Swansong at Acocks Green Library

Posted on November 18, 2009 by Kit Barlow

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.

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Westley Vale Millennium Green – Autumn Clean Up

Posted on November 13, 2009 by Kit Barlow

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

Autumn Steps – Westley Vale Millennium Green

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Greening The Green – come along and help

Posted on November 3, 2009 by Kit Barlow

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

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Do you use the alleyway from Stockfield to Yardley Road?

Posted on October 22, 2009 by Kit Barlow

The alleyway that runs along the side of Cottesbrooke Junior School has been a subject of much discussion recently and we would welcome your comments and suggestions.

At the last Police Tasking Meeting on Monday 19th October it was discussed by local residents, the Police, Bari Aziz (Ward Support Officer) and representatives from the Neighbourhood Forum.  The concern raised is that of anti-social behaviour which has caused upset to nearby residents. There has been a campaign to try and get something done about night-time access to this route.

One idea is to gate the alleyway, locking it at night to deter the anti-social behaviour.  However this is logistically difficult to do; who would open and close it?  At what times would it be opened and closed? 

Another answer is to block the walkway off permanently.  Perhaps the school could take over the land as an extention to their playground?  The police have had many complaints over the years about anti-social behaviour at this site so they would be happy to see this walkway permanently closed. But this is not a solution for those who regularly use the cut-through.

It was concluded at the meeting that people who use the alleyway need to be consulted on such possible developments.  It has been in existence for over 50 years and is perceived by many locals, as a Public Right of Way.

What do you think?  Do you use this alleyway?  It is a useful shortcut to the no.11 bus and the shops for those people living around the Stockfield area.  Will closing it stop the anti-social behaviour?  The Neighbourhood Forum would like to hear your views.

Many urban areas have a network of alleyways and ‘cut throughs’ for the benefit of pedestrians.  Large housing estates often had many such shortcuts built into the design.  However this case is definitely not an isolated one.  The Ramblers Association, who campaigns on behalf of walkers recognises the  common concern.

Click here for article by The Ramblers Association about this subject.

If you have any thoughts or views on this alleyway or have other experiences related to ‘cut-throughs’ in Birmingham then let the Forum know.

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Meet the Local Police

Posted on October 12, 2009 by Kit Barlow

The next Police Tasking Meeting – an opportunity for local people to meet up and discuss concerns and issues with the police – is on Monday 19th October  7pm at Acocks Green Police Station.   On the agenda at the next meeting is the anti-social behaviour taking place along the alleyway, beside Cottesbrooke Junior School, leading to Stockfield from Yardley Road.  Does this affect you?  Come along for a discussion on the best way forward.

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Cooking The Books at AG Library

Posted on October 11, 2009 by Kit Barlow

Interested in cookery?  Interested in books?  Then here is an event for you.  Next Saturday afternoon, 2pm to 4pm, 17th October Acocks Green Library hosts a launch of new Foodie novels.  There will also be a cake icing demonstration by Pam from Acocks Green’s Icing World shop.  Also enjoy a photography exhibition of some of the local traders.  Refreshments will be served.

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Where are they now?

Posted on October 7, 2009 by Kit Barlow

We have received a request from the BBC for information on a previous resident of the forum area.  Can you help?  See below details of request and if you have any advice or information then do get in touch via this page.

” We are trying to track down an elderly lady, Susanne E James who lived (lives) in the area. We believe she lived at 1286 Warwick Road. She was married to a Ron James who died some years ago. Possibly Susanne/Sue moved in with her family, although we understand her son Peter, an accountant, now lives in the US.

This is all part of a story we are doing for BBC radio.”

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Introducing Chief Superintendent Phil Kay

Posted on October 1, 2009 by Kit Barlow

Chief Superintendent Phil KayWe have received notification from the local constabulory of the new  Chief Superintendent Phil Kay, Commander of E3 Police Operational Command Unit, which covers our local area, The police have developed a set of local priorities based on the new Chief Constables vision and welcome meeting and speaking to local people about the issues that matter most.

In policing the area the priorites is to inspire the highest levels of trust and confidence in the communities they serve. In order to do this they have been asked to:

·         Always put citizens at the heart of everything they do

·         Better understand the needs of communities by genuinely listing to and engaging with them

·         Deliver a first class service all the time

·         Continue to reduce crime by transferring fear from the victims to offenders

·         Protect communities from harm

They have also introduced some changes that they believe will have a positive impact on our communities

·         They have introduced dedicated anti-social behaviour patrols to respond promptly to reports of ASB and address the issues contributing to it.

·         Relocated the Sparkhill neighbourhood team from Edward Road Police Station to Sparkhill Police Station, so they are based right in the heart of the community

·         Encouraging Police Officers to make far greater use of community bases resolutions in order to achieve the best outcomes for victims of crime

·         Invested in more Police Officers in frontline policing

·         From 7th September they will have reopened Front Offices at Woodbridge Road and Sparkhill Police Stations during the day to provide people with greater access to these local services.

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Greening the Green Update

Posted on September 30, 2009 by Kit Barlow

If you would like to get involved with helping the Greening the Green project  then meet outside the library on Sunday 14th October at 10am.  Just an hour or so is enough to make a difference.

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Greening the Green Project

Posted on September 27, 2009 by Kit Barlow
Weeding the planters on the Warwick Road, Acocks Green

Weeding the planters on the Warwick Road, Acocks Green

Local people regularly meet up once a month or so to with Melinda Brown (Town Centre Manager) to do some planting, weeding and tidying up of our green spaces.  This Sunday a few of us did some dead heading and weeding of planters and beds.  More volunteers are always wanted, maybe you would like to come along next time? 

Because September has been exceptionally dry a lot of the little plants had shrivelled up.   Its such a shame that all they needed was a little water to continue to flourish for a few more weeks.  Do you live or work close to the planters and beds on Warwick Road?  Even if you don’t fancy gardening, maybe you could occasionally water a planter during dry weather?  Watering cans will be supplied if you haven’t got one.  Perhaps you live above the shops and would like a little bit of greenery to nurture?

Please get in touch to play your part in making Acocks Green a more pleasant place to live and work.  An hour a month can make a difference!

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