"It would be great if the story could appear in the next edition of the Gazette (I found out recently, the pupils prefer coverage in the Gazette to larger papers like the Evening Mail, because they say all their school teachers read the Gazette in the staff-room!!!)".
Local Dance Class Teacher
"I just came across 'Spaghetti'. Loved reading all the tidbits - I'd forgotten just how much there was going on around Brum. I was raised in Water Orton, went to school in Coleshill but now live in Sydney. I'm so pleased I came across Spaghetti...Thanks for the excellent writing and quirky stories. I shall pass it on to other Brummies...there's a few of us over here."
Spaghetti Gazetti reader - Sydney, Australia
Saturday, 27 February 2010
Solihull Flies the Flag for Girl Guides
Happy birthday: Katie Larsen, Caitlin Fell and Amanda Larsen from the newly re-opened Monkspath Guide Unit spell out 100 to mark the Girl Guides’ birthday, while Guiders Karen Larsen, Alyson Fell and Lesley Day hold the Girl Guide flag that was flying over Solihull’s Council House on Monday, with a little help from Councillor Ken Meeson, Leader of the Council and Solihull’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor David Bell.
The Girl Guide flag proudly flew over Solihull Council House this Monday, 22 February, in celebration of World Thinking Day.
Each year on 22 February, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world celebrate World Thinking Day. The day was chosen as the mutual birthday of Lord and Lady Baden-Powell, the founders of the Scouts and Guides, and gives an opportunity for all Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to think of each other and those less fortunate. This year’s theme was ‘together we can end poverty and hunger’.
In 2010, Girlguiding UK will be celebrating its centenary year with a range of activities around the borough, including the Malvern Park flowerbed being planted with a Girl Guide theme.
Lesley Day, Guide Guider of 6th Solihull Guides said: “This year is very special as we celebrate one hundred years of Girlguiding. Solihull Guiders have worked hard to offer a range of activities to mark this amazing milestone.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Council for all their continued support. Flying our flag is a great way to show to everyone that we are celebrating World Thinking Day and from now on it will be flying every year from Council House on the 22 February.”
Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Ken Meeson said:
“It is a pleasure to have the Girl Guide flag on display over the town. Guiding is a great way for girls to make friends, have fun and learn a huge range of skills. It remains a popular activity in the borough with over 1800 girls and a total of 91 Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Senior Section Units.”
For information on World Thinking Day visit http://www.worldthinkingday.org/. If you are interested in joining, helping or just want to know more Solihull’s Guiding activities contact Rose Walsh on 0121 704 5216 or Alison Jones 0121 246 6613
TWINKLE TOE TALENT
11 budding ballerinas from Castle Bromwich & Chelmsley Wood based SPOTLIGHT STAGE SCHOOL have successfully auditioned for the English Youth Ballet, following a Midlands-wide search during the half-term holidays.
The girls will now perform the famous ballet ‘Giselle’ in 3 performances at the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre in September, following an intense rehearsal period with a team from the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, Scottish Ballet and Gothenbury Ballet.
Isabel Mitchell-Oram (age 9) impressed the judging panel so much that she was awarded a cash scholarship. Isabel was ranked in the top 3 dancers, despite being one of the youngest at the audition.
Louise Mitchell-Oram, Isabel’s mother commented “dancers had travelled up to 100 miles to audition. I was so proud when Isabel was chosen, but when she won the scholarship I couldn’t believe it”.
It has been a busy few months for the young stars. At the end of last year, the school performed a Song and Dance number and a Gymnastic routine at the O2 Arena, and Drama pupils filmed ‘Waterloo Road’ for the BBC. A few weeks ago Amy Wright was also selected from over 6,000 dancers to compete in the International Dance Awards, along with 6 other SPOTLIGHT pupils, and younger pupils, including Sophia, Kyra & Isabel (pictured) were chosen as models for the leading dancewear manufacturer and distributor in the UK.
SPOTLIGHT Principal Vicky Richards commented “it is a privilege to teach these children, and it’s lovely to see how their hard work transpires into such wonderful achievements”.
For details about the opportunities SPOTLIGHT STAGE SCHOOL could offer your child, please contact Vicky on 0121-242-3904 / 07775-631316 / vicky@spotlightstageschool.co.uk.
LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL IN HAITI
FROM THE START, STILL THERE, UNTIL THE FINISH
REBUILDING THE COMMUNITY
Within hours of news of the magnitude of the major earthquake in Haiti, Lions Clubs from across the British Isles and Ireland were busy fund raising and making donations to our Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to provide immediate response aid to the people of Haiti.
Simultaneously, the 45,000 Lions Clubs and their 1.3 million members across the world were also responding to the urgent need for humanitarian services. Lions Clubs in the British Isles have already donated £125,000, together with a further Euro 10,000 from Ireland, which, as part of the more than US$ 2 million provided by LCIF, have ensured the immediate needs are met. Supplies of water, food and medical supplies were provided by 22nd January and distributed by Haitian Lions and Leo Clubs to a hospital and orphanage.
The Lions Clubs of the adjacent Dominican Republic have also been making a major contribution by providing us with an additional logistical routing by ferrying contributed supplies across the border to Haiti. Haitian Lions have established three tent cities, each capable of providing accommodation for 1,200 people in Delmas, Blanchard and Carrefour-Feuille and have continued to provide the essential support to maintain them. LCIF is also partnering with shipping company Maersk , to ship tents, donated by the Lions Clubs of Sweden, and food donated by the World Food Programme, to Haiti free of charge. Further discussions are in progress with other relief agencies.
Whilst currently focussing on immediate needs and the continued provision of supplies, Lions Clubs are also developing, together with Lions Club members from the local area, a long-term plan for reconstruction. Amongst projects being considered are building a school and an ophthalmic clinic. Lions Clubs in the British Isles and Ireland have appointed a Disaster Response Committee to develop plans for our contribution to the overall longterm needs, in conjunction with LCIF, by investigating and financing a specific rehabilitation project.
REBUILDING THE COMMUNITY
Within hours of news of the magnitude of the major earthquake in Haiti, Lions Clubs from across the British Isles and Ireland were busy fund raising and making donations to our Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to provide immediate response aid to the people of Haiti.
Simultaneously, the 45,000 Lions Clubs and their 1.3 million members across the world were also responding to the urgent need for humanitarian services. Lions Clubs in the British Isles have already donated £125,000, together with a further Euro 10,000 from Ireland, which, as part of the more than US$ 2 million provided by LCIF, have ensured the immediate needs are met. Supplies of water, food and medical supplies were provided by 22nd January and distributed by Haitian Lions and Leo Clubs to a hospital and orphanage.
The Lions Clubs of the adjacent Dominican Republic have also been making a major contribution by providing us with an additional logistical routing by ferrying contributed supplies across the border to Haiti. Haitian Lions have established three tent cities, each capable of providing accommodation for 1,200 people in Delmas, Blanchard and Carrefour-Feuille and have continued to provide the essential support to maintain them. LCIF is also partnering with shipping company Maersk , to ship tents, donated by the Lions Clubs of Sweden, and food donated by the World Food Programme, to Haiti free of charge. Further discussions are in progress with other relief agencies.
Whilst currently focussing on immediate needs and the continued provision of supplies, Lions Clubs are also developing, together with Lions Club members from the local area, a long-term plan for reconstruction. Amongst projects being considered are building a school and an ophthalmic clinic. Lions Clubs in the British Isles and Ireland have appointed a Disaster Response Committee to develop plans for our contribution to the overall longterm needs, in conjunction with LCIF, by investigating and financing a specific rehabilitation project.
Friday, 26 February 2010
Let’s Dance - Herefordshire families invited to boogie on down
As the nation gets dancing with the Change4Life Let’s Dance campaign, NHS Herefordshire and Halo Leisure are teaming up to get local families strutting their stuff on the dance floor by offering free dancemat taster sessions.
Halo Leisure has purchased two sets of eight state-of-the art dancemats to help Herefordshire’s families get active. Using games console technology, the mats are used in small classes with an instructor on hand to help participants learn a range of steps. Each class member has their own mat to dance on with the dance image being projected onto the wall at the front of the class. The class can choose which tracks they want to do, which vary from 1970s glam rock to hip hop, dance and R&B. Once the tracks are chosen, the dancing begins! You follow the moves on the screen and your efforts are recorded and scored for accuracy, effort and skill, so there’s a competitive element too.
Dancemat sessions have been introduced into Halo’s group exercise programme at Hereford Leisure Pool and Leominster Leisure Centre. Although these are targeted at young people aged 6–16, Halo is working in partnership with NHS Herefordshire to provide some free sessions as part of the local Change4Life programme that people of any age can participate in.
The free sessions which take place on March 6, are open to all people regardless of age, ability and style. Four sessions will be run from Hereford Leisure Pool (10-10.45am, 11-11.45am, 1-1.45pm and 2-2.45pm) whereas Leominster Leisure Centre are inviting people to come and have a go any time between 11.45am-15.45pm. Booking is advisable for the Hereford sessions by ringing 0845 241 2562.
“Dance is great for all ages and abilities and it doesn’t really matter if you don’t have a musical bone in your body – you’ll still be having fun whilst getting involved in healthy activity.” Says Tamara Bailey, health and fitness manager at Halo Leisure. She continued, “All people need to bring with them is a willingness to have a go, and some comfy shoes.”
Halo Leisure has purchased two sets of eight state-of-the art dancemats to help Herefordshire’s families get active. Using games console technology, the mats are used in small classes with an instructor on hand to help participants learn a range of steps. Each class member has their own mat to dance on with the dance image being projected onto the wall at the front of the class. The class can choose which tracks they want to do, which vary from 1970s glam rock to hip hop, dance and R&B. Once the tracks are chosen, the dancing begins! You follow the moves on the screen and your efforts are recorded and scored for accuracy, effort and skill, so there’s a competitive element too.
Dancemat sessions have been introduced into Halo’s group exercise programme at Hereford Leisure Pool and Leominster Leisure Centre. Although these are targeted at young people aged 6–16, Halo is working in partnership with NHS Herefordshire to provide some free sessions as part of the local Change4Life programme that people of any age can participate in.
The free sessions which take place on March 6, are open to all people regardless of age, ability and style. Four sessions will be run from Hereford Leisure Pool (10-10.45am, 11-11.45am, 1-1.45pm and 2-2.45pm) whereas Leominster Leisure Centre are inviting people to come and have a go any time between 11.45am-15.45pm. Booking is advisable for the Hereford sessions by ringing 0845 241 2562.
“Dance is great for all ages and abilities and it doesn’t really matter if you don’t have a musical bone in your body – you’ll still be having fun whilst getting involved in healthy activity.” Says Tamara Bailey, health and fitness manager at Halo Leisure. She continued, “All people need to bring with them is a willingness to have a go, and some comfy shoes.”
New on the BSSEC blog... Enta awarded Social Enterprise Mark
New on the BSSEC blog...
Enta awarded Social Enterprise Mark
Enta has become the third social enterprise in Birmingham to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark. This follows hard on the heels of Enta’s move to stunning new flagship premises on the canal-side in Aston. READ MORE/...
http://www.bssec.org.uk/blog/?p=470
Enta awarded Social Enterprise Mark
Enta has become the third social enterprise in Birmingham to be awarded the Social Enterprise Mark. This follows hard on the heels of Enta’s move to stunning new flagship premises on the canal-side in Aston. READ MORE/...
http://www.bssec.org.uk/blog/?p=470
Tom Binns is Ivan Brackenbury: Hospital Radio Remix - The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton: Monday 24th May 2010
“He comes across as special in all senses of the word” **** The Scotsman
“Not only a laugh a minute but a laugh every ten seconds” Time Out
“On its way to being a classic” The Independent On Sunday
Official Website: http://www.ivanbrackenbury.com/
Wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_Binns
Tickets priced £9.00 are available from Midland Box Office: 0870 320 7000 or online at http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/
EARDRUM FRI 26TH FEB
Friday 26th Feb
EARDRUM
featuring
EMALKAY
SBTRKT
After smashing it world wide with 2009's anthem ‘When I Look at You’; Birmingham's #1 dubstep artist - EMALKAY - comes home for a very special 1.5hr long set to celebrate his new position as Eardrum's Directort of Dubstep.
Keep your eardrums ready for some sneaky previews from his forthcoming LP on Caspa's Dub Police alongside his remixes of Faithless, Freeland, BBE, and Miike Snow
SBTRKT's got dubstep in a stir with Mary Anne Hobbs, Annie Mac, Mistajam, Benji B, Rob Da Bank Toddla T, Sinden and Gilles Peterson all screaming his praises. Recently SBTRKT has wrapped up a remixes of Goldie's Timeless, Basement Jaxx and Jack Penate.
THE RAINBOW GARDEN
ADDERLY STREET,
DIGBETH,
BIRMINGHAM,
B9 4AA
Solihull plays it Fair
Solihull is yet another step closer to becoming a Fairtrade borough following its successful ‘Fairtrade in Solihull’ evening celebration hosted by the Mayor of Solihull.
The Solihull Partnership invited residents and local organisations to join the Mayor, Councillor Norman Davies, to taste some Fairtrade products and find out more about the issue of Fairtrade at a special celebration evening at the Council House on Wednesday 24th February.
As part of the national campaign, Fairtrade Fortnight, the Partnership arranged the event in association with the borough’s Fairtrade Steering Group to help encourage residents and local organisations to ‘make the swap’ from traditional products to Fairtrade products.
Local organisations including Starbucks Coffee, John Lewis, Morrisons, Traidcraft, Land Rover and Birmingham NEC attended the evening displaying a selection of Fairtrade food and clothing such as tea, coffee, cake, chocolate, wine and jewellery for people to sample and enjoy.
The Mayor also presented certificates to those organisations which currently support Fairtrade products. The certificates are intended to be displayed in a public area at each organisation to help demonstrate to customers that they are supporting Fairtrade in Solihull.
Fairtrade is about making sure that farmers and workers in the developing world are paid better prices for their products, have decent working conditions and have fair terms of trade.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Ken Meeson says: “The celebration evening was a huge success and it provided people with the opportunity to find out more about Fairtrade. We believe that we have a responsibility to do our bit to ensure workers in the developing world get a fair price for their products and have decent working conditions. By encouraging more local residents and organisations to come on board we can achieve Fairtrade status for the borough and demonstrate our commitment to the issue.”
In October 2007, the Council passed a resolution supporting the Fairtrade Steering Group in its work to achieve Fairtrade status for the borough. Because of this, the Council now uses Fairtrade tea and coffee in all meetings and continues to supply Fairtrade bananas to all schools.
Support for designating Solihull a Fairtrade Borough has been received from a number of organisations and retailers including the Chamber of Commerce, John Lewis, Midland Co-op, Land Rover Café, Traidcraft, NEC, Arup, Marks & Spencer, Starbucks, Sainsbury’s and Churches Together in Solihull.
The Fairtrade Steering Group – made up of local organisations and individuals including Solihull Council, John Lewis, local churches and soroptimists – are always on the look out for local organisations who are interested in using Fairtrade products, and are encouraging them to get in touch and ‘make the swap’.
For more information about ‘making the swap’ contact Andrew Greenall on 0121 704 8337 or email agreenall@solihull.gov.uk
The Solihull Partnership invited residents and local organisations to join the Mayor, Councillor Norman Davies, to taste some Fairtrade products and find out more about the issue of Fairtrade at a special celebration evening at the Council House on Wednesday 24th February.
As part of the national campaign, Fairtrade Fortnight, the Partnership arranged the event in association with the borough’s Fairtrade Steering Group to help encourage residents and local organisations to ‘make the swap’ from traditional products to Fairtrade products.
Local organisations including Starbucks Coffee, John Lewis, Morrisons, Traidcraft, Land Rover and Birmingham NEC attended the evening displaying a selection of Fairtrade food and clothing such as tea, coffee, cake, chocolate, wine and jewellery for people to sample and enjoy.
The Mayor also presented certificates to those organisations which currently support Fairtrade products. The certificates are intended to be displayed in a public area at each organisation to help demonstrate to customers that they are supporting Fairtrade in Solihull.
Fairtrade is about making sure that farmers and workers in the developing world are paid better prices for their products, have decent working conditions and have fair terms of trade.
Leader of the Council, Councillor Ken Meeson says: “The celebration evening was a huge success and it provided people with the opportunity to find out more about Fairtrade. We believe that we have a responsibility to do our bit to ensure workers in the developing world get a fair price for their products and have decent working conditions. By encouraging more local residents and organisations to come on board we can achieve Fairtrade status for the borough and demonstrate our commitment to the issue.”
In October 2007, the Council passed a resolution supporting the Fairtrade Steering Group in its work to achieve Fairtrade status for the borough. Because of this, the Council now uses Fairtrade tea and coffee in all meetings and continues to supply Fairtrade bananas to all schools.
Support for designating Solihull a Fairtrade Borough has been received from a number of organisations and retailers including the Chamber of Commerce, John Lewis, Midland Co-op, Land Rover Café, Traidcraft, NEC, Arup, Marks & Spencer, Starbucks, Sainsbury’s and Churches Together in Solihull.
The Fairtrade Steering Group – made up of local organisations and individuals including Solihull Council, John Lewis, local churches and soroptimists – are always on the look out for local organisations who are interested in using Fairtrade products, and are encouraging them to get in touch and ‘make the swap’.
For more information about ‘making the swap’ contact Andrew Greenall on 0121 704 8337 or email agreenall@solihull.gov.uk
Thursday, 25 February 2010
North versus South as Carling Cup Final splits the nation
Will you be getting behind the home team on Sunday?
This Sunday's Carling Cup Final between Aston Villa and Manchester United promises to split the nation in two as teams representing the grim north and the softy south go head to head at Wembley Stadium.
As one of the biggest footballing weekends of the season begins at 5pm tomorrow evening, tens of thousands of grubby faced but cheerful northern workers will exchange their flat caps for pom-pom hats and the great journey south to the capital will begin. The authorities predict that thousands of working class men, boys and sometimes even their womenfolk will head straight out of the factory gates on Friday evening and climb directly aboard their buses, trains, trams and even bicycles on the celebrated road to Wembley. They are all set to flood the capital city and if the guest houses are full then London's railway embankments will not be a problem to these hardy fellows.
What a sight that will be...
But at the other end of the country, stockbrokers, managing directors and property developers from all over leafy middle England will be swapping their brollies and bowlers for rattles and rosettes in the colours of their favourites for the cup. The pipe smoking middle classes of Berkshire, Surrey and Kent will down their briefcases this weekend to cheer on the champions of the capital and the southern counties. The girls and boys of Kensington and Chelsea are set to party and the champagne is already being chilled in expectation of the cup staying put in London.
It may be a case of the troops stick the officers, but by Jove, what a match this will be!
Who can predict the final outcome of this marvellous north - south clash of the Titans? Will it be the humble visitors from up north who lift the prize, or will the great Manchester United benefit from their home advantage?
You'd be foolish to miss the Carling Cup Final this Sunday afternoon!
Hoorah for the valiant underdogs
Caroline is our Puter Tutor - March edition
Start to get fit with your Computer
With Spring rapidly approaching many of us are considering embarking upon a new exercise regime. Whatever you motivation or current level of fitness there is lots of help available on the internet, from help to devise an exercise plan to support to stick to it once you have started. There are websites and forums (a forum is a notice board on the internet where you can leave messages or questions for other people to comment on or answer) that can help to motivate and inspire you to keep exercising.
A great place to start looking for inspiration is www.bbc.co.uk/health. There is a wealth of information here and lots of links to other websites. Here are a few websites that I have used and found helpful:
What ever your age and level of fitness, walking is a great exercise that can be enjoyed with company or alone. The Ramblers is the biggest UK charity dedicated to walking and their website www.ramblers.org.uk is full of walking information. It includes a section on walking with kids and lists walks suitable for pushchairs as well as local groups for more serious walkers.
Another good site is http://www.mapmyrun.com/. You can sign up to this website for free (if you are a premium member you can avoid the adverts) and from here you can use a online map to plot a route for your walk or run. You can view other people’s routes for inspiration too. The website has a training log which allows you to keep track of your activities over time, calculate calories burned and track weight loss. You can also input other forms of exercise such as swimming too.
For those of you who enjoy gadgets you may want to consider Nike+ at www.nike.com. Nike+ is a sensor that sits in your running shoe and keeps track of how far you have run. The information is linked to your ipod or a special wristband. You can the download this information to your computer, then share it on the Nike website where you can compete with other people or simply track your own progress. You could use special Sat-Navs instead if you preferred and this would automatically log your route for you using GPS.
If part of your plan is to loose weight then there are software programs out there to help you keep track of your diet plan. One that is particularly well received is www.weightbydate.com.
Remember to always start out gently on any kind of exercise and consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
By Caroline The ‘PuterTutor
With Spring rapidly approaching many of us are considering embarking upon a new exercise regime. Whatever you motivation or current level of fitness there is lots of help available on the internet, from help to devise an exercise plan to support to stick to it once you have started. There are websites and forums (a forum is a notice board on the internet where you can leave messages or questions for other people to comment on or answer) that can help to motivate and inspire you to keep exercising.
A great place to start looking for inspiration is www.bbc.co.uk/health. There is a wealth of information here and lots of links to other websites. Here are a few websites that I have used and found helpful:
What ever your age and level of fitness, walking is a great exercise that can be enjoyed with company or alone. The Ramblers is the biggest UK charity dedicated to walking and their website www.ramblers.org.uk is full of walking information. It includes a section on walking with kids and lists walks suitable for pushchairs as well as local groups for more serious walkers.
Another good site is http://www.mapmyrun.com/. You can sign up to this website for free (if you are a premium member you can avoid the adverts) and from here you can use a online map to plot a route for your walk or run. You can view other people’s routes for inspiration too. The website has a training log which allows you to keep track of your activities over time, calculate calories burned and track weight loss. You can also input other forms of exercise such as swimming too.
For those of you who enjoy gadgets you may want to consider Nike+ at www.nike.com. Nike+ is a sensor that sits in your running shoe and keeps track of how far you have run. The information is linked to your ipod or a special wristband. You can the download this information to your computer, then share it on the Nike website where you can compete with other people or simply track your own progress. You could use special Sat-Navs instead if you preferred and this would automatically log your route for you using GPS.
If part of your plan is to loose weight then there are software programs out there to help you keep track of your diet plan. One that is particularly well received is www.weightbydate.com.
Remember to always start out gently on any kind of exercise and consult your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.
By Caroline The ‘PuterTutor
Friends of Birmingham Archives & Heritage - EVENT
Hello to all...
Please see the below attachement regarding a forthcoming heritage event withing the city: the Friends of Birmingham Archives and Heritage are pleased to welcome historian Professor Sir David Cannadine back to his home city to talk about "Joseph Gillott: pens, pictures and property" on Satruday 22nd March in the Central Library Theatre at 2pm. Please see the flier attached for details.
Rachel MacGregor
Senior Archivist (Public Services)
Birmingham Archives & Heritage
Central Library
Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3HQ
Tel: 0121 303 4549
Fax: 0121 464 1176
Please see the below attachement regarding a forthcoming heritage event withing the city: the Friends of Birmingham Archives and Heritage are pleased to welcome historian Professor Sir David Cannadine back to his home city to talk about "Joseph Gillott: pens, pictures and property" on Satruday 22nd March in the Central Library Theatre at 2pm. Please see the flier attached for details.
Rachel MacGregor
Senior Archivist (Public Services)
Birmingham Archives & Heritage
Central Library
Chamberlain Square
Birmingham
B3 3HQ
Tel: 0121 303 4549
Fax: 0121 464 1176
YOGA ON MONDAYS
What do you do every Monday evening? Watch TV? How about trying something different? Would you like to be fitter, more focussed and make lots of new friends. If so we have just the place for you!
We are a new local Yoga Group who meet every Monday evening at Aylesford Hall, Shard End, from 7.00 to 8.30 pm. The classes are suitable for ladies and gentlemen of all abilities, from beginners to more experienced alike. Get the New Year off to a great start and come and join a friendly group of people for a fun and flowing Yoga class.
For more info please contact Denise on 0121 748 3038 or 07950-558416 or email denise@silvermoonjewels.co.uk
If you already do yoga, or would like to try it, why not come along to see us any Monday. We are sure you will have an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. We do!
We really enjoy taking part and feeling good afterwards and feel sure you would too! What have you got to lose by giving us a try?
Looking forward to seeing you…..
We are a new local Yoga Group who meet every Monday evening at Aylesford Hall, Shard End, from 7.00 to 8.30 pm. The classes are suitable for ladies and gentlemen of all abilities, from beginners to more experienced alike. Get the New Year off to a great start and come and join a friendly group of people for a fun and flowing Yoga class.
For more info please contact Denise on 0121 748 3038 or 07950-558416 or email denise@silvermoonjewels.co.uk
If you already do yoga, or would like to try it, why not come along to see us any Monday. We are sure you will have an enjoyable and worthwhile experience. We do!
We really enjoy taking part and feeling good afterwards and feel sure you would too! What have you got to lose by giving us a try?
Looking forward to seeing you…..
Council to give extra help to young people when they need it most
Herefordshire Council has successfully bid for more than £2 million to invest in centres to support young people in their own schools and, where necessary, help them get back on track.
The grant is being used to fund centres within all 14 of the county’s maintained secondary schools.
Occasionally, a young person may need extra time, effort and emotional support during a crucial time in their life. Schools want to help their pupils through such times, particularly when changes in behaviour may interrupt learning. The new centres are designed to provide targeted support and help these relatively small numbers of young people get back on track so that they can continue their education.
Unique to each school, the centres will consist of learning spaces, meeting rooms and reception areas located in the heart of the school where possible. The overriding premise will be that providing support early on will meet young people’s needs within their own school in a targeted way. A mixture of refurbishment projects and extensions will help the cash spread across all 14 secondary schools.
The council began working with schools in June, to explore the type of help and support for students that schools have identified and the building or refurbishment work needed to make this happen. Herefordshire Council has appointed contractors to undertake this work over the next few months.
“We need to make sure all our young people get the best possible start in life and this includes providing support during times when it is most needed,” said Councillor Phillip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and achievement.
He continued, “Once a young person starts missing out on learning, they can get so far behind that it becomes incredibly difficult for them to catch up and they can become demotivated. The new centres will provide support to help young people through difficult times so that they can re-enter mainstream education when they are emotionally and educationally ready to do so.”
So far centres have been completed at John Masefield High School and John Kyrle High School and the results are already proving successful.
Andy Evans, head teacher of John Masefield High School, said: “As a result of the programme more than 60 students have been supported and over 60 percent of the young people in the school with the most challenging behaviour have made marked improvements this year. Fixed term exclusions at John Masefield are very low for a medium size comprehensive and have fallen again this year.”
All 14 centres are scheduled to be completed by 2011.
The grant is being used to fund centres within all 14 of the county’s maintained secondary schools.
Occasionally, a young person may need extra time, effort and emotional support during a crucial time in their life. Schools want to help their pupils through such times, particularly when changes in behaviour may interrupt learning. The new centres are designed to provide targeted support and help these relatively small numbers of young people get back on track so that they can continue their education.
Unique to each school, the centres will consist of learning spaces, meeting rooms and reception areas located in the heart of the school where possible. The overriding premise will be that providing support early on will meet young people’s needs within their own school in a targeted way. A mixture of refurbishment projects and extensions will help the cash spread across all 14 secondary schools.
The council began working with schools in June, to explore the type of help and support for students that schools have identified and the building or refurbishment work needed to make this happen. Herefordshire Council has appointed contractors to undertake this work over the next few months.
“We need to make sure all our young people get the best possible start in life and this includes providing support during times when it is most needed,” said Councillor Phillip Price, cabinet member for ICT, education and achievement.
He continued, “Once a young person starts missing out on learning, they can get so far behind that it becomes incredibly difficult for them to catch up and they can become demotivated. The new centres will provide support to help young people through difficult times so that they can re-enter mainstream education when they are emotionally and educationally ready to do so.”
So far centres have been completed at John Masefield High School and John Kyrle High School and the results are already proving successful.
Andy Evans, head teacher of John Masefield High School, said: “As a result of the programme more than 60 students have been supported and over 60 percent of the young people in the school with the most challenging behaviour have made marked improvements this year. Fixed term exclusions at John Masefield are very low for a medium size comprehensive and have fallen again this year.”
All 14 centres are scheduled to be completed by 2011.
NORTHERN WARWICKSHIRE TOURISM ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW BOOKLET
The Northern Warwickshire Tourism Association has produced a new booklet covering the attractions of North Warwickshire, which was launched on Tuesday 23rd February at the Red Lion Hotel, Atherstone at 11.30 am.
BBC Coventry and Warwickshire’s Liz Kershaw (above) presided over the event. Liz is a keen supporter of the area and has taken a personal interest in the efforts of the Association to promote and support their businesses in an area which is currently not covered by a funded tourist promoter. She was assisted by the Mayors of North Warwickshire and Nuneaton and Bedworth (pictured below).
Northern Warwickshire Tourism Association is a self-help group of attractions, venues and services in Northern Warwickshire working together to promote the area and its attractions. The membership includes businesses ranging from small bed and breakfasts to grand hotels, from historical buildings to entertainment venues, from villages to market towns and everything in between, this attracts visitors and businesses to the area.
This is an undiscovered part of the country with a range of small market towns, pretty villages, historical venues, excellent food, canals and byways yet close to large conurbations and excellent transport facilities. The Association is made up of like-minded people who are striving towards one goal - putting Northern Warwickshire on the map as a tourist destination.
More information from the Northern Warwickshire Tourism Association
http://www.visitnorthernwarwickshire.com/
Gig Review - The Searchers
Arden Hall - 26th November 2009
Music shows at the Arden Hall are always something to look forward to and, even before this concert started, there was a sense in the air that this one was particularly significant.
Indeed, The Searchers have a most distinguished career; having grown from the same Liverpool stable that brought forth The Beatles and Gerry & The Pacemakers nearly half a century ago, and scoring 14 UK and 15 US hit singles in the process.
And all the ‘biggies’ were played tonight – Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Love Potion Number Nine, Needles And Pins, Sweets For My Sweet and When You Walk In The Room – played as solidly as you would expect from a band who are constantly on the road, and all lapped up by a truly enthusiastic audience. A lively version of Gary Puckett & The Union Gap’s Young Girl also kept the large crowd on its feet.
Original founder member, John McNally and Spencer James provided the trademark jangly chiming guitars and tight harmonies, with James also performing a very respectable cover of Roy Orbison classic, Running Scared.
Bass player since 1964, and latter-day band spokesman and chronicler Frank Allen served as MC, bantering with the audience, and dutifully announcing birthdays and anniversaries. As befits the author of The Searchers And Me, he also introduced most numbers with fond memories of former band mates, reminiscences of the group’s life on the road, or pointing out such details as the fact that Tony Hatch – under a pseudonym - was the writer of Sugar and Spice.
There was a humorous, but quite accidental, highlight during the finale when Eddie Rothe suddenly stopped drumming and walked offstage mid-song. The other Searchers played on professionally although they were obviously as confused as their audience at the drummer’s sudden exit. The band’s road manager jumped onto the drums for a few minutes to deputise until Rothe returned to take his position at the kit and finish the show. And the reason for his departure? Turns out, he desperately needed the toilet and couldn’t wait until the end of the song! A fittingly memorable finish to a memorable show.
Music shows at the Arden Hall are always something to look forward to and, even before this concert started, there was a sense in the air that this one was particularly significant.
Indeed, The Searchers have a most distinguished career; having grown from the same Liverpool stable that brought forth The Beatles and Gerry & The Pacemakers nearly half a century ago, and scoring 14 UK and 15 US hit singles in the process.
And all the ‘biggies’ were played tonight – Don’t Throw Your Love Away, Love Potion Number Nine, Needles And Pins, Sweets For My Sweet and When You Walk In The Room – played as solidly as you would expect from a band who are constantly on the road, and all lapped up by a truly enthusiastic audience. A lively version of Gary Puckett & The Union Gap’s Young Girl also kept the large crowd on its feet.
Original founder member, John McNally and Spencer James provided the trademark jangly chiming guitars and tight harmonies, with James also performing a very respectable cover of Roy Orbison classic, Running Scared.
Bass player since 1964, and latter-day band spokesman and chronicler Frank Allen served as MC, bantering with the audience, and dutifully announcing birthdays and anniversaries. As befits the author of The Searchers And Me, he also introduced most numbers with fond memories of former band mates, reminiscences of the group’s life on the road, or pointing out such details as the fact that Tony Hatch – under a pseudonym - was the writer of Sugar and Spice.
There was a humorous, but quite accidental, highlight during the finale when Eddie Rothe suddenly stopped drumming and walked offstage mid-song. The other Searchers played on professionally although they were obviously as confused as their audience at the drummer’s sudden exit. The band’s road manager jumped onto the drums for a few minutes to deputise until Rothe returned to take his position at the kit and finish the show. And the reason for his departure? Turns out, he desperately needed the toilet and couldn’t wait until the end of the song! A fittingly memorable finish to a memorable show.
Theatre Review - Sleeping Beauty
Castle Bromwich Theatre Group
Arden Hall
Castle Bromwich Theatre Group commandeered the stage once again at the Arden Hall from 19th to 23rd January, performing their version of Sleeping Beauty, incidentally the first show performed by the group back in1958 - although this production boasted a new script and direction by Ian Bettridge and he has ensured that all the traditional panto elements were in place.
Mandy Yeomans was Fairy Light, guiding the audience through these panto proceedings and we soon met the King and Queen (performed by Steve Ridshill and Debbie Wall) and Princess Beauty herself, played by Alex Webster.
Beauty is, of course, compelled to sleep due to the evil magic of the witch, Nightshade (a suitably villainous characterisation by June Stephens). Nightshade’s entrances were accompanied by explosions so loud that several members of the audience virtually leapt into the air with surprise.
Rob Glavey played Nurse Penny Sillen, conducting a superb singsong at the end, and aided and abetted in a number of routines throughout by the junior nurses, Maisey (Tegan Harris) and Daisy (Sharon Clayton). The best of these was the traditional ghost gag, set to a delightful rendition of By the Light of the Silvery Moon which also involved Matthew McNally playing the oafish Sniffles. There was a comedy double act in the form of Duck and Dive - nice comic turns from Janice Stokes and Sarah Mahler (of whose characterful performances I am becoming quite a fan actually).
Other highlights included a number of pop classics interpreted by dancers from the Christine Ann School of Dance, and Steve Ridshill performing The Wonder of You complete with an impromptu backing group of Elvis ‘looka-bit-alikes’.
Special mention should be afforded Katie Smith who played the principal boy, Prince Peter. Apparently jumping into the show three days before opening night as an understudy and seamlessly fitting into it, hers was an assured performance, especially when engaged in bits of swordplay or blasting out an extremely confident duet with the Princess during No Matter What.
With an enthusiastic audience booing and hissing with vigour (at Nightshade’s villainy, not at the jokes), this was a show that kept the adults and children in the audience most entertained.
Looking forward to seeing ‘Uproar In The House’ in May.
Review by Ellis Creez.
Arden Hall
Castle Bromwich Theatre Group commandeered the stage once again at the Arden Hall from 19th to 23rd January, performing their version of Sleeping Beauty, incidentally the first show performed by the group back in1958 - although this production boasted a new script and direction by Ian Bettridge and he has ensured that all the traditional panto elements were in place.
Mandy Yeomans was Fairy Light, guiding the audience through these panto proceedings and we soon met the King and Queen (performed by Steve Ridshill and Debbie Wall) and Princess Beauty herself, played by Alex Webster.
Beauty is, of course, compelled to sleep due to the evil magic of the witch, Nightshade (a suitably villainous characterisation by June Stephens). Nightshade’s entrances were accompanied by explosions so loud that several members of the audience virtually leapt into the air with surprise.
Rob Glavey played Nurse Penny Sillen, conducting a superb singsong at the end, and aided and abetted in a number of routines throughout by the junior nurses, Maisey (Tegan Harris) and Daisy (Sharon Clayton). The best of these was the traditional ghost gag, set to a delightful rendition of By the Light of the Silvery Moon which also involved Matthew McNally playing the oafish Sniffles. There was a comedy double act in the form of Duck and Dive - nice comic turns from Janice Stokes and Sarah Mahler (of whose characterful performances I am becoming quite a fan actually).
Other highlights included a number of pop classics interpreted by dancers from the Christine Ann School of Dance, and Steve Ridshill performing The Wonder of You complete with an impromptu backing group of Elvis ‘looka-bit-alikes’.
Special mention should be afforded Katie Smith who played the principal boy, Prince Peter. Apparently jumping into the show three days before opening night as an understudy and seamlessly fitting into it, hers was an assured performance, especially when engaged in bits of swordplay or blasting out an extremely confident duet with the Princess during No Matter What.
With an enthusiastic audience booing and hissing with vigour (at Nightshade’s villainy, not at the jokes), this was a show that kept the adults and children in the audience most entertained.
Looking forward to seeing ‘Uproar In The House’ in May.
Review by Ellis Creez.
Wednesday, 24 February 2010
No comment from local councillors as Martineau Centre debate heats up
Deserted - the gymnasium at the Martineau Centre whilst local teams struggle to find facilities
With the formation of a resident led campaign group called the Martineau 10, questions are now being asked of councillors about the perceived lack of transparency over the strategy to close down the centre which began over two years ago. In a recent petition presented to councillors on 25th February, the Martineau 10 claim that the closure of the Martineau Centre is ultimately connected to the need to finance the development of multi million pound city centre projects such as the new central library:
“All community use of this building has been stopped without a reason being given, despite its copious use as a venue for major meetings of the Council to inform staff of new plans. Will the Ward Committee please request and require its reopening for Community use in the interim period? For meetings and other events.
“It is clear that non-use of the premises has been used as grounds for the eventual closure when the new City Centre premises become available. Let the community have access to prove the validity or otherwise of this assumption. The lack of clarity and timeliness of invoicing for use of the facilities has been a factor, as has the closure of the swimming pool on the complex due to failure of stress tests. Freedom of Information enquiries are being made to assess the validity of estimates for the repair and continued use of this pool.
“Mere politeness has prevented local unease to grow into outrage at the loss of this facility as it is larger and more useful for many activities than is the Quinborne Centre. Though the loss of that too would be a local disaster.”
Questions about the future of the Martineau Centre were put to the 6 local councillors of Harborne and Quinton and to the local MP by the editor of the Gazette in February and a response has only been received from MP Gisela Stuart who told us:
“You raise some very pertinent questions. At the recent Ward Committee meeting it was said that the Council have made arrangements for staff to be re-allocated. Fact, the staff are being moved out. Fact, the building is no longer to be used. Fact, there are no longer any classes going on,
“The building will be disposed of… and the response that residents are to “be consulted”, “no decision has yet be made” and that any decision “will have to be approved by full cabinet in 2012/13” doesn’t amount to a row of beans.
Local people will be faced with a disused building and any campaigns to save it will be meaningless. A bit like the years of neglect by Graingers of the Moorpool Estate.
“The reassurances by the Council amount to no more than taking local people for fools. In the absence of a categorical assurance by the leader of the council and the chair of the constituency that under no circumstances will the Martineau be demolished and /or sold, what we have been told so far is what the late Tory grandee Alan Clark would have called “being economical with the truth”
Information has come to light that amenities such as the Martineau Centre’s swimming pool, gymnasium and playing fields have been closed for the past two years, whilst amateur and youth sports teams are travelling out of the area to find training and competition amenities. With the closure of Harborne’s swimming pool and fitness gymnasium for rebuilding work that will take a minimum of 2 years, local schools are now faced with busing children from Harborne, Edgbaston and Quinton to pools in other parts of the city if they wish primary aged children to learn to swim. Equipment from the fitness gymnasium is being located in parts of the Quinborne Community Centre and Library with the closure of Quinborne’s popular bar to accommodate the equipment.
The Martineau Centre campus also includes an area of allotments which is very popular with local residents old and young. When questioned on these issues from an unsettled audience at a Quinton ward committee meeting in February local councillor Len Clarke is quoted by a member of the Martineau 10 as having said "there are always wild rumours around election time”.
Wild rumours at election time or a conspiracy of silence at the Council House? Gazette readers will no doubt make up their own minds. If you want to support the Martineau 10 campaign, visit the group’s website at http://www.yourmartineaucampus.co.uk/
Empty - while local school children are bused around the city for lessons
Feedback on art project for Pooley
Local people are being offered the chance to feedback to the artists creating a new art project for Pooley Country Park in North Warwickshire.
Two events are being held on Tuesday, March 2, at the Tithe Barn, Hall Court, Bridge Street, Polesworth, at 6pm; and at 10am on Wednesday, March 3, at Pooley Country Park Centre in Pooley Lane, Polesworth.
This will enable local people to feed back to artists Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion on their first ideas for the art project.
Warwickshire County Council is working to introduce new features to make Pooley Country park more attractive, with support from the Homes and Communities Agency.
After consulting users and local people the council agreed that the next stage of the programme would include an artist’s commission for the mound in the park.
Visitors are invited to come along and meet the team and tell them how they use the park and what it means to them.
The art project is a part of a cash windfall of £350,000 for the park.
In September last year the park was awarded the funding by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to fund an arts-led project to help regenerate it into a ‘valued park and community asset’.
The park was accepted into the final round of the HCA’s National Coalfields Programme, benefitting from a £350,000 grant.
The investment will help to fund improvements, highlighted following extensive consultation, including: a new spiral pathway up the former spoil heap showcasing views across four counties, an arts installation at the peak, a visitor activity facility such as climbing tower, a new park entrance and improvements to the canal underpass.
Regional director for the HCA, Paul Spooner, said: “We are pleased to invest in the Pooley project. The new facilities will provide a more sustainable financial footing for the park, which will help regenerate this coalfield community.”
Cllr Alan Cockburn, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “This is great news for Pooley, and I look forward to seeing the completed project. All of Warwickshire’s country parks offer something different, and it’s often hard to find a better value day out.”
The artist team was appointed by a panel that included representatives from the Polesworth Parish Council and The Polesworth Society.
The winning artists, Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion were selected from a strong international field. They are currently affiliated to the University of Dundee.
The former site of Pooley Hall Colliery was opened as Warwickshire’s newest country park in 2000.
The site has been developing steadily with the addition of an adventure play area, tea room and classroom facility.
The Pooley Wharf is taking shape with the arrival of Debbie’s Day Boats which hope to be running day boat hire and eventually trip boats from the canal side.
Visitor numbers to the site have steadily been increasing, as people get to know it, and enjoy it as a country park.
For further information on this or to find out more about all of Warwickshire’s Country Parks, call Kingsbury Water Park on 01827 872660 or e-mail parks@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Or visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks
Two events are being held on Tuesday, March 2, at the Tithe Barn, Hall Court, Bridge Street, Polesworth, at 6pm; and at 10am on Wednesday, March 3, at Pooley Country Park Centre in Pooley Lane, Polesworth.
This will enable local people to feed back to artists Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion on their first ideas for the art project.
Warwickshire County Council is working to introduce new features to make Pooley Country park more attractive, with support from the Homes and Communities Agency.
After consulting users and local people the council agreed that the next stage of the programme would include an artist’s commission for the mound in the park.
Visitors are invited to come along and meet the team and tell them how they use the park and what it means to them.
The art project is a part of a cash windfall of £350,000 for the park.
In September last year the park was awarded the funding by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to fund an arts-led project to help regenerate it into a ‘valued park and community asset’.
The park was accepted into the final round of the HCA’s National Coalfields Programme, benefitting from a £350,000 grant.
The investment will help to fund improvements, highlighted following extensive consultation, including: a new spiral pathway up the former spoil heap showcasing views across four counties, an arts installation at the peak, a visitor activity facility such as climbing tower, a new park entrance and improvements to the canal underpass.
Regional director for the HCA, Paul Spooner, said: “We are pleased to invest in the Pooley project. The new facilities will provide a more sustainable financial footing for the park, which will help regenerate this coalfield community.”
Cllr Alan Cockburn, Warwickshire County Council’s Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: “This is great news for Pooley, and I look forward to seeing the completed project. All of Warwickshire’s country parks offer something different, and it’s often hard to find a better value day out.”
The artist team was appointed by a panel that included representatives from the Polesworth Parish Council and The Polesworth Society.
The winning artists, Matthew Dalziel and Louise Scullion were selected from a strong international field. They are currently affiliated to the University of Dundee.
The former site of Pooley Hall Colliery was opened as Warwickshire’s newest country park in 2000.
The site has been developing steadily with the addition of an adventure play area, tea room and classroom facility.
The Pooley Wharf is taking shape with the arrival of Debbie’s Day Boats which hope to be running day boat hire and eventually trip boats from the canal side.
Visitor numbers to the site have steadily been increasing, as people get to know it, and enjoy it as a country park.
For further information on this or to find out more about all of Warwickshire’s Country Parks, call Kingsbury Water Park on 01827 872660 or e-mail parks@warwickshire.gov.uk.
Or visit www.warwickshire.gov.uk/parks
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
WORLD CLASS MUSICAL MASTERS TO PERFORM AT MOTHER INDIA WEEKEND
Apr Ayaan Ali Khan
TOWN HALL & SYMPHONY HALL BIRMINGHAM
FRIDAY 9 APRIL – SUNDAY 11 APRIL
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ARUN GHOSH SEXTET – PANDIT SHIVKUMAR SHARMA – PANDIT ANINDO CHATTERJEE – AMAAN AND AYAAN ALI KHAN - MATTHEW BARLEY – SANCHITA PAL - DJ TIGERSTYLE – MID-DAY MANTRA
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http://www.thsh.co.uk/mother-india-weekend
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A range of world class musical masters will be taking Birmingham audiences on a journey through the musical heritage of India this spring, from the mystic heights of classical traditions via Anglo-Indian classical fusion to cutting-edge contemporary Asian remixes, as part of the Mother India weekend at Town Hall and Symphony Hall from 9 April – 11 April.
9 April Pandit Shivkumar Sharma
Santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, charismatic sarod players Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan, ‘extreme cellist’ Matthew Barley and former World Champion turntablist DJ Tigerstyle are amongst the artists taking part in the weekend, which will also feature freestage events including acclaimed vocalist Sanchita Pal performing at the launch of new Asian chill series Mid-day Mantra and a session by the Arun Ghosh Sextet.
Indo-jazz stars the Arun Ghosh Sextet open the Mother India weekend with an early evening live performance for the popular Rush Hour Blues series in the Symphony Hall Level 3 Bar on Friday 9 April. Entry to the session is free and offers music fans an opportunity to see and hear the future of UK crossover jazz up close and personal with a set featuring raag explorations, dub-reggae bass, tabla patterns and funk drumming.
Conceived in Calcutta, bred in Bolton, matured in Manchester and now living in London, Arun Ghosh’s musical vision and vocabulary reflects his rich geographical heritage. He is accompanied by Idris Rahman (tenor saxophone), Dr Das (bass), Aref Durvesh (tabla and dholak), Kishon Khan (piano) and Myke Wilson (drums).
‘What is this fiery music and where does it come from?’ Metro, review of Northern Namaste by Arun Ghosh
_%26_Amaan_(R)_Ali_Khan_portrait.jpg)
10 April - Ayaan (L) & Amaan (R) Ali Khan
Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, widely regarded as a musical visionary and the preeminent maestro of Kashmiri hammered dulcimer, the santoor, will give one of only two UK performances in the majestic surroundings of the historic Town Hall on Friday 9 April, accompanied by tabla wizard Pandit Anindo Chatterjee, sitar player Rupinder Panesar and tabla player Upneet Dhadyalla.
Initiated into music from the age of five by his father the singer Pandit Uma Dutt Sharma, Shivkumar Sharma learnt and mastered the santoor – a relatively unknown hundred stringed folk instrument from the valleys of Kashmir.
Following his first performance in 1955 and debut recording in 1960, the Hindustani instrumentalist went on to a release world music milestone in 1967. A masterpiece which depicted a day in a Kashmiri village through atmospheric and timeless ragas, Call of the Valley was recorded for EMI and remains one of the best selling Indian classical music albums of all time. Now one of India’s most respected classical musicians, Shivkumar Sharma has penned music for many hit Hindi films and is the recipient of national and international awards.
“Shivkumar Sharma stands at the peak of a brilliant musical career” Rootsworld, review of Sampradya
A performance from accomplished vocalist Sanchita Pal will launch Mid-day Mantra - a new free monthly series of informal sessions in Symphony Hall’s Level 3 Bar featuring Asian artists from the UK and the Indian subcontinent. Refreshments and South Asian snacks will be available to purchase.
Other artists set to take part in future Mid-day Mantras include rising stars Soumik Datta, Faheem Mazar and Indo-Irish band Milun.
A disciple of the Bishnupur Gharana form of singing and All India Radio artist, Sanchita Pal is also an established teacher and performer of Indian Classical music and lecturer at Birmingham Conservatoire. She will perform with tabla player Sarvar Sabri and Pandit Vishwa Prakash May on tabla.
10 April - Amaan Ali Khan
On Saturday 10 April, charismatic brothers, TV stars and sarod players Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan will join with major collaborative force and renowned cellist Matthew Barley at the Grade I listed Town Hall for an extraordinary evening of cross-cultural experimentation. In Mother India’s second major concert, common ground between traditional Indian and Western classical music will be explored through dramatic co-ordination, improvisation and balance.
“It is a great honour for us to perform at Town Hall in a festival of this nature. Our journey together with Matthew has evolved and today, we understand each other's minds and music” Amaan Ali Khan
Amaan and Ayaan Ali Khan can trace their musical heritage back five generations and continue the family tradition of playing the sarod – a popular sitar-like North Indian stringed instrument – as learnt from their father, legendary musician Ustad Amjad Ali Khan.
10 April - Matthew Barley
The cellist, improviser, arranger, music animateur and artistic director Matthew Barley has collaborated with Talvin Singh, Django Bates and Amjad Ali Khan amongst many other globally recognised artists and presented BBC 2’s widely acclaimed ‘Classical Star’ TV programme in 2007.
The Khan-Barley trio have performed and recorded together for almost a decade in India, the UK, Australia and New Zealand, and in 2003 released the critically acclaimed live CD Strings Attached, which was recorded at concerts in London and New Delhi.
“The result is a genuine expansion in both instruments’ scope – a majestic meeting of minds.” Songlines, review of Strings Attached
In a fitting close to the weekend, Mother India – 21st Century Remix (MI21) takes place at Town Hall on Sunday 11 April.
A reinterpretation of the 1957 Indian cinema classic as a 45 minute silent movie with new musical score will be performed live by DJ Tigerstyle, drummer David Shaw and cellist Matt Constantine with Josh Ford as visual editor.
MI21 is a compact, powerful and sensual take on Mehboob Khan’s Hindi masterpiece - a hugely important film in South Asian cinema, known for its iconic imagery and powerful storyline: the common shorthand is to reference it as India's 'Gone with the wind'.
“A powerful and moving glimpse of a challenging, unwieldy masterpiece” The Guardian, review of MI21
11 April - DJ Tigerstyle
Credit Jonathan Murray
Originally lasting 163 minutes, Mother India charts the story of Radha, an inspiring villager who raises her two small sons on her own after her husband (Raj Kumar) is maimed in an accident. Themes of poverty, single parenting, community stigma, lack of education or opportunities and disempowerment are all framed by a contemporary electronic and strings based score, written by turntablist DJ Tigerstyle.
Completing the evening, and the weekend is a conversation between audience and artists led by Indy Hunjan of producers Kalaphool which will take place in the auditorium after the performance.
“Mother India is incredible. Seeing such a strong female lead role in a film from a socialist era with all the myriad of issues, it’s easy to see its relevance in today’s society, across cultures and beliefs.” Indy Hunjan
www.thsh.co.uk/mother-india-weekend
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MOTHER INDIA: Arun Ghosh Sextet
Symphony Hall Level 3 Bar
5.30pm – 7.00pm, Friday 9 April
Free
Part of Rush Hour Blues, presented in association with Birmingham Jazz
http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/arun-ghosh-sextet
MOTHER INDIA: Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Master of Santoor
Town Hall, Birmingham
7pm, Friday 9 April
£12.50 / £16.00 / £22.00
Part of the Darbar Festival 2010. Supported by sampad and The Drum
http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/pandit-shiv-kumar-sharma-mother-india-weekend-
Mid-day Mantra: Sanchita Pal
Symphony Hall Level 3 Bar
1.00pm – 2.30pm, Saturday 10 April
Free
Presented in association with sampad. The Mid-Day Mantra series is supported by Arts Council England. This performance is supported by Coutts Charitable Trust
http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/mid-day-mantra-
MOTHER INDIA: Amman & Ayaan Ali Khan with Matthew Barley
Town Hall, Birmingham
7.30pm, Saturday 10 April
£16.50
Supported by sampad and The Drum
http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/amaan-ayaan-ali-khan
MOTHER INDIA: 21st Century Remix
Town Hall, Birmingham
7.30pm, Sunday 11 April
£12.50
Produced by Kala Phool. Supported by sampad and The Drum
http://www.thsh.co.uk/view/mother-india-21st-century-remix
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TOWN HALL SYMPHONY HALL BOX OFFICE 0121 780 3333
ON-LINE BOOKING http://www.thsh.co.uk/
(£2 fee per transaction on all bookings except those made in person at the box office)
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New scooters for old at Solihull Shopmobility
Solihull Shopmobility’s customers have been given a boost for the new year, with a host of new vehicles to get around on.
More than £10,000 for new scooters and wheelchairs – including new Orion scooters - has been raised from local charities over the past few months, meaning a much more pleasant ride around Solihull for those who need it.
Some of the charitable donations include £2,000 from CHK Charities, £1,900 from Eveson Charitable Trust, £2,000 from Rowlands Trust, £2,000 from GJW Turner Trust and £2,000 from Coventry Building Society Charitable Foundation.
Five other charities - Bewley Charitable Trust, Bryant Trust, Cole Charitable Trust, Sir John Sumner’s Trust and the Bob & Barbara Marshall Charitable Trust – also raised £1,700 between them.
David Williams, Shopmobility manager, said: “The feedback we are getting from Shopmobility users is that the new equipment makes for a comfortable and elegant trip round the shops for everybody.
“This year’s new scooters follow on from the new equipment we were able to buy last year thanks to a generous £20,000 grant from Solihull Council, meaning we are even better equipped to help anyone with mobility problems who want to get round the town centre.”
For more information about Shopmobility, visit either of their two shops - in Drury Lane and Touchwood – phone 0121 704 8754, email Shopmobility@solihull.gov.uk or visit the Shopmobility website at www.solihull.gov.uk/shopmobility.
More than £10,000 for new scooters and wheelchairs – including new Orion scooters - has been raised from local charities over the past few months, meaning a much more pleasant ride around Solihull for those who need it.
Some of the charitable donations include £2,000 from CHK Charities, £1,900 from Eveson Charitable Trust, £2,000 from Rowlands Trust, £2,000 from GJW Turner Trust and £2,000 from Coventry Building Society Charitable Foundation.
Five other charities - Bewley Charitable Trust, Bryant Trust, Cole Charitable Trust, Sir John Sumner’s Trust and the Bob & Barbara Marshall Charitable Trust – also raised £1,700 between them.
David Williams, Shopmobility manager, said: “The feedback we are getting from Shopmobility users is that the new equipment makes for a comfortable and elegant trip round the shops for everybody.
“This year’s new scooters follow on from the new equipment we were able to buy last year thanks to a generous £20,000 grant from Solihull Council, meaning we are even better equipped to help anyone with mobility problems who want to get round the town centre.”
For more information about Shopmobility, visit either of their two shops - in Drury Lane and Touchwood – phone 0121 704 8754, email Shopmobility@solihull.gov.uk or visit the Shopmobility website at www.solihull.gov.uk/shopmobility.
People's views needed on 'boring' Stafford
Residents and businesses are to be asked their views of Stafford Borough in a special one-off event next month.
Everyone will get a chance to be involved by flagging up what are the most important issues in their area. And the feedback will be used by decision makers across the borough – including councils and emergency services – to help plan for the future.
The new ‘Your Views’ event replaces the former ‘State of the Borough Debate’ format and looks at the big issues including crime, health, the economy, regeneration, and housing and transport.
The boss of one of the UK’s leading research companies will be giving an overview of what makes the borough tick and then it will be left to residents to have their say. John Fisher, managing director of Local Futures Group, has compared council’s from across the country and will be giving a presentation on his findings from research in to Stafford Borough.
The borough often provokes mixed opinions – even on a national scale. Recently ‘Poet Laureate’ Carol Ann Duffy, speaking in the Sunday Times Magazine, said she ‘loved’ Stafford but could not stay in the town because she was ‘bored.’ But Stafford was voted fifth best place to live for value for money by channel ‘Five’s’ property show - although it was also declared most unromantic by a survey in a national men’s magazine.
Head of Policy and Improvement at Stafford Borough Council, Norman Jones, said the event was about asking people ‘what would you do?’
“It is the people in this borough who live and work – both for employment or voluntarily - that really matter and we need to know what they want to see happen in the future. And this new format for the event will help ensure everyone gets a chance to have their say.
“Everyone will have an opinion and this event will be a great opportunity to share them with us.”
The event takes place at the offices of Stafford and Rural Homes on the town’s Beaconside Technology Park on Monday 22 March and starts at 7pm.
If anyone is interested in going or would like further information on the event please contact Norman at npjones@staffordbc.gov.uk or on 01785 619199.
Everyone will get a chance to be involved by flagging up what are the most important issues in their area. And the feedback will be used by decision makers across the borough – including councils and emergency services – to help plan for the future.
The new ‘Your Views’ event replaces the former ‘State of the Borough Debate’ format and looks at the big issues including crime, health, the economy, regeneration, and housing and transport.
The boss of one of the UK’s leading research companies will be giving an overview of what makes the borough tick and then it will be left to residents to have their say. John Fisher, managing director of Local Futures Group, has compared council’s from across the country and will be giving a presentation on his findings from research in to Stafford Borough.
The borough often provokes mixed opinions – even on a national scale. Recently ‘Poet Laureate’ Carol Ann Duffy, speaking in the Sunday Times Magazine, said she ‘loved’ Stafford but could not stay in the town because she was ‘bored.’ But Stafford was voted fifth best place to live for value for money by channel ‘Five’s’ property show - although it was also declared most unromantic by a survey in a national men’s magazine.
Head of Policy and Improvement at Stafford Borough Council, Norman Jones, said the event was about asking people ‘what would you do?’
“It is the people in this borough who live and work – both for employment or voluntarily - that really matter and we need to know what they want to see happen in the future. And this new format for the event will help ensure everyone gets a chance to have their say.
“Everyone will have an opinion and this event will be a great opportunity to share them with us.”
The event takes place at the offices of Stafford and Rural Homes on the town’s Beaconside Technology Park on Monday 22 March and starts at 7pm.
If anyone is interested in going or would like further information on the event please contact Norman at npjones@staffordbc.gov.uk or on 01785 619199.
Baywatch comes to Herefordshire
Herefordshire Council is urging people to respect parking bays for blue badge users and is reviving its successful Baywatch campaign to get its message across.
Baywatch, a campaign to raise awareness of parking issues for disabled people, ran throughout February and March last year. Its main objectives were to stop people parking illegally in disabled parking bays, reduce Blue Badge fraud, eliminate stereotypes of disabled people and reduce abuse received by Blue Badge users. The campaign was such a big success that the council has decided to run it again during March this year.
For thousands of people living in Herefordshire, blue badges and disabled parking bays are vital facilities which improve the quality of their day-to-day lives.
Herefordshire Council’s diversity officer, Harriet Yellin, commented: ”An important part of the Baywatch message is to try to reduce the fraudulent use of badges. Carers, family members and friends of a Blue Badge holder may feel that a badge is associated with a vehicle, and that the vehicle is the badge holder; this is not the case.
“All Blue Badges are issued purely for the use of the person named on the badge, and anyone who condones the misuse of the scheme is depriving legitimate badge holders of vital parking spaces.”
The Baywatch message will be spread across the county using bus advertising, Herefordshire Matters, leaflets and free car stickers! Community Enforcement Officers will be particularly vigilant at this time, checking to see whether people using Blue Badges are the legitimate holders.
Anyone who would like to know more can phone 01432 260216 or visit the website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/baywatch.
Baywatch, a campaign to raise awareness of parking issues for disabled people, ran throughout February and March last year. Its main objectives were to stop people parking illegally in disabled parking bays, reduce Blue Badge fraud, eliminate stereotypes of disabled people and reduce abuse received by Blue Badge users. The campaign was such a big success that the council has decided to run it again during March this year.
For thousands of people living in Herefordshire, blue badges and disabled parking bays are vital facilities which improve the quality of their day-to-day lives.
Herefordshire Council’s diversity officer, Harriet Yellin, commented: ”An important part of the Baywatch message is to try to reduce the fraudulent use of badges. Carers, family members and friends of a Blue Badge holder may feel that a badge is associated with a vehicle, and that the vehicle is the badge holder; this is not the case.
“All Blue Badges are issued purely for the use of the person named on the badge, and anyone who condones the misuse of the scheme is depriving legitimate badge holders of vital parking spaces.”
The Baywatch message will be spread across the county using bus advertising, Herefordshire Matters, leaflets and free car stickers! Community Enforcement Officers will be particularly vigilant at this time, checking to see whether people using Blue Badges are the legitimate holders.
Anyone who would like to know more can phone 01432 260216 or visit the website at www.herefordshire.gov.uk/baywatch.
Last orders to enter pub competition in Stafford
Drinking spots in Stafford Borough have been putting their names forward for a new scheme to find the best premises in the area.
The new ‘Best Bar None’ competition was launched this week with a host of pubs, clubs and restaurants taking part.
Already sixteen licensees have signed up to the scheme which is designed to raise standards in Stone and Stafford town centres by showing the area is safe and the premises well run. The move aims to help reduce the amount of alcohol related crime in the area.
Competing outlets will be assessed by a team of officers from organisations such as the police, Stafford Borough Council, County Council and fire service. The awards are for best bar, best club, best pub, best restaurant and an overall people’s choice for Stafford and Stone.
Members of the licensed trade met at Oddfellows Hall in Stafford for the launch on 8 February. Now organisers are on the look out for more outlets to get involved in the free to enter competition – with an overall winner to be chosen by the public.
The closing date for entering is the end of February 2010.
Councillor Patrick Farrington, cabinet member for community, said: “It was great to see so many town centre premises represented on the launch night and demonstrates how much they care about ensuring our local bars operate to a high standard.”
The premises will be scored on various criteria aimed at increased public safety, reduced public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of harm to children.
Sgt Nick Maingay from Staffordshire Police, added: “We and our partners are very pleased to be working with licensees from Stafford and Stone town centres to develop this new scheme.
"The number of licensed premises signing up to the scheme is very encouraging. It'll enable these establishments to be recognised for both standards already in place and those they’d like to achieve, and also raising their profile in the community. “
If anyone wants to apply or would like further details they should contact project organiser Claire Bradbury on cbradbury@staffordbc.gov.uk, 01785 619227 or go to http://www.saferstafford.org/.
The new ‘Best Bar None’ competition was launched this week with a host of pubs, clubs and restaurants taking part.
Already sixteen licensees have signed up to the scheme which is designed to raise standards in Stone and Stafford town centres by showing the area is safe and the premises well run. The move aims to help reduce the amount of alcohol related crime in the area.
Competing outlets will be assessed by a team of officers from organisations such as the police, Stafford Borough Council, County Council and fire service. The awards are for best bar, best club, best pub, best restaurant and an overall people’s choice for Stafford and Stone.
Members of the licensed trade met at Oddfellows Hall in Stafford for the launch on 8 February. Now organisers are on the look out for more outlets to get involved in the free to enter competition – with an overall winner to be chosen by the public.
The closing date for entering is the end of February 2010.
Councillor Patrick Farrington, cabinet member for community, said: “It was great to see so many town centre premises represented on the launch night and demonstrates how much they care about ensuring our local bars operate to a high standard.”
The premises will be scored on various criteria aimed at increased public safety, reduced public nuisance, prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of harm to children.
Sgt Nick Maingay from Staffordshire Police, added: “We and our partners are very pleased to be working with licensees from Stafford and Stone town centres to develop this new scheme.
"The number of licensed premises signing up to the scheme is very encouraging. It'll enable these establishments to be recognised for both standards already in place and those they’d like to achieve, and also raising their profile in the community. “
If anyone wants to apply or would like further details they should contact project organiser Claire Bradbury on cbradbury@staffordbc.gov.uk, 01785 619227 or go to http://www.saferstafford.org/.
Charity Cheque Presentation in Solihull
Back Row (left to right) David Butler, Solihull Rotary Club, Gail Beeby, House of Fraser;The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Norman Davies, Mrs Jan Rudge, Blair Kessler, St Basils Homeless, John Rudge, Solihull Rotary Club, Graham Cobley, Young Enterprise, Jeremy Walker, Edwards Trust, Middle Row (left to right) Grace Hampson and Ann Keepax - Solihull Soroptimists, The Mayoress of Solihull, Mrs Brenda Davies, Front Row (left to right) Kenneth Fear, Guide Dogs for the Blind with Rascal , Tony and Pam Revell with Gwen.
The Mayor of Solihull hosted a cheque presentation last Wednesday, 17 February, handing out £5680 to a number of Solihull charities.
The money was raised at the 3rd Christmas Charity Surprise event held in late November, and was shared between the organisers’ respective charities. Solihull Soroptimists gave to St. Basil’s Homeless; Solihull Rotary Club to Edwards Trust and Young Enterprise; House of Fraser to Guide Dogs for the Blind; and the Mayor to his Charity Fund.
Present at the reception were representatives of all the charities, House of Fraser, Solihull Soroptimists and Solihull Rotary Club.
Photos by Seven Star Photography
(left to right) Jeremy Walker, Edwards Trust; John Rudge, Solihull Rotary Club President and the Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Norman Davies
SETH LAKEMAN CONFIRMED AS THE SUNDAY NIGHT HEADLINE ACT AT WYCHWOOD FESTIVAL 2010
Wychwood Festival, the UK’s leading boutique, family festival is delighted to announce that Cornish folk star Seth Lakeman has been confirmed as the Sunday night headliner at the sixth annual event. Having played at Wychwood Festival back in 2006, Seth will return as an Indie-folk hero having been Mercury Music Prize-nominated and winning the ‘Singer of the Year’ and ‘Best Album’ awards at the BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards. Credited with bringing folk music to new audiences, Seth blends elements of traditional folk and story-telling with modern indie-folk melodies to produce live performances which exhibit a raw, rhythmic energy.
Lakeman joins a list of renowned acts already confirmed for headline spots across the weekend including celebrated rockers The Levellers (Friday) and legendary Salford band The Happy Mondays (Saturday), making this the strongest Wychwood Festival line-up to date.
Taking place at Cheltenham Racecourse from the 4- 6 June, Wychwood Festival welcomes “Crunk Folk” stars The Travelling Band and cult hero John Otway as additions to the line-up. Considered one of the hottest emerging talents in the country, The Travelling Band will open up the festival on the main stage. Renowned for his surreal sense of humour, John Otway, will be putting on a manically energetic live performance in the Big Top on Saturday.
Wychwood Festival is also delighted to announce its comedy line up; after a hilarious performance last year, comedian, actor and writer Robin Ince returns to Wychwood to headline the Saturday comedy slot, with one of the most exciting and energetic comics, Rob Broderick, MC-ing. And on Sunday, all the way from Canada, the very talented Pete Johansson will taking to the stage. With yet more names to be announced there is still lots of laughter to be had every evening.
Widely regarded as the UK’s most family friendly festival, Wychood Festival is pleased to reveal that the award winning author of the Eddie Dickens adventures, Philip Ardagh, the author of the phenomenally successful My Secret Unicorn, the Stardust, the Not Quite a Mermaid series’ and two novels for Puffin – Bright Lights and Centre Stage, Linda Chapman and Cheltenham based author and illustrator of Bitter Chocolate (out in June 2010) - Sally Grindley have been confirmed as part of the Children’s Literature Festival – now in it’s second year.
Day tickets are now on sale, Adult tickets are priced at £35 (Friday), £50 (Saturday) and £40 (Sunday). There are also Youth concessions (16 - 18 years) available at £22 (Friday) £37 (Saturday) and £27 (Sunday) and 10 – 15 year olds tickets are priced at £20 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). Under 10’s go for free with each adult ticket allowing two free under 10’s.
Adult weekend tickets are priced at £110. All tickets can be purchased from the festival box office on 01993 772580, Ticketmaster.co.uk on 0844 847 1681, WeGotTickets.com or SeeTickets.com.
Wychwood has gone from strength to strength over the last five years fast becoming the UK’s most successful independent arts event of the summer season. For more information visit the website http://www.wychwoodfestival.com/.
TENNAL SCHOOL : ITS PART IN HITLER’S DOWNFALL.
Tennal School, now the Martineau Centre, had a significant part to play at the beginning of the 1939-1945 war. The importance and capacity of the school facilities was recognised nationally and were utilised to support the war effort and to assist in the build up of defence forces to combat the threat of a German invasion.
These events were recorded in the Tennal School Magazine for December 1939. Two articles, one by 13 year old Kenneth Wilkshire, a pupill at the school, and one by the Housemaster of Yates House, Mr Ivan, A. Ore, shed light on how the war impacted on Tennal School. Kenneth Wilkshire’s account describes the evacuation of boys and staff from the school at short notice. Mr Ore’ s article provides information of what happened at Tennal School following the departure of the boys.
The annual Summer Holiday for the boys was curtailed on August , 14th, 1939, in view of the worrying international situation. The boys returned to Tennal School in Balden Road, Harborne, to prepare for their evacuation to Bourne in Lincolnshire. They were kept busy packing all necessary items into tea chests and hampers prior to their imminent departure.
On August 31st, at 11.30 am, the code word ‘ ‘ Embark `` was received by telegraph order to quit the school. By 3 pm, five reserved charabancs arrived to transport the boys and staff on an 88 mile journey to Bourne Instructional Centre . This new home had twenty huts and three Nissen shelters, which unfortunately, were not ready to accommodate the boys with beds and initially, they slept on mattresses on the floor. All heating and cooking was done on coal fires and the lighting was provided by oil lamps. Fortunately, this was compensated for by better washing and lavatory arrangements and good recreational facilities.
However, at the school four staff had remained behind to ‘ ‘ straighten up `` and store all school property to prepare for the anticipated arrival of the Military. The following day, at 1.30pm, 3 Officers arrived, followed by several lorry loads of soldiers equipped with blankets and ground sheets. By nightfall more than 500 men were sleeping in the building. Soldiers and rifles were everywhere - all dormitories were full, as was the laundry, sewing room and corridors. Forty soldiers had to ‘ ‘ kip down `` on the bottom of the swimming bath. Officers beds and equipment occupied the library and staff sitting rooms.
Within two days , ‘ ‘ one thousand men in khaki were quartered in the School buildings. `` The morning parade filled the quad with lines and lines of soldiers. Before the week was out much reorganisation had taken place :-
Boardroom Officers’ Mess.
Staff Room Officers’ quarters.
Office .. Kitchen.
Manual Room Wet Canteen.
Bandroom Sergeants’ Mess.
Kitchen Lawn Field Kitchen.
Top Patch ditto.
The dining hall, schoolroom, swimming bath, dormitories, laundry, sewing room and day room were all commandeered for barrack room purposes. Army lorries and requisitioned charabancs were parked on the football field.
Sentries were posted at all entrances to the school, including entrances to staff houses. All staff had to have an official pass to go in and out of their own houses. Eventually, the Military left the school for an unknown destination as quickly and as efficiently as they had arrived.
Tennal School served it’s country well at a time of national crisis. It is significant that the school facilities were considered by the Government of the day, to be a most valuable resource. Since that time the facilities have been extended considerably and for many years shared with the local community. Tennal School survived the war and continued to function until 1984, when it became the Martineau Education Centre. It is still a valuable educational and community resource.
It is ironic that the future of the historic Martineau Centre is now threatened by the myopic Birmingham City Council who are poised to sell off and destroy this irreplaceable and accessible facility. This action, presumably taken to provide funds for inner city projects at a time of recession, will only serve to further impoverish the local community with regard to the limited educational and leisure facilities available to local people, particularly residents of Harborne and Quinton.
Percy Lea.
Former Principal, Tennal School,
On behalf of the Martineau Ten Group.
Help to save the Martineau Centre ` Facebook website http://www.yourmartineaucampus.co.uk/
Group Contact {Ray}, Email : bojangles1053668@ad.co.uk
These events were recorded in the Tennal School Magazine for December 1939. Two articles, one by 13 year old Kenneth Wilkshire, a pupill at the school, and one by the Housemaster of Yates House, Mr Ivan, A. Ore, shed light on how the war impacted on Tennal School. Kenneth Wilkshire’s account describes the evacuation of boys and staff from the school at short notice. Mr Ore’ s article provides information of what happened at Tennal School following the departure of the boys.
The annual Summer Holiday for the boys was curtailed on August , 14th, 1939, in view of the worrying international situation. The boys returned to Tennal School in Balden Road, Harborne, to prepare for their evacuation to Bourne in Lincolnshire. They were kept busy packing all necessary items into tea chests and hampers prior to their imminent departure.
On August 31st, at 11.30 am, the code word ‘ ‘ Embark `` was received by telegraph order to quit the school. By 3 pm, five reserved charabancs arrived to transport the boys and staff on an 88 mile journey to Bourne Instructional Centre . This new home had twenty huts and three Nissen shelters, which unfortunately, were not ready to accommodate the boys with beds and initially, they slept on mattresses on the floor. All heating and cooking was done on coal fires and the lighting was provided by oil lamps. Fortunately, this was compensated for by better washing and lavatory arrangements and good recreational facilities.
However, at the school four staff had remained behind to ‘ ‘ straighten up `` and store all school property to prepare for the anticipated arrival of the Military. The following day, at 1.30pm, 3 Officers arrived, followed by several lorry loads of soldiers equipped with blankets and ground sheets. By nightfall more than 500 men were sleeping in the building. Soldiers and rifles were everywhere - all dormitories were full, as was the laundry, sewing room and corridors. Forty soldiers had to ‘ ‘ kip down `` on the bottom of the swimming bath. Officers beds and equipment occupied the library and staff sitting rooms.
Within two days , ‘ ‘ one thousand men in khaki were quartered in the School buildings. `` The morning parade filled the quad with lines and lines of soldiers. Before the week was out much reorganisation had taken place :-
Boardroom Officers’ Mess.
Staff Room Officers’ quarters.
Office .. Kitchen.
Manual Room Wet Canteen.
Bandroom Sergeants’ Mess.
Kitchen Lawn Field Kitchen.
Top Patch ditto.
The dining hall, schoolroom, swimming bath, dormitories, laundry, sewing room and day room were all commandeered for barrack room purposes. Army lorries and requisitioned charabancs were parked on the football field.
Sentries were posted at all entrances to the school, including entrances to staff houses. All staff had to have an official pass to go in and out of their own houses. Eventually, the Military left the school for an unknown destination as quickly and as efficiently as they had arrived.
Tennal School served it’s country well at a time of national crisis. It is significant that the school facilities were considered by the Government of the day, to be a most valuable resource. Since that time the facilities have been extended considerably and for many years shared with the local community. Tennal School survived the war and continued to function until 1984, when it became the Martineau Education Centre. It is still a valuable educational and community resource.
It is ironic that the future of the historic Martineau Centre is now threatened by the myopic Birmingham City Council who are poised to sell off and destroy this irreplaceable and accessible facility. This action, presumably taken to provide funds for inner city projects at a time of recession, will only serve to further impoverish the local community with regard to the limited educational and leisure facilities available to local people, particularly residents of Harborne and Quinton.
Percy Lea.
Former Principal, Tennal School,
On behalf of the Martineau Ten Group.
Help to save the Martineau Centre ` Facebook website http://www.yourmartineaucampus.co.uk/
Group Contact {Ray}, Email : bojangles1053668@ad.co.uk
Apologies & omissions - B.A.T.S SHOW
Performances start at 7.30 and tickets cost £6 Thursday evening performance and £7 for the Friday and Saturday performances. Tickets are available from:
Jo Herbert 0754 5043933
Encore Furniture & Interiors (23 Long Street Atherstone) 01827 720262 or 07714 296035
Gaytons Bakery 01827 712538 (8 Maypole Lane, Grendon)
Baddesley Post Office (69 New St. Baddesley Ensor )
This hilarious show is set in the 'swinging 60's'. Philip Markham, a publisher of children’s books, is asked by his business partner, Henry Lodge, if he can borrow the flat for the evening to gallivant with his latest girlfriend. As Philip and his wife will be out, he reluctantly agrees. At the same time, Joanna Markham is being persuaded by Linda Lodge to let her borrow the empty flat in order to entertain her lover. With some misgivings, Joanna agrees.
*What nobody knows is that the interior designer who has been decorating the flat for the past three months has decided that this is the night that he and the au pair girl will try out the new oval bed.
When the Markhams’ evening out is cancelled, it is too late to let any of the parties know and three sets of hopeful lovers all converge on the bedroom at the same time.
The situation is further complicated by the arrival of Olive H Smythe, a straightlaced, authoress of children’s books. The frantic efforts of the Markhams to hide the amorous goings-on and, at the same time sign up Miss Smythe, lead to a very hectic and hilarious evening.
Events Diary for Children and Families at Ikon Gallery, March-May 2010
Events Diary for Children and Families
March, April & May 2010
Evening Gallery Tour (delivered in BSL and English)
Wednesday 10 March, 6 - 7.30pm - FREE
Led by a member of the Learning Team and open to all, this tour will illuminate the João Maria Gusmão & Pedro Paiva and Clare Rojas exhibitions in a relaxed, informative manner. Places are free but should be reserved by emailing j.cangiano@ikon-gallery.co.uk or calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708.
Afternoon Tea
Thursday 11 March, 2.30-4.30pm – FREE
Contemporary art – is it your cup of tea? Join Ikon’s Learning Team for a tour of ourJoão Maria Gusmão & Pedro Paiva and Clare Rojas exhibitions, followed by tea, cake and chat. Places are free but should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708.
Family Saturdays
Open to all ages (adults very welcome), these afternoons of creative activities engage, challenge and inspire. Join us to explore the themes and ideas within the current exhibition. No need to book, just drop in – please note that children should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Saturday 3 April, 2-5pm - FREE
Inspired by Ikon’s Susan Collis exhibitionSaturday 1 May, 2-5pm - FREEInspired by Ikon’s Ron Terada exhibitionMore information about the exhibitions can be found at http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/
Family Saturdays take place on the first Saturday of every month.
Easter workshops
Following a special gallery tour, families can use a variety of media to creatively explore the themes and ideas within our Susan Collis and Ron Terada exhibitions. Places are free but should be booked by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708. Please note that children should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Thursday 8 April, 10-11am - FREE
For families of children from new born-4yrs
Thursday 8 April, 2-4pm - FREE
For families of children aged 5-7yrs
Wednesday 14 April, 2-4pm - FREE
For families of children aged 5-7yrs
Thursday 15 April, 2-4pm - FREE
For families of children aged 8yrs and over
Galleries Night and Art Bus
Wednesday 12 May 5-9pm – FREE
Travel on the free Art Bus and visit Ikon, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and the RBSA Gallery in one night. All three galleries are open late and gallery tours are available. For details of the Art Bus pick up a timetable from any of the galleries, check the galleries websites or call Ikon on 0121 248 0708.
Ikon Insiders Showcase
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May, 11am-6pm, Events Room - FREE
Drop in and view a collection of sculpture, paintings and videos made by schoolchildren aged 3-11 years in response to their visits to exhibitions at Ikon. Ikon hosted regular visits for pupils from three local Birmingham primary schools (St Georges’, St Thomas’ and Osborne) over the last 2 years as part of The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts START programme
March, April & May 2010
Evening Gallery Tour (delivered in BSL and English)
Wednesday 10 March, 6 - 7.30pm - FREE
Led by a member of the Learning Team and open to all, this tour will illuminate the João Maria Gusmão & Pedro Paiva and Clare Rojas exhibitions in a relaxed, informative manner. Places are free but should be reserved by emailing j.cangiano@ikon-gallery.co.uk or calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708.
Afternoon Tea
Thursday 11 March, 2.30-4.30pm – FREE
Contemporary art – is it your cup of tea? Join Ikon’s Learning Team for a tour of ourJoão Maria Gusmão & Pedro Paiva and Clare Rojas exhibitions, followed by tea, cake and chat. Places are free but should be reserved by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708.
Family Saturdays
Open to all ages (adults very welcome), these afternoons of creative activities engage, challenge and inspire. Join us to explore the themes and ideas within the current exhibition. No need to book, just drop in – please note that children should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Saturday 3 April, 2-5pm - FREE
Inspired by Ikon’s Susan Collis exhibitionSaturday 1 May, 2-5pm - FREEInspired by Ikon’s Ron Terada exhibitionMore information about the exhibitions can be found at http://www.ikon-gallery.co.uk/
Family Saturdays take place on the first Saturday of every month.
Easter workshops
Following a special gallery tour, families can use a variety of media to creatively explore the themes and ideas within our Susan Collis and Ron Terada exhibitions. Places are free but should be booked by calling Ikon on 0121 248 0708. Please note that children should be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Thursday 8 April, 10-11am - FREE
For families of children from new born-4yrs
Thursday 8 April, 2-4pm - FREE
For families of children aged 5-7yrs
Wednesday 14 April, 2-4pm - FREE
For families of children aged 5-7yrs
Thursday 15 April, 2-4pm - FREE
For families of children aged 8yrs and over
Galleries Night and Art Bus
Wednesday 12 May 5-9pm – FREE
Travel on the free Art Bus and visit Ikon, the Barber Institute of Fine Arts and the RBSA Gallery in one night. All three galleries are open late and gallery tours are available. For details of the Art Bus pick up a timetable from any of the galleries, check the galleries websites or call Ikon on 0121 248 0708.
Ikon Insiders Showcase
Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 May, 11am-6pm, Events Room - FREE
Drop in and view a collection of sculpture, paintings and videos made by schoolchildren aged 3-11 years in response to their visits to exhibitions at Ikon. Ikon hosted regular visits for pupils from three local Birmingham primary schools (St Georges’, St Thomas’ and Osborne) over the last 2 years as part of The Prince’s Foundation for Children & the Arts START programme
Children Mark National Green Trendsetter’s 10th Birthday in Stafford
Five youngsters had their designs chosen as a birthday tribute to a green project across schools in Stafford Borough.
More than 50 schoolchildren created birthday cards to celebrate the 10th year of the Stafford Borough Eco-Schools Network. The network was set up so schools could share green ideas with each other.
Nearly 50 schools make up the network - which has been included in the recently published national guide of good practice for fellow local authorities.
Since forming in 1999 the ‘Network’ has launched a series of initiatives such as the ‘annual eco-action day’ for schools, a website blog by mascot ‘Elliot the Eco-Bat,’ and an Eco-Watch newsletter. The project has also linked in to other borough council run schemes such as the ‘green awards’, work on local nature reserves and the annual family bike ride.
Barnfields Primary came top among the schools. But because the standard of entries was so high judges picked out five budding artists to be the overall winners. The winning youngsters aged between 5 and 11 years old were given vouchers for the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust at Wolseley Bridge.
Councillor Stan Highfield, cabinet member for environment and health, said: “It is great to see so many youngsters taking part and creating birthday cards to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this successful network.
“The standard of entries was very high and it demonstrated how much our children know, and care, about environmental issues.”
All the winning designs for the cards used environmentally-friendly materials and were based on themes to celebrate the work of Eco-schools.
For more information on green initiatives go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd.
More than 50 schoolchildren created birthday cards to celebrate the 10th year of the Stafford Borough Eco-Schools Network. The network was set up so schools could share green ideas with each other.
Nearly 50 schools make up the network - which has been included in the recently published national guide of good practice for fellow local authorities.
Since forming in 1999 the ‘Network’ has launched a series of initiatives such as the ‘annual eco-action day’ for schools, a website blog by mascot ‘Elliot the Eco-Bat,’ and an Eco-Watch newsletter. The project has also linked in to other borough council run schemes such as the ‘green awards’, work on local nature reserves and the annual family bike ride.
Barnfields Primary came top among the schools. But because the standard of entries was so high judges picked out five budding artists to be the overall winners. The winning youngsters aged between 5 and 11 years old were given vouchers for the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust at Wolseley Bridge.
Councillor Stan Highfield, cabinet member for environment and health, said: “It is great to see so many youngsters taking part and creating birthday cards to celebrate the 10th anniversary of this successful network.
“The standard of entries was very high and it demonstrated how much our children know, and care, about environmental issues.”
All the winning designs for the cards used environmentally-friendly materials and were based on themes to celebrate the work of Eco-schools.
For more information on green initiatives go to www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd.
Trees for all in Coventry
A Coventry Air Cadets squadron has linked up with Whitefriars Housing Group to plant a new mini wood for residents in the Bell Green area of Coventry.
2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Cadets from Coventry are joining other cadets from across the region and country to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cadet movement. Her Majesty The Queen is Patron of Cadet150, a programme of hundreds of events taking place all over the country throughout 2010 all reflecting the spirit of fun, excitement, adventure and community service at the heart of the cadet movement.
As part of cadet150, the Woodland Trust and the Cadet Forces have formed a partnership to provide the cadets with a number of opportunities to learn about, and engage in, woodland conservation.
Over the course of this year and next, the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, will offer a series of events for Cadets. This initiative is part of the Trust’s Tree For All campaign, which aims to involve two million children in planting 12 million trees.
The cadets aged 13-17 from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron have been granted sixty native trees suitable for planting as a small wooded area or 'copse'. They will be planting twenty silver birch, twenty rowan and twenty wild cherry trees as well as sixty hedge row plants consisting of twelve of each of the following species: hawthorn, hazel, holly, dog rose and dogwood that will be planted as a traditional mixed hedgerow and will provide an excellent habitat for wildlife.
As part of the initiative the staff at the squadron had to locate suitable planting land and obtain the land owners permission to do so. The planting land has been provided by Whitefriars Housing Group who have offered the Squadron a suitable planting area in Bell Green.
Roni Tillman the Squadrons Event Organiser said “2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Cadets are delighted to be celebrating 150 years of this fantastic movement. Planting the trees will give the cadets a sense of community spirit and team work. The squadron would also like to thank Whitefriars Housing Group for allowing us to use their land.”
The Cadet Forces offer such great opportunities for thousands of young people across the UK. We are encouraging people to find out more through Cadet150 – come along and Live the Adventure!
With origins dating back to 1860, the cadet movement is one of the oldest and most successful voluntary youth organisations in the world. A force to be reckoned with, today it numbers 131,000 young people led by 25,000 adult volunteers in well over 3,000 sites across the country.
For more information about the Cadet150 celebrations in 2010, or to find out how you could join or support the cadet movement, visit http://www.cadet150.org/
2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Cadets will be planting the trees on Saturday 6 March 2010.
2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Cadets from Coventry are joining other cadets from across the region and country to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the cadet movement. Her Majesty The Queen is Patron of Cadet150, a programme of hundreds of events taking place all over the country throughout 2010 all reflecting the spirit of fun, excitement, adventure and community service at the heart of the cadet movement.
As part of cadet150, the Woodland Trust and the Cadet Forces have formed a partnership to provide the cadets with a number of opportunities to learn about, and engage in, woodland conservation.
Over the course of this year and next, the Woodland Trust, the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity, will offer a series of events for Cadets. This initiative is part of the Trust’s Tree For All campaign, which aims to involve two million children in planting 12 million trees.
The cadets aged 13-17 from 2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron have been granted sixty native trees suitable for planting as a small wooded area or 'copse'. They will be planting twenty silver birch, twenty rowan and twenty wild cherry trees as well as sixty hedge row plants consisting of twelve of each of the following species: hawthorn, hazel, holly, dog rose and dogwood that will be planted as a traditional mixed hedgerow and will provide an excellent habitat for wildlife.
As part of the initiative the staff at the squadron had to locate suitable planting land and obtain the land owners permission to do so. The planting land has been provided by Whitefriars Housing Group who have offered the Squadron a suitable planting area in Bell Green.
Roni Tillman the Squadrons Event Organiser said “2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Cadets are delighted to be celebrating 150 years of this fantastic movement. Planting the trees will give the cadets a sense of community spirit and team work. The squadron would also like to thank Whitefriars Housing Group for allowing us to use their land.”
The Cadet Forces offer such great opportunities for thousands of young people across the UK. We are encouraging people to find out more through Cadet150 – come along and Live the Adventure!
With origins dating back to 1860, the cadet movement is one of the oldest and most successful voluntary youth organisations in the world. A force to be reckoned with, today it numbers 131,000 young people led by 25,000 adult volunteers in well over 3,000 sites across the country.
For more information about the Cadet150 celebrations in 2010, or to find out how you could join or support the cadet movement, visit http://www.cadet150.org/
2438 (Bishop Ullathorne) Squadron Air Cadets will be planting the trees on Saturday 6 March 2010.
Battle Of The Bands 2010 - Wolverhampton Little Civic: January - April ::::: SEMI-FINAL 1 - RESULT!!
The Little Civic has moved to our new music complex, The Slade Rooms in Broad Street, and we’re looking to introduce as many local bands as possible to our superb new venue, so that they can see for themselves where the centre for live local talent belongs!
The Civic Halls have teamed up again with our friends at Banks’s, The Express & Star, M2 Studios and Surge Music who will be helping to make the competition an extra special event this year.
Bands will be battling it out to win their place at the semi-finals throughout January and February and then they’ll be hoping to win through to the esteemed final in the Wulfrun Hall on Saturday 17th April, where the winners of Battle Of The Bands Wolverhampton 2010 will be crowned and rewarded with £1000, a free recording session at M2 Studio, a photo shoot with a professional photographer, a bespoke website designed and hosted by Surge Music and more goodies!!
Entrants are judged on several criteria including Presentation/Delivery, Songwriting, Originality, Vibe and Audience Reaction with bonus points awarded for every 10 tickets they sell.
It's not necessarily all over for the bands who haven't won a heat though! If enough people vote for them on the Battle Of The Bands website: http://botb1.wolvescivic.co.uk/ , they can still win through to the final by winning the Online Wildcard!!
The line-ups of the remaining Semi-Finals and Final are available online at the Battle Of The Bands Official Website: http://botb1.wolvescivic.co.uk/ and below is a list of all confirmed dates for the rest of the competition…
Friday 26th February - The Slade Rooms - £4.00
Battle of the Bands 2010 - Semi Final 2
Befall The Aftermath
Facade
Follow The Fallen
Torn
Doors 7.30pm
Friday 19th March - The Slade Rooms - £4.00
Battle of the Bands 2010 - Semi Final 3
Signify
Cathode Ray Catastophe
The Nova Fives
Gabbidon
Doors 7.30pm
Saturday 27th March - The Slade Rooms - £4.00
Battle of the Bands 2010 - Semi Final 4
Heresy
Fierd Wish
The Town
Captain Horizon
Doors 7.30pm
Saturday 17th April - Wulfrun Hall
Battle of the Bands 2010 - Grand Final
Fused
TBC
TBC
TBC
Tickets priced £4.00 (for all rounds of the competition) are available from Midland Box Office: 0870 320 7000 or online at http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/
MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP
With the Orchestra and Chorus of English National Opera
· Only performances outside London
· Officially opens International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010
“one of the very greatest dances of the late 20th century” Boston Herald
“Mozart of Modern dance”, The Washington Post
MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP return to Birmingham Hippodrome to perform the monumental L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato from Thursday 22 – Saturday 24 April, a dance piece not seen in this country for over ten years.
This visually compelling production will only be performed at the London Coliseum and Birmingham Hippodrome where it officially opens International Dance Festival Birmingham 2010.
When it premiered in 1988 L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato was instantly heralded as a landmark work and acknowledged as a masterpiece of modern dance. This poetic collaboration boasts an incredible 32 dances by 24 dancers and features Handel’s pastoral ode set to the poetry of John Milton. The set design includes inspiration from William Blake’s later watercolours illustrating Milton’s poems.
The music and joyous choral chant is provided by The Orchestra and Chorus of the acclaimed English National Opera (ENO). Conducted by Jane Glover, it features a quartet of soloists including Mark Padmore and Elizabeth Watts.
Stuart Griffiths, Birmingham Hippodrome Chief Executive and Co-Artistic Director of IDFB 2010 said “I have been waiting 15 years to programme this outstanding and acclaimed dance piece. It is without doubt one of the most memorable productions I have seen on the stage”.
Once considered the bad boy of the modern dance world, Mark Morris is now an influential and internationally celebrated choreographer whose pieces have become the standard of creativity for a new generation of dancers, choreographers and critics.
The MARK MORRIS DANCE GROUP was formed in 1980 and gave its first performance that year in New York City. The company’s touring schedule steadily expanded to include cities both in the U.S. and in Europe, and in 1986 it made its first national television programme for the PBS series Dance in America. In 1988, MMDG was invited to become the national dance company of Belgium, and spent three years in residence at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels. The company returned to the United States in 1991 as one of the world’s leading dance companies, performing across the U.S. and at major international festivals.
Tickets for L’Allegro, il Penseroso ed il Moderato are priced from £18.50-£49 and are available on 0844 338 5000 or online at http://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/.
Perf times: Eves 7.30pm.
Call charges vary from 5p per min. 6% transaction charge; 3% online.
Walsall Hospice abseil: are you brave enough?
The fundraising team at the independent charity is hoping the event on Saturday, June 19, will “rope in” plenty of daring people across the borough – and raise vital cash.
The Hospice, which is being built as part of the palliative care centre in Goscote Lane, Goscote, is set to open early next year. But it needs to raise £1.5 million for equipment and initial running costs.
It is the second time that fundraisers have abseiled down the 30-metre tower in aid of the hospice, which cares for people with life-limiting illnesses.
Cheryl Bradburne, head of fundraising at Walsall Hospice said: “It’s a great opportunity to get a bird’s eye view of Walsall town centre and raise essential funds for our hospice.
“Whilst the plucky participants will get a t-shirt to show who they are supporting, we are also hoping people will come in fancy dress to add some extra fun to the event. So, we need as many people as possible to take part and to cheer on the intrepid abseilers. It promises to be a great day.”
It costs just £30 to register and participants are asked to try to raise at least £75 in sponsorship. You can register for the event up until June 7 but, the sooner you sign up, the sooner you will receive your fundraising pack.
No experience is necessary because anyone taking part will receive full training beforehand, but anyone under the age of 16 will have to have parental consent.
For more information on the charity abseil visit http://www.walsallhospice.org.uk/ or contact the fundraising team on 01922 423578.
Martineau Centre closure - Press Conference tomorrow
There will be a press conference tomorrow, Wednesday at the Court Oak, opposite the Martineau Centre, at 2 pm. It is an opportunity to test the mood of the local people.
The licencee, Anne Tyler has given permission for this to be held on her premises.
Rwth Hunt
The licencee, Anne Tyler has given permission for this to be held on her premises.
Rwth Hunt
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