Village in Bloom Need Your Help

Posted on May 25, 2020 by Kit Barlow

On Sunday a team of volunteers planted up the majority of the 22 planters in Acocks Green village with a colourful array of bedding plants. Working individually (and keeping our social distance) a team of 7 worked tirelessly to put in the plants. In the afternoon Fran and Ged gave them a first good watering.

Fran watering the bedding plant in

Fran waters the bedding plants

Do you live or work near one of these planters on Warwick Road? Could you ‘adopt’ one over the summer and water it every other day when it doesn’t rain significantly? Village in Bloom can supply a watering can if required.

 

Without help from the community, the regular watering of the 22 planters is a huge task with our volunteers carrying or pushing large tanks of water through the village. But if we can get lots of local people to help out, the task becomes a lot easier. If you can help you will be contributing to keeping Acocks Green looking colourful and floral throughout  the summer.

Map of Planters in Acocks Green

Map of Planters in Acocks Green Village

If you would like to help please contact us by responding in the comments here or emailing the co-ordinator Fran Lee : fran.lee47@yahoo.co.uk

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Growing up in Acocks Green Brought to Life in New Book – Broken Greek

Posted on May 3, 2020 by Kit Barlow

Pete Paphides is a successful music journalist who grew up in Acocks Green. Over the years Pete has written for music papers, Time Out and The Times. He has interviewed many well known musicians including Prince and ABBA and now he has written a memoir about his childhood growing up in and around Acocks Green intertwined with his fascination with pop music and musicians of the 1970s and 80s. Broken Greek came out in March and is now a best seller.

Many people who live in our area will remember Pete’s parents, Greek Cypriots – Victoria and Chris. They ran two popular chip shops in Acocks Green – The Great Western opposite the Police Station (now Big Johns) and the Kingfisher (now Lincoln Fish Bar) on Lincoln Road.  Pete went to Cottesbrooke Infants and Junior school and then on to Yardleys.

From Monday 4th May you can hear Pete reading from Broken Greek on Book of the Week on Radio 4 (9.45am). You will also be able to catch it on the BBC Sounds App.

pete image

In the book he talks a lot about little details of life growing up in suburban Birmingham, including school life, journeys on the no.11 bus and going to Preedys, Easy Listening and Woolworths to spend his pocket money on precious singles. He also reflects on being the child of immigrants and searching for his own identity through his love of British pop music.

 

 

 

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Colourful Springtime in Acocks Green

Posted on April 20, 2020 by Kit Barlow

Back in November the Village in Bloom Team, along with other volunteers, took part in a community bulb planting morning. Little did we know then what the future would hold. But amidst the upsetting turn of events and change of life as we know it.. the tulips and spring flowers have come through and lift the spirit of people passing through and walking through the village.
The completed Triabout with its colourful shrubbery and circular raised bed is a mass of colour with the beautiful variety of tulips. And last month daffodils brightened up the entrance into Birmingham.
Triabout Tulips

The orchard with its mass of forget-me-nots and herb bed looks great
punctuated by the bright colours of tulips.
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Support During Covid-19 Lockdown

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Kit Barlow

During this difficult and worrying time it is heartening to hear and see that so many people have come forward to help and support people who need it.  The news is full of the stories of great sacrifice and hard work given by our key workers that keep our city going with vital services as well as health service staff who are doing amazing work
every day.

Locally there is a co-ordinated effort to support people who may need practical help. Or for those who are interested in volunteering to help:
The best way to contact them is by email:
AcocksGreenCovid19@gmail.com or
call or text 07570 240716
You can call or leave a message for our Local Councillor Roger Harmer – 0121 451 3292
You may find other useful information on the Birmingham Voluntary Services Website
and of course the Government website.

There is lots of ways to keep entertained online whilst self-isolating including theatre productions, storytimes, and keep fit activities.  A great place to look is the Active Wellbeing Society 
And if you are lucky enough to have a garden or local green space and you can observe the strict social distancing rules then getting fresh air and exercise will definitely lift your spirits. REMEMBER KEEP 2 METRES FROM ANYONE YOU ENCOUNTER WHILST WALKING, FOR EVERYONE’S SAKE!

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Westley Vale Millennium Green, Acocks Green

For daily stories and activities for children check out:
South Yardley Library’s Facebook Page

Remember keep your distance, keep safe and let’s all support each other through this!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Making a Difference Locally

Posted on April 2, 2020 by Kit Barlow

Considering the difficult situation we are all in – here is something to do with spare time to help our local community, whilst getting fresh air and exercise.  Make sure that you abide strictly by the social distancing advice at all times – keeping a minimum of 2 metres from anyone that you encounter. community litter champion AG .

 

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Another Bloomin’ Good Night 2020

Posted on March 9, 2020 by Kit Barlow

Saturday 7th March saw a sell-out evening at the Westley Hotel. Locals gathered together to support the work of Acocks Green Village in Bloom. Guests enjoyed a quiz, buffet, slideshow and live music from the talented band – Canoe. There was a huge raffle with great prizes donated by local businesses and shops. Thanks to everyone who donated money, prizes, time and effort to make the evening go with a swing. For those interested – below is one of the quiz rounds – how many birds do you know? (All spotted in Acocks Green).

George supplies the answers
An array of prizes
Delicious cakes from Cake Box – thank you!
Jackie’s bird knowledge helped them win quiz!
Maggie with a great raffle prize
Another happy winner
Another winner
The picture round
Enjoying the band
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Drumming Together

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Kit Barlow

Make a noise in the library, feel the beat and get into the rhythm.. it’s amazing what goes on at libraries these days! Book a place today.DTB-workshops-yardle_-web

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A Bloomin’ Good Night at The Westley

Posted on February 5, 2020 by Kit Barlow

Here is a way to support the Village in Bloom team and all the hard work they do around the village and, at the same time, have a great night out in Acocks Green! The 4th fund-raising Bloomin’ Good Night takes place on 7th March and has sold out previously, so get your tickets in advance from S & H Jewellers or Jeffries Hardware. There will be lots of locals there and a chance to get to socialise with other Acocks Greenians  (Outsiders are very welcome too!). Bloom Night Poster 2020

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Canal Clean Up and Public Meeting

Posted on January 30, 2020 by Kit Barlow

Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum have two events at the beginning of February – come along and join volunteers to help tidy up the canal on Sunday and on Tuesday we have our Public Meeting – updates from the local police, Youth Forum and Acocks Green Men’s Shed.

We can all play a part in our community and connect with local people to
improve our area.

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Get Active for 2020

Posted on December 29, 2019 by Kit Barlow

It is a new year, and a new decade so it’s a great time to think about how you can get out there and make a difference, both for yourself and for the community.

Here in Acocks Green and in the surrounding area we are lucky to have some great facilities and opportunities to get more active.  There is an array of community groups and activities to get involved with. Don’t be shy, just turn up and introduce yourself – you have nothing to lose and lots to gain! Here are a few of our friendly local groups looking for new people to help:

Feelgood Factor Every Weekoaklands

There is free Active Parks Tai Chi every week in Westley Vale Millennium Green (off The Avenue). You can just turn up, sign up and get going.
In Oaklands Park (next to the Swan) there is a weekly Parkrun – if you don’t know about this great free global activity check out the website and find out more! You can sign up online, print out your personalised barcode and just turn up and run (or walk) 5K, it is very friendly and welcoming to everyone, no matter your level of fitness. The events are completely run by volunteers too so they are always looking for people to help out.

What about getting together with neighbours or out on your own organising a local tidy up or litter pick? The council will supply bags and equipment. Everyone  can make a difference. For more information follow this link or contact Acocks Green Village in Bloom.
People have been dealing with terrible litter situations and posting BEFORE and AFTER photos (example below). Why not make this one of your New Years Resolutions to get out there make a difference and get some exercise while you are doing it? In Acocks Green we already have lots of litter-picking volunteers who like to improve their area, fitting it in their spare time. You could be one of them.

before after litter

People have been posting Before and After photos on Social Media 

We hope we have inspired you to become an Active Citizen! Here’s to 2020 – with Best Wishes from Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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