Talk about n solihull issue 2 oct nov 2015

TALK ABOUT

North Solihull

Issue 02 | November 2015

WHERE TO FIND FREE FOOD

SANTA’S ROUTES

HERITAGE LOCAL HEROES WHAT’S ON

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN NORTH SOLIHULL

NOV 2015

FEATURES

12 Stories Behind the Memorial

Eric Birch’s story 20 Civic Honour Winner

Why Gavin Prime was honoured

14 Award Winning Projects

LIFESTYLE & COMMUNITY

18 Where to find free fruit

Urban foraging

22 Breathe Easy Support Group

New group formed in Chelmsley Wood

34 Ultimate Vintage Fayre Clothes, food, dance and song

06 Santa’s Routes

Where and when you can see Santa

29 Are you ready to change your life?

Time to shine empowerment group

28 Volunteers Recognised Awards for Bosworth volunteers

ARTS & CULTURE

24 Author Publishes New Book

William the Pop Star

10 Life on the Home Front WW2 Land Army girl tells her story

36 What’s on?

ON THE COVER: Babbs Mill Nature Reserve

A round up of what’s happening

Jessica Browne from Castle Bromwich

has been awarded the prestigious title of Young Ambassador of the year for District 105M of Lions Clubs International and will represent the Midlands region in the National Final.

The competition looks for young people who are active in serving their communities.

Jessica has been involved in developing, planning, designing, planting and maintenaning a Sensory Garden on Castle Bromwich Green to enable the disabled and able bodied to access it, in the garden is a Peace Tree in remembrance of all those who have lost their lives in conflicts around the world. She is a member of the local Youth Parish Council and takes her duties very seriously. As well as her school work she is also an impressive gymnast on the trampoline, there appears to be no end to her talents.

Local buider, Chris Wall, was honoured by Queen Victoria for his outstanding services to the public in North Solihull.

The Queen, who attended the Castle Bromwich Heritage Festival whist on her time travels, dubbed him “Sir Chris Solutions” and praised him on his achievements. Chris can be contacted on 07985 608990

Two North Solihull residents have been recognised in this year’s Civic Honours.

Patricia Hayes who has served the local community for more than 30 years was recognised for her tireless efforts at ChelmsleyWood Baptist Church, receiving the Community Involvement Award.

She has been involved in all aspects of the venue’s activities, from helping out with the local kids’ clubs to co-ordinating lunches and community events.

Gavin Prime received his honour for making a difference for young people after cofounding the National Dream Makers Charity and establishing Starz! Performing Arts.

Both received their honours from the Mayor of Solihull at a ceremony in the Civic Suite.

Through a frosty winter night In a sleigh with reindeer flight.

Bringing joy to large and small Merry Christmas one and all.

CHRISTMAS

SANTA ROUTES

Courtesy of Marston Green Lions Club.

Phone: 0753 176 9901

Monday 7th December 6:30 – 9pm

Tuesday 8th December 6:30 – 9pm

Charlbury Avenue Lambourne Grove Hillys Croft Leyburn Road Buckden Close Oxford Grove Chichester Grove Wavers Marston Clarksland Grove

Perch Avenue Grantley Drive Pendrell Close Conway Road Stapleton Drive Fencote Avenue Elmore Close Hadfield Way Anstey Croft

Wednesday 9th December 6.30 - 9pm

Saturday 12th December cont.

Clopton Crescent Newby Grove Tyne Close Runcorn Close Tay Croft Rowan Way Box Road Whitebeam Road

Moat House Lane Wolverton Road Rotherby Grove Farndon Avenue Hidcote Grove St Leonard’s Close Land Lane Hall Drive Aylesford Drive Bickenhill Road The Oaklands Mowe Croft Brook Croft Bickenhill Road Lyndon Croft

Thursday 10th December 6:30 – 9pm Bluebell Drive Yorkminster Drive Lyecroft Avenue Foxland Close Waterson Croft Ryeclose Croft Hawksworth Road Drake Croft Hawksworth Road Kitegreen Close Heathgreen Close Partridge Close Friday 11th December 6:30 – 9pm Pike Drive Bream Close Graylings Walk Chilham Drive Ludlow Close Wardour Drive Penrith Grove Drummond Way Keepers Gate Carisbrook Avenue Saturday 12th December 3 – 6:30pm Elmdon Lane Canterbury Drive Greenway Newlands Lane Digby Drive Elmdon Road Somerton Drive Ashfield Lane

Sunday 13th December 3 – 6:30pm Bickenhill Lane Coleshill Road Station Road Chelmsley Lane Alcott Lane The Orchard Holly Lane Moseley Drive Martin Rise Marston Croft Elm Farm Avenue Wayside Tuesday 15th December 6:30 – 9pm Ludworth Avenue Holbrook Grove Enville Close Costock Close Maple Leaf Drive Byford Way Harby Close Radlow Crescent

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY SERVICE CASTLE BROMWICH We remember those who fought and the people who waited back home for news. We share the stories behind some of the names on the war memorial and talk to a member of the land army about her experiences and how her family were affected by WW1 and WW2.

Florence at St Mary & St Margaret Church Castle Bromwich in her wedding dress borrowed from Elstree Studios

THE WAR AT HOME We speak to Florence about life in Castle Bromwich during WW2 and how the war affected her family.

Florence in her land army uniform

At the outbreak of war Florence was working in an office.

After that we had eggs at home as well as our rations.”

Land Army

asked them to sign the form.

Dad wasn’t too keen, but Mum signed it. She’d been part of the land army during WW1.”

“One day during my lunch break, I went out and saw a bill board advertising the land army. I thought, that’s for me, and went in to sign up.

But, because I wasn’t 18, they wouldn’t accept me without my parents permission. So, that night, I went home and

Florence was initially sent to work on a poultry farm. “We had quite a large garden in the house in New Street and, as food was rationed, I thought it would be a good idea to take some chickens home. So I got a lift home in a car and packed some chickens in the back.

“Unfortunately, the war hit Dad’s business. He used to deliver milk around Saltley, but the bombing caused the residents to be evacuated and he had no customers left. He ended up working in a munitions factory in the Bordsley area.”

My brother Harold joined the army where he was to meet Barbara his future wife. My sister, Vera, went to Worcester and worked as a Secretary on a farm.

Coventry after the blitz inviting her to visit and choose a dress to borrow from their wardrobes.

White Feathers

Harold joined the army Wedding Dress It was at this time that Florence met Max who was stationed at Castle Bromwich with the RAF. When they decided to marry, Florence applied to borrow one of the wedding dresses sent over to England by the Americans for British brides to wear. Unfortunately, there were none available. A short while later, Florence received a letter from Elstree Studios

Florence told us that her brother Bill had an accident when he was small which left him with severely restricted use of his arm.

This made him unfit for service, but villagers on seeing a young, healthy looking man who had not enlisted considered him a coward, verbally abused him and gave him white feathers.

The term “white feather” came from cock-fighting. Some game birds had white feathers in their tail, and so to show the white feather was to turn tail.

“Showing the white feather” was a term used for human cowardice throughout the nineteenth century.

Coventry Blitz Florence told us that “Bill was working in a factory in Coventry at the time the city was bombed. He used to cycle into work from Castle Bromwich. “He was one of the lucky ones, who got out without major injuries. The factory he was working in was hit, but he managed to clamber out of the ruins. Even his bike survived and he had to carry it through, the wreckage of the city to get home.”

Stories Behind the Memorial

Conditions endured by soldiers during WW1 Eric Birch, aged only 24 years, had been the first casualty. The son of Thomas and Clara Birch from the Beeches at Hodge Hill, he’d landed at Le Havre on the 13th August 1914 as part of the first expeditionary force and made his way towards Belgium. He’d survived the initial battle at Mons, the subsequent retreat and the battle at the Marne.

Then on the 14th day of September as day was beginning to break his battalion had been ordered to begin marching again. The morning was wet and a vast white blanket hung over the hills, suffocating and swallowing every distant object.

They hadn’t been marching long when they struck an advance portion of the enemy’s main line and it was impractical to drive them from the positions they were holding. Reinforcements arrived and the battalion was more or less in a line astride a sunken road.

The mist was driving across the hill, at times lifting and exposing the actions of the troops to view, at times coming down and concealing them, but the movement caused heavy casualties as the Germans took advantage to expose them to heavy artillery fire. Rain fell heavily all afternoon, but the fighting went on until after dark, and it wasn’t until 9pm that the battalion was relieved. 321 soldiers were killed, missing or wounded. Eric Birch had been one of the dead.

It’s Your

Neighbourhood

Two North Solihull community groups are celebrating after receiving prestigious awards from the Royal Horticultural Society. Castle Bromwich Youth & Community Partnership’s “Behind the Headstones” project was judged outstanding and received the highest level 5 award. IMAGE’s “Fairy Tale Alley” received a level 3 award just three months after it commenced.

IMAGE’S “Fairytale Alley” project was initiated by residents after complaints were received about anti-social behaviour and graffitti making the alley feel unsafe. The through-fare is regularly used by locals walking from Castle Bromwich village to the shops in Timberley Lane.

Having received permission from Solihull Council, residents made a start on improving the appearance of the area on community clear up day in March. 4 bags of litter were removed, graffitti removed from fences and sustainable plants were put in place to brighten the area.

The award from the RHS highlights the success of the project, with the group being praised for its work in involving residents in finding solutions

to local problems and for its emphasis on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

Since the project was initiated, littering has been greatly reduced and there have been no further incidents of graffitti. The group plans to extend the clear-up along the whole length of the alley during 2016, providing a fairytale wonderland that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Alwyn Doyle said, “We looked at projects elsewhere in the country where problem alleyways had been converted into vibrant community areas and took inspiration from their ideas. It’s our hope that the alleyway becomes a space that the community cares for and enjoys.’

Email: image@outlook.com

JLR WAVES MAGIC WAND At the funeral of Clifford Newton Ryder, an iron fence can be clearly seen marking the boundary of the graveyard. Over the years, this had become submerged beneath the ground with the pointed prongs being exposed and creating a health and safety hazard. Thanks to volunteers from Jaguar Land Rover, the fence has now been excavated and the ground reinstated. Whilst, at the graveyard, the team from JLR also took the time to make safe and straighten several large gravestones that were starting to topple.

The RHS judged the “Stories Behind the Headstones” project by Castle Bromwich Youth & Community Partnership outstanding for the third consecutive year.

The group was praised for its partnership working with a wide range of local organisation and for its outstanding achievement of involving over 500 volunteers in the project.

In reaching this high standard continuously in the RHS award scheme the group with its partners have repeatedly overcome great hurdles in improving the area.

Tackling eight foot tall brambles one year, to restoring plumbing the next..

Project Chairman, Terrie Knibb said, “The efforts of The judges also cited the volunteers have turned how the group’s work a laibility into a community had greatly increased the asset. We are particularly biodiversity of the area and pleased to hear from created a greatly improved, relatives of those buried sustainable environment. here. Many have expressed The judges were particularly gratitude that for the first impressed with the mixture time in years they have of planting including the use been able to find their family of fruit and vegetables for graves.” community use.

Jaguar Land Rover workers clearing and straightening graves.

Email: terrie@thecbcp.co.uk

It’s amazing the things you don’t notice when you are going about your daily life. When I was invited on an urban foraging walk I was rather sceptical we’d find anything more than a few straggly dandelions.

But, within five minutes of wandering around Fordbridge with local forager Barry Lewis, something I would never have spotted by myself has been pointed out – a small patch of wild strawberry plants growing by a fence.

Just a few steps further, by the bus stop at the top of Bosworth Drive, and we come across trees full of apples. We continued walking until we came to Babbs Mill. Barry pointed out plums, damsons, more apples, sloes, rose-hips, elderberries and blackberries all ripe for picking. He also explained how many of the other plants such as nettles, balsam seeds and wild garlic were perfect for cooking.

With my eyes well and truly opened, I noticed many more fruit trees on my way home, more apple trees by the Toby Jug and opposite Tesco and cherry trees by the Bradford Arms.

In the space of a few hours my eyes were opened to the abundant supply of free fruit available in public spaces, most of which is being allowed to go to waste.

HOW TO GET YOUR 5 A DAY FOR FREE DON’T FORAGE BLINDLY If you’re keen to start foraging for fruit and plants make sure you are well educated on what they are.

Unless you’re 100% certain of the species we cannot stress enough that you shouldn’t eat it.

How much can I pick?

“It’s all a matter of common sense. You should never pick all there is, you should always leave plenty for others to enjoy - including wildlife.”

URBAN FORAGING IN NORTH SOLIHULL

RULES FOR FORAGING 1. Do not eat anything you cannot identify and deem safe.

2. Don’t be greedy. Pick only what you can use and eat.

3. Never take all the plants of one kind in a given patch.

4. Don’t go on private land or pick in a conservation area or SSSI. 5. It is illegal to pick the fruit for profit.

6. Look for notices of byelaws which forbid foraging.

LOCAL HERO - GAVIN PRIME

by Ian Lewis Gavin was born in Solihull. He became an accomplished and very successful comedian, touring with his own show. He performed along side some of the nation’s best known entertainers; Tommy Cooper, Shirley Bassey, Jimmy Tarbuck to name a few.

He also experienced the other side of the camera and is an experienced Stop-Motion animator. He developed animation for adverts such as ‘Kit-Kat’ and was part responsible for developing the character Morph. He worked on the ‘Wombles’ which he has written and directed. During this time he organised charity shows to raise money to buy specialised equipment for the QE Hospital.

It started with raising money to send a neighbour’s child with cancer to Florida.Then Gavin co-founded the national children’s charity ‘Dream Makers’ which sends many children and families on holiday for respite.

sta

While this was going on, at Chelmsley Wood Swimming Baths, there was a group of young people hanging around at the front of the building because they didn’t have any money to attend the drama & dance classes they were running. The following week ‘Starz Theatre & Film’ was born. Gavin opened for children and YP’ who couldn’t afford these classes.

Gavin receiving his Civic Honour from the Mayor of Solihull.

arz!

Many years later Starz! operates in two authorities Solihull and Birmingham. In Birmingham Gavin and his team are working with the ‘Wellbeing Service’ to help within the community on the Birmingham side of Castle Bromwich. Students that have gone through Starz! who had no confidence and self esteem have gone on to accomplish and achieve in life, even going on to university and becoming an established actor or to work in production.

Gavin took a group of physically and mentally challenged Children and young people from Solihull to record three radio plays he has written at the BBC Mailbox in Birmingham.

BREATHE EASY NORTH SOLIHULL

‘The Breathe Easy network provides support and information for people living with a lung condition, and for those who look after them. Breathe Easy is part of the British Lung Foundation, the only UK Charity working for everyone affected by lung disease.

People with lung conditions, and those who care for them, can often feel alone. Making friends is important.Breathe Easy provides a good opportunity for that to happen.

Our group aims to create that atmosphere, at the same time, incorporate informative sessions to enhance your quality of life.’ Breathe Easy has been operating in Solihull for some eight years. During this last year a second group has been created, meeting in Chelmsley Wood. A committee is now in operation

The monthly meetings take the form of a presentation by professionals bringing the members up to date on current trends and also giving an understanding of all aspects of lung conditions, followed by Tea and Coffee and a social chat.

Recent presenters include Consultants in Respiratory Medicine from Heartlands and Solihull Hospitals, the West Midlands Ambulance Service, the Fire Brigade, Physiotherapists and an occupational therapist specialising in relaxation techniques..

and is currently developing a programme for 2016. Certain details have yet to be finalised, so watch this space.

British Lung Foundation and Breathe Easy campaign and support all aspects of Lung Problems and our membership reflects this, from Brittle Asthma right through to Lung Transplant.

If further information is required, please contact the British Lung Foundation HELP LINE, on a local call number, 03000 030 555. http:// www.Blf.or.uk

INTERVIEW

WITH CHRIS BEEBEE WILLIAM THE POP STAR

We talk with a Castle Bromwich dad about how he’s honouring the memory of his son who died at birth by writing childen’s books.

Chris Beebee is just about to publish his third book about William, named after his first child who died at birth.

His first book, William in Gnome Man’s Land,’ is an enchanting tale of a young boy’s discovery of the magical world at the bottom of his garden, and his unforgettable encounter with Rainbow the Gnome.

“They

“For me, William lives on through these books. I hope that for parents like me and Verity who have been through similar heartache, we can let them know there is light at the end of this dark tunnel.”

say when you lose a child, your next one is a rainbow baby,” he told us. That inspired the first book. I was working away from home at Willows Farm and I just sat in the caravan and started writing. I only did it for myself, but I later met Bryan Holden who agreed to publish it for me.

In the latest book, William creates a band, “The Mongooses”.Chris told us that he was allowing William to live out one of his fantasies. He’s also written a sound track to go with the book and created a cd which he described as “Beatlesque.”

The book will be available for sale shortly through Chris’ website:

www.beebeeproductions.co.uk

Chris was educated at the CTC Kingshurst. and the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts. He has been performing since the age of 10 when he joined the Castle Bromwich Theatre Group.

He has made a career for performing and running his own performance company which hosts regular 60s nights at Arden Hall.

It was whilst he was working at Willows Farm Stevenage, that he met his wife, Verity. Chris told us that he was dressed as a sheep, although Verity later got to see him as a Farmer playing a guitar.

The couple now have a daughter, Heidi Louise.

He won a competition to star as the Milky Bar Kid in an advertising campaign, and appeared on the Paul O’Grady show singing about Haddocks.

Through his performances he has made contact with a number of celebreties.

He was recently delighted to receive a phone call from Bernard Cribbens congratulating him on his William books.

Chris is hosting two more entertainment nights this year. The December 4th date featuring tribute Sinatra, Tom Jones, Abba and Rod Stewart is a sell out. New Year’s Eve he will feature The Pacemakers.

Chris and Verity found support through SANDS, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity, and have raised thousands of pounds for them through fundraising events.

Their website is: www.uk-sands.org.

LONELINESS Loneliness and social isolation are harmful to our health: research shows that lacking social connections is as damaging to our health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

I recently sat as a Dragon, listening to groups of young people pitching for money to enable them to initiate social action programmes. 3 of the 4 groups wanted to tackle social isolation in the elderly.

Many experts now believe we could be facing a loneliness epidemic. The figures are startling. Laura Ferguson from the Campaign to End Loneliness says the number of people who describe themselves as sometimes lonely has shot up by 20%, while “10% of everyone over 65 is chronically lonely”. According to the Department of Health, five million older people say their main companion is the TV set, and almost one in five older people are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week.

One project being proposed by the young people was “Blast from the Past” where residents were being asked to record interesting anecdotes from their lives to share with elderly residents in care homes. The dragons suggested that they also tried to arrange for reminiscence cafes where people could also go into the care homes to allow a two way conversation with residents.

We all lead busy lives, but if you can find the time, why not befriend someone who is lonely?

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volunteers and also the impact that volunteering had The Community Centre’s inspirational on them. volunteers were thanked for all their hard work and dedication. Senior Irene Casserley, Volunteers Manager, Managers from Ashram Moseley said she had been moved by meeting (which manage the centre) came the volunteers. to express their gratitude to the volunteers for the contribution they “It was a wonderful, inspiring event… had made to the centre and the local all of the volunteers give their time in community. their own special way. I was also really touched by the way they all supported Past and present volunteers were each other, particularly when one of invited to the centre and certificates the volunteers shared some emotional were given out to all those who feelings and thoughts, such a special attended. moment that I will treasure.”

Some of the volunteers shared stories of why they had decided to become

“5* plus testimonial for Stacey and Kelly’s “Time to Shine.” They are a godsend, very knowledgeable, know what help to provide for those in all aspects of life. The group is amazing and has helped me and others, especially with positivity, relaxation, integrating with others and importantly ongoing support .They both do a fantastic job for the community.

Totally blown away with the group sessions. I met some great people, all going through their own hardships and knowing we are not alone has helped massively. It’s very popular and simply works. I highly recommend this group. “ Pam

Are you ready to change your life?

The already very popular Women’s Personal Development Course run by Inspire Health and Mind has begun at Bosworth.

The course runs from 3rd November - 22nd December on Tuesday afternoons, 1pm-3pm.

It provides a friendly, welcoming environment for support and encouragement.

The course includes the

following and much more…

• Goal setting and motivation • Self-esteem and confidence • Managing stress and anxiety • Coping strategies • Feeling happier and healthier • Relaxation and meditation Refreshments provided • Guest speakers

SMITH’S WOOD

AROUND AGAIN

I’m used to seeing charity shops in It is the eyes and ears of the every row of shops, but unlike many community, looking out and caring with names of easily recognised for those in need. Ray explained large charities, Around Again in how he’d recently worked with the Smith’s Wood is run and managed Council to solve an old woman’s by its trustees and local residents. debt problems and now phones her The shop is crammed with donated three times a day to make sure she’s items ranging from clothes, through ok. He told me of another lady who bric a brac, and books to furniture. was desparately lonely and who he visited last Christmas day with Ray Smitherman, Chair of the a meal. He explained that he has charity, explained that the charity customers who phone him to shop was foprmed by local residents who for them as they’re unable to get saw a way of helping themselves. out.

They reecently furnished a home for somebody who had nothing using Too often we hear what’s wrong donated items. with a community. It was refreshing to hear about what people are But, Around Again is much more doing to make one right. than just a charity shop.

Eaque ipsa quae ab illo ins vens tore veritatis ert quasi. Archirs tecto beatae vitae dicta sun tia explister cabo nemo enims unsers amet.

Local singer and fitness instru 2016 with a new venture. Team Ultimate Vintage Fayres, she w an incredible vintage experien

Live music, dancing, retro sho mini dance classes, singing, m photoshoots and vintage aftern under one roof!

Pype Hayes Golf Course Eachelhurst Road Sutton Coldfield B76 1EP

Saturday 30th January 11am-3 Entry Adults - £2 OAP’s - £1 Kids - 50p

uctor is starting ming up with will be part of nce.

opping stalls, makeovers, noon teas - all

3pm

WHAT’S ON? Think there’s nothing going on in North Solihull? Think again, here’s a small selection of what’s available for you to enjoy.

All activities may be subject to change, .

STREET DANCE

FREE Street Dance session on a Tuesday at CTC Academy Kingshurst 7-8pm FOOTBALL

FREE weekly Football session with Solihull Moors on a Thursday at Smith’s Wood Sports College 4:30 -6:30pm HALL GARDENS Christmas Fun with stalls, crafts, Castle Bromwich Singers & a Mummers Play Sunday Nov 29th

ARDEN HALL 10 am Nov 29th Indoor Car Boot sale in aid of Acorns Hospice.

WHAT’S NEW AT THREE TREES? FRIDAY NOVEMBER 27TH 6PM - 7.30PM

AUCKLAND HALL SMITHS WOOD

Lots of new activities are being planned for 2016. Watch this space. Next edition of Talk About North Solihull January 2016.

Monday - Cubs and Beavers from 5pm Tuesday and Friday- Food Bank - 12:30 14:30. Can drop off any donations on these 2 days.

Thursday - 14:00 - 16:00 Cars Area, Big Local Drop-in. Come and find out about The Cars Area and how you can get involved.

Then starting from Thursday 3rd December - Thursday 17th December 9am - 16:30 you

can drop off food at Auckland Hall to be made up in to Food Hampers for the elderly this Christmas.

12th December 11am - 3pm . Cars Area Christmas Festivities. We will be holding fun festivities at Auckland Hall where you can come along and enjoy arts and crafts, decorating biscuits, entertainment, food and drinks and a Selfie competition!!

Tai Chi Qi Gong Marston Green Parish Hall Friday mornings 11am - 12 pm

Tai Chi is a slow gentle meditation in motion exercise. The body benefits from increased muscle tone and flexibility. The mind benefits from calm slow movements.

The powerful Qigong and Tai Chi movements integrate mind and body. Tai Chi brings balance to mind, body and spirit which you take into your every day life.

The Relaxation You’ve Been Waiting For The Movements are slow, gentle and flowing so can be done by anyone, regardless of age.

Slow, gentle meditation in motion exercise - enjoy Contact: Jan Wilson, Tel: 0121 779 5279 Jan has been teaching Sun Style Tai Chi since 2000, and attends regular updates.

If you are interested in experiencing a Tai Chi class, why not come along and try it out, you will benefit from the very gentle movements as well as meeting a friendly group of people also exploring the benefits and depths of Tai Chi for Health.

Parish Hall Marston Green Advent Celebration Sunday Novemeber 29th 7pm CHEESE, WINE & FESTIVE FUN

Proceeds to Children’s Society in memory of Anne Dunkley

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ENTERTAINMENT BY SAM DUNKLEY & FRIENDS TICKETS £8 FROM AUDREY 246 7436 JENNY 779 6184

DANCE EXPRESS

KEEP DANCING Marston Green Village Hall

Most Thursdays 12.45-13.45 £3 per session Low impact dance exercise class that explores a range of world dance styles. and musical eras.

• No need to bring a partner.

• Great way to keep minds and bodies alive.

• Great way to meet new friends.

• No prior dance experience needed.

• Not your traditional ballroom or sequence dance.

Chelmsley Conservative Club

St Mary & St Margaret Christmas by Candlelight An evening packed full of festive favourites, seasonal stories and classic carols, in the beautiful candlelit setting of St Mary and St Margaret Church Castle Bromwich.

Friday 11th December, 7.30 pm Tickets ÂŁ5.00, including mulled wine and a mince pie.

Please contact the office to order.

0121 747 1270

Christmas Fayre Saturday 5th December, 11.30 am - 2.00 pm.

Bring your family and join in the fun at St Mary & St Margaret Church and Community Hall Browse among our stalls selling Christmas items, toiletries, pre-loved toys, bric-a-brac and books Buy delicious home made cakes, sweets, pickles and preserves Test your luck on the bottle tombola, chocolate tombola and buy raffle ticket for a hamper Enjoy hot mulled wine, soup and refreshments whilst being entertained by Starz Artz and children from St Mary & St Margaret Primary school.

We also have heard a rumour that a very special visitor will be in his grotto in Church, with his sack full of toys.

Bereavement Support Group If you have lost a loved one and you are finding it difficult to cope, please come along to ‘The Coffee Pot’ our bereavement support group where you will find a warm welcome, the opportunity to talk to others over a cup of tea and find help and support.

Meeting every second Monday of the month in St Mary and St Margaret’s Community Hall The next regular support group will take place on Monday 14th December 2015 1.30 pm 3.00 pm

.

Soup and a roll lunch The 2nd Wednesday of the month, 11.30 am 1.30 pm Join us for a simple lunch of a soup and a roll with good company for £1.

Tea & coffee are included.

The next lunch will be on Wednesday 9th December

Does Compute Community Drop-in If you have computer troubles and are in need of help, visit Davyd Bagby of Does Compute Limited, at our coffee morning, on the 3rd Wednesday of each month, for free assistance and consultantion.

Next drop-in session: Wednesday 16th December, 10.00 am - 11.30 pm

Drop In Tea & Coffee Morning Meet old friends and make new friends over a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits.

The Pastoral Group hope to see you there.....

Wednesdays from 10.00 am -11.30 am in the Community Hall.

SEEDS OF HOPE KINGSHURST Barny’s Babs Friends in Retirement Girls Brigade The Tuesday Group Midweek Mingles Gilson Ladies Phoenix Dance Works Young @ Heart Keep Fit/Fat GKR Karate Striders & Strollers Big Breakfast/Lunch IT Computer Club SOH Adult Craft Club Seedling Craft Club Slimmer’s World

For details of events at this venue Phone: Jean Johnson 0121 788 3399

What’s on at Arden Hall cont.

AL-ANON 10am-12pm AQUARIUS 11am-1pm FITSTEPS WITH REZA* 12.30pm - 1.30pm CHAIR YOGA* 5.30pm – 6pm YOGA* 6.15pm – 7.15pm *There is a small fee for this activity

SHAKE YOUR MARACAS! FITNESS FOR MUMS ����a� - ����a� BINGO* ��� - ��� WOMEN’S PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSE ��� – ��� COMPUTER WORKSHOPS ��� - ��� *There is a small fee for this activity

DEMENT �st �ed�es �o� ��a� THE INTERACT �CRAFTS�BOA �����a� – �very other SOLIHULL SUPPORT �d �� �ed�e �o� ��� - �

TIA CAFÉ sday of the �th - ��� TIVE GROUP* ARD GAMES� – ������ �ed�esday L CARER’S T GROUP esday of the �th� ������

LUNCH CLUB* ���� - ��� HEALTH WALK ������ – ������ BOSWORTH ART CLUB* ������ - ��� FORDBRIDGE AND CHELMSLEY WOOD RESIDENTS DROP-IN ��� - ��� ��ast Thursday of every �o�th� *There is a small fee for this activity

FOLK MUSIC GROUP 11am - 1pm BROMFORD SUPPORT DROP-IN 2pm - 4pm

Contact: editor@talkaboutnorthsolihull.co.uk www.talkaboutnorthsolihull.co.uk