January 27, 2012

Run England: Run Birmingham : Run Acocks Green?

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Run England have been in touch to tell us about a new initiative to encourage everyone to be more active.  If you, like many people, made a resolution to get fitter in 2012 but have yet to get started, then  why not consider taking up running?

The Run England Activator for Birmingham, Lauren Scott, says “Running is a great activity because it is easily accessible and low cost, and the health and well being rewards are huge.”

“In these recession-hit times many people can’t afford the cost of gym memberships and running is a great way to get fit, get some fresh air, meet people and see some bits of the city that you might not previously have explored. Birmingham is great place for running with plenty of parks and traffic-free canal paths to enjoy.”

Run England, which is the recreational running programme from England Athletics, supports runners through its online running community and through the 700+ registered Run England groups led by qualified leaders taking place across the country. It’s FREE to join Run England and, if you are new to running or just thinking about getting started, joining Run England will give you the information and motivation to get going, find out more at  www.runengland.org

Why not volunteer to be a run Leader? Birmingham is one of 12 areas in the country where England Athletics have invested in a Run England Activator and Birmingham Activator, Lauren Scott is keen to hear from individuals and organisations interested in becoming leaders and starting groups. “In 12 months time I would love to see a Run England group taking place in every ward in the city, so that every resident of Birmingham can access a group within minutes of their home or workplace,” said Scott.
“You don’t have to be a brilliant runner to be a good leader and sometimes the best leaders are people who understand the challenges that the ordinary person finds when they take up running for the first time. You don’t need speed to lead!”
Run England are looking for leaders to start groups across the city and will be running their next one day training course at the Alexander Stadium on Saturday 18th February. On completing the one day course applicants will receive a UK Athletics Leadership in Running Fitness licence which insures them to lead groups. The course would suit anyone with a passion for running that they want to share with others whether in their home area, at work, college, local park, leisure centre etc; active individuals looking to do some rewarding voluntary work; or individuals who might want to start groups as part of their personal training business or sport or leisure organisation.

If you would like more information please contact Lauren Scott e: lscott@englandathletics.org or t: 07730 208915

 

November 8, 2011

Saturday Morning – Street Dance! ****UPDATE**** Project Finishes 18th Feb 2012

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Do you live in or around Stockfield? Are you female? Aged between 7-16 years old? Love or want to try dance for free? Then this a perfect opportunity for you!

Sport4Life UK, in partnership Stockfield Community Association are delivering dance classes at Cottesbrooke Junior School every Saturday morning FREE OF CHARGE!! A qualified dance instructor is delivering Urban Street Dance to the latest hits in the charts today.

The sessions compromise of two groups and sessions are every Saturday morning from 10am-11am (7-11years) and 11am-12pm (12-16 years). They are FREE to attend. The groups will also be working towards a Christmas performance in front of family and friends.

So why not go along, meet some new friends, learn some new moves and have some FUN!  For more information please contact Sport 4 Life on 0121 4294700

 

October 29, 2011

Acocks Green Village to become a Business Improvement District

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Great news was announced on Friday, a YES vote won the recent ballot to make Acocks Green a Business Improvement District (BID).  The BID goes live in January, whereby businesses pay into a central fund to improve the village. This in turn helps improve visitor numbers and therefore more successful shops and businesses. Outlined below are more of the expected outcomes of a BID -

A thriving business community that:

  • Has the confidence to grow in a supportive and flourishing environment.
  • Puts the customer at the heart of everything the BID does
  • Prospers through collective promotion and new local supply chains.
  • Creates a better image for the Village to attract more local custom.
  • Works better together and with the police to reduce crime.

Acocks Green Village. Photograph courtesy of Birmingham Mail

Thanks to all those that helped arrange and champion the BID which will last for at least 5 years. Thanks especially goes to Melinda Brown, Town Centre Manager, who worked hard to make the BID a success and has worked closely with the Neighbourhood Forum over the years. We wish her farewell and success for her future, as her job role officially comes to an end on 31st October.

More information about Acocks Green BID is available at the link below.

https://sites.google.com/site/acocksgreenbid/home/announcements/businessessayyestobid

 

July 21, 2011

Be Active Day 27th July 2011

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With Olympic preparations moving into top gear, the team behind the award winning public health project – Be active – is challenging Birmingham to shake off its reputation as an unfit city.

On Wednesday July 27th – exactly a year before the London 2012 opening ceremony – people across the city are being urged to tell the world exactly what they do to stay fit and active.

Organisers hope to highlight the wide range of physical activities taking place in Birmingham every day and participants will be asked to email or tweet their activities, which will  be recorded on the Birmingham Be active Day blog: http://beactiveday.posterous.com/

From walking the dog, cycling to work, running in the park, going to the gym, swimming or having a game of cricket or tennis, all the activity counts and needs to be recorded to prove that Birmingham really is fighting fit.

To start the ball rolling why not come along to the Wednesday Cottesbrooke Walking Group.  They meet each Wednesday at 9am at Cedars Avenue, by the gates of the school. The walk has been extended to school holidays. The group walk in the local area for around an hour. They are supported by the Health Exchange.  For more information click here:  Cottesbrooke Walking Group

 

July 4, 2011

Acocks Green – A Business Improvement District

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At our recent Public Meeting Town Centre Manager Melinda Brown supported by local businesswoman Karen Vaughan from Karens Estate Agents explained the proposals to make Acocks Green Village a Business Improvement District (BID).  There are many of these districts around the UK and several in Birmingham including Kings Heath and Erdington.

A Business Improvement District is a partnership between a local authority and the local business community to develop projects and services that will benefit the trading environment within the boundary of a clearly defined commercial area.  Becoming a BID will help to bring improvements to Acocks Green Village shopping area and make the village a better place for shoppers and traders alike.

Acocks Green village (picture from Atholl Lodge website)

To become a BID, local businesses must first vote to pay funds into a pot which is then available for centre improvements such as floral displays, better appearances for vacant properties, community toilets, seasonal street events, or extra street cleaning.  Businesses pay in according to their size.

If you are a village shopper and think BID is a good idea why not mention it to the local shop keepers and ask them to support the BID scheme.  For more details on BID click the link below for up-to-date information.

Acocks Green Business Improvement District Website

Possible BID projects:

  • Expanding & improving the Village Radio scheme
  • Creating a Village website to promote all businesses
  • Professional training for businesses and their staff such as marketing, customer service & business planning
  • Enhanced Christmas Lights & planting
  • Seasonal street based activity / entertainment
  • Promoting the evening economy
  • Promotional materials e.g. Village magazine
  • Marketing to property agents
 

March 2, 2011

ReCom – maybe you can help?

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Do you use the internet?

Can you send an email?

Have you got good communication skills?

A ReCom volunteer

Do you live in postcodes: B25 – B28, B36, B37,B40 or B90 – 96?

The Acocks Green based charity ReCom are looking for Buddies to help people, who are tied to the house for whatever reason, to use a computer to keep in touch with friends,
write a letter or shop on-line. Could you offer some help?

To find out more phone ReCom on : 0121 765 5282

or send an email to: itmad@recom.org.uk

You could make are real difference to someone’s life

 

January 27, 2011

Smithy’s Cafe – A Long History

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Thanks to a local resident, Ross, for an interesting article and photos about the long history of our local friendly cafe on Yardley Road.
I wonder whether Margo Hitchinson and Ethel Baldwin foresaw that the cafe they opened at 73 Yardley Road with £50 capital in 1936 would still be thriving seventy-five years later. They named their business 4 O’Clock, which surely evokes a vision of home-made cakes and dainty cups of tea.

The author's mother was the founder of the cafe

We can not know what the two ladies would have made of the He-man’s Breakfasts and Belly-Buster Baguettes sold there in the brash 1980s under the Cabin Cafe banner, but I am sure they would approve of the friendly and efficient service and modern menu offered in recent years by the present owner, Lisa Smith, under the new name Smithy’s.
Ross Cameron
 

January 20, 2011

Westley Vale Millennium Green Celebration – 8th January 2011

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Thanks to the Westley Vale trustees, local people and scouts who worked hard to make the celebration of our Millennium Green a great success.  The weather was fair and the local pagan group gave the Green a very special blessing. Our Lord Mayor, Councillor Len Gregory, honoured the site by planting a tree. We are fortunate to have this special green space in our area, long may it flourish for our community to enjoy.

Local people celebrate our Westley Vale Millennium Green

Here are a few photos that capture the day.  Click below:

Westley Vale Millennium Green 10 Year Celebration

 

January 15, 2011

Landmark Development

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Stockfield Community Association, together with Acocks Green Baptist Church have unveiled some interesting plans for development of the Baptist Church site to provide improved community facilities and they would like local people’s views on what they’ve developed so far.  They are holding three open sessions in the next week for local people to call in and find out more.

Baptist Church Hall, Yardley Rd

Acocks Green Baptist Church lies at the heart of the Stockfield neighbourhood.  It’s a landmark building, but it also hosts a wide range of community activities and groups, from children’s centre activities to lunch groups for older residents; from coffee shop to community meetings.  It’s a valuable resource for the community, but has also presented some challenges which have meant that neither the church nor the local community have been able to use it to its full potential. Their aim is to improve on this.

architectural sketch of proposed development

Over the last couple of years the organisations have been asking people what could be done to improve the church site. They have listened to what facilities people have said they’d like to see locally so that Stockfield can have a welcoming, well equipped centre for the community.  They’ve also been working with architects, planners and others to develop some exciting ideas, but they continue to need input to ensure that they get it right.

The open sessions will give people the opportunity for local people to hear about what has been done, the concepts for the church site, and comment on the ideas.  You’ll be able to find out what’s been done so far, see a model and plans of how the development could look, ask questions and share your comments and ideas.  Each session will start with a brief presentation, followed by time to discuss and engage with the team involved.  The session times will be:

  • FRI 21ST JANUARY 1PM
  • FRI 21ST JANUARY 7PM
  • SATURDAY 22ND JANUARY 11AM

The Neighbourhood Forum encourages people to attend  one of these sessions at the church and help shape these plans to create a thriving community centre for the neighbourhood.

For more information please contact Jon Miles on 0121 7457

 

January 10, 2011

Maths Course in AG – Get a Qualification

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Did you struggle with Maths at school?  Do you want to be able to help your child with homework or just be better at Maths in every day life?  Acocks Green is lucky to be hosting a FREE 10 week Maths course at Cottesbrooke Junior School starting in January.

It runs on Wednesday afternoons from the 19th January  -  1.15pm til 3.15pm.

The course is run and funded by the Workers Education Association (WEA) with a professional and friendly tutor.

If you would like to sign up to this course and can commit to attending every Wednesday for 10 weeks then please phone the Home School Link Worker – Ged Hughes at Cottesbrooke Junior School (tel. 464 3178)  call in to reception or phone the WEA directly on : 523 4118 (Maureen or Tim).

Students have the option to work towards a Level 1 or Level 2 qualification (which is equivalent to GCSE Maths) depending on their level and commitment.

 

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