Farmers Market and Funday – Were You There?

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Kit Barlow

Despite the dreary weather the first ever Farmer’s Market in Acocks Green went well. There was a buzz around the village with many shoppers enjoying the lovely local produce and other stalls. Locals came and spoke to those of us on the community stall.  As the day progressed the sun made a brief appearance and lots of people enjoyed the entertainment on the stage.

Don’t forget that the Farmers Market will take place every month on the third Saturday of each month.  Sandy Gianni the (Business Improvement District Manager) and her colleagues worked hard making sure that everything went smoothly. Lets hope that the market continues to attract lots of shoppers and helps keep the village as a prosporous and thriving shopping centre.  The next market will be Saturday 21st July.

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Were you there? What did you think? What was your favourite purchase?  Did you take any photos you would like to share? Just comment on this post to give us your feedback.

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Top Brass at St Mary’s Church

Posted on May 31, 2012 by Kit Barlow

David Treadwell-  chair of the Neighbourhood Forum, describes the wonderful concert that took place at St Mary’s church as it opened its doors and arms to the whole village and beyond last weekend.

Birmingham Brass Band at St Mary’s Church, Acocks Green

 “It gave us all another opportunity to celebrate the community and ourselves.  The themes were most appropriate and the chance to witness all the hidden talent in the village, from the Village Primary Schools, up and coming recorder players, the fantastic Ninestiles School Swing Band, The Scouting & Guide inspired songs, all the careful efforts taken with the themed flower displays, the evening concert from The City of Birmingham Brass Band, the refreshments & Tea Room, we could go on but we must not forget the friendly welcome from all those present on this special occasion. Sunday saw a special Festival Service were we were joined by members of our Uniformed Youth Organisations, who presented and paraded their flags and Standards. Also the opportunity for a number of members to be enrolled during the service.

On a point of general interest, we had an opportunity to speak to the Brass Band, and they informed us that the band was originally formed in 1944, by the aircraft manufacturing factory at Castle Bromwich, who had the highest output of any UK aircraft factory producing 20 Lancasters and 320 Spitfires a month. After the war the band became part Fisher & Ludlow, later becoming the Pressed Steel Fisher Band. In 1976, the band was formally recognised by the City Council for its major contribution to civic life, and the band adopted its present title, the City of Birmingham Brass Band. Since then, it has been entertaining audiences in major concert venues across the West Midlands, as well as abroad. They are currently based at The Joseph Chamberlain Six Form College, and are often to be heard at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens.  You can also visit them on their website www.birminghambrass.co.uk.  They also asked if they could be invited back on future occasions. Thank you St Mary’s for giving us a special weekend of celebrations. Well done!”

Thanks David for your uplifting review of this event and the well shot photographs. Good to see the Burne Jones stainned glass window captured in the background too.

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Farmers Market and Fun Day – Saturday 16th June

Posted on May 18, 2012 by Kit Barlow

Acocks Green village will be the place to be on Saturday 16th June when the Farmer’s Market comes to town. As well as activities for kids and stalls loaded with tempting fresh products,we are honoured to have King Pleasure and The Biscuit Boys entertaining the shoppers: ‘the finest, most authentic Rhythm & Blues band ever to come from outside the USA’.  Thanks go to the Business Improvement District (BID) Manager, Sandy Gianni, who has made this day happen. The Farmers Market will be a regular monthly event, so mark it on your calendar and make sure your friends and family know about the exciting developments going on in our village.

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Funding to Improve Acocks Green through Community First

Posted on May 1, 2012 by Kit Barlow

Grants of £250 to £2500 are available for community groups and not-for-profit organisations who want to make a real difference in Acocks Green.

Westley Vale Millennium Green in Spring

Are you interested in starting a project that will do any of the following?

  • Improve the environment of a local park, green space of public realm
  • Improve the range of positive activities for young people
  • Improve the health and wellbeing of residents of the Acocks Green Ward
  • Bring different communities within the Ward together
  • Help local people gain employment

If you have something in mind, apply as soon as you can.

The application form and everything you need to know is on the Community First website:

http://thecommunityfirst.net/acocksgreen/

 

 

 

For all the information you need please click on the link.

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Stone Hall’s Spring Course Programme

Posted on April 29, 2012 by Kit Barlow

There are a wide selection of varied new courses starting at our local Adult Education Centre in Acocks Green this Springtime.  From introduction of Floristry, Ceramic Jewellery Making, Spanish Conservation and taster sessions in Caligraphy, Growing Vegetables and Hat Making, to name just a few and  some of them are free.  The Have A Go courses are taster sessions so you can decide whether its for you.  There is lots more information on their website.  Click on the link below and scroll through the wide choice. For more information you can give the centre a ring.

Course List and more information 

Student, Brenda Crockett outside Stone Hall

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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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