Youngsters Launch Plan for a Better Life in Stafford

Young people were out in force this week (Wednesday 28 July) for the launch of a new plan aimed at improving quality of life in Stafford Borough.

Members of the Stafford and Stone Youth Forum manned stalls to highlight key issues affecting young people – such as housing, anti-social behaviour and teenage pregnancies.

The 32-page plan documents how organisations involved in the area - who make up the ‘Children’s Trust Board for example the Borough and County Councils, police and Primary Care Trust - will work to ensure a better quality of life for youngsters.

The plan looks at how young people get involved in positive activities in the community, how they access information and advice, and where they can get support.

A shorter version of the plan on CD has been produced by members of the ‘Forum.’

A makeshift skateboard and BMX park was set up in the Market Square, Stafford as part of the launch where youngsters demonstrated their skills. Others entertained shoppers and visitors to the town centre with live music sessions.

‘Youth Forum’ member, Daisy Luker, a 20 year old student from the Walton on the Hill area of Stafford, said: “The plan brings together all those who are involved in the key issues affecting young people and ensures they will be working in the right direction to improve quality of life for us and for the generations to come.”

Councillor Patrick Farrington, cabinet member for community at Stafford Borough Council, said: “The aim of all the partners involved in the plan is the same – a better quality of life for our young people to grow up in. The plan makes sure we use our collective knowledge and experience to enable us to do things together to do just that.”

Mell Square gets a mosaic makeover for Bloom

Any resident who has been wondering through Mell Square in the last week may have noticed a few colourful additions to the town centre.

As part of Solihull’s bid to become the UK’s ‘Best City’ in the national Britain in Bloom final, a new community garden, including a 6ft mosaic pyramid, and eight mosaic flowers have been added to the square.

The pyramid was designed by children from Monkspath Junior & Infant School and Newlands Bishop Farm and created with the help from residents who attended the Solihull in Bloom launch in March. The four sides of the pyramid represent nature, the four seasons and four elements and include pictures of leaves, flowers, snowflakes and insects.

As well as the garden there are eight mosaic flowers, designed by Zantium Studios, which are brightening up one of the central flowerbeds in Mell Square.

Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Tim Hodgson said: “These are great additions to the town centre, adding colour, interest and a talking point for visitors and residents. The pyramid mosaic has been an imaginative community project bringing together many residents. I am sure it will be enjoyed for many years to come.

“I would like to thank all those who have helped in this year’s Solihull in Bloom campaign. There have been a huge number of volunteer projects where residents have given up time to help make our borough look clean, tidy and most of all beautiful. Good luck for the national judging next week.”

National Britain in Bloom judging takes place on Friday 6th August. Judges will be taken on a three and a half hour route around the borough stopping at some of the boroughs blooming good highlights including Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Bentley Heath Allotments and Malvern Park, which recently gained a Green Flag.

Social enterprises — find out how finditinbirmingham can help you!

finditinbirmingham.com is Birmingham City Council’s FREE online business community, which makes it easy for local businesses to trade with each other. With more than 3,000 members, it aims to create and preserve jobs, and showcase our world-class supply chain.

And finditinbirmingham also exists to help the social enterprise community too! Please see the attached flyer and make sure you sign up to take advantage of what Finditinbirmingham can do for your business.....

http://www.finditinbirmingham.com/

FREE ENTRY TO THE BIRMINGHAM HALF MARATHON… AND HELP SUPPORT BIRMINGHAM’S PREMIER SPORTS CHARITY!

Sport 4 Life (http://www.sport4life.org.uk/ ) are offering FREE PLACES in this year’s Birmingham Half Marathon (24th October 2010) for anyone who commits to raise a minimum of £100 sponsorship. This is fantastic opportunity to get involved in Birmingham’s biggest running event, and to raise money for a worthy local cause. The attached flyer has further information on the scheme, or for more details contact James Forrest on 0121 429 4700 or at james@sport4life.org.uk

Apocalyptica - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall: Thursday 4th November 2010

Whatever styles they've explored - from atmospheric interludes to fast, battering rhythms -- their music has been gripping, dynamic and full of melody. But with their seventh album, 7th Symphony the band has composed an album that not just symphonic, it's practically a symphony.

Tickets go on sale at 9.00am Friday 6th August

Apocalyptica - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall: Thursday 4th November 2010

Eicca Toppinen – cello

Perttu Kivilaakso - cello

Paavo Lötjönen - cello

Mikko Sirén - drums

Since they formed in 1993, Finnish orchestral rock band Apocalyptica have released six studio albums featuring numerous cello-based instrumentals along with some vocal-based songs. Whatever styles they've explored - from atmospheric interludes to fast, battering rhythms -- their music has been gripping, dynamic and full of melody. But with their seventh album, 7th Symphony the band has composed an album that not just symphonic, it's practically a symphony.

7th Symphony contains songs that rock harder than anything they've done since 2001 when they released the epic, transfixing album Cult, their first album to contain mostly originals. In the same way that Cult caused fans to view Apocalyptica from a different perspective, 7th Symphony is the next forward step in the group's creative evolution. Most of the songs on the disc were produced by Joe Barresi (Queens of the Stone Age, Tool) and two of the four vocal numbers were produced by Howard Benson (My Chemical Romance, Papa Roach).

Album out: August 23rd

Official Website: www.apocalyptica.com

Tickets priced £15.00 are available 9.00am Friday 6th August from Midland Box Office: 0870 320 7000 or online at http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/

Striding and Strolling their way to a national award

Angela Smith, Walking for Health lead adviser, presents the Shirley Striders and Strollers group with the accreditation award.

A walking programme in Solihull is celebrating after being accredited with a national award.

The Striders and Strollers programme, which is run by Solihull Council, organises eight regular health walks around the borough and has received Natural England’s Walking for Health accreditation award.

To be eligible for this accreditation, the Striders and Strollers programme had to show that their walks were led, aimed at beginners and take in fairly flat courses that last for no longer than an hour. They also had to demonstrate that they met Walking for Health’s safety standards and that they collect basic monitoring information.

The walks in the borough are all led by trained volunteers and currently take place in Castle Bromwich, Chelmsley Wood, Dorridge, Kingshurst, Solihull, Shirley and Smith’s Wood.

Angela Smith, Walking for Health lead adviser, said: “Accreditation informs supporters, participants, partners and funders alike that the individual scheme provides a safe, quality walking experience to every walker and their scheme is part of a bigger whole that is properly and robustly evaluated.”

Councillor Graham Craig, Cabinet Member for Community Services, said: “I’m really pleased the Striders and Strollers programme has been rewarded with this accreditation. Not only are the walks a great way to improve your health but they are also a really good opportunity to meet new people and make friends.”

All Striders and Strollers walks meet at 10.15am for a 10.30am start, and last around an hour, with a cup of tea/coffee available on return. For more information about the walks, contact Becky Glover on 0121 704 8075, email reglover@solihull.gov.uk or visit www.solihull.gov.uk/stridersandstrollers.

COPING WITH THE CUTS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL SECTORS

Coping With The Cuts - Letter from BVSC

Many of you will already be engaged in discussions around the ongoing and imminent public sector funding cuts. It is widely acknowledged that these will have a significant impact on the provision of public services in the city, and no doubt we share very real concerns that they will have a disproportionately adverse effect on our most vulnerable citizens.

In addition to already-announced local cuts, all public sector agencies are under considerable pressure to identify and implement savings where possible. Yesterday, the Cabinet Office announced £11m of cuts in this year’s budget to a range of initiatives working with the voluntary sector, including Capacitybuilders and v, the youth volunteering charity.

Francis Maude, the Minister for the Cabinet Office, and Nick Hurd, the Minister for Civil Society, have written an open letter to the sector asking charities, social enterprises and community groups to offer ideas for how the OCS could make further economies. Their letter is available here:

http://download.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/voluntary/open-letter.pdf

It is BVSC’s view that the only way that the necessary savings can be made intelligently, and in ways which minimise adverse impacts on the city’s most vulnerable communities, is through strong communication and cooperation between voluntary organisations and public sector agencies. By looking – together – at how savings can be made, we have a greater chance of working more effectively in an environment with fewer cash resources.

Therefore, we at BVSC:

 Are in conversation with public sector commissioners to offer support and guidance in mapping the impact of cuts, and involving the sector in identifying savings;

 Are facilitating discussions for voluntary organisations through the Third Sector Assembly networks (www.assembly3.org.uk). These meetings will proactively look at opportunities for increased collaboration, potential efficiencies, and strategies for dealing with funding reductions;

 Have produced the following digest of guidance for voluntary and community organisations, and for public sector commissioners, in navigating the difficult path ahead.

For more information on the support BVSC can offer to voluntary and community organisations, and to public sector agencies engaging with the voluntary sector, please see our website at www.bvsc.org, or contact me directly.

Brian Carr
Chief Executive

BVSC, The Centre for Voluntary Action
138 Digbeth
Birmingham B5 6DR

T: 0121 678 8801 E: brianc@bvsc.org

COPING WITH THE CUTS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL SECTORS Part Two

FOR VOLUNTARY & COMMUNITY GROUPS

Some general points:

 Be proactive in recognising that your funding is likely to be affected by the cuts. If you have concerns about the implications of cuts, contact your funder/contract manager and ask for some time to discuss the matter with them;

 Expect to be engaged in discussions about how to achieve savings, should these prove necessary.

If you aren’t being engaged – approach your funder/contract manager with a specific request.

Be positive – public sector agencies are under extreme pressure too, and are looking for assistance with solutions to the funding crisis;

 Start looking – in detail – at your organisation’s finances, and how they are deployed. Is it possible for you to make changes now that will minimise the impact of cuts in the future? Seek advice from your local infrastructure organisation if you need help with this.

 If you believe that cuts are being made improperly, be prepared to make an appropriate challenge. Be clear about your reasons, gather your evidence, and find out the correct route to follow (see below).

The National Council for Voluntary Organisations has produced an excellent and comprehensive package of guidance on coping with funding cuts: http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/advice-support/copingwith-cuts

If you have been informed of a cut, and wish to make a challenge, it would also be useful to look at the Empowering the Voluntary Sector guide to challenging cuts effectively (.pdf file):

http://www.navca.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/499BABE5-9AA8-4085-8CE3-B87EBF94E8DD/0/Cutsbriefing.pdf

FOR PUBLIC SECTOR AGENCIES & COMMISSIONERS:

Some general points:

 Don’t assume that voluntary and community groups will be automatically resistant to cuts; be direct with them about the savings you are being required to find, and actively seek their ideas in realising these savings. By engaging them fully, you’re inviting them to be part of the solution, and you’re also giving them an opportunity to make provision in their organisations to protect their most essential services;

 Be clear about decisions that have already been made in relation to funding reductions. Don’t try to “soften the blow” by delaying informing organisations of reductions in funding;

 Expect that some funding cut decisions will be challenged. There is guidance available on how to ensure cuts are administered in a fair, transparent, and Compact-compliant manner (see below).

The Commission for the Compact has produced some helpful guidance for public sector agencies which are required to make budget revisions. Although targeted at local authorities, it contains useful pointers for all public sector bodies (.pdf file):

http://www.thecompact.org.uk/files/140405/FileName/CompactGuidanceLABudget.pdf
 

COPING WITH THE CUTS – IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL SECTORS - Part 3

USING YOUR COMPACT

Given that the Compact is designed to govern relationships between government and the voluntary and community sector, it is essential for voluntary groups and public sector agencies and commissioners to be fully aware of what it is, and how it can be used.

The National Compact

Established in 1998, the Compact is an agreement between government and the voluntary and community sector in England. It recognises shared values, principles and commitments and sets out guidelines for how both parties should work together. Although not legally binding, its authority is derived from its endorsement by government and by the voluntary and community sector itself through an extensive consultation process.

The National Compact was recently refreshed and the Prime Minister David Cameron re-stated his commitment to it in his recent speech to launch ‘The Big Society’.

The current refreshed national Compact is available – along with guidance on its use – here:

http://www.thecompact.org.uk/information/100022/140450/refreshedcompact/

The Birmingham Compact

All agencies which are members of the city’s Strategic Partnership (Be Birmingham) have signed a commitment to adhere to the principles of the Compact.

The Birmingham Compact is currently being refreshed to bring it into line with the refreshed national document, but the principles – and the city’s commitment to them – remain. Details of the Birmingham Compact are available here:

http://www.bebirmingham.org.uk/news.php?id=194

For advice on using the local Compact in your negotiations – whether you are from a voluntary organisation or a public sector agency – speak to Tamsila Tauquir MBE, our Compact Action Adviser.

Her contact details are here:

http://www.bvsc.org/about-us/staff-directory/tamsila-tauqir

For specific guidance for voluntary organisations and commissioners in using the Compact, look here:

http://www.thecompact.org.uk/information/100023/140294/compactguidance/
 
LOCAL VOLUNTARY SECTOR SUPPORT ORGANISATIONS in BIRMINGHAM


Details of BVSC’s services – including membership services, corporate services, advocacy for the voluntary sector, training and events, conference and meeting facilities, policy support, volunteering services, capacity building services, consultancy support to public sector bodies and support for voluntary sector networks – can be found at http://www.bvsc.org/

BVSC4Community is an online portal to funding information for voluntary and community organisations: http://www.open4community.info/bvsc/

The Local Development Agencies Network is a network of 10 well-established voluntary organisations, working in partnership and supported by BVSC, to serve a diverse range of frontline voluntary and community organisations across the city’s constituencies. Information on the network’s services can be found at http://www.birmingham-da.org/support

The Third Sector Assembly is a long-term association of voluntary sector networks brought together by BVSC to improve communication across the sector, grow its ability to influence, and to provide improved communication between, and relationships with, the public sector. To join one or more Assembly networks is free to any voluntary group in the city. More information here:

http://www.assembly3.org.uk/

The VCS Matters programme works to support voluntary and community organisations to improve the lives of children and young people in Birmingham, and to ensure the full involvement of the voluntary sector in Children’s Trust arrangements and other strategic partnerships. Voluntary organisations working in this field can become members of the network, and can have access to a range of support services tailored specifically to their needs. More information here:

http://www.vcsmatters.org/

BVSC is a member of Birmingham ChangeUp Consortium (http://www.changeupbirmingham.org/)
and Birmingham & Solihull Social Economy Consortium (http://www.bssec.org.uk/) , which are, respectively, consortia which bring together infrastructure support providers, and organisations which support the social economy.

Pupils show ‘Respect’ is not an act

From left, Clair Caswell, assistant director at Harden Housing Association, with pupils from Timberley Primary School at Shard End studying the Will Power project, and Harden Housing’s housing services manager Ruth Bhullar.

Pupils across Birmingham and Solihull are being given lessons in how to be good citizens in a bid to reduce anti-social behaviour.

Young people at Smiths Wood School at Solihull, Timberley Primary School at Shard End and Albert Bradbeer Junior School at Longbridge, have been studying a six month project in ‘Respect’ and good citizenship.

Following the success of the project, which was delivered by the Children’s Safety Education Foundation (CSEF), Birmingham housing provider Harden Housing Association is continuing to sponsor the programme for another year to help keep communities safe.

Secondary school pupils at Smiths Wood School took part in the 'Respect' educational programme, which informs young people to help them make the right choices and promote greater independence and wellbeing in life.

As part of the ‘Respect’ programme, the young people studied the affects that hate crime, anti-social behaviour, gang culture and gun and knife crime have on society.

Youngsters at Timberley Primary School and Albert Bradbeer Junior School took part in CSEF‘s ‘Will Power’ project as part of their citizenship classes.

The ‘Will Power’ project helps to give children the confidence to make their own decisions in life when faced with difficult choices related to peer pressure and risks such as smoking, drinking and taking drugs.

Assistant director of Harden Housing Clair Caswell said: “We want our communities to be safe places for everyone to live and work. We hope that the projects we have done with these three schools have given the young people lots of positive advice and guidance about how they can make the right choices and decisions that help keep us all safe.

“Through the engagement work we carry out with local schools we also hope to find out about other ways we can provide support and facilities for the community, so that young people can be safe and have somewhere suitable to spend their spare time.”

Michael Fitzgerald, schools liaison officer for CSEF, added: “We were extremely impressed with the work that the three schools did. The primary and junior schools both produced excellent plays which really tackled the points we had studied with them as part of the project.

“The project has gone so well that Harden Housing has committed to sponsoring the project for the next academic year with the same three schools. We are looking forward to building on the work we have done with the schools so far.”

LOCAL MP AIMS FOR A SWIFT HALF IN AID OF CHARITY

Birmingham Erdington MP Jack Dromey begins training for the Birmingham Half Marathon in October - with help from Mike Overton, Chair of the League of Friends of the John Taylor Hospice. The Hospice celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, making it one of the oldest in the UK.

A Birmingham MP has added his name to the growing numbers of entrants for the EDF Birmingham Half Marathon. This is a first for the event.

Jack Dromey MP for Erdington is urging others to follow his lead in helping to raise money for local charity. He will be running in aid of the John Taylor Hospice which is based in his Constituency and also serves the northern and eastern half of the City as far as Great Barr and Sutton Coldfield.

Mr Dromey told us.

“I think that the staff of all Hospices do a fantastic job under the most difficult of circumstances - and do not always receive the credit that they deserve. By entering the run in October, I am hoping not only to raise a lot of money for John Taylor Hospice but to do my bit to raise awareness of that work and of the support that is available for patients and their families.

I do not expect to be setting a record time, but I am hoping that my efforts will benefit the Hospice and that is the most important thing for me. ”

Ray Woods, Marketing and Fundraising Officer for the League of Friends of the John Taylor Hospice said,

“We are delighted that Jack has agreed to take part in the Birmingham Half Marathon. This year is the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Hospice – which makes it one of the oldest in the Country. We have had supporters take part in the half marathon before, but we are aiming for the biggest turnout ever - as this is such a special year.

We will be supplying free running shirts and sponsor forms to all of our supporters taking part. We would welcome offers of support via our web site at www.johntaylorhospicelof.org.uk or Freephone: 0800 781 1898.

To enter the event, go to http://www.birminghamhalfmarathon.com/.

The John Taylor Hospice serves a population of over 400,000 from the City Centre northwards to include Great Barr and Sutton Coldfield. It helps patients with life threatening illnesses and their families. It has a day hospice and lymphodema clinic, an inpatient unit and community based nursing and bereavement support services. Support for the children of families who have lost a parent has no time limit.

Summer events at Croome Park, Worcesershire

5 events at Croome Park between 31/07/2010 and 30/08/2010


Event Discover Dazzling Designs!

Croome Park (in Worcestershire)

Explore the Court with a FREE self guided family trail. (Except Tuesdays when another trail will be available)

Spectacular Statues

Hunt for Croome's secretive statues with our FREE self guided family trail. Various dates.

Event Kite Flying Week

Bring your own kite or make your own at our annual Kite Flying event! plus Extreme Kites to make your day extra special!

Various dates

Walk Around the World

Description Interactive tour exploring the worldwide origins of Croome's trees and planting through exotic fruits, music and mythical stories.

Various dates

Exploration Croome!

Enjoy the last few days of the holidays with our FREE self guided family trail.

Date 22 August 10am - 5 September 4pm

Find out more
 

Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Tuesday 2 August at 6.30pm.

The Chapterhouse Theatre Company will present a performance of 'Beauty and The Beast' especially for children. Don't forget to bring low chairs or blankets and the show goes on whatever the weather!

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses

Westbourne Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 3TR

Tel: 0121 454 1860

Website: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

Plants and People - Partners for Life

Tree-mendous interest in woodfuel grants

Woodsmen (l to r) Paul Powell, Gordon Luther and Edmund Dorman

More than 700 farmers and woodland owners in the West Midlands are interested in turning their unmanaged trees into cash.

They responded to a survey of more than 6,000 farms run by the National Farmers Union on behalf of an Advantage West Midlands (AWM) funded initiative. It asked whether they were interested in having a woodfuel business on their land or in installing woodfuel heating systems on their premises.

Now they will be contacted by Heartwoods - a voluntary sector regional initative working with the Forestry Commission which has received an £827,000 grant from AWM. The aim is to harness untapped wood resources to encourage new jobs and businesses and build a sustained wood supply chain from felling to selling.

Those interested will be given free advice on how to manage their woodlands. Grant funding means they can either set up their own felling business or encourage other businesses to clear their woods and sell on the timber.

Increasing woodfuel use by providing a reliable supply chain will also help meet European and UK targets for reducing CO2 emissions by moving away from unsustainable fossil fuels.

And there's plenty of potential: A staggering 47 per cent of the region's woodlands are unmanaged - the equivalent of nearly 50,000 hectares, or 125,000 acres.

That means there is tremendous potential for selling wood for anything from £200 to £800 a tonne, depending on quality. It can then be used as ordinary firewood, to run woodfuel boilers for home or business use, or for housebuilding and furniture making.

Timber production already generates £11.3 million a year revenue in the region and some 12,000 people are employed in the supply chain. But there is a lot of room for expansion.

Heartwoods is currently:

* Running a series of events throughout the year include deer impact and management, a visit to a sawmill to learn about timber industry standards, a practical event looking at the timber market, and farm walks to look at sustainable farm woodland management.

* Offering training in skills like pruning, coppicing for fuel and the use of chainsaws

* Offering owners a free visit from an expert to give advice on how to manage their woodlands

* Advising people on capital investments required to start up and expand woodfuel businesses; and

* Directing eligible applicants to the Woodland Enterprise Grant (WEG) scheme for potential capital grant support

Richard Hillier, European Programmes Team Leader at AWM, said: “With 47 per cent of the region’s woodland unmanaged, there is no shortage of wood, just people to make it their business. We're delighted with the survey results which show people are realising that there are financial and environmental benefits to branching out.

"Although the use of woodfuel boilers is increasing, growth is being hampered by insufficient wood supplies. Conversely, potential wood suppliers are reluctant to invest due to an uncertain market, capital investment requirements and lack of skills. This funding will address these issues and realise market opportunities and a change towards sustainable fuels.”

Simon West of the Forestry Commission said: “It’s a real shame that thousands of hectares of woodlands in the region are currently unmanaged when they could be put to good use. Managing the woodlands also opens up other opportunities and benefits, including increased biodiversity, recreation and tourism."

Nick Maskery of Heartwoods said: “We are hoping to really kick-start the woodfuel business in the West Midlands. I would encourage people to think about the great opportunities and contact us for information, advice and support.”

Clare Greener, NFU senior policy adviser, said: “The survey was funded by the NFU and we were delighted with the response from our members who are progressive businessmen keen to tap into new markets.

“The farming industry is committed to producing great quality produce but also to helping with the challenges we all face like climate change, preserving resources, cutting emissions and helping to improve biodiversity.

“The survey results show farmers are interested in, and have a wide range of, diversification enterprises on their farms, and are keen to maximise the opportunities on their holdings and deliver business solutions sustainably.”

People can get more details on the woodfuel project by contacting project manager Nick Maskery at Heartwoods on 01952 435860, info@heartwoods.co.uk, or looking at the website http://www.heartwoods.co.uk/

For more details on the Woodland Enterprise Grant contact the Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) Project Managers at Advantage West Midlands on 0121 380 3500.

Solihull Mayoress Sheila and friends to abseil down Fort Dunlop for Marie Curie Cancer Care

The Mayor of Solihull Ian Courts recently contacted the Gazette to tell us about his wife’s forthcoming venture to raise money for a worthy cancer care charity. Ian told us:

“Despite all my efforts to persuade her against this venture, on Sunday 12th September, my wife Sheila, the Mayoress of Solihull will be abseiling down the Fort Dunlop building between Castle Bromwich and Hodge Hill, in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care along with Robert and his girlfriend Kat and other friends.

“It is quite likely that traffic on the already congested M6 will be brought to a halt and the Mayoress of Solihull will be responsible! I just do not know what will happen to our civic career and reputation - we thought we were doing so well.”

Ian has been very keen to get the message out: "Prevention" is better than the need to "Cure" and as well as Sheila’s abseil at Fort Dunlop the Mayoral couple are organising the following events:.

Thursday 30th September

Golf Day & Dinner on the Championship Par 3 course at Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, in aid of Macmillan & the Prostate Cancer Charity. This is a very challenging course and very pretty. Join us if you can for a game or just for dinner.

Saturday 26th March 2011

The Mayor of Solihull's Official Charity Ball in aid of Macmillan and local charities

Ian added: “Any support you are able to give to us will be very welcome”.

Sheila's Just Giving page can now be found below:-

http://www.justgiving.com/Sheila-Courts

ANNUAL CONCERT – “A TOUCH OF BASIL”

The "team" gearing up to send out publicity for the Concert. Martin is in the foreground.

On Saturday 25th September at 7.15 p.m. the Annual Concert will be held in The Adrian Boult Hall in the city centre near the Central Library and Town Hall to raise money for the Philip Bates Trust Fund. The Fund was set up in the year 2000 following Philip’s untimely death in Switzerland as a result of an accident. The objective of the Trust is to assist students of music and the performing arts.

Tickets priced £8.00 (concessions £6.00) can be obtained from Martin Bates, 24, Elmfield Road, Castle Bromwich, B36 0HL Please send a stamped addressed envelope enclosing a cheque made payable to “Philip Bates Trust”. There are likely to be some tickets available on the door.

Performers will include Bilton Silver Band from Rugby, Heart of England Singers and Xu Lei the winner of the Ashleyan Opera Prize 2010. Featured also will be a piece called “Pleiades” composed by Simone Spagnolo, one of the prizewinners of the Philip Bates’ Prize for young composers. There are also other prizewinners featured, namely Adam Boulton, trumpet and Tom Brown Voice/guitar who are winners of the Philip Bates’ Performance Prizes.

This is just a small sample of a wonderful programme of mixed music from, jazz and rock to classical.

DO COME ALONG AND HAVE AN ENJOYABLE EVENING WHILST SUPPORTING THIS WORTHWHILE CAUSE.

It’s behind you – goose gives binmen a fright

Binmen had their feathers ruffled this morning (Friday 30 July) when they found a goose in a box by the side of the road in Stafford Borough.

The binmen got ‘goose bumps’ when the old furniture box started moving – only to find the female bird inside.

The box had been taped up and left on the pavement on The Redlands off the busy Lichfield Road in Stone.

Environmental Health officers from Stafford Borough Council were called to collect the goose which has now been given a home at the Wildlife Centre at Amerton Farm, Staffs.

She was named Priscilla by the officers, after the goose which laid the golden egg in the popular panto “Mother Goose.” Coincidentally the same panto is running at the borough council’s Gatehouse Theatre in Stafford later this year.

In the play a fairy keeps Priscilla safe - and Mark Street, Environmental Group Manager at the Borough Council, said the namesake bird was also lucky to be alive.

Mark said: “It is irresponsible to have left the goose by the side of the road and it is very lucky no harm came to her. It would have been better contacting the RSPCA for advice on what to do to ensure it received a good home.”

He added: “We got a call from our refuse contractors who were carrying out collections in the area. They stood guard over the box until we arrived. I think they were a bit spooked when the box first started moving – you could say it gave them goose bumps.”

The council said there was no evidence of where the bird had come from although it looked to have been well cared for.

Editor:

This is what you call clever PR, I love how they slip in the plug for this year's panto at the Gatehouse as well as the very specific public information message "remember, never leave large cardboard boxes containing geese by the side of the main Lichfield Road".

Though we should congratualte all concerned in rehousing Priscilla! What sort of idiot left her in a box at the side of the road?

Take-a-Break Warwickshire Ltd

Take-a-Break is a registered charity providing short breaks for children and young people with disabilities or life threatening illnesses, and adults who have a learning disability.

The organisation started in 1996 as a project of North Warwickshire Council for Voluntary Services based in Atherstone. Two years later we became independent and based ourselves at Father Hudson’s Society in Coleshill.

In 2002 we moved to the bottom of Coleshill High Street and have been based there until the present day.

Unfortunately, this year we have suffered three major leaks in the roof of the office causing damage to the carpets and blinds, and also had significant funding streams ending (they were time limited). The lease was due for renewal in September, and due to the current economic climate we did not think it was viable to sign up for another three years.

We have also chosen to close our Alcester office. We will be joining our colleagues at our office on the Exhall Grange School campus when the offices close in September.

“It is with great sadness we will be leaving Coleshill . The office by the bridge has been our home for eight years and the community has supported us throughout that time.

We will miss seeing the town going about its daily business outside our window, and we want to say thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years.

Our services will continue to operate in all areas and will not be affected in any way. The Coleshill Saturday Club and play-scheme will continue to meet at the Youth and Community Centre in Packington Lane every week.”


Kim Fathers - Director

Coleshill Gazette - August 2010

Click on this link to read the August edition of the Coleshill Gazette

Carl Chinn book winners

The winners of the 2 signed copies of Carl Chinn's book were:

Mr T Fox of Moseley

and Mr McTiernan of Yardley

Thanks to all who entered.

Vidar's latest theatre review

Review of audio described performance of Welsh National Opera’s Rigoletto at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Friday 9 July – from Vidar Hjardeng

During the Welsh National Opera’s latest week of productions at the Birmingham Hippodrome I was lucky enough to see the audio described performance of Verdi’s thriller Rigoletto. An opera full of intrigue, debauchery, kidnap and murder, with a very tragic ending. In James MacDonald’s production, the very effective setting for the action was 1960’s Washington DC, with one of the 4 locations being the Oval Office in the White House .. the others being the Duke’s Palace, the seedy inn frequented by the professional assassin and the street between the Duke’s Palace and Rigoletto’s rather squalid abode. This was helpfully described in the pre-show notes available to VI patrons in advance and also again ‘live’ a quarter of an hour before curtain-up. This background information also contained the all-important details of the cast, characters and their costumes, eg we learnt that the eponymous Rigoletto, who is the Duke’s court jester is a hunchback and wears an iron leg brace on his left leg over his rather flashy trousers … we were also told how in the different scenes his attire contrasts with that of the other characters – in the opening party scene the Duke and his courtiers wear black tuxedos, with the women in figure hugging satin gowns, whilst Rigoletto is garishly clad like a spiv. As well as these details there was also a very useful synopsis of the somewhat, complicated plot – which I found essential as the opera was hitherto unknown to me.

Accompanied by our describers Julia Grundy and Jonathan Nash from Sightlines and Jenny from WNO, those VI’s who were able to get to the theatre by 6 pm were taken onto the stage for the touch tour, where we able to see the backdrop for Act 1 and some of the props including the desk in the Oval Office which was based on the one used by J F K - complete with his family photos and model brass canons – which we had already heard about on the CD.

At the end of both intervals Jonathan and Julia briefly set the scene for the following act and during the music itself they were meticulous in delivering their commentary so as not to spoil our enjoyment of the WNO’s wonderful singing – most particularly that of Simon Keelyside in the title role.

Welsh National Opera’s next audio-described performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome is another real treat for opera aficionados and newcomers alike - Beethoven’s Fidelio - on the evening of Friday 12 November, and details on ticket prices, how to book headsets and places on the touch tour, can be obtained from the box office on 0844 338 5000.

Editor:
 
I was delighted to read Vidar's review of Rigoletto by the great Verdi. This is possibly my favourite opera and I saw it a few years back at the Hippodrome. My wife and I went for an Italian meal straight after the performance to Gino's, which famously stood at Holloway Head (whatever happened to Ginos, did they re-open elsewhere?) It was well known that the manager of Gino's loved his opera and would regularly sing to his customers as he served the tables. As we were waiting to order we noticed that the orchestra's conductor and a couple of the principle stars from the WNO came into the restaurant, more or less straight from the theatre but, shock and horror, there were no vacant tables. 
 
What happened next was quite astonishing, the manager unashamedly moved a party from his best table, midway through their meal, to another table being quickly layed up in a more cramped part of the restaurant and proceded to treat his operatic patrons as if royalty had just walked in. Such, I now understand, is the love and status of opera to Italians!
 
As a special Spaghetti treat, here are the three tenors doing La Donna E Mobile (if any adverts pop up as you view the clip or notifications of winning something, please ignore as it seems to be connected to You Tube and not to Spaghetti Gazetti):
 

A Beastly Experience!

Tuesday 2 August at 6.30pm.

The Chapterhouse Theatre Company will present a performance of 'Beauty and The Beast' especially for children. Don't forget to bring low chairs or blankets and the show goes on whatever the weather!

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens & Glasshouses
Westbourne Road
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B15 3TR

Tel: 0121 454 1860

Website: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

“The Unknown Boy”

Have just been for a couple of pints down the Court Oak pub with my old woodwork teacher Colin Spencer. At the ripe age of 75, Colin is still a very active citizen, running the West Midlands Woodworkers Guild, still a keen Morris dancer, rambler and secretary of the Five Ways Old Edwardians Association. As if that's not enough, Colin's wife Alison is chair of the Birmingham Cornish Association and, incidentally her mother used to work on the production team at Pebble Mill in the 1960s which produced the Charles Parker radio documentaries. So all in all a fascinating couple and it is always a great pleasure to have a pint with the teacher we used to call Chippy!

Colin brought my attention to this short piece of interest in the latest Old Eds Newsletter:   

"The Unknown Boy

"One conversation I vividly remember having with Harvey Gray before he died, was when he mentioned that he had sat with the two sons of Bernard Fleetwood-Walker for a painting Bernard had done. Harvey had tried to find this painting but had been unsuccessful in tracing it. This memory of our conversation was rekindled when I was lucky to join a tour of the Birmingham Council House last May and noticed a painting by Fleetwood-Walker on a wall in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour. I ‘Googled’ Fleetwood-Walker and found a most interesting web-site which included a painting of “Three Boys”. The date for this painting was 1937 which fits in with Harvey’s memory and is now housed in the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa in Wellington. I immediately phoned Harvey’s widow and have since printed her copies. I’m only sorry that Harvey never traced it himself – he would have been delighted.

The painting has been described thus:…

Rather than deeply exploring the psyche of his sitters (Fleetwood-Walker) was more adept at articulating their emotional and romantic sentiments. His work continues the British tradition of intimism and his stronger works are group studies in which he perceptively captures the sense of relationships through subtle facial expressions, gesture and most importantly, touch. Among masterworks are portraits of his family, notably of his children, of which ‘Three Boys’ is an outstanding example. His two sons, Colin in the centre and Guy on the right are joined by a friend and the loving gesture of the elder brother’s arm around his sibling personifies Fleetwood-Walker’s ability to show deeply felt emotion in an understated way.

Fleetwood-Walker was a former pupil at Five Ways in the early-1900s who went on to train in the arts as a silver- and goldsmith. Through working as a modeller and on low relief he developed an interest in painting and furthered his studies at the Birmingham School of Art, as well as in London, and under Fleury in Paris. The school have an original Fleetwood-Walker portrait of a young girl which was purchased in the mid-1960s and hangs on the staircase wall leading up to the main classroom block."

The further coincidence from my point of view is that earlier today I went into the Council House myself for a meeting (referred to previously on this blog) and on the way out walked along the coridor looking at some of the portraits of formers mayors and politicians such as Sturge, Kendrick, etc and as I passed the Lord Mayor's parlour I wondered about sticking my head into the room as the door was ajar and then heard voices so thought better of it as I didn't want to be ejected for suspicious behaviour! But had I gone in I guess I may well have seen the Fleetwood-Walker painting which sparked off Colin's detective trail.

Can anyone tell us more about the life and work of this accomplished Brummie artist?

New on the BSSEC blog.....

Sector asked to help meet ‘savings challenge’ as Cabinet Office cuts £11m from third sector programmes

July 29th, 2010 by Alun Severn

There’s a good, clear piece in Social Enterprise online here spelling out the cuts the Cabinet Office is making to social enterprise and third sector programmes as part of its economy drive.

READ MORE/....

http://www.bssec.org.uk/blog/?p=771
 

Cyclists take up the challenge to help Alzheimer’s Society

Pictured, left right, are the successful team with their certificates: Alok Rana, Specialist Registrar, Stonebow Unit Chris Barden, Occupational Therapist, Crisis Team, Stonebow Unit Tonia Barden, Community Mental Health Support Worker Steve Baker, Community Psychiatric Nurse, Memory Clinic Dr Richard Eggar, Consultant Psychiatrist

A team of budding cyclists from NHS Herefordshire have successfully completed a gruelling challenge to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society.


Dr Adrian Vos, a Consultant Psychiatrist with NHS Herefordshire’s mental health service persuaded colleagues to enter the Iron Mountain Sportif cycle ride on 10th July which is part of the Abergavenny festival of cycling. All of the team work in the Department of Mental Health for Older People which has strong links with the Alzheimer’s Society.

Dr Vos said “As mental health professionals we really appreciate the work that the voluntary sector do in this field, and we wanted to give some of our own time to show our thanks and support.”

The members of the team who undertook the challenge were a mixture of keen cyclists, people who commute to work on their bicycles and leisure cyclists who have never challenged themselves before. They completed a 28 mile course from Abergavenny via Raglan, Usk and back to Abergavenny. Dr Vos was planning to enter the 50 mile event, but unfortunately was unable to take part at all following an accident two days before. He said, “It was incredibly disappointing not to be able to compete, especially after press ganging my colleagues into taking part! I have set my sights on the 100 mile event for next year, so I have plenty of time to train.”

All of the team members purchased their bikes through NHS Herefordshire’s “salary sacrifice” scheme, which enables staff to purchase a bike and spread the cost of payments over 6 – 18 months. Climb on Bikes from Hereford supplied all the bikes and supported the team in their attempt. They also donated items for a prize draw organised by members of the team.

The team have been organising local collections and have set up a “just giving” page for any donations, which go straight to the charity. Donations can be accepted up to two months after the event. For further information see http://www.justgiving.com/DMHOPHereford  

UK Society for Co-operative Studies

Annual Conference 2010

'Co-operation at Work'

Northern College, Wentworth Castle, Barnsley

2-3 October 2010

Book by end of July and save £20!

Speakers include:

Prof. Richard Wilkinson (Equality Trust)

Dr.Elizabeth McKnight (Aberdeen University)

Craig Lumsden (Co-operative Financial Services)

Sessions include:

The Psychology of Co-operation

Co-operation between workers and consumers

Research Roundtable

All Welcome!

Student bursaries available - please ask

For further details contact Richard Bickle on 07768 184882 or email richardbickle@cooptel.net

Shine Outreach Officer Recruitment

Sound It Out Community Music is a social development agency for the West Midlands utilising music as a mechanism to enable change. In July 2009 the organisation received funding from the Department for Children, Schools and Families through the Youth Sector Development Fund to deliver Shine, a citywide programme for young people ages 13 – 19 on Friday and Saturday afternoons and evenings based in five communities of Birmingham. We are looking for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to become a Shine Outreach Officer. This person will join our Team to coordinate the Shine Programme in Kings Norton with support from the Shine Programme Team and Birmingham City Council Youth workers.

The closing date for applications is 12pm Wednesday 18th August 2010.

Interviews will take place on Thursday 26th August

The Successful applicant will need to be available to attend an induction on the 3rd and 4th September and be able to start in post on Friday 10th September. The post requires a regular weekly commitment to work on Fri and Saturday evenings and afternoons, plus one other day per week.

_______________________

1 x Part Time Shine Outreach Officers (£17,500 pro rata fixed term until March

2011 - 22.5 hours per week)

A Part Time Officer is required to be based at the Hawkesley Youth Club in Kings Norton.

The Outreach Officer will be responsible for the management of the locally based music programme including recruitment and mentoring support of young people, programming, promotion, monitoring, reporting and overseeing musicians and other artists.

______________________

For further information about the Shine Programme, along with a detailed Job Description, Person Specification and an application form for this position please email enquiries@sounditout.co.uk with reference to the post in the subject field.

Sound It Out is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

These positions are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Sound It Out is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Another flag four Victoria Park, Stafford

Victoria Park has made it four in a row as one of the best parks in the country.

For the fourth year running the popular town centre park has been granted the prestigious ‘Green Flag’ – the top award for parks and green spaces in England and Wales.

The ‘Green Flag’ is awarded by a group of charities, including ‘Keep Britain Tidy,’ and Victoria Park once again joins an elite group of open spaces country-wide to be given the honour.

Winners of the ‘Green Flag’ are judged to be welcoming, safe and well maintained and must involve the local community. It comes at a time when plans have recently been drawn up for a major transformation of the play area.

Councillor Mike Smith, cabinet member for leisure, said: “These are exciting times for Victoria Park and it is great to see we have been awarded the green flag once again.

“Victoria Park has served the community for over 100 years and we can proudly say it is one of the best in the country. There has been a huge amount of work that has gone on to make it the beautiful area it is today – a place which is envied, not only in Stafford, but by thousands of visitors.

"I am very pleased for our hard working staff whose efforts have once again been independently recognised as amongst the best in the country."

The River Sow runs through the park which also boasts a bowling green, aviary and bandstand along with the children’s play areas. It was opened in 1908 and has a dedicated ‘Friends’ group who raise awareness of this key heritage site and organise events to promote the park – http://www.friendsofvictoriapark.web.com/

The new scheme will see the two existing play areas replaced with a range of new equipment and landscaping to fit in with the rest of the park. A dedicated youth area will be created, along with a new toddler and junior playground.

Members of the design team visited nurseries, schools and colleges in the area to get youngsters’ ideas on what features they wanted. Consultations have been carried out with community groups such as Castletown Residents’ Association and the Friends of Victoria Park

A concept of how the park could look has now been put together and can be seen from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/victoriapark.

Delivering Regional Economic Growth in a Period of Deficit Reduction - Key Event - 15.09.10

SEMINAR ON A KEY ASPECT OF POLICY BY THE NEW COALITION GOVERNMENT ON DEVOLVING POWERS FROM THE CENTRE:


HOW BEST CAN WE DELIVER REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH IN A PERIOD OF DEFICIT REDUCTION?

· REBALANCING THE ECONOMY; PROMOTING GROWTH OUTSIDE LONDON AND THE SOUTHEAST

· TAKING AN INCENTIVE – LED APPROACH AND SUPPORTING WHAT WORKS

· MINIMISING NORTH – SOUTH DIFFERENCES

· OVERCOMING LOSS OF LARGE PUBLIC SECTOR EMPLOYMENT

· ENCOURAGING EFFECTIVE INNOVATION, CREATIVITY, ENTERPRISE AND OPPORTUNITY

Wednesday 15th September 2010, Queens Hotel, Leeds

Contributors include

v Andrew Carter, Director of Research and Policy, Centre for Cities

v Professor Steve Fothergill, Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research, Sheffield Hallam University

v Lee Hopley, Chief Economist, EEF

v Naomi Clayton, Senior Researcher, Ideopolis Programme, Work Foundation

v Kate Welch, Chief Executive, Acumen Community Enterprise Development Trust

v Steve Barwick, Director of Strategy, 4NW

v Joanne Roney, Chief Executive, Wakefield City Council

v Senior Representative, BIS

v Senior Representative, NESTA

v Senior Representative, One NorthEast

v Senior Representative, Yorkshire Universities

Issues covered

v How should we refine growth policy at a time of constrained public expenditure?

v How do we avoid a north / south divide and disproportionate impact on already deprived areas?

v How can we deliver a progressive, incentive – led approach, supporting what works?

v How might the public, private and third sectors best perform?

v How do we meet the challenges, opportunities and pit falls?

v How can we create private sector jobs in all regions to balance the shrinking of the public sector?

v How can we deliver a new geography of opportunity?

v How can we develop the role of manufacturing throughout the UK with stronger domestic and export markets?

v How can we avoid poor economic headwinds stultifying sustained manufacturing recovery?

v How can we grow the role of the knowledge economy, making all our cities and regions successful and sustainable?

v How can social enterprise make a substantial impact on delivering economic growth in troubled times?

v In rebalancing the economy, what is realistic, what is desirable?v How best can we make the UK a place where enterprise and innovation are made easier and can succeed?

v What should be the future of RDAs; how can “necessary and appreciated” RDAs have maximum impact on sustaining growth?

v Why and how should city regions and local enterprise partnerships replace RDAs to achieve and sustain economic growth?

v How should local enterprise partnerships and economic prosperity boards work?

v How should and must higher education help drive regional economies with transformational change?

v Where can we hope to be in ten years time?

How to Book

To see the full programme, speaker biographies, venue information and booking details Click Here

There are discounts for voluntary and community organisations and for block bookings.

Further information about The Centre for Public Policy Seminars can be viewed via our website http://www.cppseminars.org.uk/  

Please NoteAny problems, please contact our office on 01422 845004 or email seminars@cppseminars.org.uk

Census support

I went to a meeting this afternoon with officers from Birmingham City Council to talk about making the 2011 Census more accessible to different groups of disabled people through accessible formats and the provision of support to fill out forms.

Birmingham Disability Resource Centre, along with BID Services for Deaf People in Edgbaston and other Birmingham Disability Network members will more than likely be working with the local authority to provide some of this support prior to and on Census Day on 27th March 2011.

To help biuild the case for communication support, I would be grateful to hear of your experiences and ideas on how to encourage more people to fill in next year's census and the sort of support people require.

Email me at pmillington@disability.co.uk

Felix Dennis' Did I Mention the free wine? Poetry Tour 2010

Critically acclaimed poet Felix Dennis is bringing his ‘Did I Mention The Free Wine?’ Tour to the following West Midlands venues:

The Assembly Rooms in Ludlow on Sunday 26th September 2010 at 7pm

The Bridgehouse Theatre, Warwick on 16th October

Civic Hall, Stratford upon Avon on 17th October

and to The Glee Club in Birmingham on 18th October .

The evenings will include poetry performed by Dennis, with free fine French wines and canapés served throughout the evening.

Felix will be reading a selection of poems from his hugely popular collections, Homeless in My Heart, A Glass Half Full, Lone Wolf, Nursery Rhymes for Modern Times and Island of Dreams, all of which were sell-out books of original poetry. He will also be introducing his new collection, Tales From The Woods, in an exclusive preview ahead of the book’s launch in October.

To book online go to http://www.felixdennis.com/

Keep the faith with the West Midlands region

In spite to the new Coalition Goverment's best efforts to close down the concept of the West Midlands region, here at Spaghetti Gazetti our commitment will continue on the basis that it makes sense to think strategically and collectively about our own corner of the country.

Whether or not we think that AWM, Government Office etc. have always done a good job, spent wisely or represented the whole region fairly, there remains the need for the functions of regionality in terms of promoting the rich heritage and diversity of the West Midlands.

For instance, if we're trying to bring visitors to Birmingham, why not bring them to Stratford-upon-Avon, the Potteries, the Hereford cider industry, Ironbridge, the Black Country Museum, Tamworth Castle, Coventry Cathedral and Alton Towers, etc., at the same time?

With a population of 5 million people (equivalent to the populations of EU member countries like Sweden and Ireland), the West Midlands region IS a European region and will continue to be so. The functions of regional development and strategic governance remain, so will any money actually be saved in the long run or merely redirected to new Goverment favoured private orientated agencies with even less accountability?

Long before New Labour re-introduced the concept of a West Midlands region in 2000, I was working for a regional organisation called Disability West Midlands which operated regionally as well as locally. I have always found that people in the West Midands on the whole recognise the benefits of thinking regionally and strategically. I don't deny the challenges, often arising from the perceived distribution of resources.

The alternative is to go back to everything being run from London, big national resources staying in London, tourism staying in London, big events and new venues always going to London and the regions getting the crusts, with the rural peripheries of the regions getting the crumbs.

Keep the faith with the West Midlands ...keep visiting Spaghetti Gazetti. Let me assure you this with complete confidence, Spaghetti Gazetti will still be here long after the present Coalition Goverment have become history - mainly because this is about people and communities - not about money. Everyday between 500 and 1000 people visit this website for information and the direct financial cost of having run the website for nearly 3 years is £0.00.00. Clearly I'm onto something?

Worcestershire rises to the challenge for Olympic open weekend

Thousands of people across Worcestershire rose to the challenge last week at a unique event to mark the countdown to the Olympic Games.

Part of a national open weekend in celebration of London 2012 and co-ordinated locally by the Worcestershire Partnership the theme was 'challenge yourself'.

Hundreds turned out to Go Wild in Worcestershire, a day of sporting activities at the award-winning Worcester Woods Country Park. Meanwhile in Worcester City Centre residents got their groove on in a special ten-minute 'Dance Challenge'.

In total, an estimated 42,000 people from the West Midlands took part in one of 56 events that took place across the region as part of London 2012 Open Weekend.

We need to know whether commissioning achieves better public services, says research review.

New report from the Third Sector Research Centre highlights the need to consider how the commissioning process impacts on the quality of public services delivered by voluntary and community organisations.

Civil society, or third sector, organisations (TSOs) have been the centre of debate around the reform of public services for a number of years, and they form a key part of the new government’s stated agenda. Yet a review by TSRC shows that there is little independent evidence surrounding the nature of the services commissioned or whether new commissioning processes lead to better services for users.

The centre has examined research evidence, debate and policy on public service delivery in the last 5-10 years. Much of this research focused on the commissioning process, and the problems faced by the sector in engaging with this process.

Dr Rob Macmillan of TSRC, who conducted the review, stated that ‘it seems more attention has been paid to supporting organisations to navigate and cope with the demands of commissioning than how to improve the services they provide to their users. We need to know more about the effects of commissioning – especially the impact that it has on services and service users, whose voices and concerns have received little attention. The most important question – is the commissioning process leading to better services? – remains unanswered. TSRC certainly intends to help answer this through its ongoing research’

The review demonstrated a high level of concern amongst the voluntary sector that commissioners lacked knowledge about the range of third sector providers, and that they lacked an understanding of the wider benefits which these organisations can provide to service users. Tellingly, commissioners regularly cited ‘poor understanding of a changing agenda’ or ‘insufficient attention to outcomes specified in the tender’ as reasons why TSOs failed to win contracts. TSOs, on the other hand, noted that commissioners failed to recognise and understand the ‘soft’ outcomes offered in their bids.

Many sources note the need for a ‘cultural shift’ amongst organisations – increasing their understanding of new processes, building relationships with commissioners, and framing bids around what purchasers want to buy rather than what organisations want to deliver. But this in turn raises concerns about the effects of commissioning on TSOs. Are they compromising their independence, their mission, or their values? Should third sector organisations be focusing on what is better for their users?

Many studies also noted the need to enhance the resources and skills of third sector organisations to help them compete in the contract market. Full cost recovery, for example, has the potential to strengthen the position of the sector in contracting. It is designed to ensure that services are not subsidised by TSOs to the detriment of their overall financial position. Yet, in practice, TSOs face difficulty in gaining acceptance for full cost recovery and often fail to get it from commissioners.

Rob Macmillan adds that ‘we need to remember that the economic and political context in which the sector operates has changed. Evidence already suggests that the commissioning process may undervalue the costs to third sector organisations and the added value they provide. It remains to be seen whether the new economic and political climate will allow these issues to be addressed, or will signal a return to the primarily instrumental view of the sector as ‘alternative provision’’.

Light House Cinema to beam Stephen Fry live from the Royal Festival Hall with exclusive preview of his new book

Light House Media Centre is excited to announce that it will soon be beaming an exclusive event live from Royal Festival Hall featuring Stephen Fry presenting an exclusive preview of his new book The Fry Chronicles. This special event, marking the publication of Stephen Fry’s new volume of his autobiography, will take place on Monday 13 September, 7.15pm. Tickets cost £12.50 full price / £11 concession. Book tickets by calling Light House Box Office on 01902 716055. Programmed as part of National Theatre Live.

Stephen Fry published the autobiography of his early years "Moab is my Washpot" to rave reviews thirteen years ago. Since then Fry has become a multi-award-winning comedian, actor, presenter, director and writer and was awarded the Special Recognition Award at the National Television Awards in January 2010. Much loved by the public and his peers, Fry is one of the most influential cultural forces in the country. This dazzling new memoir, The Fry Chronicles, promises to be a courageously frank, honest and poignant, detailing some of the most turbulent and least well known years of his life.

Light House Marketing Coordinator Lindsay Wiggin said “This live event promises audiences an exclusive preview of the hilarious and uncompromising new book from the author himself! Light House is excited to be programming lots of live content from theatres around the world via satellite, and audiences to previous live events have been amazed by the electric atmosphere and the ‘best seat in the house’ for each and every audience member. Coming up we have the new 2010/11 season from The National Theatre and Live Opera from The Met in New York so keep an eye on our website for future live events!”

Stephen Fry Live: The Fry Chronicles will take place on Monday 13 September. The audience is invited to take their seats at 7.15pm joining the audience at the Royal Festival Hall, ready for the show to start at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £12.50 full / £11 conc. Book tickets by calling Light House Box Office on 01902 716055. For more information about Light House visit http://light-house.co.uk or email info@light-house.co.uk
 

BUYERS LINING UP FOR HIGHTGATE AND DAVENPORTS SITE

Owners of the historic Birmingham and West Midlands Highgate and Davenports beer brands, Empire Star Ltd have confirmed that an American brewer has shown an interest in purchasing the Grade II listed Highgate Brewery in Sandymount Road, Walsall.

Spokes person for Empire Star Ltd Ian Robinson commented “We have received an enquiry via a third party stating that an American brewer has shown a keen interest in the brewery and at present we are supplying them with full specifications of the site and it’s equipment. We are not able to confirm the name of the interested party at this stage, as this has not been disclosed to us, but news will be released immediately once we have a firm indication that the sale is likely to go ahead”.

Earlier this month Empire Star received interest from a dismantling company who had shown an interest in the site, Ian commented “The Sandymount site is a major historical part of Walsall and Empire Star’s main wish is to see brewing continue on the site”.

VI Gardening Course 15th September 2010

Getting on with growing food

Garden Workshop


For people with a visual impairment

Wednesday 15th September 2010 11am – 3pm

Ideal for All’s Independent Living Centre, Malthouse Garden,

Smethwick, B66 1JE near Birmingham, tel 0121 558 5555.

Are you interested in growing your own food?

• Did you once enjoy growing your own food but have lost your sight and your confidence?

• Do you have sight problems and are interested in learning some new techniques for growing your own food?

Then why not come to the Thrive Garden Workshop at Ideal for All. There will be: practical workshops where you will learn techniques for successful food growing, a visit to Salop Drive Market Garden for a tour and tasting of the abundant crops and a chance to meet other blind gardeners. You will have plants, gardening advice and fresh ideas to take home.

Tea, coffee and lunch will be provided.

For further information or to book a place on the day contact:

Wendy Chamberlain or Susan Twigg at Thrive on telephone 0118 988 5688, email info@thrive.org.uk or write to Thrive, The Geoffrey Udall Centre, Beech Hill, Reading RG7 2AT

New camera club in Ward End

Dear Editor,

It may be of interest to your readers to know that a camera club has been formed at Ward End Library.

The next meeting, which all are welcome, will be 13 September 5.30pm.

The subject will be " How to take the perfect studio portrait" a fully operational studio will bbe available for the evening and Mr Andrew MacFarlane will be demostrating on how to use the studio.

Yours faithfully
 
Barry Hands

New on the BSSEC blog... Big Lottery goes Big Local

Big Lottery goes Big Local



July 28th, 2010 by Alun Severn

Here’s a development which signals that new coalition government policies — the emphasis on localism, on grassroots organisations operating at the neighbourhood level — are beginning to reshape the priorities of independent funders, including the Lottery. BIG has just announced the launch of its new BIG Local programme, £200m in grants dedicated to between 100-150 urban and rural neighbourhoods which have a poor track record in securing funding.

READ MORE/....

http://www.bssec.org.uk/blog/?p=765
 

Chinese officials’ landmark hospital visit

Dr Erasmus Smit, Consultant Virologist, HPA Birmingham, Dr Margaret Logan, Deputy Regional Microbiologist, HPA West Midlands, Dr Li Xu McCrae, Senior Scientist, HPA Birmingham, Mr. Yuejin Yang, CDC, Kaifeng City, Henan province, Dr. Zizhao Li, Director, AIDS Control Office, Henan Provincial Health Bureau, Dr Grace Smith, Lead Consultant Microbiologist, HPA Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Dr. Wei Huang, Director-general of the Provincial Health Bureau, Dr Christopher Ellis, Clinical Director, Directorate of Infection, Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, Mr. Honglin Zhang, the Provincial Government Office, Henan Province, Mr Dan Hartland, Delegation Coordinator, Mr Mark Goldman, Chief Executive, Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Stephen Taylor, Lead Consultant Birmingham Heartlands HIV Service

Health ministers from China visited Birmingham Heartlands Hospital last week in an internationally significant step in the battle against HIV and AIDS.

In a major high-level engagement by Chinese health ministers and the NHS, the delegation, from Henan Province, met representatives from Heartlands Hospital and the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to sign a declaration of intent, signifying a commitment to working together.

Dr Li McCrae, clinical scientist at Heartlands Hospital and the West Midlands HPA, said: “A massive milestone has been reached between the UK and China. The declaration is a step towards a collaborative relationship which aims to improve HIV diagnosis management and treatment in both countries.”

Dr Stephen Taylor, lead consultant for the Birmingham Heartlands HIV Service said: “This has been a fantastic opportunity for us to share ideas and our experiences with the Chinese and vice versa. Ultimately our common purpose is to diagnose, treat and prevent HIV transmission whilst offering high quality patient care to those infected with HIV.

“There are important parallels in the two countries’ epidemics. In the UK we must continue to strive to diagnose the one third of people who are unknowingly infected with HIV. This is a public health imperative. The same will be true in China, although actual numbers of people infected will be tens of thousand times greater. Furthermore, we still have a huge problem with stigma here in the UK. We have come a long way in 25 years, but we still have a way to go.”

The event included presentations about the state of HIV in the UK and China and finished with discussions about shared goals and future collaboration. All parties emphasised their commitment to improving the treatment and care of people living with HIV, by raising awareness of HIV and AIDS amongst both medics and the public, combating stigma, and increasing HIV diagnoses through improved testing.

From Solihull to Zambia

Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Norman Davies presents laptops to Clive Adams, post 16 media and community links co-ordinator for Kingshurst Academy.

L-R: Steve Halliday, Solihull Council; Tanya Webber, international links co-ordinator, Kingshurst Academy; Clive Adams, post 16 media & community links co-ordinator for Kingshurst Academy; Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Norman Davies; Hilary Staton, Solihull Council; Altaf Karim, Solihull Council.

Solihull Council has presented Kingshurst Academy with six reconditioned laptops which will be sent on to help students at the Mungu Basic School in the Kafue District, Zambia.

Kingshurst has a long-standing relationship with the African school, with Kingshurst students having raised enough money over six years for new classrooms to be built there.

Up until now the school did not have any computers to plug into their new classrooms – other than an eight-year-old machine in the headmaster’s office.

The six laptops, which would have otherwise been recycled by the Council as they’re no longer suitable for corporate use, have now been reconditioned and will be going to their new home in Zambia.

Clive Adams, post 16 media & community links co-ordinator for Kingshurst Academy, said: “It’s great to think that these laptops are not going to be assigned to history, but in fact, will serve a vital role in enabling children thousands of miles away in Zambia to learn IT skills that most of us take for granted.”

Councillor Norman Davies, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, who presented Kingshurst Academy with the laptops on Thursday (22 July) said: “I’m very pleased to say that we’ve been able to help Kingshurst Academy find these laptops and it’s wonderful that something we no longer need will change the lives of so many students in Zambia.”

Telling the story of The Jesus Festival

One of Dan Burwood's photos which make up the exhibition.

A new photography exhibition giving an insight into one of Syria’s most important religious festivals has taken residence in Solihull Arts Complex’s Gallery.

Birmingham photographer Dan Burwood captured the images for The Jesus Festival during a trip to Maloula, an Aramaic-speaking and mainly Christian village in Syria, in September 2009.

The festival from which this exhibition takes its name is the most important event on the Christian calendar in this part of Syria and is packed full of crosses and ritual celebration fires.

Dan’s photographs – which document some public aspects of the festival as well as some of the people involved in the fires – were taken over a three-day period following a visit to the village a year earlier, where locals had shown him round and educated him about the festival.

The exhibition, which runs until Saturday 21 August, will feature two free public events that will give further insight into the stories behind the photographs.

Firstly, the Mayor of Solihull will officially launch the exhibition this Thursday (29 July), from 6.15pm-7.30pm. Then, the following Monday (2 August) Dan Burwood will give an artist’s talk about the project, again from 6.15pm-7.30pm.

For more information about the Solihull Gallery, visit www.solihull.gov.uk/gallery or phone 0121 704 8138.

Five weeks of Summer Fun in Solihull

Keep Your Children Entertained This Holiday at Mell Square

This summer, there is no excuse for children to be bored during the school holidays. Mell Square’s ‘Summer Fun’ is an essential for your diary, providing your family with a packed programme of exciting events, all held at Mell Square Shopping Centre, in the heart of the town centre.

Summer Fun begins on the 29th July and runs through to the 26th August, keeping your children active and entertained the whole summer long. The varied programme of events runs as follows:

All the Fun of the Fair, 29th July, 11am-3pm

Roll up, roll up and make your way to Mell Square for a day of clowning around and circus frolics. ‘All the Fun of the Fair’ is on offer with attractions including; a mini wheel, swing boats, along with Punch and Judy shows.

Through the course of the day, circus workshops and face painters will be in action – with something for children of all ages, all the family is guaranteed to have a great time.

Get Active, 5th August, 11am-3pm

Sports enthusiasts will enjoy the Get Active day at Mell Square. The programme will include a host of activities with plenty of get up and go - the Royal Navy will be on hand to test the soccer skills of those who fancy themselves as the next Gary O’Connor, while adrenaline junkies are catered for with attractions including; a climbing tower, trampolines and bungee swings.

To wind down from all the high energy antics, there will be three yoga workshops, held by the fantastic, Yoga Bugs. Children will experience a specially designed fitness programme that is introduced through storytelling and magical adventures that will inspire their imagination and strengthen their inner core. Animal Antics, 12th August, 11am-3pm

Have a ‘whale’ of a time at Mell Square and take part in its Animal Antics event. During the day there will be arts and craft activities, from creating a giant fish from recycled material to a ‘design your own jigsaw’ workshop. Children can even become animals for the day by having their face painted.

Entertainment includes performances of the wonderful, Toad of Toad Hall and magic shows, from Aires Entertainment. There’s also another opportunity for your tots to take part in sessions with the imaginative, Yoga Bugs.

Fun in the Sun, 19th August, 11am-3pm

Bring your little rays of sunshine along to Mell Square to enjoy the sounds of the steel band and take part in FREE craft activities.

It’s a true celebration of summer, with a bouncy castle, Punch and Judy performances, face painting and henna body art demonstrations.

Happy Holiday, 26th August, 11am-3pm

To round off the summer holiday fun, let your little ones take a turn on the trampoline, bend and stretch with the Yoga Bugs or get creative with arts and crafts workshops, where children will get to make their very own teddy bear.

All this, along with face painting and storytelling sessions, it is a great end to a wonderful holiday of Summer Fun at Mell Square.

No advance booking is required for any of the activities but you are advised to come along early to guarantee the activity of your choice, weather permitting.

For full information on all these events go to www.mellsquare-shopping.com, alternatively you can contact Rachel Lowe directly at rachellowe@solihull.gov.uk.