One Magazine Sping 2008

Spring 2008

Youth Golf Project is a Big Hit At Local Schools

A new joint venture between the One Edgbaston Partnership and the Golf Roots organisation is providing new sporting opportunities for young people in the Constituency. A specially-built Tri-Golf course has been created at Woodview Primary School and Community Centre. Tri-Golf is a modified golf game using safe plastic clubs, soft balls and colourful targets. As part of the project, pupils from Woodview had a unique chance to visit the golfing headquarters of Europe at Wentworth, Surrey. They were accompanied by Felicity Johnson, our local European Ladies Tour Professional. On the day they got to meet Sam Torrance OBE and national radio personality DJ Spoony, as well as hold the Ryder Cup.

Golf Roots has trained teachers and other sports coaches to deliver Tri-Golf as part of the school curriculum. Games are also used as a learning resource in the classroom and during PE. Research has found golf to be a sport offering many benefits for youngsters. This project breaks down barriers, helping and encouraging city youngsters who might not otherwise have the opportunity to try golf and to take an early interest in the sport. It is now hoped the sustainable nature of the work will see a number of the hundreds of youngsters taking part enjoy golf long into the future.

PAGE 2: Edgbaston Foundation Launch Wellbeing Project - People’s Forum

At local Council-run courses play is currently FREE for under elevens. Nine holes for juniors over eleven starts at £1.80. Visit the Harborne Church Farm Golf Course over the weekend of April 19th & 20th 2008 for FREE taster sessions. Call 0121 4271204 for further information

Local Sports Sponsorship Pay Less for Council Tax

PAGE 1: Golf Into Schools Quinzone - Activities for Children

PAGE 3: Brighter Future Edgbaston Fun Run

Holloway Hall

Why Golf? Golf can provide youngsters with moderate exercise, improved hand and eye co-ordination and help develop positive attitudes such as honesty, cooperation, respect, concentration and perseverance.

National Year of Reading Newman College Thanksgiving Mass PAGE 7: I Did It! Neet Solution PAGE 8: Edgbaston Lives Reality Estate

Quinton is Getting it Right

PAGE 9: Art on the Edge

Thanks to partnership working, things are happening in Quinton !

PAGE 10: Democratoc Services Leisure Centre Information

Since the introduction of Extended Services, Quinzone Cluster and it’s partners have brought about big changes to the area. There has been a massive increase in activities for children and young people before/after school, at week-ends and during holiday times.The Cluster is co-ordinated by Chris Smith and Clare Overgaard. Clare, who is also the Manager at Four Dwellings Community Leisure Centre says “Thanks to additional funding secured from Tesco’s, BBC Children-In-Need, Birmingham & Solihull Connexions, and Youth Opportunities Fund, I have been able to organise a whole range of activities for the children and young people of Quinton, including an Outward Bound weekend for a group of Year 11 students from Four Dwellings High School”.

This Issue

PAGE 11: Our Pledges Forthcoming Committee Dates PAGE 12: Constituency Contacts Chris reports that “Action for Inclusion” have provided funding for inclusive activities for vulnerable, hard to reach, children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and other young people in our cluster. There are growing speech, language and communication difficulties in our Quinton Schools and “Action for Inclusion” have also supported a bespoke project to address these needs. For more information contact Chris Smith on 0121 422 0131 ext 124.

...MORE ON THE WEB visit www.oneedgbaston.org

Edgbaston Foundation Debuts to Local Acclaim l ages to perform, participate or simply enjoy art. Friction’s Reality Estate event in October was highlighted in our last issue, and was a part of the Art on the Edge programme. Finally, The University of Birmingham Volunteering Award was won by The Saturday Morning Play Scheme. This is a student-organised play group for children with special needs and disabilities. Roundy Rudell, chairman of the Edgbaston Foundation and a leading local businessman, said: “It is great that we can recognise the efforts of those making a difference in this area by these awards. It is our intention that they become established as an annual acknowledgement by the Edgbaston Foundation and regarded as a highlight in the city’s social calendar.” For more information on the Edgbaston Foundation, contact: [email protected] or tel: 0121 214 2080

A new charitable organisation that will help improve the long-term economic and social success of the Constituency has been launched. The Edgbaston Foundation will work across the four wards of Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne and Quinton. All the funds it raises will be administered by the successful Birmingham Foundation. This new scheme will compliment the current charity and community support work undertaken across the Edgbaston constituency. Businesses and professionals who take part will help make a tangible contribution to the local community and fulfil their corporate social responsibility obligations in an efficient and effective manner. The Foundation was officially launched at a gala event on 23rd February 2008. Hosted by Central TVs Llewela Bailey, this was held in the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham. Over three hundred local business leaders turned up to support the event, raising over £10,000 for the local charity “Best Chances”, which is also profiled in this issue. A highlight of the evening was the launch of the Edgbaston Foundation awards, spotlighting work which is already making a difference in the area. Three awards were presented. The One Edgbaston Partnership Award for Corporate and Social Responsibility was won by The Lovell Partnership, for the Quinzone Academy project at Four Dwellings secondary school. The Lovell team make regular visits to the school, helping fund the academy which provides children with vocational skills. The Calthorpe Estates Community Award went to Friction Arts. Friction have worked in the local community, encouraging local residents of all

Well Being Project - Older People's Forum Brings People Together Last issue we reported that Age Concern Birmingham had been commissioned by your local Birmingham City Councillors to coordinate the Well Being Pilot Programme in the Edgbaston constituency. The pilot project, funded through Adult and Communities Directorate ran from April 1st 2007 to March 31st 2008 and is moving into its final phase at the time of writing. Seema Matlib, Well Being Project Co-ordinator, had this to say about the project and the Forum itself, which took place on the 10th March and was one of the major planned outcomes of the scheme.

The Edgbaston Foundation Awards: Corporate Social Responsibility – nominees were: • Lovell Partnership – nominated by Four Dwellings High School • Clive Marks School – nominated by Hill Crest High School • Birmingham rep Theatre – nominated by Harborne Hill High School Winner: Lovell Partnership Community Award – nominees were: • Midlands Arts Centre • Lord Taverners • Lawn Tennis Association • Friction Arts Winner: Friction Arts Volunteering Award – nominees were: • Read International • Selly Oak Play Scheme • Saturday Morning Play Scheme Winner: Saturday Morning Play Scheme

“The Edgbaston Well Being pilot, is dedicated to improving the overall standard of well being of older people and to assist with promoting and increasing their level of independence and healthy living. It is a holistic programme, which incorporates a variety of different themes, which have definite outcomes to be achieved. Part of the project involves the establishment of an Older People's Forum, and to encourage participation into it. This is aimed to encourage local resident involvement to ensure their voices are heard in respect of future service planning and delivery. It will act as the Constituency strategic body to refer to all major issues relating to peoples Wellbeing. It shall have the authority to initiate, contribute and respond to all strategic policy developments affecting ageing populations of Wellbeing. It is a forum "OF" older people not

purely for older people." The One Edgbaston Partnership are looking at strategies to continue the good work of the Forum in conjunction with the successful Voluntary, Community and Faith Network www.ouredgbaston.org

Bringing Edgbaston Together – A Brighter Future For All Saturday, 23rd February, saw the celebration of another new charity in Edgbaston – receiving the support of, amongst others, City Council leader Councillor Mike Whitby; Edgbaston MP Gisela Stuart and One Edgbaston Partnership and Edgbaston Constituency Chairman,Councillor Deidre Alden, along with university, business, school and third sector leaders. Best Chances is a socio-economic focussed charity, which aims to support all young people from Edgbaston in acheiving their full potential and ensuring that a lack of skills, finance and support does not stand in their way. The charity owes its existence to the work of two Edgbaston based teachers, Bernie Smith and Maureen Hunt, whose book, George Best A Celebration provides both a financial and practical foundation to the charity’s work. In line with the ethos of the charity, the day to day running of the organisation has been given to two young (22) social entrepreneurs, Gareth Evans and Rob Arnott. Gareth and Rob were both educated in Edgbaston, at King Edward’s School, but come from different backgrounds. This has only provided more encouragement for them to work together. ”We aim to draw from our different backgrounds to help Edgbaston and its different backgrounds to come together. We have been working recently with pupils at Four Dwellings School and the

EDGE Schools. These young people are shining examples of what can be achieved with the right support. There is so much potential within the young people of Edgbaston.” Gareth Evans Gareth and Rob are using a programme developed by Duncan Chamberlain, who leads Best Chances, over the past ten years, first introduced at King Edward’s School, Birmingham in 1998. They are tried and tested programmes which develop the employability skills and confidence of the young people they work with.

Run Away to Edgbaston This year’s Harborne Carnival sees the introduction of brand new event. The Edgbaston Fun Run is to be held in conjunction with the Carnival on Sunday 22nd June. The event is aimed at 7–15 year olds and will be held on a traffic free Harborne High Street. The Fun Run will start by the BP Garage and finish in the grounds of the Blue Coat School. The event is approximately two kilometres and offers youngsters a chance to participate in a fun event which promotes healthy lifestyles. There will be 4 runs in total, one for each of the following age groups, Under 10 yrs, 12 yrs, 14 yrs and 16 yrs at August 31 / September 1st. All finishers will receive a medal for their efforts. The entry fee is £2.50 which goes towards the organisation of the event and a contribution will go to the “Edgbaston Foundation” which promotes charitable community, arts and sports initiatives. Entry forms will be available from Secondary Schools, Community and Leisure centres and other outlets across the Constituency, as well as on OneEdgbaston.org We would like to see as many schools as possible participating in this fun event. If you would like to improve your fitness in the build up to the event why don’t you sign up to the Ice Gym at Harborne Pool & Fitness Centre, 0121 464 1174, where you can develop your overall fitness. If you would like more information, contact Nick Price, Edgbaston Constituency, Harborne West, 326 High Street, Harborne, B17 9PU or speak to your sports teacher.

Through a peer-coaching programme young people are asked to help pass on their knowledge and skills to their younger peers. For more information please contact Gareth Evans, Best Chances Charity Development Manager, [email protected] / 07809 759386 or Rob Arnott,Best Chances Charity Development M a n a g e r, [email protected] / 07786 414943. www.bestchances.org.uk.

Worn With Pride! One Edgbaston and Calthorpe Estates Sponsor Local Basketball Team The City of Birmingham Basketball Academy has continued to grow from strength to strength over the last four years, and with much needed support from One Edgbaston and Calthorpe Estates the future continues to look bright. One Edgbaston and Calthorpe Estates provided funding towards the Basketball Academy allowing purchases of kit and equipment that has helped the Basketball Academy train at a higher standard and look a lot more professional in their games. With the sponsors’ logos displayed on the kit, local support for the academy will be seen across the West Midlands, as well as Nationally in the Under-19 English Schools Competition. The Academy is currently trying to become better known across the local community, working with schools and community groups in different ways including the players acting as role models for staying in education whilst performing at a high level of sport. The sponsorship provided will be vital in helping to achieve this.

• 10-pin bowling, • laser quest, • GB Senior Men’s game (NIA, Birmingham), • GB Senior Women’s game (Manchester) and … • a trip to the USA Colleges Day in London. Alongside the monthly outings, in January 2008 both the male and female squads attended the prestigious “Lundaspelen” tournament in Sweden comprising over 300 European teams across the different age groups. This experience provided students with opportunities to experience European Basketball, develop important social skills and improve a range of different abilities. Each of the academy members that attended the tournament has come back with a fresh enthusiasm to be successful in their studies and basketball. The Basketball Academy provides opportunities for talented basketball players to continue on with their education into post-16, whilst being exposed to professional basketball coaching on a daily basis. The practice sessions take place Monday to Friday between 3.30pm and 5.30pm at Newman College and Four Dwellings High School Sports Hall, trying to utilise the facilities available across the Edgbaston community. Any businesses interested in supporting the students of the basketball academy or any students wishing to apply to become a member of the Basketball Academy, starting in September 2008 should contact Director of Basketball Andrew Guppy on [email protected].

Council Tax - How To Pay Less None of us enjoy paying bills but why not at least make paying your Council Tax as convenient as possible? Paying by direct debit will save time spent in queues or in having to write and post cheques. You will also have the opportunity to pay on either the 8th, 15th, 21st or 28th of the month. Payments are protected by the direct debit guarantee. How to pay less The Basketball Academy is a partnership between Four Dwellings High School in Quinton and Lordswood Girls School and Specialist Centre. The basketball focus is provided through Four Dwellings and the academic support via Lordswood Sixth Form. The Basketball Academy is designed to provide its students with a well-rounded, pupil-centered approach to development in both academic studies and Basketball. Students are provided with coaching sessions before and after college hours, which focus on all the key aspects of individual and team basketball. Players all receive individual reports, guidance, goal setting plans, as well as strength and conditioning programmes. Each of the players receive individual fitness testing reports completed by BASES accredited lecturers at Newman College to encourage a healthy lifestyle, as well as improving on-court performance. In terms of academic performance, in 2007 Lordswood Girls School and the Sixth Form were given a grade 1 – Outstanding – rating by OFSTED. Group sizes within the sixth form are kept to a minimum resulting in more personalised learning for the students. Each member of the academy gets to choose which courses are best suited to them and their chosen career path, whether in or out of basketball. Previous members of the academic have left with excellent results, enabling them to pursue University aspirations. While academic studies and basketball are high priorities for students at Lordswood, the personal and social development that is obtained helps to improve important life skills such as organisation, communication and teamwork. Monthly team “outings” are organised to improve both enjoyment of the academy experience and the team spirit within the group. Trips so far have included:

Some people and property can have discounts or exemptions. Most common is that if you are the only adult living in a property you are entitled to a 25% discount. Some people are not treated as living in a property for discount purposes, this applies to students, student nurses and some carers (only if unpaid or employed by a charity and not caring for a partner or child under 18) Council Tax Benefit is money off your Council Tax bill. The amount depends on your income, savings and the number of people you live with. Some people pay no Council Tax e.g. those who get Income Based Job Seekers Allowance or Guaranteed Pension Credit but many other pensioners and low income households have their bills reduced by getting some Council Tax Benefit. Having savings in excess of £16,000 will normally exclude you and to claim you will need to complete an application form then provide original documents such as payslips, bank accounts and benefit award letters. A lesser known form of reduction is a Second Adult Rebate. This applies where a second person in a household who is not a partner e.g. a friend or adult son or daughter is in receipt of benefits or a low income, this may entitle you to a reduction of up to 25%. The above is only a partial description of how you might be entitled to pay less, for more information about this or payment by direct debit contact your local Neighbourhood Office (see Constituency Services), Council Tax Customer Services (tel. 0121 303 1113) or the Benefit Service (0121 464 7000).

Holloway Hall The development of Holloway Hall has been an important step in the redevelopment of the Ley Hill Estate. The facility that was developed on the site of the original tenants hall has provided a modern facility befitting of the new estate.

Further phases of development on the estate will include the development of a new village green and the redevelopment of the park. The new centre will act as a focal point for the park when it is redeveloped where local people and visitors will be able to use the newly developed centre to visit and explore the newly developed woodland area and orientation point to be created in the highest part of the site that will take advantage of some views formerly enjoyed by Ley Hill House. A café area and toilet facilities will also be available to provide much needed facilities to make peoples visit to the park more enjoyable. Part of the developments is to base a new park warden at the centre who will undertake some of the low key maintenance required on the site but more importantly will be working with local community groups and volunteers. As part of the development of the park the football pitch will be redeveloped to improve the quality of the pitch. This will be supported by the new changing accommodation and community facilities to be developed at the new centre. This will aid the development of sport at the new centre. This will help people to use the park for more structured activities but also for recreational usage.

The hall which was officially opened by Councillor John Lines who is Cabinet Member for Housing on 13th March was attended by people from the local community and partner organisations who have been involved with the development of the centre. The Edgbaston Constituency,Holloway Hall Community Association and Midland Heart have worked together, not only to develop the facilities but also to support development of community activities for the new facilities. This will be critical to the long term future of the centre and the wider estate. Two local residents have been at the forefront of the developments working hard to ensure the facilities meet the needs of local people. Brenda and Bob Niland have taken on this challenge and have been working hard to secure the lease for the property and the development of new activities that are planned `from the centre. Some of the projects that have been developed are supported through Community Network South West, who have supported a feasibility study on the potential for a cafe at Holloway Hall run by Adults with Learning Disabilities. This study has developed as a partnership between the Halls committee, Mencap and the Collingwood Centre to take the cafe idea forward. Funding has also been obtained for a temporary part time volunteer coordinator who will recruit and establish training for local people to ensure that Holloway hall is able to offer a range of activities for local residents of all ages.

The existing tree stock throughout the site will be redeveloped with new trees being planted to replace those trees that are reaching the end of their natural life. The park boundaries will be sensitively cut back, in particular the vegetation along the section of Merritt’s Brook which forms the southern boundary of the park. If you or your group would like to know more about what opportunities that are available please contact, Bob or Brenda Niland (Holloway Hall Community Association) on 0121 475 9316, Janice Boyett (Edgbaston Constitiuency- Community Development) on 0121 464 9183 or Nick Price (Edgbaston Constituency) on 0121 464 6042 or the Edgbaston Constituency Office on 0121 464 1953.

The establishment of a youth club which was funded through the Shenley Extended School until Easter 2008 when a further bid will be submitted to Midland Heart for a 2 year youth project. The facilities that have been developed were identified through an extensive public consultation exercise. The new centre has a range of modern facilities including a main hall, cafe area, training room and a crèche facility. To support outdoor sports activities changing rooms have been built onto the side of the hall. These facilities represent the needs and aspirations of the local community.

Send us your interesting local stories and pictures. Email them to [email protected]. Please include your name and telephone number

Read More, Live More The National Year of Reading comes to your local library

In addition to delivering it’s own programme of reading related activities, the constituency’s community libraries are keen to work with others to make this National Year of Reading special, and the benefits long lasting. We are keen both to make new and develop existing partnerships with friends and colleagues in other sectors ( schools, health, adult, higher and further education, business, community, sport & leisure amongst others). To find out more I invite anyone to contact their local library at Bartley Green (012 464 4473), Harborne (0121 464 1596), Quinton (0121 464 7400 ) or me, Dennis Lovatt, Constituency Library Services Manager at 0121 464 0136. Happy reading. http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/ http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/libraries

2008 is the U.Ks National Year of Reading, (NYR) is a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It aims to help build a greater national passion for reading in England – for children, families and adult learners alike. The programme is being managed by a consortium of organisations committed to promoting reading, led by the National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency, and on behalf of the DCSF. The NYR will launch publicly in April 2008. In the Edgbaston, to celebrate the year, the Constituency’s community libraries will be providing a varied programme of reading activities. There really will be something for everyone. The programme will include: • Regular activities such as weekly pre school story sessions; • Bookstart; rewarding very young readers • Reading Groups for adults as well as teenagers; • Young Readers Birmingham activities; • Summer reading challenge; • Black History Month; • and lots, lots more.

Month by Month – Activities in the National Year of Reading • April: Read all about it! Links to newspapers and magazines; library membership campaign. • May: Mind and Body. Reading and learning at work. The knockon benefits of reading. • June: Reading escapes. Holiday and summer reads. • July: Rhythm and Rhyme. Poems, poetry and lyrics. • Aug: Read the Game. The influence of sport and how this can help promote reading. • Sept: You are what you read. Cultural, personal and local identity. • Oct: Word of Mouth. Storytelling, reading out loud, reading together, reading aloud, live literature. • Nov: Screen reads. Exploring the diversity of reading and writing; scripts, TV and films. • Dec: Write the future. Writing, texting, blogging etc.

Newman College Thanksgiving Mass Newman College Celebrates Forty Years at the Heart of the Constituency Newman University College held an event on 21st February to celebrate forty years of providing higher education in Birmingham. Archbishop Vincent Nichols and Bishop Philip Pargetter celebrated at a Mass of Thanksgiving in the University College Chapel. Staff, students and governors from past and present brought items of historical interest to the altar. These included a newspaper clipping recording the visit of Mother Teresa to the college in Bartley Green. The service celebrated both the fortieth anniversary and the recent achievement of Taught Degree Awarding Powers which brought a third University to the Edgbaston Constituency. At the reception which followed, past Principals Simon Quinlan and Brian Ray joined celebrity Don Maclean and the Lord Mayor, Randall Brew

together with over 250 other guests to toast the future of the university college. Principal Pamela Taylor said; Over the next few years Newman University College will be investing over fifteen million pounds in revamping the campus. We want this to be a major contribution to the redevelopment of Bartley Green and to the continuing growth and success of Edgbaston. We will work closely with our local councillors to create a campus for the local community to be proud of. Newman University College is one of Edgbaston’s success stories and we look forward to making a continuing valuable contribution to the local economy. Graduates from Newman University College make a contribution to the local area. Many work in Edgbaston schools, in higher and further

education and in private business. The college considers that preparing graduates to make a valuable contribution to the world is a fundamental aspect of Newman’s mission. This focus, and the graduate level work placements which form part of all degrees, are believed to be among the reasons why Newman has the best employment rate of graduates for UK universities according to figures produced by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. For more information on Newman College contact 0121 4761181 Admission and Prospectus Information: [email protected]

I Did It!

A "NEET" Solution

Sometimes you wake up and something’s gone from your street; something you’ll miss. Or maybe something you won’t miss – say an abandoned car – is still there. When decisions are taken and our views are ignored we feel cross. When they’re taken and we haven’t been consulted we feel furious. Not every decision can go our way, but it’s worth making sure your voice is heard. Here’s the background to one local success story, following an issue raised at Harborne Ward Committee.

What is “NEET?”

“One day our street’s postbox was gone. Our postbox, that had stood on the corner of Grove Lane and Millfarm Road for decades, had disappeared, without even a postcard from the Post Office. I knew if I didn’t do something to get it back maybe no-one would. I was determined that we should not be deprived of a community facility because of – I later heard – health and safety regulations. Besides which, I thought – hey, they’ve taken it away, so they can jolly well put it back!

Simply, NEET is for young people who are Not In Employment, Education or Training. When we found out that there were two hundred and seventy young people, sixteen to eighteen years old in the Edgbaston Constituency without work or college opportunities (November 2007) we knew we could respond. Partnership members met together and plans were laid to work with young people and help them into situations with better opportunities and prospects. Connexions and Queen Alexandra College in Partnership

For weeks and weeks, I kept up a stream of letters and telephone calls to Royal Mail, Birmingham City Council, our local MP, as well as to the new Kenrick Centre, but Royal Mail kept telling me that there were other postboxes in the vicinity, and they had no intention of replacing it. My little “campaign” went on for weeks.

For the first time, a partnership was struck up between Queen Alexandra College and Connexions. A scheme was offered which would offer young people the opportunity to learn how to repair bicycles: developing their practical maintenance skills, helping them with personal development issues and acquiring the skills employers look for.

I then took my plea to the local press and, eventually, we all heard (albeit indirectly) that the postbox was going to be replaced, subject to a satisfactory underground survey of the proposed new site. The postbox has now been reinstated in Grove Lane, albeit in a slightly different, but in some minds, more sensible, location.

Who Benefited? Before Vishal started the programme at the Queen Alexandra College Bike Shop, he felt he lacked confidence. He had low self esteem and mostly stayed at home with his family. On the programme, Vishal learned practical skills and feels more experienced, confident and self assured. He makes friends more easily and has progressed onto a course at Bournville College to improve his key skills. He now feels more optimistic about his future. James always wanted a job working with cycles, but because of a lack of skills and confidence he had been unable to find work. During the programme, James improved his mechanical knowledge and problem solving skills; working at maintenance, repair and pre-delivery inspection. This has made James more “job ready” and he now has a long term work experience placement at “Sprocket Cycles” in Digbeth. NEET in Quinzone

I feel that I’ve actually achieved something for Grove Lane and all the residents! A lot of senior citizens live in Grove Lane and the surrounding streets and, when the Kenrick Centre opens in spring 2008, there will be even more. Without a postbox in Grove Lane, it would be a fair old walk for them all – down a hill and then back up again, to take their letters to the post. Thank you, those who put it back, I’m glad you finally saw it our way” Michele, Harborne Constituency Engineer Bill Taylor was able to liaise successfully with the Royal Mail and get the Post Box reinstated. Nobody likes receiving complaints, but sometimes it helps to know how strongly others feel. If you have any stories of how you helped us see things more clearly, please contact us via [email protected]

A second local successful local NEET programme ran at Quinzone, with support from the University of Birmingham, Connexions and the West Midlands Police. Here young people were offered training and work experience in construction and horticulture. The project was partly funded by Edgbaston Constituency NRF and built on a successful pilot project. At Quinzone eight young people worked towards qualifications in construction and horticulture. Setting off to work at 8.00am for an 8.30am start and working alongside skilled and experienced adults, they gained a real insight into what it takes to get and keep a job. Finally they had the chance to put their new skills into practice for real on sites across the University. ”This group of young people were all considered to be ‘at risk’ and this would have been the first training course they had ever completed. We consider it to have been a great success”. Keith Slater, Director, Quinzone Birmingham and Solihull Connexions provides advice, guidance and personal development services for young people aged 13- 19 to help them move into a job, training or education. For more information contact Connexions 0121 248 8150 (Northfield Office) or 0121 248 8004 (Broad St Office) [email protected] / www.connexions-bs.co.uk

EDGBASTON LIVES - Simon Russell Edgbaston Lives profiles a young film maker working locally in Edgbaston who is inspired by the great entrepreneurs of British innovation’s Golden Age. Please; tell us about yourself, your business and how you started. My name is Simon Russell; I run a film and video production company called Isambard Digital Media, based close to Five Ways. I started the company as a side project whilst at university, and it has grown from there. Since graduating I turned to running the business full time. I’ve seen Edgbaston from dual viewpoints; first as a student and then as a film maker, as I’ve just completed filming and editing a series of four short films for the Edgbaston Foundation. The work was intensive; I had to profile over a dozen local business and community successes, but each film could only be three minutes long. Actually I’m fascinated by entrepreneurship, so this was a great commission for me. I came from Southampton to study History at the University of Birmingham, and since meeting my girlfriend here and starting my filming, I decided this was the place I wanted to be working. What do you like about the city, and the constituency? I’m very interested in innovators, especially historical ones – Isambard is actually my middle name, so I guess the interest stems from that. Birmingham has a unique record of technological and cultural change; it’s inspiring and what attracted me to study here. I was lucky, one of my University tutors was Dr Malcolm Dick; Birmingham’s expert on the Lunar Society, he brought it alive for me. Edgbaston is an incredible place, and

as a film maker I’m always looking at locations; the architecture here is amazing. Georgian, Victorian, skyscrapers, tower blocks. And there’s so much green. Do you think being named after Brunel has perhaps influenced your life too much? Maybe, in a good way! The Edgbaston Foundation Awards were about local entrepreneurs looking for ways to reward and resource local people. That’s how I started myself; I won a place on the “SPEED” programme (Student Placement in Entrepreneurial Education) at university. This helped me financially, which was great, but also gave me a business mentor, Ian O’Donnell, which was better. He’d been through it all himself and gave me the confidence and practical knowledge I needed. Tell us more about your Edgbaston commission. Where can we see the films? The Edgbaston Foundation is a new charity equalising opportunity in the area. They wanted to really see what award nominees were doing, so I was asked to shoot all the nominees at work and also a general introduction to Edgbaston. I was filming in local schools, at Cannon Hill, in Harborne, Quinton, up and down the Hagley Road, at the Reservoir and at Five Ways. Terrific! Some of the partners in the foundation are also in the One Edgbaston Partnership, and I’ve been asked to make the films available online so anyone can view them. The creative industries are really taking off in Birmingham, and I’m hoping to be doing more work here in Edgbaston soon. Simon Russell can be contacted via his website, www.isambard-dm.com His short films can be seen at the OneEdgbaston website, www.OneEdgbaston.org

Reality Estate - Award Winning Local Culture An Arts Outreach and Performance by Friction Arts, Dutch composer Merlijn Twaalfhoven and Local People ‘Come along, hurry up or we’ll be late’, said two young twins on BMX bikes in matching white puffa jackets; tour guides. This was the Reality Estate performance on 28th October 2007, at and around the Five Ways Island in Edgbaston. Reality Estate was a challenging, interactive and immersive experience for over three thousand spectators. It broke down barriers, challenged preconceptions and will be remembered by many for a long time to come. Three hundred participants, three professional and three “volunteer” choirs helped transform the evening against a backdrop of spectacular projections and lighting. A series of large scale architectural projections created by artists in collaboration with local people amazed and delighted visitors. “Reality Estate ” would later win the Calthorpe Estates Community Award for Friction Arts, who originated and managed the project. One Edgbaston is proud to be associated with the event, which was also the launch of the Art on the Edge local cultural listing, and the new and improved One Edgbaston magazine. More information on the event, including videos and personal experiences, can be seen at www.realityestate.co.uk

What is Art on the Edge? Art on the Edge supported last year’s Jazz Festival event on Harborne High Street, and Friction Arts’ award winning Reality Estate choral performance at Five Ways. If you are an artist, performer or run a venue in Bartley Green, Harborne, Edgbaston or Quinton, if you have a public show or performance taking place, let us know. We can list your event FOR FREE in print or online. If you have any local reviews, photographs or interviews, please send them to [email protected] Listings information will be accepted by email only. The One Edgbaston Partnership, Birmingham City Council and its agents will not be liable for any errors howsoever caused. Listings are compiled in advance, you should confirm with the venue before undertaking any journeys. No correspondence will be entered in to on this regard.

Edgbaston Snaps As part of Digital Birmingham week in June, residents and visitors to Edgbaston, Bartley Green, Harborne and Quinton will be invited to share their photographs online. We know that the Edgbaston Constituency is a special place; modern and traditional, busy and calm, diverse and unique. We’ll be looking for photographs that reveal the character of life in Edgbaston, from your own yard to the grand gardens and open spaces. For more information email [email protected] or call Simon Redgrave on 0796 22 33 567

Arts on the Edge Spring 2008 Listing Sam Zwemmer - “Flowers flowers flowers” - Now till 3rd April 08 at Botanical Gardens Gallery B15 3TR These scintillating acrylic and oil paintings are bigger and bolder than real life. Sam's light-hearted approach ("I love big showy plants") is combined with a discerning eye and superb brushwork to create these giant canvasses that burst with energy and excitement. [email protected] / 0121 454 1860

The Drawbridge Art Group (DAG) Show - 4 April 1 May 08 at Botanical Gardens Gallery B15 3TR The DAG was founded in 1972 by six employees of the CEGB. They still meet weekly, for demonstrations by visiting artists, critiques, life and portrait, outdoor painting, exhibition, trips to galleries, and social weekends away. [email protected] / 0121 454 1860

Behind Closed Doors: Birmingham’s Private Collections Now till 27 April 08 at Barber Institute Main Galleries B15 2TS What hangs on the walls in the homes of Birmingham’s private art collectors? Almost 40 paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints reveal the range and variety of treasures that exist outside the realm of public galleries. [email protected] / 0121 414 7333

Interventions:Ruth Claxton - 2 April'5f–'5f6 July 08 at Barber Institute Print Room 1 B15 2TS Ruth Claxton examines ‘the Gaze’ in this fascinating exhibition based on works from the Barber’s permanent collection. Claxton explores the real and implied visual relationships between subject and viewer. [email protected] / 0121 414 733

Fates:Sculpture by Katherine M Waters - Now till 11 May 08 Barber Institute Education Gallery B15 2TS Birmingham-born Katherine M Waters spent a year working and exhibiting in Umbria before becoming the Barber’s sculptor-in-residence in September 2006. The show is inspired by her time in Italy and by the gallery’s masterpiece, The Three Fates. [email protected] / 0121 414 7333

Wildlife Art in the Frame 2 May - 29 May 08 at Botanical Gardens Gallery B15 3TR Featuring the work of three Artists - Three styles - One theme. Valerie Briggs, John Horton, and Trevor Smith share a fascination for wildlife and wildscapes. Their interpretations, styles and use of media are their own, but their motivation and message are unanimous. [email protected] / 0121 454 1860

Claims to Power Coins and Political Spin - Now till 29th April 09 Coin Gallery Entrance This compact display looks at how the god Nike/Victory was portrayed on coins by four different cultures - Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic - and compares political and artistic styles and techniques. [email protected] / 0121 414 733

Moorpool Players - Death and the Maiden - 14th – 17th May 2008 Moorpool Hall B17 9DY. Written by Georgina Reid and directed by Mark Reynolds. The play WILL feature The Moorpool Players and not its alter ego, The Reformation Players under which guise our last production was staged. It has been necessary for us to increase our ticket price to £5.50 [email protected] / 0121 426 2134

Changing Landscapes: The Industrial Revolution and the British Banknote Now till 6 March 09 Barber Institute Coin Gallery B15 2TS The face of Britain changed beyond recognition in the nineteenth century. New private banks employed celebrated engravers to create intricate and beautiful banknotes, portraying aspects of the changing Britain and illustrating a sense of national pride and civic identity. [email protected] / 0121 414 733

Follies of Europe - Architectural Extravaganzas 30 May - 3 July 08 at Botanical Gardens Gallery B15 3TR Follies were built for pleasure with passion and self-indulgence.Follies of Europe is a collection of photographs with accompanying text that illustrates the wealth and exuberance of follies, ranging from the Baroque and Rococo through Art Nouveau to the present day. [email protected] / 0121 454 1860

Art on the Edge Festival! A new Constituency Wide Arts festival for this autumn is in the planning stages. If you are interested in getting involved, either as a venue or as a performer, contact [email protected] or call Simon Redgrave 0n 0796 22 33 567

2008 Pledges The Way Forward – our Pledges to You for 2008 to 2009 1. Set up an Public Protection Unit at Ladywood Police Station combining three OCU’s to fight crime more effectively and improve public safety. 2. Open a Learning Hub at the University Hospital. This will help local people step up to fill job opportunities at the new Hospital and in the Health sector. 3. Appoint a Neighbourhood Advice and Information Outreach Worker. This one-year-post will help improve knowledge of and access to local services for residents. 4. Produce a Summer Activities Book for Children and Young People. This will collate information from many different sources and be given out free in schools over July. 5. Celebrate the National Year of Reading. There will be a Reading Quiz in April with a focus on health and well being in May. In June; send us a postcard about your holiday read. Summer activities for children and youngsters in July and August. In September Quinton library will launch a Teenage Reading Group, and there will be Storytelling events in October. 6. Run Edgbaston Snaps as part of Digital Birmingham week in June. Residents and visitors will be encouraged to share online their photographs that depict the character of life in Edgbaston. 7. Priority areas to have Neighbourhood Charters with satisfaction surveys. 8. Expand the Art on the Edge cultural programme. We will continue to develop and support local work and support a performance in Freshers’ Week. 9. Create Constituency Welcome Pack, in the form of an address book, through sponsorship. This will bring together useful contacts and information from across the Partnership.

14. Deliver the Edgbaston Employment Offer; identify five employment initiatives which can be supported by the City’s Working Neighbourhoods fund. 15. Inaugurate the Edgbaston Foundation Talent show. Clusters will stage local heats in October and November, with a grand final in March 2009 16. Research an Edgbaston Foundation Charity Day for launch in 2009. A document giving a full listing of our Pledges, together with Officers or Organisations responsible and our progress over previous years, is available on the Constituency website, oneedgbaston.org. For more information on this years pledges, contact Steve Bent, Senior Constituency manager at the Harborne West Office 0121 303 4978 [email protected]

Forthcoming Committee Dates: Harborne Ward Committee To be held at Moor Pool Hall, The Circle, at 19.00pm on Monday, 31st of March 2008. Edgbaston Ward Committee To be held at the Church of the Redeemer, 19.00pm on Wednesday, 26th March. Edgbaston Constituency Committee To be held at the Council House Rooms 3 & 4, 18.00pm – Debate on Developing Edgbaston Community Centre, Committee meeting starting at 19.00pm on Tuesday 18 March 2008.

10. Stage a Community Spirit Awards Evening to ensure contributions from the community, voluntary and faith sector are recognised. 11. Run a Youth Big Vote as part of Democracy week in October. This will be combined with a Youth Summit supported by Youth Real Eyes and the Guild of Students. 12. Stage an Edgbaston Fun Run targeting local schools, in conjunction with Harborne Carnival on June 22. 13. Create Edgbaston Clean Up Task Force with a programme of six programmes a year; one for each ward and two for Constituency deployment.

Stay Up To Date at www.oneedgbaston.org

Errol's Working for YOU! One Edgbaston profiles your new Democratic Services Officer, serving t h e E d g b a s t o n C o n s t i t u e n c y. What is it that you do?

Leisure Centres Harborne Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre: Strikes Junior Soccer Academy: Sessions are held after school, throughout the week at Martineau Centre, Bolden Road. Classes cover age groups from 4 – 13. Price: £37.50 (PTL: £22.90)

I feel it is important that everyone has full and equal access to local democracy. My job to help develop and deliver the comprehensive meeting management and Councillors’ support service that helps make local government work in the Edgbaston Constituency. I provide Committee Support, and a full range of Member Services Support from the Constituency office based at Harborne West. It’s also my job to support the Edgbaston Constituency Director, Jagwant Johal and the respective Councillors for Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne and Quinton Wards. will be adminstering the the One Edgbaston Partnership Board and Executive Meetings.

Ice Youth Gym Times: Monday – Friday: Saturday – Sunday: Ice Youth Gym 1hr Sessions: 1 Month Ice Gym: Ice Gym Induction x 3wks

What’s your background?

Disco Dancing: Sessions held Wednesday from 17.00pm. – 21.30pm. Classes suitable for all ages over four.

My name is Errol Wilson, I’m 45 years old and I new in post here as Area Democratic Services Officer for the Edgbaston Constituency. I have a lot of experience; I was previously a Neighbourhood Advisor at Birchfield Neighbourhood Office, and a Ward Support Officer/Service Development Officer for the Yardley Constituency. What do you do in your job? • I support the Constituency Director and Councillors in engaging and involving as many people as possible in the local democratic processes. I ensure that all Constituency Committee meetings, and Ward Committees, are organised, convened and serviced in accordance with statutory requirements and best administrative practice, to facilitate effective decisionmaking and consultation. • I provide support to Edgbaston Constituency Committee and Ward Committees and their Chairmen, prepare work programmes, plan and organise meetings and undertake all necessary action to progress and secure meeting outcomes. • I Attend meetings and prepare agendas, minutes, reports and other documents relating to those meetings having regard to legal or procedural and financial regulations. I attend pre-agenda and pre-Committee briefing meetings with the Chairmen and Senior Officers, meetings of service management teams and other working groups, as required. • I advice the Constituency Committee, Ward Committees, and their Chairmen on their powers, responsibilities and associated matters. I advise Senior Officers on Committee and administrative procedures and the formulation of appropriate recommendations to Committees bearing in mind provisions of the Council’s Standing Orders, Financial Regulations and other statutory requirements. I’m glad to have this opportunity to explain my work to you, and help reveal how crucial careful planning is to ensuring fairness and equality at a grass roots level. I can be contacted at [email protected], at the Edgbaston Constituency Office, Harborne West, 326 Harborne High Street, Harborne, Birmingham B17. My direct telephone number is 0121 464 9197

16.00 – 20.00 09.00 – 12.00, 13.00 – 16.00 £2.00 (PTL: £1.50) £15.00 £4.50 (PTL: £2.25)

For further information on any of the above activities, please contact Harborne Swimming Pool on 0121 – 464 1174. Bartley Green Leisure Centre Irish Dancing: Sessions held Monday from 19.00pm. – 21.00pm. Classes suitable for all ages over four.

Karate: Sessions held Wednesday from 19.00pm. – 20.00pm, and Saturday from 13.00pm – 14.30pm. Classes suitable for all ages over four. Saykaido: Sessions held Sunday from 13.00pm. – 14.00pm. Classes suitable for all ages over four. Four Dwellings Community Leisure Centre Basketball: Sessions held at Welsh House Farm, for ages 14 – 18, on Tuesdays from 16.30pm – 17.30pm. Strikes Junior Soccer Academy: Sessions held at Four Dwellings Leisure Centre, Ages 12 – 14, Wednesdays from 17.00pm – 18.00pm, Ages 14 – 15, Fridays from 17.00pm – 18.00pm, Ages 15 – 16, Thursdays from 17.00pm – 18.00pm. U12’s Match held Saturdays in Smethwick, times will vary. Contact Clare Overgaard 423 2467, Charge of £1.50 goes towards pitch fees. Shenley Court Community Leisure Centre Strikes Junior Soccer Academy: Ages 4 – 5, Saturdays 9.00am – 10.00am Ages 6 – 8, Saturdays 10.00am – 11.00am Ages 9 –11, Saturdays 11.00am – 12.00pm Strokes Swimming: Monday: 17.45pm, 18.15pm, 18.45pm, 19.15pm Tuesday: 17.15pm, 17.45pm, 18.45pm, 19.15pm Saturday: 9.00am, 9.30am, 10.00am, 10.30am Gymnastics: Sessions held 17.30pm on Tuesday evenings. Play scheme activities held for children 10.00am – 15.00pm during some school holidays. For more information contact the Leisure Centre on 0121 – 464 5511

Contacts

Constituency Services

ONE EDGBASTON TEAM [email protected].

CONSTITUENCY DIRECTOR EDGBASTON Jagwant Johal 0121 464 9197

EDGBASTON KIDS CLUB Hilary James [email protected] 0121 464 0689

BARTLEY GREEN NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICE 0121 303 5250

B’HAM CHURCHES TOGETHER 0121 766 5522

POLICE (non emergency) 0845 113 5000 FIRE SERVICE (non emergency) Woodgate Valley Fire Station 0121 427 2261 BOURNBROOK FIRE STATION 0121 472 1594 HAYMILLS FIRE SAFETY CENTRE 0121 753 1313 HOME FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT (HFRA) 0800 389 5525 HEALTH SERVICE Locality General Manager 0121 428 6378 PRIMARY CARE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER 0121 428 6372

EDGBASTON NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICE 0121 303 4988 QUINTON NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICE 0121 303 5500 WASTE/REFUSE COLLECTION & DISPOSAL 0121 303 1112

HIGHWAY ISSUES 0121 303 6644 ABANDONED VEHICLES 0121 303 1112 COUNCIL TAX 0121 303 1113 ALL COUNCIL SERVICES 0121 303 1111

LIBRARIES Bartley Green 0121 464 4473 Harborne 0121 464 1596

LOCALITY LEAD NURSE 0121 428 6376

Quinton 0121 464 7400

Your Councillors BARTLEY GREEN WARD Vivienne Barton 0121 475 3067 [email protected] Bruce Lines 0121 475 3789 [email protected] John Lines 0121 422 6321 0121 303 2130 (Group Office) 0121 303 4049 (Council Office) [email protected] EDGBASTON WARD Deirdre Alden 0121 427 2681 [email protected] James Hutchings 0121 303 2130 (Group Office) [email protected]

Fergus Robinson 0121 244 5625 [email protected]

Len Clark 0121 684 0814 [email protected]

HARBORNE WARD John Alden 0121 426 5077 0121 303 2130 (Group Office) [email protected]

Jane James 0121 423 1559 [email protected]

Peter Hollingworth 0121 429 3322 0121 303 2130 (Group Office) [email protected] Mike Whitby 0121 303 2130 (Group Office) [email protected] QUINTON WARD Richard Bashford 0121 421 1807 [email protected]

Your MP EDGBASTON CONSTITUENCY Gisela Stuart 0121 454 5430 [email protected]