Spaghetti Gazetti

Big Bruvver and Swinging Blue Jeans

2008-07-04T08:09:00.009+01:00

Big Bruvver

Another fantastic evening of original 1960s music last night at Arden Hall in Castle Bromwich watching the latest Chris Beebee promoted event. This time it was the turn of legendary The Swinging Blue Jeans and Big Bruvver (backing band of cheeky Cockney Joe Brown).

Both bands were superb and had in common with the bands we have previously seen at Arden Hall, musical talent that has probably not only 'not' diminished since the late 50s /early 60s but no doubt become enhanced after some 50 years of recording and live gigging. You are quite wrong if you think these gigs are purely about a nostaligia trip, although if you do want nostalgia you can't get much better than these guys in terms of pop pedigree and rock n roll family trees.

My colleague John Ellis is writing a fuller review of last night, so I won't attempt to steal his thunder. But key points for me, the thrill of interviewing and shaking hands with these great rock and roll stalwarts. Here are guys who backed Joe Brown when he was top of the bill, with The Beatles half way down the list or, in the case of the Swinging Blue Jeans, Scouse icons who introduced those same young Beatles to the Cavern Club in Liverpool and followed them out to Hamburg.

How to make an old rock and roller happy? John Ellis telling The Swinging Blue Jeans that he first saw them when his mom took him to see them at Birmingham Hippodrome in 1962! I'm afraid I was probably watching Tinker and Tucker around that time... either that or Muffin the Mule.

John's review to follow shortly.

Mr Ellis (left with guitar) with three of the Swinging Blue Jeans

(The drummer was having a ciggie)

Gary O'Dea gigs

2008-07-04T08:06:00.000+01:00

Hello Groovers - two festival dates have been added to Gary's summer solo acoustic tour - they are The Mellowtone / View Two Festival in Liverpool on Sat 16th Aug and Birmingham Arts Festival on Sat 13th Sept - hit the link for more info.
http://www.myspace.com/garygojomusic

Get Up Stand Up!

Raga Muffin

FUNDRAISING TO SAVE MUSHROOM’S SIGHT

2008-07-04T08:02:00.001+01:00

We have been contacted by Janice Small from the Registered Charity ANIMAL ALLSORTS in Sheldon. Janice and fellow fundraiser Sue Capewell are on a mission to raise funds urgently to save the sight of Mushroom, a 1 year old Cross Labrador Staffie. Mushroom has a rare form of cataract that if not operated on he will lose his sight in both his eyes. So Janice and Sue are organising an event they hope will raise the urgent funds and provide a great fun day for every one.

Venue ; The Chestnuts Pub, Sheldon Heath Road

Date ; 19th July 2008 8 am – 2pm

Contact ; Janice on 07730 704206
Sue on 0121 241 5408

Book a stall and join in the fun £6.00 per car and £10.00 for a small van.
Animal Allsorts will have their own stall with Tombola, Toy Stall, and Refreshments, including hot dogs and ice creams and Face painting

Animal Allsorts is a voluntary rescue centre offering refuge to literally all kinds of animals. Mushroom has already been found a suitable home post op and funding has been secured for five months following surgery.

Janice and Sue are hoping to raise as much money as possible as the operation is thought to cost in the region of £2500.00. So come on book a stall or come along and bag a bargain and help make this event a great success.

Janice is going to let us know how they got on so if you can help Mushroom to health.

Three Cheers for the West Midlands!

2008-07-04T07:39:00.001+01:00

You’ve done it! After six months of wonderful entries, you’ve shared brilliant times, amazing stories, donated over 106,000 pictures to The Big Picture, and above all, you have smashed that world record!

Every photograph submitted to the project will now appear in the final record-breaking mosaic the size of three tennis courts! Come and see the grand unveiling of the final Big Picture at Birmingham’s Thinktank Science Museum, Millennium Point on Saturday 23 August. It's sure to be an awesome sight as the final mosaic creates the image of one of the many thousands sent in, but the chosen photo will be kept a secret until the big day! Keep an eye out for more details on the day's festivities and how you can witness history in the making.

So, that’s the good news.

The great news is that although the world record attempt is safely on its way, there are still lots of ways you can be involved with The Big Picture and keep those cameras snapping. Check the website for up-to-date info on how you can still be involved in the world record, catch the latest updates, photos and videos from the construction of the mosaic, get more photo tips and tricks from the pro’s, read even more great stories plus tons of other goings on.

Thanks to you all for your contributions so far in this belter of an arts project, and we look forward to seeing you very soon.

The Big Picture Team

The Third sector in the West Midlands Region

2008-07-03T07:02:00.003+01:00

Key features of the West Midlands Region:

· Located in the centre of the United Kingdom
· Manufacturing and agricultural heartland
· Covers an area of 13,000 sq km encompassing five shire counties and seven metropolitan boroughs
· Population of 5.3 million and workforce of 2.3 million
· Located at the centre of the national transport network

The region has:

38 local and unitary authorities
Over 18,300 voluntary and community sector organisations
As with other regions the West Midlands has many regional infrastructure bodies.

The West Midlands Voluntary and Community Sector has:

Volunteers worth a minimum of £225m
Total assets of £4.08bn
GDP worth a minimum of £335m
An Unpaid workforce of 435,000
Total expenditure £1.15bn
A Total income of £1.2bn
A Paid workforce of 44,000

Main local authority areas of the Region:

Birmingham
Coventry
Dudley
Sandwell
Solihull
Walsall
Wolverhampton

Herefordshire
Shropshire
Staffordshire
Stoke-on-Trent
Telford & Wrekin
Warwickshire
Worcestershire

Key regional agencies:

The West Midlands Regional Concordat
West Midlands European Network
Culture West Midlands
West Midlands Higher Education Association
Sustainability West Midlands
West Midlands Local Government Association
West Midlands Regional Assembly
West Midlands Regional Observatory
Advantage West Midlands
West Midlands Learning and Skills Council
Midlands TUC
Strategic Health Authority
West Midlands Rural Affairs Forum
West Midlands Business Council
Government Office for the West Midlands
RegenWM
West Midlands in Europe

Regional Strategies

West Midlands Economic Strategy: Delivery Framework Consultation
Regional Water Resources Strategy
Regional Health and Well-being Strategy
Regional Spatial Strategy
Regional Water Resources Strategy
Regional Health and Well-being Strategy
Regional Spatial Strategy
Regional Sustainable Development Framework
Regional Rural Development Framework
Regional ICT Strategy
Regional Skills Partnership
Regional Housing Strategy
Regional European Strategy
Regional Economic Strategy
Regional Energy Strategy
Regional Visitor Economy Strategy
Regional Plan for Sport
Regional Social Enterprise Framework
Regional Forestry Framework

Other Regional Stake Holder Groups
Environmentalists – Campaign for the Protection of Rural England, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds;
Trades Unions – Midlands Trade Unions Council;
Faith Groups – West Midlands Faith Forum;
Parish Councils – West Midlands Association of Town & Parish Councils;
Housing Associations – West Midlands Housing Federation;
Health – West Midlands Strategic Health Authority;
Youth – Youth Parliament.

Voluntary and Community Sector

Regional Action West Midlands
Destination West Midlands Partnership
o Specialist Infrastructure consortia
o Geographic Infrastructure Consortia

West Midlands Voluntary and Community Sector Housing Network
West Midlands Rural Community Council Network
West Midlands Faiths Forum
Refugee Strategy Network
Growing up in the West Midlands
West Midlands Equalities Network (brap)
Clustering for Sustainability
Social Firm Network
Women Acting in Today’s Society
Valuing Age and Experience
Disability Network

Why is a strategic networking approach useful?

Strategic approach to infrastructure support
Coordinated sector response to devolution, regionalisation and localisation
Singing from the same hymn sheet: the strong voice in campaigning and consultation
Sharing knowledge, expertise & resources
Responding strategically to funding opportunities
Equality and dveristy proofing regional policy and strategy
Marketing 3rd sector services
Researching issues across sub-regions & communities (diversity / urban / rural)

Are you engaging in the region?

CBBC presenters appeal for your support for Diabetes UK

2008-07-02T13:50:00.001+01:00

Dear Spaghetti Gazetti Readers,

We are writing to ask your readers to consider taking part in Walk In The Park to help raise money for Diabetes UK. It will take place at Cheswick Green and Shirley on Sunday 24 August 2008 at 10am.

Walk In The Park is a great day out for all the family. Walkers have a choice of a 1.5, 2.5 and 4.5 mile route. All registered walkers will receive a drawstring bag and everyone who completes the route will receive a medal.

For further information please contact the Diabetes UK West Midlands office on 01922 614500 or email w.midlands@diabetes.org.uk. Walk in The Park is an annual event and this year there will be 100 walks in parks up and down the country. Diabetes UK is hoping that walkers will help reach this years overall target of £280,000 for diabetes research projects.

There are 2.3 million people in the UK with diabetes and more than half a million people who have Type 2 diabetes but do not know it. Diabetes is serious and can lead to complications such as heart disease, strokes, kidney damage, blindness and lower limb amputation.

Diabetes UK supports people with diabetes, their families, friends and carers. The Diabetes UK Careline 0845 120 2960 offers callers confidential information on all aspects of diabetes, and is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm. It also funds over £7 million in research projects, which we hope will eventually lead to a cure.

Yours faithfully,

Ortis Deley and Ed Petrie
CBBC Presenters

Events at Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens

2008-07-02T13:36:00.000+01:00

MOTH AND BAT EVENING

Following the great success of this event last year Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens in association with Cannon Hill Park Friends and Brumbats will be holding another Moth and Bat evening on Saturday 5 July 2008.

The evening will begin with a talk and slide show in the Visitor Centre at 8.00 pm.

There will then be the opportunity to discover the varieties of moths attracted by plants in the garden and to use bat detectors to listen to the activities of bats around the pond.

Tickets are priced at £5.00 for Adults and £2.50 for Children which includes tea/coffee/soft drinks and biscuits.

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME

On Sunday 6 July all admission for entrance to Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens will be donated to The National Gardens Scheme for the benefit of other charities nominated by them. Open between 1.30 and 5.30 pm, normal admission prices will apply which are: £3.50 Adults, £3.00 Concessions and 50 pence for Children.

For more information please telephone 0121 749 4100 or visit our website www.cbhgt.org.uk.
Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens, Chester Road, Castle Bromwich, B36 9BT

Letter from the Post Office re: consultation

2008-07-01T16:55:00.003+01:00

Dear Customer

Post Office Ltd, Network Change Programme
Understanding Local Public Consultation for
Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire

This letter is to draw your attention to actions we have taken to enable disabled people to access information and take part in the consultation process concerning the Network Change Programme.

The Government has recognised that fewer people are using Post Office® branches, partly because traditional services, including benefit payments and other services are now available in other ways, such as online or directly through banks. It has concluded that the overall size and shape of the network of Post Office® branches (“the Network”) needs to change.

In May 2007, following a national public consultation, the Government announced a range of proposed measures to modernise and reshape the Network and put it on a more stable footing for the future. The Programme will involve the compulsory compensated closure of up to 2,500 Post Office® branches (out of a current Network of 14,300 branches), with the introduction of about 500 service points known as “Outreaches” to mitigate the impact of the proposed closures. Compensation will be paid to those subpostmasters whose branches are compulsorily closed under the Programme.

To support the necessary changes to the Network and put it on a more stable footing and to support the reshaped Network of the future, the Government has proposed an investment of up to £1.7bn as a funding package.

The majority of Post Office® branches - more than 80% - will not change as a result of the Programme. Post Office Ltd is seeking to implement those changes that do take place as efficiently and sensitively as possible.

Local Public Consultation Methods
We would be grateful if you would encourage your members to take part in the following consultation methods and circulate this letter to any individuals or organisations within the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire Area.

Direct Enquiries
As part of the six week local public consultation period concerning the proposed closures of Post Office® branches in the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire area, Direct Enquiries, the Nationwide Access Register and source of information for people with disabilities, the elderly and people with pushchairs, has conducted an independent access assessment of each of the Post Office branches in the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire Area Plan Proposal. These assessments are published on their website (www.directenquiries.com). The website will enable you to search for post offices in any given area and if a branch is proposed for closure, the website will enable you to view your nearest alternative branch.

Through Direct Enquiries, you can also take part in the local public consultation about proposed closures in this area by completing a questionnaire at www.directenquiries.com. If you do not have internet access please call Direct Enquiries on 01344 360 101 or textphone 01344 457 200 to be sent a copy of the questionnaire.

Face to face consultations
There will also be two opportunities to attend a consultation focusing on issues concerning disabled people on:

Tuesday 29th July 2008
Those interested in attending can choose between an afternoon or evening consultation:

2pm - 4pm or 5pm - 7pm

The venue is The Arden Hotel, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull, B92 0EH, West Midlands
The meeting will be an opportunity to discuss your own issues and concerns with the proposed closures for the Birmingham, Coventry and Warwickshire Area Plan.

Although it is not essential that people let us know that they are coming, it would be extremely helpful so that we have some idea of numbers. If you are able to let us know, please contact:

Jane Thomas, External Relations, Royal Mail Birmingham, St Stephens Street, Birmingham, B6 4AA - jane.thomas@royalmail.com

Getting to the venue:

Parking
There is parking at the hotel for 350 cars including 6 disabled bays at the front of the hotel. We have however reserved parking for 15 disabled drivers/passengers next to the Henley Suite which will be signposted.

Bus
The 900 bus which travels between Birmingham and Coventry stops right outside The Arden Hotel. Alternatively for those travelling from Birmingham the 58 bus stops at the back of the hotel and is a short walk to the entrance.

Train
Trains are available from all Birmingham rail stations (New Street, Snow Hill, Moor Street) and from Coventry station to Birmingham International. The hotel is a five minute walk from the station through Trinity Park although taxis are available from the taxi rank.

The Post Office® is able to supply this letter in an alternative format for people who are visually impaired. To obtain a copy, call the Post Office® helpline on 08457 22 33 44 or textphone 08457 22 33 55.

Latest News from Regional Action West Midlands

2008-07-01T16:51:00.003+01:00

The following news is from the latest e-newsletter of Regional Action West Midlands, the voice of the community and voluntary sector in the West Midlands region:

RAWM News
Action News now even more accessible!
You can now download a high-contrast monochrome version of Action News as well as the full colour version from this webpage >>. All future versions will be available for download in both formats; if you or anybody you know has other accessibility requirements for reading RAWM publications please email the Information Officer, Hardeep Singh.

Destination West Midlands (D:WM) releases new publications
The D:WM Infrastructure Directory and the D:WM Investment Strategy & Business Plan were launched at the partnership’s official launch. Both documents aim for the D:WM partnership and its members to engage with key external stakeholders as well as provide external agencies with a contacts resource for partnership and consortia members who may be key contacts at a local level. The publications can be downloaded here >>.

Regional News
Lottery breathes new life into West Midlands green spaces
Thousands of people in the West Midlands will reap the benefits of having a green space on their doorstep after 31 projects secured awards totalling £270,740 from the Big Lottery Fund. Grassroots organisations have been awarded grants to transform neglected land into wildlife havens and community parks. Press release >> │ Download a full list of awards made in the West Midlands >>

Action for blind people news
A new service for blind and partially sighted people in the West Midlands opened earlier this year and will offer the West Midlands' 32,000 visually impaired people a range of support; from finding work or setting up their own business, to applying for benefits or sorting out housing difficulties. More info >>
Action also opened its revamped National Freephone Helpline for blind and partially sighted people in January. Handling up to 10,000 calls every year, the helpline offers support and advice to the UK's two million visually impaired people, along with their family and friends. More info >>

Announcement of funding to PCTs to expand talking therapy services in 08/09
Dudley, Shropshire and Stoke-On-Trent Primary Care Trusts have been announced as the first in the West Midlands to receive funding to expand their talking therapy services. The three areas were successful in securing funding as part of the National Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) Programme. A process has begun to recruit people to train and work as high and low intensity workers in the three areas. For more information contact tom.howell@csip.org.uk.

National News

Councils and RDAs reach agreement over SNR
Local authorities have distanced themselves from calls for new councillor-led structures that would have stripped regional development agencies (RDAs) of their power. In a joint statement intended to dispel fears that tensions between RDAs and councils will make it difficult to pursue the government’s economic development ambitions, the Local Government Association (LGA) agreed that RDAs should remain business led. More info >>

Rural Social Justice Coalition launches
A diverse group of national organisations have come together as the Rural Social Justice Coalition to help improve the lives of the most disadvantaged people in rural areas. It was launched at the Acre's Rural Life Conference. More info >>.

National Support Services for support providers
Improving Support is a joint initiative to strengthen the support services available to third sector organisations. It is co-ordinated by Capacitybuilders and funded through its National Support Services programme. Website: www.improvingsupport.org.uk. For more information about forthcoming training see the training/education opportunities section.

I Want to Work Campaign launched to help people with learning disabilities into work
Mencap has launched a campaign to mark Learning Disability Week that highlights how people with a learning disability are having their careers stymied. News article >> │ I Want to Work Campaign website >>

Evaluation of Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities Programme
The Big Lottery Fund has published the final findings from the evaluation of the Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities Programme (GSSC). The evaluation documents the environmental, social and economic successes of the programme. The report also discusses the role of Award Partners in GSSC; the first Big Lottery Fund programme to use this funding model.
Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities - Executive Summary >>
Green Spaces and Sustainable Communities - Final Report >>

Capacitybuilders announce £6 million new investment to improve business support services for social enterprises
Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, has announced £6 million new investment to improve business support services for social enterprises. The money will fund improvements like new mentoring schemes, more accredited advisers and work to develop emerging markets. More info >>.

Community Allowance
Does the benefits system stop your organisation from paying people to do bits of work in your community? A new campaign has been launched by the CREATE Consortium, to establish the Community Allowance in the UK benefits system. This would enable community organisations to pay people to do work that strengthens their community without it affecting any of their benefits. More info >>

Inclusion Champions
A set of awards aimed at inspiring progress among those working towards overcoming digital exclusion in the EU has been announced by the European Commission. The European e- Inclusion Awards will be awarded to individuals, organisations and companies in seven categories: ageing; marginalised young people; geographic inclusion; cultural diversity; digital literacy; e-accessibility and inclusive public services. Entries close on 12 September 2008 and winners announced in December: www.e-inclusionawards.eu.

National Lottery funds new LGB information service from Stonewall
Stonewall has launched a free phone number - 08000 50 20 20 - to respond to questions callers have around lesbian, gay and bisexual issues. The new service, supported by the Big Lottery Fund, responds to a huge growth in demand for gay-specific advice and information about the status of lesbian and gay people. Read media release >>

Sport England Strategy 2008-2011
Sport England has published a radical new strategy to get more people playing and enjoying sport and to help those with talent get to the very top. The new approach is designed to capitalise on the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity presented by the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, and to use its power to inspire more people to take part in and succeed in sport. You can download the strategy from the Sport England website >>

Arts umbrella body pushes for closer involvement with voluntary sector

The Voluntary Arts Network, an umbrella body for UK arts charities, has pledged to forge closer links with the rest of the voluntary sector and is launching a series of initiatives to help promote greater cohesion. Read article >>

Acevo and DWP launch joint taskforce to explore the role of the third sector in welfare-to-work reform
A Third Sector Taskforce, led by chief executives' body Acevo and the Department for Work and Pensions, is to explore the potential role for the sector in welfare-to-work reform. Meeting monthly, it is due to report back in January 2009. More info >>

Compact Awards 2008
Nominations are now open for the Compact Awards 2008. The Compact is an agreement between the government and the voluntary and community sector to improve their relationship for mutual advantage. Categories include: Local Compact of the Year Award, Compact Award for Excellence at a Regional Level, Compact Award for Excellence at a National Level, Compact Champion of the Year Award, and The Commissioner's Award. Closing Date: Friday 29 August 2008. Compact Awards 2008 >>

Benefits should not be a long term necessity
Benefit claimants who need to improve their skills in order to get a job will have to attend compulsory training. Under the plans, published in a Government welfare & skills paper - Work Skills - people claiming Jobseekers Allowance, who have gaps in their skills, will have to attend training to help them find a job. Press release >>

Women’s fund to tackle women’s issues
Women’s charities have been offered a lifeline by the establishment of a new fund focused solely on funding women’s charities and promoting women’s issues. The Rosa fund, the first and only fund in the UK devoted exclusively to supporting women’s charities and issues, has been set up by former Womankind Worldwide executive director Maggie Baxter. Press release

Coming soon: Trevor and Andrew Boult Art Exhibition

2008-07-01T00:46:00.005+01:00

Image copyright of Trevor Boulton

Information about Trevor & Andrew Boult’s 2008 Art Exhibition from 23rd to 27th August Daily 10am – 6pm. Closing 5pm Wednesday

For further information visit http://www.trevorboult.co.uk/ or http://www.andrewboult.co.uk/
25 Malvern Road, Balsall Common, West Midlands, CV7 7DU Tel 01676 533853

To be held at Berkswell Reading Room, Berkswell.

Entry is free, there is plenty of parking and disabled access.

There will be over 180 original watercolours for sale.

A wide selection of greetings cards, framed and mounted prints will be for sale.

Home made cakes and refreshments will also be served.

Come and enjoy an exhibition by rural watercolour artists Trevor and Andrew Boult. Their work encapsulates all that is best in our British countryside and embodies all the traditional skills of watercolour painting.

Trevor’s work is highly detailed and accomplished and has attracted patronage from collectors, as well as members of the public who enjoy detailed and contemporary work. He has received two major commissions from The Queen and for The Queen and his work has been profiled in The Heart of the Country programme.

Andrew’s work straddles the contemporary and the traditional with a style that is both dramatic and sensitive. With several joint and major exhibitions behind him has established a strong following for his work.

Visitors to the exhibition will be able to enjoy the picturesque village of Berkswell which has half timbered buildings, a beautiful church, a museum and a renowned pub.

Information about art classes and workshops can be found at the exhibition or on our websites.
During the exhibition Trevor will be raffling an original to raise funds for Cancer Research U.K. So come and enjoy a visit to the exhibition.

Gary O'Dea

2008-06-30T22:53:00.002+01:00

July, 4 2008 at Candlelit Acoustic @ Mansfield Football Club Field Mill, Quarry Lane., Mansfield, Midlands NG20Cost : £10

Gary O’Dea solo acoustic support to the excellent Mansfield based singer / songwriter Helen Boulding and her band. A Candlelit Promotions night - visit www.myspace.com/candlelitacoustic for more details

July, 6 2008 at The Little Civic North St,, Wolverhampton, Midlands Cost : £4 (£3 with flyer or advanced ticket).

The launch of Phil’s Fun Sunday Kooky Cabaret Night...featuring a live music set from Gary O’Dea, hilarious readings from celebrated local author Paul McDonald, chill-out sounds from the K-Ford groove master DJ Tomasco ’Shabba’ Hicks...plus lots, more - see attached flyers for more details.or visit http://www.wolvescivic.co.uk/index.asp?loc=whatsonshow&woid=13441

Ssshhhh...now pass it on ...
Raga Muffin

Editor: Thanks Gary for regular updates of gigs. The invitation goes out to all local artists and musicians - send me your events info and they will appear ... oh yes .... they will appear!

Vidar at the Theatre - Latest Review

2008-06-30T20:40:00.001+01:00

Review of Audio described performance of The Naked Truth at Wolverhampton Grand 27 June 2008 from Vidar Hjardeng.

Written by Dave Simpson, The Naked Truth focuses on 5 women of different backgrounds, shapes and sizes struggling to conquer the art of pole dancing for a Charity event to raise awareness and money for breast cancer. As their stories unfold they share laughter and tears in what is ultimately a moving play. After fellow visually impaired patrons were taken on the pre-show touch tour – where they were shown the set of the pink-walled church hall equipped with 3 small platforms complete with poles – we all took our seats 15 minutes before curtain-up for Anne Hornsby’s introductory notes. She once again reminded us of the set layout before going on to describe the 6 characters in this all-female cast starring Lisa Riley from ITV’s Emmerdale and Fat Friends. Anne described the costumes and the characters’ individual, easily recognisable accents. Although she was slightly apprehensive about how to describe all the raunchy dancing which forms a major part of the play, Anne needn’t have worried as she relayed the, sometimes graphically suggestive, manoevres to perfection! As a result VIPs were able to share in the laughter with the rest of the audience during the play’s more comic moments.

The production was, perhaps, not to everybody’s taste – not least because of the language used by one of the characters about which Anne had in fact warned us in her pre-show notes. However, the majority of the largely female audience, really seemed to enjoy the comedy of the piece as well as appreciating its more poignant moments.

The next audio-described show at the Wolverhampton Grand will be the musical Flash Dance at 5 pm on Saturday 16 August and details of ticket prices, the touch tour and how to book head-sets can be obtained from the box office in the usual way 01902 429212.

Acoustic fun at Stafford Festival

2008-06-30T20:39:00.000+01:00

Live @ the Castle Music and Comedy, brought to you by the Leisure Services Team at Stafford Borough Council, in partnership with RedSpot, Stafford Gatehouse Theatre and the Ford Squad, is once again upon us. And following on from a fun packed Festival weekend this 5 July with the Street Theatre Extravaganza, Festival of Drama and Raw Talent Competition; and 6 July with the Party in the Park event; Stafford Festival really cranks up the volume for the popular Live @ the Castle event.

Taking place at Stafford Castle on Sunday 13 July, this year will be the 12th Live Music Event at the Castle, and the event, which runs from 12noon to 10pm, typically draws crowds of up to 5,000. Visitors can usually be found kicking off their shoes and chilling out on the hillside to the very best of local live music from funk to punk.

“Traditionally supported by some great weather, last year’s event was not so lucky,” said Adam Hill, Head of Leisure Services at Stafford Borough Council, “and the acoustic marquee and new comedy marquee welcomed droves of wet spectators through their doors!”

The two elements, acoustic and comedy, have been combined this year, and the marquee has a great line up of acoustic music, comedy and poetry readings in store; and with refreshments and bar provided by Stafford Gatehouse Theatre, this marquee is certainly worth a look.

James Flanagan of The Ford Squad, who have coordinated this aspect of the event, fills us in on some of the performers:
“A Child Rasputin, also known as Mitch Taylor, is a Stafford lad who migrated south to London a few years ago, and performs regularly in and around Camden and Kentish Town. Mitch was once a member of fondly remembered Stafford band Sacred Monkfish. As ‘A Child Rasputin’, Mitch plays both acoustically and electronically, creating esoteric soundscapes combined with a very involving performance style.

“Andrew C Salt & The Honeymoon Fresh, the brainchild of local boy Andrew Salt, is a scenic journey of folk inflected acoustic rock, unique instrumentation and songs with a story inside them. The band has been performing around Stafford more regularly of late and always receives a great reception.

“Trent Vale Poet is something of cult hero in Stafford, with his hysterical rhyming observational poetry / comedy; the Trent Vale Poet is not to be missed. 'Trenty' has performed at all the ford squad nights and appears to be developing his very own dedicated following!

“Dr Butler's Hatstand Medicine Band, generally based up north, are stalwarts of the Manchester live scene. Having performed in Stafford at the Shrewsbury Arms to a rapturous reception, Dr Butlers are returning to the county town to play the festival. Dr Butlers play old-fashioned hillbilly rock, dressed up in waistcoats, cloth caps and cravats, and they will be closing the evening in the acoustic tent.”

As well as these there are plenty more acts to be seen. Up and coming talent 'Hello Big World' and 'Something to Write About' are two local teenage bands just starting out performing their own material. We also have other local and not so local acts performing including: Da Moon; Lucy Fielding, an extremely talented local songstress in the vain of Carole King; Nomad Jones playing stripped down folk; Lisa Marie Glover with quirky observational lyrics and moody guitar; local comic Neil Reading; Barbershop quartet 'Under the Influence'; and many more.

The 2008 Live @ the Castle music & comedy event really does offer something for everyone. So pop along on Sunday 13 July between 12noon and 10pm, and keep your fingers crossed for some sunshine, in the confidence that you will be thoroughly entertained whatever the weather. Admission to the event is free, and car parking is £2. For more information log onto www.staffordfestival.co.uk or phone 01785 619300.

STILL TIME FOR GREEN AWARDS - STAFFORD

2008-06-30T20:38:00.000+01:00

Local businesses, schools and organisations will have an extra chance to show off their green credentials.

Stafford Borough Council has extended the deadline for their annual Green Awards - with the closing date for applications now Friday 18 July 2008.

Application forms can be downloaded from the Borough Council website at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd or obtained from the Civic Centre, Riverside, Stafford.

The prestigious Green Awards 2008 are for schemes that create a more sustainable and healthy community. They reward the positive impact that organisations are having on the world and communities by becoming green.

The council hope the short extension will give encouragement to prospective winners to get their applications in to show how green they are becoming.

“The Green Awards are a prestigious way to honour and celebrate businesses and organisations in Stafford Borough who are helping to improve the environment and being more sustainable”, said Councillor Stan Highfield, Cabinet Member for the Environment, “There is a lot of green activity going on locally and this is a way for the Council to say thank you. I hope other organisations will also follow the good examples highlighted by the Awards”.

This year the Green Awards are being augmented by a special award in partnership with the council’s Streetscene. The Schoolscene Award will be presented to the school that has made the most valuable contribution to their visual appearance in a sustainable way.

The Green Awards 2008 are open to any organisation that operates in Stafford Borough including businesses, schools, places of worship, voluntary organisations, youth groups, hotels, factories, public sector projects and community initiatives.

The Awards were set up in 1996 by Stafford Borough Council and has become an eagerly awaited feature of the civic calendar, with record breaking numbers of applicants year after year.

Last year’s winners included a small business, Risk Assessment Solutions, that implemented a series of simple changes to cut their carbon emissions, Berkswich Primary School for their new, vibrant environment centre, The Hollow Allotment Society for a project using a variety of reused materials and four environmentally friendly holiday apartments at Fairoak Grange.

The Awards are divided into four categories: Business, Youth and Education, Community and the Sustainable Tourism Prize.

The Green Awards 2008 application form and further details about the Awards can be downloaded from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/sd. Entry forms should be returned to the Sustainable and Healthy Communities Team at Stafford Borough Council by Friday July 18 2008.

For more information contact Sebastian Pearce, Sustainable and Healthy Communities Team, Stafford Borough Council, T: 01785 619408, e-mail: spearce@staffordbc.gov.uk.

The Great American Trailer Park

2008-06-30T20:33:00.002+01:00

At the Alex Birmingham
On sale today notice
Performances: Tuesday 26 - Saturday 30 August 2008
Times: Tues to Sat 7.30pm, Weds & Sat 2.30pm
Tickets: £12.50 - £27.50 (£3 off if paid for before July 10th)
Booking info: ticketmaster 0844 847 2291 or online at http://mediatlasei.prnewswire.com/mediatlasei/Url.aspx?516795x2433x311247

For the first time in Birmingham and direct from the USA comes THE GREAT AMERICAN TRAILER PARK MUSICAL - so that means no dodgy American accents - add to that a stunning cast who've guest starred in top US shows such as Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, Law & Order and Beverley Hills 90210.

The storyline

There's a new girl in town and she's wreaking havoc all over Florida's most exclusive mobile home community.

When Pippi “the stripper on the run” comes between Dr. Phil-loving, agoraphobic Jeannie and her toll collector husband, the storms begin to brew – and we ain’t talkin’ about any old Florida hurricane!

From a book by comedienne Betsy Kelso, the show may deal with spray cheese, road kill, hysterical pregnancy, and other problems worthy of the Jeremy Kyle Show, but it is the colourful characters and lasting friendships that are the heart of this new musical comedy.

**Please note: Contains adult material not suitable for children

Here's what the American press have been saying...

"The score is infectious, the script is cheeky and it features some of the most roof-raising girl group singing (and hair raising perms) since the pointer sisters."
The New York Sun.

"Every song is full of surprises as the music slips across the dial of American radio from country to blues, to rock disco, to bump and grind & R&B."
The New York Times.

Birmingham Alexandra - A Live Nation TheatreFor more information on the Birmingham Alexandra visit www.AlexandraTheatre.org.uk .

Live Nation Theatres
Live Nation Theatres (Live Nation (Venues) UK Limited) is the UK’s largest theatre group. It owns and operates leading theatres across the West End and the regions; including the Apollo Victoria, Dominion Theatre, the Lyceum, Edinburgh Playhouse, Sunderland Empire, Liverpool Empire, Manchester Palace and the Bristol Hippodrome. Live Nation is one of the UK’s leading theatrical producers with investments in The Sound of Music (West End), The Producers (West End & Touring), Guys and Dolls (West End & Touring), Starlight Express (West End & Touring) and Chicago (Touring); and is joint owner of First Family Entertainment, the nation’s leading pantomime producer. For more information on Live Nation’s theatres visit www.LiveNationTheatres.co.uk . Live Nation (Venues) UK Limited is a part of Live Nation, the world's largest live music company. In 2006, Live Nation connected nearly 60 million fans with their favourite performers at approximately 26,000 events in 18 countries around the world. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, Live Nation is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol "LYV". For more information on Live Nation visit www.LiveNation.eu .

HELP THE AGED URGES LOCAL OLDER PEOPLE TO GEAR UP TO CAMPAIGN FOR THEIR LOCAL POST OFFICE

2008-06-30T11:36:00.004+01:00

BIRMINGHAM COVENTRY AND WARWICKSHIRE PUBLIC CONSULTATION BEGINS

The public consultation period for the proposed closure of post offices in Birmingham Coventry and Warwickshire started last week on June the 24th, of and older people’s charity Help the Aged is urging people to have a say in what happens to their local community post office by responding to the consultation. The Charity is providing a detailed briefing pack for people in the area who wish to respond.

In May 2007, Post Office Ltd and the Government agreed that nearly one in five post office branches (2,500) should close. Birmingham Coventry and Warwickshire is one of 46 area plans being published for consultation from now until the end of July 2008. The proposed area plans are the Post Office’s analysis of where those closures should occur.

Alan Burnett, Help the Aged Senior Policy Officer for Community Living, says: "Each area plan will be published for consultation, but the consultation period for each will only last six weeks. Consultees will need to act fast to submit evidence and prepare responses. With a large part of the older population likely to be affected, it is especially important that older people themselves get vigorously involved with this process.

“Petitions and placards won’t be enough - some closures are clearly inevitable. But well-researched and factually-based challenges to the Post Office proposals could shape the final outcome. Older people will bring practical information and local experience to an exercise which might otherwise simply reflect computer modelling and brief visits by post office officials. You can’t beat local knowledge."

Help the Aged is issuing the following advice to people interested in responding to the public consultation:

Write individual letters showing local knowledge and personal experience;
Examine the facts presented for closure closely;
Find out the views of the local post office staff – how do they help older people in the community?
Look closely at the journeys that will have to be made to alternative branches – are they practical? For instance is the one mile up a steep hill?
Find out what plans are in place to make nearby branches able to cope with increased demand;
Make sure the timetable for consultation has been followed exactly;
Enlist the help of the media, locally elected representatives and a local celebrity – but only in conjunction with a detailed and well documented case;
Use evidence gathered to campaign for a suitable replacement, for example, a mobile post office service.

The Help the Aged briefing pack is available from the Campaigns team on 020 7239 1930 or campaigns@helptheaged.org.uk.

Help the Aged urgently needs donations and support to help it in the increasingly challenging fight to free disadvantaged older people from poverty, isolation and neglect. Visit http://www.helptheaged.org.uk/ or call 0207 239 1982.

CURDWORTH GOES BANANAS OVER FAIRTRADE

2008-06-30T07:16:00.002+01:00

It’s official; Curdworth has become the first Fairtrade Village in Warwickshire – and the community has gone bananas.

The Asda store in Minworth supplied the Fairtrade fruit for a celebration munch-in when the news was announced. Now an official Fairtrade dedication ceremony is planned at the Curdworth Village Church Fete on Saturday 5 July when the raffle prizes will include a Fairtrade hamper.

‘The village has worked very hard to achieve this recognition by the Fairtrade Foundation’ said Carol Evans chairman of the steering group. ‘The whole community have been involved including the children of Curdworth Primary School who designed the village Fairtrade poster’.

The project began with the launch in January last year and since then the word has spread. Now Fairtrade tea, coffee, sugar and biscuits are available at all meetings in the village and after the Sunday morning church service. Vicky of Icons hair salon also offers Fairtrade drinks to her clients and The Old School House Hotel has Fairtrade hospitality trays in each of it’s guests bedrooms.

To qualify for Fairtrade status, villages, towns or cities, must set up a steering group to achieve support from the local council, shops, hotels and restaurants for Fairtrade products and workplaces and organisations must commit to using them.

‘Having achieved Fairtrade status’ said Carol ‘It’s good to know that by buying Fairtrade we are helping disadvantaged farmers and workers in the developing world to get a better deal’.

Check out Phil Solomon in Bloxwich and on his radio show

2008-06-29T23:22:00.002+01:00

Forthcoming Clairvoyance Demonstrations with Philip Solomon in July. Bloxwich Library Theatre, Friday 4th July, 7.30 pm. Tickets £9.50 pay on the door.

Listen to Philip Solomon's radio show Monday nights, 7-9pm. on WCR 101.8 FM, Wolverhampton City Radio. Listen worldwide on your computer at www.wcrfm.com. Recent guests have included Kelly Groucott (ELO), Rustie Lee (TV Chef), Don Powell (Slade), Dave Berry, Marty Wilde, Uri Geller, Derek Acorah, Lee Everett, Sonny West (Elvis' friend and bodyguard), Dr Ciaran O'Keeffe (Living TV), Mickey Rooney, Noddy Holder, Russell Grant, Susan Jeffers, Geno Washington, Madeline Bell, Paul Young, Alvin Stardust .....

You can now visit my on-line eBay shop at www.stores.ebay.co.uk/philipsolomonthepsychicworld, which offers all things for sale to do with me, including telephone-readings with me, and items from other famous mediums and psychics too. My website is www.philipsolomon.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Hinduism in the West Midlands

2008-06-29T14:55:00.004+01:00

Hinduism developed in India over a period of about 3,000 years. The word literally means 'the religion of the peoples of India'. Hindus believe in many gods, although most believe in an absolute spiritual force behind them all known as Brahma. Brahma unfolds into the Trimurti (or trinity) made up of Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the great preserver) and Shiva (the destroyer and re-creator). All Hindus believe in reincarnation and vegetarianism, holding the cow to be a sacred animal. Popular gods and heroes of Hinduism include Ganesha the god with an elephant's head, Rama the virtuous god-king and his wife Sita, Hanuman the monkey god and Krishna the blue coloured eighth avatar of Vishnu.

Hindus believe there are three ways to salvation: performing correct religious observances, understanding the meaning of life through reason and meditation, and thirdly through devotion through the worship of a particular deity. Tradionally Hindus are born into one of four castes. The holy books of Hinduism include the Bhagavad Gita, the Vedas and Upanishads.

Over half of Hindus in the United Kingdom were born in this country. The majority of older Hindus came from Kutch and South Gujarat in India with others coming from Mirpur and Punjab on the north west frontier between India, Pakistan and Kashmir. Other Hindus came from Sylhet in Bangladesh and about 10% from East Africa, primarily Kenya and Uganda. The areas of highest concentration of Hindus in the West Midlands are Sandwell, Handsworth, Soho, Wolverhampton, Coventry and Walsall.

Birmingham

Swaminarayan Hindu Mission, 23-43 Ivor Road, Birmingham B11 4NR
Shree Geeta Bhawan Temple, 107 - 117 Heathfield Road, Birmingham B19 1HL
Shree Laxmi Narayan Mandir, 541a Warwick Road, Tyseley, Birmingham B11 2JP
Shree Krishna Temple, 10 Sampson Road, Sparkbrook, Birmingham B11 1JL

Coventry
Baba Balak Nath Ji Mandir, Profit Avenue, Coventry CV6 7EQ
Hindu Mandir, 43 Sullivan Road, Coventry CV6 7JX
Hindu Temple, 274 Stoney Stanton Lane, Coventry CV6 5DJ
Iskcon Coventry, 19 Gloucester Street, Coventry CV1 3BZ
Krishna Templ, 92a Stoney Road, Coventry CV1 4FL
Sanatan Dharam Hindu Temple, 56 Mason Road, Coventry CV6 7FJ

Dudley
Hindu Cultural Society - Mata Da Mandir, 57-59 King Street, Dudley DY2 8PY
Krishna Temple, Hope Street, Dudley DY2

Leamington Spa
Krishna Temple, 10b High Street, Leamington Spa CV31 ILW

Nuneaton
Hindu Gujarati Samaj, 45 Abbey Street, Nuneaton CV11 5DE

Rugby
Bharat Sevak Samaj-Rugby, 4 Kimberley Road, Rugby CV21 3EZ

Stoke on Trent
Hindu Cultural Centre, The Dudson Centre, Hope Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD

Walsall
Hindu Mandir, 139 Darlaston Road, Walsall WS1 4JL
Hindu Samaj Mandir, 48 Cook Street, Walsall
Mandir Baba Balak Nath, 96a Caldmore Road, Walsall WS1 3PD
Rama Mandir, Ford Street, Walsall W52 9BU
Hindu Samaj Mandal Temple, 18, Salisbury St., Darlaston, WS10

West Bromwich
Hindu Cultural Resource Centre, 72-76 New Street, West Bromwich B70 7PT
Krishna Mandir, 25 Dilliars Walk, West Bromwich
Krishna Mandir, 81 Old Meeting Street, West Bromwich B70 9SZ

Wolverhampton
Krishan Mandir, 123 Penn Road, Wolverhampton, WV3 0DR
Rama-Krishna Temple, 39 Wellington Road, Wolverhampton

Hinduism Holy Days

Hindu festivals are largely linked with the movements of the sun and moon and with seasonal changes, but they also incorporate the myths of the Ramayana, and Krishna's activities.

Diwali (Deepvali) A festival of lights which celebrates the New Year. It is celebrated between late October and mid-November.

Makar Sankrant Makar Sankrant is the first Hindu festival of the solar calendar year.

Mahashivratri Mahashivratri is a Hindu festival dedicated to Shiva, one of the deities of the Hindu Trinity.

Holi The spring festival associated with Krishna when people throw coloured powder and water at each other. Holi also celebrates creation and renewal.

Varsha Pratipada The Spring New Year festival.

Vaisakhi (Baisakhi) An April harvest or New Year's festival depending on area, Vaisakhi is also celebrated by Sikhs.

Rama Navami Rama Navami celebrates the birth of Lord Rama, son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya.

Hanuman Jayanti This festival marks the birth of Hanuman, the Monkey God.

Raksha Bandhan The Hindu festival that celebrates brotherhood and love.

Janamashtami (Krishna Jayanti) The festival marks the birth of Krishna, the most highly venerated God in the Hindu pantheon.

Ganesh Chaturthi This festival sees Hindus all over the world celebrating the birthday of Lord Ganesh.

Navaratri (Navratri) and Durga Puja Navaratri (nine nights) is one of the greatest Hindu festivals. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil.

Dasara (Dassehra) Ten days of celebration in honour of Durga or Kali. It is held between late September and mid-October and lasts nine days to celebrate the triumph of good over evil.

Alphaspaghettical Guide to the West Midlands

2008-06-29T14:48:00.003+01:00

B is for Botanical Gardens

The Birmingham Botanical Gardens were opened in Westbourne Road in Edgbaston in 1832.

The gardens were partly instigated by Matthew Boulton, the renowned industrialist of Soho in Birmingham and designed by J. C. Loudon, a leading garden planner, horticultural journalist and publisher.

The Botanical Gardens include a fine range of glasshouses which were added during the latter part of the 19th century with displays of tropical plants, orchids and cacti. The gardens also feature exotic birds; a huge and diverse range of flowering trees and shrubs; rock, alpine and fern gardens; a children’s play area; several items of outdoor art; a band stand; a number of historical and other small themed gardens and the popular BBC Television Garden.

Today the gardens offer a superb opportunity for recreation and relaxation close to the centre of Birmingham. They also boast well-run conference and function facilities, a shop and a restaurant.

Partners In Crime

2008-06-29T13:46:00.004+01:00

Introducing "Partners in Crime" a fantastic local group comprising three Brummie pals who went to Park Hall School together back in the 1970s. The three lads who first started making music back at school are Alec Price, Kevan Harrison and Richard Heath. With their amazing singer, Emma Skipp the group call themselves Partners In Crime and are now rated as one of the top most bands in the Midlands after winning Jasper Carrott`s Heart FM "Search for a Star".

All information about this ace band, i.e. history, photos, music ang gigs, etc. can be found on their website at http://www.partners-in-crime.co.uk/

ALVESTON GIRLS FC CELEBRATE FUNDING AWARD FROM FOOTBALL FOUNDATION

2008-06-29T10:19:00.002+01:00

Footballers in Alveston were celebrating today following a £3,300 grant awarded by the Football Foundation, the UK’s largest sports charity.

The cash bonanza will allow Alveston Girls FC to expand its Girls section at the club. It will allow more coaches to attend FA coaching courses, it will help with affiliation costs for each team as well as help provide the necessary first aid equipment needed. The hope is that a female coach can be recruited and trained who can then help with the girls expansion plans working closely with the Birmingham County FA.

The Football Foundation is dedicated to revitalising the grass roots of the game, constructing modern football facilities, developing football as a force for social cohesion and as a vehicle for education in communities throughout the country. Funded by the Premier League, The Football Association, Sport England and the Government, the Football Foundation is the nation’s largest sports charity with a £45m budget going straight into the heart of football.

Paul Thorogood, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation said: “We warmly congratulate Alveston Girls FC and the Birmingham County FA for their hard work and dedication in securing this award.

“Sport is playing a central role in helping people to stay fit, strengthen communities and promote responsibility amongst young people. I am delighted that Football Foundation investment is opening up access to sport in Alveston and encourage other organisations in the region to apply to us.”

Martin Beese, Chairman of Alveston FC said: “It’s fantastic that the Football Foundation has seen fit to award this grant to help build and grow the girls section within Alveston FC Allowing even more girls to benefit from the excellent facilities that already exist is great news.

“I would encourage all female players and prospective coaches who want to get involved here at Alveston FC to contact us on 07812 908 458 to discuss what we have to offer. We as a club have a long term vision to continue to develop girls football in the area.”

Social enterprise initiative lacks direction, experts say

2008-06-29T09:48:00.002+01:00

By Helen Warrell, Third Sector, 25 June 2008

The Government-funded initiative to raise the profile of social enterprise is unfocused and lacks direction, according to several of the 33 experts appointed to act as social enterprise ambassadors under the scheme.

The idea of appointing ambassadors to tell their stories at high-level events and in the media was set out in the Office of the Third Sector's social enterprise action plan in November 2006.

After a meeting last week to discuss the initiative, one ambassador, who asked not to be named, told Third Sector: "There is a shared criticism that the scheme hasn't been focused enough or got ambassadors into the right places or levels."Some ambassadors at the London event were dissatisfied with PR company Hanover. It was suggested the ambassadors should reclaim its annual £68,000 fee and promote themselves.

A Hanover spokeswoman said it was committed to the scheme, provided a significant pro bono contribution each year and wanted to continue working with the ambassadors. The Social Enterprise Coalition has overall responsibility for the scheme as part of a £600,000 deal.Jonathan Bland, chief executive of the coalition, said the programme would become more targeted.

He said the ambassadors were due to launch two campaigns: 'People', which will focus on attracting new entrants to the sector, and 'Growth and Scale', which will aim to take social enterprise to the next level.

Sam Conniff, an ambassador and co-founder of youth marketing enterprise Livity, said the "feisty" group had to focus on agreeing goals.

Read more articles like this one at:

http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/

Debt Advisor Position - Part Time

2008-06-29T09:45:00.003+01:00

Community Advocacy Support & Advice (CASA)

CASA has a part time job vacancy for the post of debt adviser.

Application packs can be obtained from the Mary Street office contact 01214405022, they should be returned by 18th July 08. Interviews will take place in the 1st week in August 08 this post is for 1 year.

Local children display creations for Mayor's Festival Parade in Stafford

2008-06-29T09:26:00.008+01:00

Children from a number of primary schools in Stafford have been busily making fantastic creations for the Mayor's Festival Parade on Saturday 12 July as they walk through Stafford town centre.

The children pictured are from St Dominic's RC School in Stafford.