ADVICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN THE WEST MIDLANDS ON KEEPING WARM IN WINTER

Help the Aged offers free winter warmer packs

With older people facing a particularly cold winter this year, Help the Aged is offering older people in the West Midlands a free 3 Steps to a Warmer Winter pack to help weather this cold snap.

David Loveridge, Regional Development Officer for Help the Aged, says: “It is important to keep warm during this winter, which is why we would urge older people to make sure they continue to heat their homes. Anyone concerned about the costs of heating should order one of our free winter warmer packs to find out what support is on offer.”

Three of the key tips included in the pack are,

Check – if you are worried about your finances this winter and you haven’t thought of claiming benefits before, there are a number of easy ways to check what you may be entitled to. Contact a local benefit advisory service or call Help the Aged SeniorLine on 0808 800 6565. Pension credit, council tax benefit or housing benefit are just a few of the entitlements you may be eligible for.

Claim - with up to £5 billion in benefits going unclaimed every year you may be able to boost your income. Contact The Pension Service free on 0800 99 1234 to make a claim. Alternatively, inside our free pack there is a coupon you can send off to either request a call from the Pension Service or a home visit.

Insulate - a properly insulated home could save you around £275* off your annual energy bill. There are a range of ways you can improve the energy efficiency of your home and you may be entitled to free insulation from your energy provider.

A free copy of 3 Steps to a Warmer Winter is available by calling 0800 089 0800. As well as useful contacts and the latest information and advice about claiming benefits and improving energy efficiency in the home, it includes a free thermometer to monitor room temperature.

Call for an Independent Living Conference in Dudley

As you are doubtless aware, the Government strategy document "Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People" makes it explicitly clear that all local authorities should make sure disabled people have the opportunity to run and control a user-led organisation (ULO) within the locality. From our perspective, ULOs run and controlled by disabled people should adopt the Social Model of Disability, as well as the concept of Independent Living as described by the UK Disabled People's Movement.

We, as representatives of several organisations run and controlled by disabled people, strongly urge Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council to fund an Independent Living Conference from cash that central government has provided in order to transform social care.

Several local and national user-led organisations run and controlled by disabled people have informed us that they would be more than willing to participate in this conference (see signatories below, among others).

Local disabled people, cutting across all impairment groups, could be invited to offer their contributions to the process of establishing a local Centre for Independent/Inclusive Living run and controlled by local disabled people, in line with the Social Model of Disability, as well as the concept and philosophy of Independent Living as described by the Disabled People's Movement.

Paul Bowley (Disabled People's Direct Action Network)

Tina Boothroyd (Chair of Access in Dudley)
Tom Comerford (Disabled People's Direct Action Network and former Development Worker for Birmingham Coalition of Disabled People)
Steve Graby (Director of Birmingham Centre for Inclusive Living)
Ken McClymont (Member of National Centre for Independent Living)

Social Enterprise Trade Fair: The Revolution Starts Here

10 February 2009, 11am-6pm
The Marquee, Centenary Square, Birmingham

Get ready for the biggest Social Enterprise Extravaganza the West Midlands has ever seen.

A fresh, lively, and colourful marketplace of inspirational businesses, showing how they are making a difference to our world in their own way....

This is a celebration of business at its best, with over 50 exhibitors preparing to share their stories in an interactive and exciting way, making this a truly enjoyable event...

Featuring:

· Sport4Life’s Smoothie Bike
· ASAN Green-works Office Chair Giveaway
· Aquamacs’ aquariums
· Samples from Moseley Farmers Market
· iSE’s Snakes & Ladders game
· 50Fifty’s bespoke t-shirt printing

Other highlights include
· Meet the expert theatre
· Live performances and demonstrations
· Free workshops
· Networking zones
· Information hub


An un-missable opportunity for anyone looking to start, collaborate with, buy or commission from social enterprises including....

Graduates and students · secondary schools · local authorities · Learning and Skills Council · primary care trusts · local strategic partnerships · JobCentre Plus · MPs and councillors · business networks & associations · housing associations · voluntary & community sector · business support agencies · regeneration companies · education business partnerships.


Event Registration
This is a free event but we’d like to keep track of expected visitors so please register for the event online, particularly for workshops as places are limited and allocated on a first come first served basis.

Details of how to register together with the latest programme and list of exhibitors can be found at http://sewm.eventbrite.com/


Attending Voice09?
We’re especially welcoming all Voice09 delegates to experience the vibrant and thriving social enterprise movement in the West Midlands. So be sure to arrive early on the 10th and join the celebrations and make business connections. The trade fair is a separate event to Voice09, and therefore invite to you register as above.


Venue

The trade fair will take place in a heated marquee, located in Centenary Square, Broad Street, Birmingham.

Centenary Square occupies the space immediately in front of the main entrances for The International Convention Centre (ICC), Symphony Hall and The Birmingham Repertory Theatre.


Getting there

By train
Centenary Square is a ten minute walk from Birmingham New Street and Snow Hill stations.

By car:
Birmingham is at the hub of a comprehensive motorway network that connects you to every corner of the country via the M5, M6, M40 and M42. Follow signs to Birmingham City Centre then follow the brown tourist signs to the Convention Centre and NIA. (Centenary Square is not featured on road signage).

A number of car parks are within walking distance including those for The ICC, Birmingham Rep and the NIA.

Satellite Navigation: We recommend using the postcode for The Birmingham Rep - B1 2EP.


More information
Social Enterprise West Midlands
info@socialenterprisewm.org.uk
www.socialenterprisewm.org.uk
T: 024 7663 3911

This is a free event organised by Social Enterprise West Midlands in partnership with Advantage West Midlands.

Storytelling Cafe News

STORYTELLING CAFE NEWS FEBRUARY 2008

http://www.tradartsteam.co.uk/

We have a mixed bag of events for February including special guests and open nights at the Cafes, sessions in Matlock and Birmingham and one training event for experienced tellers. We would like to do another beginners workshop in Birmingham soon. Let us know if you would like to take part.

STORYTELLING CAFES

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7:30 Monday 16 February STORYTELLING CAFE IN CROMFORD, MATLOCK The Boat Inn, Cromford Food Fire and Fable - resident storytellers with special guest Ana-Marie Lines from Brazil Tickets: £7/£5 01629 580023 www.tradartsteam.co.uk/storytelling/matlock.htm

7:30 Tuesday 17 February WEST BROMWICH LIBRARY The Middle Yard with Nick Hennessey and Simon Heywood Tickets £3.00/1:50 0121 569 4911 www.tradartsteam.co.uk/storytelling/sandwell.htm

7:30 Wednesday 18 February BIRMINGHAM - KITCHEN GARDEN CAFÉ Food Fire and Fable - resident storytellers with special guest Ana-Marie Lines from Brazil Tickets £7.00 0121 443 4725 www.tradartsteam.co.uk/storytelling/bham.htm

WORKSHOPS AND SESSIONS

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Sunday 1 February 10:30 - 4:00

PEAK PERFORMANCE

A monthly performance training school for storytellers The Ernest Bailey Centre, New Street, Matlock. DE4 3FE

www.tradartsteam.co.uk/storytelling/training.htm

Wednesday 4 February 8:00 BIRMINGHAM STORYTELLING SESSION The Bulls Head, St Mary's Row, Moseley B13 8HW www.tradartsteam.co.uk/storytelling/bhamsession.htm

Thursday 5 February, 8pm BIRMINGHAM TRADITIONAL SONG SESSION Kitchen Garden Cafe - more info from 0121 244 3513 www.tradartsteam.co.uk/song

Monday 9 February, 7:30 MATLOCK STORYTELLING SESSION The Boat Inn, Cromford, more info 01629 580023 www.tradartsteam.co.uk/storytelling/boatsession.htm

Storytelling Café is presented by the Traditional Arts Team with support from Arts Council England and Awards for All

ROBIN HOOD HITS THE TARGET

Record–breaking results for Birmingham Hippodrome Pantomime

Birmingham Hippodrome is celebrating its third consecutive record-breaking Pantomime. Robin Hood, starring John Barrowman, has taken more than £2.5 million at the Hippodrome’s box office beating last year’s Aladdin and the previous year’s Cinderella by more than 10%. Almost 120,000 patrons will have streamed through the theatre’s doors by the time the production finishes its six week run on 1 February. Northfield residents are the keenest pantomime lovers, followed closely by Sutton Coldfield and Solihull. But the show has also been enjoyed by city visitors from further afield - from Exeter to Norwich and from Jersey to Scotland.

Announcing the record-breaking success, Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome’s Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that pantomime here in Birmingham is growing in popularity. It seems people want to do something that the whole family can enjoy to brighten up the new year. And what could be better than the biggest and best Pantomime in the UK.”

Marketing Birmingham, Chief Executive Neil Rami commented: “The pantomime has become a firm favourite in Birmingham’s events calendar and every year it attracts visitors from all over the region as well as further afield, having a positive impact on hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and other businesses in the city centre. Congratulations to Birmingham Hippodrome on another record-breaking year.”

Robin Hood is produced by Qdos Pantomimes which stages 22 pantomimes across the UK. QDOS Chairman Nick Thomas said: “Over the past ten years, Qdos Entertainment has produced Birmingham Hippodrome’s pantomime, which is now established as the country’s top-performing seasonal show. We are thrilled to have set yet another box office record. My congratulations to a superb cast, led by John Barrowman, the Birmingham Hippodrome staff and not least our many thanks to everyone who bought tickets for making the show such an overwhelming success.”

Over 20,000 tickets have already been sold or reserved for the 2009/10 pantomime, Snow White, which runs from 19 December 2009 to 31 January 2010. Book online at http://www.birminghamhippodrome/ or by telephoning 0844 338 5000.

Birmingham St Patrick's Festival 2009

WINDS OF CHANGE AT ST PATRICK’S FESTIVAL.

Whilst actually hoping for no wind at all, this years festival will mark a change in direction for Birmingham's much loved St Patrick's celebration. Of course there will be all the usual thrill and ceremony of marching bands (many coming over from Ireland), dancers, walking groups and floats, but there will be noticeable differences too.

Though changes may be subtle this year, we are hoping to develop the Festival over the next few years such that whilst it retains it's essential Irish character it continues to broaden it's horizons and become ever more inclusive of other communities, in much the same way as the Notting Hill Carnival is vastly more than just a Caribbean event - but with no-one in any doubt of it's origins or orientation. What could be more Irish than extending hospitality to others?

Our desire is to keep improving the quality, standard, sounds and spectacle of the parade. For instance whilst most floats are truly exceptional, there is the odd one that causes some to suggest that it is 'just a HGV that has taken a wrong turn off the M5 - and coincidentally has a solitary balloon tied to it's tailgate'. Such a comment may add humorously to the charm of the parade (in an 'only in Brum kind of way'), but really we want the Parade to deliver a WOW factor at every turn.

Of course much of this has to do with funding which is why we are taking a view over a number of years and hoping to attract wider support in addition to existing key partners like Birmingham City Council, South Birmingham College, National Express, Jury's, Hennessys and new partner The Custard Factory - all of whose support the Festival depends on.

BUT THERE WILL BE CHANGES THIS YEAR.

We are intending to provide more post - parade entertainment than ever before, so that families, youths or those that just don't want to squash into a pub, have alternatives.

Custard Factory This will be the site of The Emerald Village family friendly area. It will be a dynamic new area with a village fete kind of atmosphere. There will be a rolling programme of entertainment throughout the day for those of all ages. A kids disco and kids karoke will be held in the Factory Club. There will be a mapping event for families to map their Irish ancestry in the reception area, circus workshops, storytellers, magicians, clowns, childrens films, helter skelter, inflatables, an indoor market, and ethnic food stalls will all be part of the Irish Bazaar. The vast lake area will be drained and turned into a village green (probably with astroturf!), and there will be picnic tables resplendent with green tablecloths.

An outdoor stage will overlook the green and provide an ongoing soundtrack of traditional Irish live musicains. For the more contemporary in this area there will be football skills unseen since the best days of Georgie Best with one of the UK'S hottest freestyle champions Alan Johnson putting on an exceptional display, as will Tommy Baker whose basketball skills leave even the Harlem Gobetrotters speechless. There will also be a frisson of excitement generated by the skateboarding posse on their ramp behind the arches at The Custard Factory. Closing the Irish loop in the most avant garde of ways will be the Graffitti Kings from Secret Wars who will be weaving their magic pens to great effect to an Irish Theme.

BRADFORD STREET STAGE

We are looking to set up a live music stage to make Bradford street Buzz. Confirmed acts are Brum Indie Maestros - The Scarlot Harlots (whose enormous following could form their own parade), Parade favourites The Father Teds, and hopefully whirling gypsy troubadours The Destroyers. The stage will be compered by bouncing voxbox Bass6, with Bobby from the simply massive Bigger than Barry djing his favourite Irish tunes.

So we these are just some of the new innovations this year (on parade day). But more than ANYTHING the festival is about YOU the community. PLEASE COME AND SUPPORT YOUR FESTIVAL. There will be much more to wet even the most demanding cultural appetite in due course. STAY TUNED.

ST PATRICKS FESTIVAL COMMITTEE.

If you would like to help or support the festival in any way: float, walking group, dancers, steward, street collector, sponsor (any amount gratefully received), entertainer - PLEASE CALL KENT DAVIS ON 07725 433063.

Old West Bromwich website

Thanks to Anne Wilkins, author of West Bromwich Town Hall for letting us know about this excellent local history website containing a wealth of old photographs of West Bromwich in days gone by, donated to the online archive by local history collectors of West Bromwich. The site has been created by Paul Swift, it is really fascinating and well worth a visit:

http://www.west-bromwich-photos.co.uk/

Fruitdrops into Birmingham Disability Resource Centre as Part of National Drive for Healthier Workforce

Former Birmingham resident and city banker turned entrepreneur, Ben Thompson is aiming to achieve for workplaces what Jamie Oliver has done for schools by pioneering a new initiative aimed at transforming the snacking habits of Birmingham’s workforce.

His company’s new fresh fruit delivery service is being offered in the city for the first time. The Fruitdrop scheme, first piloted in London last year, is now being rolled out into Britain’s second largest city.

In January Birmingham’s bosses were offered a free trial of fresh fruit delivered to their workers, as part of the national drive to help workers reach their ‘five a day’ target of fresh fruit and vegetables. Nutritional research suggests that as we spend up to 60% of our waking hours at work, we need to be consuming ideally three of these portions at work.

Through The Gazette, we were able to organise a free Fruitdrop delivery to the staff and service users at Birmingham Disability Resource Centre in Yardley. Pictured are Alan Cornfield (left) and David Hammerton (right) from the Centre with Ben Thompson (centre) from the Fruitdrop scheme.

Louise Simmons, Chief Executive of the Birmingham Disability Resource Centre told The Gazette:

“We were really delighted at the opportunity to sample the fresh fruit that Ben dropped into the centre, it went down very well with staff and service users. A healthy diet is very important, not just for disabled people and people with health related issues but for everyone and we can highly recommend fresh fruit as an antidote to the vending machine culture of crisps, sweets and chocolate bars that slow workers down and add inches to their waistlines. Fresh fruit is a healthier, lower fat, lower calorie option and is packed with beneficial and essential vitamins and minerals, so it definitely seems a great idea for any workplace”.

“Bosses should benefit from having a healthier and more alert workforce and reap the rewards of having fewer staff off sick”, according to Ben Thompson, Fruitdrop’s founder and Managing Director.

“We have been offering employers a free sample box to see how easy it is to help keep their workforces healthy and more productive. Not only is having fruit a healthier option, but research has shown that it can increase productivity by as much as 20 per cent,” he said.

“In contrast to processed fast-food style snacks, fresh fruit contains natural sugars that help stimulate the brain and improve mental performance as well as physical health”.

Fruitdrop, founded in 2007, already delivers to businesses across London and the home counties and plans to expand rapidly throughout the rest of the UK. Birmingham is the first area outside the South of England to benefit from the service, and the second city to benefit from the service.

Customers can contact Fruitdrop (http://www.fruitdrop.co.uk/) to set up a regular fruit delivery service, call 020 75115115 or email service@fruitdrop.co.uk

For information about the services of Birmingham Disability Resource Centre, please call 0121 789 7365, Minicom 0121 789 9230 or email bdrc@disability.co.uk

Suzy Lamplugh Trust Warns the Public to Be More Vigilant Against Crime During the Credit Crunch

The safety charity, Suzy Lamplugh Trust, are warning the public to be extra vigilant with their personal safety when out and about, as recent figures show that there was a marked increase in the number of cases of robbery during the last 3 months of 2008 compared to the same period in 2007. (31 of the 42 police forces in England and Wales saw a rise in numbers)

Director of Personal Safety at the Trust, Sarah Haddon, says:

‘Although no-one has shown a direct causal link between the credit crunch and a rise in robbery, the recent crime figures and statistics obtained by The Independent newspaper from police forces across England and Wales, indicate that as the credit crunch bites deeper, certain acquisitive crimes are on the increase.

‘Sadly this is not surprising. The more some people struggle to manage financially, the more they will be tempted to rob or steal to get what they want or feel they need. It is important to note that the additional stress the present financial situation is putting people under could also make some people turn uncharacteristically to violence and we could see an overall increase in violent crimes. Therefore it is essential that we all take extra care during this time to avoid being a victim of a recession-related crime’.

The Trust offers the following advice:

Staying Safe on the Streets

Stay alert on the streets at all times – and try not to get too complacent in your own neighbourhood just because it’s familiar. The sooner you see or hear danger approaching, the easier it will be to avoid it.

Avoid wearing a personal stereo or chatting on your mobile in the street as this will distract you and prevent you from hearing danger approaching. It will also highlight that you have something worth stealing.

Always try to use well-lit, busy streets and avoid danger spots like quiet or badly lit alleyways, subways or isolated car parks. Walk down the middle of the pavement if the street is deserted.
If you do have to pass danger spots, think about what you would do if you felt threatened. The best idea is to head for a public place where you know there will be other people, for example a garage, pub or shop.

If you think you are being followed, trust your instincts and take action. Cross the road, turning and checking to see who is behind you. If you are still being followed, keep moving. Make for a busy area/venue and tell people what is happening.

Avoid keeping all your personal property in one place when on the street. Try to keep some money and your keys in a separate pocket, so that if you lose your bag or wallet, you can still get home safely.

If someone approaches you and demands your bag or wallet, throw it as far as you can, giving you time to get away as the robber goes for your bag. Don’t put up a fight. Remember possessions can be replaced, you can’t.

Consider carrying a personal safety alarm, which can be used to shock and disorientate an attacker, giving you vital seconds to get away.

For more safety advice visit www.suzylamplugh.org

Come along to the gallery’s 9th Birthday celebrations, go Animal Crackers and join in the fun!

Come along to the gallery’s 9th Birthday celebrations, go Animal Crackers and join in the fun!

The New Art Gallery Walsall is celebrating its 9th birthday on Saturday 14 February, 12pm – 4pm and to celebrate this special occasion we are inviting everyone to The Big Party, a free event for all the family.

Zoe Renilson, Education Curator “The gallery is a great social space for children and adults alike, we want to thank all our visitors and supporters who have regularly paid us a visit over the last nine years. This event is about opening the doors to everyone in Walsall and beyond and inviting them to come to the gallery and see what we have to offer. We want our visitors to experience a warm welcome and be amazed at what is on their doorstep. The Big Party is absolutely free and for everyone so please come along and join in the fun!”

This year the gallery goes Animal Crackers so come along and get into the party spirit. Visitors are guaranteed a free afternoon packed full of events and activities for all the family. Why not create your very own fantasy animal to display; discover the Animal Tracks Trail; hear the animal stories and draw your own animals…. and the fun doesn’t stop there. There will be party music, a gallery birthday cake, lots of games, workshops; make your own birthday message; see the gallery’s amazing art works throughout the gallery. If it all gets too much relax with your baby in our family chill out room or why not pop in our family friendly café, Costa during the afternoon and enjoy a bit of quiet time.

The gallery has lift access to all floors and is buggy friendly, we are a breastfeeding, friendly venue and have baby change facilities on the ground floor.

The Big Party is absolutely free and all the activities are free so this is an brilliant opportunity for family and friends to come along to the gallery, receive a really warm welcome and find out more about what’s inside and what free activities and events we offer for families in 2009 and beyond.

For further information please contact Gallery Reception on 01922 654400 or email info@artatwalsall.org.uk or visit www.thenewartgallerywalsall.org.uk

Caroline is Computer Tutor!

Internet Scams – Beware!

Useful website http://www.e-victims.org/ has released the top 10 Internet Scams for 2009. Here is their list:

1. Identity theft and phishing - Don’t share unnecessary personal data with websites. If they insist on your date of birth or telephone number, make one up. Obviously if you are making a purchase online you need to give them your real address, but if you are just signing up for a newsletter consider using fake details.

2. Viruses and spyware - They are everywhere. Make sure your anti-virus and spyware programs are up to date.

3. Advance fee scams – Have you received an email along the lines of - Dear Friend I have won the lottery and wish to share my winnings with you. Please send me your bank account details… Don’t do it!

4. Work at home and job scams - These scams have been around for years in newspapers before the internet, but with the current economic situation we can expect more of these types of scams.

5. Fake or spoofed websites – Offers that seem too good to be true probably are. Stick to well known internet retailers. Just because a website is listed in Google doesn’t mean it is safe.

6. Economy related scams - Loan and debt consolidation scams have been increasing through 2008. There will be new ones to look out for, including repossession assistance and unemployment insurance.

7. Classified ads and auction scams – Buyer beware. If someone wants to pay you a larger amount for an item and then you send them on the difference, steer well clear.

8. Holiday Scams – Incredible deals listed on the net may not be real. Make sure you use a reputable holiday retailer that has ATOL protection.

9. Ticket Scams – The Beijing Olympics had lots of fake ticket scams. Beware of buying tickets from online auction sites for concerts etc they may be counterfeit.

10. Social Networking – A new scam is sending messages that tell someone they are in a You Tube video or mentioned on Twitter. When they follow the link their computer gets compromised. Conmen even pretend to be relatives asking for money. It is best to only have “friends” on these sites that you personally know. Websites such as http://www.facebook.com/ hold a lot of personal information which could be used in identity fraud if it fell into the wrong hands.

Editor: But remember folks, you are always safe with Spaghetti Gazetti!

BLUES GO RED FOR BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION'S APPEAL

~ Birmingham City players help British Heart Foundation ‘Start a Heart’ Appeal launch ~

Players from Birmingham City Football Club were on hand today to help kick-start the British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) Birmingham Start a Heart Appeal. The aim of the appeal is to raise £60,000 within twelve months to purchase 50 Automated External Defibrillators to be placed in community sites in areas of greatest need across Birmingham.

A defibrillator is a portable life saving machine that detects the electrical activity in the heart and can deliver a controlled electric shock when it is needed, in many cases after a cardiac arrest to restart a regular heart beat.

Around 70,000 cardiac arrests occur every year outside of hospital, with 12,000 a year occurring in public places. It is estimated that every year approximately 1,300 people in Birmingham suffer from a cardiac arrest.

When a person is in cardiac arrest the heart quivers and can stop pumping. For every minute that passes, the chances of survival drop by 14% and unless a regular heart rhythm is restored, the person can die. It is estimated that if a person receives cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation within the first five minutes, their chances of survival can be increased by up to 30%.

Unfortunately, at the moment, there are not enough defibrillators in Birmingham or trained people within the community to give these victims the best chance of survival during those first few critical minutes. By supporting this appeal, you can help to save lives.

February is National Heart Month and the British Heart Foundation is asking people to ‘go red for heart’ and raise money for the Birmingham Start a Heart Appeal. You can join the Wear Red to Work Day on Friday 13th February or choose your own fundraising event – at work, school, or with family and friends such as sponsored walks or various sports challenges.

Donna Stokes, BHF Fundraising Volunteer Manager for Birmingham said, “The more defibrillators we have in the community, the more chance we have of saving someone’s life.

Each defibrillator costs £1200 and we will be working with the West Midlands Ambulance Service to identify areas of greatest need in Birmingham and provide the appropriate training. We need donations and volunteers to help us raised the funds.”

Blues captain Lee Carsley says: “It’s great to see the club promoting the values of having a healthy lifestyle and keeping fit through Our City, Our Vision, something that is hugely important.

“But it’s also imperative to make sure that the correct treatment is in place across Birmingham and beyond for anyone who has health issues of any sort, and that includes heart problems.

“That’s why I’m delighted to support the Start a Heart appeal and I’m sure that with the backing of the Birmingham public it will only be a matter of time before the money is raised to buy the necessary equipment.”

Throughout January and February, Birmingham City FC is promoting its ‘Our City, Our Vision’, an initiative focusing its attention on the importance of having a healthy lifestyle and keeping fit - something which in turn can help prevent people having heart problems.

If you would like to find out how you can get involved with the BHF Birmingham Start a Heart Appeal, including fundraising ideas or would like to make a donation please call Donna Stokes on 0121 353 2087.

Women’s Go Karting Grand Prix 2009

A leading children’s charity is looking for adventurous participants for their first “Women’s Go-Karting Grand Prix” event to be held at Teamworks Karting in Birmingham on Thursday 23rd April 09. The fun starts at 7.00pm.

All entrants will be guaranteed 5 heats with the top 8 drivers battling it out for first, second and third places on the podium.

“We’re delighted to be hosting this very special event which we hope will be the first of a series”, says Penny Weir from Children Today. “In addition to having a great evening we are asking people to raise a minimum of £125 for a very worthwhile cause. Because this is such an exciting and innovative event we are sure sponsors will be easily encouraged and will turn up to watch you as well”.

Children Today provides grants for vital, life-changing equipment for disabled children and young people all over the UK. We believe that the provision of specialist equipment for young people with disabilities has a direct and immediate impact on their quality of life and independence and is vital in helping them to overcome obstacles to live a life of greater freedom.

For further information or if you think you might like to take part, please contact penny@childrentoday.org.uk or phone her on 07912 308575. You can also visit the Teamworks website on www.teamworkskarting.com.

Home Grown - A practical guide to self sufficiency and living the good life

Home Grown
A practical guide to self-sufficiency and living the good life
Published by Gaia 6th April 2009 £9.99 Paperback

We all want to enjoy life and integral to this is finding a healthier, more satisfying way of living. Whether you’ve fantasised about running your own smallholding, dreamed of keeping hens, or just worried about what has been sprayed on your shop-bought tomatoes, Home Grown is the book for you.

Home Grown is an inspiring and practical book to growing and raising your own food the organic way, from keeping animals to growing fruit and vegetables, and creating a greener garden. With a foreword from Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, one of TV’s most popular chefs and expert advice in partnership with the Soil Association, this book is an indispensable guide to a greener home.
Filled with ideas for making small changes as well as advice on establishing a completely organic lifestyle, this practical guide will:

· Show how to produce home-grown organic food
· Teach you basic animal husbandry
· Give tips on how to minimalise pollution
· Show how to save money on your electricity bill

By promoting and certifying organic farming methods and products, the Soil Association has been encouraging us to enjoy life for over 50 years. In this book, they bring together a number of leading organic experts to show to how easy it is to incorporate aspects of self-sufficiency and organic living into your daily routine.

Story times for the under-fives at Meriden Library

Mondays at Meriden library mean fun for the under-fives.

Parents and carers are invited to bring children under five years old to afternoon story time sessions including stories, rhymes and craft activities. The events are all free of charge and are a great opportunity for parents and carers to meet other families and show children how much fun books can be.

The sessions will take place every Monday in term time from 2.45pm till 3.15pm.

For more information about this and other free fun library events at Meriden library please phone 01676 522717.

Valuing People with learning disabilities

A new Government policy called ‘Valuing People Now - A Three Year Strategy for People with Learning Disabilities’ sets out a new vision for improving services for people with learning disabilities across health, housing, employment and community care services. It has been welcomed by Warwickshire campaigners.

Two years ago Warwickshire campaigners Susie Pallitt and the late Serena Nordon, who had learning disabilities travelled to Parliament to meet the Prime Minister, Tony Blair to lobby him on behalf of people with learning disabilities..

They wanted to raise awareness about the barriers to work faced by people who have learning disabilities. Susie and Serena presented him with a copy of their ‘In Our Shoes’ Report and DVD about the barriers to work.

Mrs Susie Pallitt said, “It is good that the Government is working together to help people get a job. I am very happy that the `In Our Shoes` research work and the meeting with Tony Blair has helped to make a difference by getting the message across.”

Mrs Pallitt and Miss Nordon carried out a survey on behalf of the Warwickshire Learning Disability Partnership Board. They visited day centres in Rugby, Warwick and Dordon asking people with learning disabilities about their problems with getting a job, the impact of benefits and the difficulties of getting to work safely.

Mike O’Brien MP said

“Local Warwickshire campaigners helped make a difference. People with disabilities have the right to lead their lives like any others, with similar opportunities and responsibilities and to be treated with the same dignity and respect.

“‘Valuing People Now’ is a new vision for improving services for people with learning disabilities across health, housing, employment, the criminal justice system and community care services.

“Key elements for health are improving training, introducing health checks and improving commissioning of services, establishing a confidential inquiry to investigate the premature deaths of people with learning disabilities and a new Public Health Observatory to provide essential data information at a national and local level.
“Preventable deaths of people with learning disabilities are absolutely unacceptable – We must improve healthcare access and health outcomes for people with learning disabilities.

“The NHS is already improving the health of people with learning disabilities, for example through establishing health checks and improving training. But the health checks don’t always happen and we need to improve the extent and regularity of the checks. I have been pressing this issue on Health Ministers on behalf of another constituent in Bedworth for two years.

“The Government has now accepted the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry. We are now taking action that will lead to people with learning disabilities getting the equal access to health care that they deserve. I welcome that.”

For further information about ‘In Our Shoes’ please contact Serena and Susie at the North Warwickshire Organisation “New Ideas” on 01827 713045.

Website will support WM business

www.supportwm.co.uk

A new website, www.supportwm.co.uk , that offers real help to businesses and employees affected by the current downturn was unveiled today by Ian Austin, Regional Minister for the West Midlands following a meeting of the West Midlands Taskforce.

The Taskforce was set by the Ian Austin to coordinate the public sector response to the economic downturn and Advantage West Midlands has created www.supportwm.co.uk as a central point of contact for businesses, individuals and partners during this economic downturn. The site offers a range of help and support provided by organisations such as Advantage West Midlands, Business Link, Manufacturing Advisory Service, Jobcentre Plus, the Learning and Skills Council, trade unions and ACAS.

Last week the Government also launched “Real Help for Business” a raft of measures to support SMEs and the website is the latest in a series of support measures being taken in the region, such as the £9m Advantage Transitional Bridge Fund that offers companies alternative sources of financial support and has already safeguarded 1,700 jobs. Business Link has also launched a ‘credit crunch’ hotline (0845 0020900) and is holding a series of workshops throughout the region.

Regional Minister Ian Austin said:

“The downturn might have started in America, but it’s having a real impact on families and businesses here in the West Midlands who need is a government that is on their side providing real help to get them through the downturn. We’re providing real help for businesses with advice and access to finance and funds for training, for example and we’re helping people facing redundancy with advice on new jobs and retraining to help get a new job.

“ www.supportwm.co.uk is designed to help anyone affected by the downturn find the help and advice they need as easily and quickly as possible.”

AWM Chairman Nick Paul CBE said:

“I’m pleased to see the Taskforce has a central website signposting businesses to financial and business support and individuals to jobs, re-training opportunities and redundancy advice. Our experience with MG Rover demonstrated the critical importance of communications to both business and individuals

“This global downturn is deepening and we are seeing more and more businesses struggling to cope. In the West Midlands we have particular issues with our historic reliance on manufacturing and the automotive industry. That is why the Taskforce has brought the key players together to provide the support, advice and resources to ensure the region’s economy can survive these turbulent times.”

£35,000 up for grabs for youth in Herefordshire

Young people across the county of Herefordshire are being invited to apply for a one-off cash boost to develop an existing youth project or to kick start a new one.

Projects need to benefit as many young people as possible and clearly demonstrate the difference the project will make to young people and their communities. Deadline for bids is February 28th, after which shortlisted bidders will be required to make a presentation to the county’s youth funding panel.

Herefordshire has been given £450,000 to spend over three years (ending March 2011) to increase the number of things to do and places to go for all young people, but especially disadvantaged young people. The fund is split into two parts: one for activities (Opportunities fund) and one for physical resources or refurbishment (Capital fund).

However in addition to this, the county has an additional £35,000 to pay for one special project that will meet the needs of as many young people as possible.

Decisions about who gets the money lies with the youth funding panel which is made up of young people from across the county and supported by Herefordshire Council.

Amy Lunt, youth involvement worker, said: “This is a great opportunity for young people to make a real difference and obtain significant funding to turn a dream into reality. All applications must demonstrate youth involvement, value for money and illustrate how young people in Herefordshire will benefit from the project.”

Further information is available on www.herefordshireyouthcouncil.co.uk or by calling the youth involvement team on 01432 383008.

Toddlers celebrate Chinese New Year in Ledbury

Ledbury childminders are helping toddlers celebrate Chinese New Year at the Ledbury Children’s Centre this week.

In preparation for a day of Chinese-focussed activity this Thursday (29th January), local children who are looked after by childminders, have been making a dragon mask from cardboard boxes and paper mache and sewing strips of fabric together to make the dragon’s body. On Thursday they will be dancing with the dragon to Chinese music, dressing up and enjoying Chinese food at snack time.

Kim Gristy, children’s centre manager, said: “It’s great to see the children’s centre being used so well by so many people. Local childminders meet here on a regular basis so that the children they look after can mix with other children, and so that they can swap ideas and learn about new initiatives.

“This Thursday should be great fun – the children always enjoy such occasions and I’m sure there’ll be a few members of staff who will get into the party spirit too.”

Local childminders meet at the centre every Thursday 9.00 till 10.30am.

Birmingham St Patrick's Festival

St Patrick's Day Parade – 15th March 2009

In Digbeth, Birmingham's Irish Quarter

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

There will be a meeting on
Thursday 5TH February 7.30pm
At the Irish Club

FOR
COUNTY ASSOCIATIONS, COMMUNITY GROUPS,
DANCE SCHOOLS, MUSIC AND SPORTS GROUPS
WALKING GROUPS AND FLOAT ORGANISERS
or

any other organisations wanting to take part in or know more about the Festival and Parade.

Karen Barry

Chair, Planning Group,
Birmingham St. Patrick's Festival

0121 633 7724

stpatricksbirmingham@gmail.com or call Kent Davis 0n 07725 433063

L!VE comedy is back in the new year with Nick Page & Steve

Light House, Wolverhampton, plays host to a second live comedy night featuring Nick Page and Steve Harris with Susan Murray as MC on Thursday 5 February, 2009. February’s L!VE is an anticipated follow-up to November’s sell out show in which comedians Adam Bloom and Ian Stone performed. L!VE is back with another top notch line-up to take to the stage and cause raucous laughter in the intimate cinema setting. Tickets cost: £8, doors open at 8.15pm, and the show starts at 8.45pm.

Steve Harris leapt onto the stage in 1998 and became the winner of the converted North West comedian of the year after just 5 gigs. Steve’s warm nature and flexibility make him an all rounder – he’s undeniable ability to deal with hecklers, his mom being in attendance, young or old alike. His show is guaranteed to leave you breathless with laughter. Steve has supported; Johnny Vegas, Peter Kay and Lee Evans.

Nick Page started his career in comedy as a bet and turned professional just four months after his first open mic appearance. Nick has written and performed comedy on the TV show Brain Candy on BBC3, and has appeared in the British horror film, Killer Killer, playing a serial killer called Nicholas. Nick Page is a full time comic, voiceover artist, radio and TV presenter.

Light House’s very own comedian in residence Susan Stone is using her inside knowledge of the comedy circuit to book top UK acts. Susan has over 10 years experience after winning the first ever Jongluers competition, her colleagues Adam Bloom and Ian Stone were the first acts on the bill for L!VE.Ian Stone: "Lovely club. Great crowd. Thinking of moving there"Adam Bloom: “The perfect sized room, packed with people who've all come out to have fun. Faultless'.

For more information or to join the mailing list visit www.light-house.co.uk or email Steph e: comedy@light-house.co.uk. Tickets cost £8 and are available to buy online (subject to a booking fee) at www.theticketsellers.co.uk or from Light House boxoffice tel: 09012 716055, The Chubb Buildings, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1HT.

L!VE will be back on Thursday 12 March for an International Women’s Week special, in which Susan Murray & Zoe Lyons will perform to a back drop of BFI & Birds Eye View films circa 1920s, the films are part of the Crowning Glories - women and silent comedy collection. Tickets go on sale on Friday 16 January, and cost: £12 all ticket holders will receive a free cocktail.

Theatre Review by Vidar Hjardeng

Following on from his tremendous success in last year’s pantomime Aladdin, Torchwood star John Barrowman has, once again, been entertaining record audiences at the Birmingham Hippodrome in their 2008 Festive Season production of Robin Hood. Supported by local perennial panto favourite Don MacLean, in the role of Friar Tuck, John Barrowman energetically displayed extraordinary flair and versatility in the title role of this traditional family entertainment.

With Christmas behind us and winter stretching, gloomily, ahead, I really enjoyed the audio described performance on the evening of Tuesday 13 of January which was, as ever, enthusiastically brought to life by resident describers, Jonathan Nash and Margaret Spittles from Sightlines. Their characteristic professionalism was put to the test as they had to deliver their ever helpful pre-show notes (giving details of the cast, costumes, set etc) while the theatre’s technical team battled, thankfully with success, some last minute gremlins in the sound system.

For audio describers, I suspect that, providing a live commentary during a pantomime is one of their greatest challenges as there is usually a lot of unscripted business (Oh No there isn’t!!) to convey, especially in this production, when an unsuspecting member of the audience is invited up on to the stage by the outstanding ventriloquist, Paul Zerdin. It seems to me that nowadays, you don’t often see ventriloquists – never mind one of this calibre – and, as Will Scarlett, Zerdin and his little ‘friend’ had the audience in fits of laughter hanging on ‘their’ every word. Even our stalwart describers struggled not to laugh while delivering their lines, making it all the more amusing for us visually impaired listeners.

Unfortunately for me, I wasn’t able to get to the Touch Tour which is such an integral part of what the Hippodrome offers in terms of their excellent audio described experience. However I gather that those who arrived in time to join Jonathan and Margaret on stage, thoroughly enjoyed exploring Sherwood Forest and the Sheriff’s castle. It is worth mentioning that, as my friend had to leave a few minutes early to catch her train, one of the front of house staff was more than happy to assist me to a cab after the show, and this first class customer service certainly alleviates any concern that a visually impaired patron may have especially if unaccompanied.

The next audio described performances at the Hippodrome are Flashdance – The Musical on the evening of Thursday 12 February, and the following week The Buddy Holly Story on the evening of Friday 20 February, and details of tickets, touch tours and headsets can be obtained from the box office on 0870 730 1234.

Credit crunch what credit crunch? We're in the money!

Credit crunch hits home for local group Coleshill Operatic, seen here rehearsing “Were in the Money" from the forthcoming production of 42nd STREET.

Coleshill operatic are starting a year of celebrations in this their centenary year with the all singing and dancing show at Solihull arts complex on 30 th March till 4th April 2009 .
Ticket prices range from £10 to £14 with concessions and coach travel from Coleshill available on Mon and Tue .

The show centres around the cast of a Broadway show, when the leading lady has an accident breaking her ankle everyone has to try and find a replacement for her, a young talented but inexperienced newcomer is chosen and she has the daunting task of trying to learn all of the dances before opening night. Some memorable numbers including “Lullaby of Broadway “, “42 nd Street “, “ Shuffle off to buffalo “, “ Dames “ and “Were in the money “

Currently our usual rehearsal venue Coleshill town hall is undergoing major building work to gain disabled access to the council room and change fire exits, this has caused the group to have to find another rehearsal room at the community centre, we are all keeping our fingers crossed the work is finished in good time as auditions are underway for the next show “H.M.S Pinafore “ with a twist, as we will be performing 2 versions on the same night, one traditional and one modern day.

As this was the first show the group performed exactly the same week 100 years ago at the institute, we are encouraging people to come and join us, especially old members who we have been unable to contact.

This will be Wed 1 st July , Thu 2 nd July and Sat 4 th July 2009. (Further details to follow, nearer the time)

JOBS AT BIRMINGHAM DISABILITY RESOURCE CENTRE (BDRC)

BDRC is a forward thinking Birmingham based charitable company, leading on disability issues & providing a wide range of resources for disabled people, carers, families, employers and professionals.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of our newly restructured organisation opening up a world of opportunity for disabled people.

Information and PR Manager (FTE)
Grade 4, salary points 29-33
£23,479 - £26,835

This is an exciting opportunity to head our newly restructured Information and Meaningful Activities Division. The post holder will be responsible for the effective delivery of the BDRC’s Service User Involvement arrangements and its PR function, including press releases, e-newsletters, media liaison and the website. The post holder will also be required to manage and deliver the BDRC’s Matrix Accredited Disability Information Service providing information and advice to a range of enquirers.

If you have previous experience in marketing or PR, in managing people and services and in securing funding, yet you still want a ‘hands-on’ approach to engage and support clients, then we want to hear from you.

Fundraising Officer (25 hours per week)
Salary Grade 3 Scale Points 25-28
£20-736 - £22,845 pro rata per annum

We are seeking a highly motivated person to work closely with the BDRC’s Chief Executive and Senior Management Team to develop and implement the Charity’s Fundraising Strategy. The post holder will be required to raise significant income through activities such as trust funding, individual donors, corporate supporters and events and also to market and promote the BDRC to a wider external audience.

Previous experience in a fundraising role and of personally undertaking successful fundraising activities is essential, together with excellent communication skills such as bid writing and making presentations.


Finance and Monitoring Officer (15 hours per week)
Salary Grade 3 Scale Points 25-28
£20-736 - £22,845 pro rata per annum

We are seeking a suitably qualified and experienced individual to undertake the book-keeping and financial functions of the BDRC. Previous all round experience of working in an accounts office environment and using computerised accounts packages is essential.


For an application pack please contact

Barbara Danckert, Support Services, BDRC, Bierton Road, Yardley, Birmingham B25 8PQ
Voice: 0121 789 7365
Minicom: 0121789 9230
Email: bdrc@disability.co.uk

Application packs are available in alternative formats upon request.

Closing Date for applications: 13 February 2009 at 4.30pm

BDRC is an equal opportunities employer

Work experience opportunities at BBC

Extend is a BBC-wide work placement scheme which offers appropriately experienced and/or qualified disabled people the opportunity to gain six months paid work experience within the BBC. Although the scheme doesn't necessarily lead to a full-time job, last year more than half its intake gained further work at the BBC. 24 placements are being advertised now offering a range of posts across the country. Deadlines for applications are 5 February.

More placements for this year will be advertised in April. For more information view the link below:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/jobs/extend/ready-to-apply.shtml

Healthy Social Enterprise

Dear All

BDRC is working in partnership with ISE to deliver a project called “Healthy Social Enterprise” which aims to support emerging and existing social enterprises to develop and deliver sustainable health and social care/well being services in Birmingham through collaborative partnership working.

As part of this project, BDRC has been asked to lead on the establishment of a Social Enterprise Cluster made up of Disability led organisations in order to support them to develop and deliver sustainable services and support collaborative partnership working.

If you are interested in taking part in the Disability-Led Social Enterprise Cluster, please let me know by no later than Friday 30 January 2008.

A series of FREE training workshops has been arranged for organisations who wish to take part. Details of these are referred to in the e-mail below from ISE.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Louise Simmons
Chief Executive
Birmingham Disability Resource Centre
Bierton Road
Yardley
Birmingham B25 8PQ
Tel: 0121 7897365
Fax: 0121 785 0104
Website: www.disability.co.uk

HEALTHY SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Are you an individual with an enterprising idea for delivering a health and/or social care activity in your community but not too sure how to get it off the ground?

OR are you are a voluntary organisation who has relied on grant funding in the past but is now wanting to take advantage of future health/social care commissioning opportunities but know there are some changes you need to make to your organisation first?

If you can relate to either scenario, the ‘Healthy Social Enterprise’ project can help you!

In February and March, I’SE will be delivering a series of 13 half-day workshops on social enterprise including, preparing for procurement, full cost recovery, and writing tenders.

As well as training you will also be able to access ongoing 1:1 support from I’SE’s social enterprise business advisors who will ensure that you receive all the help you need to turn your idea into a reality.

So what are you waiting for? Booking form from:
events@i-se.co.uk

Disability Lib Alliance research into particpation of disabled young people

Dear Friends,

Apologies if you have already received a version of this enquiry - I sent out 100 last week to CILs and DPOs - this week I am having a wider sweep. Please ignore me, if you have already responded.

Disability Lib Alliance is a partnership of disabled people's organisations which has secured funding to help build the capacity of 200 Disabled People's Organisations to fulfill recommendation 4.3 of "Improving Life Chances" (a user-led Centre for independent living in every area by 2010). I am the consultant/researcher for phase 1 of a project that is concerned with promoting disabled people's leadership and, in particular young disabled leaders (aged 10-25) of the future. My role is to map dpo provision that includes young disabled people, to report on good practice examples and to make recommendations that will support dpos and cils capacity to develop young disabled people's leadership skills.

So why am I writing to you? Yes - you've guessed I want something. I would be very grateful if you can complete the attached questionnaire and return it to me before January 31. It has just eight short questions and should not take up too much of your time. I will be following up returned and non-returned questionnaires with phone enquiries at a later date. I really hope to hear from you. Please don't ignore this if you are not currently including young people in your organisation - it is important to know what is not happening as well as what is happening.

with best wishes,


Chris O'MahonyEmail Chris for a questionnaire:
christine.omahony@blueyonder.co.uk

CALL TO ACTION from RAWM

Third Sector Response to the Economic Downturn

The voluntary & community sector is a strategic partner in the shaping and delivery of the region’s economy. Through 14,400 registered organisations, the voluntary and community sector collectively has:

• A total income in excess of £3.3 billion of which 93% was spent in 2007/08;
• Total assets of £5.3 billion;
• £1.1 billion staff costs;
• An estimated number of full time paid staff of 48,500.

These figures significantly increase with the inclusion of social enterprise organisations.

Despite this, recent research indicates that of the 14,400 organisations registered in the region up to 3,800 organisations are at risk of failing. Of these some 780 organisations are considered to be extremely vulnerable.

In response to the economic downturn Regional Action West Midlands is working with Social Enterprise West Midlands and other partners and calls all third sector bodies to support the first Third Sector Economic Summit in the region, to take place in late April.

The purpose of the summit will be to:

• Highlight the contribution of the sector in the economy of the West Midlands;
• Highlight the impact of the economic downturn on the third sector;
• Explore how the sector can support economic recovery;
• Explore opportunities for short-term sustainability and longer term growth;
• Work with regional economic structures including the Regional Economic Taskforce.

We need your organisation to respond to this call by:

• Sharing with RAWM information you have around the impact of the economic downturn on the sector;
• Registering your interest to attend the summit;
• Registering your interest in joining a regional third sector policy group looking at economic issues.

To register your interest, please email rawm@rawm.co.uk

Sharon Palmer,
Chief Executive Officer, January 2009

A Splash for Cash

Vicky Wilcher, Yuan Yuan, Maxine Smith and Maxine Lyons all from Birmingham Focus on Blindness were joined by Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Lady Mayoress, Deirdre Alden, Geoff Bennett, Karen Yates and Pete Wallage, Manager - Harborne Pool.

Swimming one mile for charity in the middle of January demands commitment and stamina, and plenty of both. On Saturday 24th January 18 people accepted the challenge to swim the 72 lengths of Harborne Baths and at the same time raise money for the Birmingham Focus on Blindness. The sponsorship money raised will go towards funding the work of Focus, supporting visually impaired and disabled people, together with their carers, to live fulfilling and independent lives by providing services that reflect their wants and needs.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Chauhdry Rashid and his Lady Mayoress were present to welcome the first group of swimmers, which included local Councillor, Deirdre Alden, who acquitted herself magnificently, and easily completed the full 72 laps. Later, having regained her breath she said “It was great to be able to combine helping such a worthwhile local charity with keeping fit. I hadn’t swum for many years, so I was very pleased that I managed to complete the full mile.”

The youngest swimmer was 10 year old Katie Shannon from Kings Norton, who successfully completed the mile together with her uncle, Brett Mitchell. .

Most of the swimmers had at least one supporter shouting encouragement from the side of the pool and the whole event was organised and timed by staff and volunteers from Birmingham Focus. The Harborne Baths Life Guard, Emma Rickward, joined in the fun and raised her sponsorship money by swimming the full 72 laps in a t-shirt and tracksuit. Another young competitor Ellen Jones, aged 12 from Harborne, also completed the punishing swim.

All 18 swimmers managed to swim the full mile and, once they had recovered and gained their land legs, were presented with ‘gold’ medals, The sponsorship money raised is still being collected but Birmingham Focus will certainly find a good use for it all.

To find out about future fundraising events please contact Vicky Wilcher on 0121 478 5229 or email Victoria@birminghamfocus.org.uk

Welcome to Spaghetti Gazetti

The blog of West Midlands culture, heritage, arts and third sector news, information and events. With up to 1000 hits a day to the website, you can't afford to miss out on this opportunity to publicise your local events.

If you are local authority or third sector agency in the West Midlands, add me to your publicity mailing list today and I will make sure your news gets publicised all over the region!

Email: info@bignbostin.com

Keeping in Touch by Beryl Kellie

As always I love reading Beryl's diary-style articles which go into the Marston Green and Castle Bromwich Gazettes. Here's an exclusive early viewing for Spaghetti Gazetti readers only of Beryl's February article. Nice to hear her tribute to Macolm Stent, a great local hero of music, comedy and radio. I remember seeing Malcolm compere the Boggery Folk Club quite a few years ago, I do believe he took over that role from none other than Mr Carrott. Over the years Malcolm has been a stalwart of local radio, theatre, pantomime and live music and as Beryl rightly says here, he deserves applause for staying close to his roots. Perhaps a Spaghetti profile would be in order? Anyhow, stop waffling Millington, what do you think this is... a Blog? Over to Beryl:

Keeping in Touch

Resolute

How are the New Year Resolutions going ?

Made annually in younger days, I confess I find little enthusiasm for them these days, maybe as the daily round gets less busy it’s easier to plan life without a challenge to put things in order when they’re not right.

Loose weight, less chocolates, exercise more, be scrupulous with the re-cycling, doesn’t have the same appeal as my pet ‘Lists’.

With lists you can at your leisure write down everything you would like to do in the house, garden, hobbies, days – out etc. and during the year cross them off as you succeed.

My husband used to say many years ago that I only made lists for the sheer pleasure of crossing things off, and perhaps he was right, there is great satisfaction at the end of the year with pages of things accomplished.

I have started this year’s list carrying forward a few that did not get done, and looking at what was crossed through I could remember the occasions and re-live some very pleasant times.They do say that little things please little minds – well so-be it, but don’t knock simple pleasures in these difficult times, and we war-time children can remember how much was made of a very simple way of life.

Caring and sharing and being content with your lot helped many to sleep well at the end of busy days, despite everything else.

Spectacular

One of the season’s ‘must do’ was a visit to the Pantomime at Solihull Library Theatre. For the 18th year Malcolm Stent has written, produced, and performed in the annual entertainment, and it just gets better. The final scene in ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ this year was worthy of a west end production. All blue, white and silver , it was magic.

We arrived early to have a drink before the show, and Malcolm, arriving for the evening performance, came across the Bar to talk to us. Such a very nice man.

I’ve known him since the 1970’s when he and his band ‘the Timoneers’ used to rehearse at Arden Hall in Castle Bromwich. In conversation I asked him when we could expect to see him in the Birmingham Walk of Fame. He merely raised an eyebrow.

But just consider his 30 years as musician, playwright, radio and television presenter and compere, and we have our own all round performer, who chose to stay local. It would be really nice to show appreciation for that.

Whilst thinking ‘libraries’, the new Solihull Arts Complex Spring / Summer programme is out, and what a wonderful selection of music, drama and arts activities are on offer as well as exhibitions in the Gallery.

Something for everyone from Tots to Seniors, just collect a programme from the Arts Complex when you next visit Touchwood, or telephone 0121 – 704 – 6130 for information.

Lastly, huge congratulations to Elaine, Helen and their team at Marston Green library. The 40th Anniversary exhibition , which closed on New Year’s Eve, has drawn many compliments from the hundreds of visitors during the past 2 months, local and not-so-local people have hailed it a huge success and all the material on display during the 2-part exhibition has been catalogued, retained where offered, and stored for future generations to enjoy.

A lot of hard work ladies, but it was SO interesting. Thank you very much.

SAD

January and February are probably the unkindest months of the year (unless you ski), cold, wet, dark and miserable.

Well, we had the coldest start to the year for over 30 years and there are many people who would agree the SAD really happens.

Out of interest, having heard a discussion on television recently about new words being added to the dictionary, I searched and there it was. ‘abbrev for seasonal affective disorder’!

You can get special lighting these days to counteract the ‘gloom’, and plenty of help available if you suffer from the symptoms of ‘winter blues’

I have a friend who is a perfect example of SAD ( and she agrees) , almost wants to hibernate at the onset of the cold and wet and only surface in the warm spring.

See what Retirement brings ? You can do just that !

I’ll keep in touch.

Beryl Kellie

Marston Green Village Hall

What follows is an interesting notice I received last week, destined for the Marston Green Gazette. But having just read it through, it seems it is not just a notice about what looks like a very exciting fund raising event at the hall in February, but also contains some really interesting history about the Village Hall in Martson Green itself.

.
The history of the Village Hall has some interesting connections with Birmingham and my dad will be pleased to hear reference to the names of both Bulpit and the Palais de Dance - as he was brought up in the Ladywood area close to the Bulpit's factory which was bombed in WW2 and the infamous Palais where couples would go to dance away the nights to sound of Big Band Jazz. Well, without further comment from myself, over to Ernald Jones of the Marston Green Village Hall:

On Friday, 13th February 2009, 7.30pm at Marston Green Village Hall there will be a 'Black Country Night Out' with that indomitable character, Lizzie Wiggins with friends providing the evening's humorous entertainment. This evening is to help provide funds for repair and maintenance of the roof of the Village Hall.

The first Village Hall was a wooden structure, which could be classed as war surplus, having been bought and brought from Cardiff where it had served as an Army Hospital for service men wounded during World War I. It's interesting to note that the floor of the hall was the elegant floor taken from Birmingham's Palais de Dance in Summer Row, this property bring bought by Walter Bulpit of Swann Brand and a resident of Marston Green. Land for the Hall was given by the Winfield Digby family who at that time lived in Coleshill Hall. The Village Hall was erected in 1926 on the present site and a Trust was set up in 1937.

This building was to commemorate those of the village who served and died in World War I. Walter Bulpit as first Chairman of Trustees gave £640 for the purchase of two and a half acres of land with the proviso that if the land was ever sold the money accrued would go to building a new and modern hall. A new hall was built and opened by Francis Bulpit in February 1977. Francis, son of Walter, flew in from Switzerland although he had a few days previously suffered a heart attack. Peter Kellie, Mayor of Solihull was on standby to officiate at the opening.

From 1926 to the present day, the Hall has provided a venue for the social life of the village. During the years 1926 to the present day, the Hall has provided a venue for the social life of the village. During the years 1926 to 1980 one hundred and thirty plays were performed by the Marston Green Players who were part of the Marston Green Club. This continued on as the Snooker Club which still meets in the Hall. Bridge and Chess Clubs flourished during these years. It is also home to the Scout and Guide movement which resides in its grounds. The Hall now hosts a Badminton Club, Line Dancing classes, Weight Watchers, Karate and Children's Dancing Classes. Functions such as Wedding and Birthday Parties are also catered for as well as the Blood Donation Service.

Having been in existence for eighty two years, the Village Hall still maintains its function of serving the social life of Marston Green.

Ernald Jones

Folk Monthly - the Traditional Arts Team

Just got my February copy of Folk Monthly, the diary of folk and related events across the Midlands, produced and published by the Traditional Arts Team. Great to see that local cartoonist Paul Nocher does a regular short comic strip in the magazine called Mike Stand, following the highs and lows of a Dylanesque looking geezer with a guitar strapped to his back - undoubtedly this is Mike. I was very pleased to be introduced to Paul over Christmas at a party held by a mutual friend, he is a really nice bloke and, it turned out, lives just down the road from me! Paul has such a great style of drawing, reminding me a bit of that incredible graphic novel Maus by Art Spiegelman, a very personal story of the Holocaust where the central characters are mice and cats, in this territory the iconic world of comix meets the darker side of reality. Paul Nocher recently did the graphics for The Destroyers' production of Tweedleededeedee at the Town Hall. Watch out for this guy's , he is good.

What does this say about me that the first thing I go for in a magazine largely about the audio experience are the cartoons? Would the NLP-ers have me down as a visual responder I wonder? Well, I don't know about that, because I think I would love to go and hear just a fraction of the great groups and events featured as usual in Folk Monthly. Anyone with even the vaguest appreciation of folk and roots music should be subscribing to this totally comprehensive whats-on of the folk scene from Nottingham to Bromsgrove.

The folk diary features dozens of clubs, I was about to pick out some highlights but to be honest I'll be here all night there is so much going on across the region. So my suggestion is contact Traditional Arts Team and get your copy for just £1 and / or check out the website:

http://www.tradartsteam.co.uk/

Debt & eviction helpline to expand to help families in crisis

The legal aid phone line, Community Legal Advice, is set to expand this summer by increasing its family law advice service and by opening longer hours.

Last year 300,000 people used the helpline for debt, housing, employment, education and welfare benefits problems. The Legal Services Commission (LSC) today committed to helping a further 25,000 people a year with family law advice services by expanding the service from July. The phone line will also extend its hours to weekday evenings and Saturday mornings.

A tender to run the new family service was launched today following a successful year long pilot. The LSC’s Executive Director for Commissioning, Hugh Barrett said; “We are asking family legal advisers to tender for the Community Legal Advice family helpline contract because our research shows that debt, housing and family problems are so often experienced together. Debt, eviction or redundancy can put strain on relationships. Equally, splitting households can cause housing or debt problems. The Community Legal Advice line, 0845 345 4 345, will soon offer free help across the full range of commonly linked problems for people who need help but can’t afford it.“

Some of the key findings from an evaluation of the pilot include:

3,000 calls a month were received by the phoneline from people wanting family law advice - demonstrating strong demand for family help.

100% of clients surveyed would recommend the service.

82% said the advice they received enabled them to resolve their problem.

The pilot showed a wide geographical reach and the helpline has potential to offer access to people in very rural locations who may not easily be able to access face-to-face legal advice.
The pilot successfully reached a diverse client base. 11% of family helpline callers described themselves as having a disability and 20% were from Black or Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
The advice line will encourage referrals to mediation, where appropriate, increasing the chance of less adversarial resolution of family disputes. If callers to the helpline prefer, they can ask to be referred to a face-to-face provider at any stage.

The LSC is investing around £7-million over three years in the Community Legal Advice family service to be rolled out from July.

Full details can be found on the LSC’s website at www.legalservices.gov.uk

Tough times or opportunities for tourism?

Warwickshire County Council are to investigate the impact of the credit crunch on tourism in possibly the region's most popular county with tourists:

A survey is underway to ascertain whether the tourism trade in Warwickshire is being affected by the current economic down turn.Warwickshire County Council recognises that tourism plays a major part of the economy of the county and could be hit hard by the present situation and is working with partners to try and assess the local impact on the tourism and hospitality sector.

Tourism related businesses, including restaurants, pubs, hotels, tourism attractions, and bed and breakfasts are all being asked to take part in a quick survey to help paint a picture of how things are faring in Warwickshire.

Cllr Chris Saint, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economic Development, said: “The visitor economy is crucial to Warwickshire, and is the source of many livelihoods, I would therefore urge as many local businesses as possible to take part in this survey.

“We have contacted 1,700 directly, but we know there are many others out there. This work is part of an overall strategy to monitor the state of the economy in Warwickshire during these difficult times.

“It’s important to stress that it’s not all bad news though. There is also the chance to understand what opportunities there are, such as how the strength of the Euro over the pound is helping to drive European tourists to the UK, or on domestic tourism with the ‘stay at home’effect.”

Anyone who runs a tourism business in the county who has not been contacted about the survey, is urged to get in touch to help create an up to the minute picture of the county and to identify how businesses might be helped. To take part contact the tourism development team on 01926414150 or visit www.enjoywarwickshire.com to download the survey questionnaire.

Compton Verney Celebrates its Fifth Anniversary

Compton Verney, Warwickshire’s largest art gallery, celebrates its fifth anniversary in March 2009. The gallery was opened to great acclaim by HRH the Prince of Wales in 2004, and has developed a growing reputation for its imaginative programming and activities, elegantly fusing art, architecture and landscape to create a distinctive visitor experience.

A Grade 1 listed Robert Adam mansion, set within 120 acres of idyllic ‘Capability’ Brown landscaped parkland, Compton Verney houses six collections and a programme of changing exhibitions. In 2009 exhibitions include Fatal Attraction: Diana and Actaeon - The Forbidden Gaze, featuring works by Rembrandt, Pablo Picasso and Paul Cézanne; Constable Portraits, offering an opportunity to view rarely seen paintings by one of Britain’s most distinguished artists; Surrealism and Contemporary Art, including works by Salvador Dalí, René Magritte and Max Ernst, and The Artist’s Studio, revealing the fascinating and private world of artists such as Francis Bacon, Lucian Freud and JMW Turner.

The transformation of Compton Verney into a world-class venue for the arts was led by architects Stanton Williams, who created a spectacular fusion of conservation and new building design. In addition, the gallery’s grounds reflect the sweeping grassland, ornamental lakes and Cedars of Lebanon for which ‘Capability’ Brown is famous. As part of the fifth anniversary celebrations visitors can enjoy recently discovered hidden pathways, now uncovered and re-built to the original plans devised by ‘Capability’ Brown, which offer improved access and new views of the gallery and landscape.

Compton Verney offers superb facilities within a rural setting, and has been awarded many accolades since its inauguration, including visitor attraction of the year at the annual Enjoy England Awards for Excellence, and the Civic Trust special award for culture and regeneration. The gallery also has a fully licensed award winning café, with a frequently changing menu of home-cooked meals, lighter options and children’s portions prepared on site and sourced from local producers and suppliers, thereby ensuring quality and freshness, as well as support of the local community.

Photo above: Maria Bicknell by John Constable (1816) © Tate, London 2008

Glastobbudget - Message from the Earl of Mongoose himself

GLASTONBUDGET 2009

It is that time of year again, where I have to don my cape and hat and become the EARL OF MONGOOSE.

That is right Chris Beebee is also known as the Earl of Mongoose. Each year I compare a festival called Glastonbudget. It is based on a farm called Turnpost Farm, Wymeswold, Leicestershire. Glastonbudget is basically Glastonbury Festival on a budget. Instead of the real band we have the tribute bands instead, also with a special guest. For the last three years we have had: Chas and Dave, Neville Staples from the Specials and Buster Bloodvessel from Bad Manners.

Tribute acts we have had are: Mercury, Oasish, Stereotonics, Beat That, Sex Pistols Experience, Ded Hot Chili Peppers and so on.

But this year will be bigger and better with confirmed acts: The Fillers, Mercury, Oasish and One Step Behind.

Tickets are now on sale @ http://www.glastonbudget.net/ or call 0116 269 8807
Dates: 22nd /23rd /24th May 2009

Hope to see you there?

All the best

Earl of Mongoose
Chris Beebee

Theatre Review by Vidar Hjardeng

Review of audio described performance of RSC’s production of Romeo and Juliet at the Courtyard Theatre, Stratford on Saturday 20 Dec 2008 by Vidar Hjardeng.

I find it hard to believe that almost 30 years have gone by since I studied Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet for GCE and saw the RSC’s production during their season at the Newcastle Royal. Just before Christmas I went to the Courtyard Theatre in Stratford to see their latest dramatisation, directed by Neil Bartlett, of one of the Bard’s most famous tragedies, this time with the added bonus of audio description. After being taken behind the scenes to inspect some of the costumes, the 2 describers on this occasion, Julia Grundy and Margaret Spittles, took us onto the stage for the second part of the touch tour. They described Kandis Cook’s minimal set with its black floorboards and sooty brick wall with its 5 protruding concrete panels from behind which characters could either, merely lurk in the shadows, or make their entrances and exits.

The only props on stage were 20 pavement café type chairs and Juliet’s bed, the bed-head of which doubled as the railing on the balcony used for the star-crossed lovers’, arguably, most famous scene. Originally set in 16th Century Verona, this production maintained the Italian backdrop but it was brought much more up to date with 1940’s costumes such as the 3 piece suits in which the Capulet and Montague gangs strutted round, sporting slicked-back hair and, brandishing flick knives.

Following the touch tour it was good to have time for a light lunch in the Theatre café before taking our seats in the auditorium to listen to the introductory notes, 15 minutes before the start of the matinee. As there was so much information to take in, even if like me on this occasion you knew the play, it was good have been sent the CD containing these scene-setting details of costumes, characters etc a few days earlier.

Thanks to some superb performances, notably that of Anneika Rose as Juliet, and the meticulously timed’ live’ commentary, I can honestly say that 30 years on I got far more out of this 3 and a half hour performance, than I ever did as a 16 year old student!

The RSC’s next audio-described production at the Courtyard Theatre will be The Tempest on the afternoon of Saturday 14 March and details of tickets, touch tour and how to book headsets, can be obtained from the box office on 01789 403436.

Legal advice for difficult times

One of our regular advertisers in the Coleshill and Water Orton Gazette is the Coleshill based solicitor's firm, Waters & Co. Senior partner Teresa Waters writes regular articles for The Gazette giving sound legal advice to our readers. This is Teresa's latest article which will have particular importance for people facing difficult times in this present financial recession:

KEEPING A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD AVOIDING REPOSSESSION

In response to the “credit crunch” the Government has introduced new procedures which mortgage lenders should follow before they commence residential possession proceedings. This may help some families from becoming homeless as a result of mortgage arrears.

The lender must communicate with the borrower in language he can understand and the information must be clear, fair and not misleading. When arrears occur, the lender must provide their own mortgage arrears information sheet or the National Homeless Advice sheet to the borrower. Full details of the arrears must be given, including the total amount of arrears and, if interest and/or charges will be added, an estimate of how much they will be.

Lenders must also advise borrowers to make early contact with the Housing Department of the borrower’s Local Authority and/or refer the borrower, where necessary, to an appropriate source of independent debt advice.

If a reasonable request made by the borrower to change the normal payment date or method of payment, is refused, then the lender must promptly give a written explanation of its reasons.

The lender must give 15 business days notice in writing of its intention to start a possession claim. The majority of lenders have voluntarily agreed with the Government that they will not commence possession proceedings until borrowers are three months in arrears. Furthermore, if a borrower is making a claim on a mortgage protection policy and there is evidence of a reasonable expectation of payments from an insurer, lenders should not start possession proceedings particularly as the lender quite probably sold the insurance policy to the borrower in the first instance!

One useful method of persuading a lender to consider delaying possession proceedings, is for the borrower to demonstrate that reasonable steps have been taken to market the property at an appropriate price in accordance with professional advice. A borrower who is selling or intending to sell “privately”(ie without such advice) is likely to have an uphill struggle with the lender. To persuade a lender to delay proceedings, the borrower needs, promptly, to provide the lender with a copy of the sales particulars, a home information pack (HIP), and details of offers received. The borrower must expect to incur the cost of a HIP and sacrifice any element of confidentiality about his dealings with his professional advisers. Borrowers are expected to provide the lender with full details of their estate agent and solicitor and to authorise them to communicate with the lender about the progress of the sale and the borrowers conduct during the process.

Possession proceedings should be a last resort for a lender. They should not, normally, be started when settlement negotiations are still actively being explored. eg extending the term of the mortgage or changing the type of mortgage. It is vital that borrowers do not allow letters to go unanswered.


Follow the above guidelines and you should be treated fairly and reasonably by lenders. If you find that you are not being treated correctly, the Courts will invoke the new rules in favour of you, the borrower.

Our advice is do not wait until Court proceedings are being threatened. If you know you are getting into difficulties and there is no real hope of negotiating a revised repayment scheme, then Waters & Co., can help you in selling your house through its estate agency and in dealing with all the legal aspects, including liaising with your lender. It will help you to have a solicitor who is also an estate agent during this critical time. Please telephone Teresa Waters on 01675 463855 for a confidential discussion of your situation and, if appropriate, a free market appraisal. Or email Teresa@waterssolicitors.co.uk .

The information contained in this newsletter was prepared in January 2009 by Waters & Co., Solicitors & Estate Agents, 81 High St., Coleshill, Birmingham, B46 3AG (www.waterssolicitors.co.uk ) and is intended for general guidance only. It provides information in a concise form and is not a substitute for obtaining legal advice. If you would like advice specific to your circumstances, please arrange for an appointment to discuss.