BlogEdgbaston.com

Harborne Clock Tower – We Want Your Views

2010-12-17T03:33:00.000-08:00

Background

The Harborne Clock Tower Centre is a Grade II Listed Building which dates from 1881 and was most recently used as an Adult Education Centre.

Serious structural problems were encountered in March 2010, which led to the building being covered in protective scaffold in the interest of public safety. Following subsequent structural surveys the City Council decided in late July to close the Centre in view of the potential threat to the public, Centre users and staff. In the interim, courses starting in September were relocated to other Adult Education Centres and to some venues in the Harborne area.

Following a review of the Adult Education Service across the city it has been concluded that The Clock Tower will not reopen. The City Council therefore faces the challenge of a Grade II Listed Building in need of significant investment to make it safe and to bring it up to standard whilst protecting it for the long-term benefit of Harborne.

The basis for a way forward

The City Council has adopted two guiding principles to help shape future decisions ~

The quality and the character of the Listed Building to be protected, brought up to standard and, wherever possible, enhanced. An element of community use is important and should be incorporated into future plans/usage of the building.

The City Council also considers that the whole site as currently defined [with a separate house, main hall/rooms, outbuildings and car park] is diverse and has not necessarily been best exploited with one single use.

Based on the above the City Council proposes the following as the basis of a way forward ~

With the input of advice from local people criteria to be drawn up to offer the site on a long lease basis for ownership and use outside of the City Council. The Council will retain the freehold.

The criteria will include a clear guarantee that the character of the building will be protected and brought up to standard and the weighting for any bid will clearly be in favour of a bid providing some element of community use. The criteria will also be mindful of the fact that a variety of separate uses for the site might best protect the aspirations of Harborne residents.

Interested parties to submit sealed bids as part of a tender process including details of the proposed use[s].

Likely timescales for the project
The following key stages and indicative dates have been identified although please note that these may be subject to change:

Stage	Likely timescale
Public consultation	December 2010 – 11^th February 2011
Determination of the sale criteria /bid documents and marketing of the site	Mid-February 2011 – April 2011
Assessment of bids	Mid-May – Mid-July 2011
Completion of sale of lease	TBC subject to planning & listed building consents

Layout of the building
Copies of a plan showing the interior layout of the building are available from Harborne Library.

What are you being asked ?
The City Council wants to gain the views of as many local residents, community groups, businesses and others with an interest in Harborne. We are consulting on the following key questions but please bear in mind that some of the building is likely to be used by a new owner for other purposes.

What type of community use would you like to see as part of any future development of this site ?

How much of the overall building space would you wish to see retained for community use ?

What ideas do you have, if any, as to what the site should possibly be developed into ?

Where can I discuss this with the City Council ?
As part of the consultation, the City Council are planning the following drop-in sessions which are open to the public at The Clock Tower on the following dates:

Wednesday 22^nd December 10am-1pm	Saturday 15^th January 10am-1pm
Wednesday 19^th January 4pm-7pm	Tuesday 25^th January 4pm -7pm

How to register your views
This consultation will run until Friday 11th February 2011 and you can register your views by:

Filling out the response forms available from Harborne Library and key businesses in Harborne.

E-mailing edgbaston@birmingham.gov.uk

Visiting www.birmingham.gov.uk/edgbaston

Telephoning 0121 303 3703

New Chair for the Edgbaston Constituency

2010-08-02T12:41:00.000-07:00

Cllr Clark

"I am excited to take up the challenge as Chairman of the Edgbaston Constituency Committee after a long and varied career as a councillor which started in 1977 when I was elected to the former West Midlands Country Council. I was elected to Birmingham City Council in 1992 and was the former Chair of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee for Adults and Children’s Social Care Services. I am also executive member to the cabinet for children’s social care.

There are inevitably difficult times ahead as all local authorities look to progress, while reducing costs and working to provide value for money. The challenges we face here in Edgbaston have not gone away, and although it will not be easy, we are determined to drive forward improvements required in the Edgbaston area while protecting the most vulnerable people in our communities.Our priorities will continue to be investing in our schools and improving our shopping areas, while not forgetting important projects like the new Harborne pool complex, which will help improve health and fitness in the constituency.

Also at the top of our list are job creation and training, and we will continue to work hard to attract investment to help us get more people back to work. I have taken a particular interest in developing social enterprises as a way of creating employment and work experience, particularly for our young people. There are already many examples of how partners are working together to offer value for money and quality services; rising to meet the challenges together."

Councillor Len Clark, Chair of the Edgbaston Constituency

Public service messages make a 21st Century return!

2010-03-16T13:55:00.000-07:00

Four videos - trailed on this blog - have been commissioned by the One Edgbaston Partnership to highlight opportunities and issues in our local area. The videos will be shown on the many public TV screens and monitors we already have in place across the constituency. Reducing our reliance on paper based advertising and making best use of local networks, this plan is part of the All Edgbaston Social Media Project, and you can be too.

If you want to learn how to make your own videos, just like these, for free, contact Simon Redgrave at 0796 22 33 567 / simon@scholarsandwarriors.org, or visit www.alledgbaston.co.uk; click below for more information.

Constituency Director Jagwant Johal said; “As it moves forward, the All Edgbaston project continues to further an important aim of the One Edgbaston Partnership – collective local involvement. These new initiatives will support local people in developing their aspirations and highlighting their achievements.”

Inconsiderate Parking

2010-03-16T12:53:00.001-07:00

Unsafe Parking

2010-03-16T12:51:00.001-07:00

Young Readers

2010-03-16T12:50:00.001-07:00

Be Active

2010-03-16T12:42:00.001-07:00

Your Words Here in 2010?

2010-01-17T03:14:00.000-08:00

Across our city, real life Brummies already run hundreds of blogs like this one, and are involved with many thousands more. Some have received national awards, or are regularly consulted by press and politicians. Increasingly, employers seek to hire those who can use the internet to communicate confidently, effectively and responsibly.

Now you can learn these skills for free, right here in Edgbaston!

To get involved contact Simon Redgrave at 0796 22 33 567 / simon@scholarsandwarriors.org, or visit www.alledgbaston.co.uk; click below for more information.
Constituency Director Jagwant Johal said; “As it moves forward, the All Edgbaston project continues to further an important aim of the One Edgbaston Partnership – collective local involvement. These new initiatives will support local people in developing their aspirations and highlighting their achievements.”

This year Podnosh (www.podnosh.com) will be bringing their successful Social Media Surgeries to the Constituency. These are free, friendly and professional drop in sessions, where you can meet up with others with the same interests and receive expert coaching.

A group of workless residents will be learning transferable skills and helping to promote local issues. The All Edgbaston Social Newsdesk will create opportunities for residents to research and produce quality pieces of video or written journalism with professional support.

Art on the Edge comes to Quinzone

2009-07-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

'Art on the Edge', the ground breaking exhibition of artwork by local people, can be seen at the internet cafe on the Four Dwellings campus. The new interactive facility at the Quinzone centre on Quinton Road West is now playing host to part of the 'Art on the Edge' exhibition which launched at Birmingham Town Hall in February. The cafe is housed in a disused former gym at Four Dwellings High School and its conversion was funded by Quinzone. In addition to computers it includes a pool table and refreshment area.

It is used during the day by vocational students at the Quinzone centre and given over to youth activities during the evenings.

For more information, or to see your work featured at the site, contact Jess Allan, Jess_Allan@birmingham.gov.uk

See all the full show here

All Edgbaston coming to you this summer!

2009-06-19T13:48:00.000-07:00

Following on from the success of 'One Edgbaston', the companion magazine to this site, the latest issue is set to be delivered to every home in the constituency.

For two years 'One Edgbaston Magazine' has gone from strength to strength, being widely picked up and read where ever it can been found in the community. Your submissions, via magazine@oneedgbaston.org, have helped to make it a great read for local people. One issue raised time and again is that there never seem to be enough copies. This summer, a special issue, to be called 'All Edgbaston', is being delivered free to every home in the Constituency. It contains a pull out guide to summer playschemes and events, as well as opportunities to win free cricket tickets and other prizes.
For more information, call Simon Redgrave on 0796 22 33 567

Local School Ofsted Success

2009-05-26T14:10:00.000-07:00

Hillcrest School, A Specialist Maths and Computing College and Sixth Form Centre was recently visited by Ofsted Inspectors and were thrilled to receive the top grade – grade 1 ‘Outstanding’. The school has gone from strength to strength in recent years with Hillcrest placed in the top 5% of schools nationally in 2008. The schools drive for improvement has brought about some very innovative and highly effective developments including an excellent online VLE, a language village and state of the art ICT facilities.

Students celebrated superb GCSE results in 2008 with 71% gaining 5 or more A to C grades and over a third gaining 10 or more A to C grades.Inspectors found that outstanding leadership at all levels ensures that Hillcrest students are provided with an ‘excellent education’. However, the school is aware that even outstanding schools can improve and Hillcrest is continuing its drive to raise standards even further.

Lynda Roan headteacher said ‘It’s a pleasure to work with a team of outstanding staff and students who are keen to learn and approach their classes with such maturity.
This together with the GIR system has enabled the school to make exceptional progress over the last three years.’

Edgbaston Fun Run

2009-05-26T04:28:00.000-07:00

This year sees the return of the Edgbaston Fun Run held in conjunction with the Harborne Carnival on Sunday 28th June. There are three runs aimed at 7–15 year olds and this year we have included a Family Run, which will be held on a traffic free Harborne High Street.

We are currently distributing entry forms to schools, community and leisure centres and other outlets across the Constituency. We would like to see as many schools as possible competing and enjoying this event.

The event will start by the BP garage and finish at the end of the High Street. The course is approximately 1000 metres long and offers youngsters and families a chance to participate in a fun event which seeks to promote healthier lifestyles.

There will be 4 runs in total one for each of the following age groups:

9.45am Under 10 yrs (at 31st August / 1st September 2009)
10.00am Under 12 yrs (at 31st August / 1st September 2009)
10.15am Under 14 & 16 yrs (at 31st August / 1st September 2009)
10.30am Family Run All ages

All finishers will receive a medal, for their efforts.

The entry fee is £2.00 per participant which goes towards the organisation of the event and also makes a contribution to the “Edgbaston Foundation” which promotes community, arts and sports development. The closing date for postal entries is June 10th but we will be taking entries on the day.

If you would like more information on the Fun Run please contact the Constituency Office on 0121 464 1953. Entry form below.

Join the Fun Run

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Daleks Invade Edgbaston!

2009-05-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

Come and meet Daleks, the Tardis and costumed groups playing characters from DR Who and Star Wars. Parents and Children can play games, enter competitions and have faces painted at the UK best games convention in June in Egbaston.

UK Games Expo is an exhibition of games of all types including Board Games, Card Games, Role-playing Games , Miniatures and Computer gaming. The target audience is the general public, family groups as well as gaming enthusiasts. Games companies exhibit their games and visitors can sit down and play them as well as browse a range of trade stands. There are many tournaments and organised play sessions as well as costumed groups and children’s competitions.

2009 will be the 3rd UK Games Expo and is held on the weekend of Saturday and Sunday 6th and 7th of June at the Clarendon Suites, Hagley Road, Edgbaston. It is a follow up to the successful last 2 years which saw attendances of over 2000 as well as 80 to 100 exhibitors and many dozens of games to play.

Event Dates and Times
UK Games Expo and is held on the weekend of 6th to 7th June
Saturday 6th June 10 am till 5 pm
Sunday 7th June 10am till 4pm

Location:
The Clarendon Suites
Stirling Road (off Hagley Road)
Edgbaston
Birmingham
B16 9SB

Website: www.UKGamesexpo.co.uk

Official Opening of Kenrick Centre in Harborne

2009-05-14T14:15:00.000-07:00

This was the 12 May 2009 by Dame Jo Williams, a former Chief Executive of Mencap. The ceremony was attended by local residents and their families, along side care staff and local partners. Amongst the guests of honour were Mrs. Anne Kenrick and her son, representingg their family who so generously gave the land all those years ago. Also in attendance were Councillor Sue Sanderson, Cabinet Member for Social Health & Care, Peter Hay, Strategic Director, and Councillor Deirdre Alden Edgbaston Ward Councillor and Chairman of the Edgbaston Constituency.

The new Kenrick centre is spacious and light, with large rooms all with en suite facilities, and intimate dining rooms and lounges to make residents feel more as if they are at home, than in an institution. There is also a Community Links Team on site who are organising regular lunches and other activities for people who live out in the community.The name Kenrick Centre was chosen in honour of the Kenrick family who gave the land on which the centre is built. The Kenrick Centre will continue this tradition and help forge new and better ways of supporting older people. It will also provide a vibrant hub for the local community to engage with our services in a world class environment.

The centre is divided into two halves. Thirty-two beds are for elderly residents most of whom have transferred from other Council homes which didn't meet today's modern standards. The remaining thirty-two beds will hopefully be taken over by South PCT to be used as step down or step up beds - in other words for people to convalesce when they come out of an acute hospital or for interventions which might prevent the need for them to go into the acute hospital in the first place.

What’s on at The Kenrick Centre

The “Food 4 Thought” restaurant provides buffets, snacks, meals and take outs.
Innovative long term residential care service with a maximum capacity of 32 places.
A weekly neighbourhood advice service co-ordinated by Benefits advisor Keith Bridewater
A monthly podiatry service co-ordinated by the Alzheimer’s Society
A weekly Alpha course co-ordinated by Helen Bell from the Karis Scheme
Facilities for memory assessments co-ordinated by South Birmingham Mental Health Trust
Regular luncheons and activities co-ordinated by The Community Links Team
Tai Chi class

Our Pledges to You, 2009-10

2009-05-10T04:27:00.000-07:00

As you may know; every year the Edgbaston Constituency makes a series of clearly defined Pledges to its residents. These outline and define our key priorities to which we are work and against which we can measure ourselves. Read on for our priorities for the upcoming twelve months.

Pledges 2009-10

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Volunteer Appeal – Opening the Door to More

2009-04-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

Volunteers are needed to continue to provide children and young people in Birmingham with someone to turn to in times of need. Edgbaston-based Open Door Youth Counselling is seeking to recruit additional volunteers to expand their free youth counselling service. Demand for the service is constantly increasing and waiting lists can sometimes be long. No previous experience or formal qualifications are necessary as full training is provided.

Carmel Mullan-Hartley, Director of Services said ‘Open Door exists to offer children and young people someone to listen to them at pivotal and often distressing times in their lives. We can only continue to do this with the help of our volunteer counsellors’.

If you would like the opportunity of working with young people from 12 – 26 in a well established Youth Counselling Service, get in touch by phoning 0121 454 1116, emailing opendoor01@btconnect.com or visit our website www.opendooryouthcounselling.org.uk.

Bartley Green schoolgirl’s short story beats rivals into national publication

2009-04-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

Schoolgirl Rebecca Hardy is used to telling stories and now the 13 year old from Bartley Green has made it into print after having one of her tales published in a book to be circulated across the country. Rebecca, who attends Hillcrest School in Stonehouse Lane, Bartley Green, saw her short story beat off more than 2,700 entries from over 500 schools.

Her entry, "Memories of my Past", has been published in an anthology of short stories entitled "The Cry of the Wolf". Rebecca is one of only 22 talented young writers to be published in two collections of the best secondary school entries to the 2009 Evans Schools Short Story competition.

The young writers were asked to create their own short tales using a series of first lines supplied by leading children’s author as the starting point. Rebecca used a first line provided by Jenny Valentine – “When I woke up it was still dark and I knew straight away everything was different” – to craft an evocative account of childhood memories.

She said: “It’s about a girl’s life and she sees herself growing up and how she first learnt to walk. It was fun because I had imagined it myself. I have always been interested in writing and have been involved in a lot of story competition, even at primary school. But I was quite shocked when I found out my story had been chosen”.

The Cry of the Wolf is on sale in bookshops for £3.99 with all profits to be donated to World Book Day.

Contact: Tina Willetts
Tel: 0121 464 5393
Mobile: 07766923718

Last year's Pledges - How Did We Do?

2009-04-13T03:44:00.000-07:00

Every year the Edgbaston Constituency makes a series of clearly defined Pledges to its residents. These outline and define our key priorities to which we are work and against which we can measure ourselves.

Pledges 2008-9 Outturn

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Harborne Orchestra Looking for Violinist

2009-04-12T12:42:00.000-07:00

1st Violinist (Leader) Required

The Harborne Orchestra is currently seeking a replacement for their current leader who leaves in September. This amateur orchestra rehearses weekly in school term time, on Friday evenings
(7.30pm - 9.30pm) in Queen Alexandra College, Harborne. We perform one public concert each term, with occasional extra engagements.

Recent performances have included Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Schubert, Bach and Haydn, mixed with some lighter 20th Century repertoire. The post is unpaid, but is an excellent opportunity for a strong violinist wishing to extend their experience.

Visit our website at: www.harborneorchestra.com
Contact our conductor on: 0121 429 2628
Or email: conductor@harborneorchestra.com

Edgbaston Gets Framed

2009-04-07T02:27:00.000-07:00

Frame Tec in Harborne have enhanced treasured works of art in homes across Birmingham, Britain and Europe – and it doesn’t stop at two dimensional work. You name it and they’ve framed it – from boxing gloves, to football shirts, medals, records, tickets – even a collection of corkscrews.
“There’s nothing we can’t frame – I don’t think anything has defeated us yet,” says Peter at his framing shop and art gallery in Greenfield Road, with its trademark blue striped awning.

“One of the most unusual items we were ever asked to frame was a pair of boxer Henry Cooper’s shorts after one of his famous fights with Muhammad Ali during the 1960s – it worked really well. The second half of the shop houses a small art gallery, packed with the work of local artists. Two longstanding exhibitors are water colourists Tim Nash, from Stourbridge and Lawrence Hayfield, from Halesowen, along with work from local photographers.

Frame Tec: 0121 428 1038 or 07970 108 440 or pfrith@btconnect.com.

Celebrate Edgbaston's Volunteers; 24th April 09

2009-04-07T02:23:00.000-07:00

An event to celebrate the invaluable contribution made by volunteers to organisations in the Edgbaston Constituency will take place at Harborne Baptist Church on Friday 24th April from 5.30 – 8.30. A collage will be constructed during the evening, comprising of photographs that people bring to demonstrate their work as a volunteer. Volunteers will receive a formal thank you from Councillor Deirdre Alden, Chairman of the Edgbaston Constituency Committee and Jagwant Johal, the Constituency Director. Nominations will be accepted for: working with young people; the elderly; for being a good neighbour; or for their general contribution to their community’s development.

Councillor Deirdre Alden said “There are so many good neighbours and community volunteers in the Edgbaston constituency. The Community Spirit evening will be a great chance to celebrate their achievements and to show our appreciation for all they do for our community week in and week out“

The remainder of the evening will spent enjoying entertainment and a buffet supper. For those wishing to stay a little longer, there will be a barn dance from 8.30 – 9.00 pm. For further information contact: the Constituency Office on 0121 464-6199.

Art on the Edge Festival (2009)

2009-03-31T07:01:00.001-07:00

Our Arts Champions - DanceXchange in their own words

2009-03-21T07:15:00.000-07:00

DanceXchange (dx) is in its fourth year as one of our two Arts Champions.

“It’s important to us that the work we do in Edgbaston reaches people who might not otherwise have the chance to engage with the arts and also that it’s the kind of activity that Edgbaston residents want. In order to find that out we used the Art on The Edge event to ask everyone’s opinion about what we should be doing, and have designed our current activity based on feedback from the community.

“Currently we have a professional filmmaker, musician and dance artist delivering sessions with a group of mothers and toddlers at Doddington Green Children’s Centre, a group of older adults at Wellington Court Day Centre, and a group of young adults who attend Queen Alexandra College. In April, all the artists and groups will come together for two days in dx’s and Symphony Hall’s studios to create a new work of dance on film with an original soundtrack. We’ll be having a premiere of the film on Saturday 9th May 2009 at 3pm in The Patrick Centre, dx’s theatre in the Birmingham Hippodrome!"
Please send Kate DeRight an email if you’re interested in attending or have any questions or comments about the above, kate.deright@dancexchange.org.uk.

Celebrate 70 Years of Success - 9th May

2009-03-17T02:33:00.000-07:00

Quinborne Community Centre is located on Ridgacre Road, Quinton and celebrated it’s 70th year of providing services for the community during 2008. The Centre offers a welcoming atmosphere with a cafe that is open during the day time. The Quinborne Centre is on the same site as Quinton Library so local residents can visit the library and Quinborne Centre during the same excursion.

On 9th May, Quinborne Staff and Management Committee will be opening it’s doors to local residents and the public at large. This will be an ideal opportunity for everyone to come along, find out and sample what takes place at the centre. A variety of other local organisations that operate locally, have also been invited to come along and bring displays and other information to demonstrate their contribution to the community in general.

For more information about what takes place at Quinborne Community Centre, telephone Lynda Dodd on 0121·682·7474

Harborne Carnival Returns! 28th June 2009

2009-03-12T02:01:00.000-07:00

This will be the 11th year of the carnival and it growing from strength to strength with more people turning out each year. Last year saw a record number or people attending which goes to show it is one of the largest street carnivals in the country. The weather was fantastic which encouraged lots of people with families to come and enjoy the day’s activities. Once again the high street will have a variety of Stalls, rides, demonstrations much more so come along and enjoy the festivities on the day.

The Carnival's objectives are to develop good family and community spirit and if possible to raise funds for local good causes. Last year saw the first ‘Fun Run’ along the length of the High Street it was so popular with all who entered that it will be repeated again this year. Contact Nick Price on 464 6042 for details on how to get involved.

The Carnival theme will be ‘Western’ so get ready to dress up in your ‘Stetson and Cowboy’ outfits! For more details about the carnival and how to get involved, contact carnival chairman and organiser Paul Burgess on 07971476312

Harborne Chef get Michelin Star

2009-03-07T02:05:00.000-08:00

Since winning the award, trade has taken off for Richard Turner at his 28 seater restaurant with the force “of a juggernaut... It’s been crazy,” says the 38-year-old chef, who launched 'Turners' in the High Street 18 months ago.

Richard is determined to keep his prices fair it must be one of the best value Michelin-starred restaurants around with three course lunches at under £18 and a three-course dinner for £21.50. "Elsewhere in Birmingham you could end up paying between £60 and £70 for a tasting menu, but I think £25 for an appetiser, a starter, a main course, a pre-dessert and a main dessert is excellent value.”

Art on the Edge Festival (2009)

2009-03-04T09:02:00.000-08:00

This half day arts festival at Birmingham Town Hall, 15th Feb '09, brought together artists living in, working in or inspired by the Edgbaston Constituency. The show was supported by the Four Wards of the Edgbaston Constituency as well as the local Arts Champions; DanceXchange and Town Hall | Symphony Hall. It was produced and curated for One Edgbaston Partnership by Scholars and Warriors. Those attending or represented included:

Artists: Leon Sparkes, Quinborne Pottery Group, Mary Burrows, Jenny Brandon, Maggie Holmes, Barti Patel. Sue Howells, Natalie Toplass, Paul Riddlen and Shirley Speight.

Photographers: the Edgbaston Snaps Flickr group including work by Ted Spiller and Nate Nautilus. Also a new comission by Vanley Burke.

Performers: The Harborne Orchestra, Moorpool Players, Quinton and Quinborne Choirs and the Crosskeys Musical Theatre

See all the pictures here

Town Hall Takeover!

2009-03-04T08:51:00.001-08:00

The Edgbaston's Got Talent Showcase - a reprise of the fantastic series of heats run late last year across the four wards - was held at the Town Hall, Birmingham on the 15th February. The show was well attended, and held in a lively party atmosphere.

The show was supported by the Four Wards of the Edgbaston Constituency as well as the local Arts Champions; DanceXchange and Town Hall | Symphony Hall, who produced and organised the event in conjunction with the Youth Service and the Edgbaston Constituency Team. See the pictures here.

Richard and Judy come to Harborne Library!

2009-02-18T06:07:00.000-08:00

Harborne Library was approached in December by the makers of the Richard and Judy Show to film the Harborne Reading Group in action, discussing “The Gargoyle” by Andrew Davidson. The book was chosen as it is quirky and unusual in its content, described by group organiser Mary Worrall as “an intriguing read - a love story with a difference."
During the filming members of the group were interviewed in different parts of the library - the interviewer described the group as “lively and engaging” and the show was broadcast on Sky Channel 109 on Wednesday 4th February.

Edbaston Schools Success - New Standards set for 11+ Results

2009-02-02T01:55:00.000-08:00

Youngsters at The Blue Coat School, Edgbaston made a 15% increase on last year’s haul in some of the region’s most competitive examinations. Elsewhere, the school exceeded its previous year’s success at King Edward’s School and King Edward VI High School for Girls, bagging 38 places and scholarships at two of the country’s leading independent schools. Of those who had also gained a grammar school place, 5 children were awarded a scholarship by King Edward’s School. Despite its success in the classroom, the school is quick to point to the broad and balanced curriculum it offers. A record 12 places have been gained in the National Children’s Orchestra over the past four years, and several children have won county honours in their sports.

Edgbaston Schools Success - Local Head Gets OBE!

2009-02-01T01:52:00.000-08:00

Christine Owen, the Head of Bartley Green Technology College in Adams Hill, Bartley Green was singled out for her services to education. During 15 years in charge at the school, she has helped to transform academic standards; the number of pupils achieving the benchmark five or more top grade GCSEs soaring from 9 to 79 per cent! Christine, deputy head of Four Dwellings High School in Quinton before moving to Bartley Green, said it also reflected the hard work of other staff at the school.

She said: “I am chuffed. I do feel it’s an honour, but an honour for everyone connected with the school.”

As well as improving the overall five or more GCSE rate at grades A* to C to 79 per cent, Christine has seen the rate including the core subjects of 47 per cent – both of which are ahead of the city-wide average of 66 per cent and 45 percent respectively.

“We have achieved this in many ways by using old-fashioned core values such as good behaviour, a good uniform and strong discipline,” the head added. “We also have good teaching and good staff. Our standards are now outstanding. It has been long and arduous but the school has now got national recognition.”

Despite her new honour, Christine still had to mop a floor made wet by children coming in from the snow when school resumed last week.

A Tale of Two Green Men

2008-11-26T12:07:00.000-08:00

This video is a follow up to the "Tale of Two Green Men" (see One Edgbaston magazine and the Evening Mail,or watch the video!) The video was created by "Chad Vale TV" - The Charles Henry Foyle Trust gave Chad Vale School a grant of £2000 to buy 10 video cameras and a Macbook: this shows what they have done with it

"Nov 10th - 16th is National Road Safety Week... at the Council's Edgbaston Constituency meeting on Tuesday evening we were shown a film made by the children of Chad Vale School thanking local Councillors for two separate road safety initiatives put in near their school.

The first initiative was the speed bumps and 20mph zone put in around the school last spring. This was paid for out of the Safer Routes To Schools budget... The second..was the pedestrian phase at the lights on the Green Man junction (border of Harborne and Edgbaston wards). The school's very entertaining film .. brought home to everyone how much learning time they save by being able to cross at the Green Man junction."

Cllr Deirdre Alden

Chad Vale Fair Trade Video

2008-11-09T03:17:00.000-08:00

Year Four pupils at Chad Vale School made this song and video to promote ethical shopping and Fairtrade goods.

Volunteers Celebration for Edgbaston

2008-11-03T00:13:00.000-08:00

An event is to be organised in the New Year to thank volunteers for their contribution to the community in Edgbaston. There are many ways volunteers support people and projects in Edgbaston and an evening of celebration will be held to acknowledge some of the hard work and commitment that takes place.

There are many examples we can call on, of how people regularly volunteer their time for their community. There are some people who help the elderly and frail perhaps by visiting to prevent loneliness, or by providing transport to get people to appointments or a day out. Others volunteer at luncheon clubs or support activities for people with disabilities.

Some members of our communities focus on children and young people and tirelessly volunteer their time to organise football tournaments, brownies, cubs or guides or before and after school projects. Others want to make a difference to our young people by organising and supporting youth clubs and other types of activity. Another crucial area of volunteer support come from people who offer family support perhaps where there has been a bereavement or illness or just being there for someone who has a particular need.

Finally, there are people who choose to make a difference by supporting the many and varied groups and committees throughout the constituency on a regular basis.

For more information contact Theresa Kennedy at 326 High Street, Harborne, B17 9PU. Telephone 464-1953, or e-mail Theresa_kennedy@birmingham.gov.uk

Bartley Green Ward Development Plan 2008 - 11

2008-10-25T23:48:00.000-07:00

The vision at the heart of this Plan is to make Bartley Green Ward a greener, cleaner and vibrant place to live work and study. This vision will also help and support the local economy and encourage local engagement and consultation its citizens. For more information: Tina Willets, 0121 464 5393

Ward Development Plan October 2008-2011

Get your own at Scribd or explore others:

Edgbaston's Got Talent

2008-10-05T12:50:00.000-07:00

The Edgbaston Constituency will be holding a local talent show, with a final performance early next year in a city centre venue. For more information and to enter, read the document below, or contact carol_morgan@birmingham.gov.uk

Poster and Reg Form - Upload a Document to Scribd

Harborne is a "divine setting .. home of writers, academics, surgeons, lawyers and senior account partners"

2008-09-01T01:30:00.000-07:00

I didn't want to let Edgbaston get all the fuss (see below) and found this piece from the Birmingham Post website back in 2006:

Not for nothing is Harborne affectionately known as The Village. A genteel, unhurried atmosphere pervades the streets of lovingly restored Victorian terraces, Georgian townhouses and discreet gentlemen’s villas. It also provides a divine setting for the Bishop of Birmingham, whose official residence is at Bishop’s Croft, not far from the former home of the city’s first MP, Thomas Attwood, who lived for many years at The Grove.

Edgbaston's "leafy streets and chilled vibe" - Birmingham Post

2008-08-30T01:20:00.000-07:00

A recent article online at the Birmingham Post explains that Edgbaston is going to be a leading player in Birmingham's property market due to it's "leafy streets and chilled vibe" It cites the good practice of Calthorpe Estates in safeguarding the character of the area while welcoming inward investment, new businesses and new construction.

According to King Sturge office agency partner Jonathan Carmalt, .. the area is reinventing itself as an attractive new destination and serious contender in the Birmingham office market.

"Some very visible changes to the landscape are happening in Edgbaston... The shopping centre demolition is progressing and ... Calthorpe House is also taking shape - which represents one of the most significant speculative new build offices in the area in the past two decades.

Bartley Green Digital History Project

2008-08-27T12:33:00.000-07:00

Based at King Edward VI Five Ways School, the Local History Digital Archive project offers a fascinating historical perspective of the area. It currently features the stories of sixteen local people who have been awarded the Victoria Cross.

"The key aim is to build a local history archive and to work in collaboration with our partner schools and the wider community. It is hoped to build and create an archive, which is useful for as wide a group of people as possible. We would like it to be rich in material and information to embellish our local history, knowledge and understanding."

Concerned about Post Office Closures?

2008-07-28T13:58:00.000-07:00

Three Post Offices in the Edgbaston Constituency; Genners Lane, Selsey Road and Coart Oak Road Post Office are all earmarked for closure under the new "Network Reorganisation" plan. One Edgbaston is currently making a short film with elders who feel their lives are affected by this, which will be available to view at this site shortly.

If you live near any of these post offices; why not tell us your first name and post code or street name, and we'll put you on our project map. (below) This will help us build up a picture of how far people really might have to travel to post a letter. Email us at downtheroad@oneedgbaston.org or visit www.oneedgbaston.org/downtheroadfor more information.

View Larger Map

We Love Welsh House Farm!

2008-07-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

A new website for Welsh House Farm Estate - in fact a very nicely designed blog using wordpress - has gone up today. Good luck to them.

The community project, run by the Lift Youth Trust and residents, ... is an ambitious project inspired by a local Dad and youth worker, Simon Jay. Simon and his team of active citizens want to transform Welsh House Farm estate into a great place to live by reviving community spirit; encouraging residents to help each other through structured volunteering activity, and by increasing the team sports opportunities for young people.

More "2 Parts of Life"

2008-07-04T06:29:00.001-07:00

I loved this Quinton history video, made as part of the "2 Parts of Life" project with Town Hall / Symphony Hall and DanceXchange. Some other sequences now online at YouTube are MC Beat and the amazing Light Dance. The project is featured in the summer edition of One Edgbaston magazine.

Friction Arts interviewed on Audiences Central

2008-06-06T14:00:00.000-07:00

Friction Arts are the team behind Reality Estate, which was the occasion for the launch of our Art on The Edge project, and the successful relaunch of our quarterly free magazine.

In this interview they describe how the work grew out of the:

..award-winning project "Curio City Shop", over two and a half years. We created over 25 projects with locals young and old, culminating in Reality Estate, an epic adventure where the City of Birmingham Young Voices, Kiss the Ceiling, Birmingham Festival Choral Society and Birmingham Choral Union amongst others, performed. They sang an original score based on stories collected from local people during our time at the Curio City Shop."

Friction's next project will be ‘Echoes from the Edge’ a three year programme of work that will see Sandra Hall and Lee Griffiths, Directors of Friction Arts, collaborate with ‘Touchable Stories’ USA. Together they will undertake creative cultural archaeology of Digbeth and Highgate.

2 Parts of Life

2008-06-04T06:24:00.000-07:00

Our local "Arts Champions" DanceXchange and Town Hall / Symphony Hall have just finished some amazing work with The Quinzone Centre and an intergenerational group of local people. Over two and half months, the group learned about making music (both live and computer produced), photography, filming, editing, and dance. The finished film, “2 Parts of Life” premiered at The Electric Cinema on 17th May 2008 to an enthusiastic audience. Here's a sequence: Handbags and Calumn. You should also see Dan's Quinton Rap and Sopie & Sam Dance on YouTube.

Three Views of Shopping Centre Demolition

2008-03-11T10:56:00.000-07:00

This site, with the great tile of "The Foreman's Blog - gossip and humour from the construction industry" is presenting videos of the demolition of the Edgbaston Shopping Centre from three angles. Unprecedented coverage of a tremendous local event.

"Tuesday. I've always considered it to be one of the dullest days of the week, so I've decided to brighten it up for you by providing videos of destruction on a massive scale. Controlled Group ... apparently used 90kgs of explosives to flatten the centre, once hailed as a prime example of building design. It will make way for a £110million hotel and retail complex"

More Edgbaston Foundation Footage

2008-02-23T05:14:00.000-08:00

The Edgbaston Foundation was officially launched at a gala event on 23rd February 2008. Hosted by Central TVs Llewela Bailey, it was held in the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham. The launch was fully covered in the spring issue of One Edgbaston Magazine. These two short films were shot by Simon Russell and used at the launch to highlight the work done by the nominees.

Edgbaston Foundation Footage

2008-02-23T05:11:00.000-08:00

These videos - unavailable anywhere else - show the work of the nominees for the The Edgbaston Foundation Awards:

Corporate Social Responsibility

Lovell Partnership / Clive Marks School /Birmingham Rep Theatre

Community Award

Midlands Arts Centre / Lord Taverners / Lawn Tennis Association / Friction Arts

Volunteering Award

Read International /Selly Oak Play Scheme / Saturday Morning Play Scheme