Live Jazz at Shustoke!

A review by Julie Chiswick

Wow! This is the word that springs to mind after attending the charity concert given by four young jazz musicians on Sunday 22nd November. From 2.30-4.30 a full Shustoke Village Hall reverberated with their thrilling sounds.

What an exceedingly talented group and so prepared to give their time and energy to raising money for Leukaemia Reasearch.

On powerful piano was Max Woolf – also a member of the Birmingham Schools Jazz Ensemble and studying music for ‘A’ level.

Keeping the heat of the beat on drums was John Campbell – who plays in various other bands and is studying at Stratford College. He hopes to carry on to do a degree in Music Technology.
Fast and exciting fretwork was displayed by Jon Brown - he intends to continue performing and possibly to teach music in the future.

Last but not least, Alicia Gardener-Trejo played with style and panache on saxophone and flute – now studying at Solihull Sixth Form College and auditioning for music college next year.

The programme of music was a good mixture of well-known jazz and blues which certainly had everyone’s feet tapping to the beat. It was definitely an entertaining way to spend a very wet and cold Sunday afternoon.

Alicia, with the help of her mum, Lindy, was the organiser of the concert, which many friends, relatives and local people attended. We were plied with delicious sponge cakes, scones and numerous cups of tea served by a willing team in the kitchen.

A raffle was held and by the end of the afternoon a cheque for £460 was accepted with great pleasure by Julie Douglas from the Sutton Coldfield branch of Leukemia Research. She told some heart-warming stories of how the charity had helped many young people in the years it has been running.

The concert ended with the blues number Now’s the Time and Alicia thanked everyone for attending. The band did their bowing out and suddenly it was time to leave the warm atmosphere and battle the elements once more.

Well done to all of you! We look forward to hearing you again.

Julie Chiswick

For further information regarding the band, please contact Alicia Gardener-Trejo by email at a_gardenertrejo@hotmail.com

Curdworth children raise money to help children in Malawi

Last year Year 5/6 children from Curdworth Primary School in North Warwickshire made links with Ephangweni School in Malawi.
.
This was facilitated by Carol Evans, a resident in Curdworth and founder of Friends of Malawi. The children began corresponding and we learned that the school needed to refurbish a classroom and build new latrines.
.
Children on the school Council discussed the possibility of raising funds to help with the projects and after consultation with the whole school, we decided to organise a Sponsored Walk.

Everyone participated in the event, which took place around the school grounds and we have so far raised a total of £888.79. This will enable Ephangweni School to make a considerable start on their construction projects.

Five Steps To Saving Lives And Improving Men’s Experience Of Prostate Cancer By 2020

The Prostate Cancer Charity is launching a new strategy ‘Transforming The Future For Prostate Cancer’ - which it believes could reduce mortality rates by 30 per cent.

The strategy, which will be unveiled at a special event on Monday (1 December), outlines ambitious goals and targets for vital changes the Charity believes are necessary to improve men’s experience of prostate cancer by 2020. Underpinned by the Charity’s own strategy for 2008-14, it also sets out a challenging programme of actions for 2008-14 to reach these goals.

The strategy outlines five key goals, which the Charity believes will bring about urgent change for people affected by prostate cancer by 2020.

The first of these - by 2020 significantly more men will survive prostate cancer - aims to reduce the death rate from prostate cancer by 30 per cent, from 25 per 100,000 to 18 per 100,000. This would save the lives of around 3,000 men every year.

Progress on reducing the mortality rate is firmly linked to the research agenda. Critically important is the need to develop a new generation test capable of distinguishing between aggressive and slow-growing forms of prostate cancer. This could form the basis for a national screening programme and would enable treatment to be focussed on those men for whom prostate cancer presents a serious risk to health. The Charity will undertake a number of actions to progress this, including lobbying for increased research into a new diagnostic test and prostate cancer prevention, as well as investing more in its own research programme.

The reduction in the death rate will also be closely connected to another key goal - by 2020, inequalities in access to high quality prostate cancer services will be reduced. National surveys have shown that, the overall NHS experience of men affected by prostate cancer is worse than for patients with other common cancers.

‘Transforming The Future For Prostate Cancer’ sets out the target that all men affected by the disease will have access to the same range of high standard diagnostic, and treatment services - including the management of side effects - and information and support. The Charity, among other steps, will work towards defining a gold standard for prostate cancer services and care and lobby for this standard to be the norm for all prostate cancer patients across the NHS.

The Charity has identified the vital importance of improving access to information. In 2005, 43 per cent of men in a major survey told The Prostate Cancer Charity they were not given written information about the disease or treatment options when they were diagnosed.

Two further goals - by 2020, society will understand the key facts about prostate cancer and act on this knowledge and by 2020, African Caribbean men and women will know more about prostate cancer and act on that knowledge - address the importance of raising awareness of prostate cancer, particularly in the African Caribbean community. Men in this group are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men.

Max Clifford will be among speakers at the launch of the strategy. The high profile Public Relations consultant, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer himself in 2007, will address invited guests at a special event to unveil, ‘Transforming The Future For Prostate Cancer’, at the Science Museum, London, on Monday (1 December). He will speak of his personal experience of the disease, as well as his support for a broad ranging and ambitious strategy to tackle prostate cancer.

“I am delighted to be supporting The Prostate Cancer Charity. My own battle with prostate cancer, which is the most common cancer in men, showed me that much needs to be done to raise awareness of the prevalence and impact of the disease and its potential signs and symptoms, so that men can seek help early. It is also critical that more is invested in research, that credible information is made available for the 35,000 men diagnosed with prostate cancer every year and that their experience of treatment improves,” Clifford said.

John Neate, Chief Executive at The Prostate Cancer Charity, said: “We want to mobilise a movement for change in the UK in tackling prostate cancer. We can only do this when everyone with an interest in prostate cancer is prepared to take some form of action. This launch event is a vital opportunity to bring together a wide range of representatives of the NHS, health care professionals, the voluntary sector, the research community, policy makers and people affected by prostate cancer. We need the entire prostate cancer community working together to achieve these goals.

“I am thrilled that Max Clifford has agreed to support this key event. By sharing his experiences - and pledging support for our strategy - Max is sending a clear message to other men to be aware of the disease. He is joining a groundswell of willingness across the UK to stand up and do something about the inequalities surrounding prostate cancer, including calling for higher investment in research and improved access to support and information.”

Spaghetti Gazetti goes around the Wrekin

We are pleased to announce that Spaghetti Gazetti now has a partner site covering the Shropshire area called Shropshire Spaghetti Gazetti. The site has been set up on behalf of Shropshire Disability Network who will edit the site as soon as it has been designed and developed more fully. The editor of the Shropshire site will be Linda Jones in conjunction with Geoff Forgie.

The Shropshire Spaghetti Gazetti website will promote very similar subject areas to this one, which is non profit making and closely linked to the community and voluntary sector of the West Midlands region, though obviously it will focus a lot more on news and information about the Shropshire area, including Telford and Wrekin.

If you have a voluntary group of any type who would be interested in developing a blog style website using the Spaghetti Gazetti brand, then please send me an email. Use of the Spaghetti Gazetti brand and logo without our consent will constitute a breach of our intellectual copyright (established 2007). To set up a site using the brand you must fulfill the following criteria:

A Spaghetti Gazetti site must represent a geographical area which could be a region, a county, a borough, district, city, town or even a village. We suggest a large area so you get plenty of news.

• A Spaghetti Gazetti site must be non profit making and committed to your local community. If you make money from things like Google ads on your site, that money must only be used to cover running costs.


• A Spaghetti Gazetti website must be committed to principals of equality, diversity and participation for all members of your community.


• Spaghetti Gazetti sites should network and promote one another with hyper links and by sharing information.

To visit the Shropshire Spaghetti Gazetti website please click on this link:

http://shropshirespaghetti.blogspot.com/

Bad joke time

Thanks to Jake Yeats from Queen Alexandra College in Harborne for these awful jokes. You're gags are worse than mine Jake and that's saying something!

Jake emailed:

"Right, I've got to get back to reading a book about swimming the English channel. It's by Frances Near. Another book on my reading list is "How to be shorter" by Neil Down".

Please direct all complaints about the bad jokes to Jake, I'm just the messenger.

50FIFTY Clothing - Brum based social enterprise

50FIFTY Clothing started in 2004 after England beat Croatia 4-2 at the Euro Football Championships. On the train back to the centre of Lisbon for a celebratory drink (or ten) the initial euphoric exhuberance of the England fans turned to xenphobic and racist chanting. We were a small group of multicultural Britons who were black, white and asian, the chanting made us feel embarrassed, ashamed and angry. A small minority of idiots wearing the Union Flag and St George's Cross had once again brought our country into disrepute.

Over couple of drinks we reflected on what happened and what the flag meant to each of our group and decided we had to do something to reclaim the Union Flag and St George's Flag from the far right who have hijacked these symbols of nationhood.

.

One of our friends who was on that train is mixed race, Father Jamaican - Mother British. After suffering racial abuse from his fellow countrymen whilst wearing an England shirt he decided he wanted a T-shirt that symbolised his own identity so we developed the United Kingdom of Jamaica design, as he said "I am half and half, 50 50... " The brand was born.

We made a few Tshirts and Hoodies and quickly sold them in Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Bristol and London, pretty soon we were overwhelmed for requests to mix other national flags with the Union Flag, so we obliged. We now mix the Trinidad, Barbados, Poland, Nigeria, India, Pakastan, Bangladesh, Italy and many more national flags, with the iconic Union Jack. We produce quality mixed flags for the fashion and identity conscious.

We are a company that takes our Corporate and Social Responsibilty seriously. All of our designs can be printed on fairtrade garments and we are working to ensure our entire range is fairtrade by 2011. Please call us on 0871 595 5050 to place your fairtade order.

Before forming 50FIFTY we worked as informal educators, youth workers, teachers and graphic designers. Our previous careers have helped us develop a range of Design and Enterprise Workshops and Alternative Education Projects and Start Your Own Business project for socially excluded young people, which is improving the life chances of young people, their local comunities and ultimately wider society.

Lastly, if you would like to read about our campaign to Stop Youth Violence on the streets of the UK please do so.

Website address:

http://www.50fiftyclothing.com/

New feature on Spaghetti Gazetti website

I've added a new feature on the blog this morning. If you click on the little envelope/pencil icon after a post you can instantly send a copy of the whole post to a friend or colleague. A great way to share some of the useful news and information with people to whom it may be of special interest.

Thanks for visiting my site everyone. Am off to see Lightwoods Lions this morning, let's hope they do better than the Villa and Albion yesterday. The Wolves Blues match sounded good though. Will be back with more news and information later I hope.

Pete

Anyone know how to contact Rustie Lee

I have received an email from a lady named Jigzie Campbell who is a cousin and old schoool friend of Rustie Lee (pictured above at a cookery contest featured on Spaghetti Gazetti earlier this year). Jigzie has lost contact with Rustie and would like to send her an email to re-establish contact.

If anyone out there knows what Rustie is up to these days please get in contact with me and I will pass the contact details to Jigzie. I am under the impression that Rustie lives and works in the East Midlands region, possibly based in Leicester, but readers may know better.

Innov8 Youth Theatre Presents

Image of poster advertising

Alice in Wonder production

Alice in Wonder
by Melanie Clarke

We are about to perform our latest play; "Alice in Wonder" an original adaptation with a modern twist; following the adventures of Alice, after she and her family move to a new house in "Rednow" There are a couple of old faves like Tweedledum and Tweedledee and a few new versions like yummy mummy Kat from Cheshire and Mad Hattie. It's a fun play with a meaningful massage as Alice meets various characters, each seemingly with more knowledge about her than she knows herself...

Tickets £2
Call Melanie on 07767 032 409

3.00 p.m.
Sunday 7th December 2008

The Firs. Shawsdale Road, B36 9NN

Announcements from Birmingham Buddhist Centre

Festive Gift Ideas!

Amid the often frantic nature of this time of year, the festive period can give us an obvious opportunity to practice generosity. Why not give the gift of the Dharma? A discourse on the life of the Buddha around the Christmas tree might not seem quite appropriate :-) But why not give a loved one, relative or friend an introductory meditation day, or an introductory Buddhism and Meditation course, or an introductory Yoga course, or just pay for someone to go on a retreat? It's a slightly unusual gift and a great way to start the New Year. Just contact the Buddhist Centre if you want to chat over dates and what might be appropriate, or book a place. We can also produce a voucher for you to give to someone if you wish.

Please also bear in mind that there is a link to Amazon's online shop on the Buddhist Centre website. If you are buying things from Amazon, please go to http://www.birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk/links.html and click through to Amazon from there, as an easy way of making a little bit of money for the Buddhist Centre. This applies throughout the year.

Silent Saturday Practice Mornings
10am - 1pm each Saturday in December

A chance to spend a bit more time in meditation than we might manage at home. The morning will consist of three meditation sits, and it is possible to just come along for the first two if you wish. Suitable for those familiar with the mindfulness of breathing and metta bhavana. It is a dana class.

Led by Prajnabandhu

Saturday Morning Yoga Workshops
A series of morning workshops to further explore your yoga practice.

Not for complete beginners

Saturday 6th December
Saturday 20th December

10am - 1pm
£12 (or £9 concession)


The Body's Wisdom
An Introduction to Focusing

'Focusing is a beautiful and meditative approach to psychotherapy and personal growth. It offers a deep parallel to the practice of mindfulness in a carefully developed and sensitive way' Jack Kornfield

What would it be like if we really, deeply listened to our bodies? We would find that the body knows far more than we think, has wisdom even.

Focusing is a gentle yet profound practice of listening to these deeper places within us. It gets beneath our usual stories and self analysis to a place that knows it’s own way to healing and wholeness.

Focusing can be used in many ways: bringing clarity and understanding to our life and long standing emotional issues. Deepening meditation and spiritual practice, combining it with bodywork or therapy, making decisions, unlocking creativity...

Taught by Manjudeva - a qualified Focusing teacher and experienced meditator

Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th December
10am - 5pm both days

Costs: £100/80 Further concessions negotiable. Please contact Manjudeva directly
Bookings: Birmingham Buddhist Centre: (0121) 449 5279,
info@birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk

*** Please make cheques for this event payable to 'P. Gill' ***
More information on Focusing: www.livingfocusing.co.uk

Women's Day
Day Retreat for all women in the West Midlands Sangha

Open to all women regardless of level of experience. Come and meet together, share ideas, look at new courses on offer.

Some of the topics we will be exploring are: Contact with other women, symbolism, dancing, chanting, spiritual friendship, practice days, anything you want to talk about.

Please bring vegetarian or vegan lunch to share

Saturday 13th December
10am (for a 10.30am meditation) - 4pm

Entrance free but a donation would be very warmly welcomed.

Silent Meditation Days
A day of silence and intensive meditation practice, all taking place within a supportive communal environment.
Suitable for anyone familiar with the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana meditation practices.

Sunday 14th December
Sunday 18th January
Sunday 8th February
Sunday 15th March
Sunday 19th April

10am - 4.30pm

Suggested donation is £12 or £8 concession

Please bring vegetarian or vegan lunch to share on the day

5-Day Yoga Workshop

Five consecutive mornings to really get into your yoga practice in the lead up to the New Year.

27th, 28th, 29th, 30th & 31st December

10am - 1pm

£15 (£12 concession) per day
Or £65 (£50 concession) for all five days

Suitable for those with at least 6 months experience of Iyengar Yoga

Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
New Year Retreat at Anybody's Barn in the beautiful Malvern Hills

A chance to absorb, reflect, look ahead, and rest in the clear light of increasing awareness.

Led by Padmakumara
Suitable for anyone familiar with the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana meditation practices

Saturday 27th December 2008 - Thursday 1st January 2009
Suggested Donation: £200 (or £125 concession)
Please send a £25 deposit to the Buddhist Centre to secure your place

Breathworks 2009
Living Well with Pain, Illness and Stress

The Breathworks Living Well with Pain and Illness and Living Well with Stress courses explore a multi-facetted approach to managing pain and illness along with the stress that often arises as a consequence of these difficult circumstances. The courses, which are entirely secular, provide a tool kit of resources that we can apply in our lives. The programme as a whole is based on the practice of Mindfulness – moment by moment non-judgemental awareness - which we explore progressively over the course. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet others living with similar experiences of pain and ill health or stress. This has often proved to be both important and beneficial. The programme is open to all on a self-referral basis. So far this has included people with conditions such as: chronic back pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, post-operative pain, cancer, nervous disorders, MS, Parkinson’s disease, and other non-specific pain. This list is not exhaustive and we welcome enquiries whatever your condition.
The only pre-requisite for joining the course is willingness and commitment to engage fully with the programme, which will involve practice at home between sessions (30 – 45 minutes daily).

Two Key principles underlie all aspects of mindfulness and run through the whole course:

LEARNING TO LIVE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT AND BREATHE INTO OUR EXPERIENCE.

LEARNING TO 'RESPOND' RATHER THAN 'REACT' TO OUR LIFE'S CIRCUMSTANCES.

Led by Ann Bruton (Bodhaniya) and Linda Hanson

Tuesdays 20th January - 17th March (no class 17th February), 1pm - 4.30pm
Plus a day retreat on Tuesday 24th March

Cost:
£150 waged/ £100 low waged/ £70 on benefit. This includes 3 CDs and a handbook.
A deposit of £20 is required on booking.

For more details and to book, contacts are as follows:

Email: birminghambreathworks@googlemail.com
info@birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk

Tel: Ann on 07508609648
Birmingham Buddhist Centre (0121) 449 5279

Further Living Well with Stress and Living well with Pain and Chronic Illness courses will start in April

Sangha Night

Every Tuesday evening, come any week.
Suggested donation: £6 (or £3 concession) per evening

Suitable for Mitras, Order Members and other regular members of the Sangha.

Timetable:

Baked potatoes served from 6.30pm. (Feel free to bring extra yummy bits if you wish)
7.30pm: Main activity in the Jasmine Room
or simple silent meditation practice in our beautiful Garden Shrine Room
8.45pm: Short Break
9pm: Meditation / Puja in the Main Shrine Room
9.45pm: Finish

Programme of Events:

2nd December: 7-Fold Puja and Double Meditation

9th December: Ashvajit: The Path to Ordination

16th December: Book Launch: Vishvapani

23rd December: Christmas Alternative: Winter Solstice Celtic Puja

30th December: Film: 'Winged Migration'

Events still to come (in no particular order)...
Dharma Quiz / Dharma Quiz Championship.
Dharma Debate: 'Single sex environments are neccessary for spiritual development'.
Let the story unfold: Order Members' personal FWBO histories.
'Are we still friends?' Sangha Discussion Forum.
Dramatisation: The Four Sights.
'Goldfish bowl' discussion / debate.

Dates to follow.

Dhammarati's Talk
The FWBO: Four Lineages

The inspiring talk, given by Dhammarati on Sangha Night a few weeks ago, is now available on the Birmingham Buddhist Centre Website to download, or listen to online. Just go to http://www.birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk/mp3-downloads.html

Drop-in Meditation and Dharma Discussion

For anyone who is already familiar with the Mindfulness of Breathing and Metta Bhavana meditation practices. Come along any week.

Led by Sanghadeva

Every Thursday
7.15pm - 9.45pm

Suggested donation: £6 (or £3 concession)

Cleaning Afternoons
Every Monday afternoon, 2pm - 4pm

If you can't be held back from getting those rubber gloves on, then we could really do with a bit of help with cleaning around the Buddhist Centre. There is a cleaning session from 2pm - 4pm every Monday afternoon, which you can just turn up to any week.

If you would like to help out with cleaning but cannot make Monday afternoons then just ring the centre team on 0121 449 5279 and let us know what time would suit you better. Although if you can make Monday afternoons then just turn up at 2pm any Monday.

Living Well with Pain and Illness
The mindful way to free yourself from suffering
By Vidyamala

An inspiring, practical guide to living with and managing chronic pain and illness using mindfulness, and taking life one moment at a time.

On sale now in the Buddhist Centre bookshop priced at £16.99

There will be a book launch for this book at the Buddhist Centre, by Vishvapani, on Tuesday 16th December at 7.30pm.

Poetry by Glenn Pledger

Walking Meditation

It's funny but when you are disabled,
Everyone knows more about it than you.
You see, I am fat and out of shape
So, I must partake the art of diurnal walking.

But, when I ask why I should go out
In all weathers to traipse about
In mindless stupefaction they reply
That they are concerned about my health.

Well I may be fat and out of shape
But I am a very lucky boy because
I practise yoga and I meditate
Under the guidance of my Teacher.

It all began a long time ago
With a programme on the television.
I saw an Eastern Monk practising
Walking Meditation and when asked

He replied to know why he was walking.
Well! This confused me and I needed
To know why this holy man needed to know
Just why it was that he was walking.

He was walking to develop tranquillity.
In practice, I can walk very slowly,
And catch the volition to walk
As it arises in my mind;

But, I cannot do this when shopping.
As I walk home with a heavy load,
I have trouble with laboured breathing.
But in practice, my Teacher taught me to

Focus on a centre of energy between my legs.
Now, without any laboured breathing,
I can engage in power walking
And carry my load with ease.

Whilst I already knew what mental
Tranquillity was, before walking
Meditation, I had never experienced
Physical tranquillity in action.

http://mahamakuta.inet.co.th/english/b-way(7).html (Walking Meditation)

Glenn Pledger

STORYTELLING CAFE NEWS DECEMBER 2008

www.tradartsteam.co.uk

Along the same lines as our song sessions, our new storytelling sessions are proving very popular too. Come along to tell, listen or participate in any way you like. These are sociable relaxed nights of storytelling. We also have our regular Peak Performance Storytelling training and two celebratory Christmas Cafes.

Wednesday 3 December, 8pm
BIRMINGHAM STORYTELLING SESSION
Upstairs at The Bull's Head, St Mary's Row, Birmingham B13 8HW
http://www.tradartsteam.co.uk/storytelling/bhamsession.htm

Thursday 4 December, 8pm
BIRMINGHAM TRADITIONAL SONG SESSION
Kitchen Garden Café, York Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham 14
www.tradartsteam.co.uk/song

Sunday 7 December, 10:30 - 4:00
PEAK PERFORMANCE
Regular training sessions in storytelling performance for people with some storytelling experience. Contact us for the next beginners course.
www.tradartsteam.co.uk/storytelling/training.htm

Monday 8 December, 7:30pm
MATLOCK STORYTELLING SESSION
The Boat Inn, Cromford, Derbyshire
http://www.tradartsteam.co.uk/storytelling/session.htm

Monday 15 December, 7:30pm
MATLOCK STORYTELLING CAFÉ
The Boat Inn, Cromford
A storytelling night to raise the Christmas spirit
With a Christmas host of local storytellers
Delicious seasonal food available from 6:30
Tickets: £7/£5 01629 580023
www.storytelling.uk.net/cafe/events/dec08matlock.html

Wednesday 17 December, 7:30pm
BIRMINGHAM - KITCHEN GARDEN CAFÉ
A storytelling night to raise the Christmas spirit With a Christmas host of local storytellers. KGC menu available from 6:30
Tickets £7.00 0121 443 4725
www.storytelling.uk.net/cafe/events/dec08bham.html

Storytelling Café is presented by the Traditional Arts Team with support from Arts Council England

The Community Justice Centre

Formerly The Firebird pub, Belle Vue, Pershore Road, Edgbaston.

WE, that is, Justice not Crisis, New Society Network, Birmingham Free Space, Birmingham Food Not Bombs, Housing 4 All and The Green Party and other interested individuals, have mobilized a direct action campaign in the form of a protest squat at The Firebird pub (now known as The Community Justice Centre) on Belle Vue, off Pershore Road, Edgbaston.

WE are occupying and transforming this once abandoned and disused space into a Community Social Centre. We now have a library, cosy seating area, a space for cooking and making tea, and can offer free advice on debt, housing and benefits. Local young people have been given their own room and they have sorted out a sofa and pool table for themselves.

The site has been left abandoned and disused by the owner for the last seven years and he refuses to sell at a reasonable price. He is putting his personal interests over and above the needs of a whole community.

Our long term aim is to develop a community organisation, run by local residents and other interested individuals, to buy the site and build a community centre and socially rented accommodation.

If the landlord refuses to sell, we demand that Birmingham City Council place a compulsory possession order on The Firebird pub and its land so it can be released to a community organization at a reasonable rate.

If you support us, wish to know more information about the campaign or would like to help please come by and visit us. Our doors will always be open (9am - 11pm) for a friendly chat over a cup of tea. If doors are closed just knock. Hope to see you soon.

Forthcoming events

Decorating Weekend … 29th and 30th Nov
Car-boot sale ……. 7 Dec
DIY gatherings ……. ongoing, phone or email for details

More to follow soon!

Late nights at the Walsall Art Gallery

Thursday Affair

Sacred Street Art: The Art of Mohammed Ali
Thursday 11 December 2008, 6pm-9pm
Free. Friends, family & colleagues welcome.

Take advantage of the late night events as Mohammed Ali, the Birmingham based urban art and graffiti artist, introduces a free screening of his short film and documentary from the Art and Islam USA Tour, Sacred Street Art, a moving account of a spiritual street mural taking shape in The Bronx, New York.

The documentary captures the unique spiritually-inspired street art mural created in the Bronx, New York over a year ago. Following the screening, Mohammed will give a talk on the history of graffiti-art and his own approach to his work, how he fuses street-art with Islamic script, and inspiration from his faith as a Muslim.

After delivering his lecture at the prestigious Philips Academy, where four previous US presidents had studied, Mohammed was invited to the streets of the Bronx to paint a unique mural.

The theme of the Bronx Mural was a tribute to the family of ten who died in an apartment block fire, with the message, ‘Verily to God we Belong and to God we shall return’. Surviving members of that family, both parents and children were also involved in the mural creation. The Mougasa and Soumare families, who had migrated to New York, from Mali, West Africa, had lost the majority of their family in the fire, which had started with an electrical fault within their public housing accommodation. Mohammed said of the mural on completion, “I have truly tasted the fruits of what art can bring, in how it can enhance our lives and even becoming a source of healing”.

To find our more about events in the area visit whatsonwalsall.co.uk

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography

Oxford Dictionary of National Biography celebrates the 90th anniversary of the women’s vote

http://www.oxforddnb.com/

*Freely available in almost all UK public libraries, with direct home access for library members*

14 December 2008 is the 90th anniversary of the election of the first woman to the British House of Commons, and the first election in which women (over 30 years) were able to stand as candidates and to vote. The Oxford Dictionary of National Biography will mark the anniversary with a special feature remembering pioneering political women of the time: http://www.oup.com/oxforddnb/info/freeodnb/votes/

The feature is available, for free, from 1 December 2008 via the dictionary’s homepage: http://www.oxforddnb.com/

The virtual exhibition includes the biographies of 25 prominent women, ranging from the famous suffragette leader, Emmeline Pankhurst, to Muriel Matters, the campaigner who once showered leaflets from an airship emblazoned with 'Votes for Women'. Other lives include Constance Markievicz, an Irish republican and the first woman to be elected to British parliament, in the 1918 election; the society hostess Nancy Astor, who became the first woman to win and to take up a seat in the Commons; Margaret Haig Thomas, Britain's leading feminist in the interwar period and founder of the feminist journal Time and Tide, as well as the first Labour and Liberal female MPs to enter the House of Commons and to achieve government office.

The feature also includes first-time appointees who, benefiting from anti-discrimination laws in 1919, took up careers previously restricted to men. Pioneering professionals include Ivy Williams, the first woman to be called to the English bar (1922), and Helena Normanton—the first women to take cases in the Old Bailey and the first married woman to be issued a passport in her maiden name (1924).

The 25 women featured in the article are:

Constance Markievicz - Irish nationalist and first woman to be elected to the House of Commons in December 1918 [also available as a free biography podcast episode]. She conducted her campaign from prison but, as a Sinn Féin candidate, did not take up her seat

Millicent Garrett Fawcett - Leader of the National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies, known as the suffragists, who campaigned for the vote through parliamentary means

Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters Christabel and Sylvia who founded the Women’s Social and Political Union (the suffragettes) in 1903 and pursued an increasingly dynamic and imaginative campaign of militancy and unrest in an attempt to force the government to adopt female suffrage

Muriel Matters - suffragette campaigner who in 1909 showered London with leaflets from an airship emblazoned with ‘Votes for Women’

Emily Wilding Davison - suffragette militant whose protest at the Epsom Derby (1913) led to her death when she was struck by the king’s horse Anmer

Catherine Marshall and Chrystal Macmillan - 'democratic suffragists' who sought to promote universal suffrage for both men and women (free from all existing property restrictions)

Eunice Murray - the first woman to stand (unsuccessfully) in a parliamentary election in Scotland in December 1918

Nancy Astor –the American-born first woman to sit as an MP in the House of Commons, from December 1919; one of only three Americans to sit as an MP to the present day

Margaret Wintringham – the first Liberal MP elected to the Commons in 1921

Dorothy Jewson, Susan Lawrence and Margaret Bondfield – the first Labour MPs to enter the Commons in 1924. Bondfield became the first female government minister (1924) and the first woman Cabinet member (as Minister for Labour) at the end of the decade

Ellen Wilkinson - Labour MP and former suffragist activist elected in 1924

Georgina Frost - the first woman to hold public office in the UK, as clerk of the petty sessions in Co. Clare

Ivy Williams - the first woman called to the English bar (1922)

Margaret Kidd - the first female member of the Faculty of Advocates, the Scottish bar (1923) and the first female King’s Counsel in Britain

Helena Normanton - the first woman to take cases in the Old Bailey, to lead the prosecution in a murder trial, and to hold a passport in her maiden name

Eleanor Rathbone – campaigner who took over Millicent Garrett Fawcett’s NUWSS in 1919; elected to the Commons in 1929, she is best known for promoting state benefits for the family

Margery Ashby and Eva Hubback - members of Rathbone’s National Union of Societies for Equal Citizenship, who educated women in politics after the second extension of the female franchise (1928)

Alison Neilans - militant suffragette activist who later campaigned against state sanctioned brothels during the twenties

Margaret Haig, Viscountess Rhondda - Britain's leading feminist in the inter-war period and founder of the influential feminist journal Time and Tide

Four important groups of the time are also included in the feature:

the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies, Women’s Social and Political Union, the Women’s Freedom League, which campaigned for the vote in parliamentary and illegal ways, and the National League for Opposing Woman Suffrage, the network of men and women who sought to prevent women receiving the vote.

The lives featured in this virtual exhibition, along with the dictionary’s 56,646 other subjects, are freely available online in almost all public libraries across Britain, with direct home access for library members. The Oxford DNB currently includes entries on all women MPs who died in or before 2000.

The Oxford DNB, published by Oxford University Press, is updated online three times a year, in January, May, and October. The next online update of the Oxford DNB will be published in January 2009.

Moseley Folk Festival

Dear folk lovers,

We would like to send a big Thanks for everyone who came to Moseley Folk festival 2008 and for making it so special.

We our already planning the 2009 festival and thinking of what fine acts we can bring you next year.

If you have any requests on who you would like to see in 2009 please send us an email with your suggestion. We've also been uploading some photos and videos from this years festival so if you have not already take a look at the Moseley Folk web site .

Although next years festival is still along way away don't panic !! We have plenty of fantastic events to keep you entertained until then so please visit the website an /or subscribe to our free email based newsletter.

Contact Moseley Folk Festival at:
info@moseleyfolk.co.uk

Look out for news from the newsletter about folk gigs in Birmingham and the West Midlands on the Spaghetti Gazetti website

Moseley Folk & The Town Hall Presents ....

Bellowhead

Tuesday 16th December 2008

http://www.myspace.com/thisisbellowheadhttp://www.bellowhead.co.uk/
Bellowhead have taken the festival scene by the scruff of the neck over the past couple of years. Voted best group and best live band in the 2007 BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards, their euphoric live shows are much more than just folk, taking traditional songs to modern places with a wild invention, wit and energy that defies categorisation.

“Wild, joyous, perverse, bold, crazed, full-blooded, intricate, fearless, funny, epic and mostly BIG . . . Bellowhead don’t disappoint. Prepare to be amazed.” fRoots

“They sweep all before them into a heady mix of great tunes, innovative arrangements, rampant imagination and brazen front . . . Extraordinary.” Mojo

With support from...

Dave Swarbrick
http://wwwfolkicons.co.uk/swarb.htmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM0PQk4odoQ
We're honoured to have Dave play for us again after his outstanding performance at last years festival. Recipient of a lifetime achievement award from Radio 2 Folk Awards, Dave's fiddle playing is not to be missed

The Old Dance School
http://www.myspace.com/theolddanceschool

Regulars to our events will be familiar with this six piece folk band. The band come from across England and have a wealth of musical experience. From European opera tours and international jazz festivals to early music recitals, rock clubs and green festivals. Each member's musical journey so far is of a breadth and scale quite remarkable given that none of them are any older then 25.

Tuesday 16th DecemberBirmingham, Town Hall
http://thsh.co.uk/view/town-hall-presents-bellowhead-with-support

Doors Open 7.30 pm
Admission £18.50 stalls, seated or circle seated
Click Here To Book Tickets

The Lunar society XMAS Special

Friday 5th December 2008

Mama Matrix
http://www.myspace.com/mamamatrix

Mama Matrix are an exciting five piece band based in Birmingham UK. Heavily influenced by Balkan gypsy music, they play their own blend of Zappaesque, Balkanic Punk Madness.

With support from ...
Perrott’s Folly
http://www.myspace.com/chargedparticles

Being the duels and duets of our jangly storyteller CHINOOK and local finger picking legend CRIBBLER.

Liz Lawrence
http://www.myspace.com/lizlawrencelive
Stratford Born singer songwriter
Friday 5th December Upstairs at The Hare And Hounds, Kings Heath, Birmingham
Doors Open 8pm - Bar Open till 2amAdmission £5.00

Details from the Newsletter of Moseley Folk Festival

Poetry by Glenn Pledger

Absolutely Nothing

One night, I looked up
At dark, and starry Heaven,
And asked myself just
What it is that this
Vast Universe produces.

Then, I wondered why it
Ought produce anything.
I fathomed that it must
Have something to do
With nature, since I had
Had been born a working lad.

Mom and Dad produced cars,
My brother maintained them;
Whilst I used to produce armatures
For starter motors, that enabled
The driving of shiny automobiles.
In fact, I owe a debt of gratitude
To the cars that weaned me.

But, beyond my world of producing
Cars and car components,
I wondered what was the
Purpose of this black and starry
Heaven that brought on silver
Mornings beneath a silver sun.

Then I remembered a programme
That I had seen on television.
It was about a man who had made
A beautiful machine comprised of
Silver moving parts with oak and ivory
Knobs that spun around like planets,
The television man asked the mechanic
What was the product of the machine.

To which question he replied
That the machine produced
Absolutely nothing, it just
Existed as a beautiful object
For mechanically minded people
To look at to catch a glimpse
Of an idle, moving Heaven.

Glenn Pledger

All The King’s Men at Wyndham Gardens

Community spirit is blooming at a retirement living scheme managed by Waterloo Housing Association.

It is thanks to green fingered pupils from King’s Norton Boys’ School in Birmingham who have helped give their neighbours a fresh new outlook.

Residents at Wyndham Gardens, on Northfield Road in King’s Norton, watched the helpful school children armed with brooms and spades, trim hedges, dig the soil and sweep the driveway.

Jean Gill, Waterloo’s scheme manager at Wyndham Gardens, said: “The idea came from a chat a teacher and I were having over the fence we share. He asked if there was anything the boys could do to help out and I thought of the gardens straight away.”

The 25 big-hearted pupils are members of the school gardening club. They were keen to use their skills to get down to earth and weed flower beds for the residents.

The year 10 and 11 pupils even painted the top of their shared fence with anti-vandal paint to make the residents feel even safer in their homes.

Jean said: “There was a real sense of a community working together. It was very encouraging.”

The visit was so successful that pupils will now be visiting Wyndham Gardens each month.

Mr Colman Doyle, Head of Citizenship at King’s Norton Boys’ School, said: “We felt we had a responsibility to the community. As a school, we are setting a positive example of how younger people can become more involved with older members of the community. It is a project that could easily be replicated at other schools.

“We are currently planting tulips and daffodils at Wyndham Gardens and the boys and Waterloo residents are looking forward to a blooming spring.”

The gardening project has now become part of the Citizenship course at King’s Norton Boys’ School. The course helps young people to engage with other members of the community and encourages them to take on more responsibility for their local environment.

Mr Doyle added: “The boys seem to be learning more than just the importance of being good neighbours. Some of the pupils have even mentioned that they would like to start up their own gardening business when they leave school after being inspired by the residents at Wyndham Gardens.”

Worried about the Credit Crunch? Then join a Credit Union today

Citysave Credit Union

Citysave Credit Union is a non-for-profit financial co-operative providing safe and secure ways to save, low cost loans and a range of other financial services for anyone who lives or works in Birmingham. Citysave is the largest community credit union in the West Midlands with over 10,000 members.

‘SAVE, BORROW, PLAN for TOMORROW’

Benefits include:

Safe and secure, easy and confidential ways to save direct through payroll deduction, standing order, PayPoint card or cash over the counter

Low cost loans (no set up of arrangement fees or penalties for clearing loans early)

Free life cover on savings and loans at no cost to the member*

Affordable no-nonsense insurances (motor, travel, home, health, loan protection and funeral cover

Holiday and Christmas accounts to help save for those important times

Junior accounts to encourage young children to save and be responsible with money

Exclusive to members monthly prize draw

Interactive Website to access account in order to view account balance, transactions and apply for the withdrawal of loans and savings

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority

New introduction - Western Union, International Money transfer Service

* Conditions apply

Citysave is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority the same as banks and building societies and a member of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, which safeguards member’s savings.

For more information visit www.citysave.org.uk, email enquiries@citysave.org.uk or call 0121 303 4013/4075.

AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL IS A GREAT FAMILY DAY OUT!

At Birmingham NEC

Families are never disappointed when they visit Autosport International, and this year’s event promises to be more family-orientated and child-friendly than ever before. With more interactive exhibits and famous faces than previous shows, the only difficulty is knowing where to start! Here’s is a typical family’s day at the show…

0930hrs: The family arrive at Autosport International, and head straight for the Autosport Stage. Last year’s stage featured F1 drivers Jenson Button, David Coulthard and Mark Webber, as well as Ford rally stars Mikko Hirvonen and Marcus Grönholm.

1030hrs: It’s only a short hop over to the F1 Racing grid, the family marvel at this year’s Formula 1 machinery, including the championship-winning McLaren MP4-23. Also close by is the David Coulthard Collection, celebrating the Scottish driver’s long career in motorsport; amongst the exhibits is the 100cc Premier Kart Coulthard won his first race with.

1200hrs: The kids can’t wait to get to the Mercedes-Benz Kids Driving Experience, jumping at the chance to drive one of the German manufacturer’s luxury saloons.

1300hrs: Lunch-time and the family eat at one of the show’s many dining outlets, before making their way to the Historic Area, including Classic Team Lotus’ selection of the Norfolk firm’s racing heritage.

There's something for all the family at Autosport International

1400hrs: Dad gets a chance to look around the National Motorsport Area, and with so many championships, manufacturers and suppliers attending, he is tempted to compete himself…meanwhile, the rest of the family have made their way to the national final of the F1 in Schools competition.

1530hrs: The family take their seats for the day’s spectacular finale in the Live Action Arena. An incredible mix of celebrities, stunts and racing, the fifty-minute show covers all genres of motorsport, and some of the world’s fastest and most expensive racing machinery.

“We’ve worked really hard this year to make Autosport International a show the whole family can enjoy and interact with,” said Haymarket Exhibitions Show Director Ian France. “We’ve listened to visitors’ feedback to ensure that, whether you’re seven or 70, there really is something for everyone.”

2008 Autosport International Show attracted over 84,000 visitors, including 28,000 trade buyers. Over 1,000 media representatives were present throughout the event, covering the show’s numerous live displays and 850 exhibitors.

Autosport International will be open to the public on Saturday 10 to Sunday 11 January 2009. Adult tickets start at £29 per day, with children’s tickets costing £19, and include a 34-page souvenir brochure. To book, visit www.autosport-international.com or call 0044 (0) 844 579 31880044 (0) 844 579 3188 (0) 844 579 3188 .

Paddock passes are available for £35 per adult and £25 for children. In addition to standard admission, visitors will have access to the Driver Signing Area as well as fast-track entry to the Live Action Arena and a great viewing position at the centre of the grandstands.

A Platinum Club pass, at £100, includes all the benefits of the Paddock Pass plus exclusive access to the VIP enclosure at the very top of the Live Action Arena grandstand, complete with champagne and canapés. You will also receive complimentary parking, cloakroom at the NEC plus a goodie bag.

For more information please visit www.autosport-international.com.

Your Child and Asthma -Bowen Technique can be a breathe of fresh air

Have you noticed as the colder weather has approached that your child’s asthma has become more noticeable. Winters can be the worst time, as children with asthma tend to have lower immune systems and so tend to catch colds and coughs easier. They will be more likely to be feeling wheezy, lethargic, and not sleeping well, have a lowered appetite, feeling anxious and may even be missing more school days.

When a child has an asthma attack the muscles involved are the diaphragm and the smooth muscles around the bronchioles which go into spasm. It’s not just these muscles that get affected though, as some children will also go into panic and so affecting the whole of the central nervous system. An asthma attack can be exhausting for a small child.

The Bowen Technique can help. This gentle non invasive treatment can be administered safely to children of any age including newborn. The practitioner makes gentle rolling moves across muscle, ligament and tendon to stimulate the body to rebalance and repair itself.
.
At the Koya Clinic, the treatment for newborns and toddlers can take just 15-30 minutes and we also teach parents how to administer an emergency procedure to release the diaphragm if it is in spasm and allow the breath to flow freely. Depending on the age of the child, the technique can be taught to them, empowering them with a tool they can use, whenever they feel out of breathe or as a preventative measure for when they are about to exercise at school or run around.

When you visit Koya Complementary Therapy Clinic, based in Coleshill, your child will be treated by Jane Jennings our advanced practitioner, she will tailor the Bowen Technique for your child’s specific needs on that day. The Treatment costs for children at the Koya Therapy Clinic are £30 for initial consultation and treatment and £25 for follow ups. Bring this with you and get £5 off your 1st treatment session. We also stock a range of organic herbs and supplements that can assist little bodies back to balance.
.
Also every 3rd Saturday in the month Jane offers a children’s clinic, to assist with symptoms of colic, difficult births, adhd, autism, where payment is donation, so if you are unable to pay the normal fees but feel your child could benefit from treatment, please book for an appointment at our donation clinic.
.
The Bowen Technique can help with many symptoms for both child and adult, please have a look at our website http://www.koya.org.uk/. Or call Jane on 01675 464246

Tips to help with asthma

The most important medicine you can give a child with asthma is water. Due to regular inhaler use, the body will be naturally dehydrated. Every cell in the body needs water to rejuvenate and replenish, it can not do this effectively if it is lacking the fundermental ingredient. Water is free and so good for them.

Cut out or lower intake of dairy - it produces mucous and so increases the work of the lungs.

Children’s probiotic (an acidophilus or bifidophilus) - inhalers may cause constipation or diahhoera.

Antioxidants can flush the body of all toxin build up and allow good functioning cells to flourish.

Try and feed your child as much organic or home grown produce as possible.

“Bowen has changed my life. I no longer live with back pain and do not have to worry about asthma attacks with my daughter or watch her fight to get her breath” B.C Feb 2000

Koya Therapy Clinic - offering a space for your child to grow naturally

Any ideas about the statue?

Regular Spaghetti Gazetti readers will recall the query from Don Wilkes in regard to the statue he remembered seeing as child of four characters in 18th century dress, one in a Queensbury rules boxing stance. Don recalls his dad taking him to look at this interesting statue when he was a child but has never been able to trace the statue since then.

Don mentioned to me in an email that it might have been in the area of Gosta Green which is at the back of Aston Univeristy (or whatever they call it these days - you lose track - The University of Middle Earth or some such fancy rebranded title!)

I was speaking to an elderly chap in his 80s over at Hodge Hill last night and I asked him if he knew of this statue and mentioned the possible location in Gosta Green to which he replied "well there was a boxing club / arena at Gosta Green many years ago".

So could this be a clue to our missing statue? Anyone else remember the boxing ring at Gosta Green? Whereabouts was the building and was there a statue outside?

And what word on the Coleshill elephant? Talking of which, I remember an old guy from West Bromwich telling the story of when the circus came to town in the 30s or 40s and the elephants refused to go over the canal bridge at Tipton so they had to be walked for miles until there was a place they could get them to cooperate. Anyone have any good animal stories from the West Midlands - like the lion which escaped into the cemetary next to Villa Park - true story apparently.

Don's Flat Stanley pictures are a hit in Tampa!

Here are the two latest Flat Stanley contributions from Don Wilkes, with Don's short accompanying comments under each one. Firstly, by way of both follow up and closure of the previous image from Don on the 'John Sergeant stops dancing' saga, here is his interpretation of the couple's last dance (I presume it was a waltz?). The second image is a more worrying one - messrs. Brown and Darling sporting Flat Stan garb and looking decidely less upbeat than John Sergeant. I have added some comments received recently from Lessi's mum Carol at the end. Don says of this picture

"This is such a lovely picture I have it on my desktop (minus Flat Stanley of course)".

Don's comment:

After watching the latest 'Arts and Farces' from Whitehall I feel much better.

.

On receipt of Don's first two Flat Stanley pictures, Lessi's mom Carol replied from Tampa:

.

"Thanks so much for the pictures of Flat Stanley. The picture of Obama is already up on the wall in Lessi's classroom. I told Lessi's teacher about your magazine and what you have done with Stanley so they are going to move the huge world map they have up on the wall to outside in the hallway then there will be lots more room and everyone can see the pictures as they walk by.
.
I will take in to school the come dancing picture on Monday. Thanks a big bunch for doing this for Lessi, she is so pleased. Lessi had a big smile on her face when she took in Obama this week and her teacher showed it to everyone, they all thought it was, as the Yanks say 'awesome'. "

.

I really must take Flat Stanley out for a day trip myself soon!

Nutty about netball

Solihull Council is inviting women to try their hand at netball.

As part of Sport England’s ‘ Back to Netball’ campaign- an initiative that aims to get more women involved in the sport, the Council is offering coaching sessions to women aged 18 and over.

The sessions are open to women who want to try netball for the first time, who may have played at school and want to get back into the sport and to those who just want to keep fit.
Sessions run every Thursday at North Solihull Sports Centre between 1pm-2.30pm and cost just £2.

There are a limited number of free creche places available.

For more information contact Elizabeth Webb, the Council’s Community Sports Coach, on 0121 704 8353 or elwebb@solihull.gov.uk

West Midlanders embrace ‘Yuleanthropy’ this Christmas

Forget sexy knickers, West Midlands women want ethical presents this Christmas

This year, despite the threat of a ‘credit crunch Christmas’, generous West Midlanders are keen to support charity through ethical giving. More than 10% of us would like to receive an ethical gift, according to research by Present Aid (www.presentaid.org); this enthusiasm for ethical giving has coined a new phrase known as ‘Yuleanthropy’.

But the West Midlands is behind the national average when it comes to buying ethical gifts, with 9% saying they give ethically compared to 15% nationally and up to 19% in London. Despite this, 23% of people from the West Midlanders who buy ethically do so because it makes them feel uplifted and a further 21% feel that charity gifts make recipients most happy, which is significantly higher than the national average of 16%.

Women in the West Midlands appear to be more charitable than their male counterparts as 20 per cent said they would buy a loved one an ethical gift, compared to 10 per cent of men. The same number of women said they would like to find an ethical gift under their Christmas tree as much as they would like to receive sexy lingerie.

Although gadgets (57 per cent), perfume (51 per cent) and jewellery (49 per cent) form the bulk of traditional gifts bought at Christmas across the UK, many Britons are clearly getting tired of receiving the same old presents and the research revealed 52 per cent of people in the UK believe that ‘Yuleanthropists’ are thoughtful human beings.

The super rich such as Bill Gates, Elton John, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie are leading the way in philanthropy and many Brits are following their example using Christmas gift giving as a way to show their own ‘Yuleanthropic’ side. The UK’s ethical market is growing year on year and was valued last December at £32.2bn*. Almost a quarter of people surveyed (22 per cent) want to make a real difference with their gifts.

The proceeds from Present Aid gifts go to support Christian Aid’s work with some of the world’s poorest communities in over 50 countries.

Eastenders actress Kara Tointon, travelled to Zambia where she saw firsthand the difference that giving an ethical gift can make. Kara said: “When I went to Zambia one of the things that really struck me was the amount of children who didn’t have shoes, it’s so dangerous walking bare feet. That’s why I’m going to be buying the school shoes gift this Christmas, it’s a great gift for friends and family and I know that it’s going to make a real difference to people who need it.”

British model Daisy Lowe recently travelled to Brazil with Christian Aid and is encouraging shoppers to buy a painting kit for women as an ideal ethical gift for people to give for Christmas. Daisy said: “When I went to Brazil I saw how important it was to give women who are struggling to survive a skill which they can then use to earn money with. The painting kit available through Present Aid is amazing as it gives women the chance to support their families by painting traditional advertising signs.”

Actor Damian Lewis, who travelled to Bolivia with Christian Aid, selected a community tap as his ethical gift: “We all think of water as a basic human right. I saw for myself when I travelled to Bolivia that some families have to dig water out of the ground which is filthy. So the idea of a community tap in Christian Aid’s Present Aid initiative would make a brilliant Christmas present. £45 to provide the pump, pipes and tap stand to bring fresh water to a village is money well spent.”

Christian Aid International Director Paul Valentin said: “We have identified a UK phenomenon called Yuleanthropy where people want to give something back to those less fortunate than themselves at Christmas. Present Aid is a fantastic way of doing this as it makes a significant and permanent difference to people’s lives.”

However, despite our ‘Yuleanthropic’ nature, many of the adults in the UK who celebrate Christmas will be tightening their belts this year. Women are more cautious, with 52 per cent planning to spend less on presents because of the credit crunch compared to only 38 per cent of men. Least worried by Christmas credit crunch blues is the younger generation with only 30 per cent of 18 to 24 year olds spending less on presents for loved ones this year.

Present Aid gift prices start at just £8 and the deadline for Christmas Present Aid purchases is 15 December. Log on to www.presentaid.org or call 0845 3300 500 for a catalogue.

Measles upsurge across West Midlands:please get your children immunised

Parents are being urged by the Health Protection Agency to get their children immunised as measles continues to spread throughout the West Midlands region.

Since the beginning of November there have been 79 suspected cases in the West Midlands region.

Areas particularly affected are:

Staffordshire: 11 suspected cases
Warwickshire: 36 suspected cases
Worcestershire: 16 suspected cases

Dr Gillian Smith, regional immunisation lead for the Health Protection Agency in the West Midlands, said: “We are concerned by the growing numbers of measles cases in the region and we must do all we can to halt the spread of the disease by encouraging parents to immunise their children.

“It’s worrying that we potentially have over 70 cases of measles in the West Midlands recently – we estimate that comparing it to November last year, cases are up by a third. My fear is that we will see further clusters throughout the region.

“Our priority is to improve Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccination uptake rates and stop measles spreading. The only sure way for an individual to avoid measles is to have two doses of MMR vaccine, preferably by age five, but at any age if people have been previously unvaccinated.

“Most cases are amongst children and so we, alongside colleagues in the NHS, are urging all parents to ensure that their children are adequately vaccinated against it.

“Measles is an unpleasant illness even in its mildest form. The complications which can occur as a result of having measles can be severe, sometimes long lasting, and on rare occasions can result in death. The safest way to avoid this is with two doses of the MMR vaccine.”

Children are given their first MMR vaccination at 13 months of age. A second dose should be given at three years and four months of age. The national target is for 95 per cent of children to be immunised with their first MMR jab just after their first birthday, with a second jab for pre-school youngsters.

However in the West Midlands region the level of immunisation is below this national target and this is why measles is able to spread. The latest figures for the region show that 87.7 per cent of all children aged two and under will have had one dose of the vaccine, and we know that in some parts of the region the uptake is even lower.

Dr Smith added: “It’s never too late to get vaccinated - contact your GP to book the jab. It is essential children receive both doses of the MMR to ensure they are fully protected. It doesn’t only protect your child - it also protects children who can’t be immunised because of existing serious health problems like childhood cancers.

“I would like to reassure parents that the MMR is a safe and effective vaccine and is given to millions of children worldwide. Those children who have not been immunised are at risk of measles.”

Measles is most common among children aged between one and four years of age but anyone who has not been immunised against the condition can catch it.

Complications of measles include pneumonia, ear and eye infections, and croup (an infection of the lungs and throat). More serious complications, such as inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) are rarer but can be fatal. There are one million deaths worldwide from measles every year. Children under two are most likely to be at risk from complications.

If you would like information on childhood immunisation in general please speak to your GP or visit www.immunisation.nhs.uk

Anyone remember Peter Jackson - former England rugby player in 1950s

Picture of Peter Jackson

I received this really interesting email this evening from Alice Jackson who is asking whether we can help her to do some research about her granddad Peter Jackson who died a few years ago. Alice says that he was a rugby player who played for England in the 1950s.

Not being a great rugby fan myself, even so the name Peter Jackson was strangely familiar to me. I went to a rugby playing school in Birmingham myself and a couple of years ago I interviewed some retired teachers from my school onto audio tape and I am certain that one of my old teachers, an old Welsh guy named E.L.Osmend did actually recall the name of Peter Jackson during the interview. Having done a Google search for Peter Jackson, it appears he was indeed born in Birmingham, played for England in some famous matches against the likes of the All Blacks, later in his career played for Coventry and sadly died in Solihull in 2004.

I have therefore emailed Alice back to say that we would be very keen to help her with the research she wants to do for her grandmother. I would therefore make this appeal to anyone out there who remembers Peter Jackson as a player or a friend, to let me have any information or copies of photos you may have so that we can pass it on to Alice and also compile our own profile in tribute to this great sporting hero of our region.

This is the delightful email from Alice:

"Hi, You're probably going to wonder why I'm emailing you about this and to be honest I'm hoping you're going to overlook that and help me. The thing is, Christmas is coming up very soon and I'm trying to do this big project for my nan. (Sounds soppy, I know). But I'm doing it on my grandad as he died a few years back and I think it would be a really nice way to remember him. At the moment, you're probably going to be wondering what you have to do with this. Well, my grandad was a man named Peter Jackson and he played rugby for England around 1950-1960's and I'm finding it really difficult finding images and information about him and I was wondering whether you could give me a hand? As the editor of a magazine you probably have much more of an idea of where I could find this information. I understand, obviously, if you don't have time or what ever but I would really appreciate it.

Thank you,

Alice Jackson "

So come on you Spaghetti Gazetti sporting historians out there, let's help Alice to research her granddad's amazing story.

Win a BMW In Time For Christmas

Anyone visiting the International Motorcycle and Scooter Show which runs from 28 November - 7 December at the NEC, Birmingham may take home a brand new motorcycle (pictured above).

BEN staff will be selling National Draw Tickets for a BMW K 1200 R motorcycle which has been kindly donated by BMW Motorrad UK. The winner will be announced on the last day of the show, 7th December, on the MCN stage.

This BMW motorcycle has an impressive specification including one of the most state-of-the-art high performance engines with 1200cc and 4 cylinders, 163 bhp and 127Nm, 0-100km/h in 2.9 secs, a 6-speed transmission, BMW Motorrad Duolever front-wheel suspension and BMW Paralever at the rear.

Charles Davis, Director of Fundraising & Communications at BEN: "We are extremely grateful to BMW Motorrad for their support in donating such a highly desirable prize. We will have a display model on our stand no: 2J29, Hall 2, and really hope that as many people as possible will visit us and purchase a ticket priced at just £2.

We would also like to thank the Organisers, MCI Exhibitions Ltd who have once again donated our exhibition stand allowing us to increase both our fundraising income and awareness."

Enjoy a crafty Christmas in Balsall Common library

Children are invited to join a Christmas craft activity session at Balsall Common library on 22 December.

This free event is for children aged eight and over.

Children can make their own Christmas crafts at the event from 4.30pm till 6pm. Although the event is free of charge you must book a ticket in advance from the library. Tickets will be available from 8 December – so get yours early as places are limited.

For more information call Balsall Common library on 01676 522717.

Spaghetti Gazetti - updated every single day!

Thanks for visiting Spaghetti Gazetti for local news from around the West Midlands.

More news than Amy Turtle and more hits than Benny on his tractor!

Culture. Heritage. History. Community. Diversity. Arts. Music. Social Enterprise.

More popular than Meg Richardson and faster moving than the furniture in the motel reception!

SEE A PIECE OF LOTUS HISTORY AT AUTOSPORT INTERNATIONAL

Pictured above: The Lotus Type 72 will be amongst

the cars on display at Autosport International

.

A selection of the most rare and valuable Lotus racing cars in existence will be displayed at Autosport International in the Birmingham NEC from 8 to 11 January 2009.

.

These cars, exhibited by Club Lotus and Classic Team Lotus, include the Lotus Type 32B Tasman, reckoned by experts to be the most original Jim Clark single-seater in existence, and the Lotus 97T, with which the great Ayrton Senna won his first Grand Prix in 1985 in Estoril, Portugal.

.

The Lotus type 32B was designed to compete in the Tasman series in Australia and New Zealand, which Clark dominated in 1965 by winning nine out of the 13 races. Senna’s 99T was the Grand Prix car in which he took the first of his six Monaco victories, marking the first win for a Formula 1 machine with active suspension. Senna also triumphed with this particular car, chassis four, at the 1987 United States Grand Prix in Detroit: the very last Grand Prix win for Team Lotus.
.

The other cars on display include a Type 49 Lotus, which Graham Hill took to victory in the 1968 Monaco Grand Prix and to pole position in the British Grand Prix. One year later, Hill triumphed at the Monaco Grand Prix again in the same Gold Leaf-liveried car.
.

Emerson Fittipaldi claimed his first Grand Prix victory in the 1970 United States Grand Prix, and the Lotus Type 72 that he used to do it will also be on display in Birmingham. This car, arguably the greatest Formula 1 racer of all time, is a veteran of 46 Grand Prix, having been used up until the end of the 1975 season.
.

Furthermore, two extremely rare Lotus road cars will add some extra colour to the display: a classic Gold Leaf Lotus Elan sprint and a new Lotus 211 in black and gold John Player Special livery, which is the only one of its kind in the world.

.

“Classic Team Lotus is committed to ensuring that these historic cars are still accessible to the public,” said Club Lotus’ Chairman Alan Morgan. “We work very closely with Clive Chapman and Classic Team Lotus and share the same goal: to keep the heritage of Lotus and its many successes in motorsport alive. All the cars on display currently compete in historic racing and demonstrate just how far the sport has progressed through the years. Exhibiting at Autosport International, with such a range and number of attendees, means that we can keep these priceless cars in the public eye and share the history of motorsport.”

.
Haymarket Exhibitions’ Show Director Ian France added: “Club Lotus and Classic Team Lotus do a fantastic job of keeping these historic cars in the limelight. It is a pleasure to have them attend Autosport International and illustrate the history of motorsport.”

Thomas Vale Pantomime Horse Grand National

The traditional Christmas pantomime is set to take over Centenary Square on Sunday 30 November from 3 - 5.30pm, as over 40 pantomime horses take part in this year’s race to raise money for charity. Sponsored by local company Thomas Vale Construction, the race is a parody of the traditional Grand National race which has taken place at Aintree for over 150 years.

Sunday afternoon will be full of festive silliness as competitors take part in a pre-race parade to show off their steeds, as well as separate races for colts (boys) and fillies (girls) around a gruelling 12 jump course. The event will be raising money for this year’s Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal, and all entrants have been busy for the last month collecting sponsors to raise their entrance fee. The winner of each race will receive a great prize of a night for two at a top city centre hotel and a trophy to commemorate their victory. Trophies for second and third place will also be awarded.

The event, now in its sixth year, will for the first time also include a fancy dress competition for children aged 5-12. This will be judged by the Lord Mayor Councillor Chaudhry Rashid, with special prizes for the best costumes to be awarded by a representative from Thomas Vale.

Cllr Ray Hassall, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Sport & Culture said “This is a great opportunity for people to enjoy some fun in aid of the good causes supported by the Lord Mayor’s Charity Appeal. Despite the current economic climate, big hearted Brummies will be digging deep into their pockets to support worthy local charities.”

Tony Hyde, Thomas Vale’s Managing Director commented: "This is Thomas Vale's third Pantomime Horse Grand National in partnership with Birmingham City Council. We are as proud this year as the first, to be able to sponsor such a brilliant event for the people of Birmingham and the wider local area. A lot of our own employees are taking part this year and we hope other local businesses will join in the fun."

The Thomas Vale Pantomime Horse Grand National is organised by Birmingham City Council. Further fun events to enjoy this Christmas include the Family Day at the Frankfurt Christmas Market on Saturday 6 December, and Carols in the City on Saturday 13 December.

For more information about any of the Council’s events call 0121 303 3008 or go to www.birmingham.gov.uk/leisureevents

The Spaghetti Gazetti Quiz of Brummagem - Part One

1. In which city was Ed Doolan born?
2. Which Quinton lad made his name in a TV show described as “Monty Python for kids”?
3. Which poet links Harborne Swimming Baths with the blockbuster movie Four Weddings and a Funeral?
4. What were the names of Meg Richardson’s two children in Crossroads?
5. In what year was The Archers first broadcast as a regional pilot?
6. What did Dr Withering discover?
7. What do the letters in the cinema name ODEON stand for?
8. What is the name of Birmingham’s oldest pub?
9. Who founded the Birmingham Oratory?
10. Where is King Edward’s High school?
11. Who had his first ice skating lessons at Summerhill ice rink?
12. In which Birmingham suburb is Chad Valley?
13. What country does the game ‘kabaddi’ originate from?
14. What was the name of the world’s first exhibition hall?
15. Who was manager of Birmingham City immediately before Trevor Francis?
16. Who started off engraving grave stones and ended up as official printer for Cambridge University?
17. Who was the Mayor of Birmingham between 1873 and 1876?
18. What Birmingham building did Kaplicky and Levete design?
19. What year did Warwickshire last win the first-class County Cricket Championship?
20. What meal is served in a karahi?
21. What type of machinery did Herbert Austin make for Frederick Wolseley before both became interested in cars?
22. What was the name of Ozzy Osbourne’s Brummagem-born heavy rock band of the 1970s?
23. What year was the building of the Rotunda completed?
24. Which Kingstanding born DJ once hosted a live punk-rock based TV show from behind a roast chestnut stand in a city centre nightclub?
25. Which Birmingham citizen first identified the effects of oxygen on human respiration?
26. Which Brummie pop star began his musical career playing the theme tune from The Dambusters at Lea Hall British Legion where his mom was a barmaid?
27. In what year did Birmingham receive it’s Charter of Incorporation?
28. Which Quaker, pacifist and anti-slavery campaigner is honoured by a statue at Five Ways?
29. Who conducted the first ever concert of the City of Birmingham Orchestra in 1920?
30. Which ATV children’s show launched the careers of Bob Carolgees and Spit the Dog?
31. What public building in Birmingham was officially opened on 14th July 1938 and named after the wife of King George?
32. Which Brummie super group had hit albums called Out of the Blue and A New World Record ?
33. In what year did the Birmingham St Patrick’s Day Parade restart after a gap of 22 years?
34. In what area of Birmingham did Reverend Awdry live when he published his first books about Thomas the Tank Engine?
35. What was the name of John Sumner’s tea business in Bordesley Street?
36. Sutton Park was once part of an area which alternated in status between a Royal Forest and a Chase, what could Earls do in a Chase that they couldn’t do in a Royal Forest?
37. What was Tolkien’s first book, published in 1937?
38. Which Brummie won the Formula One World Championship in 1992?
39. Which Birmingham banker campaigned for parliamentary reform in the 1830s?
40. What was based at the Alpha Studios in Aston?
41. Who is the famous folk singer father of two members of the reggae band UB40?
42. What was the Birmingham and Midland Motor Omnibus Company better known as?
43. What is the name of the clock tower which dominates the Edgbaston campus of Birmingham University?
44. As well as the Mini, what other famous model of car was designed by Sir Alec Issigonis?
45. In what year did Birmingham’s last tram make it’s final journey?
46. Which much loved statue did Nicholas Munro design in 1972?
47. Who spent a night at Aston Hall on 18th October 1642?
48. In what year was the Great March for Longbridge?
49. Which famous engineer built Edgbaston Reservoir?
50. Who was the MP for Edgbaston between 1966 and 1997?


The Answers


1. Sydney
2. Bill Oddie
3. W.H.Auden
4. Jill and Sandy
5. 1950
6. Digitalis from Foxgloves
7. Oscar Deutsch Entertains Our Nation
8. The Old Crown
9. John Henry Cardinal Newman
10. Edgbaston
11. John Curry
12. Harborne
13. India
14. Bingley Hall
15. Barry Fry
16. John Baskerville
17. Joseph Chamberlain
18. Selfridges
19. 1995
20. Balti
21. Sheep shearing machinery
22. Black Sabbath
23. 1964
24. Les Ross
25. Joseph Priestley
26. Roy Wood
27. 1838
28. Joseph Sturge
29. Edward Elgar
30. Tiswas
31. Queen Elizabeth Medical Centre
32. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO)
33. 1996
34. Kings Norton
35. Typhoo Tea
36. They could hunt in A Chase, but not in a Royal Forest
37. The Hobbit
38. Nigel Mansell
39. Thomas Attwood
40. ATV
41. Ian Campbell
42. Midland Red
43. Chamberlain Tower (aka Big Joe)
44. Morris Minor
45. 1953
46. King Kong
47. King Charles I
48. 2000
49. Thomas Telford
50. Jill Knight

100 yr old Roger Fry painting arrives at The Herbert

The perfect piece to begin The Herbert’s story-telling canvas of Art Since 1900 has arrived.

Staff at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum have welcomed the exciting arrival of a 100-year-old Roger Fry painting, which was bought from an art gallery in Scotland for £1800 using a fund built up through years of public donations to the museum.

Italian Hill Town will take pride of place as the first piece that visitors will see in the new Art Since 1900 gallery, which is part of the £20 million refurbishment and extension of the venue in Jordan Well in Coventry city centre.

Fry, who was born in London in 1866, was a well-known art critic and often referred to as the apostle of modernism because of his influence on the changing of the art world, and the way artists painted in the 20th century.

At the time when Fry painted Italian Hill Town in 1908, he was working at The Metropolitan Museum in New York, collecting paintings and art donations for the museum.

Ron Clarke, keeper of visual arts at the Herbert Art Gallery and Museum, said: “This is a conventional picture but Fry was not a conventional artist.

“He spent a long time explaining how important composition and structure are in a painting, and viewed paintings as a picture in their own right and not a picture of something.

“Italian Hill Town will be on display at the very beginning of the Art Since 1900 gallery, because it represents the beginning of the era and shows the way to how paintings from the 20th century were done.”

The Fry painting is one of the many works on display in the new gallery, including a famous L S Lowry piece, which is one of the very few larger paintings by the English artist.

For more information about The Herbert visit http://www.theherbert.org/ or telephone 024 7683 2386.