May 2011 edition of Spaghetti Gazetti Magazine

I have recently started producing Spaghetti Gazetti in an electronic magazine format using software from a website called calameo. The latest edition, May 2011, can be viewed by clicking on the picture of the magazine cover in the right hand column of the blog or by using the link below.

I hope you enjoy reading it in this exciting new format. Please continue to send me your news, views, reviews, information, event notices, press releases, photos and articles for publication both here on the blog and in the magazine format. The next edition will be June 2011 so it would be useful to start receiving information for things happening in late June and July.

Email me at spaghetti.editorial@yahoo.com

Both the blog and the magazine are not for profit social enterprises, but I welcome paid adverts for the magazine format to cover general costs. The Spaghetti Gazetti blog is updated 7 days a week and receives between 600 and 1000 hits every day.

Read the May 2011 edition of Spaghetti Gazetti here

People power in Solihull

The following article has been shared with us from the website Antidote To Gloom.

You can read the article in it's original format at:
http://antidotecounteragent.wordpress.com/2011/04/28/people-power-in-solihull/

On a sister site appreciation was expressed for the valuable voluntary contributions of four young people to three local organisations, who could not have afforded their professional fees. Without such services their future would have been in doubt.

The preservation of another fine community building, the Grade II* listed timber-framed Manor House in Solihull High Street, built circa 1495, is due entirely to the the borough’s people.

Remarkably little is known about the history of this building and the story of its ‘rescue’ and preservation for the people of the borough is told thanks to another voluntary contribution, the writing of ‘The Solihull Manor House and its People 1900 to 2000’, by Fred Ritchie.

The house is thought to have been built for a prosperous merchant and was purchased by Ansell’s brewery in 1938. Plans to convert it into a public house were shelved on the outbreak of the Second World War and the building was used as the local headquarters of the Home Guard.

In 1945 it was bought by a trust with funds raised through public subscription from local people determined to save the Manor House and local volunteers have continued to maintain the property ever since. As Mr Ritchie wrote, if it had not been for their efforts the fine old house would have been demolished and replaced by a modern retail unit or office block.

The Manor House has no council or corporate funding, as is the rule in Solihull. Though this makes the task of caring for its community centres demanding, when compared with the lavish support given in Birmingham, it does have the advantage of making them independent of sudden grant reductions.

The writer became a ‘Friend’ of the Manor House many years ago, not only because of its charm but also because it had a telephone – this before mobile phones were in general use and a spate of vandalism was putting most public call boxes out of action.

Drawing on the committee’s carefully recorded business papers and other sources, Fred Ritchie writes in great detail about work of volunteers over the years.

Those involved did sterling work; this was both secretarial and ‘hands on’: cleaning, decorating, repairing and working in the garden, forming harmonious relationships over a period of years.

The writer only met two of these volunteers, many years ago: Mario Bryanston, who set up Solihull Film Society, and Miss Joyce Griffiths, who was, in her 80s, resisting the demolition of old houses in the town centre – including her own cottage – to make way for a supermarket. It was good to see that a room in the Manor House has been named after her – a well merited tribute.

Without labelling it as such, these volunteers and their counterparts all over the country have been realising the Cameron ‘Big Society’ vision.

Mayors visit Our Sporting Life Exhibitions in Ironbridge Gorge

From Left to right:
The Mayoress of Telford & Wrekin, Councillor Veronica Fletcher
The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett
Mayor of Telford & Wrekin, Councillor Ian Fletcher
Mayoress of Wolverhampton, Mrs Linda Gwinnett

Mayor of Telford & Wrekin welcomed Wolverhampton Mayor on visit to Our Sporting Life Exhibitions in Ironbridge Gorge

The Mayor of Wolverhampton, Councillor Malcolm Gwinnett and the Mayoress, Mrs Linda Gwinnett were welcomed by the Mayor of Telford & Wrekin, Councillor Ian Fletcher and the Mayoress, Councillor Veronica Fletcher to view two outstanding exhibitions at Enginuity in the Ironbridge Gorge on Thursday, 28th April.

One of the many areas of interest within Our Sporting Life, Sporting Heroes is a display devoted to Billy Wright, also known as the Ironbridge Rocket. He famously captained both Wolverhampton Wanderers and the England side over a hundred times.

Councillor Ian Fletcher explains; “I am sure everyone will agree, there is no greater local sporting hero than Billy Wright who was born here in Ironbridge and later went on to play for Wolverhampton Wanderers. I wanted to share this wonderful celebration of his memory, including many objects from his playing career, with the Mayor and Mayoress of Wolverhampton. I know the Museum is very grateful for the generous support that Wolverhampton Wanderers Football Club has given through the loan of so many important artefacts”.

Our Sporting Life, Sporting Heroes is running in the Coalbrookdale Gallery adjacent to Enginuity until 29th February 2012 and is free of charge. It features a remarkable display of images ranging from football, cricket and quoit teams to rowing clubs and coracle racing. It also includes various artefacts celebrating Shropshire’s sporting heroes past and present such as Captain Webb, the first man to swim the English Channel, and Richie Woodhall the international boxer.

At Enginuity visitors can enjoy the Our Sporting Life, The Science of Sport exhibition (normal admission costs apply) which uses the Museum’s collections and loan items to demonstrate the science behind modern, high-performance sports. Running until September 2012, a highlight is the Olympic gold medal winning eight rowing boat from the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games, on loan from the Henley River & Rowing Museum.

A Passport to all ten Ironbridge Gorge Museums valid for twelve months and unlimited return visits costs £22.50 for adults, £18.25 for the sixty plus, £14.75 for children (up to 18 years in full time education) and £61.50 for families; under 5s free. Individual admission is available into any of the sites. For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 433424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).

Worcestershire based singers – of all abilities - wanted for Godiva Awakes Choir

Ilona Sekacz and members of the newly formed Godiva Awakes Choir

Imagineer Productions and BAFTA award-winning composer Ilona Sekacz are recruiting Worcestershire based singers – of all abilities from those who have never sung before to those with experience - for the already 80 strong Godiva Awakes Choir. The Godiva Awakes Choir is an opportunity to be part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

On Saturday 7 May 2pm – 4pm and Sunday 8 May 2pm – 4pm people with a passion for singing are invited to take part in an open workshop audition at Ombersley Memorial Hall in Worcestershire. The final Choir will be made up of voices from across the region who will perform in 2012 as part of the Godiva Awakes project.

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 Godiva, who will awake 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.

Ilona Sekacz said: “I hope people of all ages and singing abilities will come along to take part. The workshop will include a wide range of musical styles and vocal techniques and those chosen to form part of the Godiva Awakes choir will have a great opportunity to get involved with a project inspired by London 2012 right here in the West Midlands.”

Jane Hytch, Director at Imagineer Productions said: “The choir is another way in which people in the West Midlands can get involved with the Godiva Awakes project. Choir members’ to-date have shown fantastic commitment to rehearsing demonstrating the role singing has in reviving community spirit and bringing people from all walks of life together, I am already looking forward to the performances planned for later this year and of course to when Godiva awakes in 2012.”

To register your interest in attending the singing workshop at Ombersley Memorial Hall on 7 or 8 May please contact Julie Boyle, Project Co-ordinator on 02476652882/07799540176 or email julieb_imagineer@yahoo.co.uk.

To find out more about Godiva Awakes and to follow the Godiva Awakes Choir visit www.imagineerproductions.co.uk/godivaawakes.

Over 1000 people are already part of the Godiva Awakes project across the region, including the Communitas (220 young people), the Choir (100), the Cycle Team (100) with 58 people employed on delivering Godiva Awakes alongside eight apprenticeships for young people and a further 100 jobs planned to be created during the project.

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/.

Launch of new community gardening project

Launch event May 3rd, 12 noon – 4pm

Centre of the Earth Project, Norman Street, Winson Green, Birmingham, B18 7EP.

A NEW gardening project is being launched in Birmingham to brighten up run-down sites in the city and improve the physical and mental well-being of people with mental ill health.

Greener Future is a collaboration between Future Health and Social Care Association and the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country. It has been made possible by a grant from the Ecominds, Mind, and the Big Lottery Fund.

Volunteers with mental health problems will be taken into sites around the city identified as needing regeneration by the Wildlife Trust. They will work alongside other trust volunteers and professionals to build seating areas, improve walk ways and carry out other maintenance work.

Three sites have already been identified for project volunteers to start work on following the launch on May 3rd. They are:

• Centre of the Earth, Winson Green – a former environmental education centre

• Park Hall Farm, Minworth – An area of remote farmland on the eastern edge of Birmingham

• Birmingham Eco Park, Small Heath


While other gardening projects exist to provide therapy, Green Future aims to develop skills and opportunities for volunteers to find paid employment.


For more information call project co-ordinator Gary Moore on 07894 386733.

Balsall Heath Through Time - Book Launch

You are warmly invited to...

The launch of ‘Balsall Heath through Time’ by Val Hart

Thursday, May 5th at 6.15

at

St Paul’s Venture, Clifton Rd, Balsall Heath.B12 8NJ

Dear Colleague,

Do come to the launch of “Balsall Heath Through Time” by Val Hart, a new book published by Amberley. It charts the development of Balsall Heath from 1945 to 2005, with many photographs of the area past & present.

There will be a short presentation about the book and some celebratory refreshments.

This will be followed at 7.30 with a talk by Anthony Collins about his great grandfather, John Bowen, Master Builder of Balsall Heath, who built the Birmingham Law Courts.

There will also be an opportunity to buy the book, priced at £14.99, at a special Launch Price of £10!

Yours,

Val Hart
 

 
BALSALL HEATH
THROUGH TIME

VAL HART

This fascinating selection of photographs traces some of the many ways in which Balsall Heath has changed and developed over the last century.

Balsall Heath is an inner city area of Birmingham, which developed rapidly in the nineteenth century. By 1939 it was densely populated but with a marked sense of community. Since then it has suffered many difficulties and challenges including: extensive bomb damage in the Second World War followed by a spiral of decline; a painful period of redevelopment under Urban Renewal; a changing population; large scale road schemes; and a tornado literally ripping through in 2005.

This book illustrates some of the major changes that have taken place since 1939. Some of our older buildings remain, some have been adapted for different uses and now there are also new schools, health centres, businesses, houses and community centres as well as green spaces. Balsall Heath today is a vibrant example of urban regeneration, for which it was recently commended by David Cameron. Thanks to faith organisations, voluntary agencies and housing associations, this is an attractive and diverse community.

Price: £14.99

ISBN: 978-1-84868-528-4

AMBERLEY PUBLISHING PLC
Cirencester Road, Chalford, Stroud
Gloucestershire, GL6 8PE

http://www.amberley-books.com/

FAIRPORT CONVENTION TO PLAY THE JAM HOUSE FOR CHERNOBYL

Nationwide efforts to provide ongoing support for victims of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster are being boosted with the help of Birmingham's Jam House.

The live music and dining venue in St Paul's Square has teamed up with Chernobyl Children's Project UK and folk-rock legends Fairport Convention to present a charity concert on Tuesday, May 10 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the explosion.

The charity's Midland branch, which brings to the region over 300 children from the contaminated area of Belarus each year to stay with families for a health-giving break, will also be holding a candlelit vigil outside Town Hall Birmingham on Easter Monday.

A 20 per cent shortfall in donations this year has however put at risk many of the charity's activities in Belarus, where it runs vital services including orphanages, a respite centre for parents with disabled children, and an abandoned babies clinic.

Fairport Convention, one of the UK's most celebrated folk-rock bands, are taking time out from a nationwide acoustic tour to give an exclusive Birmingham concert at the Jam House, with all the proceeds from ticket sales going to the charity.

The 1960s band, best known for its album Liege & Lief which was voted the Best Folk Album of All Time in a recent BBC readers' poll, recently released its first new studio album for four years, Festival Bell, to coincide with its new intimately presented tour.

Dave Pegg, bass guitarist and the longest continually serving member of Fairport Convention, said: “We are delighted to be helping such a worthy cause as the Chernobyl Children's Project and really hope the audience will turn out in support. The charity concert is particularly special to me as I was born in Birmingham.”

Robin Johnson, spokesperson for the Chernobyl Children's Project UK, said: “The nuclear disaster in Japan has reminded the world of the effects of nuclear fall out, with the Chernobyl disaster continuing to result in children in the region being born with unprecedented levels of thyroid cancer, leukaemia and other genetic disorders.

“We applaud Fairport and the Jam House for staging this special music evening where we hope to raise as much money as possible to enable all our work to continue.”

The charity approached The Jam House following the success of a music evening it hosted for the 20th anniversary of Chernobyl in which Hot Property, a band made up of people from the local property industry, helped raise over £12,000.

John Bunce, Jam House General Manager, said: “The evening will present a great opportunity to experience one the greatest UK bands of all time while also supporting a vital cause. I hope as many music lovers as possible will support the event.”

Tickets are available, priced at £20, by calling 0121 200 3030 or booking online at http://www.thejamhouse.com/.

More Solihull Comedy on the 30th April

More great comedy with our compere introducing another three top acts from the London circuit, usually Comedy Store regulars.This month host Kevin Precious (pictured right) introduces naturally gifted Jo Enright "If she was broccoli, I'd turn vegetarian". - Barry Cryer; formidable Richard Morton "His hilarious songs give musical comedy a good name" - The Guardian ; and engaging Alfie Moore "easy to relate to, and leaving the crowd wanting more.” - Three Weeks

Jo Enright

“Jo Enright is one of the most naturally gifted comic talents I’ve ever seen. I’d put her in the same league as Julie Walters.” PETER KAY

“A great comedienne” JACK DEE

For more than a decade now the highly acclaimed comedienne Jo Enright has crafted a completely unique style of stand-up comedy. As well as performing it both on television and radio, Jo also thrives on live theatre performances, winning several comedy awards including the 2002 Chortle Award for ‘The Best Female Circuit Comic’ and the 2001 ‘Best Female on the Jongleurs Comedy Circuit’ award.

Alongside stand-up she is in demand as a character actress appearing as the lead female ‘Beverley’ in Peter Kay’s Phoenix Nights (C4), ‘Cara’ in “Lab Rats” (BBC1) Peter Kay’s “Britain's Got The Pop Factor and Possibly a New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly On Ice”, playing the lead female ‘Jackie’ and most recently she once again played the part of Carol in the hit comedy series “IDEAL” for BBC which is due to transmit later this year.

When not acting or writing, Jo continues to tour nationally and internationally as a professional comic.

Richard Morton

Stand up comedian, singer, songwriter and winner of the Time Out Comedy Award, Richard Morton is now a regular on Channel 5. You can see him on The Comedy Store Show and on the retro quiz show WowFab

Groovy. He's also had his own half hour special Richard Morton Live At The Comedy Store. Guest appearances on other Channel 5 shows include The Jack Docherty Chat Show, Tibs & Fibs, Night Fever and Live & Dangerous.

ITV appearances include Jack Dee's Saturday Night, Funny Business (both Granada), Good Stuff (Carlton) and The Richard Morton Christmas Special (Tyne Tees Yorkshire).

BBC TV appearances include Gag Tag, The Stand Up Show as well as an acting role in the BAFTA nominated Our Friends In The North. Richard also had several acting roles in Channel 4's Jack and Jeremy's Real Lives series.

A regular on BBC radio, he?ll be featured on the new series of Stand Up 2 and Four At The Store. He's a frequent contributor to Loose Ends and The Locker Room and played alongside Caroline Quentin in Cross
Questioned. He has also appeared on Radio 1's Comedy Network, Loose Talk and Radio 4's classic Just A Minute.

Richard has built up a formidable reputation as a live stand up, having completed several UK tours with Jack Dee, Lee Evans, Jo Brand, Lily Savage and Phill Jupitus.

"Comic genius"- The Daily Express

"A great stand up. Audiences laughed longer and louder at Morton than any other act on the Fringe." - Sunday Times

"His hilarious songs give musical comedy a good name" - The Guardian

Alfie Moore
 
“He’s a very funny man!” - Rhod Gilbert

Alfie Moore is one of the most original and distinctive acts on the comedy scene with his niche area as a serving police sergeant. A versatile performer, who is equally at home in a crowded comedy club or a corporate function. He is regularly opening larger comedy clubs and closing medium-sized venues, with many repeat bookings.

He came slightly later to comedy and brings a wealth of insights and comedy moments from his seventeen years on the beat, where a keen sense of humour has been key to his success and survival.

Alfie’s comedy debut was an impulsive last minute entry into a national stand up competition, where he finished runner up and was well and truly hooked. He subsequently served a whole new apprenticeship, honing his craft at comedy clubs all over the country and was then invited to become resident compere at the highly respected Otherside comedy clubs in the north of England.

Alfie has an observational comedic style, which lends itself to witty, and sometimes gritty, anecdotes based on everyday modern policing.

Solihull Arts Complex
Homer Road
Town Centre
Solihull
B91 3RG
.........................

Box Office
0121 704 6962
........................

Date and Time

Saturday 30th April 2011

8.00pm
.......................

Tickets

£10 in advance

£12 on the door
........................

Supporting people to enjoy the Hereford May Fair

The Showman’s Guild is offering free rides for disabled people and their carers on Wednesday, May 4, from 10am until noon.

Free rides will be available on the Waltzer, Sizzler and Dodgems, and people should meet at the Waltzer in High Town at 10am in order to take part. Help will be available from Herefordshire Council volunteers should anyone need it.

The volunteers will also be available from 10am until 8pm on 4 May at the library on Broad Street to help anyone who asks.

Some people may want help getting onto fairground rides, others might just want a guiding hand around the attractions to do some shopping. All the volunteers are CRB checked and keen just to help people who need a little extra support. You do not have to be disabled to take advantage of this free service.

Harriet Yellin, Herefordshire Council’s diversity officer, said: “Navigating through the city centre to carry out daily activities like shopping can be a major challenge for disabled or older people when the May Fair takes over the centre of Hereford. In addition, getting access to the rides and attractions can be difficult unless you are fortunate enough to be accompanied by someone who understands your needs and is happy to help you.

“We have been able to get a willing band of volunteers together to try to help everyone to enjoy the fair’s attractions or just get on with their daily activities such as shopping and I would like to thank these people for giving their time,” she added.

If you are in High Town on May 4 and would like a volunteer to spend some time with you, simply drop in and see us in Hereford Library on Broad Street, or call 07792 880238 or 07792 881010, and we will come to you!

If you would more information, then please contact Lynsey Radmore on 01432 260244 or email diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk

Greenfield Lottery - Countryside at risk from West Midlands Local Authorities housing levels

The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) is warning that a number of local authorities in the West Midlands continue to promote green field housing as opposed to urban regeneration. This is despite the removal by the Coalition Government of the straight jacket of Regional Housing numbers.

CPRE are concerned that local authorities continue to allocate levels of housing based on questionable long term forecasts, even though those forecasts have themselves been downgraded and, at the same time, ignore the impact of the recession on house building.

This allows developers to come forward with housing on green field sites while projects in urban areas stall. More countryside could be ploughed up but no more housing provided.

CPRE welcomes the realism of some local authorities in the region who are looking more critically at building sustainable homes where they are most needed and they will be pressing other local authorities to re-examine their housing provision to ensure it genuinely delivers the right homes in the right place.

Local authorities such as Redditch are actively reducing their overall housing allocations so they can concentrate on urban regeneration and their residents in the search for good local housing.

Birmingham is adjusting its housing requirement to remove the need for development in the Green Belt.

Urban authorities such as the Black Country and Stoke are promoting new housing in areas where regeneration is desperately needed.

In Coventry there is a political commitment to reducing green field housing but as yet no firm figures, while in Warwick and Stratford Upon Avon they are reviewing housing numbers with a view to reductions.

However Lichfield and Rugby are among authorities which continue to promote housing at a level which will allow developers to build on green fields even though that new housing will attract more people to leave urban areas, reduce effective urban regeneration and desecrate our dwindling countryside.

And Herefordshire continues to promote a vast number of green field houses in association with the proposed Hereford Bypass, while Shropshire continues to pursue high levels of housing based on the old Regional Strategy figures.

Gerald Kells, West Midlands CPRE Policy Officer says: ‘The picture is still unclear across the region but we are concerned that it shouldn’t be a lottery with some local authorities sensibly ditching green field housing proposals in their local plans, in order to encourage urban regeneration, whilst others, next door, are continuing with plans that will destroy tranquil countryside.

We welcomed the removal of top down imposed housing numbers. But all local authorities need to be committed to building on brown field sites first, and only building homes on green field sites as a last resort.’

IS IT A BIRD, IS IT A PLANE? NO, IT’S THE CADBURY WORLD SUPERHEROES WEEKEND!

Cadbury World is inviting families to show off their special talents as part of its Superheroes Weekend.

From Saturday 30th April to Monday 2nd May, visitors at Cadbury World will be greeted by the likes of famous superheroes and the attraction’s resident robot, Cadbot. Staff will be dressing up over the weekend and are encouraging families to follow suit and join in. Visitors can dress up as their favourite superhero or create their own personalised costume, and each day the best dressed caped crusader will win a box of Cadbury Heroes.

Whether you plan on driving, getting the train or using your superhero cape to get to Cadbury World you are guaranteed to have a fun-packed weekend full of exciting activities including circus performances in the attraction’s outdoor marquee with family favourites Charley Farley and Rags. Visitors will also get to have a go at scaling Cadbury World’s 7 metre climbing wall.

Superheroes and their friends will have the chance to explore Cadbury World’s fourteen different zones, experiencing everything from learning how their favourite confectionery is made to playing in virtual chocolate rain. Families will also have the chance to come face to face with Cadbury’s infamous drumming gorilla.

Superheroes Weekend is part of Cadbury World’s year round line-up of events, which includes the upcoming themed Dance Weekend and Let the Games Begin. It also signals the launch of the Cadbury World Superheroes Awards, new to the attraction, which will take place throughout May to recognise local heroes in the community.

Diane Mitchell, marketing manager at Cadbury World, said:

“Cadbury World is a favourite amongst adults and children alike and we are looking forward to seeing visitors and our staff dressed up as their favourite superheroes over the bank holiday.

"The weekend will also launch the Cadbury World Superheroes Awards. We’ll be searching high and low for those unsung superheroes that exist in the local community and celebrating the good deeds that they have done.”

For more information about a visit to Cadbury World go to www.cadburyworld.co.uk.

Local hospital hosts ‘come dine with me’ experience

Heartlands Hospital launched a campaign this week, to raise awareness of patient nutrition with a ‘come dine with me’ style open day.

Visitors, members of the public and staff are invited to taste some of the meals served to patients and were given information on how food comes from the producer to the patient bedside.

Diane Eltringham, head nurse at the Hospital and one of the Trust’s “keeping nourished” team said: “Patient nutrition has always been a priority to our nursing teams and we felt the need to introduce a more productive way of monitoring our patient’s nutrition levels.

“A red cup and plate system is being rolled out across the Trust to help nurses identify which patients need support and careful monitoring. The red tray and cup allows ward staff to easily identify those patients who are at risk of dehydration or malnourishment and ensure the appropriate level of assistance and support is offered to patients.”

All wards across the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust, including Good Hope and Solihull Hospitals, will be using the red cup system as the programme is rolled out next month.

Have your Photo taken in a Victorian Wedding Gown at Blists Hill

To celebrate the Royal Wedding the photographer’s studio at Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge, has commissioned three magnificent new replica Victorian wedding dresses as part of their extensive costume range.

The exquisite cream and ivory gowns have been hand-made in Coalbrookdale by the Museum’s Costume Project to designs taken from fashion illustrations and photographs from the late 1800s.

While the impact of Kate Middleton’s dress choice remains to be seen, Royal brides have previously proven to be hugely influential in their choice of wedding gown. When Queen Victoria married in 1840 she made popular the white wedding dress we know today, indeed previously a wide variety of colours were worn, from blues and yellows to browns and greys.

The dresses will be available in the photographer’s studio for visitors to try on and have their photograph taken from the day of the Royal Wedding, Friday 29th April, at a charge of £15 per person plus admission.

Blists Hill is one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums, a Passport to all ten valid for twelve months and multiple return visits, costs £22.50 per adult, £18.25 for the 60 plus, £14.75 for students and children and £61.50 for a family of two adults and three children aged up to 18 years in full time education; under 5s free. Individual museum entry tickets are also available.

The museums are open seven days a week from 10am until 5pm; activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee. For further information, contact the Ironbridge Tourist Information Centre on Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).

Contemporary Dance at the Belgrade Theatre

Natalie Trewinnard in Lay Me Down Safe by Kate Weare
Photographer Andy Ross 2011

Scottish Dance Theatre, Scotland’s award-winning, national contemporary dance company, returns to the Belgrade Theatre’s Main Stage on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 May with Letters from America, a double-bill of two unmissable new shows.

Following on from the success of last year’s shows, Scottish Dance Theatre returns to Coventry to celebrate its 25th anniversary year with its new show Letters from America which features two new performances by American choreographers entitled Lay Me Down Safe and Khaos.

"An intrepid and spirited company.” - The Guardian on Scottish Dance Theatre

By native New Yorker Kate Weare, Lay Me Down Safe is a tender foray into our human inexperience at reckoning with desire and loss. Drawing on the individuality of each dancer and offering up sensuous and arresting movement, Lay Me Down Safe explores whether desire ultimately keeps us safe from harm, or places us right in its path.

Khaos, which is choreographed by Benjamin Levy, explores a search for balance between deprivation and excess, where the human experience is nourished by the elements that sustain us, and not starved of or suffocated by them.

“One of the best dance companies around.” - The Stage

There will be a pre-show talk with one of Scottish Dance Theatre’s company directors on Sat 14 May from 6.45pm to 7.15pm.

Tickets for Scottish Dance Theatre are available now from the box office on 024 7655 3055 or via http://www.belgrade.co.uk/  priced from £7.50 to £15, with concessions and family tickets available.

 Solene Weinachter and Jori Kerremans in Khaos by Benjamin Levy
Photographer Andy Ross 2011

Walsall 100 ft Abseil for Charity

CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) is a registered children’s charity that takes disadvantaged children aged 8-15, who would not otherwise have the chance on free respite breaks. The short stays are designed to give children a chance to be children and to get them involved in a whole number of activities that they may not otherwise have the opportunity to try.

CHICKS helps children from a variety of different backgrounds, just a few examples are children growing up in poverty, children who have been abused, either physically, emotionally or sexually. CHICKS also provides breaks for young carers.

Songs at dawn in Dorridge Park!

There is no better wake up call than the call of nature, and that’s exactly what people will get if they head down to Dorridge Park this May.

All nature lovers are urged to set the alarm for an early start to experience the natural world at its best.

The Dawn Chorus is a chance to learn all about birds and birdsong and still be home in time for breakfast!

Those who wish to attend should head down to Dorridge Park on Sunday 1 May and meet in the car park at 4.30am. Finish time is 6am.

The event is suitable for all ages – although children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Please note there are no toilet facilities in Dorridge Park.

For more information on park events please visit http://www.solihull.gov.uk/ to download your free guide or call 0121 704 6546.

DATES AND CIRCUITS FINALISED FOR 2011 EV CUP - THE WORLD’S FIRST ELECTRIC VEHICLE RACING SERIES

LONDON (April 27, 2011) – The EV Cup, the world’s first racing series exclusively featuring zero-emission electric vehicles, today released its finalised dates and circuits for its inaugural 2011 season.

The series launches with four races in the UK followed by a race in Belgium with two races in California completing the seven-race 2011 calendar.

The EV Cup 2011 schedule is:

Aug 6 Silverstone, England

Aug 20 Snetterton, England

Sep 10 Rockingham, England

Sep 18 Zolder, Belgium

Nov 6 Brands Hatch, England

Nov 26 Laguna Seca, USA

Dec 17 California Speedway, USA

Sylvain Filippi, one of the founders of the EV Cup, said: “We are very excited by the races we have organised for this year. Being able to add two races in California takes us in exactly the direction we have targeted. We only launched the EV Cup in January so to be able to arrange seven races in year one is a sign that the world is ready for electric car racing.

“We are now into detailed planning for each event. We want to combine the traditional excitement of motor racing with an event that showcases the latest in electric motoring technology. It is our intention to make each event a great day out. There will be bands playing between races and a chance for everyone to take a close up look at the latest electric cars.”

Former Formula One British champion Damon Hill is a supporter of the EV Cup. “I think the time is fast approaching when we will have to rethink our expectations regarding private road transport generally. The advantages of electric vehicles in urban environments are too many to miss. Less noise and less direct pollution are just two. The race is to save the planet from us! Racing electric vehicles should convince the wider public of their potential. Racing was initially used to develop and prove a new product called the motor car. I see no reason why electric vehicle development will not benefit in the same way. Who knows what is ultimately possible?”

Ben Collins, who appeared in the popular television series Top Gear as The Stig and spoke at the launch of the EV Cup back in January of this year said: “Electric Vehicles represent a new dawn in motoring by running on clean energy that can be sourced as locally as organic sausages. It’s surprising that mankind has taken so long to embrace the technology.

“Motorsport still offers the purest research and development platform to deliver the true potential of electric power and dynamic energy recovery; perhaps to a level that will shame the carbon combustion engine the way rubber tyres did the wooden cartwheel. EV is developing fast and the current crop of road cars are superb to drive. With a dedicated racing series that encompasses both road and racecar development, the next steps will be more like a quantum leap.”

ABOUT EV CUP

Electric Vehicle Cup (EV Cup) presents the world’s first ‘green’ motor racing series based totally around zero-emission electric cars, providing the platform for sustainable motor sport.

For more details please go to: http://www.evcup.com/

VAISAKHI THIS SUNDAY!! ::::: Vaisakhi 2011- An Open Air Cultural Festival, West Park Wolverhampton ::::: VAISAKHI THIS SUNDAY!! :::::

The Council of Sikh Gurdwaras in Wolverhampton together with the Asian community is holding their annual cultural festival on Sunday May 1st in West Park . This event is held to bring all communities in Wolverhampton and neighbouring towns together to increase their understanding of the Sikh faith, the Sikh way of life and to show people how this religion has faired since the inception of the Khalsa brotherhood around three hundred years ago.

In 1699, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Guru of the Sikhs, at a gathering at Anandpur Sahib, in India laid out ground rules for the religion, in order to establish a formal identity for the religion and its people. The Sikh religion has suffered a lot of turmoil since 1699 with controversy over its identity. The aim of this event is to bring all communities whether they are opposing or united, together to celebrate this historic event.

There will be an open air festival at West Park from 10am till 5pm, including the following:

a) Entertainment for all the family (fun fair and stalls etc.).

b) Speeches by MEP's, MP's, Council leaders and various religious leaders.

c) Gatka, wrestling, and karate displays.

d) Bhangra displays.

e) Local and National Prominent Asian Musicians and Singers will display their talent during the Stage Show.

f) Cultural and historic exhibition.

g) A distinctive feature of the show, a City marquee, where governmental and public bodies will display their services.

h) Free Food, a distinctive feature of the Sikh Religion, will be served through out the day.

i) Everybody, irrespective of age, colour and background is invited.

Admission is free.

BID - An Invitation To Attend Our Open Morning On 4th May

Dear friends

To celebrate Deaf Awareness Week, BID Services would like to invite you to our Open Morning, taking place on 4th May, from 9:30am – 12:30pm at the Deaf Cultural Centre, Ladywood Road, Birmingham.

Why not come in for a cup of tea and see how you can better support deaf people through your services. We will also be highlighting some of our own services which you may find of interest.

And this year, you can meet the local Ambulance, Fire & Police services who will be here explaining about their services and what they can do for deaf people in cases of emergency.

Finally, why not attend one of our FREE BSL & Deaf Awareness Taster Sessions whilst you are here.

To book your place, please email Lisa Davies at lisa.davies@bid.org.uk  or telephone us on 0121 246 6100. Please click on the link below for more information about the event.

Deaf Awareness Week Poster

http://www.bid.org.uk/newsletters/deaf_awareness/BID-DAW2011.pdf

If you are unable to attend, perhaps you could forward this to interested colleagues.

We look forward to seeing you on the 4th May.

Public Services Reform: Opening Up Services

29th September 2011, The Barbican, London.

The government's 'Open Public Services White Paper', due in May, will set out a bold blueprint for the reform of our public services. Top-down policy direction has been consigned to the past and replaced by the new localism agenda. The ambition is to shift power away from Whitehall to the local level – to communities, citizens, and independent providers.

Local authorities must redesign service provision at pace and, importantly, deliver successful outcomes. Local authority responsibility lies in setting up investment and advisory services to help community projects and organisations have a rigorous business plan, ensuring a level playing field and fair funding and access for all.

Speakers include:

Keynote Address

Rt Hon Eric Pickles MP (invited)

Secretary of State, Communities & Local Government

"Opening Up Services"

Councillor Richard Kemp (confirmed)

Vice-Chairman of the Local Government Group; Leader of the Liberal Democrats, Local Government Association

"Modernising Public Services: A Flexible and Community-led Approach"

This conference will involve key speakers at the forefront of delivering the reforms, who will outline how local authorities can put policy into practice – ensuring reform benefits service users and offers value for money to the taxpayer.

Further details of the programme can be found online

Places are limited to 250 and are awarded on a first come, first served basis

If you wish to register your interest in exhibiting or delivering a workshop, you can submit your contact details online and one of our advisors will be in touch shortly.

Read more

Job Opportunity - Community Punishment Co-ordinator/Supervisor at St. Paul's CDT

Job Title: Community Punishment Co-ordinator/Supervisor

Hours: 35 hours per week Sunday to Thursday Inclusive (some Saturday and Bank Holiday working required)

Salary Scale: Grade 4 Level 1 £17,506pa - £19,322pa (Pro rata £16,339 - £18,034)

Description of Job:

To work within the framework of Enhanced Community Punishment to provide a demanding work programme for offenders whom the Courts have sentenced to Community

Payback and have been placed at St. Paul’s. A proven ability to demonstrate a wide range of practical skills including gardening & basic maintenance, and to directly supervise small groups of workers, along with a good general standard of education is essential.

Closing date: 5pm 13th May 2010

For further details and an application form please contact: St. Paul’s Community Development Trust on 0121 464 4376 or e mail personnel@stpaulstrust.org.uk


It is a condition of employment that the successful candidate obtains a satisfactory CRB Disclosure

We strive to be an equal opportunities employer

What's On At Villa Park?

ROYAL WEDDING EVENTS: FRIDAY 29TH APRIL ::::: Royal Wedding Celebration, Bilston & Royal Wedding Tea Dance, Wolverhampton Civic Hall

Royal Wedding Celebration

Wolverhampton City Council will be holding a Royal Wedding Celebration in Church Street , Bilston, from 11.00am – 2.00pm on Friday April 29, 2011. The event is hosted by Jim Duncan and features local comic Ian "Sludge" Lees, local singer ‘Natasha’ and the West Midlands Concert Band.

Ian "Sludge" Lees

Royal Wedding Tea Dance

The Civic Hall will be decked with bunting as regulars at our weekly Tea Dance celebrate the Royal Wedding with a complementary piece of cake which has been decorated with the national emblems of the four countries of the British Isles .

The Tea Dance runs from 12noon – 4.00pm on Friday April 29th and every Friday at the Civic Halls, where customers can come along to dance to everything from ballroom to line-dance.

Host Jim Duncan and
Outdoor Events Assistant: Nicole Birch

Communities and Local Government Consultation: Best Value - New Statutory Guidance

The government is introducing minimal Best Value statutory guidance setting out expectations when councils consider cutting funding to local voluntary and community organisations. This provides expectations for voluntary and community organisations in their relationship with authorities. It also aims to be more explicit about the scope for authorities to consider social value in their functions and allow them appropriate discretion in considering the circumstances of individual cases.

The consultation document can be downloaded here:

http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/localgovernment/bestvalueconsult

The department is looking for responses to the consultation from voluntary and community organisations and local authorities.

The consultation closes on 14th June.

Benefit Cuts - Who are they targeting? How can we stop them?

Millions are set to be affected by savage cuts to housing, disability, sickness and welfare benefits. Disabled people, those with long term illness, the unemployed, single parents, carers the low waged, part time students, volunteers, homeless people and college students are all likely to see a devastating drop in disposable income with many slipping even further below the poverty line.

Thursday 12th May, 7pm

Speakers: the solicitor from Irwin Mitchell who has just won a case preventing Birmingham City Council changing eligibility criteria for care funding, Linda Burnip, Disabled People Against Cuts; Michael Bradley, Right to Work

Unison offices, 19th floor McClaren Tower, Priory Queensway. B4 7NN

Then on Friday May 13th at noon outside Waterstones bookshop opposite bull statue in Bullring centre join us for leafleting and street theatre ‘ The Computer Says NO’ an adaptation of a Brighton Benefit Campaign play.

REVENANT DEAD - Birminghams Newest Metal Gods

Birmingham band REVENANT DEAD are featured in the latest edition of Exclusively Gothic Magazine.

Keller (EGL Magazine's editor) chats to the energetic axe wielder Ayd and intense frontman West about the band, the success of their new album '2 Evils', and how they deal with the attention and anticipation their band creates.

The full interview can be found online at Exclusively Gothic Lifestyles website:

http://www.egl-magazine.co.uk/#/revenant-dead-interview/4550637366

"Birminghams Newest Metal Gods" - Ultimate Guitar

"A ripping new metal band that for sure will rip the life out of all of our ears." - Rock City News

"A smorgasborg of thrash, death and black metal flavors, with clean vocals manifesting from time to time" - Corazine

"I would highly recommend this one to anyone" - Soundsheavy.net

"...their songs are not only amazingly well written, but they are talented as musicians & artists..." - Rock N' Roll Experience

You can currently download their EP (containing artwork, wallpapers and 4 new tracks from the bands new album '2 Evils') by visiting the site:

http://www.revenantdead.com/

or visiting www.facebook.com/revenantdead1 and hitting 'Like'.

New chair at BVSC

Birmingham Voluntary Services Council (BVSC), the city’s leading voluntary sector support body, has appointed Jonathan Driffill to chair its trustee board.

Jonathan, who is managing director of Birmingham-based Friendship Care and Housing, joined the board in 2003.

Forty-nine-year old Jonathan has a background in economic development and urban regeneration and brings to BVSC his financial, regional and partnership expertise.

In his new position Jonathan will work with the management team and other board members to provide leadership and ensure that Birmingham’s voluntary sector is effectively led through the economic downturn.

Jonathan said: “BVSC has an excellent reputation. It is nationally recognised for the way in which it acts as an advocate and provides resources for the second city’s charities and not-for-profit organisations.

“Through its professional manner it also has good relationships with both the public and private sectors. This is the key to its success as a conduit between the voluntary sector and many of its funders.”

Jonathan admits that the current climate is challenging for charities. “Things are intense right now,” he said. “Through localism, the Big Society and just plain cut-backs, people are being encouraged to involve the voluntary sector, which is great, but the resources and infrastructure that need to be made available to help us provide the best service are not yet materialising.

“To help this happen, the biggest challenge that I have set myself is for BVSC to work even harder to make sure not-for-profit organisations are given the same status and respect as partner organisations in the local authority and private sectors. As a sector we need to show that if we say that we’ll do something, that we’ll do it and that we have robust policies and systems in place to prove that it has been achieved.”

As to why he himself volunteers, Jonathan is quite clear. “I think that you gain so much more than you give when you volunteer. I love working for BVSC because when I feel that I’m contributing to society it gives me more purpose and enhances the quality of my life. I urge anyone who has spare time to give volunteering a go. If you find the right position it will be an uplifting experience while helping others.”

Jonathan replaces former chair Jacqui Francis, who completed her six-year term.

Existing board member Mohammed Al Rahim, chief executive of Freshwinds, has been appointed as vice chair of BVSC. Meanwhile two new members have been welcomed to the BVSC board – Des Workman, chief executive of Home from Hospital Care, and Yvonne Palmer, operations and programmes director for Birmingham & Black Country Community Foundation.

Brian Carr, chief executive of BVSC, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Jonathan as our new chair. His long-standing relationship with BVSC means he understands the needs of our members and I know he will provide us with strong leadership. I’d also like to thank Jacqui, our outgoing chair, for the tremendous contribution she made to our work.”

Job Fears Fuel Growth in Demand for Business Coaching from Lewis Psychology CIC

A huge increase in executive clients needing support in the face of challenging economic conditions has led to significant growth for Wolverhampton-based Lewis Psychology CIC.

Launched two years ago, with the aim of providing professional and accessible counselling and coaching services to individuals and organisations around the West Midlands and Staffordshire, Lewis Psychology has had to more than treble its team to cope with demand over the past year.

Founder and executive coach Teresa Lewis explains: “We’ve grown at a rate way beyond our forecasts and had to take on several new staff this year. People come to us for all sorts of reasons – it could be a workplace issue, or a relationship breakdown, or a financial issue that is causing distress. Whatever the reason, we offer support when it is most needed.”

The challenging economic climate has definitely increased stress levels, sometimes to breaking point. Teresa says “We are being employed by private and public sector organisations to help employees cope with internal restructuring and the stress of being made redundant and finding a new job. And we are working with mangers and leaders many of whom are struggling with decision-making around issues such as making staff redundant, how to increase the bottom line in such difficult times and whether to sell up or keep going.”

Lewis Psychology also offers support for managers on how to handle difficult employees or situations, giving them help to tackle any issues they may have so that they can work effectively and efficiently.

Teresa believes that work-related issues invariably have a psychological dimension, indeed, they often reside one or more levels deeper than the presenting issue. “This may manifest in the very way a person is framing or perceiving their issue,” she says, “or in self limiting belief systems. It may also be in how the person feels about themselves, their colleagues or their work and life as a whole. It is often most obvious when they attempt to change some long standing behavioural pattern and find that they keep 'reverting to type'. That is why we place such importance on the psychological and behavioural change skills of our coaches.”

At a time of upheaval and change, Teresa says executive coaching offers at least four valuable things: time and space to reflect rather than just do; an honest and direct relationship with someone outside of the organisation who can support, whilst at the same time challenge and encourage; respectful, honest, balanced and timely feedback to enhance performance, learning and development; and tools and techniques that can be used when dealing with everyday tasks and new challenges.

Lewis Psychology is a Community Interest Company (CIC), which means that the profits generated through its growth will be ploughed back into the business to extend its services and create employment opportunities, particularly for those most disadvantaged in the labour market.

Teresa explains: “When I set up the business, I was clear that I wanted to work for more than just profit. As a CIC Lewis Psychology has transparent and defined social objectives and I am able to use my entrepreneurial skills to provide benefit to the local community.”

For further information see www.lewispsy.org.uk, call 01902 827808 or email teresa@lewispsy.org.uk.