Spaghetti Gazette - West Midlands UK: Firebox of the Nation

Watch a Victorian Wedding at Blists Hill Victorian Town: Saturday 16th June

2012-05-30T19:11:00.002+01:00

Join the residents of Blists Hill Victorian Town, near Ironbridge as they enjoy a traditional church wedding re-enactment and open-air reception of a local school teacher and his bride on Saturday, 16^th June.

The ‘marriage service’ will begin at 2pm in St Chads Mission Church at Blists Hill; this unusual building is made from tin and is located in the woods. There are a small number of spare places inside the church to join the couple’s relatives and friends, sing-a-long with the traditional hymns and listen to the readings.

Afterwards the bride and groom will make their way by horse and carriage to the town’s Pleasure Gardens for an outdoor blessing and reception. Here they will mingle with their wedding guests and enjoy an open air Wedding Breakfast. Listen to the speeches and watch the proceedings until the happy couple depart for their honeymoon.

Open 10am to 5pm Blists Hill is one of the Ironbridge Gorge Museums. A great value Annual Passport Ticket allowing entry into all ten museums, valid for twelve months and unlimited return visits, costs £23.25 per adult, £18.75 for the 60 plus, £15.25 for students and children and £64 for a family of two adults and all their children aged up to 18 years in full time education (terms and conditions apply); under 5s free. Activities and workshops vary day-to-day and some carry an extra charge in addition to the museum admission fee. Individual museum entry tickets are also available.

For further information, contact the Ironbridge Visitor Information Centre on Tel: 01952 433 424 or visit www.ironbridge.org.uk. The Gorge is easily reached via the M6 and M54 motorways exiting at Telford (M54 junction 4 or 6).

Voluntary groups can promote good environmental practice at small scale

2012-05-30T19:10:00.000+01:00

New research by the Third Sector Research Centre has examined the role of voluntary organisations in promoting pro-environmental behaviour change. It points to evidence of success around small-scale, local initiatives, but questions whether these can be scaled up to reach the wider public.

The research review points to qualitative and quantitative evidence of third sector initiatives that have changed people’s practices around recycling, reuse and home energy use.

Evidence suggests TSOs can be successful at changing behaviour within local, small group settings, which encourage collective action and the creation of new group norms. They have also been successful at providing alternative infrastructures - such as sustainable housing projects, community farms, food or renewable energy co-operatives – that enable behaviour change.

However, the small, local and time-intensive nature of many projects poses a barrier to implementing them on a wider scale. There is also a lack of evidence around whether TSOs can have impact on ‘harder to change’ behaviours, such as transport practices.

Milena Buchs who conducted the research said ‘Quite broad claims have been made about the ability of third sector organisations to influence behaviour. There are certainly good examples of them working with people to successfully change the way they approach things like energy use, food or waste. But evidence also suggests that many people who get involved in these projects are already engaged with environmental issues to some extent. The question that remains is whether it is possible to engage the broader public, especially where behaviour change challenges mainstream attitudes and norms.

This may mean that additional government action is needed to change environmental practice at a national level’.

For more information and copies of the report, contact:

Naomi Landau, Knowledge Exchange Team: n.landau@tsrc.ac.uk / 020 7520 2421

Milena Büchs, m.buechs@soton.ac.uk / 023 8059 7547

CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety

2012-05-30T19:02:00.002+01:00

I still have some places remaining on our Food Safety course running on 12th June from 9.30am - 4.30pm.

This course is ideal for anyone working in a catering, manufacturing or a retail setting where food is prepared, cooked and handled.

Typical environments may include:

•pubs, hotels, restaurants;
•supermarkets and retail environments;
•food and drink manufacturers;
•hospitals;
•care homes;
•schools;
•prisons.

The training is being held at

Shenley Lane Community & Sports Association
472 Shenley Lane
Northfield
B29 4HZ

The cost is £45 per delegate, for bookings contact Natalie on 0121 415 6682.

Thursday 14th & Friday 15th June 2012 6pm & 7.30pm

2012-05-30T18:55:00.000+01:00

Sir Ranulph Fiennes tours UK in Everest, The Eiger & More

‘World’s Greatest Living Explorer’ takes to the stage

Sir Ranulph Fiennes is set to embark upon a new adventure as he takes to the tour circuit this summer to recount his adventures in a brand-new ‘audience with…’ style theatre show, Everest, The Eiger & More, presented by adventure-based speakers specialists, Speakers from the Edge

Described by the Guinness Book of Records as ‘the world’s greatest living explorer’, Sir Ranulph’s exploits, escapades and expeditions have taken him in almost every direction around the globe, including a 52,000 mile odyssey through both poles in the first polar circumnavigation of the Earth, the first crossing of Antarctica and the Arctic Ocean, and the first crossing of the Antarctic Continent by foot

He has led over 30 expeditions, climbed to the highest peak on the planet, discovered the lost Arabian city of Ubar, undertaken the first hovercraft ascent of the Nile and conquered the first 7x7x7 Challenge; seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven consecutive days… just three months after a massive heart attack, a three-day coma and a double bypass

Not content with these super-human endeavours, former SAS demolitions expert and author of 19 books, Sir Ranulph set his sights on climbing Everest’s Tibetan-side - despite suffering from vertigo and possessing no climbing experience - to raise £2m for the British Heart Foundation’s new research MRI scanner

Two years later, in 2007, Sir Ranulph climbed what is arguably the world’s toughest ascent, the dreaded North Face of the Eiger, raising £1.8m for Marie Curie Cancer Care’s Delivering Choice Programme, following the sad loss of his first wife three years earlier

In 2008, Sir Ranulph returned to Everest to climb the Nepalese-side and raised a further £2.5m for the same Marie Curie Programme, this time coming within 400m of the summit

One year on, in 2009, Sir Ranulph finally summited Everest, at the age of 64

Everest, The Eiger & More is the inspirational story of how Sir Ranulph conquered his fears to summit two of the most dangerous mountains in the world. Joined on stage by his Eiger guide - climbing expert Ian Parnell - who will be posing questions to the living legend, Sir Ranulph will delve deep to entrance audiences with his courageous stories

Everest, The Eiger & More is touring UK theatres in summer 2012 and will be showing at the Town Hall, Birmingham, on Monday, 2 July. To book tickets contact the Box Office on 0121 345 0600 or, for further details, visit www.speakersfromtheedge.com

Tour dates in the West Midlands

JULY ‘12

Mon 2 BIRMINGHAM Town Hall 0121 345 0600

Mon 9 SHREWSBURY Severn Theatre 01743 281281

Wed 18 MALVERN Malvern Theatres 01684 892277

Women & Theatre presents Underrated: Birmingham The Musical

2012-05-30T18:46:00.001+01:00

Thursday 14th & Friday 15th June 2012 6pm & 7.30pm
The Foyle Studio

Mac, Cannon Hill Park, Birmingham, B12 9QH
£7/ £5 (conc)

Sales & Information: 0121 446 3232

This project has been funded by BCC Next Generation, The Edward & Dorothy Cadbury Charitable Trust, The Eveson Trust, The Ernest Cook Trust, the Harry Payne Trust, and supported by mac Birmingham.

More miles of canal than Venice? Unlikely.
A tree for every person? Doubtful.
Underrated? Definitely.

Birmingham is the UK’s second city, so why should we struggle with a second-rate reputation? Underrated: Birmingham The Musical is a multi-voiced theatrical extravaganza celebrating the best bits of Brum through the eyes of its young people. Beyond the Bullring and the Balti triangle, we’ll find out what our city means to our most dynamic residents – the next generation who will shape its future.

Underrated has been developed throughout April, May & June, by Women & Theatre working in partnership with Queensbridge Secondary School, Priestley Smith School for the Visually Impaired, and The Children’s Society’s Strong Voices, Strong Lives project for unaccompanied asylum seeking children.

Responding to the fact that the Lonely Planet overlooked Birmingham in 2011 edition of Discover Great Britain, Underrated: Birmingham the Musical sees a ‘rater’ visit the city, ready to write it off, until they meet the cities young people, who take them on a whirlwind tour of the cities delights and assets.

Using film and multimedia combined with live performances, and songs composed by the young people including ‘Diversity’ and ‘Going around the Bull’, the show is a celebration of Birmingham in all its glory.

For more information and images please contact Pippa Frith on 0121 449 7117 or pippafrith@womenandtheatre.co.uk

Cheer on your team at the Euro 2012!

2012-05-30T18:40:00.001+01:00

Come and join us at the Signing Tree Conference Centre to watch the football, bring friends & family, children welcome. The more the merrier. We would love to see you here. Just give me a call or drop me an email for tickets.

Sam Berrow
Sales Executive

Minicom: 0121 246 6101
Tel: 0121 450 5121
Email: sam@signingtree.org.uk

The Signing Tree Conference Centre
The Deaf Cultural Centre
Ladywood Road
Birmingham
B16 8SZ

The Signing Tree Conference Centre is part of BID Services, a Birmingham based charity, Number 1053184, Company No. 3124204

Previously known as the Deaf Cultural Centre, the newly named Signing Tree Conference Centre is contemporary, bright and spacious and has been thoughtfully designed to create an ideal environment that is perfect to host your next meeting, conference or event. The Centre is operated as a social enterprise and all profits are used to support the communities we serve.

All of our rooms are finished to a high standard with designer furniture, natural daylight and all the IT/AV you would expect from a high quality conference venue. Depending upon your needs, we can accommodate from between 2 to 150 delegates theatre style and up to 300 for parties, exhibitions and festivals. If you would like to book an event please contact our sales team on 0121 450 5121 for more information.

Ben - A Tribute to Michael Jackson - Wolverhampton Wulfrun Hall: Friday 8th June 2012

2012-05-30T18:32:00.000+01:00

The spectacular, high-octane show celebrates the career of the world’s greatest entertainer, starring one of the world’s most exciting and talked about tribute artists – Tejai Sullivan.

From Chicago , Illinois , Tejai comes to the UK for the first time in this latest addition to his incredible, whirlwind career representing Michael Jackson.

It all started only 3 years ago shortly after Michael sadly passed away on June 25, 2009 at only 50 years old. Tejai had always dreamed of being a performer and worshipped Michael Jackson from an early age. Much like the rise of mega-star Justin Bieber, Tejai finally got his chance when US producers stumbled across a video of him singing on YouTube who quickly snapped him up for a world tour starring in an acclaimed Michael Jackson tribute show.

For two years, Tejai headlined the production which featured choreographer Mick Thompson, one of Jackson ’s own principal dancers. The show appeared in countries such as the USA , Germany , Poland , Hungary , Switzerland , Luxembourg , the Netherlands and Denmark .

Now, Tejai is ready for his first tour of the UK which will see him perform a string of dates in the acclaimed show The World’s Greatest Michael Jackson Tribute Concert.

Talking about the tour, Tejai said: “This is the reason I began performing my tribute - to represent Michael in the best possible way in cities all over the world. Michael had a strong love affair with fans in the UK so it has always been a dream destination of mine. We just hope that the fans enjoy our show and we continue to spread Michael’s legacy.”

The World’s Greatest Michael Jackson Tribute Concert also stars an incredibly talented 8 piece band and dancers. Together with Tejai, the cast brilliantly recreate all the magical classics from the early Jackson 5 songs to the mega-hits such as Thriller and Smooth Criminal.

The acclaimed tribute show promises to provide the world's closest experience to an original Jackson concert and recreates the iconic stages of Michael's incredible career from as early as his Jackson 5 days to his worldwide sell-out arena tours.

With spectacular costume changes, mesmerising dance routines and an incredible live band - this is one show that any Michael Jackson fan cannot afford to miss!

YouTube Clip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OlGxgmJXxl8

Official Website: www.michaeljacksonuk.com

Tickets priced £16.00 are available from Midland Box Office: 0870 320 7000 or online at www.wolvescivic.co.uk

West Brom's biggest and best music festival is back

2012-05-30T18:28:00.002+01:00

‘MADCHESTER’ MUSICIAN HEADLINES MEGA FUND RAISING EXTRAVAGANZA

When: 7^th July 2012

Where: The Public, New Street, West Bromwich, West Midlands B70 7PG

What: Mega 12 hours, fund raising, music extravaganza

Why: Fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Support

Why not come and join in and see what is happening? A total of 31 bands will be descending on The Public in West Bromwich for the most recent instalment of Judgestock, the area’s largest music festival. Bands will be flying the standards for indie, soul, metal and steel, and everything in between. Headlining the event will be former Stone Roses and Simply Red guitarist, and forerunner of the ‘Madchester’ music scene, Aziz Ibrahim. The festival’s organiser, Lee Judge hopes that Ibrahim’s set will amplify an event already jam-packed with musical talent.

Lee, a Collections Specialist at npower’s offices in Kingswinford, who was born and lives in West Brom, first got involved in charity work when he was a mere 17 year old and the past two years have seen his efforts focus on raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, with the annual Judgestock festival dedicated to the late Simon Turton, Lee’s best friend, who died of cancer two years ago. Lee says: “I think we expect to donate at least £10,000 to the charity this year but it would be wonderful if we could go that bit further and raise £15,000. To do this will take the support of lots of generous, local people and I urge anyone interested in either music or entertainment or who wants to have a day of fun, then please get your ticket before they sell out and come along to a great event!”

Aziz Ibrahim will be performing with students from the George Salter Academy Saturday School during the afternoon and then doing his own set on one of the three stages in the evening.

Tickets are available from The Public at £8 for adults, with entry for under 12s free.

New Drop-In Service based in Ladywood for people with mental health issues

2012-05-30T15:12:00.002+01:00

Do you suffer from Mental Health Issues?

Do you want to gain more support ?

Do you want to socialise and make new friends?

Why not come along to the Drop-In Service.

Activities include:

Guest speakers

Games

Support

Guidance

Refreshments

Pool

Table tennis

Every Tuesday Afternoons 1-3:30

Ladywood Methodist Church,

St Vincent Street West

Ladywood

Birmingham

B16 8Rw

For More information you can email:admin@birminghamhelpinghand or phone 07955503494

(Please Note Refreshment are charged at 50p which gives you unlimited Refreshments )

Intergenerational Tea Party

2012-05-30T14:55:00.000+01:00

The generation gap was well and truly crossed last week when Solihull Council held an Intergenerational Tea Party in the Studio at Solihull Arts Complex.

As part of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the Council’s Neighbourhood Services team organised the event with the aim of bringing the generations together at this historic time.

Young and old who have done something special for the borough were invited, so that they could share their experiences and enjoy a ‘thank you’ as well.

The Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Ken Hawkins, was in attendance, along with 91 year-old charity wing walker Tom Lackey, environmental Champions of all ages, young Park Rangers, residents’ group leaders and people celebrating special anniversaries.

Guests were greeted on arrival by various ‘characters’, including a spiv, a teddy boy, Marilyn Monroe, Britannia and various members of the armed forces.

Also in attendance were the recent competition winners for the design of the shields on the Malvern Park gates, as well as David Dunster, who had originally created the gates in the 1950s and had travelled all the way from Scotland to attend the event.

The Mayor, who arrived on his second day of Mayoral duties to applause, said, “I’d like to thank the very special people who are here today, many of whom I know have done some fantastic work for charity. I’d also like to congratulate the event organisers for uniting the generations for this occasion. What better opportunity to prove that all young people aren’t troublemakers and all older people aren’t old fogies.”

Tea was served, and there was plenty of bunting and union jacks to make the occasion feel sufficiently patriotic.

Guests were also treated to energetic dances from Lawrie’s School of Dance, based at St. Andrew’s Church in Chelmsley Wood. The school provides dance lessons for ages 3 to 63 in ballet, tap, theatre craft, acrobatics, freestyle and adult tap.

Other entertainment included a quiz with various jubilee-themed prizes, and Dudley-based musical duo Mellow Peaches, who treated the guests to some rousing renditions on their guitar, kazoo and mandolin.

Ikon presents Deepest Sympathy (2011), a digital animation by British video artist David Theobald.

2012-05-30T10:10:00.001+01:00

David Theobald

Deepest Sympathy

18 July – 2 September 2012

Tower Room

Still from the video Deepest Sympathy

Ikon presents Deepest Sympathy (2011), a digital animation by British video artist David Theobald.

Through this short video, a biography is conveyed through the medium of greetings cards. Beginning at birth, they mark all of life’s loves, successes and tragedies: childhood birthdays, exam passes, career development, marriage, birth, divorce, retirement and death. In so doing, one person’s story is catered for as a set of pre-packaged events and standarised sentiments available for purchase.

David Theobald is a video artist born in Worthing in 1965. Although originally trained as a chemical engineer, he pursued a career in finance for fifteen years, living both in New York and London. Ten years ago he decided to change profession and dedicate himself to becoming a full-time artist. Most recently, his main works have been animations structured from photographs, scanned images or single frames extracted from video footage, blending these together to create a familiar yet alien environment. These may be structured as conventional films or as continuous loops with no discernible beginning or end.

Deepest Sympathy can also be viewed at http://vimeo.com/19603500

Local Fun Run Supports Brain Tumour Charity

2012-05-30T08:27:00.000+01:00

Dorridge Fun Run committee members Peter Haywood (left) and Peter Marshall (right) with Rob Hughes (centre) of Brain Tumour UK

Brain Tumour UK has been selected as one of the beneficiary charities for this year’s Dorridge Fun Run on 17^th June.

Now in its eighth year, more than 1,500 runners and cyclists are expected to take part in the popular annual event. Money raised from the event will go towards funding groundbreaking research into brain tumours, as well as personalised support that Brain Tumour UK provides for patients and families across the Midlands during treatment.

Event Organiser, Peter Marshall said: “We are looking forward to a record turnout and exceeding our fundraising target of £35,000 to ensure that Brain Tumour UK can continue its important work.

“Participants can choose between a three or eight mile route through the Warwickshire countryside and with roads closed and a choice to run or cycle it is a great family event.”

Brain Tumour UK operates across the country and earlier this month (April) joined forces with Solihull based brain tumour charity The Joseph Foote Trust.

The charity was set up by Andy Foote, who lives in Dorridge, after his two year old son Joseph was diagnosed with a brain tumour. Joseph died in 2007.

Andy has now joined Brain Tumour UK’s board as a Trustee. He said: “We are tremendously grateful to have such a fantastic response and so much enthusiasm for the charity.”

Brain Tumour UK funds research and provides invaluable support to people throughout the Midlands who are affected by brain tumours.

“It is so important that we raise awareness to help fight this terrible disease.”

People wanting to take part in the fun run should visit http://www.dorridgefunrun.org/ or contact Brain Tumour UK on 0845 4500 386.

Wolverhampton Steam + Vintage Rally - West Park + Parade through City Centre: Saturday 2nd + Sunday 3rd June 2011

2012-05-30T08:23:00.004+01:00

Once again the organising committee has found a good cross section of exhibits and attractions to entertain all members of the family around the park. They have collected together a fine display of traditional vintage organs, traction engines, motor cycles, aircraft, stationary engines and models of equipment of times gone by. There will be live acts all day on stage.

Don’t miss the working area showing how things were traditionally done in times gone by. Please feel free to talk to the owners and exhibitors; they like to hear of your experiences when working similar equipment.

Other attractions will include a giant mo dern day funfair, vintage funfair, trade and craft stalls. The show will be open from 11am till 5pm both days and admission is free.

Brass bands will perform from 2.00pm – 4.00pm on both days in West Park .

If you cannot attend the rally in the park, look out for the Steam & Vintage Parade through the City on Saturday 2 June leaving West Park at 12 noon.

Free Admission.

3 Grants Officer Vacancies at Heritage Lottery Fund [ West Midlands ]

2012-05-30T08:21:00.002+01:00

Grants Officer x 3 Heritage Lottery Fund

Based in Birmingham

Grade E Salary: £21,000 - £24, 361

The Fund is looking to recruit three Grants Officers as follows:

Full time permanent Grants Officer

Full time maternity cover Grants Officer (up to 12 months)

Full time flexible resource Grants Officer fixed term contract initially up to 12 months

The primary purpose of the role is to assess and process grant applications to the Fund in the West Midlands. The successful candidate will demonstrate proven substantial similar work experience ideally in a related field. An understanding of the issues involved in the distribution of lottery funded grants.

For more information about this role please visit the vacancy page of our website www.hlf.org.uk

Closing date for on line applications will be Sunday 10 June 2012 and interviews will be held in our Birmingham office week beginning 18 June 2012.

Please highlight on your application which role you would prefer to be considered for.

Past Lives - A live musical cinematic experience

2012-05-30T08:18:00.003+01:00

On Friday 29 June, celebrated musicians and composers, Dave Sturt and Theo Travis, will be performing at The Public in West Bromwich as part of a unique, live cinematic experience, Past Lives.

Combining cutting edge technology with nostalgia, Past Lives features rarely seen amateur footage of Midlands’ life from the 1930s to the 1970s set to an atmospheric soundtrack. During the highly anticipated music and film showpiece, ambient soundscape pioneers Cipher (Sturt and Travis) will be performing live alongside guest musicians from Sinfonia ViVA, a national orchestra based in the East Midlands.

Capturing moving images is now commonplace with mobile phones and pocket cameras, but before the digital age it wasn't so easy. Small format movie cameras were the liberating technology of the mid-20th Century, giving ordinary people the chance to record everyday events on their 8mm and 16mm cameras.

Cipher have collaborated with visual artist Anthony Hatton to produce a thought-provoking and engaging visual and live musical experience using little seen footage from the Media Archive for Central England, including local images of the areas they will visit.

As Cipher,Dave Sturt and Theo Travis are renowned for composing and performing soundtracks for silent films – having toured with Hitchcock’s,The Lodger and Blackmail, Murnau’s The Last Laugh, Pabst’s Pandora’s Box, Lon Chaney’s The Phantom of the Opera and a very special Cabinet of Dr Caligari to celebrate the film’s 90^th anniversary. They have developed a unique style of jazz electronica incorporating live looping and computer processing techniques.

Their music is intense, relaxing, emotional, lyrical, often dark and spontaneous with a strong element of improvisation in their performances.

Prior to the live performance The Public will be hosting a 'Music for Film' workshop, providing people with an opportunity to develop skills in composing and performing music with film. The workshop looks at 'capturing a mood' and exploring themes, using improvisation and technology to discover the hidden potential of musical instruments.

Linda Saunders, Managing Director ofThe Public said,

“Cipher have built up a tremendous reputation for producing mesmerising dynamic soundtracks for silent films. Past Lives is not only a unique audio-visual experience, it helps paint a fascinating picture of Midlands life with rarely seen archived footage.”

Past Lives takes place at The Public on Friday 29 June. The performance is £10 (£8 conc.) taking place 8.15pm – 9.30pm, with the workshop £7 (£5 conc.) taking place 6pm – 7.30pm. The workshop and performance combined ticket is £12 (£8 conc.). Tickets are available by calling 0121 533 7161.

For more information about events at The Public visitwww.thepublic.com or call 0121 533 7161.

A Right Royal Knees Up at Ludlow Assembly Rooms

2012-05-30T08:15:00.001+01:00

A Right Royal Knees Up

Mon 4 June

7pm

2hr 30min

Auditorium

£14 (£12 concessions)

A feel good performance packed with sing-a-long memories spanning four weddings and a Coronation.

From the 1940s to the new millennium, this is a show guaranteed to get your spirits soaring, your hands clapping and your voices bellowing. What better way to join in with the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations as Queen Elizabeth marks her 60th year on the throne!

New exhibition at the Sara Peisler Gallery at the Custard Factory - June and July 2012

2012-05-30T08:04:00.003+01:00

Sara Preisler Gallery at the Custard Factory, Birmingham.

From the 2nd June - 30th July Sara will be exhibiting textile art by the fantastic Corinne Phillips.

Corinne Phillips – Fairy Tale Maker
Storytelling is an important element of Corinne’s practice where the love of creation is illuminated with illustration through textiles and found objects.

With a nostalgia for childhood, Victorian inventions and gadgets, it seems that she is always on the hunt for unusual objects that can be used in the work.

Through use of hand and machine embroidery, the sewing machine itself has been used as a drawing tool. Her fascination for fairytales leaves this small collection of pieces a delight to see.

The exhibition runs from the 2^nd June till 30th July 2012.
______________________________________________________________

Sara Preisler Gallery
The Custard Factory
Gibb Street
Birmingham B9 4AA

0121 2484445

www.sarapreislergallery.co.uk

Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday- Friday 11.30am-4.30pm Saturday: 11am-5pm Closed Tuesdays and Sundays

Musical legends and Burlesque beauties take to the stage at the Belgrade

2012-05-30T07:59:00.003+01:00

A packed week of shows on the Belgrade Theatre’s Main Stage will help to see in the arrival of Summer in style this June with tributes to musical legends Queen, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Take That, the Eagles and Dolly Parton, plus a touch of Burlesque glamour.

Kicking off with Magic, a Kind of Queen on 9 June, this celebration of legendary band Queen stars acclaimed tribute band Magic. The show features all of Queen’s greatest hits including Radio Gaga, Bohemian Rhapsody, We are the Champions, Killer Queen, We Will Rock You, and many more.

"Magic were indeed champions. They fulfilled their promise and gave a superb celebration of the music of the legendary Queen." Daily Info

The Elvis Years on 11 June sees the UK’s number one Elvis production return with a concert tour of the West End show, Jailhouse Rock. Led by original star Mario Kombou and Ivor Novello award-winning Musical Director David Mackay, this high energy show features over 40 iconic songs from throughout Elvis’s unparalleled career.

“The King is re-born – the audience loved it.” The Times, “Elvis lives.” Daily Mirror

On 12 June the unforgettable music of the King of Pop is brought to life on stage in Forever Jackson. Starring Robin Parsons and a multi talented cast, the show boasts authentic choreography and all the favourite tracks from Thriller and Billie Jean to Smooth Criminal and Man in the Mirror. This is followed on 13 June by Relight the Fire, which presents Take That’s much-loved songs spanning from the nineties to the noughties along with their more recent material.

The Burlesque Show on 14 June sees the UK’s finest Burlesque artists take to the stage in a night of comedy, magic and music. Rounding off a packed week of entertainment on 15 June are the critically acclaimed Illegal Eagles. Having played in venues worldwide, they are now firmly established as the ultimate tribute to the Eagles, and will perform a range of classic hits such as Hotel California, New York Minute, Life in the Fast Lane and Tequila Sunrise.

On 27 June Andrea Pattison will bring The Dolly Parton Story to the Main Stage in a live show featuring big hair, bright costumes and a live four piece band. Together they will perform a selection of Dolly Parton’s most celebrated material, from her early country classics such as Coat of Many Colours to later hits including Islands in the Stream, Jolene and 9 to 5.

Tickets for all of these shows are available now from the box office on 024 7655 3055 or via www.belgrade.co.uk priced from £14.25 to £20.50. Cheaper tickets can be purchased from the Belgrade’s website.

We’re Torquing Supercars

2012-05-30T07:19:00.004+01:00

Eamon Gaughan

Birmingham business entrepreneur Eamon Gaughan is the talk of the town following the launch of his one-stop supercar showroom in the city centre.

The Torque Project in Park Street, opposite Selfridges will offer a choice of some of the world’s most luxurious and expensive brands from Ferrari, Lamborghini and Bentley to more exclusive marques such as McLaren, Bugatti, Zonda and the Nissan GT-R which lays claim to the title of the fastest acceleration production car.

The new venture – founded by Eamon Gaughan and joint Managing Director Stuart Lawton - offers an alternative to conventional franchise dealerships which traditionally specialist in a single brand. Martin Andrews joins the team as Sales Director.

Eamon said: “I have bought supercars for the last five years but found it frustrating that there was nowhere central I could see a range of what was available in one place.

“This one-stop shop is a whole new concept which I am sure our customers will really appreciate.”

The 7,000sq ft Torque Project showroom will offer a range of new and used cars from between £100,000 - £350,000.

Though targeted at potential buyers with a big budget, curious non-buyers are also invited to look round the showroom if they are willing to make a donation to The Gentlemen’s Night Out charity which supports disadvantaged children throughout the Midlands.

Eamon, who is also CEO of multi-sector investors The JEEG Global Group, which funded the project added: “To open the Torque Project is a passion turned to reality for me. Long term I hope to open a similar showrooms in Manchester and London.”

Searching for Tony Mustoe

2012-05-29T21:49:00.004+01:00

Searching for Tony Mustoe - Alan McLean making performance art with actors with a learning disability. A commission for M21 by Dash by the Unlimited programme, part of the London 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Visit the Facebook page to find out more:

http://www.facebook.com/SearchingForTonyMustoe

Performance Artist Alan McLean met Tony Mustoe in a Sheffield Day Centre in 1989, a year later they performed at The National Review of Live Art, it struck into the memory of visitors and began a collaboration lasting 12 years. Likenesses of the spirit and attitude of Tony Mustoe will perform a few moments of play and pay tribute to an artist who brought sport and art together.

Searching for Tony Mustoe invites audiences on a journey around Much Wenlock to witness performances by people Alan has met through auditions in day centre’s in the region, including learning disabled performers from Arty Party in Telford.

Arty party’s learning disabled artists create film ,theatre, installation and art exhibitions brimming with their own distinct creative voices.

Alan and Arty Party will be showing that someone with the talent of Tony Mustoe exists in every village, town and city, we just have to find them.

As part of the outreach program for M21 Alan McLean will use his extensive network of disabled artists and people to find performers to audition for Searching for Tony Mustoe. And with the courage, energy and determination found in his collaboration with Tony Mustoe he will wait for something to emerge from nothing. Please join him on his journey.

Or read Alan's blog:

http://www.m21dash.org/searching-for-tony-mustoe-2/

SUSTAINABILITY FORUM REMINDER

2012-05-29T21:41:00.003+01:00

Dear Members of the Sustainability Forum

Please see attached information on the next Sustainability Forum which will take place on Monday 11 June 2012 at 18.00 in the Banqueting Suite at the Council House, Victoria Square, Birmingham.

The theme of the evening will be the city council's Green Infrastructure Strategy which is being prepared to preserve and enhance the city's green spaces and networks. Come along and give us your views on the woodlands, trees, parks, allotments within your local area and the city, as well as the canals, rivers, lakes and wetlands.

If able to do so, please circulate this information to your networks.

For further information, to book your place or book a display table please contact: sustainabilityteam@birmingham.gov.uk or ring 0121 464 9166

Many thanks.

BARBARA STREET
Support Officer
Birmingham Environmental Partnership

1 Lancaster Circus
PO Box 14439
Birmingham
B2 2JE (for post)
B4 7DJ (for SatNav & location)

Tel: 0121 464 9166
Fax: 0121 303 2716
E-mail: barbara.j.street@birmingham.gov.uk

Work Choice Open Day

2012-05-29T13:45:00.003+01:00

Hello

I’m the Service Coordinator for ASpire (Autism West Midlands) and I work on an employment support programme as part of a partnership under Advance Employment.
We are having an open day on the 12^th June and I thought it might be of interest to some of your service users.

There will be several organisations there aside from ourselves including Action for Blind, Birmingham Rathbone, Momentum (The Brain Injury specialists), Sandwell Council, Landau and Shelforce.

It is an opportunity for anyone who is thinking about work but might need some support in getting into employment to come down and meet with us all and fine out more about it.

We are also offering free awareness training sessions throughout the day which could be of interest to you and other people at Trident Reach from an employer’s point of view too as we will be giving advice about looking after staff with disabilities in the workplace,

Please email me if you want copies of our flyers with details of the event. If you could forward on to anyone else within your organisation you feel might be interested in this I would be really grateful.

Kind regards

Joanne Gumbrell - Service Coordinator

autism.west midlands, Aspire, Unit 417, The Green House, Gibb Street, Digbeth, Birmingham B9 4AA

Tel: 0121 224 7844

JoanneG@autismwestmidlands.org.uk

TICKETS ON SALE TODAY FOR NEW PRODUCTION OF THE FULL MONTY AT BIRMINGHAM HIPPODROME

2012-05-28T19:27:00.001+01:00

BIRMINGHAM PREMIERE!

THE FULL MONTY

THE PLAY

BY SIMON BEAUFOY

PRIOR TO LONDON SEASON!

TICKETS NOW ON SALE!

A Sheffield Theatres production directed by Daniel Evans

Based on the Fox Searchlight Pictures motion picture

In 1997, a British film about six out of work Sheffield steelworkers who had nothing to lose, took the world by storm.

And now they’re back, live on stage, only this time, for them, it really has to be….THE FULL MONTY.

Rediscover the six men, their wives and their children and what they had to do to keep it all together.

Oscar winning writer SIMON BEAUFOY has adapted his smash hit film for the stage and this brand new production will have its world premiere at the Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield in February 2013 before arriving at Birmingham Hippodrome from Tuesday 26 February – Saturday 2 March 2013 prior to London.

Writer Simon Beaufoy said:

“It’s been a long road – via Hollywood - but finally the characters are coming back home to the place where it all started. Or to put it another way, we are all genuinely chuffed to bits!”

This will be Simon’s first work for theatre. His screen credits include 127 Hours, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen and Slumdog Millionaire which earned him an Oscar, Golden Globe and a BAFTA.

THE FULL MONTY will also feature the songs from the film by Donna Summer, Rod Stewart, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones.

THE FULL MONTY is directed by Sheffield Theatres Olivier Award winning Artistic Director DANIEL EVANS. Design is by ROBERT JONES, whose recent credits include Calendar Girls, The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium and Much Ado About Nothing starring Catherine Tate and David Tennant. Lighting design is by TIM LUTKIN and sound design by SIMON BAKER.

This Sheffield Theatres production is presented by DAVID PUGH & DAFYDD ROGERS, the multi-award winning producers of ‘Art’, Brief Encounter, God of Carnage and Calendar Girls.

Tickets for THE FULL MONTY are on sale now priced from £15-£32.50 book online at www.birminghamhippodrome.com or telephone 0844 338 5000. (5% transaction charge, calls vary from 5p per minute). Performance times: Eves 7.30pm; mats: Weds, Thursday 2pm; Sat 2.30pm.

New Economics meeting - Saturday 2nd June 2012 - the main issue will be a fresh look at Credit Unions

2012-05-28T19:22:00.003+01:00

10.15 - 12.00 AM
FOE/The Warehouse/54 Allison St
Digbeth Birmingham

Besides being founder members of this new economics group, Alan and Hazel Clawley are founder-members of the Small Heath and District Credit Union, one of many community-based credit unions started up by the state-funded Birmingham Credit Union Development Agency in the 1990s. Alan will describe how a small local credit union works and examine claims that credit unions could offer an antidote to big impersonal banks.

This is an open meeting, all welcome. Please pass the invitation along.

Jamaica 50 Exhibition

2012-05-28T19:09:00.001+01:00

' Jamaica 50' exhibition is now at the Community Gallery at Birmingham Museums, 26th May - 30th September 2012. This exhibition has been created and developed by the Kingsway Project. The exhibition, one of the largest dedicated to celebrating Jamaica in the UK , gives an introduction to the history and heritage of Jamaica , exploring older people's experiences of Independence Day in 1962 and their experience of coming to settle in Birmingham Coinciding with the arrival of the Jamaican Olympic team, the exhibition has been designed to foster pride in Jamaica 's history and achievements, and has involved young people interviewing older people about their lives. It emphasises the richness of Jamaica 's history and heritage, including its ethnic and cultural diversity as well as the achievements of famous Jamaican people across many areas, including people such as Mary Seacole.

Annette RobinsonProject ManagerKingsway Project
Tel 07903 469 025
kingswayproject.2day.ws/