The festive season is upon us and it’s hard not to notice the very impressive christmas trees put up by Washland Launderette.
The owners of the laundrette have been erecting a tree from their premises for over 30 years, according to a local resident. This year the blue colours co-ordinate nicely with the shop front.
Thanks to Ross Cameron for the photos that capture the decorations so well.
Stone Hall Adult Education Centre have contacted the forum to inform us of a new 10 week beginners French course which starts in January. Details as follows:
course start date: Friday 8th January 2010 at 11.30 – 1.00.
The cost of the course will be:-
Full fee – £52.50 under 65
£42 – Over 65
£21 – Over 19 – 64 on income based benefit
For more information telephone 464 9150 or just come along on the day
Thanks to all those members of the public who came along to the Public Meeting last Thursday. Thanks also go to Joe Peacock, a keen cyclist from Friends of the Earth, who addressed the group about their campaign to reduce speed limits to 20 miles an hour in residential areas. He explained that Portsmouth had already adopted this limit and it had been seen to be successful. Birmingham FOE are encouraging local people and groups to support this campaign to introduce it in Birmingham. The limit only applies to non ‘A’ Roads but makes it safer for pedestrians and cyclists. He explained that reducing the speed to this figure would result in less slowing down and speeding up and so the average speed is often not affected. There was much discussion on the subject, some people had reservations but approximately 50% of the meeting thought it would be a good idea. What are your views? Let us know by leaving a comment.
PCSOs and Sgt Mirams from the local Constabulary also attended, giving the meeting an update of policing issues. More discussion ensued about the alleyway from Stockfield to Yardley Road, no decision has yet been made, Sgt Mirams accepted that there were 2 sides to the argument for closing it permanently. There is some debate as to whether is is deemed an official Public Right of Way, even though it has been in existence for over 50 years.
Thanks to Jennifer for offering those in attendance fresh coffee, tea and mince pies! The next Public Meeting is in February, check this site for more details.
Local people are assured of a warm welcome at the recently refurbished coffee shop at the Community Hall on Yardley Road. The shop is open on Wednesdays – 9.30 til 12.30. There is space to have informal meetings and discussions or just enjoy a hot drink in a pleasant environment. There is also a Knit and Natter from 11am. Bring along your knitting or crocheting or come and knit for charity. If you don’t know how to there will be friendly people to teach you ! Tea and toast just 80p or a bacon sandwich £1.60 and lots more great value breakfasts and light lunches.
As mentioned in our newsletter, we would welcome nice photographs of AG to put on this website. If you have submitted some to me, please re-submit directly by email: ged_hughes@hotmail.com. Please put in subject : ‘Photos for Website’, so I know they are not junk mail. Thank you
Our next Public Meeting is at the usual venue – the Community Hall on the corner of Alexander Road and Yardley Road. There will be a guest speaker from Friends of the Earth who will be talking about their campaign to reduce speed limits on residential roads to 20 miles an hour. This would make the roads safer for pedestrians and cyclists and also reduce fuel emissions. Come along and find out more about their campaign.
There will also be an opportunity to share views and ask questions on matters of local concern. Refreshments and mince pies will be served, come along and get to know more about your neighbourhood and meet other local people.
Local people were able to attend a most enjoyable concert at Acocks Green Library on 12th November, under the title of “Swansong” which is a regular theme throughout the season. These are organised through the library and commence at 7.30pm, with entry by free ticket which is available from the library, but with an opportunity to make a personal donation at the end of the programme.
The November event was an evening with Alan Cuckston (harpsichord) and Martyn Shaw (baroque flute).
There where six musical pieces which included Suite no 3 in G (Pieces pour la Flute, 1715) by Jacques-Martin Hotteterre, le Romain: Suite no 7 in G minor for Harpsichord (1720) George Frideric Handel: Sonata no 2 in G for Flute and Harpsichord Arcangelo Corelli, Sonata in E minor (HWV 379) for Flute and Harpsichord George Frideric Handel: Three Sonatas for Harpsichord by Domenico Scarlatti (K 490-492) and finally Sonata in D for Flute and Harpsichord op. 5 no 4 Jean-Baptiste Loeillet de Gant
Both musicians gave a marvellous performance of this Baroque music and a good rendition of this period music.
Alan Cuckson`s Harpsichord was built in 1981 by John Rooks of Ticknall, Derbyshire. It is based on an original of 1638 by the Flemish maker Andreas Ruckers, now in the Edinburgh University Collection.
The Trustees of the Millennium Green invite local people to join them on site for a clean-up session on Saturday 21st November between 10am and 2pm.
Come along and make a difference to your local environment, all that is needed is energy and enthusiasm. Refreshments offered to all volunteers! Whatever time you can spare is appreciated.
Autumn Steps – Westley Vale Millennium Green
Once a month Melinda Brown, the Town Centre Manager, organises a group of local people to help do some gardening to brighten up our village. At this time of year we have spring bulbs to plant. Can you spare an hour or so this Sunday? Meet outside the library at 10am for full instructions, no experience necessary, why not to do something good for our local community?
The following dates for Gardening Sessions are:
10am Sunday 13th Dec
10am Sunday 10th Jan
10am Sunday 7th Feb
10am Sunday 8th Mar
10am Sunday 11th April
| Community Get Togeth… on Village in Bloom | |
 | Kit Barlow on Help Brighten Up the Village t… |
| Kit Barlow on Help Brighten Up the Village t… |
 | Dr. Ilse Pienaar on Help Brighten Up the Village t… |
 | Roy pickering on Photos |
Acocks Green Neighbourhood Forum 
