Talk about north solihull march 2016

TALK ABOUT

North Solihull

Issue 04 | March-April 2016

HELP FOR YOUNG JOB SEEKERS CHALLENGE YOURSELF FOR A GOOD CAUSE

MUM & BABY

STROLLERS AND STRIDERS LOCAL AUTHORS WHAT’S ON

THE MAGAZINE REFLECTING LIFE IN NORTH SOLIHULL

MARCH - APRIL2016

FEATURES

4

Can you take the heat?

8

One Fit Mama

Mum and Baby Exercises

We challenge you to walk on fire

30 40 Years of Service

LIFESTYLE & COMMUNITY

28 Castle Bromwich Singers

St George’s Day Concert

26 Interview with Alwyn Doyle

Volunteering as a custody visitor

32 Walking for health & friendship

Strollers and Striders

36 Young People Recognised

Castle Bromwich Junior School

24 Spitfire Flyover

1940s Weekend

42 Job Hunting

Job Shops and Talent Match

ARTS & CULTURE

16 Dread Girl

A coming of age novel based on

life at Smith’s Wood School

22 Chelmund of the Woods

The settling of Chelmsley Wood

ON THE COVER: Teresa Farrell, Local Singer, Song Writer,Dance Fitness Instructor Photograph by Anthony Cartright

To contact us please email: editor@talkaboutnorthsolihull.co.uk

Oprah Wimfrey after walking on fire:

This was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

Firewalking is great way to achieve something you never ever thought you would achieve and raise money for Three Trees at the same time!

They are looking for a brave team to face their fears and take a walk across some glowing smouldering hot coals. It may sound tough but it’s perfectly safe. You may even be encouraged to have more than one go! Some people say they feel the heat through their soles, others say it’s freezing cold – have a go for yourself and see which one you feel. Whichever one it is, it certainly won’t be a feeling you’ll forget.

CAN YOU TAKE THE HEAT? Fancy a challenge this spring? Three Trees Community Centre, based in Chelmsley Wood is organising a sponsored firewalk at the end of May and are looking for daring volunteers!

Why not sign up and also help raise funds to complete the refurbishment of the community centre.

They are asking for a £20 deposit and that you agree to raise at least £100 in sponsorship (they’ll explain how that all works when you sign up).

What happens on the day?

As a Fire Walker you will receive full training an hour before the Fire Walk.

During this time you will be motivated and build the confidence to complete the challenge. The Fire Walk and the training seminar is organised and conducted

by UK Fire Walk, one of the UK’s leading Fire Walk

companies. So don’t worry, you’ll be in safe hands!

Supporting a local centre Three Trees is the new name for the Baptist Church Centre in what was Craig Croft, now Chelmund’s Cross. Over the last five years they have been fundraising to refurbish the building and gardens. The Centre receives no funding from the government or council and relies entirely on what it can raise itself.

“We really are a centre of our community”, says Neil who works there, “with activities for pretty much everyone, whoever you are and whatever you’re

Community Garden

Community Room

Neil Roberts

interested in. In fact, if you we don’t do it, ask us and we’ll try and get it started!”.

provide space for training, youth activities, health and wellbeing projects and more. The total cost for this work comes to around £550,00 and Three Trees have already received a grant from the BIG Lottery of £499,000.

If you’d like to find out more, download the information and registration pack from their website:

The firewalk will raise funds to complete the building work, refurbishing the hall and building 4 new rooms. This will

Go to www.3trees.org.uk and follow the links.

ONE F One Fit Mama classes are held at 1.15 pm on Fridays at Bosworth Community Centre, Bosworth Drive, B37 5DP You can book a free trial lesson online at: http://bit.ly/234QO08

FIT MAMA Fantastic news for Mums and Mums to be in Solihull!! There is now a way to stay active, keep fit and have fun with other Mums and children!!! OFM are bringing their classes to various venues around the Solihull area from the beginning of March!

new friends they (and you) will be making at your class.

Once tots are on the move then they can move onto One Fit Mama, Next Steps which is a unique combination of soft play and exercise. There are plenty of things for them One Fit Mama combine real exercise for Mum to climb and slide down to keep them suitably with a fun playgroup atmosphere for the little entertained whilst you workout. ones. Classes are circuit based and allow you to build your strength and fitness levels Classes are ÂŁ5 and they are not charged per without feeling competitive or pressured. course or term; they are just asked for on a OFM have specially trained instructors which monthly basis; giving you flexibility but also can give you the support that you need when enough motivation to ensure you come along needed and also the security of being in very each week. safe hands.

OFM also run a referral programs for Mums All pre-school age children are catered for at suffering from Postnatal Depression who, if mentioned to their Health Visitor can be their classes: referred onto their free 6 week course.

The Infant Class is designed to help little ones learn through play during the early With thousands of happy mums and babies months; the best age appropriate and sensory having attended classes OneFitMama is toys are provided to stimulate your baby and proving to be the number one choice for help them learn about the world around them. healthier, fitter mums and happy babies.

When little one is on the move there are more toys to keep them entertained along with the

Did technogy kill the book or give it new life?

Digital technology has had a profound effect on traditional book publishing and retailing industries, but has it also given the book a new lease of life?

Contrary to expectations, the printed book is surviving alongside ebooks, and technology is helping publishers and retailers reach new audiences and find new ways to tell stories.

We explore what is happening on a local level, and show how libraries and local authors are taking advantage of digital technology and self publishing.

5 Reasons to Read Ebooks I love books, they’re my comfort blanket; something I curl up with when I need to escape the world and relax. For a long time, I resisted ebooks, but then I took the plunge and bought a Kindle. Much to my surprise, I soon found myself Light and Portable addicted for all the reasons given in this article.

Nothing quite matches finishing a book and immediately being able to download the sequel.

Everything in one small and Being able to browse and buy books in my convenient place (books, news- pyjamas is a luxury. I’ll never give up my paper books, but neither will I stop reading ebooks. papers, magazines).

There’s a place in my life for both.

COMPACT

Just like a book, you can take it anywhere, but compared to some of the big reference books these eBook readers are light and easy carry around.

Plus you don’t have to pack 10 or so books for one trip. You can store thousands of books on one small device giving you plenty of choice in one small package.

Accessible to the Disabled

READABILITY Sometimes the text on those old paperbacks is just too small to read easily, ereaders allow you to choose the font and text size and many even allow you to change the background colour.

There is usually also the option to change the intensity of the background light.

Empower Individuals to Write and Publish

LARGER NUMBER OF AUTHORS There is a vast supply of ebooks that are not available in traditional book form. Digital publication enables individuals to write and publish their own works. This deminishes the power of big publishing companies to decide what we will read, encouraging a healthier balance between publication

for profit and publication for culture. The lower production and distribution costs of ebooks also allow publishers to publish works by a larger number of authors, and on a wider variety of topics. with less emphasis on looking for the next big blockbuster or best seller.

Adapts to your life style

READ OR LISTEN Many devices have speakers and will allow you to switch from read to me to regular reading easily. The read to me function is great when you’re travelling in the car or just want to close your eyes and listen.

It’s also perfect for the visually impaired. For even better audio quality you can download specially recorded audio books or purchase the narration along with the ebook.

Access anywhere

MULTIPLE DEVICES You can download the same ebook to multiple devices. Kindle apps are available for smart phones, tablets and the pc. If you read the same book on different devices, cloud syncing ensures that you will pick up exactly where you left off on your e-reader when you pick up your smart phone to continue reading on the bus.

LIBRARIES OFFER EBOOKS, MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS

There are many bestselling authors to choose from including crime writers such as Stephen Booth and Lee Child. Some of the most popular downloaded titles include the following suggestions for a great read.: Stephen Booth - Blood on the Tongue Anne Bennett - To have and to hold Stuart MacBride - Dying Light Milly Johnson - The Teashop on the Corner George R. R. Martin - Game of Thrones Trisha Ashley - Chocolate Wishes Graham V. Twist - A Birmingham Backstreet Boyhood

Solihull libraries are giving people the chance to save money, reduce clutter and go ‘green’ with digital magazine downloads, eNewspapers and eBooks.

People can read full colour digital copies of over 2000 newspapers and magazines from over 100 countries on their computer, smartphone or tablet, wherever they are free of charge using their library card.

There are over 50 top magazines to choose from ranging from Auto Express to Woman, Hello! to BBC EasyCook, Cosmopolitan to Empire, Top Gear to Match of the Day. People can keep them for as long as they like and they can be downloaded at www. solihull.gov.uk/emagazines.

Daily newspapers are available to read online including the Daily Mail, I, and the Guardian at www. solihull.gov.uk/enewspapers.

Regional newspapers along with thousands of papers from around the world enable people to keep in touch with news overseas and practise their language skills. Many magazines are also available including, Top Sante Heat, Grazia, , Simply Knitting, Autocar, 110% Gaming, Bike, and dozens more For longer reads, people can borrow an eBook for up to three weeks. People can choose from novels, biographies, true stories, children’s books and more. With books expiring automatically there is no need to worry about fines. eBooks can be downloaded at www.solihull. gov.uk/ebooks.

There are also some great reads for children and young people some recommendations include.

• Suzanne Collins, The Hunger Games • David Walliams, BillIonaire Boy • Anne Fine Bill’s New Frock • Veronica Roth, Insurgent

You can also access the Virtual Reference Library at www.solihull.gov.uk/247library which has great resources such as Theory Test Pro for learner drivers and the Oxford English Dictionary.

Funny and Nostalgic, Life on Mars Meets Grange Hill Amazon Reviewer

They call the Head Girl ‘Dread Girl’ in Annie Wilkinson’s school . . .

Loathed by everyone, whoever steps into her shoes is bound to find herself the target of flicked fingers, rude remarks, and hostile looks. The Prefects, or The Perfects as they are known, are almost as detested as the Dread Girl.

Who would want to be one of them? As soon as the badge is pinned on a Perfect’s chest, that’s it! He or she become the target of ridicule and abuse. Annie has no intention of being so visible. She doesn’t have the right hair or the right clothes. Her boobs are non-existent. Her new dentures make her sound like her Nan. All she wants is to keep her head down, slip under the radar, and pass her final year in school without incident. So when Annie’s name appears on the new prefect’s list, she is suddenly thrust into the limelight. But there is worse to come .

Anne Pearson was brought up on Smith’s Wood. She has just published her first novel which is available to buy on Amazon. She told us: in her teeth, is awaiting a set of dentures and has no boobs! She has never had a boyfriend and only been kissed once, which resulted in her being covered in saliva. Worst of all, she is nominated for the next Head Girl, or as it is known Dread Girl is a coming-of- in Annie’s school, Dread Girl. age story about four friends.

Set in 1983, the story If you attended Woodlands follows four fifteen-year- Junior School, or Smiths old friends who are going Wood Comprehensive, or if through teenage angst, you grew up in Chelmsley with all its insecurities Wood or had a B36 and fizzing hormones. postcode, then this book The main character, Annie may jog memories of your Wilkinson, is a worrier and childhood. an insomniac. She doesn’t wear trendy clothes, doesn’t Dread Girl is now available have the right hair, has gaps to order. I would love it if When I was eight years old, I told my mum I wanted to write a book. She smiled, ruffled my hair and kissed me on the forehead. “One day you will, bab” she said.

It has taken forty years, but that day has finally arrived.

Talk About North Solihull Editor’s Review Thought provoking, amusing, sad.

I wrote the book for teenage girls, however if you were a teenager in the 1980’s – this might be the book for you?

A very wise man once said to me that your schooldays are the best days of our lives. How true. (I miss you every day, dad). twentieth century. It will also interest those who are drawn to novels which explore issues of diversity and equality.

I make the book seem very worthy, and it is because it forces the reader to consider their values. But, at the same time it is very easy and interesting to read, following the life of Annie, an anxious, But what I thought would be a typical coming of age unassuming teenager novel, has lingered with me whose only wish is to blend into the background and challenged the usual and remain unnoticed. ideas of what leadership But her very humanity and success are. positively impacts on the lives of the people she I guess that the book is comes in contact with targeted towards teenage making her stand out. girls, but it will appeal to anyone who went to school in the latter half of the Anne Pearson grew up in Smith’s Wood and the book is based around her experiences at what is now Smith’s Wood Sports College.

Local Author, Anne Pearson, self published her first novel, Dread Girl, in February through CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform

you would buy a copy and more importantly post a review. I hope you enjoy it; that it makes you laugh, helps you remember some great times, and maybe brings back some truly wonderful memories from your childhood.

Siana Rose Crawford from North Solihull has just released her third book.

Drawing on her own experience of anxiety, she lists a range of techniques that you can incorporate into your daily life to help you feel stronger, accept who you are and see the world differently.

Anxiety is hardly new, Sigmund Freud wrote a book about it in 1926, as did Soren Kierkegaard 80 years before him. In the fourth century BC, Hippocrates wrote that anxiousness is “a difficult disease. The patient thinks he has something like a thorn, something pricking him in his viscera, and nausea torments him.”

But, a collection of recent reports suggests that anxiety is growing. The number of people who say they are anxious most of the time has almost doubled in the last five years, with women and young people suffering the most.

Anxiety’s a word we use in general to describe worry; it’s hard to know when it becomes something more significant. But in a more clinical sense to be diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder, it’s more than just a little bit of worry. The main symptoms of anxiety include: having an irregular heart beat; a racing pulse; panic attacks; thoughts

endlessly going around your head; having trouble sleeping; and not wanting to leave the house.

It’s not always just the feelings that are indicative of having anxiety – it’s the strength and frequency of them; even when you relax it doesn’t go away.

For me, the most powerful thing about Siana’s book was the open way in which she shared her own experiences of anxiety and depression.

It’s not a subject many people understand but if you have suffered severe panic or anxiety it’s something you manage rather than fix. The book

The Epidemic

Sweeping the Country Are you ‘anxious’ most of the time?

The number of people who say they are anxious most of the time has almost doubled in the last five years.

Local author releases self-help book with a tool kit of techniques to help.

20 year old North Solihull author releases 3rd book

Anxiety, Depression and Stress

Siana Rose Crawford

explores 25 ways that this can be achieved. It’s easy to read, informative and nonjudgmental. I particularly liked that it didn’t trivialise the difficulty in achieving peace of mind, nor did it shy away from the fact that anxiety and depression

may well reoccur. What it does do is give you a tool box of methods to mitigate its effects. The shining light is that, despite all the difficulties she has faced, the author is successful.

She is living life on her terms and achieving her dreams. The book allows

the reader to believe they can do the same.

If you think you have serious anxiety, or any of the symptoms mentioned above, visit your GP.

H

H

elp

Clothes sales will help fund P.A.M. project

P.A.M. Project to Help Stop People With Mental Health Problems Suffering in Silence Teresa Farrell is getting set to launch a new project aimed at improving mental health and wellbeing. Working alongside the Poppin Droppin group which meets at Three Trees Community Centre on Monday and Wednesday mornings, the P.A.M. project (Positive Action 4 Mental-Wellbeing) will help provide social trips for people with mental health conditions. I will also help them to try new ventures and fulfil childhood dreams.

No more silent sufferers. It will help take people on trips where they can socialise such as to places like star city, to go bowling, plus hiking routes & nature trails around Birmingham.

“Reza Dancefit Wear” is now on sale which has gone down great with her class members who are wearing their dance tees & dance pants at their classes & Pow. She will be launching it properly in June with a “Charity Fashion Dance Show” to help the P.A.M project Teresa told us that mental health affects get off the ground. This project is being us all in one way or another; P.A.M has set up in memory of Pam Dunn who we a plan to help more people who are sadly lost last year and is sadly missed. trying to deal with this in silence and on their own. P.A.M has got your back.

Chelmund of the Woods Chelmund was a Saxon, he was big and hairy and only had one eye, he’d lost the other in a battle. Fed up of battles, he decided to become a farmer.

Chelmund remembered a beautiful wooded place next to a river where the forest floor was covered with a carpet of bluebells.

He decided to set up home there and set about cutting down trees with his axe.

He soon discovered that the forest was full of strange little Elf like creatures known as Woodlings, who didn’t want him cutting down their trees.

“I’ve had enough of this nonsense.” He called his Saxon chums together and The Woodlings decided to asked, “Are you up for a play all sorts of tricks on battle?” “You bet we are,” Chelmund. They were well they all replied (well most versed in magic and would of them.) turn his milk sour, put salt in his water, steal his pigs, break his fences, throw The Woodlings also got stones, call him names, together and went off to and pull up whatever sharpen some sticks, find vegetables and fruit he some good stones for tried to grow. throwing, and to get their bows and arrows. They also practised shouting rude “Right,” said Chelmund, words and sticking out

their tongues, just for good measure.

The night before the big battle was to take place, Chemund and his chums sat around the camp fire drinking Mead, a kind of honey wine. One of the Woodlings crept from the undergrowth and stole a cask to take back to the other Woodlings. When they tasted it, they found they really liked it. In fact, they liked it so much

This is the story of Chelmund, a Saxon who was the first person to settle and make a clearing to farm in Chelmsley Wood - albeit told with poetic license .....

Retold and illustrations reproduced with permission from Ronnie Cashmore. The unabridged version of Chelmund’s story can be found at http://bit.ly/1PU8pv7

they decided to make an agreement with Chelmund rather than go into battle.

decided they were all proud to be “!Woodies.”

Many, many years later, a sculpture of It was agreed that if Chelmund’s head with Chelmund provided the his one eye, stood on a Woodlings with thirteen corner of Meriden Park. casks of honey wine Local people called it each year on July 21st,, the one eyed bogey or in return they would the bogey-on-a stick. allow him to cut down Chelmsley Wood gets some trees and get on its name from old with his farming. Both Chelmund. Chelmund’s Saxons and Woodlings Day is now celebrated shook hands and each July.

1940s WEEKEND MAY 7TH & 8TH Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens will be hosting a 1940s weekend on May 7th and 8th. We are promised fabulous music and magical memories. The Nortrhern Star Ukelele Band will be performing on the Saturday and there will be displays, stalls and Spitfire Flyover 1940s Sat 7th May. exhibitions on both days. There Appx 1.05pm (weather permitting) will be a radio control room, American Army Encampment, Home Guard Display, Military Vehicles, and some war time characters to mingle with the crowds, Kevin Mack will be the resident MC and crooner.

Sutton Coldfiels Novelist

NEW NOVEL

John Hughes was born in Sutton Coldfield, studied music at Royal Holloway College and has lived in Surrey for most of his adult life. He earned a living in a variety of ways - selling pianos in Harrods, playing keyboards in a tribute band, editing a magazine, recruiting IT professionals and, managing in the NHS. He has written half a dozen non-fiction books but Spitfire Spies is his first published novel.

“I thought your readers might be interested to know about my new book - Spitfire Spies - which was published on 31st March 2016. It’s a novel set in 1940 and the story involves German agents being dropped into England during the Battle of Britain to try and infiltrate the two main Spitfire factories, one of them being the huge shadow factory in Castle Bromwich. There is a lot of action in and around the factory and on the airfield across the road form the factory, now of course the Castle Vale estate.” John Hughes

WE SPEAK WITH ALWYN DOYLE ABOUT INDEPENDENT CUSTODY VISITING Fordbridge resident, Alwyn Doyle, has volunteered as an Independent Custody Visitor since 2009. The role requires visiting people held in Police Custody to make certain that they are receiving fair treatment and to ensure their wellbeing. If there are any issues, these are addressed with the Duty Sergeant and resolved.

Q. Tell us what being an Independent Custody Visitor involves.

without paying. He’d lost contact with his family and friends and was suffering from PTSD as a result of time spent A. We work in pairs making in Afghanistan and the Gulf. unannounced visits to the I was able to persuade him custody cells. We check that that his family would want to the people being held in know where he was, and that custody are well and that they he wasn’t lying dead in a ditch. have been treated in line with The man gave me his sister’s their rights. phone number and agreed that the Duty Sergeant could Q. Does any particular visit stick in your memory?

A. I remember one of my visits where an ex-soldier had been arrested for begging. It was a bitterly cold winter day and he was dressed in a pair of shorts and flip flops. One leg was covered in a plaster cast from toes to knee. He was awaiting transfer to a police station in Milton Keynes as it had been ascertained that he’d jumped bail on another offence and absconded to this area. I asked him whether he’d been given the opportunity to make a phone call, to which he confirmed that he had, but had refused. On questioning further, I ascertained that the man had been homeless for 4 years and spent his time jumping on and off trains

phone her and advise that he was in custody. As a result of that phone call, brother and sister were reunited, with the sister making it clear that she would support her brother and provide a home for him.

Alwyn Doyle

Q. How can people volunteer?

Application forms and information on recruitment are available from local police and crime commissioners. http://www.westmidlandspcc.gov.uk/ Once recruited, thorough training is provided by local police and crime commissioners, usually in partnership with ICVA.

Castle Bromwich Singers

Castle Bromwich Singers is a community group made up of people of all ages who share a common joy - singing.

Singing on your own is good, but nothing compares to the delight of singing with others. Better still, there are no auditions, and no need to be able to read music.

But singing isn’t just about the social aspects of coming together to share and make music, it also has health benefits. The day’s worries are replaced with feel good endorphins which create a natural high; something clearly visible on members’

faces at the end of a concert.

After a very full Christmas diary, Castle Bromwich Singers have been rehearsing for their next series of shows.

They are particularly looking forward to the variety concert at St. Wilfrid’s Church on St. George’s Day. This will be the final fund raiser for Heart Research (UK), which has been their annual charity for the year April 2015 – April 2016.

Castle Bromwich Singers rehearse each week on Tuesdays, at Castle Bromwich Baptist Church, Timberley

Lane, from 19:30 until 22:00, with rehearsals moving to Arden Hall closer to show date. There are no auditions, no experience is necessary!

If you think it could be the activity for you, just turn up on a Tuesday.

Their next show is: St. George’s Day Concert Saturday 23rd April 7:30 pm

St. Wilfrid‛s Church

St. George’s Day Concert Saturday 23rd April 7:30 pm Featuring:

Castle Bromwich Singers St. Wilfrid‛s School St. Wilfrid‛s Church choir

St. Wilfrid‛s Church Shawsdale Road, Castle Bromwich, B36 8LL Email: castlebromwichsingers@gmail.com Phone Corpus Christi Church: 0121 783 2792

Doors open 7:00 pm www.stwilfridschurch.eu Tickets £3.00 Accompanied children free Raffle Refreshments in St Wilfrid‛s Community Centre during the interval and afterwards. Licensed Bar will be open for the event and until late. www.stwilfridscommunitycentre.co.uk

40 YEARS

of Service

Jean Johnson and Jackie Bates formed a life long friendship when they met at Girls’ Brigade as children. As adults, their association with the Girls’ Brigade has continued, and they have both volunteered as Officers for over 40 years. They currently run the Kingshurst Girls’ Brigade which meets every Monday evening at 6pm in Seeds of Hope, Kingshurst.

1968

First photo of the Kingshurst Group

Jean Johnson and Jackie Bates are When they reached the age of 15, both celebrating over 40 years serving as Officers Jean and Jackie trained in leadership skills, in the Girls’ Brigade. becoming Officers at the age of 18 in charge of running the activities for groups Jean told us she was just 6 years old when of girls. she joined what was then the Girls’ Life Brigade in Aston. When she later moved These included playing in a band, camps, to Kingshurst, she transferred to the and a trip to the Royal Albert Hall. Once Kingshurst Brigade, where she met Jackie a month they would meet by the lake in and formed a friendship that has endured Kingshurst and parade up to the Church. ever since.

Jean related how the activities have They took part in activities to gain badges; changed. They still do weekends away, but based around life skills such as cooking, there are more fundays and sleep overs and sewing and knitting. But, drill also played a communication and computer skills are major role in their timetable. included.

Royal Albert Hall

Strollers and Striders Richard Chance is a volunteer walk leader for Strollers and Striders, a scheme which encompasses regular led walks throughout Solihull.

Richard first became involved with Strollers and Striders when a leaflet was put through his door. He joined the local walks and found the members all very friendly.

full training before undertaking the role. He told us that he tries to make the walks interesting and introduces his walkers to places in their own neighbourhoods that they didn’t know existed. He tries to construct walks off He’d retired from his last job the main public highways, as a life coach, mentoring so as to explore hidden and supporting people tracks and beautiful parks some years previously. and to share information He’d enjoyed helping them about the area along the achieve their aims or over way. coming obstacles in their lives and saw the chance to use his skills within Strollers Richard told us that he is and Striders. an avid walker. and enjoys walking in the Lake District, but that the Stroller and He volunteered to act as a Strider walks are suitable walk leader and received for people of all ages and

levels of fitness.

He leads the Marston Green group which he says welcomes new members and takes them under its wings. Through being part of Strollers and Striders many people find that they make enduring friendships and arrange to meet up outside of the walks, often enjoying social occasions together.

The walks themselves last about an hour and there’s a cup of tea or coffee available on the return.

Walks take place fortnightly as listed below: MONDAY: Castle Bromwich Walk, Castle Bromwich Library, Hurst Lane North, Castle Bromwich, Solihull, B36 0EY MONDAY: Marston Green Walk, Marston Green Library, Land Lane, Marston Green, B37 7DQ TUESDAY: Tudor Grange Track Walk, Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Blossomfield Road, Solihull, B91 1NB TUESDAY: Chelmsley Wood Walk, St Andrew’s Church, Craig Croft, Chelmund’s Cross, B37 7TR TUESDAY: Balsall Common Walk, Balsall Common Library,283 Kenilworth Road, Balsall Common, CV7 7EL WEDNESDAY: Central Solihull Walk, Tudor Grange Leisure Centre, Blossomfield Road, Solihull, B91 1NB THURSDAY: Dorridge Walk, St George & Theresa’s Church Hall, Station Road, Dorridge, B93 8EY THURSDAY: Kingshurst Walk, St Barnanbus Church, Over Green Drive, Kingshurst, B37 6EY THURSDAY: North Solihull Track Walk, North Solihull Sports Centre, Conway Road, Chelmsley Wood, B37 5LA FRIDAY: Shirley Walk, Shirley Library, Unit 22, Parkgate, Styratford Road, Shirley, B90 3GG

Walks meet at 10.15 for a 10.30 departure

Looking for somewhere to meet?

Coleshill Heath Primary School

Located primarily within school premises are some hidden gems, brand new community hubs with idependent access offering meeting, activity and conference space.

The five hubs are located at Bishop Wilson, Coleshill Heath, Elmwood Place, Fordbridge and Yorkswood. Many offer computer suites, break out areas and small kitchens. Hospitality can be provided at some when requested in advance.

To book or for further details contact: Sue Watson Mob: 07920 161 408 Email: swatson@unitytrustsolihull.org.uk

We have been using the meeting room at the Bishop Wilson Community Hub. It is conveniently located, has disability access, great facilities and is very well appointed.

Sue is really friendly and helpful. We would recommend the community hubs to anyone looking for meeting spoace.

IMAGE

Elmwood Place

New Push on Wellbeing Classes Coming to North Solihull

Members of Reza’s Fitstep classes meeting with Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe.

Ian Waite and Natalie Lowe during their visit to Chelmsley Wood.

Reza has some new Push on Wellbeing classes starting in May.

sessions to continue their forever POW wellbeing journey infusing the new “Gratitude Attitude” sessions.

POW 4 will take place on Chelmsley Wood.

POW 5 will be starting in Kingshurst.

POW 6 will be in Smithswood.

Look out for details of times and locations.

POW 7 “Advanced POW” for everyone who has previously attended POW

Reza told us: Chelmsley had 2 famous visitors to John Henry Newman Catholic College at the beginning of the year. I arranged a meet &’greet with some of my Fitsteppers from my classes. It was a great day for everyone.

Picture shows Charlie, Reza’s youngest fitstepper.

HELP FOR YOUNG JOB SEEKERS IN NORTH SOLIHULL Talent Match is a Lottery funded project to help 18-24 year-old job seekers who have been unemployed for 12 months or longer secure a placement with local employers. Andy Hollings is the North Solihull coach based at the Junction, formally Chapelhouse Boys & Girls Club in Fordbridge.

We spoke to Andy about how the project is benefiting local residents.

Q) How long have you been a Talent Match coach and what’s your background?

its encouraging that I’ve already started to get referrals by word of mouth.

I’ve been with Talent Match for just over 18 months having previously worked in the Welfare to Work sector as an advisor, outreach worker and group facilitator.

Although my own experience is not confined to that particular industry, I’ve also worked as a construction labourer, in bars, hotels and restaurants.

Q) What sort of jobs can you help people find?

Q) I understand you live in Solihull yourself, do you feel its important the project has a local feel?

I think Talent match will be much easier to access now that we have additional coaches based locally around Birmingham and Solihull. I’m really looking forward to the exciting challenge ahead by getting involved with the north Solihull community,

A whole variety. I currently have clients working in admin, construction, logistics, catering and marketing but we work really hard to engage with local employers to ensure we have a wide range of opportunities to offer our participants. Once we understand people’s aspirations we’ll look to match them with a local opportunity. Incidentally, we currently have lots of paid work placements needing to be filled with some of our latest clients about to start work having only recently joined the programme.

Q) Is there a particular success story you can share

with us?

One of my 22 year-old participants had never worked before. He had studied IT but also had an interest in retail, however, with a lack of work experience on his CV he couldn’t even get an interview.

We secured an opportunity to prove himself with a high street retailer which gave him the work experience he was so desperate to gain. More confident and motivated he then secured a placement as an IT technician and is now well into his 6 month placement with all the indications of a full time position at the end.

His progress demonstrates that all he needed was a chance to prove himself.

Q) Do the employers who offer placements receive any benefit?

Employers who offer placements to our participants can attract a wage subsidy

from Talent Match. They also benefit from the ongoing support which the Talent Match Company offers whilst saving on recruitment costs. If either the young person or the employer has any concerns then Talent Match can intervene offering further training, advice and other support.

Q) Can you tell us more about the eligibility criteria?

Talent Match can help those aged 18 to 25 who have been out of education and employment for over 12 months and living in Birmingham or Solihull.

Q) Is there any additional support?

We offer all sorts of additional support for our participants.

We often

help with travel costs, buy interview clothes or pay for training, equipment and other activities designed to enable progression. We can also commission counselling and I have even paid for a client to access time in a music studio.

Q) Finally if people are interested, how do they get in touch with you to find out more?

Simply call me in the first instance on 07464 926774 or drop me an email: andyh@ bvsc.org.

“We currently have lots of paid work placements needing to be filled.�

Job Shop

Every Thursday 12.00 - 4.00pm Chelmsley Wood Library, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, B37 5TN Drop in to speak to our Employment Officers to find out how they could help you to find work or training. They provide free, impartial advice to suit your needs and career goals.

0121 704 8076

@SolihullE4S

Work Club

Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month, 1.00 - 3.00pm Elmwood Place, Burton’s Way, Smith’s Wood, B36 0UG Drop in to speak to our Employment Officers to find out how they could help you to find work or training. They provide free, impartial advice to suit your needs and career goals.

0121 704 6253

@SolihullE4S

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 BOXING Box Clever on a Monday and Wednesday at St Andrews Church 4:305:30pm 8-12yrs, 5:306:30pm 13+ yrs - £1 per person per session

Patchwork & Quilting For all abilities! ÂŁ50 for 10 weeks Each Monday 1-3pm Starts 18th April 2016

*

Learn a new skill and delight your friends and family by making a variety of things you can use as gifts such as: placement mats, table runners, hangings, bags, quilts and novelty gifts!

Come to the Community Hub at Bishop Wilson CE Primary School, 10 Craig Croft, Chelmsley Wood, B37 7TR. Please note you have to provide your own materiials

To book or enquire contact: Sue Watson Tel: 07920 161 408 or Email: swatson@unitytrustsolihull.org.uk

MONDAY Stay & Play for Saplings

9.30am – 11.00am

3 Trees: 0121 770 8590

Health Trainers

1.00pm – 3.00pm

3 Trees: 0121 770 8590

Move & Mingle (seated exercise) Guitar Club (beginners)

1.15pm – 2.15pm

Age UK: 0121 705 9128

7.00pm – 9.00pm

3 Trees: 0121 770 8590

Dog Training

7.00pm – 9.00pm

3 Trees: 0121 770 8590

TUESDAY Stitch & Knit

1.30pm – 3.00pm

N/Star 0121 788 3402

Northern Star Ukulele Band Northern Star Singers

6.45pm – 7.30pm

N/Star 0121 788 3402

7.45pm – 10.00pm

N/Star 0121 788 3402

Guitar Club (Fortnightly)

7.45pm – 10.00pm

N/Star 0121 788 3402

10.00am – 11.00am

Reza:07541 395656

Coffee & Games (meet & chat) St!Art (Art group) Art + Kids’ Club

10.30am – 1.30 pm

CWBC: 0121 770 8590

1.30pm – 4.00pm

Waiting list please contact:

3.15pm – 4.30pm

N/Star 0121 788 3402 N/Star 0121 788 3402

Dramaniacs

6.00pm – 9.00pm

N/Star 0121 788 3402

7.30pm – 9.30pm

Andrew: 07929 989720

8.00pm – 9.00pm

CW Baptist Church 0121 770 8590 3 Trees: 0121 770 8590

WEDNESDAY Fitsteps

THURSDAY Karate CW Baptist Church Communion (monthly) FRIDAY Art Classes (with Ronnie) Ladies Fellowship (monthly) Aikido

SATURDAY Various Community

Events SUNDAY Chelmsley Wood Baptist Church MON-FRI Olive Branch Kitchen

11.00am – 1.00pm 6.30pm – 9.00pm 7.30pm Table Top. Music Events.

Fayres. Fun Days and More.

11.00am – 12.00pm 8.00am – 3.00pm

CW Baptist Church: 0121 770 8590 3 Trees: 0121 770 8590 CW Baptist Church: 0121 770 8590 CW Baptist Church: 0121 770 8590 Serving good food

Unless stated, these are weekly groups. If you’re coming along for the first time, please check beforehand. Some groups have a waiting list and occasionally have a week off or go out for a trip.

SHAKE YOUR MARACAS! FITNESS FOR MUMS 8.45am - 9.45am AL-ANON 10am-12pm AQUARIUS 11am-1pm FITSTEPS WITH REZA* 1.00pm - 2.00pm MULTI-SPORTS th st th March 14 , 21 , 28 4pm-5pm YOGA* 6.15pm – 7.15pm *There is a small fee for this activity

BINGO* 1pm – 2.30pm BASIC IT WORKSHOPS 3pm - 5pm BHANGRA BURNOFF th nd th March 15 , 22 , 29 5pm - 6pm *There is a small fee for this activity

DEMENT 1st Wednesd mon 10am THE INTERACT (CRAFTS/BOA 11.00am – Every other March 2nd, SOLIHULL SUPPORT nd 2 Wednesd mon March 1pm - 2

TIA CAFÉ day of every nth - 2pm TIVE GROUP* ARD GAMES) – 1.00pm Wednesday , 16th, 30th L CARER’S T GROUP day of every nth h 9th 2:30pm

LUNCH CLUB* 12pm - 2pm BOSWORTH ARTS & CRAFTS CLUB* 2.00pm - 4pm FORDBRIDGE AND CHELMSLEY WOOD RESIDENTS DROP-IN 4pm - 6pm (Last Thursday of every month) April 28 *There is a small fee for this activity

FOLK MUSIC GROUP 11.00am – 1.00pm SOLIHULL ADVO-ACTS DRAMA GROUP 1pm – 3pm BROMFORD SUPPORT DROP-IN 2pm - 4pm

What’s on at Arden Hall cont.

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

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.

a

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.

J O IN BE A V E R S C O U T SIN S M IT H S WO O D F o rf un, f rie ndsh ip, badge s and act ivit ie st h atge ty o ut h ink ing as we ll as do ing.

F o ry o ur 6 -8 y e ar o ld t ojo in t h ef un, ge tin t o ucht of ind o ut mo re . Mo ndaynigh t sf ro m5 .15 t o6.30pm.

0 7 8150 9 0 0 36 Smit h sWo o dSco ut s

Š2 0 15T h eSco utAsso ciat io nR e gist e re d ch arit ynumbe rs: 30 610 1( E ngland and Wale s)and SC0 38437( Sco t land)

S B U C D O O W S H T I M F S U N ,F R I E N D S , A B N A D DA G E D S V E N T U R E We ’vebe e nh e lping y o ung pe o ple h avet h et imeo ft h e ir live sf o r ne arly o neh undre dy e ars. Beparto fano t h e r ce nt uryo ff un and f rie ndsh ip and as muchadve nt ureas y o u can h andle .

O ur 8 -10y e ar o ld cubs me e th e reo n Mo nday sf ro m 6.45t o8.15pm.

Call o rt e x t0 7 8150 9 0 0 36 t of ind o uth o wy o ur ch ild can jo in in.

Smit h sWo o dSco ut s

R e gist e re d ch arit ynumbe rs: 30 610 1( E ngland and Wale s) and SC0 38437( Sco t land)

Auckland Hall, Sunbeam Close, Smith’s Wood, B36 9JR

MONDAY

Beavers

17:15 – 18:30

6 – 8 year olds

0781 509 0036

Cubs

18:45 – 20:15

8 – 10 year olds

0781 509 0036

07534 404 515

Paul Webb

TUESDAY Kingfisher food bank

12:30 – 14:30

WBC Fit Club

17:00

6 – 10 year olds

18:00

11 – 16 years old

Busy Hands

10:30 – 12:30

All ages

0121 788 3402

Debbie or Helen

Wizzleworld Dramatics

15:30 – 17:00

5 – 11 year olds

0781 440 6066 / 0781 619 7601

Kerry or Alison

Inclusive Sports

17:45 – 18: 45

6 – 13 year olds

0788 627 1974

Andy Warmington

Aspired Education

19:00 – 20:00

10 – 16 year olds

0745 510 0118

Wesley Thomas

Big Local Events group meeting

9:30 – 11:00 (every other Wednesday)

16 years and older!!

0782 541 7141

Aimée Mallinson

The Cars, Big Local drop in!

14:00 – 16:00

All ages

07825 417 141

Aimée Mallinson

M.A.D House

18:30 – 20:30

11 – 18 year olds

0752 601 8954

Nicola Brady

WEDNESDAY

(term time only)

THURSDAY

FRIDAY Kingfisher food bank

12:30 – 14:30

All these groups happen every week unless stated. Please call the number to check they are running and that you can just come along and join in.

Further information is available at www.thecarsarea.co.uk