Spaghetti Gazette - West Midlands UK: Firebox of the Nation

Sharing & Learning Day - Invite

2013-05-09T20:11:00.001+01:00

We’re holding a sharing, network and awards day called The Big Share on Wednesday 22nd May between 10am and 4.30pm and I’d like to invite you to come along.

The event will take place at: The Sweet Project, 3 Ardath Road, Kings Norton, Birmingham B38 9PL
There will be the opportunity to meet social entrepreneurs, to share your mentoring stories, give on the spot pearls of wisdom, or indeed meet future mentees.

If you could make just part of the day, that would be fantastic! Even if it’s just an hour over lunch to grab some food and have a chat to some of our social entrepreneurs, fellow mentors.

Helen Davies
Volunteering & Pro Bono Co-ordinator, UnLtd
Mobile: 07860595912

Who is your Worcester Sporting Hero?

2013-05-09T19:37:00.003+01:00

Do you know a Worcester individual or team who has shown great dedication or excelled in sport over the last year? Now’s the time to help them get the recognition they deserve.

Nominations are open for the 2013 City of Worcester Sport Awards – your chance to make sure the people who are keeping the Olympic legacy alive in the Faithful City are rewarded for their work and dedication.

Whether it’s a team, a coach, a volunteer or a single sportsman or sportswoman who you think deserves an honour, there’s a category for them all in these prestigious annual awards.

And the winner of the Unsung Hero Award at County level will have the opportunity to progress up to the National BBC Sport Personality of the Year Awards.

Worcester City Council and Sport Worcester jointly run the awards, and last year’s ceremony attracted big names in the shape of Olympic medallist Zac Purchase and Paralympic medallist Mel Clarke.

Cllr Jabba Riaz, Cabinet member for Safer and Stronger Communities, said: “Worcester really embraced the Olympic spirit last year and since then many local people have been working night and day to keep the flame alive. This is their chance to be hailed as the community heroes they are.”

The Awards ceremony will be held on 18 September, with the winner of each award receiving a trophy. The winners will then be put forward for an award at the Herefordshire & Worcestershire County Sports Partnership Awards Ceremony.

To make your nomination, download the form from www.sportworcester.org.uk or call 01905 722331.

Please complete and return the forms by the deadline of Friday 30 August 2013 to: FAO Sport Worcester, Sports Development, Orchard House, Farrier Street, Worcester, WR1 3BB or email sportsdevelopment@worcester.gov.uk with the subject title Sports Awards.

A shortlist will be drawn up and finalists will be selected for each award.

Marketing courses for the 3rd Sector

2013-05-09T19:35:00.003+01:00

The Change Consortium based in West Bromwich is holding 2 half-day marketing courses for 3rd Sector organisations in May. Would you be able to able to publicise these to your networks?
May 14th - Using Social Media effectively to add value to your marketing
Social Media, it’s all the rage!

The explosion in the use of Social Media has left many organisations with a skills gap in using this important marketing tool effectively. This in-depth course addresses how to effectively use Google +, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest & other funding raising web and social media sites.

Get you organisation up to speed with all the latest Social Media developments, to book or for more information please follow the link:-

http://www.thechangeconsortium.org/events/2013/01/24/216-using-social-media-effectively-add-value-your-marketing-midlands

May 16th - 61 ways to Improve your copy

In a morning, we can't promise to make you an award-winning writer, but this action-paced, thought-provoking and entertaining course is guaranteed to improve your copy.

Effective writing and attention grabbing in this fast-paced world is of upmost importance – give yourself the edge - to book or for more information please follow the link:-

http://www.thechangeconsortium.org/events/2013/04/16/221-61-ways-improve-your-copy

Equality & Diversity Week 13th - 19th May - Dudley and Walsall

2013-05-09T19:34:00.001+01:00

We are delighted to present a series of events, activities and learning opportunities during Mental Health Awareness Week and Equality & Diversity week 13^th May to 19^th May. Information on these events can be found on our website or you can download the poster here.

The events are designed to raise the awareness of equality and diversity and mental health and are being held at variety of locations within Dudley & Walsall; we look forward to seeing you there.

· Monday 13^th May in Dudley town centre in Stone Street Square from 10:00 to 15:00

· Tuesday 14^th May Russell’s Hall youth club from 18:00 20:30 (this is mainly for children with disabilities and their friends/carers/families but it is still open to the wider public)

· Wednesday 15^th May at Lower Gornal youth club from 18:00 – 20:30 (this is mainly for children with disabilities and their friends/carers/families but it is still open to the wider public)

· Friday 17^th May at the Saddlers Centre, Walsall from 10:00 – 15:00.

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the team on 01384 324531

ChildLine offers advice to young people in Birmingham as exam pressures build

2013-05-09T19:31:00.002+01:00

ChildLine is reminding teenagers that help is available if they feel anxious or worried about exams. Young people in Birmingham and across the West Midlands will be amongst the millions of under 18s who will sit exams this summer. Last year, (2011/12) the ChildLine base in Birmingham received 1,016 contacts* from children and young people about exam pressure**.

Elaine Chalmers, Area Manager for ChildLine in the West Midlands said: "The exam period can be a very stressful and anxious time for young people. We hear from lots of young people each year who are anxious, worried or panicking about their exams and revision. We want to let them know that they are not alone and that ChildLine is here to listen to them.”

To help children and young people cope with exams and combat anxiety, ChildLine is offering the following advice for young people to overcome pre-exam nerves and help them if they have any concerns.

Make sure you take regular breaks from revising and do some exercise

Go to bed at a reasonable time and try and get some sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep will help you much more than trying to revise all night – you will just end up very tired the next day

Try to think positively – even if you don’t feel like it, a positive attitude will help you during your revision

Take some water into the test with you, if you can. Keeping hydrated by drinking water will help you concentrate.

The ChildLine website has a special ‘Beat exam stress’ section for children and young people to visit. As well as calling ChildLine’s free confidential helpline on 0800 11 11 or visiting www.childline.org.uk, young people can also send emails to trained counsellors or receive support online via one-to-one chat.

ChildLine is also offering the following advice for parents and carers to help ease young people’s exam stress and anxieties during the summer months:

Don’t place unnecessary pressure on your children to gain certain grades. They may feel they have failed if they don’t achieve what they thought was expected of them.

Encourage children to take regular breaks, eat snacks and exercise.

Help them revise by leaving them the space and time to do so.

Be relaxed about chores or untidiness and understand they might be moody. Allow your children to revise at nights if that’s what works best for them however do make sure that they get enough sleep to keep their energy levels up in the day.

Be supportive and help alleviate their worries by talking to them.

Passionate support for The Public

2013-05-09T19:28:00.004+01:00

Today, The Public received messages of support from passionate fans in light of the shock announcement by Sandwell Council into reviewing the building’s use.

Since opening in August 2009, The Public has seen steadily increasing visitor numbers, with over 380,000 in 2012-13, and its one millionth visitor expected this June.

Playing a valuable contribution in the regeneration of West Bromwich, over half of the people who visit the Black Country venue are Sandwell people and come for a diverse number of activities from music and comedy to annual celebrations such as St Patrick's Day and regular events such as tea dance and Zumba. Their comedy line up is attracting well known stars of the calibre of Al Murray, Alexei Sayle and Jenny Éclair to West Bromwich and May Bank Holiday sees the return of the popular Now We Are Weekender - a two day music festival featuring 24 bands from the West Midlands and further afield.

During school holiday periods hundreds of families from across the region choose The Public as a great day out, attending sell-out workshops and children theatre, and exploring the gallery’s free exhibitions. Throughout 2012-13 venue also welcomed over 100 work experience placements from across Sandwell, providing young learners with a high quality experience that enhances their lives and gives them a platform to develop skills and opportunities.

The Public continue to nurture new and young artists and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their work alongside established, highly regarded artists. In 2012 their annual Summer Show received over 300 submissions, and in 2013 the open exhibition will provide Sandwell people with an opportunity to display their work alongside work by Tracey Emin, Martin Creed and recent Turner Prize nominee, David Shrigley.

The Public is home to 27 businesses employing over 60 people and offering 100 plus creative apprenticeships, in addition a number of community organisations regularly use the venue.

Whilst Sandwell Arts Trust acknowledge Sandwell MBC and Sandwell College are currently engaged in talks which could see the college turning The Public into a sixth form facility for 500 'A' Level Students, SAT see the future of the venue as an arts centre, continuing to build on the success of the previous four years.

Jan Britton, Chief Executive of Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council said,

“The review by the Council of the future options for operating the building has always been part of our agreement with Sandwell Arts Trust. The Council is very pleased with the progress The Public has made in contributing to the lives of Sandwell and West Bromwich people.”

Andrew Fry, Chair of Sandwell Arts Trust Board said,

“We are very aware of the difficult financial choices facing the Council at this time. We will continue to operate The Public as normal during these circumstances and work with the Council to provide the best value for the people of Sandwell.”

Skills for starting a Consultancy Business

2013-05-09T19:27:00.001+01:00

6 & 7 June 2013
Location: Mechanical Engineering Building. G36, University of Birmingham
Consultancy is SELLING your skills in problem solving.
It’s about offering SOLUTIONS which add tangible value,
providing clear BENEFITS to the customer which meets their NEEDS cost effectively.
To join: register at http://uk.amiando.com/StartConsultancy.html <http://uk.amiando.com/StartConsultancy.html>
Or contact ei@contact.bham.ac.uk <mailto:ei@contact.bham.ac.uk> expressing your interest.

Who is the course for?
Undergraduates, postgraduates and graduates (from 2007), residing in the West Midlands seeking assistance to START any consultancy business.
Your business could be environmental consultancy, technical, management consultancy – the case studies will vary and range by sector to ensure a tailored delivery.
Description:
Over the two days, you will gain knowledge, tips and advice on:

• Your value proposition - what is my value proposition as a consultant?
• How to plan for consultancy: taxes, formation, legislation and insurance
• How to prospect, win work and retain valuable customers (developing trusting, strong relationships)
• Financials (for non-finance people) to be able to assess and understand a company’s position
• Quoting for work and contracts
• Comprehensive frameworks and methodologies
• How to write an effective proposal using a range of real case studies

Desirable Outcome:
You will have knowledge to set up your own consultancy business and will have gained the confidence and knowledge to seek and fulfil consultancy projects.
Trainer’s background:
Clive Booth

Clive spent most of his career in the computer industry during which time he ran three key UK companies. The last of these three was the UK subsidiary of an American software house which he started from scratch. Having grown the UK company substantially he then participated in the management buyout of the American parent and its UK and Australian subsidiaries.

The sale of the parent company in 2002 resulted in Clive being able to get involved with many diverse business interests and he is now a director of a number of companies. These include a software house, a design consultancy, a strategic planning company and a mergers & acquisitions company. He also owns a business planning company and a property business.

Clive originally obtained a degree in engineering from Aston University. His first job was in corporate finance for a large engineering organisation as part of which he undertook accountancy training. An early move into the newly emerging computer industry with further training and roles in sales & marketing led ultimately to general management / Managing Director positions. He is now a member of The Institute of Directors.

Today he spends a lot of time helping entrepreneurs and start-ups with advice on business planning, finance and funding and sales & marketing. He does this through his own business planning company, Escal8or.
Further help:
Join BSEEN, ei’s start up programme which provides you with additional 12 month support, including: a start-up grant, mentoring and further workshops:

• Setting up and legals
• Finances
• Business planning
• Sales
• Marketing
• Funding & Investment
• IP

Start dates 26th and 27th June 2013.
For an application contact ei@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Informal interviews: 17th June.
This event is managed by Alison Sharp, Entrepreneurship & Innovation, University of Birmingham. It is part-funded by erdf (European Development Fund) through BSEEN.

Social Enterprise Training

2013-04-23T18:34:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 1st May 2013 (Room 29)
9:30 – 1pm
St Paul’s Community Development Trust
Initiative Centre
Hartford St
Balsall Heath
B12 9NJ

The training will cover:
· Understanding Social Enterprise

· Understanding the Programme of Support available for Social Enterprise

· Wider Support for Businesses

· Q&A Session on Enterprises by a Experienced Social Enterprise Advisor

There are four possibilities of Funding:

· Individual residents can access Kick Start Awards of £250 which enables them to get going in addition there is up to three days enterprise support.

· A start up enterprise [1-3 months old] then can access £1000 Acorn funding and further business support to apply for the funds and get the business plan etc done

· If it’s a business [or enterprise] that has traded for less than 12 months [but more than three as above] then there is a seedling fund of up to £2,500

· And finally those that have traded for more than a year can apply for a Business Booster of up to £10,000

· The three grants [Acorn, Seedling and Booster] are all match funded so – for example the business in order to get a full £1000 Acorn fund the project / development would cost overall £2000.

To book a place please email me ASAP with the following information;

Name:
Organisation :
Email:
Telephone no:

Hafizun Nessa
Development Agency Support Worker

www.stpaulstrust.org.uk

MENTOR ON THE MOVE BOURNVILLE COLLEGE 2ND MAY BOOK NOW!

2013-04-23T18:28:00.004+01:00

MENTOR ON THE MOVE – BOURNVILLE COLLEGE, 2^ND MAY 2013

BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW!

EVENT FAST APPROACHING!

SEWM and Social Enterprise Mentor hosting this informal networking event in Birmingham soon! This FREE event will take place at Bournville College and will bring together anyone interested in social enterprise, social entrepreneurship or supporting the sector.

When – 2^nd May 2013, 1:30pm-3:30pm

Where – Bournville College, Longbridge Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham, B31 2AG. Sat Nav ref: B31 2TW.

HURRY! The event is nearly here – book your place here.

Find out more about the event by also clicking that link!

Mentor on the Move is a series of regular networking events helping organisations and business to exchange ideas, best practice and expertise. So come along, make new contacts, meet the SEWM team and hand out those business cards!

This networking event is open to all with an interest or an involvement in social enterprise – ideal for start ups, entrepreneurs, enterprises, funders and supporters. It is also a great way for people wanting to take their first steps towards social enterprise, such as, students, graduates, community projects or SMEs.

SEWM and Social Enterprise Mentor look forward to seeing you there!

The SEWM Team.

Claire Reynolds
SEWM Marketing and Administration Assistant

Social Enterprise West Midlands |

Suite 2, Trident Training Centre |

1 Rake Way | Birmingham | B15 1EG

t	\| 0845 450 7515
e	\| creynolds@socialenterprisewm.org.uk

Twitter | @_SEWM
www.socialenterprisewm.org.uk

EU funding 2014-2020 - a new dawn? Mon 29th April, London

2013-04-23T18:24:00.003+01:00

FREE event from NCVO

At this crucial moment in the future of the EU Structural funds, this event will be a key opportunity for the sector to engage in the detailed guidance of the new programme.

It continues NCVO's dialogue with the government that started with their consultation event a year ago, and will help bring the sector together to develop specific recommendations on delivery options including through partnership, social innovation, social investment and capacity building.

Full details here: http://www.rawm.org.uk/news-events-jobs/events/eu-funding-2014-2020-new-dawn

Crematorium recycles metals for charity

2013-04-17T20:26:00.002+01:00

Left to right: Councillor Paul Rone, Coline Grover, Chair of the South Hereford fundraising group and John Gibbon, Herefordshire Council’s bereavement services manager.

Herefordshire Council’s crematorium has donated £4,333 to a local charity, the South Hereford branch of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The money has been raised by recycling metals left behind from cremations such as orthopaedic implants such as hit and knee replacement joints, and those used in the construction of coffins.

Hereford Crematorium is part of a national recycling scheme run by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management. Left over metals are gathered from participating crematoriums, sorted and smelted in Sheffield then send to companies that manufacture new orthopaedic implants. Nominations are then made by crematorium for local charities who could benefit from some funding.

John Gibbon, Herefordshire Council’s bereavement services manager, said: “We only recycle metals resulting from cremation after receiving written consent from each bereaved family. This metal used to be buried in the grounds of the crematorium until the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) set up this recycling scheme.

“We are delighted to be able to support Marie Curie Cancer Care. Their nurses provide care to terminally ill patients in their own homes or in our hospices, and offer support to their families.”

The Hereford Crematorium has donated more than £12,800 to three charities since 2011.

Kerry Thomson (01432) 260006

Sooty’s birthday celebrations at Cadbury World

2013-04-17T19:19:00.003+01:00

Sooty, Sweep and Soo are heading to Cadbury World this month to treat visitors to a spectacular birthday celebration.

The Sooty Show will be hosting Sooty’s Birthday Bake Off at the popular Bournville attraction from Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 April. Come and join Sooty, Sweep and Soo as they bake a chocolate cake with a sprinkle of Cadbury magic for Sooty’s birthday. The Sooty Show, which comes direct from CITV, will be at Cadbury World on selected dates from April until October 2013.

Diane Mitchell, marketing manager for Cadbury World, said: “We’re extremely excited to welcome The Sooty Show back to Cadbury World this year for another fantastic season of fun and games for all the family’. Sooty’s Birthday Bake Off provides interactive entertainment for our family visitors and is a great addition to their journey through our 14 zones.”

In addition to Cadbury World’s seasonal activities, visitors will also have the chance to explore Cadbury World’s 14 amazing zones. Climb on board the magical Cadabra ride for a gentle journey through a chocolate wonderland before having a go at writing your name in smooth liquid chocolate in the Demonstration Area. Finally, finish your journey in the Essence zone where you can choose your favourite treat to be smothered in warm liquid Cadbury Dairy Milk.

For more information about a visit to Cadbury World go to www.cadburyworld.co.uk.

'Calendar Girls' - The Hampton Players - 15th-18th May 2013

2013-04-16T17:28:00.002+01:00

'Calendar Girls' - The Hampton Players - 15th-18th May 2013

The Hampton Players are now in rehearsals for their forthcoming production 'Calendar Girls' by Tim Firth.

Professional 'Alternative' Calendar 2014 being produced for sale during production week
and in outlets in Hampton in Arden thereafter. (We definately need bigger buns!) Proceeds to Leukeamia Research.

Production Dates: Wed 15th to Sat 19th May 2013. 7.30 p.m.
Tickets: £10.00 & Conc £8.50 (Concessions - Snr Cits and unwaged)

Synopsis: Based on a true story: When Annie's husband John dies of leukaemia, she and best friend Chris resolve to raise money for a new settee in the local hospital waiting room. They manage to persuade four fellow W.I. members to pose nude with them for an' alternative' calendar, with a little help from hospital porter and amateur photographer Lawrence. The news of the women's charitable venture spreads like wildfire and hordes of press soon descent on the small village of Knapeley in the Yorkshire Dales. The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annie's friendship is put to the test under the strain of ther new-found fame.

"It's marvellous theatre, guaranteed to make you laugh, cry and come out singing Jerusalem'....Mail on Sunday.

Cast:
Chris: Chris McDermot
Annie: Maureen George
Jessie: Pauline Peach
Cora: Rebecca Kear
Celia: Sue Evans
Ruth: Christine Gough

John: Charlie Barker
Rod: Brian Morris
Lawrence: Christian Jones

Marie: Helen Wood
Lady C: Vikki Reynolds
Liam: Gary Wood
Elaine: Catherine Sharkey.

Pauline Peach (Jessie) Maureen George (Annie) Christine Gough (Ruth)
Rebecca Kear (Cora) Chris McDermott (Chris) Sue Evans (Celia)

BIG BRUM OPEN TOP BUZ 2013

2013-04-11T19:43:00.003+01:00

So we are back

Yes the Big Brum Open Top Buz Sightseeing Tour will be launching again for its 5^th year on Saturday 27^th April

Big Brum Open Top Buz Sightseeing Tour – chocolate, custard, cars, whistles and bangles to the best in the world for science, medicine, education, culture, art and sport – Birmingham has it all! Every weekend from end April to end September at 10.30, 12.30 and 2.30 from Victoria Square.

2012 ticket prices have been held which is great news. Tickets can be purchased on the bus on the day, through the Central Library, through Oxboffice on 0845 681926 or online via www.birmingham-tours.co.uk

SPECIAL EVENTS FOR THIS YEAR

As part of the ST GEORGES DAY CELEBRATIONS on Saturday 20^th April we will be running FREE half hour taster tours at 12.30 and 2.00pm from Victoria Square.

Launch of the Big Brum Open Top Buz Book Saturday 27^th April – books available for purchase at special launch day price of £5

Museum Heritage Bus – first Sunday of the month from May to October plus Summer Holiday specials of Friday 2^nd August, 9^th August, 16^th August and 23^rd August

Tolkien Hobbit bus tour – an unexpected journey – 12^th May 2013

Heritage Open Days – FREE tours at 12.30 on 14^th & 15^th September 2013

Ghost bus tour – 27^th October 2013

Christmas Lights bus tour – 9^th December 2013

THE BIG BRUM OPEN TOP IS AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE HIRE ALL THE YEAR ROUND.

As a not for profit organisation aiming to promote and unite the people of Birmingham we need funding to keep the bus on the road. If you believe Birmingham should have a bus and would like to become a Friend of the Big Brum Buz join us on Facebook www.facebook/Big BrumBuz (please like our page) and follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/BigBrum Buz.

For further details ring 0121 427 2555/078051 15998, check out www.birmingham-tours.co.uk or email Sue at enquiries@birmingham-tours.co.uk

Villa & Blues night at Arden Hall, Castle Bromwich

2013-04-11T18:25:00.002+01:00

80,000 ATTEND GADGET SHOW LIVE AT THE NEC

2013-04-11T18:18:00.001+01:00

The fifth Gadget Show Live pulled in 79,775 attendees last week, leading Upper Street Events to hail the show, held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre (NEC), a major success.

Gadget Show Live took place across six halls at the NEC last week (2-7 April 2013). 241 companies exhibited over the six days – one trade and five public. VIP packages and Saturday and Sunday tickets sold out in advance.

“Our fifth Gadget Show Live has been a fantastic success for both exhibitors and visitors,” commented Sally Bent, event manager. “We’re thrilled with visitor figures, which were exactly on target following our decision to limit daily numbers to improve visitors’ experience and overall enjoyment of the show. The best news is that this had no impact on retailing, which remained high for our exhibitors.”

As part of the show returning features were refreshed and as popular as ever, with crowds flocking to see video games stars Ali-A and KSI on the Game Zone Stage. Sessions in The HUB, Showcase Stage, Toy Arena and Photographic Stage were jam-packed.

The products featured in the Future Tech Zone were a massive draw to visitors and media – the demonstrations of the Jetovator and Flyboard on the NEC lake proved hugely popular.

The Super Theatre, featuring Gadget Show presenters Jason Bradbury, Pollyanna Woodward and Jon Bentley, was as busy as ever with the majority of sessions selling out. The new Gadget Show presenter – Rachel Riley – made her debut on the Super Theatre stage on Saturday.

Consumers also flocked to the show’s new features: Battlefield Live and the Toy Arena.

Battlefield Live posted a message on Facebook straight after the show: “Thank you to everyone who visited and played on the Battlefield Live and Kids Laser Tag attraction – we really enjoyed entertaining you all.”

Hosted by Toylogy.tv’s Peter Jenkinson, the Toy Arena allowed 4,000 children to get hands on with a wide range of toys.

Bhav Patel of the show’ exclusive toy retailer ToyGalaxy, said: “What an amazing show, sales were way above expectations and we were able to build our brand, too.

Simon Pilkington, managing director for new exhibitor John Adams, commented: “Launching HolograFX at Gadget Show Live has projected the company into the growing entertainment toy sector, by embracing new technologies and opening new doors at retail in this developing market. We have already signed up for Gadget Show Live Christmas in London.”

BSSEC: "We hope you like the new website"

2013-04-09T19:31:00.000+01:00

April 08, 2013 by Alun Severn

Yes, we’re almost finished on the new website — it’s been a lot of work, and long overdue, but we hope you like the results. We are now able to manage every aspect of it and keep it fresher and more informative.

Here’s a heads-up on new stuff you may have missed....

READ MORE/...
http://bssec.org.uk/we-hope-you-like-the-new-website/

Eco-friendly project benefits residents

2013-04-09T19:23:00.000+01:00

From left: Aran Duggan (SCH special projects team manager), Richard Sennett (Burrows site supervisor), Jon Rodway (Burrows operations director), Colin Allbright (SCH project manager), Jo Cooper (SCH customer liaison officer) and Darrius Burrows (Burrows managing director).

Solihull Community Housing has successfully completed a major investment project benefiting hundreds of residents.

330 homes have benefited from cavity wall and loft insulation following a survey of more than 6,000 homes across the borough.

The project is thanks to a partnership with Burrows Home Comfort and the West Midlands Arms Length Management Organisation (ALMO).

Many residents receiving the work have been overwhelmingly positive saying that their homes now feel warmer and retain the heat more effectively.

Residents will also be able to enjoy lower heating bills and the risk of damp in their properties will be reduced - all helping to improve tenants’ standard of living.

SCH Customer Services Director, Carole Hodson, said: “This has been a very exciting and positive 12 months for SCH, working in partnership with Burrows Home Comfort to deliver significant improvements to our properties. “The contract has also given us the opportunity to be able to offer a wonderful service to many of our customers who can now look forward to enjoying warmer, more sustainable homes, as well as benefiting from savings in their energy bills."

The overall cost of the project was £86,700 but this was almost entirely funded by EDF as part of the energy company’s obligation set by OFGEM; the electricity and gas regulator to reduce carbon emissions.

Free business mentors in the West Midlands

2013-04-09T18:14:00.001+01:00

Dear Colleague,
Free business mentors in the West Midlands
I manage a free business mentoring programme for the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs which provides bank mentors to businesses, individuals and social enterprises across the West Midlands. Mentors are trained or going through accreditation to become qualified business mentors. I work with the mentors and recruit business for them to mentor within the West Midlands and manage the relationship. I contact the people needing a mentor and look at what level of support that they need and give them information on how the programme works

Applicants are then matched to a mentor and a face to face meeting takes place so that mentee and mentor can agree on how they will work together and where they look at what mentoring is and is not. They then arrange any subsequent meetings between themselves.

Mentors pay particular attention to confidentiality, building trust and rapport, using open questioning and active listening skills so that mentees can have a safe place in which to address issues within their organisations. They are there to act in the organisations best interest but may at times challenge and make the question what they are doing. They are not there to take over or to tell them what to do.

If you would like to apply for mentoring support or simply want to know more about the programme, please contact me as per the details below.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Kind regards,
Christine
-- - Christine Dryden: Mentor Manager
Sfedi Enterprises, 18 Parsons Court
Welbury Way, Aycliffe Business Park
Newton Aycliffe, County Durham
DLZ 6ZE

m; 07720 681591
e; christine.dryden@ioee.co.uk
http://ioee.co.uk/

Solihull Council’s HS2 Working Party

2013-04-09T18:11:00.003+01:00

HS2 Working Party Meeting, 18 April 2013

Solihull Council’s HS2 Working Party is holding its next meeting on 18 April at the Civic Suite at 6pm.

The purpose of the meeting will be to look at the latest plans and proposed mitigation.

Councillor Courts said: “With the development of the HS2 going ahead we need to take into account the needs of local residents and the environment as well as the need for economic growth. It is crucial that we aim to strike the right balance for our residents.”

The meeting is held in public and local residents are welcome to attend.

Residents may submit questions in writing by 12 noon on 17 April. Questions should be sent to the email reaton@solihull.gov.uk

Social enterprise and public service reform — new briefing paper available

2013-04-09T18:09:00.001+01:00

April 09, 2013 by Alun Severn

Anyone looking for a quick, easy-to-read overview of the government’s “mutuals agenda” will find our latest briefing paper useful.
READ MORE/...
http://bssec.org.uk/social-enterprise-and-public-service-reform-new-briefing-paper-available/

Dangers of Leases Legal Training Seminar

2013-04-05T21:22:00.003+01:00

Dangers of Leases Legal Training Seminar

Tuesday 16^th April 2013

10.00am – 12.30pm

In Partnership with HCB Solicitors, Walsall Voluntary Action is holding a seminar on the “Dangers of Leases”.

If you are looking for new premises for your organisation or having problems with your lease then this is the seminar for you!

The Seminar will take place at:

The County Hotel, Birmingham Road, Walsall, WS1 2NG.

The cost is £15.00 per person and includes refreshments.

Please contact rosalindb@walsallva.org.uk for further information or to book your place.

Please note the seminar is open to voluntary organisations only.

Event hears from company that shares its profits with customers

2013-04-02T09:03:00.001+01:00

The CEO of a company that refunds its customers if it makes too much money addressed around 100 like-minded business owners in Birmingham last week.

Ben Reid, chief executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, was the keynote speaker at a networking lunch thrown by Co-operatives West Midlands at the Council House.

Mr Reid – who leads the largest independent co-operative in the UK, with almost 9,000 colleagues spread across around 450 sites in businesses as diverse as food, travel, pharmacy, funeral care, child care, post offices and energy – was invited to talk about the state of the co-operative economy in 2013.

And he was at pains to remind delegates that although he was chief executive of a company with gross sales of £738 million, it is a business owned by its customers.

Mr Reid said he used the mnemonic 'Co-operative DOES' to explain to people what co-ops stand for: Democracy, Openness, Equality and Social responsibility.

Using one part of the business – Co-operative Energy – to illustrate the point, he said: “Customers are tired of the antics of the 'Big Six' energy providers.

“We only have one tariff, and if we make more money than we planned – because of situations like the cold March we're experiencing – we give the excess back to our customers in the form of a dividend.

“When energy companies put their prices up by about seven to 11 percent in September, we brought ours down by two percent, because the cost of the product had gone down, and we held that tariff throughout the winer.

“We could have put our prices up by six percent and still been the hero, but we're not about making 'super profits', and that gives our customers peace of mind.”

Launched in May 2011, Co-operative Energy now has 125,000 customers, and employs 80 people at its Warwickshire HQ.

“Co-operative Energy is a commercial success, and underlines the fact that the co-operative economy is thriving,” said Mr Reid.

And in a week where George Osborne's Budget had promised a string of measures to get Britain building, and people buying houses again, Carl Taylor, chief executive of Birmingham Co-operative Housing Services, took the floor to offer an alternative.

“There are not enough houses in this country, and when we do have houses they are often in a poor condition,” he said.

“Co-operative housing offers a solution. In Europe, ten percent of people live in housing co-ops; in Germany, 4.6 million people are a member of a housing co-operative.

Mr Taylor said that in the West Midlands this year, BCHS was developing 206 new homes, which will accommodate over 820 people, across five sites.

The developments – which will be among the most environmentally friendly in the region – are supporting 120 jobs in the building trade, and represent a £27.6 million investment into the local economy.

“We think co-operative housing is a better form of housing,” he said.

Nick Matthews, chairman of Co-operatives West Midlands, added: “Since 2008 the number of co-operative businesses in the West Midlands has increased by 23 percent to over 500, with a combined turnover of £5 billion.”

For more information about starting a co-operative business, log on to www.cooperatives-wm.coop

Coleshill Women’s Institute March meeting

2013-03-27T21:04:00.002Z

Our speaker Mike Turner described the transformation since 1996 of flood-prone land used for gravel extraction near the River Tame is Staffordshire into the National Memorial Arboretum, the second most visited attraction in the country. Mike is an official guide to the site - not a cemetery, he stresses – which commemorates over 16,000 members of the armed forces and men and women who have died in the service of their country or community. The original idea for the memorial came from ex-naval commander David Childs, encouraged by Leonard Cheshire and fund-raising sanctioned by John Major began in 1984. After a slow start, the project took shape as thousands of trees were planted on the 150 acre site, given by a gravel company on a 900-year lease at £1 a year rent.

Every year fresh monuments are erected, including the recent recognition of the Arctic convoys and a chapel built on a newly-landscaped hill holds a remembrance service at 11am every day of the year. Visitors including royalty, school parties and people from all over the world now flock there in ever-increasing numbers and last July saw a record 40,000 people visiting in a single month, to see the maturing trees, wild flower meadow and spectacular flowers and shrubs. The names of the fallen are carved on a special wall by one inscriber who comes each year to update the lists, showing the names but not their ranks. The rapidly-rising visitor numbers mean that the original visitor centre will soon be replaced by a much larger one costing millions, most of which has already been raised.

Mike’s knowledge of his subject and his evocative photos of the monuments and developments there, including aerial views of the huge site, enthralled his audience. He then judged the competition for the most interesting war memorabilia. Members had brought souvenirs of two world wars including black-out curtains and a gas mask from WW2, a silk scarf with a message printed in 16 different languages (though not German) which could show the owner was friendly and in need of help in whichever country he found himself. One member, Marjorie Power brought a Spitfire brooch – a memory of her days building Spitfires at Castle Bromwich – as well as a sword and knife, memoirs of her husband’s army service in the Far East.

The winning entry brought by Mavis Gordon was a locket and a New Testament which had belonged to her husband’s aunt’s fiancé, a soldier in the Gordon Highlanders in the First World War. He and every man in the regiment received a copy and when he was tragically killed in action his fiancée kept his memory alive with this book and a locket containing photos of the young couple. Bena Stuart took second place with her photo of her father, a Royal Navy commander who served in the WW1 Battle of Crete. This was accompanied by the huge sword which he wore as part of his full dress uniform and still as sharp and shiny as the days he went on parade. WI President Christine Jones’s display of photos of her father-in-law Edward Henry Jones in World War I was placed third and showed his progress from a reservist with the Durham and Yorkshire Infantry Brigade at camp on August 4^th, 1914, still in civvies, then a month later in uniform with his comrades, followed by a photo of him in France in 1916. He had a fine bass voice and often sang to entertain the troops, hence his appearance in pierrot costume in 1917 as part of an army concert party which even included “girls” suitably attired and upholstered, reminiscent of “It Ain’t Arf Ot, Mum”.

The WI nationwide is recruiting growing numbers of younger women and Coleshill members were delighted to welcome two more today. Our meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month in the Council Room at Coleshill Town Hall and visitors are always welcome to come and sample our varied activities and meet new friends.

Our next meeting on April 9^th will feature Rob Hemming’s presentation of “The Shazam! Show”, all about cinema and films and the competition is for a flower arrangement illustrating your favourite film. In May, Jane Arnold is coming as a Roman lady with her slave, who will do some Roman cooking (will they be in togas?) We are holding a fund-raising coffee morning in the Parish Room on Saturday,May 18^th between 10 and 12, with a raffle and bring and buy stall. Everyone is welcome.

New Motor-free Route for Hereford

2013-03-26T19:16:00.001Z

Councillor Powell, Cabinet Member Education & Infrastructure is pictured on the south bank of the bridge construction site standing on the steelwork of the bridge foundation

The construction of the new motor-free route, The Greenway, which will bridge the gap between Hereford City and Rotherwas is well underway. The greenway will connect existing cycle routes and also feature a new river crossing spanning from Outfall Works Road, Tupsley to Rotherwas.

The scheme which is due to be completed in September 2013 will continue through Rotherwas to Chapel Road. The longer term plan is that the route will then continue on to Holme Lacy along the line of the former railway opening up access to the Wye Valley.

The route will offer an ideal commuter link which will cater for pedestrians, cyclists and disabled users, from north to south. Current journey times by car from the north east of the city to Rotherwas can take up to forty minutes during peak times. Walking the new route will offer a quicker alternative and cyclists could expect to complete a journey from the city centre to the furthest end of the Rotherwas Industrial Estate in less than 15 minutes.

Councillor Powell, Cabinet Member Education & Infrastructure visited the site and said, “this is an exciting development for Hereford and will make travelling from the city to Hereford’s Enterprise Zone quicker, easier and safer. The route will also provide an attractive walk or bike ride for those wanting to experience some of the history of Rotherwas or to venture further afield into the Herefordshire countryside”