Your Local Community Newspaper: The only source for local news & community information Issue 53 April/May Edition 2018 Published in Coleshill, North Warks
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2 April/May 2018
Cllr Adam Farrell Town & Borough Councillor Coleshill North
April news As another Council year ends, here’s an update on what the Town Council’s Community and Environment Committee has been up to this year. At the Annual Town Meeting on Wenesday 18th April, the The Community Centre play area has been resurfaced and a new In 2018-2019, the committee will change it’s focus and will Council and local voluntary groups gave reports to the swing is to be installed in the coming weeks, proivding the first become the Community and Partnership Committee with a focus town on what’s been happening over the last 12 months accesible piece of equipment at that park. This will help tackle the on crime prevention, events and activties, town centre regeneration and what is in the pipeline for the year ahead. persistent vandalisim at the park and will pay for it’s self in just a and building new partnerships to improve public services within As Chairman of the Council’s Community and Enviornment Committee, here’s a brief outine of what we’ve achieved together. The Town Council has continued to invest in the public land it owns, with large investments in both the Memorial Park and the Community Centre Play Area. The Memorial Park Improvement Project was completed with a new pathway on the south side of the park along with a newly resurfaced car park, incuding a newly marked cycle area. The Council began a new partnership with Elite Sports to provide a sports themed youth club on a weekly basis along with regular summer events and family days. The Council has secured both external finance and invested some of it’s own funds in a new, much improved youth sports programme for summer 2018. The Council also became a member of the Lawn Tennis Association, recognising it’s investment in two new tennis courts at the Memorial Park. The courts can now be booked, free of charge, through the LTA app or through the office during opening hours. The new courts opened with a family tennis tournament run in partnership with Elite Sport.
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couple of years.
the town.
As well as improving our parks, the Council has also continued to invest in other areas of the town to make Coleshill an even better place to live, with new living sculptures at three locations in the town and new benches and bins along Station Road. The Council also agreed to financially support Coleshill in Bloom, providing staff resource to water the planters during the summer months.
The plans for the year ahead are, as they have been for the last few years, ambitious for a Council of our size but as each year passes, the Council gets better at what it does. No longer is it a ‘small parish council’ who deal with a room hires, grass cutting and burials. The Council is now an outward looking, progressive and forward
thinking organisation, seeking to bring new services to the town and The Council, ran it’s annual allotment competition for a third year, futureproof our town for the future. improving our communication with allotment holders and ensuring As I enter my last year as a Coleshill Town and Borough Councillor, they can share concerns and issues with the Council. I want to thank you for your continued support and I also want to give The Community and Environment Committee also worked hard to improve relations with other community members and organisations a special mention to the Town Council staff who are an unbelievable during the year. The committee met with the Police and has put in force for good within the town and without them, we would not have place plans to invest funds in new CCTV cameras for the town in made so much progress over the last few years. As always, if you have any local issues or concerns, potential partnership with the Borough Council. The Council has also spent signficnat energy on purchasing new please do not hesitate to contact me on 07539 196 114 or adamfarell@northwarks.gov.uk land for an extension to the town’s cemetery.
Excellence in the Community Awards An awards ceremony to honour members of the public from across the West Midlands who have gone beyond the call of duty to help save lives and support the work of West Midlands Ambulance Service’s 5,000 staff has taken place.
“Every single volunteer plays a key role in making West Midlands Ambulance Service the success that it is and I am immensely proud of all of you for the effort you put in.
this evening about things you have achieved to help people in their hour of need. I just want to say thank you very much indeed for what you do, you are all
wonderful people.” “There is an absolute determination within the WMAS Chairman, Sir Graham Meldrum, added: Trust to improve further, and our volunteers will play “This is a very special event that allows us to The event, sponsored by Zoll, Growers United, an essential role in making sure that can happen.” recognise some very special people. Cardiac Science and WEL Medical, took place at the High Sheriff of the West Midlands, John Hudson Copthorne Hotel in Brierley Hill last Thursday (March “The time that people give in volunteering can 15th), recognising the efforts of Community First OBE, who helped present some of the awards on the never be underestimated, even more so as we live in Responders, St John Ambulance, other emergency evening, said: “It is a great honour to be here this a society now, where people just don’t have free time. services and other voluntary organisations, evening and it has inspired me to want to learn first “Here with us tonight, we have a group of people businesses and individuals. aid, at the very least! Addressing the audience, West Midlands “There is so much expertise in the room tonight, who are prepared to give up their free time, and give Ambulance Service Chief Executive Anthony Marsh so many acts of kindness and bravery and it is very it to the people in the communities in which we serve. said: “Our volunteers do a great job, saving saving “We can never repay you for that, but I would just like humbling. lives across the West Midlands every single day, to thank you all for what you do on a daily basis, year “You are doing the things that really count in and I want to say a big thank you to all of you for society and we’ve heard many heartwarming stories after year, your efforts are truly appreciated. your efforts.
3 April/May 2018
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4 April/May 2018
Cllr Dave Reilly North Warwickshire Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council
April Update • North Warwickshire Local Development Plan Examination. • Warwickshire Switch and Save Scheme. ‘• Time Out’ - Launching a new local support service. • Your 2018/19 Council Tax Bill. North Warwickshire Local Development Plan Examination. Warwickshire Switch and Save is open to all residents who are Julie & Tracey work as a team of two, so clients will have a consistent Warwickshire Switch and Save Scheme. ‘Time Out’ - energy consumers and bill payers. The scheme is all about mass fuel support worker. They will always meet clients before any services are Launching a new local support service. Your 2018/19 Council switching through an auction process to try to get the best electricity booked, just to ensure that everyone is happy for Julie and Tracey to support them. Tax Bill. Dave Reilly. Councillor - North Warwickshire and gas deals for residents. Switching utility supplier is daunting but Warwickshire County For more information please visit the website www.timeoutliving. Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council. Council offers help through partners to register and leave it to the Four items to update you on this month. As ever if there is anything resident to consider if they want to switch. By switching, you could that you would like to know or raise then please contact me. get cheaper tariffs and spend less on gas and electric. Switching is easy! Registration is open until 2nd July 2018. To sign North Warwickshire Local Development Plan up for free and get a comparison - no obligation quote from 4th June Examination: 2018 visit https://warwickshire.gov.uk/switchandsave or call Act on Thank you to everyone who took park in the consultation processes Energy: 0800 988 2881. during the drafting of North Warwickshire’s Local Development Plan. The Local Development Plan sets out the Council’s planning ‘Time Out’ - Launching a new local support service: framework for future development in the Borough until 2033. It I have previously written about those in our community who may includes policies and proposals to deliver North Warwickshire’s have become isolated or are unable to carry out day to day tasks house building and employment needs and addresses a range of key due to health and mobility problems. I am pleased to announce the issues facing the Borough. launch of a new local service for vulnerable adults to help and support The Local Plan was formally submitted to the Secretary of State those who are struggling to access shops and medical services called on 27th March 2018 for independent examination. Inspector ‘Time Out’. Tom Bristow, BA MSc MRTPI, has been appointed to conduct the Time Out has been set up by Julie & Tracey, two North Warwickshire examination to determine whether the Local Plan is sound and fit for residents, who both work in community based jobs with the council. adoption by the council as Planning policy. Their experience has shown that there are people in our community The Submission documents can still be viewed either at the Council who aren’t accessing the excellent services being provided by our local House in Atherstone or on the Borough Council’s website at: www. churches and support networks but are experiencing difficulties, northwarks.gov.uk. These include: so Julie and Tracey have decided to do something outside work about this. • North Warwickshire Local Plan including policies and maps. • Sustainability Appraisal and Strategic Environmental assessment. The Time Out service is open to those over 18 years of age. At • Copies of representations made as part of the consultation present, there is no referral criteria other than the need for support. The services on offer include: processes, and, • Befriending and providing a helping hand at home to help clients • Supporting documents and evidence. maintain independence. Warwickshire Switch and Save Scheme: • Shopping - Taking customers shopping or collecting and delivering shopping to their homes. If like me you’re never sure whether you are paying too much for your gas and eclectic bills the there is some good news with the • Accompanying those needing help appointments – This will announcement of the Warwickshire Switch and Save Scheme. include help with transport to medical appointments. Warwickshire residents can now register their interest to switch • Sitting Services - Providing a break for carers who may be juggling electricity and/or gas supplier with Warwickshire County Council in their own family, jobs and other commitments to help their partnership with iChoosr. loved ones.
co.uk or call Julie and Tracey on 07428 730 950. There is a small charge for this service of £15 per hour. To help with the launch of this scheme across Coleshill, Water Orton, Curdworth and the surrounding villages, together with my local county council colleagues we have provided Julie and Tracey with a small sum of money from our councillors’ grants. This initial contribution will enable new customers to have 1 hour of services for free and a 2nd hour for half the price (£7.50). If there is a take up of the service we will look to allocate more funding as the year progresses.
2018/19 Council Tax Bills: You will by now have received your council tax bill and may have uttered a few well-chosen words under your breath! The average Council Tax bill is always based on a Band D property and for the year 2018/19 North Warwickshire residents will pay: £207.30 to North Warwickshire Borough Council; £1,363.68 to Warwickshire County Council; and £203.98 will be paid the Police and Crime Commissioner for Warwickshire. Each of our parish councils have also set their own annual Band D precept payments equivalent to: Coleshill - £97.86p; Water Orton - £43.39p; Curdworth - £72.65p; Lea Marston- £84.11p; and Nether Whitacre - £29.07p. Outside inflation, for the third year in a row, North Warwickshire Borough Council has not increased their council tax. The County Council share of the tax has risen by 4.99%. This increase is made up of a 2.99% rise in the basic rate and an additional 2% to fund the increasing cost of social care services in the County. At £1,363.68p this is an increase of £1.25p a week on last year’s bill. Our priority is to help people remain safe, healthy and independent while continuing as a council to make an extra £67million worth of savings by 2020. Thank you to everyone who has emailed me. If I can be of any help my email address is cllrreilly@warwickshire.gov.uk and my phone number is 07770 704 617. With kind regards, Dave.
End of an era at Coleshill C of E Primary School The summer term 2018 marks the end of an era for Coleshill C and Reception, and the creation of a hub for services for children aged quality of teaching, to ensure children can make the best progress; and of E Primary School, following the retirement of long serving 0-5 within the Children’s Centre on our school site. his pastoral care of children and staff, which will be long remembered.” Chair of governors, Mr Carl Hindle, said, “We are sorry to see Andy headteacher, Andrew Kershaw, at Easter. Over the course of 14 years, Mr Kershaw successfully guided the school through changes, challenges and growth to nearly 400 pupils. He leaves us as a good school with many outstanding features, and as an outstanding church school. The role of a Headteacher is varied, but Mr Kershaw’s key skill was in the strong and supportive relationships he built with children, parents and colleagues, allowing him to get the best out of pupils and staff, many of whom have started their teaching career with us. In recent years, Mr Kershaw ensured the school can cater for the growing needs of the local community by overseeing a number of significant expansion projects. These have included the creation of new classrooms, the opening of a new foundation stage building for nursery
go, but he leaves us in a strong position at the heart of our town. We are thankful to Andy for his efforts at determinedly pursuing excellence for the school and its pupils, including ensuring that the Children’s Centre has come under the remit of the school. This means we can grow our nursery class for two and three year olds, and provide additional services for young children and their families. Andy’s legacy will be in the positive impact we have on the lives of our children right from their early years.” Reverend Nick Parker said, “Andy has placed the school’s Christian ethos at the heart of everything he does, making our school a place where Christian love and commitment is expressed in everyday life. His strong leadership is embodied by the combination of a clear focus on the
At the celebrations to mark his 43 years of teaching - including a
church service and buffet attended by colleagues past and present – Mr Kershaw received commendations on his long and dedicated service to education from MP Craig Tracey, as well as the Mayor of Coleshill, Warwickshire County Council, and the Birmingham Diocesan Board of Education. We also held a special assembly, where Andy presented the school with a bench for our garden. We would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to Mr Kershaw for his service to the school. Pupils, parents, governors and staff wish him a wonderful and well deserved retirement!
5 April/May 2018
Supporting people living with Parkinson’s This month we mark World Parkinson’s Day. With over 145,000 people estimated to be living with Parkinson’s in the UK alone, I’d like to take a moment to tell your readers why we’re passionate to do everything we can to be there for people in need of our support. We understand that living with Parkinson’s can present daily challenges both for the people affected and for those they hold close. We also understand that having the reassurance of knowing that help is at hand really can make all the difference. That’s why, I’d like to take a moment to reassure your readers that they needn’t face the challenges that Parkinson’s can bring alone, we’re here to help.
I work for Revitalise an incredible charity that provides respite holidays for disabled people and carers all across the UK. We welcome guests with over 150 different conditions – including Parkinson’s – every year, seeing for ourselves the vital importance of respite in enabling our guests to spend quality time with one another and to continue coping. If you would like to find out more about Revitalise, our breaks, or ways that we may be able to support you and your loved one, please visit: www.revitalise.org.uk or call: 0303 303 0145. Stephanie Stone, Revitalise
6 April/May 2018
Girls in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) This year’s annual Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) week at The Coleshill School had a focus on encouraging more girls into STEM careers. Across all the world there is a shortage of women continuing to study science, technology, engineering and maths and ultimately this leads to a shortage of women in STEM industries. At The Coleshill School we want to change this balance and alongside our everyday enthusiasm for promoting STEM subjects, there was a real focus on encouraging the girls during STEM week. All the students took part in forensics lessons, engineering tasks and talks throughout the week, but there were also sessions just for the girls. We welcomed graduates from Rolls Royce to speak to our year 10 girls about career opportunities within the company and how to relate their current skills and interests to the aeronautic industry. Liz Greasley from JLR demonstrated laboratory equipment used to test materials and gave the students experience of different, less-well-known jobs within the car industry. During STEM club, our students took part in a 5 week project to design a method of moving a breakable object across a ‘bottomless cavern’. Our winning group, comprising of 4 year 9 girls won the competition with their ingenious mechanical crane designed and built during the project entirely by the group. We were also delighted by the success of our all-girl year 8 STEM group who took part in the local Faraday Challenge day and won! Kathryn Rollason, STEM Co-ordinator commented “It is so important that girls realise they have the same opportunities as the boys when it comes to studying STEM subjects and applying for STEM careers. The role models the students met over the last few weeks, the activities they have undertaken and the enthusiasm shown by our students will go a long way to bridge this gap.”
The Coleshill School Win Birmingham Cup On Monday 16th April The Coleshill School Year 10 boys’ football team played in the Under 15s Birmingham Cup Final at Bodymoor Heath Football ground against Bishop Challoner school. The Coleshill School dominated the first 20 minutes and towards the end of the first half began to put pressure on the opponents In the second half the game both sides had chance to score. Bishop Challoner were kept at bay by the Coleshill goalkeeper. Antionio scored two goals for Coleshill and Oscar scored a fantastic final goal smashing the ball in off the underside of the cross bar from 25 yards! The excellent Coleshill defence remained resolute until the end and Coleshill won 3-0. Man of the match wen to Antonio. Rick Wilkinson, PE Teacher said “A huge congratulations to all of the players and thank you to the parents for their continued support. We are so proud of the team”. Ian Smith-Childs, Headteacher commented “What a fantastic performance from our Year 10 Boys Football team. They beat Bishop Challoner, who won the competition last year, 3-0! The final goal was a spectacular volley which capped a real team performance. Well done to all the boys and the PE staff.”
7 April/May 2018
Sports relief Students at The Coleshill School took part in a week of activities to celebrate and raise money for Sports Relief. During PE lessons students took part in Rowathlon challenge using rowing machines, spin bikes and step boxes. The challenge was to keep the rowers going during PE lessons, students represented their houses using the 4 rowers in week long inter house competitions After each lesson the number of meters covered contributed to an end of week total. The overall total rowed was an incredible 251,578 meters, overall 156 miles. The School also took part in the Sport Relief app step challenge and by the end of Friday had stepped a massive 4.8 million steps the equivalent to 3000 miles. The distance would be the equivalent of traveling from Birmingham to Ndjamena, which is situated in the middle of Africa. Further challenges during the week consisted of ‘taking part in Joe Wicks fitness DVD during tutor time; staff v students basketball and netball matches. Students held a non-uniform day on Friday 23rd March with all proceeds going to Sports Relief. Adam Gray, Head of PE, commented “It was great to see students and staff coming together and engaging in the challenges over the week. Sport is the perfect vehicle for bringing people together and raising money for a worthwhile charity. The pedometer was a real really simple but effective way to raise awareness of physical activity but also highlight the sedentary lifestyles that we can physically change. We hope to continue step challenge in years to come and showcase how active the students and staff are at The Coleshill School.
Maths feast challenge – winning team! In February 2018, a team of four Year 10 students from The Coleshill School took part the Maths Feast Challenge, a Further Mathematics Support Programme, against 12 schools from around the local area. Maths Feast is designed to support students in developing their problemsolving skills. The team of students, Charlie, Sophie, Luca and Charlie, were asked to write an account of their experience and this is what they said: “Miss Costa took us to Fairfax school to do the Maths Feast Challenge. When we arrived we were all quite nervous. We did the warm up questions displayed as a word search, which got us in the mood to do maths. Shortly when all the teams arrived, we made our team name B squared (be scared). Then the first round began. It was fairly easy which made us feel less nervous and relaxed, except for Charlie G because he got an answer right but the mark scheme was wrong! When the scores came back from the first round we were surprised at how well we had done, especially compared to the grammar school.
After, the second round, word problems, the questions became harder, although we were more confident. We only lost one mark out of twenty for round 2 round. We then had a break, and Miss Costa told us that it didn’t matter if we came last, as long as we was having fun, which we were! Soon we moved onto round three. to make a cube. Finally, the last round came and we found this the most fun as the answer to the previous questions helped with the following question.’ At the end we waited for the results, as they were read out we weren’t expecting very much but were so shocked and thrilled as we came first!. Laura Costa, Mathematics Teacher commented “We are so proud of our supertalented students. They enjoyed the whole experience, competing against other local schools, including grammar schools and when the results were announced they were thrilled to find out that they won the competition. It was well deserved as they work so hard and all enjoy mathematics!”
RESIDENTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Get in touch with your points of view Contact: serena.postgroup@outlook.com
8 April/May 2018
Coleshill Civic Society for Coleshill Post April 2018 The problems of the Coleshill Civic Society are not going to go away. We are currently have at least four committee members who are over 80. They are all very active so should they walk away there will be a big hole. All the committee are working hard to ensure that the Civic Society does not fold but it does become harder to teach old dogs new tricks. In other words it is unlikely that the current committee will think of the idea which will breathe new life into the society. If there is someone out there with bright ideas who is willing to take on the task of driving them through, please make contact. Over the Christmas period we had the interior redecorated and this has freshened up the place. The entrance hall, the place which faces everyone when entering the Old Market Hall lacks atmosphere. During the time when the hall was used as a visitor centre all our old wall displays were removed. Should the visitor centre have proved a success then the plan was they (the visitor centre) would undertake the task of developing new displays. This did not take place and as a result when we considered rehanging the original displays, they looked very tired and as a result we need to make this area attractive, exciting and appealing to all who visit. We are pleased to announce that we have managed to find a young lady who has graduated from Birmingham City University with an art degree. She has accepted a commission to design wall displays for the entrance hall. These will be a mixture of local situations, the history of Coleshill and the
important people of the town plus some of her own work. We are thrilled to be able to give her the opportunity to display her skills and when completed we will ensure that the work is given the publicity which she will have earned. We do have a project which is about to launch. Colin Hayfield and Andrew Watkins, who have both joined the committee and they are embarking on a study of ‘Coleshill between the Wars’. The intention is to inspire a number of people to research what Coleshill was like between the two wars, essentially during the twenties and thirties. We will use photographs of those times, reminiscences and trade directories to try to work out just what Coleshill was like in those years. This is a very important study for the memories of those times are starting to fade. Meetings will be held the first Saturday in each month in the Old Market Hall. If you think that you are able to contribute in any way please come along and have a chat. The hall will be open between 10 and 12 on those days. Our next evening meeting is on Thursday May 10th at 7.30pm. The head teacher of Woodlands School is to speak to us on ‘Woodlands in the Community’. Our town mayor, Councillor Tony Battle, has nominated the school to be his charity. All his fund raising during his year of office will be going to the school so it may provide further experiences for the pupils Each week I have been posting photographs of the changes in Coleshill over the years on Facebook B46 Community and B46 Updates groups. Many people with memories of the buildings featured have been writing their memories. I am making copies of those postings and saving them. I have not yet decided how to use all the memories but please add any memories that may come to you and eventually you may see them in print.
Labour to introduce free bus travel for under-25s
Labour is announcing a new policy to fund free bus travel for under 25 year olds across the country.
The move could benefit up to 1.4 million young people in the West Midlands region and 13 million young people in England, saving them up to £1,000 a year and will be paid for using money ring-fenced from Vehicle Excise Duty. The next Labour government will provide funds for free travel for under 25s to local authorities who introduce bus franchising or move to public ownership of their local bus services. This will support and incentivise local authorities to create municipally owned bus companies, run for passengers not profit, which research has found could achieve annual savings of £276 million per year. Greater use of public transport reduces congestion, air pollution and carbon emissions. Free bus travel for under 25s will help generate lifelong increases in public transport use. Launching the policy at a visit to a sixth form in Derby on Thursday, Jeremy Corbyn MP, Leader of the Labour Party, is expected to say: “Young people deserve a break. Nearly eight years of Tory austerity have hit their incomes, their chance to buy a house and their career opportunities. Labour wants to help young people make the most out of life by investing in them, which is why today we are pledging the next Labour government will provide the funds to cover free bus travel for under 25s, to support them to travel to work, to study and to visit friends.
“Our policy provides help where it is most needed. On average, children, young people and households with children each have less disposable income than working age households without children. Young people also tend to be in lower paid, more insecure work, and they spend a higher proportion of their income on travel. Giving them free bus travel will make a huge difference to their lives.” Andy McDonald MP, Shadow Transport Secretary, is expected to say: “Buses are vital for easing road congestion and air pollution, but for too long, private bus companies have run our services for profit not people. The public purse already pays 42% of the costs of providing local bus services, but deregulated private companies choose to run only the profitable services and leave councils to plug the gaps left for non-profitable but vital routes. “That’s why we’ll encourage local authorities to take back control of their buses so they can provide a better and more sustainable service to young and old alike, wherever they live.” Cllr Adam Farrell, Labour Group Leader at North Warwickshire Borough Council said: “This is great news for North Warwickshire, under the next Labour government this could benefit up to 13816 people in our local area. Council run bus services in other parts of the country have been very successful and we should explore that option here. This would give young people a break and help them with the cost of living, but will also take cars off the roads, ease congestion and reduce pollution.”
9 April/May 2018
Coleshill Chess Club: An update of the season so far... 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 nicely with two wins from three. January promises to be a busy month with many Coleshill Players hoping to progress in individual competitions, five full Birmingham League fixtures, continued involvement in the Cannock District League, the continuation of the internal club championship and Coleshill players in county action for Warwickshire. Our club night is at Coleshill Social Club on Wednesday’s and new members are always welcome. 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
Birmingham League Division 6 as at 15th March 2018 Team
Play
Won
Draw
Lost
Points
University of Birmingham
11
11
0
0
22
Coleshill A
9
7
0
2
14
Rushall
9
5
2
2
12
Redditch
9
6
0
3
12
Warley Quinborne
9
5
1
3
11
South Birmingham
9
5
1
3
11
Walsall Kipping
10
4
0
6
8
Coleshill B
9
2
2
5
6
Solihull
8
2
0
6
4
Boldmere St Michaels
8
2
0
6
4
Kynoch
10
1
1
8
3
Lichfield
9
1
1
7
3
Recent results Coleshill B
2
10-Jan-18
Coleshill A
3 Redditch 1
17-Jan-18
Coleshill B 2½ Solihull
3- Jan-18
Warley Quinborne
2
1½
25-Jan-18 Warley Quinborne
0
Coleshill A
30-Jan-18
Redditch
2½
Coleshill B 1½
14-Feb-18
Coleshill A
22-Feb-18 Lichfield 7-Mar-18
Coleshill A
12-Mar-18 Rushall
4
4 Lichfield 0 2½
Coleshill B 1½
4 Kynoch 0 2½ Coleshill A
1½
10 April/May 2018
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Hydro-Therapy Rehabilitation
Congratulations to Rachel on completing her City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists.
Is your dog slowing down and being reluctant to go on walks? Do they suffer from arthritis and struggle to get up and about? Do they appear to be in discomfort with their joints? If so then Hydrotherapy can help improve your dogs quality of life. Hydrotherapy is a non weight bearing exercise that can have a wide range of benefits and can greatly improve conditions and injuries including:
PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMING SERVICE For specific breed prices please call. All groom prices include a free nail trim and ear clean.
Grain Free Foods Available in our shop
Dog Day Care
Play and Socialisation
Dog Grooming
Level 3 Qualified, City & Guilds
Unit 12a Jubilee Estate, Gorsey Lane, Coleshill, B46 1JU t: 01675 465775 | e: J-K9@btconnect.com |
• Arthritis • Hip and elbow dysplasia • Ligament damage • Patella Luxation • Pre and post surgery fitness • Neurological issues
And help with • Mobility in old age • Weight loss • Muscle strengthening and maintenance • Cardiovascular health • Relief of pain & stiffness
We have helped many dogs young and old regain their fitness and strength following surgery, injury or with existing conditions such as arthritis. Please call for further information, to view or discuss your dogs requirements.
11 April/May 2018
Countryside hit by crime wave as thefts hit four year peak
• Cost of rural crime at its highest since 2013 • Leading rural insurer records 13.4 per cent increase in just one year • South East,Wales and Midlands see steepest rise Leading rural insurer NFU Mutual has warned that Britain’s
“From the South East of England to the North of Scotland we’re
The steepest rises regionally in the cost of theft claims were in Wales,
countryside is in the grip of a rural crime wave, as latest seeing brazen criminals stealing cars, 4 x 4s, tractors, quad bikes and the Midlands and South East England. Only one region, the north East figures reveal a sharp rise in the cost of rural thefts. Initial estimates from the insurer show theft cost the UK’s rural homes, businesses and farms a staggering £44.5m in 2017, the highest level in four years. Analysis of NFU Mutual’s claim statistics, the insurer of almost three quarters of the UK’s farms and thousands of rural businesses and homes, reveals 2017 saw an increase of 13.4% - the highest year on year percentage rise since 2010. Every year, NFU Mutual publishes a detailed report on rural crime trends in August which provides detailed analysis including county statistics and information on changing patterns of theft. This year, widespread concern in rural communities has led NFU Mutual to issue
tools. We’re especially concerned that criminals are becoming more of England recorded a significant fall in the cost of theft claims. sophisticated and are overcoming electronic security to steal expensive As the main insurer of the countryside, NFU Mutual has responded vehicles of all types.
to its members’ concerns about rural crime by supporting local and “With police facing huge challenges – including budget cuts and extra national rural security initiatives. workload – forces are finding it hard to resource rural policing and this NFU Mutual is part of a rural policing strategic review organised by may be one of the reasons for the rise in thefts we are seeing. the Police Chiefs’ Council, and has invested over £1m in schemes set “There is still a perception among criminals that there are easy up to tackle agricultural vehicle theft and rural crime. For six years it targets in the countryside – and farmers and homeowners can do a lot has funded a specialist agricultural vehicle police officer through the to deter thieves by taking simple security measures. Fitting gates to National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) for the good of prevent easy access to farm yards and drives is one of the most effective the farming industry coordinating farm machinery theft information measures. High-tech security such as movement detectors, infra-red cameras and ‘geo-fencing’, which triggers an alarm if a farm vehicle between police forces, Border Force and Interpol. NFU Mutual are also
an early warning to farmers and country dwellers to increase security. moves off the premises, can also play their part.
one of the key stakeholders with the Plant & Agricultural National
“Social media is fast becoming the new eyes and ears of the countryside Intelligence Unit (PANIU). In Scotland NFU Mutual provides financial support for the Scottish 300 local branch offices have revealed widespread concern that more and keeping in close touch with neighbours and police through local criminals are targeting the countryside and they are going for richer farmwatch schemes can play a significant role in identifying suspicious Partnership Against Rural Crime (SPARC). It also provides support and “NFU Mutual’s close links to farmers and country people through our
pickings,” said Tim Price, NFU Mutual Rural Affairs Specialist.
activity and bringing thieves to justice.”
expert advice to many local farm and rural watch schemes.
12 April/May 2018
Anti-hate group plans more youth events The anti-hate campaign West Midlands Together is planning to build on the success of its youth conference held in February Proposals for two further youth events were outlined when the campaign's steering group met in Birmingham. One will be held in Herefordshire in September partly focusing on incidents of hate crime against eastern Europeans and others in that county and in Worcestershire. The other will be a second region-wide youth conference, to be staged in the West Midlands conurbation in early 2018 with the intention of making it an annual event. West Midlands Together is a cross-party organisation to promote tolerance and harmony. It was launched by Conservative MEP Anthea McIntyre and her Labour colleague Neena Gill following a spike in hate crime following the Brexit referendum. Miss McIntyre said: "Our steering group reviewed the February event - which was so vibrant and inspiring - and decided this work with young people must continue.
"We already had one request to bring a version of the youth event to Herefordshire, which will help to demonstrate hate crime is a problem too in rural areas and smaller towns and cities. "So we decided to go ahead with that as a one-off and to work to establish the region-wide conference as an annual event. "The young people we have worked with were so energetic, so committed and so honest that it was clear we had to carry on showcasing that energy." Further details of both events will be unveiled later this year.
Reward of up to £4,000 after attempted gunpoint robbery on a mum and her two children in Wolverhampton The independent charity Crimestoppers is today offering a reward of up to £4,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for a gunpoint robbery on a mum and her two teenage children in Wolverhampton. On the morning of Wednesday 21 February, a mum was leaving home with her children at around 10:35am to go to the bank to open accounts for them. On stepping out of her home on Tumbler Grove Park Village, Wolverhampton, she was confronted by a man whose face was covered and was pointing a gun at her whilst demanding money. He searched her, her car and also the children including her daughter’s Satchel bag, whilst continuing to point the gun at the family. A number of neighbours, who had appeared after hearing a commotion, also had the gun pointed at them. He then fled the scene by making off in a white Toyota Yaris that was driven by an accomplice. The getaway vehicle had tinted windows, a black stripe down the sides and the model year is believed to be between 2012 and 2014. The gunman is described as a man, black, aged between 20 and 28 years old and of slim build. A reward of up to £4,000 is now being offered for information given anonymously to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible. Pauline Hadley, West Midlands Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said: “We believe everyone has the right to feel safe, wherever they live and work. This poor mother and her children were left understandably traumatised by this terrifying experience. To think that this happened in broad daylight in a residential area.
“Our reward is designed to encourage people to speak up and stop *Note: The reward will only qualify if information is passed to crime. If you know who is responsible, please help protect the people Crimestoppers’ 0800 555 111 number or via the non-traceable you care about by telling our charity what you know. You will remain 100% anonymous. Always. Call 0800 555 111 or use our non-traceable anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Information passed directly to police will not qualify. online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org”
13 April/May 2018
Sam Smith April Report
Could the new Station Road Aldi add 5k to your coleshill property? For years supermarket Aldi has been the
£222,052 after a Aldi supermarket has opened
playground insult of a generation. But
in that area. Which represents a rise in 2.5pc in
now could the once stigma of ‘eww you
value on the average UK home.
shop at Aldi?’ Become a five thousand pound burden your willing to bear? Despite Aldi having this reputation of a ‘down
Local resident Lee Mellor, from Blythe road commented; ‘ it’s brilliant for the community, it gives us an alternative to Morrison’s and adds
market’ grocery store, it has now become the
value to our houses, it’s just good for coleshill
sixth largest supermarket in the UK, and now
all round.’
with its ‘good different’ attitude the German
A point that is difficult to argue with, as the
super store has developed into somewhat of a
new development will also create 40 new jobs
middle class bargain hunters paradise. So how
in the area. So With its rumoured opening date
can this ‘Aldi effect’ boost my property price?
being the first quarter of 2018, this exciting
Well, research from My Home Move shows
new addition to the future of station road is
that over a three month period prices from an
beginning to look like it can only mean one
average home have increased from £216,450 to
thing, another victory for Coleshill.
Windows (UPVC & Aluminium)
Garage Doors
Doors (including Bi-Fold & Composite) Roof Lanterns Conservatories
Domestic & Commercial Work
32 Birmingham Road, Water Orton, Birmingham B46 1TH
Coleshill and District Ladies Probus Club We have continued our talks this year with a talk in February by Ken Knowles the awardwinning Town Crier of Lichfield assisted by his wife Marilyn. There are very few Town Criers left which seems rather shortsighted in view of the many intangible benefits there must be in terms of tradition and theatre. Anyway Ken assured us the role was not arduous involving only 13 days work a
year. He wore his work clothes which were eighteenth century in design and rather grand and brought the bell he uses to summon the populace. He had a number of amusing anecdotes. Our March talk was by Ruth Lowe who is an avid collector of Mary Quant clothes, fabrics and designs. Rugh brought along some of her collection and it was impossible not to be impressed by the beauty and simplicity of the designs and the quality of the workmanship involved
in making the garments and other items. It is a very long way from the instant throw-away fashion of Primark and the like. Apparently there is a lot of appreciation of her work and parts of Ruth's collection are often borrowed for exhibitions. Our next meeting is 24th April at 12 noon at the Coleshill Hotel when we are having a talk by Barry Reeves about Ken Dodd. If anyone is interested in joining us please contact Dorcas Hall on (01675) 464686
I make a difference in people’s lives. You can too. We’re seeking befrienders to help disabled and older people maintain their independence. And we’re seeking mentors and tutors to support children and teens living in care. Can you help people improve their quality of life and connect to their local community? To find out more, call us on 01675 434017 or email volunteers@fatherhudsons.org.uk
www.fatherhudsons.org.uk Father Hudson’s Care is a working name of Father Hudson’s Society Registered in England & Wales, no. 1653388. Registered charity no. 512992.
14 April/May 2018
It’s full steam ahead for inspirational Show Gardens and Beautiful Borders at BBC Gardeners’ World Live
Wyevale Garden Centres Solutions Garden
Made In Birmingham
Tesco Every Little Helps Garden
BBC Gardeners’ World Live, one of the country’s best loved gardening shows, has announced the Show Gardens and an unprecedented number of Beautiful Borders to inspire visitors to the Show at Birmingham’s NEC from 14 – 17 June.
designed by David Stevens, where each zone illustrates stunning, yet practical, ways to deal with common garden problems from soil types to dry shade and water conservation to weed control. Wyevale Garden Centre experts will be on hand at every point to talk you through the solutions and help you apply them to your own garden. Next, you’ll find the Tesco ‘Every Little Helps’ Garden designed by Owen Morgan, a family space with areas and activities for all ages without compromising on luxury and design. There are sure to be elements you’ll want to recreate at home straight away including a Mediterranean inspired border, play area complete with den, secret garden within a wildlife area, outdoor dining, kitchen and bar area plus space for growing tasty veg. Setting the bar in Show Gardens, Diarmuid Gavin, one of the most well-known names in garden design, has designed not just one but TWO gardens for the show this year. Four of the UKs brightest young sparks in landscaping will have constructed the gardens from scratch, packed with design features, variety of materials, and incredible planting combinations, as part of the inaugural Young Landscapers Competition sponsored by Marshalls. Moving on you’ll get to the Association of Professional Landscapers Avenue where five Show Gardens, designed and built by five of the
country’s leading landscaping companies, demonstrate what incredible results can be achieved in a typical back garden and how realizing the garden of your dreams is within your reach. For visitors keen on transforming their front garden into a practical but appealing space to park the car, the Marshalls Front Garden illustrates best practice with a design that’ll be the envy the street. As you keep going around the show you’ll find even more, including three Small Gardens and more than twenty Beautiful Borders, all packed with ways to make every space amazing. Organisers would like to offer up a big thank you to sponsors Rolawn, as the Show Garden designers and contractors are all able to benefit from their Medallion Turf and their safe, consistent, fertile growing media. With a day out at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, whatever sized plot you’ve got, you’ll find yourself going home with a head full of ideas and expert advice, plus a car full of perfect plants and gardening kit. You won’t need to waste even a minute in getting started when you get home! Celebrate the best of summer gardening at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 14 – 17 June at Birmingham’s NEC. Find out more and book tickets today at bbcgardenersworldlive.com
Steam train enthusiasts will want to head for the Made in Birmingham feature garden to make their way through a prize allotment and wildflower embankment to the signal box and up aboard The Eagle, a traditional Pullman Dining Carriage, positioned behind a working steam engine. The beautifully restored train, the first ever seen in a Show Garden, will have made its way to the Show from Vintage Trains’ local Tyseley works. The garden further celebrates the industrial heritage of the Black Country with an impressive field of barley and hops to illustrate the region’s brewing industry, including sampling from local brewery Davenports. Designer Paul Stone is also working with a MIND group in Knowle to grow the cutting garden plants. “We want to celebrate the vigor and energy of the Birmingham powerhouse, from the past to the current day” says Paul, awardwinning designer of the Made in Birmingham feature garden. Moving around the Show Gardens, visitors will be able to walk through the extensive Wyevale Garden Centres Solutions Garden
Celebrating the houseplant renaissance at BBC Gardeners’ World Live As the resurgence in house plants takes the UK by storm in 2018, BBC Gardeners’ World Live has introduced a new stage dedicated to the art of indoor gardening – Blooming Interiors. The Blooming Interiors stage brings indoor gardening gurus to the fore including Matt Biggs, author of Practical Guide to Growing Healthy Houseplants and Jane Perrone, presenter of podcast On The
Then all you need to do is start creating your own indoor jungle! Browse over 100 places selling quality plants, many suitable for indoor gardening, in the Floral Marquee and Plant Village at BBC Gardeners’ World Live (14-17 June at Birmingham’s NEC). From Streptocarpus, orchids and air plants to cacti, carnivorous plants and the stunningly colourful Coleus you’ll be spoilt for choice! As houseplant-mania hits the streets, we’ve asked Jane Perrone, famed Gardening Editor of Guardian and presenter of On the Ledge, for her top tips for extending your garden indoors.
Ledge. Michael Perry (Mr Plant Geek) completes the line-up with an 1. Know your plants! exclusive Houseplant Edition of his Weird and Wacky Plant Show. Complementing the houseplant hotshots, British Florist Association experts present daily demos on how to create the most stunning indoor displays with your garden flowers. You can even pay a visit to renowned floral designer Jonathan Moseley and his team on the British Flower Bus for more floristry tips, situated next to the Blooming Interiors stage.
Houseplants come in all shapes and sizes, and all have different requirements for watering, feeding, light, humidity and potting compost. For instance, plants that come from tropical climates tend to like moist soil and high humidity, whereas cacti from desert areas are happy in dry air and don't need watering as much. The more you can find out about the houseplants you own, the better you'll be able to care for them, so invest in a good book on houseplants or join an online community to connect with others who share your interests. (And listen to On The Ledge podcast of course...)
2. Don't overwater Most houseplants are killed by one thing - too much water. Confusingly, plants are just as likely to be wilting because they are waterlogged as opposed to because they are short of water. Always test the compost with your finger before watering, and as a rule only water when the soil feels dry down to a depth of about 3cm (although bear in mind point number 1 - there are many exceptions to this rule!). Finally, make sure you allow pots to drain and remove any water from the bottom tray or cachepot so the plant isn't sitting in water.
3. Keep them close Stick a houseplant high up on a shelf and the likelihood is you won't spot when it needs some TLC. Instead, place your most prized houseplants somewhere you'll see them often - on the kitchen windowsill where you can look at them as you wash up, or perhaps on your bedside table. That way you can enjoy their beauty and step in quickly when your plant has a problem. For more houseplant advice visit janeperrone.com Celebrate the best of summer gardening at BBC Gardeners’ World Live, 14 – 17 June at Birmingham’s NEC. Find out more and book tickets today at bbcgardenersworldlive.com
15 April/May 2018
WIN TICKETS 7 14-1
18
E 20
JUN
Gardeners’World Live The Coleshill and Castle Brom Post are giving you the chance to win tickets to Gardeners World Live all you have to do is email Serena at serena.postgroup@outlook.com saying why you would like to go and leave us your contact number and you will go in a draw to be picked out at random. You must be willing to have your name/photo in the paper as a winner.
Vacancies
A selection of some of the roles we are recruiting for:
Permanent Accounts Administrator, Coleshill – Full Time
Skills & Experience Required: Experience of working within accounts, strong administration experience.
Administrator, Coleshill – Full Time
Skills & Experience Required: Good experience of working with Excel, good communication skills.
JOB OF THE MONTH Ecommerce Assistant – Magento Expert, Coleshill Full Time - Permanent Hours – Tuesday – Saturday 9am – 6pm Do you have an excellent working knowledge of Magento and have a passion for ecommerce? Do you have a good level of IT skills including knowledge of SEO, RMS, Photoshop and / or Dreamweaver?
Customer Services Operator, Coleshill – Full Time
Skills & Experience Required: Experienced in dealing with customers on a large scale. Good associated administration skills.
Recruitment Consultant, Coleshill – Part Time
Skills & Experience Required: Recruitment experience is essential
Warehouse Supervisor – Hams Hall – Full Time
Skills & Experience Required: Strong experience of goods in and goods out. FLT Licence and strong organisation skills.
Temporary Admin Support, Coleshill – Temp ongoing.
Skills & Experience Required: General administration skills, filing, emailing and dealing with customers.
Tour Bus Driver, Coleshill (work across the UK) – Ad hoc Temp (possible long-term contracts)
Skills & Experience Required: Must hold a PSV/PCV licence, CPC holder, C1 or C2 licence is essential (Having both licences are desirable) Excellent communicator and flexibility is key to the role
Your role will be to carry out some of the following duties:
Waiters / Waitresses, Near NEC – Ongoing – bookings starting immediately
• P roducing high quality product listings with technically accurate and concise information across all Ecommerce platforms (our own Magento web store, Ebay and Amazon)
FLT Bendi/VNA, Coleshill – Temp-Perm
•O ptimising product listings andinfo@psrecruitmentservices.co.uk webpages to maximise conversion rates904 and traffic01675 597 599 www.psrecruitmentservices.co.uk 07523 5725 •H andling marketing and promotion campaigns across search engines and social media websites •D oing technical writing such as writing product instructions • Take photos and Manipulate images of products using Photoshop & Dreamweaver.
Skills & Experience Required: Good customer service skills & experience serving food & drink.
Skills & Experience Required: Working within a Warehouse environment, who is Health & Safety conscious. FLT Bendi
@PSRecServices / VNA licence
/psrecservices
HGV Drivers – Coleshill & Kingsbury
Skills & Experience Required: HGV driver, with Class 1 or Class 2 licence & Driver CPC
•M onitor all online orders and manage customer email and phone correspondence •M anage email and social media campaigns across all platforms •M onitor and analyse content success • R esearch and respond to competitor activity and pricing to protect and enhance current market share
• Working within other areas of the business as required including face to face, phone sales and distribution. info@psrecruitmentservices.co.uk w.psrecruitmentservices.co.uk 07523 904 5725 Find out more, APPLY NOW!
For more details including salary and job content please contact us on
01675 597 599 / 07523 904 572 or email your CV to info@psrecruitmentservices.co.uk www.psrecruitmentservices.co.uk 01675 597 599
@PSRecServices
/psrecservices
16 April/May 2018
17 April/May 2018
18 April/May 2018
Wicks of Water Orton
Donna Shingler
Donna Shingler established Wicks of Water back in 2016. Her inspiration stemming from the birth of her daughter, her second child, in June 2015. When her daughter was just 12 hours old, Donna and her husband were informed that she had a rare critical cardiac condition. Over the babies first 14 months, she need open heart surgery and lengthy stays at Birmingham Children's Hospital, some for months on end. During this time, Donna's employer also made her redundant. Upon returning home in July 2016, Donna's husband had treated her to everything that she needed to make candles at home. He had decided that she needed a hobby, and Donna totally agrees that on this one he was right! Due to Erin's complex condition it is not safe for paraffin wax to be burnt in the family home, so after some research, Donna
found 100% soy wax, available to purchase in the UK, that had been imported in from the USA. Soy wax is a vegetable based product, that derives from the soybean. It is a natural product, that does not contain any chemicals or toxins that are found in paraffin candles. It gives a wonderful clean burn, and does not produce any soot. Donna started to hand pour candles for her own use, and before long friends and family were asking her to make some for them too. And as they say.... the rest is history... Wicks of Water Orton was born! Today Donna still hand wicks and pours all of her wax products in her home kitchen in the heart of Water Orton! The fragrance oils that Donna uses are of a professional grade, and Donna uses a high percentage to ensure an outstanding scent throw. The oils are paraben free, cruelty free and vegan friendly. Soy wax burns at a lower temperature than paraffin wax, meaning that the burn time
is much longer. The 200g container candles in the range burn for well over 30 hours. Soy wax also gives an amazing burn pool, which will fill a room (or house in some cases!) with wonderfully warming fragrance. In 2017 Donna extended her range to soy wax melts too, offering gift options with burners too. In 2018 Wicks of Water Orton has had a huge rebrand, seeing new jars, fragrances and a new logo even too. Throughout this year Donna is developing a range of Reed Diffuser Set's, and is also hoping to launch her website for Christmas 2018 too! With a Synergy Range, Pure Range, Fruity Range and even a Tipsy Range - there are currently 16 fragrances to choose from. Choosing a candle fragrance, can be such a personal thing, but Donna has ensured that her range offers something for everyone. From Gin & Tonic, right through to Baby Powder, and everything in between. The candle industry has seen a dramatic rise
over the last few years, with thanks to luxury candle brands, and also budget supermarkets, all re-vamping their offerings in the marketplace. Consumers do not just buy a candle, they buy an experience. They want to choose a fragrance that's will be evocative of a time in their life, or a mood they are seeking, whether that be relaxation or a cosy night in. There is the appeal to fill our homes with pleasant smells, and memories conjured by fragrances. Wicks of Water Orton can be found across all social media... Facebook - www.facebook.com/ wicksofwaterortoncandlesandmelts Twitter - @wicksfwater Instagram - @wicksofwaterorton Donna often books tables at local craft fayres and events. Head on over and follow Donna, to see when she is next popping up within the community.
19 April/May 2018
LOCAL SERVICES GARDENING
PLUMBERS
MISCELLANEOUS
Coleshill Mowing provide a wide range of grounds maintenance services for commercial and residential properties
Mowing of large and small areas Hedge cutting / Trimming Strimming Shrub maintenance Pruning and felling of small trees 20 years Green waste removal experience Bark mulching Supply and planting of shrubs and small trees Weed control Leaf clearence Pressure washing
Licensed green waste carriers
Fully Insured
Mob: 07859 039414 07449 781107 Email: info@coleendelectrical.co.uk
For a free consultation, get in touch now 01675 481805 coleshill.mowing@outlook.com
www.coleendelectrical.co.uk
ADVERTISE YOUR LOCAL SERVICE
for as little as £35 in one paper or £60 in both publications Contact: serena.postgroup@outlook.com For more information
Greens Tree Service Pollarding trees – “Communication was brilliant, we arranged a date for a quotation, Danny was on time, he was very friendly and helpful with information. On the day of the job it had been snowing and Danny kept me informed he was still coming. Danny was on time and did an amazing job. Professional, safe, tidy, I will be using again. Thanks Danny.” Checkatrade customer, Sutton Coldfield
20 April/May 2018
GASCOIGNES Established 1900
OF COLESHILL LTD
FUNERAL SERVICE
Independent Family Funeral Directors
Offering a complete, dignified and caring service to the community for four generations.
01675 462294 24 hour service Private Chapels of Rest
gascoignesofcoleshill@hotmail.co.uk
100 High Street, Coleshill B46 3BL STETCHFORD GLASS.pdf 1 18/09/2015 12:40:08
SAME DAY REPAIR SERVICE MISTED UNITS REPLACED Repairs to: Homes • Schools • Offices • Factories • Local Authorities
Coleshill Mowing provide a wide range of grounds maintenance services for commercial and residential properties
Mowing of large and small areas Hedge cutting / Trimming Strimming Shrub maintenance Pruning and felling of small trees 20 years Green waste removal experience Bark mulching Supply and planting of shrubs and small trees Weed control Leaf clearence Pressure washing
Licensed green waste carriers C
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0121 783 3455 www.stechfordglass.co.uk 156 Station Road, Stechford, B33 8BT
21 April/May 2018
Ediblelinks
The recent success of the Honesty shops organised and held at the town hall has brought Ediblelinks into our community here in Coleshill. I have been enthusing about the wider achievements and realised that we needed to share the goals, achievements and challenges that they face and communicate how we can get involved and give support. The partnership between Ediblelinks, North Warwickshire Borough Council and Nuneaton & Bedworth Healthy Living Network, is an award-winning trio! Together, they redistribute fresh food and other essentials to people who need it in North Warwickshire. They're reducing food poverty for local people through emergency food parcels, breakfast and after-school clubs in 38 schools, and food support for over 150 community groups. Over the last 12 months, Ediblelinks has redistributed over 290 tonnes of food. Access to good, nutritious food eases financial pressure and is helping North Warwickshire thrive. It’s is fantastic that the efforts have not gone unnoticed, and Ediblelinks
just won the LGC Award for Best Public Private Partnership – their smiles say it all. Ediblelinks works out of a unit in Abeles Way, Atherstone, staffed predominantly through a team of volunteers and they are always in need of more. Through these volunteers they collect food from Ocado that would otherwise be wasted; both food and other products that are either surplus or as a result of failed deliveries. This is then sorted at the Abeles way unit to be used in a multitude of ways. Food bank parcels are made up on site by volunteer shoppers, orders are made up for community groups and roll cages are filled full of products to go to honesty shops. The Community Cafes and volunteer groups offer a variety of events; including home cooked meals in community centres and village halls to providing a hot and healthy meal, support and friendship to all who come through the door. The first honesty shop was a great success here in Coleshill; the second even more so but speaking locally to residents to see whether they went along, many people said that they didn’t as they didn’t think it would be for them. The honesty shops have an important role to play in delivering the charities aims in supporting those who are in need. It’s a vital method of fund raising, the honesty shops support the wider distribution of food and enable the charity to continue their work. The honesty shops are for all, some of the products in the honesty shops cannot be distributed in other ways for various reasons and take up valuable space. Unfortunately this can lead to products being sent back to Ocado and can mean that they end up as waste or in landfill. Obviously we would all rather see everything benefit someone; whether it be though the Foodbank, a community group, school or playgroup or though funds raised by honesty shops. If you would like to know more about the fantastic work that is done or would like to be a volunteer; please get in contact with Sonya Johnson at Ediblelinks 01827 718323
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22 April/May 2018
CASPER The Coleshill Art Space Project - Everyone Respects CASPER Press Update - April 2018 Delivery Group and Art Selected The Delivery Group is made up of Mayor, Councillor Tony Battle, in the Chair and representatives from the Town Council, Parish Church, a local artist, the Civic Society, the Coleshill School, Love Coleshill and the Coleshill Post. The Delivery Group has agreed to work with Peter Walker, who is the Artist in Residence at Lichfield Cathedral. He specialises in sculpting in hard metal, such as bronze. There is now £18,000 in an account which is separate to the Town Council’s finances, in a 2-month notice account that is earning a little interest.
We already have some people offering to be tour guides. However, again, please get in touch with Colin or Megan as below if you know someone wanting to get involved as a tour guide on a voluntary or small fee basis. The idea would be that the tour detail would be provided to the guides as a paged file but that it would be improved over time by familiarity and evolution!
Launch Event /Lighting Show Peter Walker has a separate light show business (Luxmuralis) and has offered a free light show as part of the sculpture promotion. His light business has had shows onto the side of Lichfield Cathedral and this can be used in Coleshill to describe its heritage, history and artistic themes. He has looked at projecting onto the Coleshill School but that has too much glass to would not have the full effect. We have agreement, though, from Rev. Nick Parker at the Parish Church for the light show to be projected onto the bell tower section, from the direction of the Croft. It is on a Saturday night and with refreshments on sale so please put 22 September 2018 in your diary. The most exciting matter is the sculpture may be ready to be unveiled earlier that day! That would allow the unveiling while the shops were open, more people around during the day and then staying for a light show the same evening. If that is too tight, the light show could still be possible on 22 September but if the production of the sculpture gets delayed into the winter months, it might be that the unveiling has to be on a Saturday in early spring 2019.
Peter Walker and the Delivery Group are jointly filling out a web application for up to £12,500 further funding from the Arts Council. It will take until the end of April to complete the application and then as much as 6 weeks to be assessed. Peter is confident of some funding but the £12,500 applied for is a maximum based on 60:40 matching criteria of current funding to new. We might get a little of this sum but it is part of - Bigger, Brighter, Better! This has been described in a previous edition of the Coleshill Post: we want it Big to be noticed, the Brightest design and the Best materials.
Design and Location The design theme is still not finalised but there are some draft ideas now. Going back to the end of 2017, the school children were keen on the circus elephant idea, the Town Council liked the tea /John Sumner theme and the social media voting was in favour of the stagecoach /highwayman theme. The sculptor will work on one (or possibly a combination of all three) of these themes. The Peter Walker team are discussing designs with the foundry he uses, to best allow a good height and length (ideally 4-7 feet in height for the actual bronze sculpture, on top of a 4 feet height of corten steel as the base). The base will be wedged into concrete such that it cannot be toppled. Bronze and corten steel are extremely difficult to mark or burn so will be vandal proof. The sculptor is keen on the High Street site, as visitors could stop and walk up to or touch it, rather than drive by. The Borough Council has agreed the site can be leased to the project on a peppercorn rent. If the base work costs can be donated or subsidised by a builder, it will leave more of the budget for a greater volume of bronze and a more impressive sculpture. For any building company that can help, it would be in return for what would represent a long-term recognition on a plaque. If interested, please contact Colin or Megan as below.
Lighting Commemoration of the action on the Somme
Light show in Limburg, Germany
Lightshow onto Lichfield Cathedral
Peter Walker, sculptor
Green & Yellow Tourism Trail As described above, the High Street site location for the main sculpture will have two (or possibly three) of the town’s preferred themes. The Delivery Group are keen on the idea of a Green and Yellow dresses guide taking a Tourism Trail Tour, with markers which depict other points of the town’s heritage. There is support for producing these markers by Peter Walker (for small, bronze shapes), Daniel Green (for wood sculptures) and Daffyd Jones (of Tame Valley Wetlands, who has located some trail guideposts already that might be suitable for adaptation). Therefore, there could be a small stagecoach wheel, teacup, elephant, Roman centurion, highwayman mask, etc. all dotted around a 2-mile circuit of the town. We will need to seek landowners’ permissions. We are also looking at whether each of these heritage markers could be sponsored, so again, get in touch if interested. Both Warwickshire County Council’s Town’s Network and Peter Walker have suggested a town trail that was educational and /or supporting heritage might attract funding (e.g. Heritage Lottery Fund) and so this part of the CASPER project will potentially be self-financing. The Delivery Group are keen to trial this anyway, even if there is no HLF funding! Ideally a rota of 3-4 Green and Yellow Guides would be needed which might be in exchange for tips or a small fee. For example, if just 10 people took the tour and paid £5 each, that would cover the guide’s fee, teas and coffees at Town Hall and possibly a small contribution to CASPER funds. Green & Yellow are the guides colours as they are seen in the town (e.g. bus shelters, Town Council crest, etc).
Further help Further practical help on any of this above is welcomed. Please note that we still want fund donations to CASPER (so the project is Bigger, Better, Brighter). Any donations can be taken via the Town Council offices now and do not suffer any crowd funder fees. Colin Greatorex /Megan Davies 01675 463326
23 April/May 2018
Bike4Life riders will be flying free at festival Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s long term corporate partner, M6 toll, will be granting free passage to all motorbikes participating in Bike4Life on Sunday 22nd April. Roadchef Norton Canes are also offering all bikers a bacon or sausage sandwich with medium hot drink from Fresh Food Café for only £5, with £1 from each transaction going to Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. 3,500 motorcyclists are due to take part in the 23mile route, which starts at Meole Brace in Shrewsbury, and ending at the Bike4Life festival at RAF Cosford in Shrewsbury, with a range of stalls waiting to entertain both riders and visitors. Last year, M6toll provided the same generous offer, helping bikers raise a staggering £73,800 for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity. James Hodson, director of motorway operations and facilities for M6toll, said: “Midlands Air Ambulance Charity is responsible for amazing life-saving work that takes place across the Midlands. We have a great relationship with the charity, and will always look to support them where possible.”
Sofia Voutianitis, corporate partnerships manager for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “It’s relationships like this that ensures we can raise as much money as possible for our cause, and keep Midlands Air Ambulance Charity operating and saving lives. Bike4Life is a fantastic day out for thousands of people, and it’s through support from organisations like M6toll that we can hold such a brilliant event.” Bikers looking to take advantage of the offer will be asked on the day to follow the directional signage when approaching the M6toll, and use the Wide Load Lanes at the far left at all plazas. Redemption of the offer at Fresh Food Café can be obtained via the customer producing their Bike4Life ticket at the till point. Keep up to date with Bike4Life Festival on social media by following us on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and how to support the organisation in other ways, please contact the team on 0800 8 40 20 40 or visit: www.midlandsairambulance.com
24 April/May 2018
Archdeacon Sue sent to Coventry - but glad to be there A former curate at Coleshill and Maxstoke is the new Archdeacon Sue was born and brought up in Birmingham and attended St Philip and St James Church, Hodge Hill. She was educated at King Edward Pastor in the Diocese of Coventry. VI High School for Girls and went from there to the University of Rev Canon Sue Field has also been appointed by Her Majesty The York to study Mathematics, followed by a PGCE at the University of Queen as Queen’s Chaplain, an honorary position undertaken alongside Birmingham. existing diocesan roles.
Maths and music
She told the congregation at her collation and installation at Coventry She taught Mathematics and Music at The Queensbridge School in Cathedral in March: "Over the past few months I have lost track of the Birmingham for three years during which time she explored a call to number of people who have joked about me being sent to Coventry but full time ministry. I am glad to be here. She trained at The Queen’s College in Birmingham and was among the first cohort of women to be ordained Deacon in 1987. "This Cathedral is a very special place for me. My parents brought She served her curacy in Coleshill and Maxstoke and, then moved to me here when I was quite young and I remember being struck by the the Diocese of Leicester to the Chaplaincy of Loughborough University beautiful windows and the Sutherland tapestry. and Colleges. “In 1987, just a few weeks after my ordination as Deacon, I sang in a During this time she also took on the role of Director of Post performance of the War Requiem here to mark the 25th Anniversary Ordination Training and Bishop’s Adviser for Women’s Ministry and of the opening of the Cathedral. As the light faded and darkness began was in the first cohort of women to be ordained priest in 1994. to fall, the ruins of the old Cathedral could be seen behind the west Sue completed a Master’s degree in Applied Theology through the University of Oxford in 1998. window, adding a poignancy to the performance – and a coach load She continued in her two Diocesan roles when she left the Chaplaincy of us from Loughborough came to the 50th anniversary performance and became Team Vicar in the parish of Emmanuel, Loughborough in 2012. and St Mary in Charnwood, Nanpantan and then Vicar of St Mary “In 1992, I gathered with a group of other women deacons as we in Charnwood. She was also Chair of the local Churches Together in Loughborough and Chair of the local Christian Aid Committee. looked forward with hope and expectancy to the time when women In 2004, Sue became Director of Ordinands, a post which she holds could be ordained as priest. We gathered in the old cathedral and moved alongside her parish role and she was appointed as an Honorary Canon here, using the buildings to convey that sense of death and resurrection the same year. She became a Bishop’s Selection Advisor in 2001 and has been a member of the Bishop’s Senior Staff since 2014. and the hope of new possibilities."
As Archdeacon Pastor, she will play a key part in the leadership of the Diocese. The Archdeacon Pastor is a member of the Bishop’s Core Staff Team, contributes to development and implementation of diocesan strategy and works in close collaboration with the Bishop of Warwick to develop a culture in which clergy experience good care and where their well-being is nourished.
Still in touch Sue says: " I am excited by the whole diocese strategy for mission in the Diocese and hope that I can contribute to this. “I have a particular passion to enable every Christian to discover their vocation for God and look forward very much to working with everyone in the Diocese as we seek to worship God together, make new disciples and join in God’s work of transforming communities." Sue is still a familiar face in Coleshill. She and a group of church members who bought a meal as part of a fund-raising auction of promises years ago still meet twice a year for a meal and catch-up chat.
Tasty! Jam jars bear fruit for Malawi clinics More than 1,000 people in the remotest part of Malawi will years the much-loved and respected medical assistant for the Chombe be medically treated or supported by a mobile clinic as a Tea Estate. result of more than £1,400 raised in Coleshill parish church’s If the money is there he visits remote stations provided they can cross the river which floods in the rainy season. Lent Appeal. The congregation was asked to take away an empty jam jar and return it with cash inside. The money will play for at least four trips by a mobile clinic to care for the vulnerable, elderly and the very young. Canon James Chifisi, vicar of St Mark’s, Mzuzu, Archdeacon of Mzuzu and vicar general was the man of choice to run it. He was for many
He and a driver leave Mzuzu at 4am to arrive at the clinics at 8am. People have already gathered. Father Chifisi sees between 250-300 people. Bishop Christopher Boyle, for eight years Bishop of Northern Malawi adds: "Above all these visits give people hope that they have not been forgotten, that they are of value and worth. "More than 1,000 people who are either ill or vulnerable, especially
the elderly and the very young, will be treated and supported thanks to the Coleshill Lent appeal. More importantly, they will feel remembered by others, which gives them hope. "On behalf of those who live right at the end of the road in remotest Malawi, well done and God bless you all." Bishop Christopher will be Coleshill to confirm new communicants in June.
RESIDENTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Get in touch with your points of view Contact: serena.postgroup@outlook.com
25 April/May 2018
PIRATE’S PANTRY RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Chicken and Mushroom Risotto
Ingredients: • 1.5 litres good chicken stock • 4 large chicken thigh fillets • 1 Large Onion, finely diced • 4 cloves of garlic, crushed
One of the best things of working in a multicultural environment is you get insights into family recipes from around the world. In the late 1990s I was given a basic recipe for risotto which, over time, I have corrupted and adapted. The key to this particular favourite is the different mushroom flavours so it is easily made vegetarian by using a vegetable stock and replacing the chicken with asparagus spears gently charred on a griddle.
Place the dried Porcini mushrooms in a bowl and add enough boiling water to just cover them. Let them steep until towards the end of the cooking. In a heavy bottomed very large pan, add the mushrooms to the truffle oil and melted butter. Sauté the mushrooms until browned. Remove the mushrooms and place in a bowl, put to one side for use later. Keep the remaining oil and butter in the pan and add the garlic and onions. Stir continuously and, as the onions begin to soften add the rice. Keep the rice moving until it becomes translucent and the grains crack slightly. Remove the cooked thighs and place to one side. Take a ladle full of stock and add to the rice. Keep Place the stock in a large pan with the chicken stirring as the liquid is absorbed into the rice, thighs, bring to a boil and poach the thighs until occasionally adding more stock. Watch for the rice cooked through. becoming plump and cooked, test it occasionally as you
• 300g Arborio Rice • 200g Chestnut Mushrooms, destalked and cubed • 40g Dried Porcini Mushrooms • 100g parmigiano reggiano, finely grated • 1 tablespoon creme fraiche • 1 tablespoon truffle oil • 50g salted butter
Coleshill Summer of Sports Coleshill Council have been successful in securing
Sessions will be delivered by the coaching staff at
a grant from Sport England. The purpose of the
Elite Sports and held at various locations including the
funding is to get local children and their families
Memorial Park, Community Centre and others.
to be more active this summer. Sport England launched the Families Fund to support families in being active together. The aim of the fund is to grow sport participation and make it a positive experience. The Council will offer residents a variety of sports to encourage and increase physical activity participation for all ages. Activities will range from Summer Holidays Camps to a new weekly Sports Youth Club and Family Fun Days. Sports will include - football, tennis, cricket, archery, frisbee, tri-golf, arts and crafts and many more!
In addition, Relax Kids coach, Alison Core will hold ’Little Stars’ sessions to promote wellbeing and selfesteem for children 18 months to 4 years. Local Councillor, Adam Farrell stated “We’re delighted to have won this grant. We’re keen to get as many children and families as possible active, enjoying fresh air and regular exercise.” There’s a lot of exciting things happening in Coleshill this Summer and events will be detailed in the next edition of the Coleshill Post. If you’d like to find out more please contact Helen Whittaker or Adam Farrell at Coleshill Town Council on 01675 463326.
want the finished dish to have rice with a slight bite to it. At this stage add the liquor from the dried mushrooms, this adds a deep warmth to the colour of the risotto. Stir until the risotto is not swimming in liquid. Chop the Porcini mushrooms and chicken thighs, stir into the risotto with the chestnut mushrooms we put to one side earlier. Add the creme fraiche and Parmigiano Reggiano and stir until fully incorporated. Serve in bowls with fresh garlic bread. Garnish with your choice of sautéed cubetti di pancetta, mini broccoli florets and/or herbs. If you’re feeling cheeky add a Parmesan crisp just before serving.
26 April/May 2018
Is Coleshill home to the UK’s best home office?
Have you styled your home office to perfection? Whether it be a minimalistic organised approach or a quirky creative design, we want to see how the people of Coleshill work best. Self storage company, Space Station, is running a competition to find the UK’s best home office. From inventive storage creations to feature walls, personalising your home office can help to unleash
creativity and boost morale upon the most gruelling days at work. Space Station is looking for members of the public to submit a photo of their home office with a few words about where their inspiration came from. The winner will receive a £100 Not on the Highstreet voucher and a chance for your interior magic to feature in the UK’s best home office roundup.
Vlatka Lake, Marketing Director at Space Station, said: “With more and more adults going freelance or starting businesses from home, we want to look at the best way to create a productive and appealing office space that is good to work from. “If you think your workspace could do with a spring makeover before you submit your entry, some popular characteristics include
plants and fairy lights. Plants are often used to decorate workspaces, brightening up the desk and they are also thought to boost productivity. Fairy lights give an enchanted feel to the home office, as a relaxed environment helps concentration. “We look forward to seeing all the great home offices around the country!”
For full T&Cs and to enter the competition, go to: www.space-station.co.uk/blog/ the-search-for-the-uk-s-best-home-offices. For more information contact: Will Dale (will.dale@jaywingpr.com), Mica McDonald (mica.mcdonald@jaywingpr.com) or call 0113 323 5797
Water Orton Primary School says goodbye to Steve, Sue and Chris In February caretaker Steve Shergold left for pastures new, also at the end of March cleaner Sue Mansell retired after 28 years of service followed shortly by fellow cleaner Chris Mytton who is also retiring after 7 years service. Good luck and best wishes to them all for the future!
Left to right: Elaine Jeys, Chris Mytton, Steve Shergold, Sue Mansell, Karen Smith
27 April/May 2018
Coleshill WI April Meeting At our April meeting we enjoyed a talk and demonstration from Water Orton horticultural expert Harold Williams – always known as ‘H’ - on how to grow and take cuttings from fuchsias. He demystified the whole process, giving advice on preparing the cuttings pot, mixing basic compost with a little pearlite and lightly watering it. He then showed us how to snap off the plant stem with just the top four leaves on it, and push this into the prepared compost before placing the pot to propagate in a large glass jar out of the sun. He gave useful tips on competing successfully in horticultural shows and demonstrated how to line a semi-circular metal basket with black plastic and to fill it with compost for growing new young plants on a wall out of doors. Members also admired his display of standard fuchsias, each supported with a long stake, as well as Bonsai fuchsias, the first time most of us had seen them grown this way. H‘s wife Ann judged the competition for a home-made paper flower, placing our President Elaine Partridge first for her iridescent ‘chrysanthemum’ and Sally Smith’s giant ‘hydrangea’ second. Gill Tyers was third. Among the events planned for the Centenary of the Warwickshire WI Federation this year is a day-trip to Lincoln, organised by Johnson’s Coaches, on July 30th for any WI member in the county. Coaches for this area’s members will be going from Coleshill School which is offering free parking.
Coleshill WI is running a special Pudding Evening, open to everyone, from 7pm on August 14th at the Town Hall. Our members will be providing a variety of homemade cold puddings for guests to sample and the evening includes a glass of wine or soft drink. Tickets are £5 and reservations should be made through members by July 31st. More details nearer the time. After refreshments, our President Elaine Partridge proudly described her exciting Inaugural Day as this year’s Lady Captain of Maxstoke Park Golf Club, during which she hosted a Golf event for dozens of players and supporters. We admired her splendid black jacket with the Club’s crest worked in gold, red and white and the gold badge presented to her by the outgoing Lady Captain. Elaine’s Inaugural Day coincided with our Group Meeting at which we welcomed WI members from Coleshill, Wishaw and Curdworth. Everyone enjoyed Dave Moylan’s one-man variety show and the home-baked refreshments provided by Coleshill Country market which also held a stall there. We were honoured that Lynne Stubbings, the WI’s National Chair and a member of the Wishaw Institute plus Anne Bufton-McCoy, the newly elected Chair of the Warwickshire Federation both attended the meeting. At our next meeting on May 8th we will discuss this year’s National Federation of WIs’ Resolution, “Mental Health Matters”. All members are being urged to recognise the importance of parity between mental and physical health, to make it as acceptable to talk about mental illness as much as physical and to lobby government for better support for it. The competition is for a Poem for May Day and our Social Time entertainment will be a variety of pub games and quizzes. Visitors welcome as always.
28 April/May 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.
At The HUB on Mon 21st May and Monday 4th May
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.
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 4th May
Why not join our Computer Club and improve your IT skills?
TUESDAY
10:00am - 1:00pm JOB CLUB Help with CV’s and Job Seeking
2:00pm - 4:00pm U3A Family History Class Contact for dates
WEDNESDAY
10:00am - 1:00pm Finance, Pensions, General Info & Support. SSAFA Consumer
THURSDAY
10:00am - 1:00pm General Computer Use & Signposting
megan@coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01675 463 326
Computer Club
OUTREACH COMMUNITY GROUPS
Friday 29th June
10.00am - 1.00pm
Struggling to keep up with computers and the internet?
Get Connected
Coleshill Town Hall High St, Coleshill
Friday 10.00—12.00 The Coleshill Hub @The Town Hall
B46 3BG
helen@coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk
01675 463 326
Sally.Evans@sw�.nhs.uk
02476 322 048
FRIDAY
10.00am - 12.00pm COMPUTER CLUB
Learn about Online Banking, Email, Online Shopping, how to get cheaper energy deals and much more, in a relaxed and sociable environment.
Friendly Help and Support Call 01675 463 326 or come up to the Hub to talk
WEDNESDAY
10:30am - 12:30pm ART GROUP Old Market Hall
THURSDAY
10:00am - 12:00pm WALKING GROUP Old Market Hall 1st Thurs of Month
FRIDAY
1:30pm - 4:00pm 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
29 April/May 2018
GROUNDSPERSON REQUIRED Water Orton Parrish Council wish to appointment a grounds/ handyperson to assist with various tasks in and around the village as deemed suitable by the Parrish council. If you are interested please contact: Ralph Coldrick - rcoldrick@btinternet.com Keith Hodkinson - Cllr.keith.hodkinson@wopc.org
07859 039414 07449 781107
Where the hours of work, job role and rates of pay will be discussed.
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30 April/May 2018
BOTH
Wasps Sam Jones announce retirement It is with great sadness that Wasps announce the enforced retirement of Sam Jones. The decision has been taken based on medical advice from a leading consultant. The 26-year-old suffered an ankle dislocation while training with England prior to the 2016 autumn international series. This caused significant additional damage including a fracture of the fibular bone, disruption of the ligaments joining the main bones of the ankle, a rupture of the medial ligament plus significant damage to ankle cartilage. After a series of operations, he has worked tirelessly in an attempt to return to action. However, after making several abortive attempts, the hard-working back-rower has finally been forced to concede defeat and bring his playing career to an end. Having worked his way through Wasps’ academy and represented England at under 16 and 18 level, Sam made his senior debut against Newport Gwent Dragons in December 2010. He went on to appear alongside Elliot Daly, Joe Launchbury, Dan Robson and Christian Wade in the 2011 under 20 World Cup final, then in subsequent years to earn selection for England Saxons prior to his call-up for the senior squad in 2016. Jones broke into Wasps’ senior side on a regular basis in 2011 and has remained there ever since, amassing 118 appearances including a number as captain.
Director of rugby Dai Young said: “It’s awful news. Being a Director of Rugby for 16 years, unfortunately it’s not the first time I’ve known a player retire through an injury, but Sam’s situation has really hit me hard. “When I came into the club we had a lot of retirements and injuries. We needed someone to step up and lead from the front and Sam Jones was that man. He was only a young man, but was someone I could rely on - he’s been a rock for me throughout my tenure at Wasps. “Not only is he a fantastic rugby player, but he is a fantastic bloke as well. His maturity and work ethic on the field shone off it as well. “His physicality in everything he did on the field really stood out. He was destined to be a Wasps legend and a club captain and I’m sure those things would have led to many England caps. “Whatever Sam turns his hand to, I’m sure he will make a success of it. Hopefully he’s not going to be a stranger and we will see plenty of him – in the meantime I’d like to thank him for all the support he’s given me and wish him all the best for his future.”
Sam Jones said: “Unfortunately, the injury was a complicated one and my rehab wasn’t progressing the way we wanted, with multiple set-backs along the way. “I’ve therefore reluctantly had to listen to medical advice and retire from rugby. The decision was
made for me, which was tough to hear. But it's a decision that I understand is in my best interests. “I’d like to thank the players who have kept me going through this long spell. Being injured can be extremely difficult, but having them around has made the process a lot easier to cope with. “I must also thank the medical and conditioning staff at Wasps who have invested time in trying to mend me. It was an unenviable task and I’m sure they won’t be too sorry to see the back of me! “And I am really grateful to the countless people who have sent well-wishes and support over the last 18 months or so. I’m sorry the outcome wasn’t what we all hoped for. “It’s been great to be involved with Wasps for such a long time, and to play a very small part in a historic chapter for the club. Injuries happen in rugby and I’m fortunate that I got to play for as long as I did. “For me, getting selected for England based on my club form was a huge achievement and I’m proud that was my last contribution to the game. “Looking back, highlights were captaining Wasps in the London double-header at Twickenham, surviving relegation in my first full season and playing for the Barbarians against the British and Irish Lions in Hong Kong. “I gave it everything and don’t have any regrets from my time playing. I’ve made mates and memories for life. Thanks to all those who helped me along the way and most importantly my friends
and family for their constant support. “I can now switch focus to the future, whatever that holds, which is exciting and daunting in equal measure.
Club captain Joe Launchbury said: “Hearing the news of Sam’s retirement is very difficult for our whole squad. “Everyone associated with Wasps knows what a talented player he is and in the months leading up to his injury a wider audience was becoming aware of this. “No injury comes at a good time, but this is especially cruel as it has prevented Sam reaching the top of the game, where he was destined to go. “Jonesy is a hugely popular and respected member of the dressing room who can always be relied upon to raise morale. He is the epitome of a team man. “Sam and I came through the academy at Wasps together and have since shared some amazing memories on and off the field at a club that means a lot to both of us. He is one of the first people I turn to for advice and one of my closest mates. “I’m sure Sam, his partner Liv and family, who have been huge supporters of his career, will remain a part of the Wasps family. We all wish them every happiness in their next chapter.”
31 April/May 2018
4 Games to go and promotion still in sight! With just four league games to go Coleshill still
campaign has been extended until Saturday 5th
have a chance of promotion. The top TWO in
May and it is so tight that it may well go to that
the league get promotion this season and with
last week-end.
Bromsgrove Sporting securing the title this week,
Coleshill still have a League Cup Semi Final to look
there is just one place up for grabs. Highgate
forward to on Bank Holiday Monday 7th May on the
United currently sit in the second spot, one
neutral ground of Brocton. But they still don't know their
point above Coleshill but suffered a heavy defeat
opponents as the Quarter Final tie between Heanor Town
this week to Worcester. 4th placed Worcester
and South Normanton Athletic is not due to be played
are also still in with a chance but they lie four
until the 1st May. Should the Colemen reach the Final, it
points behind Gate and have played a game more.
will be played on Tuesday 15th May at the Bescot Stadium,
Due to the long, wet and cold winter, the league
home of Walsall FC.
League Table
Coleshill Town Football Club Fixtures Thursday 26th April Away to Heanor Town (Nottingham)
Coleshill Town Football Club March match reports
Saturday 7th April Coleshill Town 2 v 2 Shepshed Dynamo Two first half goals from Danny Tymon and Ryan Edmunds put Coleshill in the driving seat but a lacklustre second half allowed the
19.45 Kick Off.
Saturday 28th April Away to Coventry Sphinx. 3pm Kick Off
visitors to claw themselves back into the game. At this stage of the
Tuesday 1st May
season a draw isn't enough..
Away to Rocester (Staffordshire). 19.45 Kick Off.
Saturday 14th April
Saturday 5th May
Tuesday 27th March
Westfields (Hereford) 1 v 1 Coleshill Town
Away to Shawbury United. (Ludlow Shropshire)
Highgate United 2 v 0 Coleshill Town
almost did enough for the points. Matt Gardner put Coleshill ahead
By Alan Beckett
Another disappointing performance from the Colemen but they still
The "Old Enemy" got the upper hand in this Promotion Chasing midway through the second half but a defensive mix-up allowed the clash. After a goalless first half Gate scored two to take the points in a home team to equalise and it's just two points in four games. Westfields' celebrations in denying Coleshill three points, and possible promotion subdued performance by Coleshill. was over the top.Â
Monday 2nd April Coleshill Town 2 v 4 Bromsgrove Sporting Champions elect Bromsgrove got revenge for the 4-0 hammering
Saturday 21st April
before Coleshill woke up and gave it a go. Liam Molesworth and Reece
This game just about summed up Coleshill's season. Average in the
scored on 58 minutes and the team breathed a sigh of relief and then
played some of the best football seen at Pack Meadow for years. Matt
Gardner completed a hat-trick, Reece Leek, Liam Molesworth, Joe Leek scored to make for a better looking scoreline but the title chase is Smith and Ryan Edmunds all scored with the last one a contender for almost over.
Monday 7th May League Cup Semi Final at Brocton. 3pm Kick Off. Opponents Heanor Town or South Normanton Athletic.
Coleshill Town 7 v 0 Rocester
Coleshill gave them just a couple of weeks previous. Coleshill started first half and brilliant in the second. Rocester are bottom of the league well and should have been in front but Sporting hit back with three and will be relegated but matched Coleshill for an hour. Matt Gardner first half goals. It took another Sporting goal early in the second half
3pm Kick Off
Goal Of The Season.
TO BE ARRANGED: Polymac League Cup Semi Final. This will be after the League games are finished. Final to be played at Bescot Stadium Walsall, Tuesday 15th May.
Come in for your new SPRING look