Your Local Community Newspaper: The only source for local news & community information Issue 11 January Edition 2018 Published in Coleshill, North Warks
NEWS| SPORT | BUSINESS | JOBS | WHAT’S ON | AND MUCH MORE
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January 2018
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January 2018
Movie Review
Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi (No Spoilers)
Having previously painted myself as a supportive outsider to the Star Wars juggernaut, 2 recent sturdy hits led to me being sat snugly within the packed, hard core audience of the new film’s opening midnight screening. ‘Crikey,’ I thought, as the film’s opening fanfare and accompanying cheers went up, ‘It’s happened: I’m one of them!’ Following Episode VII’s blueprint of reassembling fundamental elements from the original series, The Last Jedi includes plenty of threads that hit familiar beats to the franchise’s brooding and adored entry The Empire Strikes Back. Comparatively, however, when moments arise that risk feeling too samey, this one is pushier than The Force Awakens in seeking to pull the rug from under your feet and go it alone. The result is a firmly engaging experience right to the end, aided by numerous jerking plot turns and a genuinely surprising quantity of humour at unexpected moments. It clearly doesn’t want to come off as resting on its laurels or being self-important, and while the borderline goofiness of certain moments might sit uneasily with purists, I was down for a little mischief being thrown into the mix. The film succeeds, too, in making use of the wonderfully defined crop of characters. Poe (Oscar Isaac) gets substantially more to do this time, and here his endearing bravery is shown to possess a stubborn streak that fuels welcome tension among the familiar contingent of almost-
SEE PAGE 15
always-under-fire-but-ever-hopeful goodies. Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) also receives fruitful development: for me, the spectre of Vader is an issue no more, as this young, tortured, yet scheming and fiercely unpredictable villain has arguably asserted his own claim to being the best thing on display. Admittedly, not everyone in this big ensemble gets such thorough treatment. Poe’s larger screen time seemingly comes at the expense of Finn (John Boyega), whose contribution is entertaining enough (one naff chase sequence aside) but does feel a bit like the franchise equivalent of resting a player ready for the final showdown. Elsewhere, Rey (Daisy Ridley) maintains her defining steeliness and has brilliantly sustained and layered interactions with Ren, yet overall her dramatic arc lacks variety due to her prolonged isolation: there is almost a wonderful irony in Rey suffering from ‘isolated and forgotten lead syndrome’ whilst Mark Hamill himself has a great time playing an older, crankier, and (whisper it) cool Luke Skywalker! I won’t say too much more, other than to assure expectant viewers that it has surprises up its sleeve and winds up in pleasingly unexpected places. At 2 ½ hours, The Last Jedi feels like a bigger and more unwieldy film than Force Awakens, but also a more daring and unpredictable one. Its lack of a defining feel, in the tradition of its celebrated predecessors, might hold back its longer-term reputation,
but rest assured that the latest entry delivers the Star Wars goods with aplomb and sets down a pretty intimidating challenge for those entrusted with finishing this thing off.
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January 2018
Balti Garden
20% discount on collection
Free onion bhaji on orders over £15
Free bottle of coke 1.5L on orders over £20
Dinner Special 5 Course Meal
• Pappadom • Any Starter • Any Main
• Rice or Nan • Coffee or Tea
We are taking bookings for
£8.99 per person
Valentines Day
COLLECTION ORDERS ONLY
Buy 5 orders and get the 6th FREE
for up to £20. Vouchers available at the restaurant which will be stamped for every meal purchased.
FOR BOOKING CALL: 0121 747 1348 Open: Monday to Thursday: 5:00pm - 11:30pm & Friday - Saturday 5:00pm - 12:00pm
1a Manor Park Road, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham B36 0DG
Chelmsley Wood opticians in the frame for VIP visit A CHELMSLEY WOOD opticians was be joined by a special guest Monday, 15 January, at 9.30am to mark the store’s extensive re-fit. The team at Specsavers on Greenwood Square invited the company’s co-founder, Dame Mary Perkins, to officially unveil the new look store, which alongside an extension, sees the technical capabilities improved even further. ‘We’re honoured to welcome Dame Mary into our new look store,’ says store director, Sukhi Drake. ‘I’m sure she’ll agree that the re-fit has created an even more customer-friendly environment and ensures that we can continue to provide the best service and care to our customers.’ To mark the occasion, staff also celebrated the store’s recent baby boom - four new babies and four members of staff are soon-to-be parents - by designing special baby grows for the mini Specsavers team. Following the re-fit the store
now boasts an additional test
‘Digital Precision Eyecare’ is room upstairs and one downstairs, special software on hand-held tablets, which ensures that while an upgrade to the Specsavers customers’ specs are tailored ‘iharmony’ model allows for a to their needs. Once customers smoother transition for customers have selected the frames they around the store when they come want, the software captures a range of essential dispensing in for a test. The investment also measurements that are unique includes new technology in the to the customer and their chosen form of ‘Digital Precision Eyecare’ glasses. while a 3D Optical Coherence ‘The new technology represents the very best standard of eyecare Tomography machine (OCT) will that we can provide to our shortly be available too. customers,’ continues Sukhi. OCT is similar to an ultrasound, ‘Specsavers prides itself on its professionalism and this is but uses light instead of sound demonstrated by our investment waves to build up a picture of in the very best technology to every facet of the eye from the support our team in carrying out thorough eye tests.’ reflections. The 3D scanner allows For more information or to the optometrist to examine the make an appointment, pop into different layers that make up the Specsavers at 2/4 Greenwood Chelmsley Wood, optic nerve and retina, and can Square, Birmingham B37 5TR, call be cross referenced with a digital 0121 329 5510 or visit https:// photograph of the surface of the www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/ eye to pinpoint areas of concern. chelmsleywood
Castle Bromwich youth parish council The Youth Parish Council meet on the first Tuesday every other month and had the first meeting of the New Year on Tuesday 9th January at Arden Hall. We are proud to say that there are currently 12 Park Hall Academy students representing their peers. Over the last few months they have organised The Worlds Largest Coffee Morning for local residents, with the local youth councillors and Park Hall Food Technology GCSE students making over 700 cakes for the occasions. Everyone had a lovely morning and Park Hall students really appreciated the opportunity to talk to embers of their community. The students were delighted to receive positive praise and thanks from everyone in attendance. The students would like to thank Miss Long, Park Hall Academies Librarian for helping to organise the Coffee Morning, the Chair of Castle Bromwich Parish Council, Pauline Allen and Mrs Yvonne Smith the Acting Assistant Clerk for all of their help and support with the event. In November the Youth Parish Council had the honour to march in the Remembrance Parade, present wreaths to dignitaries and
meet and greet visitors at the reception afterwards. They were delighted to meet members of the three armed forces, their local MP Dame Caroline Spelman. In December Park Hall students planted a number of new plants, bulbs and generally tidied the Sensory Garden on Castle Bromwich Village Green. They would like to thank Shirley Lions who provided funding for the project. The Youth Councillors next project, ably supported by Councillors Pauline Allen will involve making hand warmers and bean bags for alzimiers patients at Chelmers Court to support physio and their exercise programs. They are also used on the ankles for stroke patients as they help people to move their legs. Park Hall students are also giving up their time over February Half Term to learn to knit woolly hats over February Half term, the hats will be donated to Birmingham City Mission to give to distribute to homeless members of the community. Park Hall students and members of Castle Bromwich Youth Parish Council are really making a difference in the community. If you are interested in joining the council please contact Mrs Yvonne Smith for further information.
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January 2018
Britain must turn the tide on throwaway plastic Theresa May’s speech and the 25-year nature plan - Greenpeace briefing. On Thursday, the prime minister, Theresa May, is expected to deliver a high-profile speech on the environment to coincide with the publication of Defra’s 25-year plan for nature.
strategy which includes measures like a deposit return scheme for plastic bottles, extending the microbeads ban, and a policy that forces plastic producers to take responsibility for their waste instead of dumping the cost on the taxpayer. Ministers should also bring forward a ban on non-recyclable types of plastic and Commenting ahead of the PM’s speech and the publication of fund innovation into sustainable forms of packaging, including the nature plan, Greenpeace UK executive director John Suaven new materials. said: Air pollution “Theresa May should use her speech to announce that 2018 will be the year when Britain turns the tide on throwaway The government air pollution plan fell way short of the action plastic. With millions of people in Britain worrying about plastic needed to clean up illegal air pollution. Ministers need to go pollution, the prime minister has a strong mandate to take the back to the drawing board and come up with something better, bold action we need. A serious package of measures should starting with bringing forward the date for the phase-out of new include a ban on non-recyclable plastics, a deposit return petrol and diesel cars. The current date, 2040, is far too late to scheme for plastic bottles and measure to force plastic producers stay ahead in the global clean transport market. With China, India, Norway and the Netherlands all looking at a ban in 2030 to take responsibility for their waste. “Having a long-term plan for nature is all well and good, or before, there’s a real risk of Britain being left behind in the race but what we need is serious action here and now. Whether it’s to embrace the clean vehicles set to dominate the market in the ocean plastics, air pollution or climate change, there’s a huge coming years. price to pay for every day that goes by without progress. Plastic production is expected to double over the next 20 years and traffic fumes are harming our kids’ health for decades to come. Theresa May’s environmental push will be judged by the action it commits to take within this parliament, not by the memo it leaves for future administrations. These are the key areas where the UK government must take action to protect our health and our environment:
Plastic Millions of people have watched marine life being hurt by plastic pollution on Blue Planet II and the vast majority of the public supports action on plastic waste [1]. Theresa May has a very strong mandate to be ambitious - and the success of the plastic bag charge and microbeads ban shows boldness pays off. Since our whole society is awash in disposable plastic, a piecemeal approach won’t work - we need to tackle our plastic problem at the source. The government needs to draw up a major
Fisheries
As the UK leaves the EU, it has the opportunity to finally fix a broken fishing quota system that’s rewarding vested interests and penalising our most sustainable fishers [2]. The government should make sure fishing opportunities are allocated to those boats that use more selective fishing methods and provide jobs and an economic boost to our coastal communities. Ministers should also acknowledge that they have an obligation under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to work with neighbouring countries on the management of straddling stocks.
Our countryside Giving millions of pounds in farm subsidies to wealthy families and businesses just on the basis of how much land they own is indefensible [3]. Public money should be going to those who provide a public good, whether it’s by keeping soil fertile, giving access to the public, preventing floods or growing healthy food. Future support should be targeted at farming methods which
do not deplete the soil or harm plants, insects, mammals and birds. Ministers should recognise the importance of a return to mixed farming to protect biodiversity, moving away from monoculture and single commodity crops. They should also promote investment in science and technology that can help transform our farming sector.
Chemicals The UK should seek to stay within the EU’s world-leading chemical regulatory system REACH. Without continued membership of this system the UK will lose access to the world’s most detailed information on chemical safety and use, and risks becoming a dumping ground for chemicals that are banned in the EU. UK should also aim to stay in the EU’s regime for regulating pesticides, and should act rapidly to identify and control those pesticides with particularly hazardous properties. It is important to take a more precautionary approach to the use of pesticides, given the evidence of harm to insect populations and concerns over impacts on humans health.
Clean energy While this lies outside the scope of the 25-year environment plan, no government can be really ‹green› without vigorously driving towards a clean energy economy. The government should start supporting onshore wind and solar, increase ambition for offshore wind, commit significant public money and policy to making our buildings more energy efficient, and work up the programmes to cut carbon emissions from our heating systems and road transport.
Tree planting We need to see a credible plan to keep the government’s commitment to plant 11m trees by 2022. The announcement of Northern Forest is welcome if well implemented, but should be supported by the incorporation of forestry widely across England and devolved nations.
McIntyre: Games success will put us on the world stage Anthea McIntyre has welcomed today›s announcement that Birmingham will host the Commonwealth Games in 2022. The Conservative MEP for the West Midlands said: «I want to congratulate Andy Street and the whole of the bid team for bringing the games to the region.
«It will put us on the international stage and show the world what a wonderful place this is - not just for sport but for culture, industry, education and commerce. «The games will benefit the whole of the city region and beyond, as well as Birmingham itself. I for one cannot wait to watch the spectacle with pride.»
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January 2018
Santa visits Water Orton Water Orton Carnival’s Santa Sleigh Run took place on Sunday 17th December and was a great success. Santa and his sleigh arrived at Mytton Road right on schedule and aided by plenty of Carnival helpers, he made his way around the village. In between meeting lots of excited children, Santa very kindly offered to stop at a couple of local hostelries, and even managed to gatecrash a Christening!
Thanks to all who supported the Carnival Sleigh Run once again. As always, all proceeds go back into the Carnival or to other good causes in the village. Special thanks to Mondelez Distribution Centre at Minworth for their generous donation of Cadbury’s Chocolate Buttons. Santa said he is very much lookingforward to visiting again next year!
WATER ORTON
VILLAGER
NOTICE Clerk Jacquie Coombes is still on leave
but please contact the Chair Ralph Coldrick clerk@wopc.org.uk if you have any queries. Next meeting dates for 2018 so far are February 28th March 28th April 25th May 30th ( Annual Council Meeting )
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January 2018
Toni celebrates record year with Aussie singer Peter Andre A Slimming World Consultant from Coleshill was congratulated on helping slimmers to lose weight and change their lives by singer and TV presenter Peter Andre. Toni Russell, who runs a Slimming World group at Coleshill and District Social Club, Coleshill Birmingham every Monday, was delighted to get a chance to cuddle up to Peter when he presented the annual Slimming World Awards. The Mysterious Girl singer co-hosted the event with the organisation’s founder and chair Margaret Miles-Bramwell OBE. Toni said Peter’s presence at the awards was extra special because earlier in 2017 he supported Slimming World’s most successful fundraising event ever – The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw, which raised a record-breaking £3.3 million in just two weeks. The annual clothes throw encourages Slimming World’s 900,000 group members to donate the clothes, shoes, bags and accessories that are now too big for them to Cancer Research UK, by filling up specially-branded bags and taking them along to their weekly group sessions. “I couldn’t be prouder of the members of the Coleshill group. Throughout 2017 they have lost fantastic amounts of weight, with many of them hitting their target weights, improving their health and boosting their confidence. “It’s so rewarding to see people being able to do things that they didn’t think were possible before losing weight, whether that’s having more energy, feeling happier, wearing smaller clothes, taking up new hobbies, reducing medication or doing more with their family and friends. Every week I feel extremely lucky to play even a small part in people’s achievements and I felt very honoured to represent the Coleshill group at the Slimming World Awards. “Cuddling up to Peter was a real treat. He was bowled over by the difference Slimming World makes to people’s lives and it reminded me what an important and privileged role I have as a Consultant. Now I’m heading into 2018 super motivated to support even more people in Coleshill to be inspired to lose weight and lead healthier and happier lives.” Toni adds: “Lots of people will be making resolutions to lose weight and improve their health
this New Year. I truly believe that joining a Slimming World group is the best way for people to lose weight, learn new habits and improve their lifestyle. Thanks to our Food Optimising eating plan they will see big results on the scales without ever having to feel hungry or deprived, and at the Coleshill group they’ll discover a whole world of support and advice that’s sure to help them achieve their targets – and have a lot of fun along the way too! I’d love for anyone who’s thinking about losing weight this January to join us at Coleshill and District Social Club, Coleshill Birmingham every Monday.” Peter, who set up his own foundation with Cancer Research UK – the Peter Andre Fund – after losing his brother to cancer, said he was thrilled to meet Toni at the event, which was held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre. He added: “It was an honour to be invited to present the Slimming World Awards. I met so many incredible people who had lost amazing amounts of weight and transformed themselves – inside and out. While each of them was inspirational in their own special way, the one thing they all had in common was how much they felt they owed to their “Slimming World family” in helping them to do things they always dreamed of and become the people they’ve always wanted to be. Every one of them spoke passionately about how they couldn’t have made the changes they had to eat more healthily and become more active without the support, advice and encouragement of their Consultant and group every week. So there’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that Slimming World and people like Toni are very special.” To be inspired to discover the real you with Slimming World in 2018 call Toni on 07971 686698 or visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk to find your nearest group.
WHY NOT BRIGHTEN UP YOUR FEBRUARY AND COME ALONG TO OUR
SKITTLES EVENING
CURDWORTH VILLAGE HALL FRIDAY 16th FEBRUARY 2018 at 7.00pm JACKET POTATO SUPPER BYO DRINKS TICKETS £8.00
For tickets call Liz 01675 481412 or Kate 01675 470049 Event sponsored by Curdworth WI Registered Charity No 230461
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January 2018
The World’s Largest Coffee Morning The World›s Largest Coffee Morning organised by Park Hall Academy Students & members of Castle Bromwich Youth Parish Council raised £154.20p for Cancer Research, thank you to everyone who attended.
for The World›s Largest Coffee Morning at Arden Hall,
Park Hall Academy GCSE Food students & Castle Bromwich Youth Parish Councillors made over 700 cakes
Smith & Park Hall Librarian Mrs Long for their help and
thank you to the community for your support.. A huge thank you to the Chair of Castle Bromwich Parish Council, Mrs Pauline Allen, the Assistant Clerk Mrs Yvonne support at the World›s Largest Coffee morning
Gymnastic Festival On Thursday 15th January, 10 children from Castle Bromwich Infant and Nursery School took part in an inter-school gymnastic competition at North Solihull Sports Centre. Five boys and five girls from Year 1 and Year 2 performed a floor routine and a beam routine that they had learned with the school gymnastics coach, Mimi Cesar. In the girls' competition, Evie (Y2 Owls) came first and Freya (Y1 Badgers) came second despite the stiff competition from the four other schools present. All of the children performed really confidently and all the teachers and parents are very proud of their efforts. Children who participated were: Evie Maisie, Macy, Sophie Keeley, Finn, Joshua, Zak, Nathaniel and Brandon. We haven’t had notification of the team placings but are hoping to have done well.
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January 2018
Special award for Barnardo’s project A Barnardo’s project supporting hundreds of Warwickshire’s most vulnerable children and young people has received a special award. The Barnardo’s Children’s Rights Service has achieved the Investing in Children Membership Award. The national scheme promotes the human rights of young people and recognises “imaginative and inclusive practice”. The project provides support and advice through advocacy and independent visitors. Advocates ensure that young people’s voices are heard in decisionmaking forums, looked-after child reviews, child protection conferences and other key meetings. Independent visitors act as mentors to young people in care, enriching their quality of life and boosting their self-confidence and independence. Barnardo’s hopes the award will encourage even more people to consider volunteering their time to support the project.
The assessment highlighted how staff are responsive to the needs of children and young people, and praised the regular use of participation groups. One young person said: “We talk about making things better – not just for us, but for other young people in the future.” Another said: “All of us can talk about living in care and how it can be made better.” Other comments included: “This service is amazing. They act like your best friend, like your family, who will guide you to your right path.” Another said: “They don’t act like a service, they act as my friend – a friend who listens.” A spokesperson for the Investing in Children Membership Award Scheme said: “The scheme recognises and celebrates examples of imaginative and inclusive practice with children and young people. Organisations applying for the award have to demonstrate dialogue with young people which lead to change. “Members of the participation
group came across as confident young people and valued partners in decision-making.” Last year the project supported almost 500 children and young people aged from four to 20 years old. Positive outcomes included an increased awareness of their rights, contributing to planning and decision-making, an ability to develop healthy and trusting relationships, and a link with reliable and supportive role models. Barnardo’s children’s services manager Sarah Wager said: “We are delighted to have received this important award which is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our team. “We hope it will encourage others to consider volunteering to provide a more positive future for local children and young people.” Call 02476 372596 or email coventry&warwickshireCRS@ barnardos.org.uk
Coleshill Chess Club: The Season So Far…
Birmingham & District Chess League Division 6
University Birmingham Warley Quinborne Rushall South Birmingham Coleshill A Walsall Kipping Boldmere St Michaels Coleshill B Redditch Soliull Lichfield Kynoch Birmingham & District Chess League Division 6
Due to an increase in the number of players over the summer, Coleshill took the opportunity to enter two teams into this year’s Birmingham & District League Division 6. The first game of the season saw Coleshill ‘A’ beat Coleshill ‘B’ 4-0 and a week later beat Walsall Kipping 2½ - 1½. Although the A team suffered a defeat away to league leaders University of Birmingham in October, a win a week later at South Birmingham sees the A team sitting in 5th place in the table, with a couple of winnable games in hand, so well positioned to challenge for second place in the division and win promotion to division 5. The B team struggled earlier in the season but draws against Rushall and a win just before Christmas against Walsall Kipping see the team sat a respectable 8th place. Meanwhile the Cannock
District League team is progressing with two P W D nicely L Pts wins from three. University Birmingham 6 6 0 0 12 Warley Quinborne 5 month 0 1 with 10 many January promises to be a6 busy Rushall Players hoping to 5 progress 3 2 in 0 individual 8 Coleshill South Birmingham 6 3 1 League 2 7fixtures, competitions, five full Birmingham Coleshill Ainvolvement in 4 the 3 Cannock 0 1 6 District continued Walsall Kipping 0 internal 3 6 League, the continuation6 of3 the club Boldmere St Michaels 4 2 players 0 2 in4 county championship and Coleshill Coleshill B action for Warwickshire. 5 1 1 3 3 Redditch 3 1 0Social 2 Club 2 Our club night is at Coleshill on Soliull 1 0 5are 2 always Wednesday’s and new 6 members Lichfield 4 0 1 3 1 welcome. Kynoch 7 0 1 6 1 Anyone interested in playing either league or social chess can also call Des on: 07736 066 825. More information on our website: www.coleshillsocialclub.com/chess-club Or follow us on Twitter: @ColeshillChess
P 6 6 5 6 4 6 4 5 3 6 4 7
W 6 5 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 0 0
D 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 1
L 0 1 0 2 1 3 2 3 2 5 3 6
Coleshill Results
Pts 12 10 8 7 6 6 4 3 2 2 1 1
13-Sep-17 20-Sep-17 27-Sep-17 17-Oct-17 01-Nov-17 08-Nov-17 29-Nov-17 21-Dec-17
Coleshill Jan 18: Fixtures 03-Jan-18 10-Jan-18 17-Jan-18 25-Jan-18 30-Jan-18
Coleshill Results 13-Sep-17 20-Sep-17 27-Sep-17 17-Oct-17 01-Nov-17 08-Nov-17 29-Nov-17 21-Dec-17
Coleshill A Coleshill A Coleshill B University Birmingham Coleshill B South Birmingham Coleshill B Walsall Kipping
4 2 1/2 2 2 1/2 0 1 1 1 1/2
Coleshill A Coleshill A Coleshill B University Birmingham Coleshill B South Birmingham Coleshill B Walsall Kipping
0 1 1/2 2 1 1/2 4 3 3 2 1/2
Coleshill B Coleshill A Coleshill B Warley Quinbourne Redditch
Coleshill B Walsall Kipping Rushall Coleshill A University Birmingham Coleshill A South Birmingham Coleshill B
Coleshill Jan 18: Fixtures 03-Jan-18 10-Jan-18 17-Jan-18 25-Jan-18 30-Jan-18
Coleshill B Coleshill A Coleshill B Warley Quinbourne Redditch
v v v v v
Warley Quinbourne Redditch Solihull Coleshill A Coleshill B
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January 2018
Is Coleshill home to the UK’s most unusual keepsake? Do you have an unusual item that has been inherited from friends or family, or a memento that you have had for years and cannot bear to part with? Self storage company, Space Station is running a competition to find the UK’s most unusual keepsakes. From lockets to old postcards, keepsakes can be reminder of a special moment, a time in our lives we don’t want to fade or a memory of a loved one we don’t want to forget.
Space Station is looking for members of the public to submit a photo of a keepsake that has a special story attached to it or something that may have sentimental meaning to the owner, as well as the story behind the memento. The winner will receive a £100 Not on the High Street voucher and a chance for your beloved item to feature in the UK’s most treasured keepsakes roundup.
For more information contact:
Vlatka Lake, Marketing Director at Space Station said: “As a self storage company we are used to discovering the strange and wonderful items that people have kept over the years.
Jessica McDonnell (Jessica.mcdonnell@epiphanysolutions. co.uk) or Will Dale (will.dale@jaywingpr.com), or call 0113 323 5797
Christmas SPIRIT at The Coleshill School Coleshill School enjoyed a celebration pizza lunch for achieving SPIRIT points over the Autumn Term. The development of the school is based around the Coleshill SPIRIT which develops students and stands for: Self-management, Perseverance, Innovation, Reflection, Independence and Teamwork. Over 160 students achieved horizontal SPIRIT points over the term. SPIRIT points are awarded for Tutor rewards, extra- curricular activity, improved progress, good progress, doing something extra, good behaviour and good attendance. Mrs Bishop, Head of Year 11 and Rewards Leader commented “We are so proud of our students and this reward is in recognition of their sustained commitment to school life and their studies.”
“We’re hoping this competition will give people the opportunity to reveal their hidden gems and share some interesting stories with us that would otherwise have gone untold.” For full T&Cs and to enter the competition, go to: https://www. space-station.co.uk/blog/do-you-have-a-special-keepsakeyou-can-t-bear-to-throw-away
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January 2018
The Legion invites the nation to say ‘Thank You’ · The Legion is launching a movement to say ‘Thank You’ to a generation who shaped our society · Activity to take place in the last 100 days from 08 August – 11 November To mark the final year of the World War One centenary, The Royal British Legion is inviting the public to take part in a movement to say ‘Thank You’ to the First World War generation who served, sacrificed and changed our world. The charity is calling on the nation to remember not only the 1.2 million British and Commonwealth Armed Forces who lost their lives, but also those - military and civilian - who played their part on the home front and those who returned to build a better life for the benefit of generations to come. During the last 100 days of the centenary from 08 August to 11 November, the Legion is inviting the British public from all cultures and faiths, community groups, schools, companies and sports clubs to join the movement to express their gratitude to those who gave themselves to the war and its aftermath, and rebuilt a better nation from its darkest hour.
The Legion’s Director General, Charles Byrne said: ‘The end of the First World War centenary is a chance for each of us to say thank you in our own ways and in our own words not only to those who gave their lives, but those who returned, those who worked in the factories and on the land, and those who pioneered advances in medicine, technology and the arts in response to the experience of the war. ‘Whilst the 100th anniversary of the armistice that ended the fighting 100 years ago marks a poignant time of reflection, it is also a time to look forward to the future with the promise to make it a better place. Everyone living in Britain today has a reason to say ‘Thank You’ to this special generation.’ The Legion is asking the nation to plan their ‘Thank You’ activity to take place from the 8th of August onwards, while the first day of daylight savings – itself an outcome of the First World War – will be a focus for ‘Thank You’ activity on Sunday October 28th. For updates on the ‘Thank You’ movement, please visit rbl.org.uk/thankyou
Leading charity Diabetes UK is looking for local swimmers Diabetes UK is looking for people from the West Midlands to take on the swimming challenge of the year, Swim22, between 22 February and 22 May. As a Swim22 challenger you’ll swim an incredible 22 miles – the equivalent of crossing the English Channel – in your local pool, while making a difference with each and every splash. You can take on the swim challenge alone or, better still, get your family, friends and colleagues involved. You can even split the distance between a team to make it easier for everyone. Swimming is a fantastic way to stay fit and healthy, have fun and set yourself a challenge. Whether you’re an absolute beginner or a seasoned swimmer, our team will be on hand to offer swimming tips and fundraising advice. Every day, around 700 people are diagnosed with diabetes. When diabetes is not well managed it is associated with serious complications including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney disease and amputations. Every length you complete and every pound you raise will get us closer to our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm. To sign up, just visit www.diabetes.org.uk/swim22. There is no registration fee and no minimum sponsorship.
Siobhan Clifford, West Midlands Regional Fundraiser, Diabetes UK.
Tel: 0121 406 3343 Mob: 07859 039414 07449 781107 Email: cole_endelectrical@yahoo.co.uk www.coleendelectrical.co.uk
12
January 2018
Your Boutique Style Home Selling Experience Bringing style and fun to the property market Ginger is the exciting independent estate agent that’s revolutionising the buying and selling experience, with a boutique style service tailored towards the needs of today’s busy lifestyle. Founder Carl Hemming, has over 20 years of property industry experience, and has created a modern approach to selling homes that’s more detailed, personal and flexible than we have all become to expect from a traditional agent. “I wanted to share my experience with home-movers to make their journey stress-free, educational and more enjoyable through a personal consultancy style service” says Carl.
Ginger has created a new style agency designed around this exciting new era of property sales. Most buyers now search online, avoiding visiting High Street agents altogether, with a large percentage of buyers searching outside of traditional office hours. This is why ginger are available every day from 8am-10pm. We don’t hide behind websites, our team are onhand, in person, delivering a highly personal experience to guide customers through the whole process from start to finish. Ginger has responded to this fast changing industry by creating a service that is highly focused on our ‘online’ presence through our user-friendly website and investing heavily in social media marketing plus ensuring video & digital media are an integral part of our property marketing. allowing fast, easy access to our properties and giving a real appreciation of the lifestyle of a property.
Coleshill boys’ football success On 13th December, The Coleshill School’s Year 10 boys’ football team played in the last 16 of the Birmingham Schools Sports Federation Cup. Against strong competition, they beat Lode Heath School, 2-1 at Coleshill and are through to the quarter finals. The team then played Langley School in the quarter finals of the Solihull Cup on 17th January 2018 and won 4-1, with some fantastic goals. The team will now go on to play in the semi-final against Tudor Grange. Rick Wilkinson, PE Teacher commented “I am so proud of the boys they are a wonderful attacking team to be in charge of, with some fantastic players and they all have a strong work ethic. We wish them every success in the next rounds”. For Megan and her family, they have something more personal and priceless to connect them to the great man himself.
We appreciate every house and vendor are different, so we offer a selection of transparent selling packages, each carefully crafted so suit all property types and budget. Everything from our online ‘Self-sell-online’ package through to our comprehensive ‘Stem ginger’ package, all of which deliver a range of premium selling tools to maximise the marketing potential of a property. We can also tailor a bespoke service offering home staging, home exterior preparation and much more. We also offer a variety of partner services including mortgage advise and conveyancing. If you’re ready to sell or looking for a fresh take on your home sale, our team would welcome the opportunity to meet you and visit your home to demonstrate our approach and carry out a free market appraisal. We›re available by phone 01676 533 585 8am-10pm, 7 days or online www.gingerhomes.co.uk
13
January 2018
Warwickshire Council failing to investigate 9 in every 10 adult abuse concerns · Warwickshire Council was among the bottom 10 councils for acting on abuse concerns – with just 11% prompting a protection investigation. Warwickshire County Council is failing to carry out a safeguarding inquiry in response to almost 9 in 10 warnings about abuse of vulnerable adults, a charity has warned. Action on Elder Abuse (AEA), the only UKwide charity that exists specifically to combat abuse against older people, analysed official adult safeguarding statistics and found that Warwickshire was one of the 10 councils least likely to launch a protection inquiry when abuse is suspected. Despite 2,875 concerns about abuse being reported to the local authority in 2016/17 – covering everything from beatings and thefts to sexual assault and neglect – just 300 (11%) were deemed to merit a safeguarding inquiry. This is far lower than the average across England (41%). And in the 11 best performing areas, councils routinely launched
· A ‘postcode lottery’ has developed across England, with the chance of receiving an abuse investigation varying dramatically
investigations in response to all reports of abuse. This means there were 2,575 cases in Warwickshire that would have t-iggered a full investigation if they had happened elsewhere. AEA has identified weaknesses in the Care Act 2014, the key piece of legislation governing adult safeguarding, which it argues has led to massive differences in the number of people whose cases are investigated by local authority adult protection units. In a new report, A Patchwork of Practice, the charity lays bare this ‘postcode lottery’ and also highlights the gaps in official statistics which make it impossible to confirm how many reports of criminal abuse or neglect actually involved police intervention, despite the Care Act placing a duty on councils to involve other agencies. The AEA report also highlights the lack of a legal deterrent to crimes against older people. The charity is campaigning for elder
· 2,575 concerns Wreported to Warwickshire would have been investigated if the abuse victims had simply lived in another part of England.
abuse to be classed as an ‘aggravated offence’ similar to hate crimes based on race, religion, disability or sexual orientation. This would require courts to impose tougher sentences on perpetrators, in recognition that victims are often targeted because of their perceived frailty or vulnerability. Stephen McCarthy, Action on Elder Abuse’s Director for England, said: “The Care Act should have been a once-ina-generation opportunity to ensure that older and other vulnerable people who were victims of abuse would have somewhere to turn to find safety. “Instead, the official reporting statistics paint a picture of a ‘postcode lottery’ of disjointed, variable practice across England which suggests that whether or not you are kept safe from abuse can be almost entirely down to where in the country you happen to live. If the 2,575 concerns not investigated by
Warwickshire had occurred in another part of England they would have received a more positive response, and this cannot be right. “What criteria are different local authorities applying when deciding whether to pursue an investigation? Why should they even be allowed to have their own criteria that may differ from neighbouring areas? This is about accountability. “Directors of Adult Social Services and those responsible for Adult Safeguarding need to take immediate responsibility for this situation and address these inadequacies as a matter of urgency. Too many people who are old, frail and in vulnerable situations appear to be left to fend for themselves in abusive or neglectful situations and this must stop. We expect better. The public expects better. At the moment, we appear to have an illusion of protection. This is plainly not good enough.”
Have an hour to spare to help a local cause? Pop along to one of our drop in sessions to find out more about how to help your local community.
Warwickshire CAVA can help you to find a local cause that would benefit from your skills and experience. We have opportunities such as befriending, mentoring, catering, coaching, youth work, driving and many more.
January drop in sessions: Tuesday 9th
9 – 11am
Wednesday 10th
Arley Community HUB
9 – 12pm
Thursday 11th
Dordon Hub
10 – 12pm
Thursday 11th
Dordon Community Library
12 – 2pm
Tuesday 16th
Coleshill Hub
10 – 1pm
Tuesday 16th
Coleshill Community Library
1.30 – 3.30pm
Wednesday 17th
Baddesley Hub & Café
12 – 1.30pm
Tuesday 23rd
Atherstone Hub
9.30 – 12pm
Hartshill Hub
If you can’t make it to one of the drop in’s you can contact Sarah: 01827 718080 sarah.deeming@wcava.org.uk Or visit www.wcava.org.uk/volunteering
14
January 2018
Games Review
Assassins Creed Origins
By Graham Stevens Before I write this review I have to say that despite a lot changing in this year›s game, I really enjoyed playing it. But more about that later. The last Assassins Creed game that was released seems like ages ago, but it was only back in 2015 - namely Assassins Creed Syndicate. In the two years break there has been lots of speculation online as to where the next game would be set, but it was confirmed pretty early on that it would be ancient Egypt. To say that I have been waiting for this game to be released since it was announced is an understatement. The Assassins Creed franchise is easily my favourite set of games, but Assassins Creed Origins is different, in a good way! The first thing you notice is the addition of a difficulty level, a first in the series, and believe me there are times in the game where I needed to drop it from the normal setting that I play on! Assassins Creed Origins as I said is set in ancient Egypt around the time of the reign of the Pharaoh
Ptolemy XIII. The pharaoh›s sister Cleopatra has recently been deposed and is planning to dethrone him and also to expand his empire. You play Bayak, a Medjay who is in charge of protecting the Siwa Oasis. I won›t spoil the story any more but believe me it›s really good! The gameplay is more RPG based that the rest in the series and you play missions to get experience points and then choose which areas you want to level up on your character. I made the mistake early on of going into areas on the map, which is HUGE, and which were way above my character›s level and I regretted it! Now I know there are some of you out there who like games to have fantastic graphics and Assassins Creed Origins doesn›t disappoint, even more so if you have a PS4 Pro and a 4K tv. You can also pick up and buy different weapons such as swords, spears and bows which have different damage levels. Even now nearly a month after the release I›m still playing it and enjoying it and finding new areas and weapons! I would give Assassins Creed Origins 9/10 because I really enjoyed it. Even though the change is more of an RPG base, which some people won›t like, I enjoyed it immensely!
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15
January 2018
Coleshill Civic Society
On January 11th 2018 the Civic Society held a meeting in the Old Market Hall. Over 90 people attended and due to number restrictions some folk were turned away. Below is my version of the talk. John Hoyle
HS2 and Coleshill after 2018 The Coleshill Civic Society held a meeting entitled ‘Coleshill after 2018’ presented by Councillor David Reilly. David is both North Warwickshire Borough and Warwickshire County council lead on HS2. As such he is currently engaged, together with representatives from many groups along the line of HS2 through Warwickshire, in attempting to ensure that HS2 planners are very aware of the disruption it will cause in our area. Sadly, HS2 cannot be stopped by anything we can do. It is cross party, all at Westminster are in favour. Who remembers Swampy and his protests about BNNR, how much good did the money and effort put into the protests do for us (the community). David is passionate about HS2, he would love it to be stopped but realises that it is now too far down the line for that to take place. He therefore is attempting to make the effect on our lives as small as possible (it will still be great). Let us be in no doubt that the structure when completed will be larger than anything we can imagine. The line comes north from London and then continues north to Manchester or Leeds. However due to Birmingham having a Station in Curzon Street a spur is taken from the line at Coleshill to pass south of Water Orton and then goes into Birmingham, after that it returns to join the main line passing Water Orton to the north. All this junction means that the lines are having
to cross, at the same time as crossing over the A446 and M42. The height is enormous and will be seen for miles, Spaghetti Junction is nothing in comparison. The bridges have been described as resembling the German U-boat pits which I am sure many of you will have seen in France. Part of the work David and colleagues are doing is in trying make the appearance of the structures less harsh. One detail I was unaware of is that the rail link into Birmingham goes through a tunnel and thus all the spoil will have to be taken somewhere, meaning additional HGV which will be in addition to all the HGV movements for the construction in our vicinity. Let us hope that something will be done to the road system before the traffic volume becomes too high. There are two large areas of land which will be built on and become very obvious. The railhead is one and will be vast. The railhead, situated between Lea Marston and the A446, which on the surface is fairly innocuous is in fact a large area where the construction of all the bits which will be put together to make the railway. It will be fitted together somewhat like a Lego model. All the pieces for the construction will take place at this railhead so try to use your imagination as to the size of the place and the machinery and all associated parts needed for this railway. The bits constructed/fabricated there will be transported to the part of the line where it is required. The other large area of land will be in the region of Melbicks Garden Centre and will
be the station for HS2. This station will be linked directly to the Airport and this of course will mean considerable changes to the roads in the area. The development between Coleshill Heath Road, A446 and M6 is for the enlargement of the M6 junction 4 roundabout and changing the M6 from Castle Bromwich to Coventry into a smart motorway, no doubt it will be involved in HS2 construction as well. There will be benefits, more jobs and perhaps being able to walk to the station from Coleshill South. Much of the talk about future developments, housing, turning the railhead which will be built at Lea Marston into an industrial site or even housing was speculation on David’s part. A combined station airport which could link
travel by air and rail travel. Anywhere in the UK, take the train to Birmingham and at the station transfer from rail to plane all under the same roof. Solihull have already made plans for a large housing development south of the airport and the development in the area could extend towards us in Coleshill. If you don’t like what you have read above, please do not just moan and accept it but join the Civic Society. Membership forms and cards will be found next week in the library and Town Hall. The more members we can boast the more weight our voice carries. The AGM will be held on March 8th when a new committee will be elected and then photographs of building no longer visible will be shown and discussed.
Free membership The Coleshill and District Civic Society decided that in 2018 there will be free membership offered. We hope that this will attract new members to the Society. However it has been pointed out that when things are free just what is being given is considered worthless. However we hope that this offer will be taken up. There is plenty for anyone wishing to be involved to be doing. I am normally in the Old Market Hall which is on Church Hill between10 and 12 each Saturday when we could discuss what is needed. Any offer of help will be gratefully accepted.
16
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atmosphere with a lovely selection of different music in the background. We had a taste of the new Valentines menu which started with a poppadom each then the starters. We had the Golden Bags both options and they were fabulous I preferred the veg option but they were both tasty and crispy and something different as I had never tried them before. We also tried the Shish Kebab which again was juicy and tasty all served with a side salad. The main courses again not something we would normally have but great to try something different, we tried the Saffron Sweet and Sour
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Chicken which you would'nt expect to have in an indian restaurant, it was spicy sweet and rich in flavour we had with plain rice as to not takeaway the flavour of the dish and was very enjoyable. We then tried the Lamb Chops which again was tasty, they were served with a spicy dopiaza sauce and was cooked perfectly. My husband Nigel had the Ocean Delight which was a Salmon Steak he said it was cooked to perfection and would definitely have this dish again. We also had the Saagwalla which is a nice vegetarian dish which again was very tasty and aromatic.
I must say the presentation of all the food and surroundings felt like I was in an a la carte restaurant. The service by Farhan and Amber was excellent and they were very attentive to our needs. The Chef Mr Azeen has been working as a chef for over 30 years and has had different restaurants in Portugal and England he says Saffron is a DREAM. Hats off to you Mr Azeen you have served us a really great selection of different indian food and i will definately be back with family and friends.
17
January 2018
Leaders names Teenage Cancer Trust as new charity partner National estate agents Leaders has confirmed Teenage Cancer Trust as its new charity partner for 2018 and announced it plans to raise £50,000 for the good cause. The property firm will work with Teenage Cancer Trust over the next 12 months to fundraise and raise awareness of its invaluable work in supporting the thousands of young people in the UK aged between 13 and 24 who are diagnosed with cancer each year. Teenage Cancer Trust provides expert staff and specialist units across the UK to care for young people diagnosed with cancer.
Currently, almost half of young people with cancer are not treated in Teenage Cancer Trust units, so the charity is building a wider nursing and support service within the NHS to help all young people, wherever they receive treatment. Allison Thompson, managing director at Leaders, says: “Every day, seven young people aged between 13 and 24 are diagnosed with cancer and it is only thanks to the work of Teenage Cancer Trust that they have specialist support, advice and care available to them. “The unique support the charity offers makes a huge difference to the young people
they help, and their families, but unfortunately there are still some young people they simply cannot reach. I know all our staff at Leaders are ready to get behind Teenage Cancer Trust and use their imagination and hard work to fundraise on its behalf in 2018 and hopefully we can go a small way towards helping the charity realise its aim of ensuring no young person has to face cancer alone.” Sian Cooper, regional fundraiser at Teenage Cancer Trust, says: “Right now, for every young person that we reach, there is another that we can’t. We’re determined to reach every young person with cancer in the UK and with Leaders’ help, we can get steps closer to making this
happen. We can’t thank the staff enough for choosing to support us in 2018 and we’re so excited to be working with them and see the amazing ways they get involved to support young people with cancer.” With Teenage Cancer Trust set to receive Leaders’ support in 2018, it marks the end of the company’s previous partnership with Together for Short Lives that saw it raise approximately £150,000 for the children’s hospice charity in the last three years. For more information on Teenage Cancer Trust and its partnership with Leaders visit teenagecancertrust.org or leaders.co.uk.
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18
January 2018
Landons Wetroom Showers are Celebrating their second year in their newly built showroom in Erdington Landons Wetroom Showers Limited offer a first class bespoke service in design and installation of your ideal bathroom or wetroom. Now in our second year we are focusing on extending our reputation to a wider cliental. We have a wide range of products in the stunning showroom, 205 Tyburn Road Erdington, to show you how your space can be transformed into your dream bathroom. After more than 40 years in the construction industry including 25 years in the design and installation of bath and shower rooms, Roger’s vast experience has allowed the company to join forces with some of the biggest names in the bathroom industry. Roger and Julie, will be on hand to design your perfect bathroom and offer professional advice, we offer a one to one consultation to discuss your project and to understand what you want to achieve for your bathroom or wetroom. On appointment Roger will visit your home to take measurements, and do the necessary checks to ensure the design concept and installation happens with ease. The process will be relaxed and personal.
Julie is able to design your perfect bathroom creating your personal Design Concept, this is achieved by working closely with our clients, paying attention to their ideas. Julie offers design inspiration whether it is a traditional or modern style bathroom, attention to detail is imperative so tile choice, accessories, soft furnishings, colours and lighting are all considered in the design stage creating the stunning retreat and practical bathroom your desire.
Roger is joined in this venture by Nathan Langston, his contribution to the company through his expertise in installation, will ensure that not only are the finest products used but that they are installed to the highest standards. So if you are looking for a stress free, professional and friendly environment to start your new bathroom or wetroom project a visit to Landons Wetroom Showers.
19
January 2018
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George Lovatt is one of the most established, respected and longstanding training facilities in the Midlands with a track record second to none, we have been in the training business since 1967. (We are not an agency or third party dealer)
Training For The Future... For Your Future Telephone: 462738 01675 email:george@glovatt.co.uk George Lovatt HGV Services Ltd Lovatts Yard (opposite Davis Turner), Gorsey Lane, Coleshill B1 46JU
20
January 2018
Lifestyle choice ‘Lifestyling’ is the default investment option of many pension savers, but relying on it may be the wrong approach. Many defined contribution pension plans automatically move savers’ investments into lowerrisk funds as they approach their retirement age – a practice known as ‘lifestyling’. The exact mechanism varies between providers, but a typical structure would involve a move to 75% fixed interest, 25% cash, phased automatically over five to ten years to the chosen retirement date. “The idea is that you lock-in investment returns made in your 20s, 30s and 40s, and then limit exposure to riskier
assets in your late 50s and early 60s,” says Ian Price, Divisional
pension pot and that means ‘locking in’ investment growth in
Director at St. James’s Place “That may be the right approach
preparation for an annuity purchase isn’t always appropriate.
if you are trying to preserve your pension savings, but it is not a risk-free option – there are some drawbacks.” What lifestyling normally does not do is offer any form of discretion or individuality in the investment strategy: the process involves mechanistic switches, triggered only
“Lifestyling will help protect you against short-term falls in the value of your pensions savings as you get nearer to retirement, but that is only really suitable if you intend to purchase an annuity,” says Price. “If you opt to keep the
by dates in the calendar. Thus, anyone within the phasing
pot invested and draw down money from it gradually over
period of their lifestyle plan could find part of their pension
the course of your retirement, maintaining higher equity
investments being moved out of equities into bonds and cash
exposure is likely to make more sense.”
at a time when equity markets have dropped. If the fixedinterest element is moved into gilts – as it often is – this would be another disadvantage because gilt yields are at historic lows. Individuals should also be aware that if they continue working beyond their stated retirement age and fail to inform their provider, their money could be in ‘de-risking’ mode for
It is often said that lifestyling is not designed to produce the best results; its appeal is that it helps to avoid the worst results. A tailored solution to fit individual needs has an obvious appeal over a one-size-fits-all approach. But that means making difficult decisions; and these, says Price, should be made with the help of a financial adviser.
an unsuitably long period. A recent survey found that over
“A financial adviser will understand your individual
half of those aged between 54 and 71 already are, or predict,
circumstances, recommend appropriate investments and
working beyond the State Pension age. Yet, despite clear
sensible income levels. They will keep an eye on the funds
changes in their planned retirement age, more than half of this group had not informed their product providers.1
for you over time and provide further advice if circumstances change. A lifestyle fund will not do that.”
Alternative lifestyle Lifestyling is an option that has appealed to, and been
Russell Lowe, Director Lowe Sawyer Financial Planning Ltd
valued by, many investors over many years – especially those
The value of an investment with St. James›s Place will be directly linked to the
who have followed traditional routes to retirement. However,
performance of the funds you select and the value can therefore go down as
pension reforms have prompted a big rethink of many
well as up. You may get back less than you invested.
practices that were once considered the norm. Today, people get far greater choice over how to spend their own
· Investment Planning · Retirement Planning · Corporate Services · Estate Planning Specialist wealth management advice
1
‹Engaging with baby boomers’ retirement journeys’, Dunstan Thomas,
November 2017.
01564 432 150
www.lowesawyerfp.co.uk
The Partner Practice represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives. Lowe Sawyer Financial Planning is a trading name of Lowe Sawyer Financial Planning Ltd.
21
January 2018
New Year, new start – build finances into your future Portafina shares tips on how to organise finances for the year ahead.
to their workplace pension. If they are a basic rate taxpayer then this contribution rises to £115 once tax relief and the employer’s contribution have been taken into account2. This supercharges your saving efforts and can make a huge difference to the eventual size of your fund. Better yet, thanks to the new pension rules the money can be accessed in full from the age of 55.
Considering switching service providers In this age of digital banking and direct debits, much of our spending is automated and it is easy to overlook where money is going. Looking into switching utility, mobile phone contract and broadband providers could save you considerable sums across the year. There are often good deals in the new year but do check renewal dates as some providers charge an exit fee.
If your list of New Year’s resolutions is similar to many do is to put some or all of this cash into savings and investments. Plan ahead for bigger expenses others, it probably includes saving more money. But, Quick and effective ways to help you clear debts faster include Some expenses in life are unexpected, but there are others that like vowing to get fit, this one is easy to fail at, especially consolidating multiple debts, reducing your interest rate by we know are coming. Christmas happens at the same time every switching to a different provider, and avoiding making the if the plan of action is a little vague. year, as do birthdays, anniversaries and even renewal dates for minimum payments only. Success is much easier if you have a plan to follow. So, to help you get on the right track, here are seven ways to change your financial situation in 2018. Split your income and outgoings into percentages It sounds simple, but going back to basics and actually sitting down and working out what income you have coming in, and what is going out, will give you a clear picture of what is left over to enjoy or save. Consider all your bills, including rent or a mortgage and utilities; this may eat up around 50% of your income. Then there is your mobile phone, petrol, broadband, food and other subscriptions to think about, which for a lot of us comes to around another 20%. That would leave you with close to a third left over. If you chose to save a half of this remaining income, you could build a very useful rainy day or emergency fund. For example, for someone earning the UK average annual salary of £27,6001 this would add up to over £3,000 per year.
Tackle any debt This one always tops the list, and for good reason. Loans and credit cards often have high-interest rates, making them incredibly expensive. Reducing or even clearing monthly repayments can feel like a huge weight lifted. Plus, it means you have extra money at your disposable and the really savvy thing to
car tax and insurance. Yet, even with a full 12 months’ notice on these, it’s easy to leave it until the last minute to plan for these If you earn £10 an hour, every £10 you spend is one more hour events and then panic about the expenditure. that you have to work before you can retire. That’s a pretty big To break the cycle, spread the cost over the year. incentive to save! Many people try and save at the end of the month, hoping Decide how much everything may cost you across the year, and there is enough left after bills and spending. The problem is divide that number by 12 to see how much you need to set aside there usually isn’t money left – when we consider it available, it each month. This way you will always have the money ready, removing one of the main temptations to spend on a credit card. will be spent! To overcome this, pay yourself first. You can put the money into It’s far better to set aside £50 a month for everything than have an easy-access account so you can use some of it is absolutely to raid the savings for several hundreds of pounds when times are tight! necessary, until you adjust to having less to spend To really make the most of savings you will want to get the Jamie Smith-Thompson, managing director at Portafina, highest interest rate possible and not lose the growth to tax, so concludes: “Sorting out the finances is on so many new year lists for a very good reason, it’s massively important! And to make it high-interest accounts and ISAs should be considered. work, the best bit of advice to follow is: set realistic targets. Don’t forget about your pension Pensions are one of the most efficient savings vehicles at “If you aim sky high and fall at the first hurdle it can be your disposal, offering tax-free growth, and tax relief on all thoroughly demoralising. And that’s when it’s easy to slip into your personal contributions. Plus, if you have a workplace ‘I’ll put it off again until next year’ mode. If you are realistic about scheme then most of the time your employer will also make what you can do with your finances you will generally meet your contributions, which is effectively free money. goals. This means a double-whammy of feeling good about For example, from April 2018 a person on the UK average yourself now and setting up a more secure future for you and annual salary will be required to contribute £55.20 per month your family.”
Put money away straight after you have been paid
Preparing for the workplace Local employers have been teaming up with Year 11 students from The Coleshill School as part of the academy’s annual ‘Practice Interview Day’. Year 11 students ‘dressed to impress’ in smart business wear for their practice interviews. Outside companies including: BMW, Sertec, Kuehne & Nagel, Birmingham City Council, Barclays Bank and Clive Mark, together with a selection of independent professionals, conducted the interviews which students had prepared for by completing formal application forms. The 20 minute interviews were conducted just like ‘the real thing’ with structured questions about themselves including their predicted grades, outside interests and work experience. For most of the students it was their first interview and a really important and valuable learning experience for them. Feedback from the potential employers was really positive, including:
“A fantastic interview, well presented and confident future employee.” “The best candidate I have ever interviewed, smart articulate and very positive young lady.” It was a great experience for the students in preparing them with the skills they will require when starting in the workplace. Headteacher Ian Smith-Childs said: “Our students really benefit from taking part in the interviews, especially with such a crucial life changing time ahead. They took feedback and considered this to support them with their future endeavours. “We would like to thank all the companies and their representatives for taking part and we look forward to welcoming them back to school in the future.”
22
January 2018
£30 Children 3 to 13 years old £15 under 3’s eat free
Keiko Breed: English Bull Terrier X Size: Medium Gender: Male (N) Centre: Birmingham Age: 12-18 mths Child Suitability: 10 years+ Live With Dogs: Possibly Status: Available
Keiko is a lively lad with a lot of energy, Typical for a English Bull Terrier type of dog. This handsome lad knows a few basic commands and walks well on a harness as he will pull on a lead, further training would be recommended. Possibly could live with another dog, but they would have to be very tolerate with playing as he can be rough. We would advise older children as he was a little nervous on arrival and gets very over excited when playing and can be a little play mouthy. Please call our Birmngham Centre, if you can offer Keiko a forever home.
Call our Birmingham Centre Rehoming Team to enquire about this dog on:
Please quote the reference number
0121 643 5211
43138
Cassie Breed: Staffordshire Bull Terrier Size: Medium Gender: Female (N) Centre: Birmingham Age: 5 years Child Suitability: No Live With Dogs: No Status: Available
Cassie is a sweet and affectionate girl. She loves to be the centre of attention and will climb on your lap for cuddles. This beautiful girl would like to be the only dog in her new home and would also prefer to not live with children. Cassie enjoys her walks, walks well on a harness and knows her basic commands. Please call our Birmingham Centre, if you can offer Cassie a forever home.
Call our Birmingham Centre Rehoming Team to enquire about this dog on:
0121 643 5211
Please quote the reference number
43368
23
January 2018
MEMORY CAFE and their carers Robert Lloyd Room, Water Orton Church
1.30 - 4.00pm 1st Friday of the month
The Next Café is on Friday 2nd Feb 2018
TIMETABLE MONDAY
10:00am - 1:00pm Housing Benefit forms General Info & Support Energy Deals 10.00am - 12.00pm P3 Floating Support Service Benefits, Debt, Housing, Advice and Guidance
10:00am - 12:00pm Carers Trust Every 1st & 3rd Monday of the month. Advice & Guidance for Carers only.
TUESDAY
10:00am - 1:00pm JOB CLUB
Upstairs in the Town Hall
Tuesday 10:00—1:00 Improve your confidence, brush up your skills and succeed! Get help with your CV and learn how to use Universal Job Match and other Job Sites.
Help with CV’s and Job Seeking
megan@coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01675 463 326
2:00pm - 4:00pm U3A Family History Class Contact for dates
WEDNESDAY
Computer Club
Why not join our Computer Club and improve your IT skills?
10:00am - 1:00pm Finance, Pensions, General Info & Support. SSAFA Consumer
THURSDAY
10:00am - 1:00pm General Computer Use & Signposting
FRIDAY
10.00am - 12.00pm COMPUTER CLUB
Struggling to keep up with computers and the internet?
Lunch served at 12.00 Next Café Friday 23rd Feb
Get Connected Frid ay 10.00—12.00 The Coleshill Hub @The Town Hall
OUTREACH COMMUNITY GROUPS WEDNESDAY
10:30am - 12:30pm ART GROUP Old Market Hall
THURSDAY
10:00am - 12:00pm
Learn about Online Banking, Email, Online Shopping, how to get cheaper energy deals and much more, in a relaxed and sociable environment.
WALKING GROUP Old Market Hall 1st Thurs of Month
Friendly Help and Support
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Call 01675 463 326 or come up to the Hub to talk
FRIDAY
MEMORY CAFÉ 1st Friday Month Water Orton Church, Robert Lloyd Room
Call 01675 463 326 Visit Coleshill Community Hub @ Coleshill Town Hall www.coleshillhub.co.uk
24
January 2018
RECOMMENDATIONS
Local services recommended by local people spreading the word to our community! Walsh Chiropody “After 7 years of heel pain it has gone, your orthotics have changed my life!” Mrs Moore Castle Bromwich
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I would like to thank Hickton’s from the bottom of my heart for the care and attention to detail shown to our family when my father passed away Nov 14th and for the reverence shown to his funeral on Dec 5th. After carrying out the arrangements for my mother last year, almost to the day, I did not expect to be using your services quite so soon but I must say that you and all your staff were sympathetic and caring and very attentive to Dad and to the whole family. Thank you again for a service carried out perfectly and with complete reverence. Bob Horton Son of Keith
Kavanagh's Kitchen & Bathrooms From start to finish excellent service, the bathroom is beautiful. Everything we asked for we got. All the tradesmen were brilliant, tidy and courteous. We will definitely use them again when we have our kitchen done. Edit Zakarias Absolutely over the moon with my new kitchen, can't praise everyone involved enough, Mark had everything organised perfectly and we knew exactly what was happening and when, would totally & completely recommend Kavanaghs to anyone who is looking at getting a new kitchen or bathroom, absolutely fantastic, thank you Mrs Robinson
J P Deakin Plumbing Thank you J P Deakin Plumbing for fitting our new bathroom suite and kitchen sink. Also for fitting new radiators throughout the house. Highly recommended Jodie Kimberley
THE COACH
COMPANY
Thank you for our turkey and tinsell week in Blackpool. we had a great time thank you! Graham and Carol Falcon Lodge Residential Home Thanks chris for all our trips to Ash End Farm with children and also Dudley Zoo. Ruth Little Ripley Nursery Sutton Coldfield
25
January 2018
Coleshill and District Gardening Club Forthcoming Meetings: 19th February 2018 @ 2.00 p.m. David Howell - Snowdrops and Hellebores followed by AGM 19th March 2018 @ 7.30 p.m. Caroline Doolan - Hanging Baskets 16th April 2018 @7.30 p.m. Peter Lockyer - Brief History of a Small Garden All meetings at Coleshill United Church. Visitors welcome
GASCOIGNES Coleshill and Established 1900
OF COLESHILL LTD
District Ladies FUNERAL Probus Club SERVICE Independent Family Funeral Directors
Offering a complete, dignified and caring service to the community for four generations.
Last month we held our Christmas lunch at the Marston Farm Hotel, Sutton Coldfield with an almost full attendance. We are starting 2018 with our normal monthly lunch meeting at the Coleshill Hotel on 30th January when members of a literary bent will be giving short readings from their favourite pieces of Shakespeare.
01675 462294
Although the name Probus is an amalgam of ‘professional’ and ‘business’, membership is not confined to those two groups and anyone who has held a position of some authority or responsibility in her place of work is welcome. Our only requirement is that you are retired or semi-retired.
gascoignesofcoleshill@hotmail.co.uk
Meetings are at the Coleshill Hotel on the last Tuesday of the month from 12 noon and if you are interested in joining us on a trial basis please contact our secretary Pam Moat on (01675) 463075.
24 hour service Private Chapels of Rest 100 High Street, Coleshill B46 3BL
26
January 2018
Sports Centre Usage Slumps In North Warwickshire Councillors in North Warwickshire are calling for more to be done to halt the decline in sports centre usage in the Borough. Labour Councillors on North Warwickshire Borough Council are calling for the Council to do more after Council figures showed over 50,000 fewer visits to the four centres in 2016 than the year before. Labour Group Leader, Cllr Adam Farrell said:
“This decline in usage is worrying. The Council should be aiming to get as many people active as possible and whilst sports centres are not the only way to stay fit, this steep decline should be a concern to everyone. “The Conservative Council don’t have a great record when it comes to our sports centres. They tried to close Arley and now we’re seeing a huge drop in usage. In contrast, the last Labour Council, built a brand-new sports centre in Coleshill. “Keeping fit and staying active is vital, particular for a
population that is living longer. Figures show health outcomes could be better in North Warwickshire and our sports centres could be a way for the Council to help enable local people to become healthier. “In nearby Nuneaton and Bedworth they have a wide range of free activities for certain groups. We don’t have that in North Warwickshire. It’s about time the Council started to look at how we can use the public assets we have to widen the opportunities for local people to get fit.”
27
January 2018
Warning: Late payments can kill enterprise Late settlement of invoices may be a nuisance to big business - but to smaller enterprises it can be a crippling or even fatal. That was the message from a meeting at the European Parliament in Brussels where MEPs were briefed on the problem. Anthea McIntyre, Conservative employment spokesman in the European Parliament, said: “As someone who has run a
She was speaking after hearing a presentation from the
“The real working week is spent finding new customers and
Federation of Small Businesses, which is calling for a culture
delivering goods and services. The admin - including checking
change across bigger companies to cut out supply-chain
who has settled their invoice - has to wait until evenings and
bullying and prioritise prompt payment.
weekends.”
The Federation is proposing a range of measures to address the issue, including a requirement for all FTSE 350 companies to sign up to a Prompt Payment Code and greater powers for the Small Business Commission to challenge culprits.
“The impact of late payment can be absolutely crippling - in terms of both money and time wasted in chasing payment. In the worst cases such cash flow problems can spell the end for a small or fledgling company.
small business for twenty five years, I know only too well that
Miss McIntyre, Conservative MEP for the West Midlands, said:
larger companies can be blind to the problems of small and
“We have to realise that in many small businesses the
“Bigger concerns need to step up and make sure they look
micro businesses, who do not have the cash resources to wait
managing director is also the accounts manager, HR manager,
after their smaller suppliers instead of driving them to despair
for payment or the human resources to chase late payers.”
health and safety officer and credit controller.
by dawdling over payment.”
FREE Foot Health Check Up for FEBRUARY Walsh Chiropody / Podiatry
When it comes to going to the dentist or the optician, most of us recognise the importance of regular check ups. But ask anyone if they go to a chiropodist for a foot check-up and you’re likely to be met by a blank stare. It’s just not a part of our health itinerary, yet our feet are two of the most vital parts of our body and subjected to some of the most wear and tear.
An opportunity to change this is taking place during February, a Podiatry Practice in Castle Bromwich is offering
FREE !!!
Foot check-ups in FEBRUARY!
28
January 2018
CASPER
The Coleshill Art Space Project - Everyone Respects As many will already be aware, the CASPER (Coleshill Art Space Project - Everyone Respects) campaign to raise funds for an art piece, mural or statue in Coleshill, has reached its crowd funding target for the project to go ahead. Residents and businesses have been pledging funds to the Spacehive crowd funding company. Thank you to all those businesses (Cooperative Funeral Services, Greensleeves Lawncare, SGLS Building Services and ST-IT Limited) and individuals that have contributed to this amount and for spreading the word about CASPER and to other organisations that have supported us with kick-starting the project. It is now a good time to say how the CASPER campaign will develop and deliver.
First the background noise ... In raising the pledges, there have been issues mentioned on social media about whether this fund is the best use of the money raised. The biggest funder has been the Warwickshire County Council’s Placemaking Fund, described as “A capital fund for projects which will enhance, improve, and enliven the town centres across Warwickshire”. Warwickshire Placemaking Fund’s own description of the sort of campaigns that it is interested in funding continues as follows: “We are looking for projects which transform shared space, inspire visitors and enhance the experience in order to bring more people into our town centres, increase footfall and support the local economy. This could be anything from creating an art piece, improving the welcome through signage and information, to transforming a disused piece of land from eyesore to eyecatching. We are looking for projects that bring town centres together - businesses, residents, and local organisations. It must have local support and boost the local economy”. That is where the “Everyone Respects” part of the CASP-ER campaign name comes in. The Working Group wants to find something that has strong commitment from Coleshill’s businesses, residents, and local organisations alike. The Town Council has also been a big contributor as it too wants to aid the character and enjoyment of public spaces in Coleshill whilst helping the vitality of the town centre. So, to address some of the social media comments, there are a number of very laudable ideas for improvements which were never going to be within the remit of this “transforming the shared space” objectives. To run through them: • More Parking – a North Warks. Borough Council issue where the Town Council can only lobby. • Loss of the public toilet - a North Warks. Borough Council decision taken that it is hardly likely to reverse. The Borough Council has agreed the peppercorn-rent use of the former toilet site to CASPER. If there is no art piece there, the site would probably just be a vacant, disused space and a constant reminder of the former toilet. • More funding for schools – that is a totally different Warwickshire County Council budget area. This Placemaking one was never going to get allocated to schooling. • Litter control – Warwickshire County Council has responsibility on main highways, North Warks. Borough Council’s Streetscape service in most of the town centre and the Town Council on its own public spaces. All are separately funded and entirely unrelated to the Placemaking Fund objectives of trying to enhance and enliven the town. One thing that was helpfully noted in social media was: the County Council’s Placemaking Fund would be allocated elsewhere in the county if it was not applied for and put to good use in Coleshill. The town either wants a share of the pot or else more is available elsewhere (e.g. Studley has already been granted more than Coleshill). Without detracting from the importance of the issues that have been raised, we are keen to continue with fundraising, so that the statue will be a testament to the best we can achieve as a town and community. In keeping with the spirit of Coleshill, we want our statue to continue as a curiosity and talking point, bringing people in; increasing footfall and taking advantage of our location in terms of tourist interest. These have been key features of the success in attracting funding.
Moving forwards ... We have done it! Time to celebrate the efforts! The final tally is not yet calculated (there are crowd funder fees to come out) but a commissioning fund of around £18,000 has been raised by residents and businesses plus some ‘in kind’ donations to draw on top of that. We should celebrate that fact and start moving the campaign forward. The fund raising campaign used Facebook to generate a great deal of discussion and Twitter to provide vote opportunities on the design ideas. There were 4 clear themes emerging of Tea / John Sumner (creator of Typhoo Tea), Three Rivers (Blythe, Cole and Tame nearby), Stagecoach /Highwayman (including the Jack O’Watton story) and the Circus /Elephant (as with the one that died in 1910). The Coleshill C of E School’s children drew their preferred designs in November /December and the Elephant was a clear favourite with Year 3! On the other hand, the initial consultations and Twitter straw polls among the adults of Coleshill have shown a leaning of public opinion towards the exciting theme of Highwayman and Stagecoach, well above the other ideas.
However, this is not decided. We are continuing to gather your ideas through other means, such as a competition at the Coleshill Academy School, sponsored with a £50 cash prize by the Mayor of Coleshill, Cllr. Tony Battle. This is to make sure that everyone has a chance to share their views and ideas towards a lasting monument to our great and resilient town. Nothing can be classed as definite on the design as we have yet to see and judge all the school children designs, yet to speak to local artists about what they say is practical and possible, yet to agree materials and so on. Also, some people have suggested combining more than one of the themes discussed, which is an option that might still happen. The Working Group has also been looking at the idea of a theme running throughout the town. For instance, there might be one main significant feature but also a number of other art pieces dotted around on different sites, possibly even temporary or mobile? Think of the Birmingham fibreglass bears around the city? There are further opportunities for you to express ideas of what we can achieve, as a whole community, and to display the pride we have in our town and its history. “Everyone Respects!” is still the mantra.
Bigger, Better, Brighter! The fund we have raised to this point could most certainly provide a statue, mural or art piece of some nature. At this point in time, the money raised is enough to commission a piece of a certain size, of certain types of materials and with certain artists helping out. However, we are only at the start of what could be provided, which is where “Bigger, Better, Brighter” comes in. Think how the project could now be improved upon! Looking at each of these factors in turn:
Bigger We obviously want the finished main piece to be noticed! There are a number of people who flock to see the Greyfriars Bobby at Edinburgh or, even further afield, the Little Mermaid at Copenhagen or the Manneken Pis at Brussels, only to e disappointed at how small they are! Some pieces, like the Birmingham Bull are big enough for people to be pictured standing by or even on the piece. The budget will cover whatever it will at the time the item is duly commissioned. “Bigger” means that, ideally, what Coleshill finishes up with will be significant enough to be noticed and tactile enough to encourage some form of interaction with residents, young and possibly old.
Better The materials are going to be far costlier than the artist’s time! The main piece might be anything from plastic, fibreglass, wood, steel through to brass. What the main feature sits upon could be concrete, stone or marble. All of these materials have rising costs but also rising resistance to defacing, fire and graffiti. Again, the budget will cover whatever we have raised. The materials will be there for a long time. “Better” is all about having them undamaged and untarnished for a long, long time.
Brighter There are some artists who have shown interest in this project already. Given that there might be a running theme approach in the town, there might even be artists plural. Some artists specialise in wood and others in metal. “Brighter” means being able to commission the right people to do the right design work to deliver what is decided. We also expect the artists themselves will come with bright ideas. Dan Green is a Coleshill wood sculptor and has ideas for benches with ornate designs etched into the legs and back. Tea, elephants or rivers, possibly? There is another dimension to “Brighter” and that is the ideas stage we are at now. As described above, “Everyone Respects” means that everyone should feel free to suggest bright ideas or bright improvements on current ideas and make the finished article as bright and interesting and thought-out as possible. Let’s really showcase our heritage and character as a historic Market and Coaching Town. Coleshill has many places in history: a Doomsday Book reference, and market charter granted by King John as well as having been a coaching town with highwayman folklore! It seems that Coleshill has always been an incredible and popular place to live with a vibrant community. CASPER can give residents something to be proud of and visitors something to remember it by. We are still in appeal mode. We can use further grants and donations to help with the “Bigger, Better, Brighter” objective. These can be forwarded to the Town Hall offices now, as that way, they can go straight onto the project budget. There are no crowd funding fees and no need to register bank details, now. Secondly, we need ideas and offers to get involved in design, commissioning and construction. The Town Council is meeting to agree how the delivery of this project can best be managed but this is not a closed shop. We are now open to offers of help and advice from any local artists, sculptors or historians who would like to contribute to the project team as it potentially becomes more of a “Delivery Group”. Please continue to support the project and keep on giving so that we can be the best we can be as a place on the map to visit, stay and frequent local businesses. We will hopefully be organising a public launch event. This will now be later than the originally proposed date (of late January) but we will keep everyone informed of our progress. For further information, you can contact: megan@coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk Tel: 01675 463 326 or contact us through our social media pages. Keep talking about CASPER and spreading the news!
29
January 2018
Highwayman and Stagecoach designs ideas that people have come up with already (but more are welcome!
A mask, hat and cloak that children could walk behind for their picture taken as a highwayman.
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A highwayman tea cup that children could actually sit in.
A stagecoach wheel that is actually a clock-face, with the 12 spokes for each of the hours.
IF YOU BRING THIS ADVERT IN TO THE SHOP (not to be used in conjunction with installations)
VISIT OUR LARGE KITCHEN & BATHROOM SHOWROOM ESTABLISHED SINCE 1989
HAPPY WITH THE SERVICE FROM ONE OF OUR ADVERTISER shout about them in our residents recommendation section. Contact: editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk
A horse sculpture, actually made out of horseshoes.
30
January 2018
RESIDENTS
✭✭✭✭✭✭
WE NEED
YOU!
Give us your voice send stories, thoughts and pictures of your local area. Share your experiences with us and help us cover whats important too you. Contact: editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk or serena.smith@thecoleshillpost.co.uk
31
January 2018
Closure of Shard End Opticians But Ellis Opticians established over 30 years is there to help By Shabbir Kaderbhai Ellis Opticians As you may be aware, the opticians in the Shard End precinct (Ownall Rd) have closed down. Whilst we have no relationship with that opticians and we don’t know the management there, the NHS have confirmed to us that they have indeed closed down permanently. We have had a number of understandably upset patient’s who have come to our practice (Ellis Opticians, Bradford Rd/ Timberley Lane). Some have expressed their concern that they
had an NHS eye exam at the opticians and ordered their glasses only to find on returning that it was no longer operating. We have been in contact with NHS England and discussed the situation with them. They have authorised us to provide NHS eye examinations at no charge to the patients who have been placed in this unfortunate situation. If you have any queries or would like to discuss in further detail, please feel free to call us on 0121 747 2115. Ellis Opticians, 350 Bradford Rd, Castle Bromwich, B36 9AD (located on the corner of Timberley Lane, next to Boots the Chemist)
Understanding Glaucoma The less common type is called ‘acute angle glaucoma’. This
Treatment
arises when the upsurge in intraocular pressure is sudden and
Treatment is also available to control open angle glaucoma,
forcible. The agony is often so severe, it may cause you to vomit,
which works by reducing intraocular pressure and preventing
as the prevailing symptom of this is an extremely painful eye
any further damage on the optic nerve.
along with, of course, reduced vision.
Laser treatment can be used to amend the filtration system
The term Glaucoma is used to describe a set of eye
Statistics show that in England and Wales, a staggering half a
inside the eye, this surgery usually does not even entail an
conditions, which frequently lead to the fluid pressure
million people suffer from this condition, with those being over
overnight stay in hospital. Therapeutic eye drops are also key
within the eyes increasing. This in turn, affects the optic
40 years of age falling in to the high-risk group being affected
in most cases when treating, as these help thin and lower the
nerve and disturbs your peripheral vision. In some
by Glaucoma.
production of aqueous fluids within the eye, enabling them to
cases, if not treated, this disease can even lead to the
Diagnosis of Chronic Glaucoma
flow with less difficulty. A single eye drop can be used to treat or
complete loss of vision.
Early diagnosis of Glaucoma is vital, so it is extremely helpful
a combination of several, prescriptions altered to suit the needs
The main type of this condition that is most common is
that screening for this condition can be conducted by your local
of each individual patient. Low doses of these eye drops usually
called ‘open angle glaucoma’, also often referred to as ‘chronic
optician during your standard, routine eye examination. The
need to be taken even after laser treatment/surgery.
glaucoma’. This occurs when the level of intraocular pressure inside the eye increases slowly and gradually, due to a blockage in the drainage of fluids between two major areas: the front of
methods carried out to check for this disease are pain free and take only minutes to undergo.
For further information on glaucoma, call Ellis Opticians on 0121 747 2115.
the iris and the back of the cornea. This can happen in one eye,
Specialist medical equipment is used in the procedures.
Ellis Opticians is your local independent Opticians at 350
but, most commonly, Glaucoma affects both eyes, usually in
A tonometer is used to measure intaocular pressure and an
Bradford Rd, Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. B36 9AD Tel.
differing degrees.
ophthalmoscope is used to examine the optic nerve head.
0121 747 2115.
32
January 2018
People in Warwickshire fear effect of hearing loss on their career Fear of a potential negative effect on their career is preventing people with hearing loss from disclosing their condition to their employers. More than half of people living with deafness and hearing loss feel they can’t be open about it in the workplace, according to a new survey by charity Action on Hearing Loss. The new research has been conducted as part of the charity’s Working for Change campaign, which wants to change attitudes to deafness and hearing loss in the workplace. A third of those who felt they could not be open about their hearing loss said it was due to the fear that they would be treated unfairly at work. A further 61% felt that that others would assume they weren’t competent and 42% saw no point because their workplace wouldn’t be able to help them. In addition, 84% of respondents have felt stressed and over two-thirds have experienced isolation in the workplace. Paul Breckell, Chief Executive at Action on Hearing Loss, said: “This new research shows that despite there being 11 million – that’s one in six - people in the UK living with some form of deafness and hearing loss, many of these in employment are struggling unnecessarily. It’s shocking that in 2017, and despite a lot of work by governments and employers to encourage more inclusivity and accessibility, people with deafness and hearing loss feel they can’t be open about it. “It seems much of the awareness raising has neglected to include invisible disabilities like deafness and hearing loss. The levels of stress and the isolation experienced by people with hearing loss at the workplace are shocking. The numbers are certainly not helped by working cultures where people are worried about talking openly about their condition and the support they might need. “The prevalence of hearing loss is only going to increase, with 103,500 already living in Warwickshire, so it’s therefore essential that employers take note of these findings and create a working environment where people feel both able and welcome to disclose disabilities and sensory impairments.” Diane Lightfoot, Chief Executive Officer at Business Disability Forum, said: “These findings once again show how important it is for workplaces to make themselves welcoming to everyone, and foster an environment where all employees feel able to progress. There is a very real business prerogative to this, with disability-smart workplaces shown by our own research to have lower rates of employee turnover. Having a more stable and supported workforce could deliver savings running into the billions across different sectors. “As Action on Hearing Loss’s research suggests, a key first step to take is to dispel any sense of stigma or taboo around disabilities and long-term health conditions, and many of the organisations in the Business Disability Forum community have done this to great effect. Networks where employees with specific conditions can come together to talk and share experiences have brought about real cultural change, including at large multinational companies, with senior champions being open about their conditions and clear that the organisation views disability in a positive light.” The charity has produced guidance for employers on how to make their workplaces more accessible for people with deafness and hearing loss – from simple deaf awareness tips for staff to providing more detailed information on how the Government’s Access to Work scheme can help enable employees. Paul continued: “There are a number of things employers can do to support staff with hearing loss and deafness. From basic deaf awareness training for staff and management, the fundamentals of which are common courtesy and being considerate, to taking advantage of Access to Work to cover the cost of amplified phones, there needn’t be barriers for anyone.” To find out more about the Working for Change campaign, visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/workingforchange.
About Us Established in the Black Country in 1909, the Hickton family have been serving the community for generations. The business currently in its 3rd and 4th generation of ownership, identified the need for a new modern independent funeral director to serve the Birmingham and Solihull areas. The funeral home opened in 2013, we undertook a re development and decoration of the building to a very modern and tasteful design. Many of the long established funeral homes in the local area have been sold to much larger corporations over the past 15 years and have no family members left involved in the business. Stephanie Mason is owned by The CO-OP, and W.H. Painter owned by Funeral Partners. These are both large nationwide companies. We are the only family owned funeral director in the area now. With our family ownership we feel in a position to give a much more caring service when called upon compared to large corporate companies. The Hickton family are able to draw on their 108 years of experience within the funeral profession and provide a very caring and dedicated service at time of need before or after a death has sadly happened.
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January 2018
Historic letter written by Winston Churchill! Megan’s family has an important and historic heirloom in their family. Megan brought into school a very precious letter that was written to her Great-GreatGrandmother in November 1953 by none other than Winston Churchill. Megan’s Grandmother shared her birthday with the former Prime Minster, which is commemorated by the letter. Churchill was voted the Greatest Briton of all time in 2000 for his wisdom, wit and leadership. We remember him by his words, such as “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue counts.” For Megan and her family, they have something more personal and priceless to connect them to the great man himself.v
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January 2018
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35
January 2018
Dai Young signs contract extension with Wasps Wasps are delighted to announce that director of rugby Dai Young has signed a long-term extension to his contract.
Young joined the club ahead of the 2011/12 season, and has since overseen a period of tremendous progress both on and off the field. This included managing the playing squad and backroom team’s transition from Acton and Adams Park to Coventry’s Ricoh Arena, where Wasps are now firmly established as part of the Warwickshire rugby landscape. Concurrently, the black-and-golds have climbed the Aviva Premiership table, progressing year-on-year from eleventh to the top-place finish and eventual runners-up spot achieved last May. In addition, Wasps have qualified for the European Champions Cup quarter-finals in each of the last three seasons.
At the heart of this progress is the outstanding group of English talent – including the likes of club captain Joe Launchbury and British & Irish Lion Elliot Daly. This group has blossomed under Young’s leadership alongside international stars like George Smith, Kurtley Beale and Willie Le Roux, who the rugby director attracted to the club. Chief Executive Nick Eastwood said: “This is a massively important announcement regarding the longterm future of the club. Dai is one of world rugby’s most respected figures and I am delighted that he will be staying with us. “Dai is at the centre of everything that is happening at Wasps, he is integral to Wasps’ current performance level and future development. You never get anything less than 100 per cent commitment and honesty from him, and he holds
a tremendous amount of respect among the players, back-room staff and fans. “We have improved each season since he took over. He has been an absolute rock for us, and with the club now in a strong position, I believe we will see the squad he has built continue to flourish in the coming years.” Dai Young commented: “I have really enjoyed my time at Wasps and am excited to be staying at the club. I have huge belief in this squad. A number of players have shown tremendous loyalty to me and to the club and I am pleased to return the faith they have shown in us. “The challenges we faced when I took over six years ago have been well documented, and it is thanks to the commitment shown by staff, players as well as the vision and support from Derek Richardson, that
we have made such a success of our move to the Ricoh. “After our move to Coventry, it feels like we have started again and taken on a fresh, really exciting challenge. The next step for us is to be consistently involved at the top end of the Premiership table and in the European Champions Cup knock-out stages. “I am grateful to the many Wasps’ supporters who followed us and to the local community who welcomed us so well. We have now put down roots in Coventry and Warwickshire and we are ready to start the new era. “My focus now will be on keeping things fresh to ensure we keep moving the club forwards. I am confident of achieving that with the staff we have in place and the new additions coming in next season and am looking forward to the challenge.”
Young has been connected in the media with the Wales national coach role, which becomes vacant following the 2019 World Cup. He added: “As a proud Welshman, I am obviously humbled by being talked about as a possible future national coach. However, here at Wasps, we have made really good progress over the past few years and there is still so much to come. “I am excited by the potential this squad has and I want to be here to help them fulfil it. We were only seconds away from lifting the trophy last season and I want to play my part in going that final step and taking this squad as far as I know it can. Our fans and everyone at the club deserve success and I want to be here to help us achieve it.”
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January 2018
Boxing Show Yafai And Mcdonnell Clash On Brook Bill Super-Bantamweights meet in Sheffield on March 3 Gamal Yafai will defend his WBC International
Super-Bantamweight
title in a must-win clash at the FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield on March 3, live on Sky Sports. The duo are gunning for major honours in 2018 and their Steel City showdown takes the winner straight to the top table in the 122lbs division. Unbeaten Yafai made his first move in the World rankings in May when he claimed the title he defends, stopping Sean Davis on his Birmingham home patch. ‘The Beast’ will taste six-round action in January before heading to Sheffield, and believes he’s ready to roll the dice and mix it with McDonnell to prove his credentials for major honours. “The path is laid out now,” said Yafai. “I’ve been waiting for something like this to get stuck into. I got the win at York Hall recently but fighting in January and then straight into the McDonnell fight gives me some momentum. It’s been a bit stop and start for me, but it’s a New Year and I can’t wait for it. “I know I’m good enough for the big nights and this is certainly a big fight. I believe I’m good enough to beat the likes of Gavin. It’s experience against youth, but I bring something different to the table than what he’s seen. “Gavin is a good fighter. He’s fringe World Level, he just fell short against Vargas. I’d like to think I’m slightly above prospect level now so, if I get the win it catapults me up a level or two. He’s still got a good World ranking which I can take – this is possibly his last shot to get back up to World level. “We were looking at the British title but this opportunity has cropped up. It’s something we couldn’t turn down. We’re not going into this fight to just get a bit of money or whatever, I’m very confident. If you think you can win, why not take it? It doesn’t matter where you are in your career.
“I remember watching Gavin coming through, I made my pro debut on a Leeds card in which he was fighting higher up the card. I think I’m good enough to beat him. “He’s a nice guy, we’ve sparred and I get on with his brother but at the end of the day boxing is a business. We’ll go in there, have the fight and then shake hands after. “It’s going to be a good fight. He’s tough and will come forward non-stop and I’ll be there ready to mix it with him. This is what we’re in boxing for, to get the fans excited and to progress and step up in class.” McDonnell faced Rey Vargas for the WBC World title in Hull in February, losing out to the classy Mexican via majority decision, but the Doncaster man took plenty from his first performance at World level – and is determined to get another crack at a big belt next year. “I’ve learnt so much in and out of the ring in the past year,” said McDonnell. “I feel like I’m a much better fighter now and the loss has bought me along – It’s given me a taste of the big time and I want more. “These domestic dust-ups are the type of fights which gets the bit between your teeth. It’s a massive fight compared to my last fight which has got my juices flowing. These are the fights that I want. All going well, I’ll get the win and look to maybe have a World Title eliminator before getting into contention at the back of the summer – I want another World title shot in 2018. “Gamal’s a good fighter – I have respect for him and his Brothers but I genuinely believe I’m going to do a number on him but he’ll think the same. I’m going to make the most of these big fights now because by the time it comes around it’ll have been a year since my last real big one. He’s got a lot more to gain than me, it’ll be a competitive fight. We sparred over a year ago, they were good spars – I’m not going into it but if that’s anything to go by it’ll make for a fan friendly fight. “I said to the team, whoever gets me next has got me at the wrong time. I am not losing again, I can’t lose again. I’m still feeling young and fresh to the game but now I have the experience and drive.
“That World title defeat, I couldn’t have done much more. I had a great camp, I got beat by the better man and there’s no shame in losing to Vargas, he’s gone on to show how good he is. If I can get a big win here, it sets me up for a massive year. I know how this boxing game works, it will snowball. “I put a tweet out the other day about fighting Gamal and the reaction was great. I’m not one for putting it out there but I wanted to get this fight nailed down before Christmas. I didn’t want to be going into this period with just a talk of a fight, although I’m disciplined I might have just slipped slightly. Now it’s done I’m going to be on it, I’m focused already and I hope Dave Coldwell is going to throw me into sparring straight away – I’ve raring to go.”
McDonnell and Yafai clash on the undercard of Sheffield hero Kell Brook’s debut at SuperWelterweight, where he faces former European champion and WBC number seven Sergey Rabchenko. Tickets for Brook’s clash with Rabchenko are on sale now priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £150 from the FlyDSA Arena at www.flydsaarena.co.uk and on 0114 2565656. VIP tickets priced at £250 are exclusively available from www.matchroomboxing.com Face value tickets for March 3 are available from www.stubhub.co.uk/matchroom-boxingtickets/. StubHub is the official ticket partner and marketplace of Matchroom Boxing and Anthony Joshua.
Wasps sign Lima Sopoaga Wasps are pleased to confirm that fly half Lima Sopoaga will be joining them for the 2018/19 season following his Super Rugby commitments with the Highlanders. The 26-year-old has 16 caps and has scored 55 test points since making his All Blacks debut against South Africa in July 2015. In the same year, Sopoaga helped guide the Highlanders to their first Super Rugby title, and has made 74 appearances for the Dunedin-based franchise since his 2011 debut. The exciting No.10 claimed the Highlanders’ seasonal points-scoring record in 2015 when he amassed 191, and is also second-ranked in the franchise’s history for most career points with 701. Sopoaga also represents Southland in New Zealand’s Provincial Rugby Championship. He joined them from Wellington in 2014 after scoring all his native province’s points in their 2013 final defeat by Canterbury. Sopoaga was part of New Zealand’s U20 side that retained the junior IRB World Championship title in 2011, where he appeared alongside back-rower Brad Shields, with whom he will be reunited at Wasps next season.
Wasps director of rugby Dai Young said: “When a world-class fly half became available we jumped at the chance, as that doesn’t happen very often. “Lima’s track record with the All Blacks, Highlanders and Southland speaks for itself, and we believe he will be an extremely good fit both in our side and within the club. “A big part of my job is to continually find ways to move things forward, both by developing our current players and when the opportunity arises adding to the squad, and I am confident this signing does this.”
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January 2018
Full steam ahead as Old Salts combined 14s
Full steam ahead as old salts combined 14s/15s enjoy a perfect start to their 2017-2018 season with 6 of the best and add the icing to the cake with an tournament victory !!! Old Salts combined 14s/15s have ensured that the hard work their players put in through the summer months is reaping the rewards. 6 wins out of 6 is that reward for their efforts. The lads can take an enormous amount of pride from the victories so far achieved. They have laid down a solid platform for the rest of their season. The team who include 9 Players in their starting line up from Coleshill Academy continue to grow in confidence. The team began their season with victory against Longton RFC by 29 points to 5. The victory was a sound all round performance and went some way to avenging a defeat suffered at the hands of Longton on the last match day of their 2016-17 season. This victory was followed up by a gritty performance against Coalville RFC. The team had to dig deep to overcome Coalville who had taken the lead early on in the first half and tested Salts who eventually came through stronger in the second half to take a “well deserved “ victory. The team then added two further victories against Warley 62-17 and Trinity Guild where the team notched up a half century of points without reply from their opponents. These 4 victories were followed up by return victories against Longton and Warley. The Longton game whilst not pretty was a hard fought victory. They were behind at the break and for most of the first half. However the team dug deep and with grit and determination they managed to turn the match around in the second half to sprint away and eventually end up 38-19 victors. The results so far are encouraging and it is nice to see that the team are steadily maturing, and that they are understanding and appreciating the real values of rugby. They have remained disciplined and respectful to their opponents and ensured that they have adopted a sporting ideology. Above all they have adapted a real team mentality which is evident from the number of different try scorers. A total of 14 different try scorers have been on the score sheet in the 6 games which is testament of total TEAMWORK. The coaches however are quick to point out that the tries cannot be scored without a pass from another player and games are not won on tries alone. There are players that work tirelessly in
defence ensuring tackles are made and rucks are contested to retain and regain possession. Each team member has played an important part in the victories to date. The team part in an 8 team tournament at Alcester RFC 1 week before Christmas. They were crowned joint winners achieving victories over Redditch RFC and Birmingham Exiles too. They were unlucky not to secure a 3rd straight victory against their hosts who managed to score a try to earn a draw in the closing stages of an enthralling final game.
Good luck with the washing. Well Done lads!!!! Conditions were appalling thanks to an early frost followed by heavy rain. Nevertheless a good day was enjoyed by one and all and Salts remain unbeaten going into 2018. If you are interested in playing for the team and are in current school years 9 and 10 please come along to the club on a Wednesday for a training session that starts at 6.30pm. Enjoyment is never far away!!! Roll on 2018…….
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January 2018
keeper Paul Hathaway being mobbed after his penalty shoot-out heroics.
Coleshill in search of F.A. Vase success again Coleshill Town Football Club›s love of the Buildbase F.A.Vase has seen them reach the 5th round for the second year running and now they are hoping to go one better than last year when they were only stopped at the Semi Final stage by eventual winners South Shields. The Colemen have been playing in the Vase, a National Competition with the Final at Wembley Stadium, since 1975 but it is only in the last few years that they have reached the later stages. in 2013 they reached the last 32 only to be beaten by Dunston (Gateshead) after extra time. Two years later it was Deja
vu, same round, same team, same result. Last season Town went all the way to the Semi Final where they met clear favourites South Shields over two legs. The first game was at Pack Meadow where an amazing crowd of 1755 saw this small town team almost stun the non-league giants only to be beaten 2-1 with virtually the last kick of the game. Unfortunately the return leg was a bridge too far and after a brave effort Coleshill lost 4-0. This season has already been a roller-coaster! Because of their recent success Coleshill were given bye›s for the first three rounds and joined the competition in November at the Second Round Proper stage. At home to Blaby & Whetstone Athletic,
a team from one level below, this should have been a routine win but Coleshill don›t do routine. With the score at 1-1, still in the first half, Coleshill were reduced to ten men. To scrape through to the next round from that position would be any normal teams aim but Coleshill threw caution to the wind and blew away the opposition in the second half winning 8-1 with striker Jordan Nadat scoring SIX. Next up it was Highgate United, Coleshill›s Nemesis! Town have played Gate more than any other team. This would be their 85th meeting, the first being way back in 1975, and in all that time Coleshill had never beaten Highgate in a Cup competition. A gruelling encounter ensued and with seconds to go, and extra time looming, up popped Dean
Rathbone to score the winner. In the 4th round Coleshill were drawn away to Newcastle Benfield. It is a well known fact in non-league circles that the Northern League is the toughest league in the country at this level. Nine of the last ten winners of the FA Vase have come from the Northern League. The game was in doubt until the last minute due to the weather and the pitch was heavy and strength sapping. In a very close contest Coleshill took the lead on 80 minutes through a Joel Grandison header
but
Benfield
equalised
minutes later. Extra time couldn›t separate the sides so a replay at Pack Meadow was needed. This game
was just as bruising with two very evenly matched sides going toe to toe. This time Benfield took the lead but Coleshill equalised with the last action of the 90 minutes. Again extra time couldn›t produce a result and so to penalties. Town keeper Paul Hathaway became the hero as he scored one and saved two spot kicks and Coleshill were through to the 5th round. Coleshill have been drawn at home to Bracknell Town in the last 16 on Saturday 3rd February in what promises to be another mammoth but exciting task. You need to get along Packington Lane and watch your local team as they pursue their Wembley dream.
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January 2018
Park Hall Academy hosted SSE Women’s FA Cup draw
Pupils at Park Hall academy enjoyed an assembly with a special twist on Monday 5th December as they helped play a starring role in the third round of the SSE Women’s FA Cup. The school hosted the draw with Birmingham City Ladies stars Ellen White and Hayley Ladd on hand to help. Two students got the unique honour of drawing the balls from the iconic red velvet bag, with the fate of 24 teams decided ahead of the next round of fixtures on January 7. White and Ladd also took questions from a packed student audience, posed for photographs and coached a training session with Year 7 and 8 girls football teams, with other lucky students also taking part. Football-mad Year 12 students Felicity Barnes and Millie Hall, both of whom coach junior girls’ teams at Park Hall, were chosen to draw the numbered balls and they acknowledged playing a part in the draw was an experience which would stay with them forever. Shard End’s Millie, 16, said: “It was a really exciting opportunity and we’ve really enjoyed it. It was quite nerve-racking, there was a bit of pressure but I loved it. “It’s really inspiring to have met two ladies who play professionally that we can look up to. The whole experience was such a highlight, it’s something I’ll never forget and something I can always look back on. “I look up to Hayley and Ellen a lot because women’s football is quite hard to get into and challenging to be at the top as a professional, it’s really inspiring to have met people who have done that.” With the help of education charity Teach First, staff at Park Hall worked with the FA to stage the draw in the school’s assembly hall before White and Ladd pitted their wits against some of the school’s talented young female players. “We’re still buzzing,” said senior deputy head Toby Close. “It’s an absolute honour and wonderful to see the students’ excitement on their faces. There was such an outburst of enthusiasm. We’re massive football fans in this part of Birmingham and sport is huge here at Park Hall Academy. It’s nice to have been able to work with Teach First in order to bring the draw here too. The day’s been brilliant, what an amazing opportunity. Even if just a handful of students pick up a ball and start kicking it about, if they haven’t before then that will be a huge leap forward.”
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January 2018
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