck finding premises, the deadline was extended until September 2.
"I have tried many different places, all to no avail," said Mr Tudor."If we do not find alternative accommodation then the charity will have no option but to close its doors.
"If this happens it will leave a big void in our clients' lives, as wellas the eight people who volunteer to run the charity.
"He said despite pleas to his local councillors and MP, he has not found anyone who can help the charity's plight.
"All we need is a room that can be locked and is big enough for two desks and a filing cabinet," he added."If we could pay rent we would, but we struggle on the limited funds we have.
"In fact it's not the first time the charity has found itself in trouble. In March 2007 it was forced to move from its rent free office in Selly Oak, where it had been based for eight years. And In March this year Mr Tudor staged a fund-raising musical to raise cash, as well as paying money out of his own pocket to keep the charity going. Angi Wright, a volunteer for the charity, added:
"We take around 1,000 calls a year and visit many disabled people, young and old, in their homes.
"The reactions we have got from those who are currently receiving help from us that we have to move is one of shock and anger."
Anyone who can help can call 0121 246 9150 or e-mail brynn@mobility-advice.org.uk
...life changing...yes. FREE....YES!!
Thanks to an exciting new global volunteering scheme less advantaged young people from all over the Midlands have returned- changed forever- from their fully funded trips to Peru, Ghana, and South Africa with mesmerizing tales of local culture and life-changing experiences.
I am recruiting 3,000 18-25 year olds nationwide over the next 2 years to have a free volunteering placement in Peru, Ghana, South Africa, or India. Aimed at young people who would not usually get this kind of opportunity it aims to help young people in the U.K- Changing perspectives, increasing employability, improving self-esteem, acquiring new skills- and poor communities abroad.
The team consisting of Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC have been given 13 million pounds by the Department of International Development to deliver this exciting opportunity.
For more information please look at our article on the BBC website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2008/08/29/my_platform2_experience_feature.shtml
and our great new website http://www.myplatform2.com/
You can also watch some of the Platform2 videos on You Tube. http://www.youtube.com/user/myplatform2 (scroll down to view videos)
Jonny Mason
Volunteer Development Officer
KHALID MAHMOOD
Khalid is 21 and lives in Sparkbrook, a deprived district of Birmingham, with his father, three sisters and three brothers. During term time, he lives in Bradford, where he is in his final year of a degree in English and Creative Writing. He has just returned from 10 weeks in eastern Ghana, where he lived in the village of Gbledi Chebi and worked at the nearby wildlife reserve, in the same group of volunteers as Kerri and Zina.
I saw the trip to Ghana as a challenge: could I stay away from all the luxuries we have in England for 10 weeks? It was also an opportunity to go away for longer than I have before, and to meet people.
.
It was a life-changing experience. The local people worked hard and had pride in what they did. I talked to some farmers who weren’t at all interested in money. Their lives were really basic and they just wanted enough to eat – I don’t think that they were eager to be rich.
I came to Sparkbrook in Birmingham from Pakistan, when I was 12. Sparkbrook contains a mixture of communities and people are close, they know each other. But it’s also a poor place, quite deprived. People don’t go to school, which leads to poverty. A few years ago, I think Sparkbrook was named as one of the worst places to live in the UK.
.
In Ghana, the area around the nature reserve where we worked was very beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, caves, as well as coconut, palm and cotton trees. There were monkeys, scorpions and a lot of spiders, and I also saw a chameleon.
.
One of the best things we did was using a Global Positioning System to help make a map for tourists coming to the reserve. We had to walk around for eight hours a day, seeing great sights and natural beauty.
.
I didn’t expect our accommodation to be so nice – we had bath tubs, hot water and proper toilets. And all the volunteers stayed in the same place, which really helped us build a relationship with each other.
.
I loved everybody in the group – it seemed too good to be true. No-one had any grudges against anyone else and if someone was feeling down, everyone helped them out. We were quite different people, though. Now I miss their company, and I hope I’ll stay in touch with some of them.
.
The local people showed us great hospitality and the kids were awesome. Some of us organised a fun day for the village, with football games, egg and spoon races, a snake charmer, musicians and food stalls, which was great.
.
But I wasn’t too keen on the food – I couldn’t eat the meat, because I’m a Muslim, and so I had to eat a lot of eggs – sometimes 10 in one day.
.
I’ll definitely put Platform 2 on my CV, because it’s something that not many people have done, and something that I’m proud of. The trip was partly about getting on with other people and learning to manage in a situation where there are no clear guidelines. And two-and-a-half months is a long time.
.
I’d say to other people considering Platform 2: do apply. It was a really great experience. If someone gets the chance, then they should go for it.
Bit of Info about the scheme
Funded by the Department for International Development and run by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC, the three year scheme is offering young people, who would not normally have the opportunity to do overseas voluntary work, the chance to travel to countries like Ghana, South Africa, Peru or India.
Free to join Platform2 will see the participants living and working alongside a poor community on a range of projects for 10 weeks.
On their return to the UK, participants attend a three-day workshop where they devise interesting and exciting ways of communicating what they have learnt about global issues with friends, family and their local community. They will continue to build on their life and employment skills by organising talks and exhibitions, writing blogs and songs, making videos and getting local press coverage.
Khalid recently returned and was in the first group.
For more information phone Jonny Mason recruitment co-ordinator for the West Midlands on 07912325880 or 0121 200 2283
Sign up soon!
Platform2 is an exciting opportunity to volunteer overseas, completely free (flights, food and accommodation all paid for). The government has pledged 13 million pounds to send 2,500 18-25 year olds to Peru, Ghana, India or South Africa. During the 10 week placements abroad the volunteers will participate in meaningful activities such as assisting teachers, being a trainee wildlife ranger, construction, awareness raising, refugee work and sports. Staying with a family in a local community the volunteer is totally involved in the local culture. The next departures are on 10th of December 2008 and the 8th of January 2009. There are still places on both of these departures but places are filling quickly.
This is a truly life-changing and once in a lifetime experience! To apply go on line http://www.myplatform2.com/ and you can phone Jonny Mason who is recruiting young people now on 07912325880
I am recruiting 3,000 18-25 year olds nationwide over the next 2 years to have a free volunteering placement in Peru, Ghana, South Africa, or India. Aimed at young people who would not usually get this kind of opportunity it aims to help young people in the U.K- Changing perspectives, increasing employability, improving self-esteem, acquiring new skills- and poor communities abroad.
The team consisting of Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC have been given 13 million pounds by the Department of International Development to deliver this exciting opportunity.
For more information please look at our article on the BBC website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2008/08/29/my_platform2_experience_feature.shtml
and our great new website http://www.myplatform2.com/
You can also watch some of the Platform2 videos on You Tube. http://www.youtube.com/user/myplatform2 (scroll down to view videos)
Jonny Mason
Volunteer Development Officer
KHALID MAHMOOD
Khalid is 21 and lives in Sparkbrook, a deprived district of Birmingham, with his father, three sisters and three brothers. During term time, he lives in Bradford, where he is in his final year of a degree in English and Creative Writing. He has just returned from 10 weeks in eastern Ghana, where he lived in the village of Gbledi Chebi and worked at the nearby wildlife reserve, in the same group of volunteers as Kerri and Zina.
I saw the trip to Ghana as a challenge: could I stay away from all the luxuries we have in England for 10 weeks? It was also an opportunity to go away for longer than I have before, and to meet people.
.
It was a life-changing experience. The local people worked hard and had pride in what they did. I talked to some farmers who weren’t at all interested in money. Their lives were really basic and they just wanted enough to eat – I don’t think that they were eager to be rich.
I came to Sparkbrook in Birmingham from Pakistan, when I was 12. Sparkbrook contains a mixture of communities and people are close, they know each other. But it’s also a poor place, quite deprived. People don’t go to school, which leads to poverty. A few years ago, I think Sparkbrook was named as one of the worst places to live in the UK.
.
In Ghana, the area around the nature reserve where we worked was very beautiful, with mountains, waterfalls, caves, as well as coconut, palm and cotton trees. There were monkeys, scorpions and a lot of spiders, and I also saw a chameleon.
.
One of the best things we did was using a Global Positioning System to help make a map for tourists coming to the reserve. We had to walk around for eight hours a day, seeing great sights and natural beauty.
.
I didn’t expect our accommodation to be so nice – we had bath tubs, hot water and proper toilets. And all the volunteers stayed in the same place, which really helped us build a relationship with each other.
.
I loved everybody in the group – it seemed too good to be true. No-one had any grudges against anyone else and if someone was feeling down, everyone helped them out. We were quite different people, though. Now I miss their company, and I hope I’ll stay in touch with some of them.
.
The local people showed us great hospitality and the kids were awesome. Some of us organised a fun day for the village, with football games, egg and spoon races, a snake charmer, musicians and food stalls, which was great.
.
But I wasn’t too keen on the food – I couldn’t eat the meat, because I’m a Muslim, and so I had to eat a lot of eggs – sometimes 10 in one day.
.
I’ll definitely put Platform 2 on my CV, because it’s something that not many people have done, and something that I’m proud of. The trip was partly about getting on with other people and learning to manage in a situation where there are no clear guidelines. And two-and-a-half months is a long time.
.
I’d say to other people considering Platform 2: do apply. It was a really great experience. If someone gets the chance, then they should go for it.
Bit of Info about the scheme
Funded by the Department for International Development and run by Christian Aid, Islamic Relief and BUNAC, the three year scheme is offering young people, who would not normally have the opportunity to do overseas voluntary work, the chance to travel to countries like Ghana, South Africa, Peru or India.
Free to join Platform2 will see the participants living and working alongside a poor community on a range of projects for 10 weeks.
On their return to the UK, participants attend a three-day workshop where they devise interesting and exciting ways of communicating what they have learnt about global issues with friends, family and their local community. They will continue to build on their life and employment skills by organising talks and exhibitions, writing blogs and songs, making videos and getting local press coverage.
Khalid recently returned and was in the first group.
For more information phone Jonny Mason recruitment co-ordinator for the West Midlands on 07912325880 or 0121 200 2283
Sign up soon!
Platform2 is an exciting opportunity to volunteer overseas, completely free (flights, food and accommodation all paid for). The government has pledged 13 million pounds to send 2,500 18-25 year olds to Peru, Ghana, India or South Africa. During the 10 week placements abroad the volunteers will participate in meaningful activities such as assisting teachers, being a trainee wildlife ranger, construction, awareness raising, refugee work and sports. Staying with a family in a local community the volunteer is totally involved in the local culture. The next departures are on 10th of December 2008 and the 8th of January 2009. There are still places on both of these departures but places are filling quickly.
This is a truly life-changing and once in a lifetime experience! To apply go on line http://www.myplatform2.com/ and you can phone Jonny Mason who is recruiting young people now on 07912325880
Thought for the day from Docco
"If you feel like doing some work, sit down and wait. The feeling will go away."Keep logging on for yet more gems of wisdom from our friendly local blue nose, Mr Doherty of the Solihull area.
Shedding light on a world record for world peace
India’s most famous World Peace Leader arrives in UK for Millennium Development Goal and World Peace Festival 2008
His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji raises awareness of UN Millennium Development Goals and marks Guinness World Record for the largest number of candles lighted for world peace.
India’s most famous World Peace Leader, His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji has arrived in the UK for the forthcoming Millennium Development Goal and World Peace Festival 2008, taking place 30th September – 9th October at Gurpanth Parkash, Ashford Road, Leicester and on 5th October at Leicester Tigers, Aylestone Road, Leicester.
Already holding four Guinness World Records, two Limca Book of Records and many awards in relation to world peace, His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji will be heading ten days of prayer or ‘Maha Poojans’, each day of prayer dedicated to one of the UN Millennium Development Goals, namely: to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; to achieve universal primary education; to promote gender equality and empower women; to reduce child mortality; to improve maternal health; to combat HIV and AIDS; to combat malaria and other diseases; to ensure environmental sustainability; and to develop a global partnership for development.
In addition to this, and to symbolise global unity, His Holiness will be holding a unique event, which will represent a Guinness World Record for the largest number of candles lighted for world peace, on 5th October at Leicester Tigers. His Holiness and believers in the principles of world peace non-violence from a multitude of faiths, will be lighting 66,840 candles, to signify the world’s total population of 6,684 billion, together with an additional 195 coloured candles to represent the total countries across the globe.
His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji is the life force behind the construction of the holy pilgrimage in Krishnagiri near Bangalore, India, which will house the world’s highest 365 feet temple in the near future. He is also behind the world’s largest glass temple, which has already been erected by his Holiness and which marks the first of its kind in modern history.
His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji has inspired 25 Seva Trusts in India, dedicated to service to humanity and providing charity works across the world, with a specific focus on schools for young children in India, eradicating poverty, opening hospitals in villages, providing care for the elderly, needy and homeless and creating employment for the youth in India. On 1st January 2004, an audience of over 25,000 people was witness to His Holiness’ first words following an eight-month long silence.
His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji raises awareness of UN Millennium Development Goals and marks Guinness World Record for the largest number of candles lighted for world peace.
India’s most famous World Peace Leader, His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji has arrived in the UK for the forthcoming Millennium Development Goal and World Peace Festival 2008, taking place 30th September – 9th October at Gurpanth Parkash, Ashford Road, Leicester and on 5th October at Leicester Tigers, Aylestone Road, Leicester.
Already holding four Guinness World Records, two Limca Book of Records and many awards in relation to world peace, His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji will be heading ten days of prayer or ‘Maha Poojans’, each day of prayer dedicated to one of the UN Millennium Development Goals, namely: to eradicate extreme poverty and hunger; to achieve universal primary education; to promote gender equality and empower women; to reduce child mortality; to improve maternal health; to combat HIV and AIDS; to combat malaria and other diseases; to ensure environmental sustainability; and to develop a global partnership for development.
In addition to this, and to symbolise global unity, His Holiness will be holding a unique event, which will represent a Guinness World Record for the largest number of candles lighted for world peace, on 5th October at Leicester Tigers. His Holiness and believers in the principles of world peace non-violence from a multitude of faiths, will be lighting 66,840 candles, to signify the world’s total population of 6,684 billion, together with an additional 195 coloured candles to represent the total countries across the globe.
His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji is the life force behind the construction of the holy pilgrimage in Krishnagiri near Bangalore, India, which will house the world’s highest 365 feet temple in the near future. He is also behind the world’s largest glass temple, which has already been erected by his Holiness and which marks the first of its kind in modern history.
His Holiness Sri Vasanth Gurudevji has inspired 25 Seva Trusts in India, dedicated to service to humanity and providing charity works across the world, with a specific focus on schools for young children in India, eradicating poverty, opening hospitals in villages, providing care for the elderly, needy and homeless and creating employment for the youth in India. On 1st January 2004, an audience of over 25,000 people was witness to His Holiness’ first words following an eight-month long silence.
Tuesday, 23 September 2008
Budding reviewers get in touch
If you love going to theatre, live music, dance or similar performance arts events and you are also a budding writer / journalist / reviewer, then let me know if there is something on locally that you might like to try your hand at reviewing. In my capacity as editor both of Spaghetti Gazetti and The Gazette magazines, I can sometimes be quite persuasive in getting press passes into all manner of events, as long as we can gaurantee a quick turn-around of some quality editorial.
I also submit stuff to Adrian Goldberg for The Stirrer and to Siobhan Mohan at The Harp, so we can offer a fairly wide distribution of reviews, which helps to persuade promoters to part with complimentary press tickets. But you do need to be serious, reliable and have a fairly good level of written communication. Give me an email if it's of interest, I can't pay people but could help you get into a few gigs and stuff for free and help you develop your CV if you're a student or trainee journo, etc.
I can promise that you will enjoy covering actors and assorted famous people in Spaghetti.
Pete: info@bignbostin.com
I also submit stuff to Adrian Goldberg for The Stirrer and to Siobhan Mohan at The Harp, so we can offer a fairly wide distribution of reviews, which helps to persuade promoters to part with complimentary press tickets. But you do need to be serious, reliable and have a fairly good level of written communication. Give me an email if it's of interest, I can't pay people but could help you get into a few gigs and stuff for free and help you develop your CV if you're a student or trainee journo, etc.
I can promise that you will enjoy covering actors and assorted famous people in Spaghetti.
Pete: info@bignbostin.com
Call for artists
Call for Artists, Makers and Designers for popular Festive Flair Designer Maker Fair
Light House’s renowned Festive Flair Designer Maker Fair returns on Saturday 6 December from 10am to 3pm and applications are now open for local and regional artists, makers and designers who would like to hold a stall at the popular event to exhibit and sell their craft. Flair, Light House’s regular Designer Maker Fair, aims to showcase the creative talent within the region and offers visitors some of the region’s best contemporary and unique craft and designer wares.
.
Flair is set in the courtyard of the historic Chubb Buildings located centrally in Wolverhampton. Stalls at the event cost £20 full price and £15 for NUS students (table provided).Interested artists and designers should apply to Lindsay Wiggin by sending 2-3 images and 200 words max about their work and/or a CV/artist statement by email to lindsay@light-house.co.uk or by post (to Light House, The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT) by Monday 10 November.
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Selection will be made by Wednesday 12 November and will be based on creating a balanced exhibition of original, high quality work that represents different media and styles. For further information on events at Light House contact t. 01902 716055, e. info@light-house.co.uk or visit www.light-house.co.uk
Light House’s renowned Festive Flair Designer Maker Fair returns on Saturday 6 December from 10am to 3pm and applications are now open for local and regional artists, makers and designers who would like to hold a stall at the popular event to exhibit and sell their craft. Flair, Light House’s regular Designer Maker Fair, aims to showcase the creative talent within the region and offers visitors some of the region’s best contemporary and unique craft and designer wares.
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Flair is set in the courtyard of the historic Chubb Buildings located centrally in Wolverhampton. Stalls at the event cost £20 full price and £15 for NUS students (table provided).Interested artists and designers should apply to Lindsay Wiggin by sending 2-3 images and 200 words max about their work and/or a CV/artist statement by email to lindsay@light-house.co.uk or by post (to Light House, The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT) by Monday 10 November.
.
Selection will be made by Wednesday 12 November and will be based on creating a balanced exhibition of original, high quality work that represents different media and styles. For further information on events at Light House contact t. 01902 716055, e. info@light-house.co.uk or visit www.light-house.co.uk
Birmingham Jazz Club
Gigs This Week
MaylightWednesday 24th September
Jazz Club at The Rainbow
9.30pm, £3
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Brand new seven piece band featuring a killer line up including:Lizzy Parks ( Tru Thoughts ) on vocals, Chris Read on turntables, Rob Barron (Nostalgia 77) on keyboards, Joe Egan on trumpet , Colin Somervell on bass and led by Mary Wakelam on sax
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Sara Colman Album Launch
Thursday 25th September
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Sara is a singer of international quality who just happens to live and work in Birmingham. Every performance is an absolute joy. We are delighted to be able to present Sara with the musicians of her choice in this event to launch her new – and eagerly awaited - new album. Buy a copy!
Mark De Clive Lowe Freesoul SessionsFriday 26th September
Hare & Hounds, 9pm
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2 for 1 ticket offer for all Birmingham Jazz members & Birmingham Jazz Student members!
Valid 2008 membership card must be shown upon ticket purchase.Offer only available on the door. Advance £6 / £8 door
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Tickets available from:http://t.ymlp160.com/juwavaumqarauwjeaiauuqj/click.php / 08707 544 445POLAR BEAR (KINGS HEATH) 0121 441 5202JIBBERING (MOSELEY) 0121 449 4551TEL: 0121 444 2081
WEB: http://t.ymlp160.com/jesaaaumqazauwjeaoauuqj/click.phphttp://t.ymlp160.com/jeuafaumqazauwjeaaauuqj/click.phphttp://www.markdeclivelowe.net/
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New Zealander Mark de Clive-Lowe is from the same crew as fellow broken beat pioneers, Bugz In the Attic, IG Culture & 4 Hero. He’s created countless soulful classics and contributed to many of the scene’s biggest tunes. Described as “Herbie Hancock for the new millennium” and “ the man behind a million great tunes” by Radio 1’s Gilles Peterson, The Freesoul Sessions are based around his spontaneous creativity on an MPC drum machine & vintage keyboards. He builds a beat from nothing and layers it with basslines and keys, whilst the vocalists and drummer improvise to create a totally unique live experience.
HEAD NORTH IT’S GREAT!
A Sutton mother is heading north to help raise funds for a local charity and is appealing for sponsors to back her. She will be joining over 52000 others in the BUPA Great North Run.Carrie Jones of the Berryfields Estate in Sutton Coldfield and who works for Gas Limited in Erdington, will be taking part in the Run in Newcastle on Sunday 5th October. The course is over 13 miles and running with her will be brother Dave who now lives in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.
Carrie and Dave are taking part as a way of saying thank you to the staff and volunteers of the John Taylor Hospice that cared for her Nan Eva Jones from Shard End, Birmingham last Christmas
Carrie said,
“This is the longest run that I have ever attempted, but Dave and I determined to do our bit to help the Hospice. Everyone connected with Hospice was so kind to my Nan.
We are hoping that friends, family and other supporters of the Hospice will back us through sponsorship.”
Carrie can be contacted on 07834 616049 or via the League of Friends of the Hospice on Freephone: 0800 781 1898 or via their web site at www.johntaylorhospicelof.org.uk.
The John Taylor Hospice services a population of over 400,000 in an area that includes the whole of Sutton Coldfield and the north and east Birmingham - together with adjoining areas. It supports patients with life threatening illnesses and their families – including children. It has recently opened a new £400,000 extension to its day hospice.
Friction Arts need your help this Thursday
Fit and able volunteers are needed this Thursday to help the guys at Birmingham based Friction Arts to clear out their studio for refurbishment. Hope no one minds if I just paste in Lee's email directly below, the beauty of a blog is it's informality! Although I'll spare you my fifteen paragraph blog-style critique "what is art anyway?" which includes 6 illustrative black and white photos of Damien Hirst's dissection of Tracy Emin's sleeping bag in formaldehyde but has nothing whatsoever to do with helping to clean out the Friction Arts studio. So come on, get those old jeans on and get down town this Thursday to make new friends whilst enjoying some hardish physical labour:
Hello Everyone
This is a request for assistance from Friction Arts. We’ve been lucky enough (and worked hard) to receive some funding to help us refurbish our studio and sometime exhibition space, The Edge. The builders are due to arrive a fortnight next Monday to begin work on the space.
Unfortunately, and extremely bad, timing-wise I, (Lee), have been laid low with an extremely painful trapped nerve in my back which makes it impossible to perform the prep work myself (I am typing this with one hand). You’re on this list because you’ve been to one of our events, worked with us in the past or you are a friend, so we’d like to ask you nicely if you can help us out.
We need some volunteers to come along this Thursday 25th September to help clear the space. If you can’t make it then but have some other time over the next couple of weeks we still need your help. We will provide beer, tea coffee and snacks for all who can help, as well as our eternal gratitude and one in the favour bank. Get in touch if you can help – it’s bound to be a laugh – and wear old clothes!
Thanks in advance
Lee, Friction Arts
Operations coordinator
Friction Arts
The Edge is tucked away on the edge of the 'Eastside Cultural Quarter', surrounded by still-working factories and workshops, five to ten minutes walk from the city centre.
If you wish to contact us try the Edge telephone number: +44(0)121 772 6160 or +44(0)121 772 5185 or in absolute emergencies on the mobile 07970 221708 or alternatively, alternatively you can email us at info@livearts.co.uk
Hello Everyone
This is a request for assistance from Friction Arts. We’ve been lucky enough (and worked hard) to receive some funding to help us refurbish our studio and sometime exhibition space, The Edge. The builders are due to arrive a fortnight next Monday to begin work on the space.
Unfortunately, and extremely bad, timing-wise I, (Lee), have been laid low with an extremely painful trapped nerve in my back which makes it impossible to perform the prep work myself (I am typing this with one hand). You’re on this list because you’ve been to one of our events, worked with us in the past or you are a friend, so we’d like to ask you nicely if you can help us out.
We need some volunteers to come along this Thursday 25th September to help clear the space. If you can’t make it then but have some other time over the next couple of weeks we still need your help. We will provide beer, tea coffee and snacks for all who can help, as well as our eternal gratitude and one in the favour bank. Get in touch if you can help – it’s bound to be a laugh – and wear old clothes!
Thanks in advance
Lee, Friction Arts
Operations coordinator
Friction Arts
The Edge is tucked away on the edge of the 'Eastside Cultural Quarter', surrounded by still-working factories and workshops, five to ten minutes walk from the city centre.
If you wish to contact us try the Edge telephone number: +44(0)121 772 6160 or +44(0)121 772 5185 or in absolute emergencies on the mobile 07970 221708 or alternatively, alternatively you can email us at info@livearts.co.uk
Some highlights from the Birmingham Book Festival
Dear friends
This year’s Birmingham Book Festival has a fantastically varied line-up and I’d like to point out four of the many excellent events that you may be interested in (that also happen to involve Tindal Street Press authors):
Tickets are available on 0121 303 2323 or online at www.birminghambookfestival.org
Tuesday 7 October
Destroy Powerpoint 8-9pm David Gaffney £5(4)
(David Gaffney will be presenting his debut novel Never Never, published by Tindal Street Press, 25 September 2008, in a separate Birmingham Book Festival event with Catherine O’Flynn on 21st October)
David Gaffney uses Microsoft PowerPoint presentation software to tell short stories that explore the way PowerPoint affects the way we think and feel about ourselves in this complex, fragmented world. The stories show how PowerPoint seeks to place order on the chaos around us, revealing the comic and tragic stories hidden behind the blizzard of headings, bullet points and jolly clip art that surround us.This is a mean-spirited look at how PowerPoint dominates communication in the workplace. Funny, profound and moving, these stories speak to everyone, telling tales of a complicated corporate world where the human spirit thrives despite everything. David Gaffney is the author of the short story collections Sawn-off Tales and Aromabingo. His debut novel Never Never is full of ‘invention, sparky prose and glee in wrong footing the reader’ Ian McMillan
Tuesday 14 October 7-9.30pm Festival Readers’ Night with TWO MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2008 LONGLISTED AUTHORS £8 (6) Light refreshments included
Join three excellent writers, two of whom have won nomination for this year’s Man Booker Prize.
Gaynor Arnold’s first novel, Girl In A Blue Dress, published by Tindal Street Press, is a fictional retelling of a Victorian celebrity marriage. ‘Arnold's knowledge of Dickens is impeccable, and she uses fiction to give Mrs D what she never had - a chance to interview her husband's mistress, and reclaim her beloved children. Beautifully written, entirely satisfying’ Times
Bethan Roberts is a novelist whose debut novel, The Pools, was published in 2004 after she won an Arvon/Jerwood Young Writers’ Prize. Her second novel, published in July 2008, is entitled The Good Plain Cook. Mohammed Hanif is head of the BBC’s Urdu Service, having graduated from the Pakistan Air Force Academy as a Pilot Officer only to decide to pursue a career in journalism. A Case of Exploding Mangoes is his first novel.
Saturday 18 October 9.30am-4pm The Writers’ Toolkit £29 (23) includes lunch
The Writers’ Toolkit is a day for emerging and established writers and anyone working in the writing industry to learn about aspects of the business in greater detail, connect with other writers and those working in writer development.A mixture of presentations, seminars, question and answer sessions and discussions, it will bring together people and organisations concerned with writing in the West Midlands. Sessions will include - pitching ideas for stage and screen, teaching creative writing, becoming a business, publishing and using an agent, working with BBC radio, careers in literature development, producing live literature and many more.In attendance will be - BBC Radio 4, Birmingham REP, Arts Council England, Tindal Street Press, Writer’s Market UK, The Arvon Foundation, The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, National Academy of Writing, Writers in Prison Network, Write On! - Adventures In Writing, and many others. To book a place please phone 0121 246 2770 or e-mail sara@birminghambookfestival.org
Tuesday 21 October 8-9.30pm David Gaffney and Catherine O’Flynn £5 (4)
Launching David Gaffney’s new novel, Never Never, a perfectly timed story about our addiction to debt, and returning to Catherine O’Flynn’s multi award winning debut What Was Lost, two of Tindal St Press’ finest authors discuss the recurrent themes in their writing; commerce, retail and the darkness of our need to buy.Catherine O’Flynn’s What Was Lost is set in a large, faceless shopping centre bearing an uncanny likeness to Dudley’s Merry Hill. David Gaffney is the author of the short story collections Sawn-off Tales, and Aromabingo. Never Never is his much awaited first novel. His work has been described as truly 21st century, stories for a fragmented and fragmenting world; and required reading for anybody trying to make sense of modern Britain.
There are also writing workshops and a fun quiz to open the festival on 1 October. Check their website for more details www.birminghambookfestival.org
All best wishes
Luke
Luke Brown
Editor
Tindal Street Press
217 Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham B9 4AA
0121 773 8157
luke@tindalstreet.co.uk
www.tindalstreet.co.uk
This year’s Birmingham Book Festival has a fantastically varied line-up and I’d like to point out four of the many excellent events that you may be interested in (that also happen to involve Tindal Street Press authors):
Tickets are available on 0121 303 2323 or online at www.birminghambookfestival.org
Tuesday 7 October
Destroy Powerpoint 8-9pm David Gaffney £5(4)
(David Gaffney will be presenting his debut novel Never Never, published by Tindal Street Press, 25 September 2008, in a separate Birmingham Book Festival event with Catherine O’Flynn on 21st October)
David Gaffney uses Microsoft PowerPoint presentation software to tell short stories that explore the way PowerPoint affects the way we think and feel about ourselves in this complex, fragmented world. The stories show how PowerPoint seeks to place order on the chaos around us, revealing the comic and tragic stories hidden behind the blizzard of headings, bullet points and jolly clip art that surround us.This is a mean-spirited look at how PowerPoint dominates communication in the workplace. Funny, profound and moving, these stories speak to everyone, telling tales of a complicated corporate world where the human spirit thrives despite everything. David Gaffney is the author of the short story collections Sawn-off Tales and Aromabingo. His debut novel Never Never is full of ‘invention, sparky prose and glee in wrong footing the reader’ Ian McMillan
Tuesday 14 October 7-9.30pm Festival Readers’ Night with TWO MAN BOOKER PRIZE 2008 LONGLISTED AUTHORS £8 (6) Light refreshments included
Join three excellent writers, two of whom have won nomination for this year’s Man Booker Prize.
Gaynor Arnold’s first novel, Girl In A Blue Dress, published by Tindal Street Press, is a fictional retelling of a Victorian celebrity marriage. ‘Arnold's knowledge of Dickens is impeccable, and she uses fiction to give Mrs D what she never had - a chance to interview her husband's mistress, and reclaim her beloved children. Beautifully written, entirely satisfying’ Times
Bethan Roberts is a novelist whose debut novel, The Pools, was published in 2004 after she won an Arvon/Jerwood Young Writers’ Prize. Her second novel, published in July 2008, is entitled The Good Plain Cook. Mohammed Hanif is head of the BBC’s Urdu Service, having graduated from the Pakistan Air Force Academy as a Pilot Officer only to decide to pursue a career in journalism. A Case of Exploding Mangoes is his first novel.
Saturday 18 October 9.30am-4pm The Writers’ Toolkit £29 (23) includes lunch
The Writers’ Toolkit is a day for emerging and established writers and anyone working in the writing industry to learn about aspects of the business in greater detail, connect with other writers and those working in writer development.A mixture of presentations, seminars, question and answer sessions and discussions, it will bring together people and organisations concerned with writing in the West Midlands. Sessions will include - pitching ideas for stage and screen, teaching creative writing, becoming a business, publishing and using an agent, working with BBC radio, careers in literature development, producing live literature and many more.In attendance will be - BBC Radio 4, Birmingham REP, Arts Council England, Tindal Street Press, Writer’s Market UK, The Arvon Foundation, The Writers’ Guild of Great Britain, National Academy of Writing, Writers in Prison Network, Write On! - Adventures In Writing, and many others. To book a place please phone 0121 246 2770 or e-mail sara@birminghambookfestival.org
Tuesday 21 October 8-9.30pm David Gaffney and Catherine O’Flynn £5 (4)
Launching David Gaffney’s new novel, Never Never, a perfectly timed story about our addiction to debt, and returning to Catherine O’Flynn’s multi award winning debut What Was Lost, two of Tindal St Press’ finest authors discuss the recurrent themes in their writing; commerce, retail and the darkness of our need to buy.Catherine O’Flynn’s What Was Lost is set in a large, faceless shopping centre bearing an uncanny likeness to Dudley’s Merry Hill. David Gaffney is the author of the short story collections Sawn-off Tales, and Aromabingo. Never Never is his much awaited first novel. His work has been described as truly 21st century, stories for a fragmented and fragmenting world; and required reading for anybody trying to make sense of modern Britain.
There are also writing workshops and a fun quiz to open the festival on 1 October. Check their website for more details www.birminghambookfestival.org
All best wishes
Luke
Luke Brown
Editor
Tindal Street Press
217 Custard Factory, Gibb Street, Birmingham B9 4AA
0121 773 8157
luke@tindalstreet.co.uk
www.tindalstreet.co.uk
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