Public Meeting 24th April – Report

Posted on April 21, 2012 by Kit Barlow

Thanks to all those who attended the Public Meeting on Tuesday.  We had a great turnout and the local councillors and Police Sergeant Fellows were on hand to answer questions and update residents.  The guest speaker – Hannah Worth, from The Chamberlain Forum updated us on the Localism Bill of last year, which could potentially have an impact on developments in Acocks Green in the future.  Thanks to Jon Morris, from Fox Hollies Neighbourhood Forum who explained about Community First – a funding opportunity for organisations in the area, (more info to follow here shortly) and the proposed Conservation Areas of AG.

Thanks to local residents who turned up and aired their concerns about issues in the area.  Lets hope that the Forum gave them the opportunity to highlight these to those who can help to resolve them and, ultimately improve community life for those who live and work in Acocks Green.

Next Public Meeting (and AGM) is Tuesday 19th June, hope to see you there.

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Date:  Tuesday 24th April

where:  Baptist Community Hall, Yardley Road.
(close to Police Station)

when: 7.30pm

What:  Public Meeting, everyone in the local area is welcome.  Refreshments served.

Longboat on Grand Union, from Westley Vale, Acocks Green

Amongst those present at the meeting will be:

Hannah Worth from The Chamberlain Forum who help public services and communities work together for better places to live.
 Acocks Green Police present to make note of any issues or concerns

There will be a chance to talk to these representatives  informally whilst having refreshments. There will also be an opportunity for people to ask questions and raise any concerns or issues.

Come along and find out more about what’s going on in our area.

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Princes Trust in Acocks Green

Posted on April 16, 2012 by Kit Barlow

The Police were recently joined by Birmingham City footballers Curtis Davies and David Murphy and the Princes Trust to celebrate the achievements of local young people. The players attended an awards event at Acocks Green Baptist Church at the end of March, to honour the successes of young people on a course run by the Prince’s Trust youth charity. The young people who had benefited from the programme spoke about their key achievements and personal stories.
The Prince’s Trust Team programme is a 12 week course for 16 to 25 year olds, which offers work experience, practical skills, and community projects and includes a week-long residential visit. The course helps young people to discover their hidden talents and develop CV and interview skills.
During the 12 weeks the young people honoured at the event had taken on many local projects including renovation of Fox Hollies Forum and activities that supported senior citizen groups and young children. Four of the young people on the course have already secured work or education.

The Prince’s Trust Team programme in Birmingham is supported by West Midlands Police and Solihull College. The programme, based at Acocks Green Police Station, is led by PC Stuart Toogood and PCSO Fae Palmer.

Anyone who is interested in joining the next team, starting on the 21st of May, should contact Stuart or Fae on 07767 749 684

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Westley Vale Action Day – 31st March 2012

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Kit Barlow
Join the trustees of Acocks Green’s Westley Vale Millennium Green on Saturday 31st March.  There will be tree-planting, tidying and litter-picking. All help is much appreciated.  Meet at the main gates at 10am on The Avenue and see how you can help. Refreshments for all helpers.  Equipment will be provided.

Tree Planting in the Westley Vale 2011

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Come along to the Police Station this Saturday -17th March 2012

Posted on March 12, 2012 by Kit Barlow

Acocks Green Police are opening their doors this Saturday, 17th March, to give local people an opportunity to learn more about their local force.  See details below for a rare chance to see behind the scene in this listed landmark building.

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A Tranquil Scene in Acocks Green

Posted on February 15, 2012 by Kit Barlow

A local artist has recently captured one of the more picturesque spots in our patch in acrylic paint. Tahirah Ravoof who lives in Acocks Green, regularly enjoys walks near the Grand Union Canal and decided she would like to reproduce the September colours in paint.

Recognise the view?  Are there any other artists out there who have paintings of Acocks Green? Maybe we could start an online gallery,

**********Update***************

Another local artist has been in touch. Fae Palmer’s art is striking, with some famous faces amongst her collection.  For more info about Fae’s work click on the link to see her website.

Portrait of Ray Charles by Fae Palmer

See more of Fae’s work at her website:  http://geckoartwork.weebly.com/

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Run England: Run Birmingham : Run Acocks Green?

Posted on January 27, 2012 by Kit Barlow

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

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Fox Hollies Forum – Vote for a Revamp – The Good News!

Posted on January 25, 2012 by Kit Barlow

*****STOP PRESS***************STOP PRESS*************STOP PRESS********************STOP PRESS***********

Great News – thanks to all the support of local people and their voting power,  the funding from the  ‘Proceeds of Crime Act’  was awarded to Fox Hollies Forum.  Its great news for young people in Acocks Green.  Its nice to know that when we act together we can make a difference.

STOP PRESS*********************************STOP PRESS**************************STOP PRESS****************

Fox Hollies Forum and the local Police have put in a joint bid to secure £12,000 of funding from the ‘Proceeds of Crime Act’ to transform the well-established Fox Hollies Forum community centre; a great resource that benefits the whole area.  To help secure this funding for our area, all you need to do is to click on the link below and vote for ‘The Gospel’.   The closing date is the 15th January.  It only takes a few seconds and at the moment they are in second place so really need votes.    The video below explains the process.


The Gospel – Fox Hollies Forum Youth Centre
The Fox Hollies Forum was created to provide a sanctuary for the local area.  Located in an area that has suffered higher than average levels of crime and anti-social behaviour the Forum was set up by local residents to support a range of community based activities across a wide age spectrum.

In addition to their current schemes the Forum want to create a community safety hub, a youth centre for local young people to attend. To achieve their goal the forum desperately needs a revamp and new equipment to attract young people through their doors. This project will be assisted by the West Midlands Police Prince’s Trust Group.

To vote for this worthy project in our area go to the website and scroll down to Yardley Constituency and click – The Gospel

http://www.west-midlands.police.uk/np/birminghameast/vote/#yardley

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New Year, New Adventure

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Kit Barlow

489 Squadron (Acocks Green & Olton) are opening its doors in January for new recruits who wish to join an active youth group. Aside from flying, sports, target shooting, adventure training and great fun, you’ll soon find that being an air cadet is its own reward – you constantly see the benefits of your own efforts, building on your achievements and earning BTECs and DofE Awards. You’ll be expected to take part in as many of the activities they run, but with what’s on offer you probably won’t need much persuading…

If your aged between 13-17 and wish to join, email: 489@aircadets.org or call 0121 706 4720 for more information.

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Cottesbrooke Carol Singers

Posted on December 16, 2011 by Kit Barlow

Children from Cottesbrooke Junior School braced themselves for the blustery conditions and ventured out to Acocks Green Village for a spot of Carol Singing.

Cottesbrooke Junior School Carol Singing in Acocks Green

Positioning themselves outside Wilkinson’s store, the Year 3 children sang their little hearts out to the traditional tunes of ‘Rudolph’ and ‘Jingle Bells’. They even managed to get their audience warmed up with some ‘Rockin around the Christmas Tree’!

“A huge thank you to all the parents and members of the public who took a little time out of their busy schedules to listen to the children. We hope you enjoyed it. We certainly know the children did as they sang all the way back to school!” said Mrs Jones, Headteacher at Cottesbrooke.

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CBSO Music in Acocks Green Library

Posted on December 10, 2011 by Kit Barlow

Another delightful Swansong concert took place on Wednesday 23rd November at Acocks Green Library. The 2011 season was brought to a pleasant close by a fine performance from the CBSO players, with string compositions from Arensky, Haydn and Rimsky Korsakov.

This was a well attended concert of approximately 75 members local music lovers, who enjoyed a programme enthusiastically performed by the musicians comprising of Violins: Byron Parish and Libby Golding, Violas: Amy Fawcett and Miriam Guillaume, Cellos: Jackie Tyley and Helen Edgar. The programme comprised of ‘Variations on a theme by Tchaikovsky’ from
Arensky. A Quartet The Joke by Haydn. and a Rimsky Korsakov Sextet.

The CBSO Players perform at Acocks Green Library

We are fortunate to have had the opportunity to experience similar standards of performance in our area over recent years and Mike Byrne reported that the ‘Swansong’ Concerts will continue in the New Year, but with a slight reduction in the number of performances. He further thanked all the folk who have given their good support over this time, which has allowed these concerts to be organised.

Also the Arts and Media events will continue  in the New Year at the library on January 11th at 2pm with a presentation from Susan Hunston, on the subject of our real thoughts called Reading between the Lines.  For more information call in at the library for  tickets.

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