PROFESSIONAL COACHING SKILLS – TRAINING PROGRAMME– BIRMINGHAM
Striding Out
Striding Out Ltd, a Community Interest Company, is a leading provider of training services and specialises in coaching for leadership, youth, business and careers.
We are now offering a coaching skills training course in Birmingham. During this intensive four-day course participants will undertake an extended period of supervised coaching in the workplace and learn an array of coaching tools and techniques that are designed to measure the effectiveness of coaching. Coaching techniques can be used in a wide variety of contexts – in the community, with young people, with business teams, to improve employment and careers prospects and to help people overcome disadvantage. Our course is linked to an ILM Level 3 Certificate and is particularly suitable for third sector and public sector employees.
Why coaching?
Coaching is about helping people learn more about who they are, what they want and how to get there. It is about helping people discover their own answers, rather than just giving advice. Coaching techniques provide powerful tools for inspiring, supporting and empowering others.
Details
Training will take place in October/November (dates to be confirmed) in South Birmingham and will be complemented with 4 x one-to-one sessions from Rosalyn Clare CPCC. The cost of the course is £650, and includes all of the training, supervision and qualification costs. (Note: we may be able to access funding to cover these costs if you have 5 employees or more.)
If two or more register together the cost is reduced by £50 for each participant.
To either register or receive more information about the training program please visit http://www.stridingout.co.uk/networking-events/birmingham/professional-coaching-skills-training-programme-september-9-9-2010.html or http://bit.ly/9WPTC9
Additional Contact Information:
Rosalyn Clare – 07888693335 – Rosalyn@stridingout.co.uk
Thursday, 30 September 2010
RANGE ROVER AND ROBERTO CAVALLI TEAM UP FOR PARIS FASHION WEEK AND 40TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS
Juliette Lewis (pictured above) performed an hour long set at the event which took place aboard a yacht, on the Seine. Speaking of the city she said: “I LOVE Paris, the cool sophistication and the cafés. I love French audiences they really understand what I do. All the drama, danger, love and rock n’ roll energy.”
Other guests who attended this evening event included fashion designer Henry Holland, musician Greg Kozo (Make the Girl Dance), actor Ethan James and DJ A-Trak.
Earlier today Range Rover had unveiled four pop-up street installations at key Parisian landmarks. The brand has worked with leading contemporary Parisian artists to create artworks which have been inspired by the new Range Rover Evoque and the city of Paris.
The installations focus on luxury, design, sustainability and technology and represent key aspects of the car. The artists behind the installations are André (AKA Monsieur A), Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, Surface To Air and Yorgo Touplas. Each of the chosen artists has long been influenced by their city, Paris, but today they each revealed how this relationship has led to a 3 day street pop-up with Range Rover.
The week’s events will culminate with the public debut of the Range Rover Evoque at the Paris Motor Show on the 30th September.
Herefordshire Council leader pulls the plug on bid for ‘reality TV’
Proposals to launch ‘Council TV’ into every living room in the county have been quickly stamped on by the leader of Herefordshire Council.
An idea to pilot webcasting, to enable residents to watch council debates on the internet, was raised by a review panel of elected members reporting to overview and scrutiny committee. The proposal was misreported today as ‘a test broadcast of reality TV’ on the front page of a local newspaper.
Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of the council, immediately pulled the plug on the idea.
He said: “I have never heard such squit - there is no way the cabinet will even contemplate spending money on such a suggestion. We’ve only just seen the back of Big Brother – we won’t be starting another reality TV show.
“Public services are facing up to severe financial pressures and massive cuts in government funding. Our commitment is to reduce any possible increase in council tax and make sure we do all we can to safeguard social care for the vulnerable and our growing older population.
“We have already cut back on what we spend on communications and will be cutting back more in the next few months - every area of activity is making a contribution, with more central control of communications expenditure”.
The council recently announced it would be cutting at least 30 management posts over the next one to two years and has already rationalised the number of directorates as it drives through savings as a result of close partnership working with NHS Herefordshire, the primary care trust.
An idea to pilot webcasting, to enable residents to watch council debates on the internet, was raised by a review panel of elected members reporting to overview and scrutiny committee. The proposal was misreported today as ‘a test broadcast of reality TV’ on the front page of a local newspaper.
Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of the council, immediately pulled the plug on the idea.
He said: “I have never heard such squit - there is no way the cabinet will even contemplate spending money on such a suggestion. We’ve only just seen the back of Big Brother – we won’t be starting another reality TV show.
“Public services are facing up to severe financial pressures and massive cuts in government funding. Our commitment is to reduce any possible increase in council tax and make sure we do all we can to safeguard social care for the vulnerable and our growing older population.
“We have already cut back on what we spend on communications and will be cutting back more in the next few months - every area of activity is making a contribution, with more central control of communications expenditure”.
The council recently announced it would be cutting at least 30 management posts over the next one to two years and has already rationalised the number of directorates as it drives through savings as a result of close partnership working with NHS Herefordshire, the primary care trust.
A British-Hindi gangster film that could be banned in India for its ''shocking, drug-fuelled violence'' hits the big screens in the UK next month.
PUSH-ER OFF
BRITISH-ASIAN DIRECTOR DEFIES RELIGIOUS CLERICS
A British-Hindi gangster film that could be banned in India for its ''shocking, drug-fuelled violence'' hits the big screens in the UK next month.
Religious leaders claim Pusher, a gritty remake of the 1996 Danish crime movie of the same name, ''borders on the psychotic''.
They likened it to a more disturbing version of Scottish cult flick Trainspotting, and fear it could leave more sensitive viewers psychologically damaged.
There are now calls for the film, which stars Bollywood beauty Mahima Chaudhry, to be banned from cinemas in the country's capital, Mumbai.
In a statement, Naseer Abdullah, a cleric from Abu Hanifa mosque in Mumbai, said: ''We are unhappy with the content of this movie.
''As such, we believe it borders on the psychotic and contains gratuitous and shocking, drug-fuelled violence.
At least three independent cinemas in the city are believed to have curtailed performances.
But the British Board of Film Classification disagrees. Despite scenes of extreme violence, which include torture and rape, it has allowed the film to be shown - albeit with an 18 certificate.
Pusher will now open in UK cinemas on October 15.
Director and writer Assad Raja yesterday played down the levels of violence in the film.
But he admitted some scenes, including one of a teenage girl lying on a bed after being sexually abused, was ''not your average Bollywood movie'' and could ''distress some people''.
He said: ''Pusher is a gritty movie, that's for sure. It's not your average Bollywood movie, and it's unforgiving in terms of its bloody realism.
''There are some scenes that I had to think long and hard about including.
''But that doesn't give anyone the right to ban it. My film explores themes corruption of society and of the soul.
“As a film maker, you bring to the screen what you know, these people don’t know what they’re talking about. I think it will turn youngsters off crime and drugs and actually help them. We're proud of the film, and look forward to seeing it on the big screen soon.''
The film tells the story of Salim (Raja), a low-level Asian drug dealer who works the streets of London.
One disastrous deal follows another, and Salim quickly finds himself on the wrong side of some of the capital's most dangerous criminals.
It is already being hailed as the film that will change the face of British Asian cinema forever.
Actor-writer-director Assad Raja hit upon the idea of making the film filmed in London and the Midlands - following his own frustrations as an actor in the UK.
He said: "As a British Asian, I found it extremely difficult to get a decent role in British films, TV shows and even on the stage. I kept finding that most roles were extremely stereotyped and limited to such things as 'corner shop keepers' or 'token Asian family' in a predominantly white-dominated soap.
"I wanted to challenge this and very much wanted to make an Indian language Brit-film in this crazy, gritty style. Nothing like this has been done in British, Asian or so-called Bollywood cinema ever before."
Despite a shoestring budget of less than £500,000, Raja secured the talents of actress Mahima Chaudhry, and musicians Panic Cell, Apache Indian, S.Kalibre and Glasgow-based Bhangra group Tigerstyle.
It has already received several glowing reviews, and has achieved an almost cult-like status among British Asian film buffs.
But not everyone agrees. Clerics in India believe Raja has "brought shame" on the Muslim community.
Shammim Baig, also from the Abu Hanifa mosque in Mumbai, said: ''Films like this are destroying the core fabric of Muslim morals. It sleights a community by portraying them as drug dealers, gamblers and people who consort with prostitutes.”
''The content of the film - sex, drugs, gambling and violence - defy Islam teachings, and will harm future generations”.
''The director should feel nothing but shame.''
Pusher hits the big screen in London, Birmingham, Manchester and Leicester from October 14.
Go to: http://www.pushermovie.com/
Wednesday, 29 September 2010
Enabling Church: Disability, Wholeness and Christian Theology
A Major Conference from Churches for All & Premier Christian Radio
Conference Overview
A selection of top quality speakers will share their insight for disability through their own experience or that of their families, and offer their biblical reflections on the subject. Stimulating a conversation concerning a truly Christian response to disability and disabled people, their inclusion and involvement in every aspect of church life.
Date: Thursday 7th October 2010
Friends Meeting House
173 Euston Road
London NW1 2BJ
Bookings
Standard Booking: £25 per person (inc VAT).
Accompanying enablers of disabled delegates are allowed free access.
A limited number of tickets will be available on the door.
To register for this event please visit www.premier.org.uk/enablingchurch or call Premier Tickets on 0207 316 1313
Conference Overview
A selection of top quality speakers will share their insight for disability through their own experience or that of their families, and offer their biblical reflections on the subject. Stimulating a conversation concerning a truly Christian response to disability and disabled people, their inclusion and involvement in every aspect of church life.
Date: Thursday 7th October 2010
Friends Meeting House
173 Euston Road
London NW1 2BJ
Bookings
Standard Booking: £25 per person (inc VAT).
Accompanying enablers of disabled delegates are allowed free access.
A limited number of tickets will be available on the door.
To register for this event please visit www.premier.org.uk/enablingchurch or call Premier Tickets on 0207 316 1313
From fitness and food to music and massage all under one roof at the new Alum Rock Community Health Fair!
Huge array of health and wellbeing information on offer alongside exciting mix of entertainment and activities at three-day fair
High profile visits expected from a Birmingham City FC player and a senior member of the Government
From expert health advice to cooking demonstrations, henna art and live music, there is something for everyone at the new three-day Alum Rock Community Health Fair, being held on the site of the new £15 million Washwood Heath Health and Wellbeing Centre development in Clodeshall Road, Saltley from Monday 4 October to Wednesday 6 October 2010.
Open daily from 10am to 5pm, residents in Washwood Heath, Saltley and Hodge Hill are invited to visit the three-day event, the first of its kind in the area, to learn more about the wide spectrum of health related services available to the community.
Information will be offered on subjects like healthy eating, keeping active, breastfeeding, stopping smoking and weight control. In addition there will be advice and support on the prevention and treatment of conditions such as diabetes, asthma, postnatal depression, genetic disorders, cardiovascular disease, bronchitis and emphysema. Presentations will explore the link between spirituality and health, while other sessions will look more specifically at womens health issues. Plus, the Health Bus will be on hand to carry out simple, practical health checks.
The event has been organised by Oakleaf Health Surgery, NHS Birmingham East and North (BEN), Birmingham and Solihull Local Improvement Finance Trust (BaS LIFT) and members of the local community, with support from specialist developer Prime plc, construction company Mansell, project manager Mott MacDonald and the Conservative Party. There will be yoga sessions, karate displays, cooking demonstrations led by regional chefs, face painting for youngsters and much more! Entertainment will be provided by the UK's most versatile Nasheed band Aashiq al-Rasul.
Dr Mohammed Waheed, GP at Oakleaf Health Surgery, said: "The fair is a really exciting opportunity to inspire and encourage all of us to look after our physical and mental wellbeing. Its a unique occasion for the local community to sample a variety of quality stalls, talks and activities to help us to manage our own health positively and confidently. Despite the local area performing poorly in most parameters in life, including health, I hope the fair will show that, despite the odds, we can all make a change for the better."”
With high profile visits anticipated from a player from Birmingham City Football Club and a senior member of the Government (details to be confirmed), the fair promises to be a major event for the local community and beyond.
Paul Sabapathy, Chairman of NHS Birmingham East and North (NHS BEN), said: "This three-day event looks set to be fun-filled as well as bringing together a wide range of advice on maintaining good health and wellbeing. It is important that communities hold events like this as lifestyle changes have impacted on health. Conditions such as diabetes and obesity are on the increase in the Washwood Heath area, which also has an above national average proportion of young people. It’s vital that we make the most of every opportunity to inform and encourage people to make positive lifestyle choices earlier in life, for example, by eating more healthily.”
The fair is being held in the grounds of Washwood Heath Health and Wellbeing Centre, which is currently under construction. The new, three storey 3,920 m2 primary care centre, developed by BaS LIFT and Prime plc in partnership with NHS BEN, will bring an innovative collaboration of health, wellness, social support and voluntary services together under one roof. The aim is to ensure a holistic approach to healthcare delivery where the patient population can access a wide range of services that help meet the whole needs of the individual.
Richard Cutler, development director at Prime plc, said: "We are delighted to be supporting this event. It is vital that we regenerate buildings and facilities to support the delivery of modern professional health care. But it's equally as important that we ensure communities know just how much help and support is available to them, and how to access it. Events like the Alum Rock Community Health Fair play a major role in raising awareness and encouraging local residents to really make use of the growing range of services on offer to them."
Monday, 27 September 2010
Tory Party Conference Protest- Final Update from the Organisers of Disability Sub Group
Sunday, October 3rd
Birmingham
Anyone who wants to should meet up around 11.30 am at Chamberlain Square
Main Rally starts at Lionel Street car park ( A on map) from 12 - 1 p.m. This is where the main speakers will be.
Anyone who finds this too far should go to Chamberlain Square from 11.30 am onwards. We will probably be leaving there to meet up with the rest of the march around 1.15 pm. People can either just go to the top of Broad Street and back or join onto the end of the main march for as long as they want to then return to Chamberlain Square.
As you may know West Midlands police originally agreed that the march could go down Broad Street right past the conference but then Birmingham City Council refused to allow this. Following a further 2 lengthy meetings with the police and Birmingham City Council last week we are, we hope, now in a position to give you all the final details of the forthcoming rally and march to protest against
CUTS THAT WILL KILL
We are still very unhappy with the only main rallying point other than one outside of the centre altogether, that the police and Birmingham City Council would agree to although they have also agreed to disabled people having a second rallying point as well.
The Coach drop off point will now be Constitution Hill and the rally will be held at Lionel Street car park, off Great Charles Street Queensway. - Time 12- 1 p.m.
The main march will then proceed down Lionel Street which is a fairly empty back street especially on a Sunday for which the city council are going to charge the organisers £2,500 to close off all the parking bays there.
(They could just be closed for Sunday at a cost of £139 but Birmingham City council are unreasonably in our opinion saying they have to be closed the whole of the weekend).
From the end of Lionel Street the march will go under an underpass (no steeper than normal underpasses) onto Paradise Circus and then across the top of Broad Street where the Tory party conference is being held.
It will then proceed onto Suffolk Street Queensway and down a steep underpass onto Holliday Street and up Gas Street back onto Broad Street at the other end of the conference.
The march will then go onto Broad Street heading away from the conference. It is hoped that there can be a ‘closing’ street rally at this point but the police and council have not yet agreed to this.
The other groups of protestors will also be going to the Walkabout Inn on Broad Street so anyone who wants to can talk to the speakers who have come over from Greece and Portugal. This is fully accessible.
From Chamberlain Square we plan to end up in Weathespoons in Paradise Forum which is also fully accessible.
Finally anyone travelling by coach will eventually be herded off to Five Ways to board their coaches from 15.30- 17.00 hours.
The main march route is 1.6 miles. The police and council were hoping to get the protest march around it in half an hour (!!) but this is now timed to take from 1 pm-3pm.
Alternate more accessible route
We will meet as arranged originally in Chamberlain Square at 11.30 am onwards or for those who feel able or come by coach at Lionel Street car park rally point for 12.
The route available for those who do not want to take part in the main march will be from Chamberlain Square through Paradise Forum and onto Paradise Circus at the top of Broad Street where we can join the end of the main march for as long as wanted and then return to Chamberlain Square to take part in a die-in.
Anyone who needs to drop out along the route at any point should return to Chamberlain Square for the die-in.
Similarly for anyone starting the main march they will be able to drop out when that reaches the top of Broad Street and return to Chamberlain Square too.
State of the ICC where conference will be
The ICC will be surrounded by steel fences and during the march Broad Street will have 3 sets of barriers at both ends of the part that is being used for conference, a vehicle barrier, steel plate barrier and police officer barrier. However there will still be at police discretion pedestrian access into this part of Broad Street and Centenary Square.
(Anyone would think they were scared of us )
Die-in Chamberlain Square
We would like to try to keep the die-in in Chamberlain Square going for as long as possible and think this fits in with what the police have described a static protest. It is hard to say exactly when this will finish as that to some extent will depend on timings of main march but we will aim to end it by 4 p.m. at the latest.
The march itself
It has been agreed that disabled people can lead the march and also that we will be at the end as well. Although this will split us as a group for a while leading the march should allow us to get high profile publicity for our particular grievances and being at the end means people can join the end of the march from a much shorter route directly from Chamberlain Square and that there will not be any problems if anyone needs to drop out and return to Chamberlain Square due to fatigue or limited mobility.
Update on accessible parking and loos
There will be no parking available in Lionel Street car park, or Cambridge Street and Brindley Drive car parks.
No on street parking in Lionel Street.
As far as we know all other parking will be available.
Loos
There will be no access to any loos in ICC or NIA or Repertory Theatre. There is a further but small accessible loo in Starbucks on New Street, in the left corner at the back.
The main protest organisers had planned to provide a an accessible mini-bus to help to get people back from Broad Street to stations but would like to apologise as they may not now have any money to do this since Birmingham City Council keep demanding more and more money from them for things like closing off the parking bays all weekend.
15-20 people with mixed impairments to head the march- if anyone is willing to do this please let me know.
ONLY DISABLED PEOPLE AND PAs FOR THIS PLEASE
linda_burnip@yahoo.co.uk
0771 492 7533 or 01926 842253
A megaphone or portable, non-electric microphone ( ie one that doesn’t need mains electric)
If you want to please bring
Striped pyjamas
A black triangle badge ( point downwards)
Placards – saying what you want but some suggestions are
CUTS KILL
LIFE NOT DEATH
RIGHTS NOT CHARITY
HANDS OFF DISABLED PEOPLE
Banners
Fake blood
What we will have available
Black triangles ( about 100)
Placards (limited quantity)
Banners (limited quantity)
Fake blood
We will have these available at both Lionel Street car park and in Chamberlain Square to be collected.
I am pleased to say the Chief Inspector of West Midlands Police is very keen to make sure that we are facilitated to protest following a large number of complaints he had received from our DPOs both at home and internationally through ENIL.
Telephone numbers for the day
Eleanor – 0773 7480378
Linda - 0771 492 7533
Debbie – 07946 140765
Tina - 07814 775950
Before you leave
If you are taking part in this protest and we do not already have your contact details please leave these with us for any future events or email/ phone them to us afterwards.
Birmingham
Anyone who wants to should meet up around 11.30 am at Chamberlain Square
Main Rally starts at Lionel Street car park ( A on map) from 12 - 1 p.m. This is where the main speakers will be.
Anyone who finds this too far should go to Chamberlain Square from 11.30 am onwards. We will probably be leaving there to meet up with the rest of the march around 1.15 pm. People can either just go to the top of Broad Street and back or join onto the end of the main march for as long as they want to then return to Chamberlain Square.
CUTS THAT WILL KILL
We are still very unhappy with the only main rallying point other than one outside of the centre altogether, that the police and Birmingham City Council would agree to although they have also agreed to disabled people having a second rallying point as well.
The Coach drop off point will now be Constitution Hill and the rally will be held at Lionel Street car park, off Great Charles Street Queensway. - Time 12- 1 p.m.
The main march will then proceed down Lionel Street which is a fairly empty back street especially on a Sunday for which the city council are going to charge the organisers £2,500 to close off all the parking bays there.
(They could just be closed for Sunday at a cost of £139 but Birmingham City council are unreasonably in our opinion saying they have to be closed the whole of the weekend).
From the end of Lionel Street the march will go under an underpass (no steeper than normal underpasses) onto Paradise Circus and then across the top of Broad Street where the Tory party conference is being held.
It will then proceed onto Suffolk Street Queensway and down a steep underpass onto Holliday Street and up Gas Street back onto Broad Street at the other end of the conference.
The march will then go onto Broad Street heading away from the conference. It is hoped that there can be a ‘closing’ street rally at this point but the police and council have not yet agreed to this.
The other groups of protestors will also be going to the Walkabout Inn on Broad Street so anyone who wants to can talk to the speakers who have come over from Greece and Portugal. This is fully accessible.
From Chamberlain Square we plan to end up in Weathespoons in Paradise Forum which is also fully accessible.
Finally anyone travelling by coach will eventually be herded off to Five Ways to board their coaches from 15.30- 17.00 hours.
The main march route is 1.6 miles. The police and council were hoping to get the protest march around it in half an hour (!!) but this is now timed to take from 1 pm-3pm.
Alternate more accessible route
We will meet as arranged originally in Chamberlain Square at 11.30 am onwards or for those who feel able or come by coach at Lionel Street car park rally point for 12.
The route available for those who do not want to take part in the main march will be from Chamberlain Square through Paradise Forum and onto Paradise Circus at the top of Broad Street where we can join the end of the main march for as long as wanted and then return to Chamberlain Square to take part in a die-in.
Anyone who needs to drop out along the route at any point should return to Chamberlain Square for the die-in.
Similarly for anyone starting the main march they will be able to drop out when that reaches the top of Broad Street and return to Chamberlain Square too.
State of the ICC where conference will be
The ICC will be surrounded by steel fences and during the march Broad Street will have 3 sets of barriers at both ends of the part that is being used for conference, a vehicle barrier, steel plate barrier and police officer barrier. However there will still be at police discretion pedestrian access into this part of Broad Street and Centenary Square.
(Anyone would think they were scared of us )
Die-in Chamberlain Square
We would like to try to keep the die-in in Chamberlain Square going for as long as possible and think this fits in with what the police have described a static protest. It is hard to say exactly when this will finish as that to some extent will depend on timings of main march but we will aim to end it by 4 p.m. at the latest.
The march itself
It has been agreed that disabled people can lead the march and also that we will be at the end as well. Although this will split us as a group for a while leading the march should allow us to get high profile publicity for our particular grievances and being at the end means people can join the end of the march from a much shorter route directly from Chamberlain Square and that there will not be any problems if anyone needs to drop out and return to Chamberlain Square due to fatigue or limited mobility.
Update on accessible parking and loos
There will be no parking available in Lionel Street car park, or Cambridge Street and Brindley Drive car parks.
No on street parking in Lionel Street.
As far as we know all other parking will be available.
Loos
There will be no access to any loos in ICC or NIA or Repertory Theatre. There is a further but small accessible loo in Starbucks on New Street, in the left corner at the back.
The main protest organisers had planned to provide a an accessible mini-bus to help to get people back from Broad Street to stations but would like to apologise as they may not now have any money to do this since Birmingham City Council keep demanding more and more money from them for things like closing off the parking bays all weekend.
15-20 people with mixed impairments to head the march- if anyone is willing to do this please let me know.
ONLY DISABLED PEOPLE AND PAs FOR THIS PLEASE
linda_burnip@yahoo.co.uk
0771 492 7533 or 01926 842253
A megaphone or portable, non-electric microphone ( ie one that doesn’t need mains electric)
If you want to please bring
Striped pyjamas
A black triangle badge ( point downwards)
Placards – saying what you want but some suggestions are
CUTS KILL
LIFE NOT DEATH
RIGHTS NOT CHARITY
HANDS OFF DISABLED PEOPLE
Banners
Fake blood
What we will have available
Black triangles ( about 100)
Placards (limited quantity)
Banners (limited quantity)
Fake blood
We will have these available at both Lionel Street car park and in Chamberlain Square to be collected.
I am pleased to say the Chief Inspector of West Midlands Police is very keen to make sure that we are facilitated to protest following a large number of complaints he had received from our DPOs both at home and internationally through ENIL.
Telephone numbers for the day
Eleanor – 0773 7480378
Linda - 0771 492 7533
Debbie – 07946 140765
Tina - 07814 775950
Before you leave
If you are taking part in this protest and we do not already have your contact details please leave these with us for any future events or email/ phone them to us afterwards.
Big Apple weekend around Ledbury
THE apple and cider heritage of the area around Ledbury is celebrated in this autumn's Big Apple weekend on Saturday and Sunday, October 9 and 10.
If you've got an appetite for apples and want to learn more about them, the orchards where they grow, or the cider that they get made into, then this is for you.
Now in its 22nd year, the award-winning festival brings together local communities for a series of events that celebrate the traditions of apple growing and cidermaking.
Read the full article in the Ledbury Reporter
If you've got an appetite for apples and want to learn more about them, the orchards where they grow, or the cider that they get made into, then this is for you.
Now in its 22nd year, the award-winning festival brings together local communities for a series of events that celebrate the traditions of apple growing and cidermaking.
Read the full article in the Ledbury Reporter
Imagineer Productions presents Godiva Awakes
Imagineer Productions Godiva Awakes project, part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad, will be showcased in full for the first time at the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum, Coventry on 1 and 2 October 2010.
Godiva Awakes is part of Artists taking the lead, a series of 12 public art commissions across the UK to celebrate the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Arts Council England is delivering the project in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotland and Arts Council of Wales.
Imagineer Productions will create a ten metre high Lady Godiva, who will awake from her sleeping chamber in July 2012 to a spectacular performance and powered by 50 cyclists journey to London to play a part in the London 2012 celebrations. She will be a symbol of justice for the 21st Century embodying the values of fair play, friendship, respect and courage that are at the heart of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Over 1 and 2 October, members of the public will be able to visit the Herbert to see each element of the project for themselves from the plans and an animation of the amazing Cyclopedia to sculpted maquettes of Lady Godiva to the designs for the stained glass windows that will appear in Godiva’s chamber to the initial designs for Lady Godiva’s coat.
Talking about the project Imagineer Productions said: “Through Godiva Awakes we will create a once in a lifetime opportunity for young people of all backgrounds to engage in an ambitious project supporting and developing the skills of a new generation of makers, performers and event producers.
We are honoured and excited to be representing the West Midlands region as part of the Cultural Olympiad and hope to capture the imagination of the country, and the world, showcasing the skill and ingenuity of the region as Godiva walks to London. We hope as many people as possible visit the exhibition on 1 and 2 October to see for themselves how extraordinary the Godiva Awakes project is and will be.”
Ros Robins, Arts Council England’s West Midlands director, said there had been strong competition to select the 12 winners.
“Godiva Awakes is one of these extraordinary and diverse projects funded by Arts Council England to play a major part in the Cultural Olympiad. We consider it will really fulfil our mission of bringing great art to everyone and contribute to one of the greatest international celebrations experienced in this country.
“We congratulate Imagineer for creating such an exciting and challenging project, which will involve many hundreds of artists and individuals across the West Midlands. The event in 2012 in the centre of Coventry I am sure will attract thousands of spectators and then Godiva’s progress to London powered by 50 cyclists will also be quite sensational and be a truly wonderful representation of the West Midlands great cultural and industrial heritage.”
“Eventually Godiva will return to her home in the centre of Coventry – thereby creating a lasting memorial to one of the city’s most famous celebrities.”
Councillor Abdal Khan, Cabinet Member, Culture, Leisure, Sport and Libraries Coventry City Council, said:
"It's a really exciting time in the city as we continue the build up to 2012 and Coventry's role as an Olympic city. This project is another opportunity to showcase the wonderful creative talent we have in Coventry and I will be following the ongoing creation of the 21st Century Godiva with interest.
The project is not just for the artistic and creative community, it really is an opportunity for the whole local community to come and see for themselves how the city's contribution to the Cultural celebration of 2012 is taking shape."
For further information and to follow the stories of the people involved in the project visit http://www.imagineerproductions.co.uk/
Imagineer Productions are working with the Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership for the 2012 Games (CW2012) to maximise opportunities arising from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. www.cswp.org.uk/london2012. To see how the West Midlands region as a whole is maximising the benefits from London 2012 visit http://www.wmfor2012.com/.
New on the BSSEC blog..... Inequality worthy of the court of the Sun King
September 27th, 2010 by Alun Severn
There was an excellent piece in yesterday’s Observer by Will Hutton. Oddly, he calls for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for British capitalism — along the lines of the commission which examined apartheid crimes in South Africa — to investigate how and why over the past decade capitalism has produced the greatest financial and social crisis this country has seen since the 1920s.
READ MORE...
http://www.bssec.org.uk/blog/?p=863
There was an excellent piece in yesterday’s Observer by Will Hutton. Oddly, he calls for a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for British capitalism — along the lines of the commission which examined apartheid crimes in South Africa — to investigate how and why over the past decade capitalism has produced the greatest financial and social crisis this country has seen since the 1920s.
READ MORE...
http://www.bssec.org.uk/blog/?p=863
Buttermarket plans will boost Hereford economy
New regeneration company Hereford Futures is to tender for a developer to restore the Buttermarket as a magnet to attract more tourists and shoppers to the historic city centre.
As part of its plans to boost the Hereford economy, Hereford Futures will seek a developer to refurbish the interior of the Victorian market hall, exploring options for creating a ‘centre of excellence’ for local produce and services as well as housing all of the current stall holders.
Proposals will safeguard the structure of the building, which is in need of repairs, provide an important new visitor attraction and would be funded by the private sector rather than the public purse.
The value of the scheme means it needs to go out to OJEU (Official Journal of the European Community) and this is planned for next month, with a preferred developer and designer announced in the spring of 2011.
A national competition, launched in March this year to design a new interior for Hereford’s Buttermarket, has resulted in several ‘high-quality and thought provoking ideas’, said Hereford Futures’ chief executive Jonathan Bretherton.
The ideas will be shortlisted and exhibited to the public later in the year to link more closely with the 200th anniversary of the Buttermarket. The views of residents and visitors will be sought to help drive the development proposals.
The competition, managed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), has inspired an extension of the options beyond the refurbishment of the Buttermarket to restore the role of the covered market as a central and powerful attraction for shoppers, visitors and tourists.
“We envisage a much more exciting prospect for developing this much-loved market as part of the enhanced retail and tourism offering for Hereford”, added Jonathan Bretherton.
Len Tawn, chairman of the Hereford Buttermarket Independent Traders Association, said: “"We are currently planning our celebrations day for our 200th anniversary on Saturday, 9th October, and are pleased that we and our customers will be involved in the evolution of the Buttermarket into the next Century.”
The proposal has been welcomed by Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development.
“The concept is for a high quality landmark facility for our established market retailers, devoted to the best that Herefordshire has to offer. It will be a must-see for shoppers, tourists or anyone visiting the county or the city”, added Councillor Blackshaw.
“Herefordshire is recognised for its economic resilience and spirit of enterprise, and part of this is making the best of our natural resources, unique character and heritage. By enhancing the city’s ancient role as a market centre we will guarantee a bustling and vibrant city for the benefit of our existing retailers, producers and businesses”.
A working group, which includes Buttermarket traders, has met to discuss the results of the competition, the public exhibition and the tender proposals to enhance the building, the area of High Town to the front of the market and link in with the soon to be completed refurbishment of adjacent Widemarsh Street, which is a premier shopping street and a key gateway to the Buttermarket.
As part of its plans to boost the Hereford economy, Hereford Futures will seek a developer to refurbish the interior of the Victorian market hall, exploring options for creating a ‘centre of excellence’ for local produce and services as well as housing all of the current stall holders.
Proposals will safeguard the structure of the building, which is in need of repairs, provide an important new visitor attraction and would be funded by the private sector rather than the public purse.
The value of the scheme means it needs to go out to OJEU (Official Journal of the European Community) and this is planned for next month, with a preferred developer and designer announced in the spring of 2011.
A national competition, launched in March this year to design a new interior for Hereford’s Buttermarket, has resulted in several ‘high-quality and thought provoking ideas’, said Hereford Futures’ chief executive Jonathan Bretherton.
The ideas will be shortlisted and exhibited to the public later in the year to link more closely with the 200th anniversary of the Buttermarket. The views of residents and visitors will be sought to help drive the development proposals.
The competition, managed by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), has inspired an extension of the options beyond the refurbishment of the Buttermarket to restore the role of the covered market as a central and powerful attraction for shoppers, visitors and tourists.
“We envisage a much more exciting prospect for developing this much-loved market as part of the enhanced retail and tourism offering for Hereford”, added Jonathan Bretherton.
Len Tawn, chairman of the Hereford Buttermarket Independent Traders Association, said: “"We are currently planning our celebrations day for our 200th anniversary on Saturday, 9th October, and are pleased that we and our customers will be involved in the evolution of the Buttermarket into the next Century.”
The proposal has been welcomed by Councillor Adrian Blackshaw, cabinet member for economic development.
“The concept is for a high quality landmark facility for our established market retailers, devoted to the best that Herefordshire has to offer. It will be a must-see for shoppers, tourists or anyone visiting the county or the city”, added Councillor Blackshaw.
“Herefordshire is recognised for its economic resilience and spirit of enterprise, and part of this is making the best of our natural resources, unique character and heritage. By enhancing the city’s ancient role as a market centre we will guarantee a bustling and vibrant city for the benefit of our existing retailers, producers and businesses”.
A working group, which includes Buttermarket traders, has met to discuss the results of the competition, the public exhibition and the tender proposals to enhance the building, the area of High Town to the front of the market and link in with the soon to be completed refurbishment of adjacent Widemarsh Street, which is a premier shopping street and a key gateway to the Buttermarket.
Herefordshire’s 2010 Funding Fair comes to town
Herefordshire Council is organising a free event to help anyone looking for funding for projects that will benefit the community.
Aimed largely at voluntary organisations and social enterprises, the event takes place at Hereford’s Whitecross High School and Specialist Sports College on October 27, from 9.30am to 3.45pm.
The fair will consist of six workshops which people can book onto. Funds under discussion include the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lloyds TSB Foundation, the Big Lottery Fund and the VITAL Herefordshire LEADER Programme. Other workshops include Bidding for Success which focuses on putting together a good application and how to get further help and support, and information for existing or aspiring social entrepreneurs about how to start up a social enterprise.
Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “The council puts on these funding fairs every year in order to help local community projects. Despite the current recession, there are a number of grants available for a range of projects, including village renewal and development projects, training programmes and cash for small charities who are tackling disadvantage across England and Wales.
“Last year more than 600 groups took advice from the project team on how to gain additional funding. Organisations across Herefordshire received more than £1.6m worth of National Lottery grants in 2009. Anyone wishing to find out more and get some top tips on putting together successful applications for cash should come along and talk to those in the know.”
The event is free, although places need to be booked. Please contact Herefordshire Council project development team on 01432 383061 or email projectdevelopment@herefordshire.gov.uk.
Aimed largely at voluntary organisations and social enterprises, the event takes place at Hereford’s Whitecross High School and Specialist Sports College on October 27, from 9.30am to 3.45pm.
The fair will consist of six workshops which people can book onto. Funds under discussion include the Heritage Lottery Fund, Lloyds TSB Foundation, the Big Lottery Fund and the VITAL Herefordshire LEADER Programme. Other workshops include Bidding for Success which focuses on putting together a good application and how to get further help and support, and information for existing or aspiring social entrepreneurs about how to start up a social enterprise.
Councillor Roger Phillips, leader of Herefordshire Council, said: “The council puts on these funding fairs every year in order to help local community projects. Despite the current recession, there are a number of grants available for a range of projects, including village renewal and development projects, training programmes and cash for small charities who are tackling disadvantage across England and Wales.
“Last year more than 600 groups took advice from the project team on how to gain additional funding. Organisations across Herefordshire received more than £1.6m worth of National Lottery grants in 2009. Anyone wishing to find out more and get some top tips on putting together successful applications for cash should come along and talk to those in the know.”
The event is free, although places need to be booked. Please contact Herefordshire Council project development team on 01432 383061 or email projectdevelopment@herefordshire.gov.uk.
Introducing Sandwell Council ASSIST – our new service for adult social care
0845 352 2266 (8am to 8pm Monday to Friday)
for all your adult social care needs
From 28 September there will be a new way to contact adult social care services in Sandwell. Our new one number service will make it easier and quicker for our social care customers to get the services and information they need. It is one of a series of improvements being implemented as part of the Putting People First agenda in adult social care.
People who need care and support, their relatives, friends and carers will no longer have to worry about which social care team or service to contact for support and information. They just ring 0845 352 2266, email sandwell_assist@sandwell.gov.uk , fax 0121 569 5789 or write to Sandwell Council ASSIST, PO BOX 15825, Oldbury, B69 9EL.
Our staff at Sandwell Council ASSIST are experienced and knowledgeable about adult social care and will offer help, guidance and support. They will have up-to-date information about a whole range of services at their fingertips and will be able to signpost or refer people quickly to the support or services they need. They will carry out assessments of need over the phone (supported self-assessments), which will mean that the right level of support can be given to the right people at the right time. If they are not able to resolve a person's issue over the phone, they will refer them to specialist staff who can. Their aim is to make sure that our social care customers get the help they need when they need it.
Sandwell Council ASSIST customer services staff will work closely with other specialist social care and health professionals to make sure that services are provided to those who need them, when they need them.
The service operates from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Friday, so we have extended our opening hours too.
The number replaces those for our Adults Teams (social work teams - North, South, Older People Mental Health, Hospital and Review), Blue Badge, STAY (telecare), Home Loans, CLDT (Community Learning Disability Team), Support Planning Team, Vision Services and for safeguarding adults concerns.
So remember, to find out about adult social care services and to get the support your customers need with adult social care, call Sandwell Council ASSIST (Adult Social Services Information and Support Team) on 0845 352 2266.
Sandwell Council ASSIST
Tel: 0845 352 2266
Email: sandwell_assist@sandwell.gov.uk
Fax: 0121 569 5789
PO BOX 15825, Oldbury, B69 9EL
Sunday, 26 September 2010
The Alphaspaghettical Guide to the West Midlands
H is for Hancock, Tony
From the Windmill, Hancock moved into radio in 1951 as a voice on Educating Archie, playing the part of a tutor for a ventriloquist’s dummy. Hancock eventually became famous for his own unique brand of classic comedy sketch, firstly on the immortal radio programme Hancock’s Half Hour from 1954 and later on television from 1956.
Behind the funny and talented exterior however, lay a man unable to find true happiness. Hancock took his own life in a flat in Sydney on June 25th 1968. Next to him was an empty bottle of pills and a note saying “Things seem to go wrong too many times”. A commemorative plaque on the exterior of 42 Southam Road in Hall Green commemorates Hancock’s birth and a statue in his memory was unveiled by Sir Harry Secombe in Birmingham’s Old Square in 1996.
Other interesting facts about Tony Hancock:
The Blood Donor
Golden Age of PC
In 1949, the BBC pioneered political correctness with their notorious Green Book which laid down the rules and boundaries for the increasingly popular new generation of radio comedy writers who included Eric Sykes, Spike Milligan, Frank Muir and Marty Feldman. Words like “strewth”, “burke” and “gorblimey” were banned, as were references to lavatories, effeminacy, jokes about professionals and remarks that might encourage strikes. Hancock’s catch phrase “Flippin’ kids!” escaped censorship.
Other reference material used to research this page:
The Good Old Radio Comedy Days by Chris Upton article in Bygone Birmingham, August 1994
Brum As You Haven’t Seen it for Years – Evening Mail Special
Seven years war link to Sudbury
Article below from the Uttoxeter Advertiser
WAR has broken out at a National Trust attraction near Uttoxeter as the warring camps of France and Britain were recreated George Washington’s First War was brought to life at Sudbury Hall over two days by reenactment group New France Old England (NFOE) with nearly 1,000 visitors able to see what life was like during the war.
NFOE created the warring camps as they battled over the American colonies in the 18th century.
Soldiers and civilians ate, drank and slept in the encampments and visitors were able to see the activities of camp life as they were made welcome in both camps to be given an insight into daily life on and beyond the battlefield.
Guests were able to meet soldiers preparing for war, practising drills, cleaning weapons, discussing tactics and honing their military skills and each day ended with a battle between the British and French soldiers with native people trying to defend their lands amid the full noise and smoke of war.
The battle told part of the story of the Seven Years War. George Washington led the first British attack on the French in America, which eventually led to a war fought between European nations around the world.
Many of the ideas contributing to Britain’s victory in the Seven Years War were the proposals of Admiral Edward Vernon, a relative of the Vernon family who lived at Sudbury Hall.
Dot Wood, Sudbury Hall’s learning officer, said: “It is very exciting to be able to create a camp and battlefield at Sudbury Hall.
“To have such an interesting link to this world war through the Vernon family allows us to recreate such an important part of history on our doorstep.”
WAR has broken out at a National Trust attraction near Uttoxeter as the warring camps of France and Britain were recreated George Washington’s First War was brought to life at Sudbury Hall over two days by reenactment group New France Old England (NFOE) with nearly 1,000 visitors able to see what life was like during the war.
NFOE created the warring camps as they battled over the American colonies in the 18th century.
Soldiers and civilians ate, drank and slept in the encampments and visitors were able to see the activities of camp life as they were made welcome in both camps to be given an insight into daily life on and beyond the battlefield.
Guests were able to meet soldiers preparing for war, practising drills, cleaning weapons, discussing tactics and honing their military skills and each day ended with a battle between the British and French soldiers with native people trying to defend their lands amid the full noise and smoke of war.
The battle told part of the story of the Seven Years War. George Washington led the first British attack on the French in America, which eventually led to a war fought between European nations around the world.
Many of the ideas contributing to Britain’s victory in the Seven Years War were the proposals of Admiral Edward Vernon, a relative of the Vernon family who lived at Sudbury Hall.
Dot Wood, Sudbury Hall’s learning officer, said: “It is very exciting to be able to create a camp and battlefield at Sudbury Hall.
“To have such an interesting link to this world war through the Vernon family allows us to recreate such an important part of history on our doorstep.”
Sir Edward Elgar wrote football chant along with his classical music
By Richard Alleyne
Telegraph Online
His songs are usually belted out from the plush red seats of the Royal Albert Hall, rather than the football terraces.
But it has emerged that Sir Edward Elgar, the composer of Land of Hope and Glory, penned the world's first football chant.
Titled "He Banged The Leather for Goal", the theme was written more than 100 years ago in honour of his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Elgar fell in love with football in February 1898, when he was in the crowd at Molineux for a game between Wolves and Stoke City, two of the founder members of the Football League.
He was inspired by rugged striker Billy Malpass who was celebrated in newspaper headlines the next day.
The reports told of the way he “Banged The Leather for Goal” and Elgar was so taken by it that he put the lyric to a short piece of piano music.
No one knows whether the tune was ever played during his lifetime but yesterday it got its first-ever known public performance at a charity concert in the city.
The choirs of St Peter’s Collegiate Church, under the baton of Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra conductor Peter Morris, belted out the chant at a concert to raise money for the church’s organ restoration fund.
To add more nostalgia, the opera singer Rita Cullis – niece of the club’s "Iron Manager" Stan Cullis – was the featured soloist.
Elgar became a Wolves fan through his friendship with Dora Penny, daughter of the Rector of St Peter’s Church in the late 19th century.
The Pomp And Circumstance composer would cycle from Malvern to Wolverhampton to accompany her to Molineux, and immortalised the Midland lass with the tune Dorabella, from his famous Enigma Variations in 1899.
Former England women’s cricket captain Rachel Heyhoe-Flint – now a director at Wolverhampton Wanderers – helped to organise the concert.
“Over the years we have learned more and more about Elgar’s association with the club, and we’re very proud to have counted him as a supporter,” she explained.
“This was the first live rendition of He Banged The Leather For Goal.
‘‘The song was discovered by Dr Percy Young, who was the club historian back in the 1940s and 1950s, and was an expert on Elgar.
“Personally I’m delighted about this, I’ve been a Wolves fan since I visited Molineux in nappies back in the 50s, so I’m very happy that we’re celebrating our heritage in this way.”
While modern football fans are often associated with loutish behaviour and drunken singing, academics say that terrace songs are an important part of our history.
Professor Steven Mithen, author of The Singing Neanderthals: The Origins of Music, Language, Mind and Body, said: “Football chants are a very sophisticated activity.
"They come from a point in our evolutionary past before language, when we used music and chanting and dance to bond as social groups.”
The Wolverhampton Wanderers FC historian Graham Hughes said Elgar “loved coming” to the area.
“He used to watch the crowd going down to the match,” he said.
“Then one Saturday he said he’d like to go down to the match, so he went and that’s how it started.”
The original article is on Telegraph Online
Telegraph Online
His songs are usually belted out from the plush red seats of the Royal Albert Hall, rather than the football terraces.
But it has emerged that Sir Edward Elgar, the composer of Land of Hope and Glory, penned the world's first football chant.
Titled "He Banged The Leather for Goal", the theme was written more than 100 years ago in honour of his beloved Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Elgar fell in love with football in February 1898, when he was in the crowd at Molineux for a game between Wolves and Stoke City, two of the founder members of the Football League.
He was inspired by rugged striker Billy Malpass who was celebrated in newspaper headlines the next day.
The reports told of the way he “Banged The Leather for Goal” and Elgar was so taken by it that he put the lyric to a short piece of piano music.
No one knows whether the tune was ever played during his lifetime but yesterday it got its first-ever known public performance at a charity concert in the city.
The choirs of St Peter’s Collegiate Church, under the baton of Wolverhampton Symphony Orchestra conductor Peter Morris, belted out the chant at a concert to raise money for the church’s organ restoration fund.
To add more nostalgia, the opera singer Rita Cullis – niece of the club’s "Iron Manager" Stan Cullis – was the featured soloist.
Elgar became a Wolves fan through his friendship with Dora Penny, daughter of the Rector of St Peter’s Church in the late 19th century.
The Pomp And Circumstance composer would cycle from Malvern to Wolverhampton to accompany her to Molineux, and immortalised the Midland lass with the tune Dorabella, from his famous Enigma Variations in 1899.
Former England women’s cricket captain Rachel Heyhoe-Flint – now a director at Wolverhampton Wanderers – helped to organise the concert.
“Over the years we have learned more and more about Elgar’s association with the club, and we’re very proud to have counted him as a supporter,” she explained.
“This was the first live rendition of He Banged The Leather For Goal.
‘‘The song was discovered by Dr Percy Young, who was the club historian back in the 1940s and 1950s, and was an expert on Elgar.
“Personally I’m delighted about this, I’ve been a Wolves fan since I visited Molineux in nappies back in the 50s, so I’m very happy that we’re celebrating our heritage in this way.”
While modern football fans are often associated with loutish behaviour and drunken singing, academics say that terrace songs are an important part of our history.
Professor Steven Mithen, author of The Singing Neanderthals: The Origins of Music, Language, Mind and Body, said: “Football chants are a very sophisticated activity.
"They come from a point in our evolutionary past before language, when we used music and chanting and dance to bond as social groups.”
The Wolverhampton Wanderers FC historian Graham Hughes said Elgar “loved coming” to the area.
“He used to watch the crowd going down to the match,” he said.
“Then one Saturday he said he’d like to go down to the match, so he went and that’s how it started.”
The original article is on Telegraph Online
Adventurer guest at Kidderminster charity event
AN adventurer who was the first woman to sail single-handed across the Atlantic in a small boat will be guest speaker at a Kidderminster hotel.
Rosie Swale-Pope, who has also completed a five-year around-the-world run and most recently run 27 marathons in 27 days in the UK, will be sharing her experiences at a charity ball at the Jarvis Hotel next Saturday.
The Sahararunner Ball, organised by Phil Newton, of Bewdley, is being held to raise money for Mencap - a charity for people with learning disabilities.
Mr Newton also plans to run 152 miles across the Sahara Desert for the charity next April and is hoping to raise more than £13,000.
People can purchase tickets for the ball at http://www.sahararunner.co.uk/.
Rosie Swale-Pope, who has also completed a five-year around-the-world run and most recently run 27 marathons in 27 days in the UK, will be sharing her experiences at a charity ball at the Jarvis Hotel next Saturday.
The Sahararunner Ball, organised by Phil Newton, of Bewdley, is being held to raise money for Mencap - a charity for people with learning disabilities.
Mr Newton also plans to run 152 miles across the Sahara Desert for the charity next April and is hoping to raise more than £13,000.
People can purchase tickets for the ball at http://www.sahararunner.co.uk/.
Lichfield's acclaimed orchestra returns to the city's cathedral
LICHFIELD'S acclaimed Darwin Ensemble Chamber Orchestra returns to the city's cathedral next month for a concert which will be recorded for radio.
Planned for Saturday, October 2, the show starts at 7.30pm and is set to end with a tantalisingly unfinished work.
Founded by artistic director Alex Laing, the principal conductor is Lichfield Cathedral organist Philip Scriven.
DECO performed its debut concert in January 2009 and debuted on national radio in December that year, with a Christmas concert recorded in the cathedral by Classic FM.
Read more of Alex Keller's report at This is Lichfield
Planned for Saturday, October 2, the show starts at 7.30pm and is set to end with a tantalisingly unfinished work.
Founded by artistic director Alex Laing, the principal conductor is Lichfield Cathedral organist Philip Scriven.
DECO performed its debut concert in January 2009 and debuted on national radio in December that year, with a Christmas concert recorded in the cathedral by Classic FM.
Read more of Alex Keller's report at This is Lichfield
Former EastEnders writer recalls cold war terror in Malvern
PAUL Jenkins was raised in Malvern, one of the Midland’s most magical towns.
His memories are sprinkled with bubbling brooks, shady trees, welcoming hills... and barely suppressed terror.
The playwright and TV scriptwriter grew up in the 1980s, when the Cold War hung over everyone’s head.
Jenkins and his school chums believed they would be obliterated at any moment. It was a form of paranoia, though not completely unjustified.
“We had a military research base on the doorstep of our school,” he recalled.
“That was weird. There were all these urban myths about what was meant to be going on there. Whispers that we were fifth on the list to be nuked by the Russians.
“The Malvern Hills are the largest lump of granite in the UK, which means they’re good for tunnelling. So there were rumours about spy tunnels running underneath the hills. All kinds of mad stories.
Read the full version of Tony Larner's review at the Sunday Mercury online
His memories are sprinkled with bubbling brooks, shady trees, welcoming hills... and barely suppressed terror.
The playwright and TV scriptwriter grew up in the 1980s, when the Cold War hung over everyone’s head.
Jenkins and his school chums believed they would be obliterated at any moment. It was a form of paranoia, though not completely unjustified.
“We had a military research base on the doorstep of our school,” he recalled.
“That was weird. There were all these urban myths about what was meant to be going on there. Whispers that we were fifth on the list to be nuked by the Russians.
“The Malvern Hills are the largest lump of granite in the UK, which means they’re good for tunnelling. So there were rumours about spy tunnels running underneath the hills. All kinds of mad stories.
Read the full version of Tony Larner's review at the Sunday Mercury online
Heroes and villains of Worcestershire
From composers to conmen, from medical pioneers to manufacturers and from explorers to entertainers.
The book, costing £12.99, is illustrated with more than 80 black and white photographs.
Author Terry Wardel has been a soldier, a teacher, a journalist and a writer. He is the author of England’s First Castle (2009) and lives in Worcester.
Campaign for the Book
aagibbons@blueyonder.co.uk
School libraries commission reports
The School Libraries Commission, chaired by Baroness Morris, has published its report: ‘School Libraries: a plan for improvement.’ It is a clearly pro-school library document with some challenging recommendations. I am enclosing the section of the National Literacy website. There is a link to the full document at the bottom.
The Campaign for the Book stands firmly for statutory school libraries as part of a ‘tripod’ of library services, school libraries, public libraries and School Library Services. Each of these sectors plays a contributory and complementary role in supporting reading and learning. We should cherish them and continue campaigning for their maintenance and development. “School libraries: a plan for improvement” is a landmark report in this process.
This is reproduced from the National Literacy Trust website:
Many school libraries are underutilised resources that do not fulfil their potential to improve literacy levels and support pupil learning and attainment.
This is a key finding of the School Library Commission, chaired by Baroness Estelle Morris, and jointly established by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and independent charity the National Literacy Trust. The Commission’s report, School Libraries: A plan for improvement finds that while school libraries have a unique role in raising pupils’ literacy levels, promoting reading for pleasure and improving their access to knowledge, in many schools the library is a wasted resource because it is poorly embedded in the infrastructure of the school and absent from school development plans.
Baroness Estelle Morris says:
“For too long school libraries have been an underutilised part of the education landscape. This report aims to show everyone involved in education, from school librarians to central government that a well-managed school library is an essential part of any school’s success. As the school landscape is set to change drastically it is essential that benefits of this vital resource are fully understood.”New National Literacy Trust research of 17,000 young people undertaken for the Commission demonstrates the importance of a high performing school libraries service for pupil attainment. Eight out of ten good readers use the school library. This shows that school libraries that do not perform to the highest level will have significant implications for pupil achievement.
The report reveals that 31% of members of staff responsible for school libraries in primary schools have no specialist knowledge of children’s literature. In response, the Commission recommends that training and continuous professional development of teachers and library staff in children’s literature and child development is essential to enable them to work in partnership to effectively support the curriculum and deliver a tailored and cohesive library service for children.
National Literacy Trust Director, Jonathan Douglas, says:
“In the current economic climate, all areas of the school need to work at their optimum levels. School libraries have a central role to play but many are currently not being given the opportunity to fulfil their true potential.
“The goal of the National Literacy Trust is to transform lives through literacy and we believe that school libraries are key in helping us to ensure every single child gains the literacy skills they need to live a successful, fulfilling and happy life. We hope our report will have a lasting effect on school library practice in the UK.”
For the full report
In defence of public services
Events in three local councils have called into question the current administration’s commitment to directly run public services. Barnet council in north London has earned itself the epithet ‘Easy Council.’ It is considering selling off its libraries and removing 24-hour wardens from its sheltered housing. There are also plans to outsource planning services, crematoriums and environmental health. This has not gone down well with the public or, more worryingly for the council leadership, with external auditors Grant Thornton who have warned that there has been inadequate analysis of the costs and benefits of the privatisation programme.
Brighton and Hove is another council that is determined to outsource services. The most extreme example of all comes from Suffolk however. The Tory-controlled council has approved a plan to outsource most of its services and become an ‘enabling’ council. It plans to cut 30% of its budget. This would involve retaining a core staff to hand out contracts to outside providers who would run the overwhelming majority of services.
This agenda was mooted during the Thatcher years when Nicholas Ridley floated the idea of a virtual council that directly employed very few people. Ridley’s small-statism was hinted at recently when a firefighter asked if public services would be restored when the public finances recovered. David Cameron answered to the effect that it was the wrong way to think about it.
(This is a truncated version of an item on my blog: http://www.alangibbons.net/)
In brief
• Lewisham mayor may ignore 17,000 pro library voices:
• http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/news/8412800.LEWISHAM__Mayor_may_ignore_17_000__loud__library_voices/
• Talks in Southampton library row
• Libraries across Southampton in Hampshire closed at 12 noon on Wednesday of last week as workers struck against cuts
• Kent SLS closes:
• http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-kent-11212544
Voice for libraries launched:
http://www.voicesforthelibrary.org.uk/wordpress/
Alan Gibbons
http://www.alangibbons.net/
aagibbons@blueyonder.co.uk
Facebook site: Campaign for the Book
ENGLAND: THE PANORAMAS
MARK DENTON
Published by Constable on the 30th September 2010
HARDBACK £30.00
Acclaimed landscape photographer, Mark Denton brings together a unique volume of 100 of the greatest landscape views in England, including a host of breathtaking hidden treasures. The volume is the culmination of a five-year-long project, often spent painstakingly awaiting optimum weather and light conditions. Mark’s images capture famous locations such as Roseberry Topping and The Cobb in Lyme Regis as well as less well known views such as the sound mirrors at Denge and Curbar Edge in the Peak District.
These stunning photographs perfectly capture the magnificence of the English landscape through blending traditional countryside scenes with ultra-modern cityscapes. The majority of the panoramic images featured have been captured at the magical, dramatic hours of dusk and dawn, offering rich and expressive interpretations of England’s most awe-inspiring scenery. The magnificent views reawaken a sense of pride and wonder in the places on our doorstep, putting the English landscape into an entirely new perspective.
About the Author
Mark, originally from Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, has carved out a name for himself as one of Britain’s most talented landscape photographers, specialising in the panoramic format. Though entirely self-taught, Mark’s work has won the respect and acclaim of influential visionaries such as Joe Cornish and Charlie Waite. Mark now lives in Yorkshire with his family.
Constable and Robinson Limited, 3 The Lanchesters, 162 Fulham Palace Road, London, W6 9ER
HRH The Princess Royal Opens the National Brewery Centre, Burton
After being escorted onto the site by a dray and Shire horse, driven by Andrew Whetton, the Centre's head horseman, Her Royal Highness was welcomed to the Town by the Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir James Hawley, accompanied by Lady Hawley, whom then presented a number of dignitaries from throughout the county of Staffordshire.
The Centre's chairman, Mike Stickland and general manager, Kim Clarke, led Her Royal Highness on a tour of the new red carpet route that guides visitors around the 'Brewing Experience', showcasing the hundreds of exhibits and artefacts. The visit commenced with the new holographic-style 'Pepper's Ghost' presentation, telling the story of brewing, from its ancient origins right up to the present day.
Andrew Whetton, head horseman, introduced Her Royal Highness to the Centre's Shire horses and gave her a tour of the dray shed, tack room and stables, all of which proved to be of great interest to the Princess.
Kim Clarke, the Centre's general manager, said: "As we all know, Her Royal Highness has been long-associated with horses and you could tell by the questions that she asked just how interested the Princess really was in these magnificent creatures."
"Up until the early 1960s, they will have been a common sight in towns and cities throughout the country delivering beer to pubs from the breweries such as those in Burton."
The transport theme continued with a visit to the Robey Steam engine and the historic vehicle collection, where the Princess met with the team of dedicated volunteers that keep everything maintained throughout the year. A pair of coopers from local brewer, Marston's, demonstrated their skills in making the traditional wooden casks used for the beer before the advent of the modern-day metal alternative.
A visit to the National Brewery Centre is not complete without sampling real ales in the authentic Edwardian bar, and as such, Her Royal Highness was introduced to master brewer, Steve Wellington and Master Brewster, Jo White, both from the William Worthington Brewery located at the site. Steve offered the Princess a small sample of the ale that was brewed for her back in 1978 when she officially opened, what was at the time, the Bass Museum.
Steve Wellington said: "Her Royal Highness respectfully declined the 32-year-old ale. She did confess to not really liking beer and suggested that her father would be far more interested in trying some!"
Next on the tour was a specially-laid-on performance by a life-size Punch and Judy, played out to an audience of children from the Holy Trinity School, Burton, who were dressed in authentic period costume. The story, quite naturally, had a beer theme and had been written by the Centre's own team of character performers.
European Barrel Rolling Champions, former Burton College Principle, Keith Norris, accompanied by his wife Christine, showed off their speed and immaculate control of a wooden barrel around the courtyard, much to the Princess's fascination.
After a short break for refreshments and the chance to view a private gallery detailing photographs from previous Royal visits, Her Royal Highness met with the Centre's staff in the Centre's Brewery Tap restaurant, where Mike Stickland, chairman, invited the Princess to unveil a brass plaque commemorating her visit and the official opening.
Paula White, the Centre's education manager, who wrote to Buckingham Palace inviting the Princess, thanked Her Royal Highness for visiting and presented her with a posy of flowers, asking her to sign the visitors' book to record the prestigious occasion.
In front of a gathered audience of invited guests, including dignitaries, business leaders, the Centre's staff, volunteers and the media, a clearly pleased Princess, drew her visit to a close by making a short speech, wishing the Centre every success for the future, before departing to travel on to her next engagement.
Speaking after the event, Mike Stickland, chairman of the National Brewery Centre, commented: "It was an absolute honour to be able to welcome Her Royal Highness to the National Brewery Centre and for her to officially open the new Brewing Experience."
"It was rather fitting that the Princess carried out this role, as she opened our first incarnation, The Bass Museum, on its inception in 1978.
"I would like to not only thank Her Royal Highness for giving up her valuable time to be with us today, but also to recognise all of the effort that everyone has put into making this day so special. It really does mean a lot to us."
Leading beer writer and historian, Pete Brown, whose latest book, Hops and Glory, retraces the route of Burton's famous India Pale Ale (IPA) from Burton to Calcutta, said, "Burton is world famous as the home of brewing. Nowhere, except perhaps the city of Plzen for lager lovers, is as significant to the history and development of beer. Over recent years Burton's amazing brewing heritage has been allowed to slip into decline, so I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that the reopening of the NBC is of global importance to the beer community. The fact that the Centre received a Royal visit sends an important message about the revival of Burton's brewing story."
The Centre is open to the public all year round and further details can be found by visiting the website: http://www.nationalbrewerycentre.co.uk/
More Great Comedy at Solihull Arts Complex
This month compere Kevin Precious will introduce another trio of acts - critically acclaimed Spencer Brown "Enough energy to power the national grid - you know to expect the unexpected." - The Stage; erudite Mary Bourke "One of the best female stand ups I've seen" The Stage; watch this space for the third act.
Tickets are available from the box office - 0121 704 6962, and are £10 in advance and £12.00 on the night.
Doors open at 7.30 and the show starts at 8.00
Here's the line-up:-
Spencer Brown
Not so much a comedian as a force of nature, Spencer Brown is ripping up the comedy circuit like a cartoon tornado. Young, fresh, and like nothing you've ever seen before; crowds have been wowed by his childlike anarchy and Looney Tunes physicality in performances described by Time Out as "more an event than a gig." Seeing Spencer Brown is like a plugging into the comedy mainframe, so prepare to have your mind blown: this is refreshing, goofy comedy that will make you love life.
A headliner around the country, his ever growing fan base is about to encompass the mainstream with his performance as Rufus in the most anticipated comedy of the year, Chris Morris' Nathan Barley (C4). He has appeared everywhere from the Comedy Store to Croatia, and starred in the WKD Best of the Comedy Network tour and three full length solo shows at the Edinburgh Festival.
He has performed stand-up on The Live Floor Show (BBC 2), Four at the Store (R4), and The Best of Edinburgh Comedy (BBC 2). He has also appeared in Garth Merenghi's Darkplace (C4) and written for Smack the Pony (C4).
In his spare time, Spencer is a founder member of the Alternative Alternative movement, whose manifesto for a new kind of comedy shook the comedy establishment after its publication in Time Out.
"Nonsense to make Harpo Marx proud. Time Out
"Brilliant: he's so original and exciting" Daily Telegraph
"Cutting Edge, Critically acclaimed and now clean cut: Could this be the future of comedy?" The List
Spencer Brown: putting the fun back into funny.
Mary Bourke
"comic instincts and high-quality material" -Chortle review
"a laugh a minute" The Times
"the brilliant Marc Lucero" DailyMirror
"brilliantly inventive gags, comic master" Chortle
"persuasively funny, a damn fine evening" EveningStandard
"really funny... the audience had a great night out" BBCRadio London
"sharp and funny... plenty of laughs" The Scotsman
Third Act - watch this space ...
Friday, 24 September 2010
Quango cuts: full list of bodies under review
Samaagama
Chitraleka Dance Company is presenting its annual student showcase event, Samaagama, on Sunday 3 October 2010 at the Birmingham Conservatoire's Adrian Boult Hall.
This year the company celebrates its 20th anniversary and to commemorate this occasion, an exciting and vibrant programme of classical and contemporary dances is being planned together with an exhibition capturing its greatest achievements.
The programme will commence at 4pm with the exhibition portrayed through a 'digital mosaic' - projections of video and still images - followed by the dance showcase at 5pm. This will be a fusion of Indian classical dance styles with western influences drawing from Irish tradition, hip-hop and jazz. Chitraleka Dance Academy students will be presenting their dance skills amongst Chitraleka Bolar’s prodigies. Chitraleka Bolar has developed her career over 30 years as a renowned artist, choreographer and teacher in Bharatanatyam.
The dance programme features a guest appearance by Year 4 pupils of Woodhouse Primary School in Birmingham performing a dance from their education project, Gods & Demons, supported by Birmingham City Council’s Creative Future Award.
Tickets are £6, £4 (concession), available from Box Office on 0121 303 2323 or online at http://www.birminghamboxoffice.com/
For further information call on, 07789 967 578 or email to info@chitraleka.co.uk
Fierce Interrobang 2: Relationships (Black Country)
Friday 24 to Sunday 26 September 2010, Wednesbury Town Hall and Old Post Office, Holyhead Road, WS10 7DF.
This weekend of live performance features the spectacular Live Art Speed Date on Saturday night, where audiences can experience a series of one on one performances from artists, whilst having a drink and a dance in the splendid Wednesbury Town Hall.
On Friday night there is a chance to see works in progress from Plan B and Sheila Ghelani, artists in the next Fierce Festival (February 2011), and on Sunday there are artist-led tours of the local area and a talk (about the making of Class of 76) by Alex Kelly from the acclaimed theatre and performance company Third Angel.
How to get there: Wednesbury Great Western Street Metro (on Birmingham Snow Hill – Wolverhampton line), 25 mins from Snow Hill.
All events free, no booking required, just drop in.
Full programme details and travel information: bit.ly/Interrobang2
CHEQUE PRESENTATION TO DONKEY SANCTUARY FROM MOTORCYCLISTS
A cheque presentation to the Devon-based Donkey Sanctuary from a group of dedicated motor cyclists will take place in Cleobury Mortimer near Kidderminster on Wednesday 29th September at 2pm.
The cheque will officially be handed over by Mr Robert Chance and his friend Mr Peter Green of Solihull to Diane Sisley, a welfare officer for the charity, and her two foster donkeys Chico and Olley will be present.
The 90 mile motor bike ride from Solihull to Brackley in Northamptonshire which took place on 29th July raised £800 for the animal welfare charity which is currently home to over 5000 donkeys in the UK, Ireland and Europe and works in developing countries.
Mr Chance who organised the event with Mr Peter Green says: “There were 23 of us who rode through the lovely countryside which took about five hours. We’ve all been friends for years so it was great to all get together.
“I regularly donate to The Donkey Sanctuary and have visited their rescue centre in Spain on a number of occasions and am a firm believer in their cause. I actually prefer animals to people and arrange an event every year for an animal charity.
“The day was a great success and I give my heartfelt thanks to Brackley Yamaha who supplied us with food and gave us a donation and also to Dave Hunt at Highwood Public House who provided us with a disco and food in the evening.”
The Donkey Sanctuary is currently appealing for new fosterers across the UK to give a home to rescued donkeys. It also has over 40 welfare officers throughout the UK who are on hand to investigate reports of cruelty to or neglect of donkeys, quickly and efficiently.
For further information about the foster scheme or to find out more about the work of The Donkey Sanctuary visit http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ or telephone 01395 578222.
The cheque will officially be handed over by Mr Robert Chance and his friend Mr Peter Green of Solihull to Diane Sisley, a welfare officer for the charity, and her two foster donkeys Chico and Olley will be present.
The 90 mile motor bike ride from Solihull to Brackley in Northamptonshire which took place on 29th July raised £800 for the animal welfare charity which is currently home to over 5000 donkeys in the UK, Ireland and Europe and works in developing countries.
Mr Chance who organised the event with Mr Peter Green says: “There were 23 of us who rode through the lovely countryside which took about five hours. We’ve all been friends for years so it was great to all get together.
“I regularly donate to The Donkey Sanctuary and have visited their rescue centre in Spain on a number of occasions and am a firm believer in their cause. I actually prefer animals to people and arrange an event every year for an animal charity.
“The day was a great success and I give my heartfelt thanks to Brackley Yamaha who supplied us with food and gave us a donation and also to Dave Hunt at Highwood Public House who provided us with a disco and food in the evening.”
The Donkey Sanctuary is currently appealing for new fosterers across the UK to give a home to rescued donkeys. It also has over 40 welfare officers throughout the UK who are on hand to investigate reports of cruelty to or neglect of donkeys, quickly and efficiently.
For further information about the foster scheme or to find out more about the work of The Donkey Sanctuary visit http://www.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/ or telephone 01395 578222.
Moseley Folk nominated in UK Festival Awards
Hi,
Moseley Folk Festival is up for the 'Family Festival Award' at the UK Festival Awards 2010. Here's a link for voting http://uk.festivalawards.com/.
The first round of voting finishes on the 6th October and voting is weighted depending on the number of tickets sold giving all events an equal chance of winning. It would be great if you could give us your vote and send it on to anyone else you think might be keen to support the festival.
Best wishes,
Charlotte
Moseley Folk Festival
82 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5RD
+44 (0)778 944 0026
http://www.moseleyfolk.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/moseleyfolk
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/moseleyfolk
Moseley Folk Festival is up for the 'Family Festival Award' at the UK Festival Awards 2010. Here's a link for voting http://uk.festivalawards.com/.
The first round of voting finishes on the 6th October and voting is weighted depending on the number of tickets sold giving all events an equal chance of winning. It would be great if you could give us your vote and send it on to anyone else you think might be keen to support the festival.
Best wishes,
Charlotte
Moseley Folk Festival
82 Fazeley Street, Digbeth, Birmingham, B5 5RD
+44 (0)778 944 0026
http://www.moseleyfolk.co.uk/
http://www.myspace.com/moseleyfolk
Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/moseleyfolk
Thursday, 23 September 2010
The Alphaspaghettical Guide to the West Midlands
On March 4th, 1908, 28 miners became trapped under ground at Birmingham’s Hamstead Colliery after a fire broke out deep inside the mine. The whole nation was in prayer for the trapped men as a desperate rescue attempt was staged by a special detachment of miners from Barnsley. The rescue operation went on for 9 days and cost the life of one of the rescue team who died from the underground fumes.
Eventually the dead bodies of the miners were located and brought to the surface. A message scratched on the rock face by one of the dieing men read “The Lord preserve us. For we are all trusting in Christ”.
A message of condolence from King Edward was read out by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham: “His Majesty is deeply moved at the lamentable disaster and wishes to convey his deepest sympathy for the wives and families of those who have lost their lives under such exceptionally sad circumstances”.
Women & Theatre presents Barbara Nice & Gals
Sunday 3rd October 2010, mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham
Women & Theatre invite you to a comic feast hosted by everyone’s favourite Kings Heath housewife and mother of five, Mrs Barbara Nice.
She presents a friendly and hilarious night of laughter from a high quality pick and mix of the nation’s funniest women. All proceeds go to support Women & Theatre's new project, Wasted.
Susan Calman has proved herself a force to be reckoned with from her first gig in Glasgow in 2005 to rave reviews in Edinburgh. “A wee lassie with a big future” (The List)
Francesca Martinez, one of The Observer’s 50 funniest acts in British comedy, “may be wobbly, but never the jokes” (The Stage)
Isma Almas is a promising newcomer with incisive, “fantastic material. She left everyone in her slipstream” (Chortle).
All-female sketch group Lady Garden are “One of the funniest, clever and sexy new sketch groups around” (Time Out) with their rapier-sharp wit.
Barbara Nice, described as "a hybrid between Mrs Merton and Victoria Wood" (The Times), Barbara Nice "doesn't just blur the gap between audience and performer, she obliterates it" (Edinburgh Evening News)
Women & Theatre is a Birmingham-based company and registered charity which creates engaging drama, which promotes the spiritual, social, physical and mental well being of the whole community. All proceeds go to Women & Theatre (B’ham) Ltd. Registered in England & Wales No. 1998448; Registered Charity No. 518580.
Website: http://www.womenandtheatre.co.uk/
The show starts at 7pm and tickets are £12 (£9 concession), available from mac on 0121 446 3232 or online at http://www.macarts.co.uk/
Street Art Launch
To celebrate its Street Art Season, the Herbert Art Gallery & Museum will be opening its doors late at night for the UK launch of Street Art: Contemporary Prints from the V&A on Thursday 7 October.
The doors will open at 7pm when VIPs, visitors and artists will be welcomed by live DJs, a live Street Art Battle, live projections and artists' film premieres as well as getting the first glimpses of three amazing exhibitions.
To book your free place to this event email Jamie.perry@theherbert.org or RSVP by phone on 024 7629 4774. We expect it to be busy so please arrive early.
The launch heralds the opening of three exhibitions running concurrently, complementing each other.
Street Art; Contemporary Prints from the V&A is a brand new touring exhibition which explores the way in which street art has moved away from the painted wall into the medium of printmaking, creating distinctive, exciting visuals along the way. It includes work from Banksy, D*Face and Shepard Fairey.
Mohammed Ali's Breaking Down the Wall includes work on spray painted canvas, video projections and brand new aerosol art along the themes of freedom, justice and equality.
Fresh Paint features six artists commissioned by the Herbert to create new and diverse pieces of street art. The exhibition contains the work of Pahnl, SPQR, Lucy McLauchlan, Ben Slow, AsOne and Newso.
For further information on free family events, exhibitions, talks and activities visit http://www.theherbert.org/ or join our family mailing list at www.theherbert.org/mailing-list
ELO hay bale death cellist Mike Edwards buried
Mike Edwards, Jeff Lynne, Mik Kaminski, Bev Bevan
Mourners have paid their respects to a former member of 1970s rock group Electric Light Orchestra who died when a hay bale crushed his van.
Mike Edwards, of Totnes, was driving along the A381 in Devon on 3 September when a 600kg bale fell off a tractor on a farm and rolled on to the road.
The 62-year-old cellist, who was in ELO from 1972 to 1975, died instantly.
Read the full story on BBC News
Invisible Architecture Tour, Birmingham
He says: "Take a walk down New Street. The challenge is to get where you need to be without being waylaid by market researchers, religious groups, animal rights zealots, charity collectors in... pincer formation, personality testers, Big Issue sellers on their last copy, or the unlucky folk needing just 20p towards their train fare. Even if you successfully run this gauntlet, you are never out of the magnetic field of every shop window display, carefully arranged to take your attention and unfold your money.
"One direction you cannot afford to look is upward. The impression is that it is a modern arrangement of concrete blocks put up in the sixties at the expense of Victorian splendour. The reality is very different: certainly there are some recent buildings but above the ground floor is mostly rich Victorian brickwork, colourful faience, terracotta, sculpture and ornate ironwork. It is interesting to watch the design of buildings around Birmingham, and indeed most UK cities, altering through time to reflect the level people are looking at. The focus of branding descends the building throughout the twentieth century like an elevator."
A guided tour exploring some of these themes sets off from Queens Corner, Birmingham at noon on Saturday 25th September 2010.
It costs £5 to be put towards Dirty Bristow Issue Two. Drop Ben a line for more details (falsedog@yahoo.com).
Beat the traffic jam blues and walk to school
Solihull Council is asking the borough’s pupils and parents to ditch the car and go to school on foot, as part of Walk to School Week.
The national campaign, which runs from Monday 4 – Friday 8 October, aims to simply get as many children and parents as possible walking to school.
37 Solihull primary schools have signed up to the campaign and the Council will be providing those pupils with extra information in support of the week.
Walking to school has a number of benefits over driving for pupils, parents and the environment.
Going to school on foot is an excellent form of exercise and is highly sociable; meeting up and talking with friends is a great way to start the day and can help make children feel alert and ready for the day ahead.
Leaving the car at home is also less stressful, as there are no traffic jams or fights for a parking space, and reducing the number of vehicles on the road is better for the environment.
Also, it saves on petrol used, which should mean fewer trips to the pumps for a refill.
Councillor David Jamieson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: “As well as helping beat congestion, walking to school really is a great way to start the day and I would encourage all of the borough’s schoolchildren to give it go during Walk to School week – especially if you’ve never tried it before. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it and will carry on walking to school long after Walk to School week is over.
“As well as being good for your health, it will also help our environment by reducing the amount cars on our roads and will help you avoid the stress of the daily school run. If you think you live too far from school to walk all the way, why not drive part of journey then walk the last 10 minutes?”
The national campaign, which runs from Monday 4 – Friday 8 October, aims to simply get as many children and parents as possible walking to school.
37 Solihull primary schools have signed up to the campaign and the Council will be providing those pupils with extra information in support of the week.
Walking to school has a number of benefits over driving for pupils, parents and the environment.
Going to school on foot is an excellent form of exercise and is highly sociable; meeting up and talking with friends is a great way to start the day and can help make children feel alert and ready for the day ahead.
Leaving the car at home is also less stressful, as there are no traffic jams or fights for a parking space, and reducing the number of vehicles on the road is better for the environment.
Also, it saves on petrol used, which should mean fewer trips to the pumps for a refill.
Councillor David Jamieson, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: “As well as helping beat congestion, walking to school really is a great way to start the day and I would encourage all of the borough’s schoolchildren to give it go during Walk to School week – especially if you’ve never tried it before. Hopefully you’ll enjoy it and will carry on walking to school long after Walk to School week is over.
“As well as being good for your health, it will also help our environment by reducing the amount cars on our roads and will help you avoid the stress of the daily school run. If you think you live too far from school to walk all the way, why not drive part of journey then walk the last 10 minutes?”
Wednesday, 22 September 2010
Exciting new social enterprise opportunity: Recruitment for Wood Recycling Manager
Now recruiting: Jericho Wood Recycling Enterprise Manager Ca £20 -£25k
One of Birmingham’s Leading Third Sector Organisations is looking for a proactive Business Enterprise Manager who is a natural leader, a strategic planner and an accomplished business person to establish and head-up a new wood recycling enterprise for Jericho. The successful candidate will be required to set up departments and grow the business enterprise to profitable levels whilst also supporting Jericho’s ethos and values and meeting the needs of our clients.
You will have the ability to communicate clearly at all levels, offering unrivalled levels of customer satisfaction, implementing business strategies, producing quality products on time, whilst expanding and growing the business unit. This job is a challenge!
Wood recycling/ carpentry production knowledge is a must together with a strong ethos for environmental stewardship. Management experience is important as you will be expected to manage a small team of supervisors who in turn would supervise a team of up to 30 people. Supervisors would need to be trained and supported to offer effective provision in the delivery of the business, strategic and social objectives.
Industry wood experience is desirable – knowledge of teaching methodologies (pttls/dttls/A1/V1) is a definite advantage as is experience in producing innovative products for ongoing production processes.
Working in conjunction with Wilmott Dixon, British Waterways and the Ministry of Justice our goal is to become the leading Wood Recycling Depot in central England whilst helping local disadvantaged people break down their barriers.
Please apply in writing to:
Stuart Blackman
Jericho Foundation, 196 – 198 Edward Road, Birmingham, B12 9LX
stuart.blackman@jericho.org.uk
One of Birmingham’s Leading Third Sector Organisations is looking for a proactive Business Enterprise Manager who is a natural leader, a strategic planner and an accomplished business person to establish and head-up a new wood recycling enterprise for Jericho. The successful candidate will be required to set up departments and grow the business enterprise to profitable levels whilst also supporting Jericho’s ethos and values and meeting the needs of our clients.
You will have the ability to communicate clearly at all levels, offering unrivalled levels of customer satisfaction, implementing business strategies, producing quality products on time, whilst expanding and growing the business unit. This job is a challenge!
Wood recycling/ carpentry production knowledge is a must together with a strong ethos for environmental stewardship. Management experience is important as you will be expected to manage a small team of supervisors who in turn would supervise a team of up to 30 people. Supervisors would need to be trained and supported to offer effective provision in the delivery of the business, strategic and social objectives.
Industry wood experience is desirable – knowledge of teaching methodologies (pttls/dttls/A1/V1) is a definite advantage as is experience in producing innovative products for ongoing production processes.
Working in conjunction with Wilmott Dixon, British Waterways and the Ministry of Justice our goal is to become the leading Wood Recycling Depot in central England whilst helping local disadvantaged people break down their barriers.
Please apply in writing to:
Stuart Blackman
Jericho Foundation, 196 – 198 Edward Road, Birmingham, B12 9LX
stuart.blackman@jericho.org.uk
Good Hope Hospital urges locals to be vigilant against infection this winter
With winter fast approaching, experts at Good Hope are warning local people to be prepared for seasonal flu and sickness viruses.
Each year the Hospital infection control team prepares for any infection outbreaks in the community, helping prevent these spreading amongst Hospital patients, visitors and staff.
Diane Tomlinson, lead infection control and prevention nurse, said: “The Hospital has strict hand hygiene guidelines and this year has installed new antiviral gel to prevent outbreaks.
“If you or family member has suffered from flu or sickness and diarrhoea, you will still be highly contagious for 48 hours after the symptoms disappear. Until this time, contact with others and any Hospital visits should be avoided.
“If a ward has a sickness and diarrhoea outbreak, often known as ‘norovirus’, we will be closing the affected ward to visiting, for a fixed time period, but will not be restricting visiting to other wards on the sites as we have done in previous years.”
Ward staff will contact relatives and next-of-kin, to inform them of the closure, allowing infection control teams to contain and clean the area and for patients to recover without any new germs passing through the ward.
Diane’s tips for avoiding infection.
- Protect yourself from flu by having a vaccination, available from your GP from October. The vaccination is available to the at-risk groups – the over 65s, pregnant women, children under 5 and people suffering from chronic disease.
- To prevent flu germs spreading, use a tissue when you sneeze, put the tissue in the bin then wash your hands.
- To avoid norovirus, wash hands with soap and water, keep surfaces, objects and fabrics clean, and do not eat raw or unwashed food.
Each year the Hospital infection control team prepares for any infection outbreaks in the community, helping prevent these spreading amongst Hospital patients, visitors and staff.
Diane Tomlinson, lead infection control and prevention nurse, said: “The Hospital has strict hand hygiene guidelines and this year has installed new antiviral gel to prevent outbreaks.
“If you or family member has suffered from flu or sickness and diarrhoea, you will still be highly contagious for 48 hours after the symptoms disappear. Until this time, contact with others and any Hospital visits should be avoided.
“If a ward has a sickness and diarrhoea outbreak, often known as ‘norovirus’, we will be closing the affected ward to visiting, for a fixed time period, but will not be restricting visiting to other wards on the sites as we have done in previous years.”
Ward staff will contact relatives and next-of-kin, to inform them of the closure, allowing infection control teams to contain and clean the area and for patients to recover without any new germs passing through the ward.
Diane’s tips for avoiding infection.
- Protect yourself from flu by having a vaccination, available from your GP from October. The vaccination is available to the at-risk groups – the over 65s, pregnant women, children under 5 and people suffering from chronic disease.
- To prevent flu germs spreading, use a tissue when you sneeze, put the tissue in the bin then wash your hands.
- To avoid norovirus, wash hands with soap and water, keep surfaces, objects and fabrics clean, and do not eat raw or unwashed food.
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