An invitation to attend and awards evening at TamYouth left me wondering what was in store for the evening, all I knew was the venue and that some of the people will be between 16 & 25 years old.
So off I went from a meeting at marmion house over to TamYouth, I was greeted on the way in by Paul Berrisford the manager and offered a coffee and told the buffet was open. I later learnt that the young people from the youth forum had put the buffet together and i have to say did a great job of it.
now seated I awaited the start, a young lad walked on stage as compare and opened the evening by introducing some young people from Glascote youth centre who had attended each week and learnt to play some electric guitars and drums, creating a great sounding band. the rest of the evening kicked of with awards for the young people whole use the youth centres in Tamworth and are able to achieve various qualifications. some of these were volunteering awards some were organisational and team building skills. There was a real sense of worth from going to the youth centres aside from just something to do. some of the youngsters looked very nervous receiving their awards on stage in front of a room full of strangers, especially when they had a microphone thrust in front of them and being asked if they would like to say anything.
As the night rolled out we celebrated an number of awards, some where to members of the spin group who deal with disabilities whilst others went to youth forum members. then we got to Duke of Edinburgh awards where young people received bronze silver and gold awards under the DofE scheme, this was accompanied by a great video made by the gold award group which was filmed on their expedition and contained the pros and cons of motivational singing whilst walking, great entertainment.
The next part of the evening was a little of a surprise for me as the youth service then went on to award various members of staff and volunteers certificates for their achievements or qualifications earnt in the year. I though this was fantastic, this was intergenerational sharing of achievement. Some of the staff are able to join others leading expeditions etc and all received their awards that night.
One thing that really came across throughout the whole evening was the value and opportunity within the youth service in Tamworth as well a the community feel between staff and attendees, it was great to be a witness to this and I would recommend to anyone they should check out the services their local youth centre has to offer.
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label community. Show all posts
Thursday, 2 February 2012
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Burns Night 2012
Tartan, Pipes and Haggis can only mean on thing, its the time of year to celebrate the life and works on one Scot - Robert Burns.
Each year the Mayor of Tamworth is invited to the Tamworth District Scottish society Burns night held at Drayton Manor and for a few weeks prior it had been suggested that I should wear a Kilt. So with a quick phone call to my father the lending of a kilt was arranged and accompanied my Dinner Jacket and black tie for this event.
On entry were were piped in with the president of the Scottish society and her honoured guests to sit at the top of the table ready to enjoy a fantastic traditional meal. however this could not begin without the traditional Selkirk Grace.
Each year the Mayor of Tamworth is invited to the Tamworth District Scottish society Burns night held at Drayton Manor and for a few weeks prior it had been suggested that I should wear a Kilt. So with a quick phone call to my father the lending of a kilt was arranged and accompanied my Dinner Jacket and black tie for this event.
On entry were were piped in with the president of the Scottish society and her honoured guests to sit at the top of the table ready to enjoy a fantastic traditional meal. however this could not begin without the traditional Selkirk Grace.
Some hae meat and canna eat, And some wad eat that want it, But we hae meat and we can eat, And sae the Lord be thankit.
And of course during the festivities the piping in of the "Great chieftain o' the pudding-race!" or haggis as we know it.
The food whilst a high point was not the only highlight of the evening, this year we had a Scottish lady who had lived in Tamworth for 6 years give a speech to "Tamworth the town of our adoption" which was a real treat and acknowledgement of how Tamworth had welcomed her and her family. the speech pointed out Tamworth's many attributes and it was refreshing to hear this from someone who has relatively recently arrived here and not hearing this from another politician etc. As mayor of Tamworth I was called upon to respond to this speech (and on this occasion had minutes to prepare) Whilst speaking I did reflect on the evening a great way to celebrate peoples history and heritage, not many cultures or communities do this as often as they should nowadays and it was fantastic to celebrate this with the.
I was not aware at the time the next treat in store, this was the fantastically funny and slightly sexist Toast to the lassies and Toast to the laddies. we where treated to some great humour as a husband and wife team introduced the speeches, loads of laughter and mild offence made for two brilliant speeches.
for those who have not been to a burns night and don't know much about the Scottish poet don't worry and get yourself to a burns night supper as there is the speech to the immortal memory, during this speech I learnt more about the poet than I have in the rest of my life.
I had a great night and really enjoyed it.
Monday, 23 January 2012
Aladdin, Tamworth Pantomime Company 2012
Well where do I start, Tamworth Pantomime Company produced a fantastic show and had the Assembly Rooms packed.And so the music volume went up and the lights went down ready for the performance to begin.
I'll be the first to admit that I have not been to any of the local pantomime company's previous pantos but have seen some of the cast perform elsewhere in other roles so knew I was in for a treat and with such names as Alex Ferrall, Ian Gibbon, Lee Bates I wondered whether I was going to be the butt of any jokes.
With a relatively small cast and team these enthusiastic locals turned the assembly rooms into a theatre with all the atmosphere of a professional outfit.
The next few hours flew by with some fantastic performance and amazing singing which had everyone joining in with the traditional panto banta as well as plenty of laughter. It's always great to see kids enjoying pantomime (which is why I returned the following day with mine) but its easy to forget how real a play can be for a small child. One of the lines delivered from the panto baddy was that he was going to melt the snow dome which caused a chuckle in the audience but for one young boy this was serious, during the interval the young lad was hiding I the toilets tears steaming down his face because the snow done was going to be melted. A really sweet innocent moment that summed up the great performance we were watching.
It's difficult to mention all the great per danced because they were all fantastic, but I must mention you younger cast members including the evil side kick gaga who put in a great performance.
It was a truly great show and when I returned the following day with my chasten the audience was really into the panto spirit almost drowning out the cast, it was a fantastic experience. There was a great family feel and community fell to the show and it's a credit to all those involved that the audience felt a part of the show, this production kept hold of all the traditional elements of Pantomime including the essential Dame.
Great show well done all.
I'll be the first to admit that I have not been to any of the local pantomime company's previous pantos but have seen some of the cast perform elsewhere in other roles so knew I was in for a treat and with such names as Alex Ferrall, Ian Gibbon, Lee Bates I wondered whether I was going to be the butt of any jokes.
With a relatively small cast and team these enthusiastic locals turned the assembly rooms into a theatre with all the atmosphere of a professional outfit.
The next few hours flew by with some fantastic performance and amazing singing which had everyone joining in with the traditional panto banta as well as plenty of laughter. It's always great to see kids enjoying pantomime (which is why I returned the following day with mine) but its easy to forget how real a play can be for a small child. One of the lines delivered from the panto baddy was that he was going to melt the snow dome which caused a chuckle in the audience but for one young boy this was serious, during the interval the young lad was hiding I the toilets tears steaming down his face because the snow done was going to be melted. A really sweet innocent moment that summed up the great performance we were watching.
It's difficult to mention all the great per danced because they were all fantastic, but I must mention you younger cast members including the evil side kick gaga who put in a great performance.
It was a truly great show and when I returned the following day with my chasten the audience was really into the panto spirit almost drowning out the cast, it was a fantastic experience. There was a great family feel and community fell to the show and it's a credit to all those involved that the audience felt a part of the show, this production kept hold of all the traditional elements of Pantomime including the essential Dame.
Great show well done all.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
New Community Gym at Rawlett
Wednesday morning and off to Rawletts school (wearing a suit) to officially open the latest investment the school has made. They have taken an old music room knocked it into another room for a nice big space and with some math funding equipped the new room as a high tech gym.
From what I understand the school is about to clear the financing borrowed to build the AstroTurf and instead of standing still that have made a further investment, knowing they have a great gym they were not satisfied and applied for match funding which I believe is successful and so mirrors and an interactive white board will be installed for enhance PE lessons.
There are a few things that impress me with the school and one of them ic the "can do" attitude, they had an idea and got on and delivered it, fantastic.
So why did I mention the suit, well my briefing sheet said I could have a go on the equipment if I wanted, unfortunately I was not dressed to train.
I'm always made to feel welcome at Rawletts by both the staff and pupils. This week I had the chance to catch up with Claudia Walker who I met at te school last year. Claudia plays for England ladies under 17 football team and so she is a real local inspiration. Before Rawletts opened the gym she was having to travel to stoke for much of her fitness work I think she said daily. So for her it's a reall opportunity, not only for the staff and pupils but the local community are able to use the facility outside school hours on a pay as you go system.
Not only is this a great opportunity but also a great business development got the school, the community and the students.
Great work well done
From what I understand the school is about to clear the financing borrowed to build the AstroTurf and instead of standing still that have made a further investment, knowing they have a great gym they were not satisfied and applied for match funding which I believe is successful and so mirrors and an interactive white board will be installed for enhance PE lessons.
There are a few things that impress me with the school and one of them ic the "can do" attitude, they had an idea and got on and delivered it, fantastic.
So why did I mention the suit, well my briefing sheet said I could have a go on the equipment if I wanted, unfortunately I was not dressed to train.
I'm always made to feel welcome at Rawletts by both the staff and pupils. This week I had the chance to catch up with Claudia Walker who I met at te school last year. Claudia plays for England ladies under 17 football team and so she is a real local inspiration. Before Rawletts opened the gym she was having to travel to stoke for much of her fitness work I think she said daily. So for her it's a reall opportunity, not only for the staff and pupils but the local community are able to use the facility outside school hours on a pay as you go system.
Not only is this a great opportunity but also a great business development got the school, the community and the students.
Great work well done
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Reflections Area Opening (Castle Grounds)
Each year the Mayor of Tamworth presents a gift to the Borough and back in May 2011 Cllr Lee Bates announced that he was going to do something a little different from the norm. The norm has been to buy the Town a gift of a piece of silver ware, crystal or pottery which goes on display in the Mayor's parlour in the Town Hall. this is something that Lee and I have discussed a number of times, so what was it that Lee wanted to do?
Lee announced that he was going to make a contribution to a project with the local Rotary Club to create a seated reflection area in the Castle Grounds. This area was to allow people to sit and rest whilst they could reflect on anything they wanted and the area also housed the commemorative stone celebrating the formation of the Mercian regiment in 2007.
What has been created is a very public area and an asset to the town, I have to say I'm very impressed with what the rotary and Cllr Lee Bates have achieved. We have some great assets in the castle grounds and this adds to the whole offer we have.
Well Done Rotary and Well Done Lee
Lee announced that he was going to make a contribution to a project with the local Rotary Club to create a seated reflection area in the Castle Grounds. This area was to allow people to sit and rest whilst they could reflect on anything they wanted and the area also housed the commemorative stone celebrating the formation of the Mercian regiment in 2007.
What has been created is a very public area and an asset to the town, I have to say I'm very impressed with what the rotary and Cllr Lee Bates have achieved. We have some great assets in the castle grounds and this adds to the whole offer we have.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
First 24 hours in Vajours
I probably left the airport about 24 hours ago now and my feet have barely touched the floor. On arrival at our twin town in France I was taken to a local residents house for a meal which I have to say was fantastic the openness and friendliness of the French involved in twinning is amazing. With having a very limited knowledge of French I was made to feel very welcome as everyone tried to translate for me and the food just kept coming I left their house around 1am and prepared for an 8am departure to Versailles.
It's quite warm for the time of year in France (around 10 C) and whilst overcast we had a pleasant journey to the palace of the sun king Louis XIV, well what can I say the place looks wonderful with the gold railings as you approach the building. To describe it is one of those times when it would be great to use the line "a pucture says a thousand world so here's some pictures) but as I am typing this in a hotel reception and I have yet to finding how to post pictures on blogger from my iPhone I simply can't show you. Needless to say it was a great experience walking around learning about the building and some french history. On thing That stood out for me was the shear size of the place and the immaculate grounds we walked around.
Whilst in the grounds we stopped for lunch in a nice restaurant where once again I had the chance to try some combinations of foods we just don't try in the Uk (as I am not talking stereotypes)this was followed by a long pleasent walk back to the minibus, the grounds are such that you feel a million miles from anywhere not so close to the sneaky populated Paris.
I write this entry as I wait for my hosts to pick me up for and evening in the capital. There is so much opportunity within twinning in Tamworth that we need to harness but there needs to be more involvement and drive, I would recommend people especially younger people to join up and explore France and Germany with the help of some friends within either sides of twinning
It's quite warm for the time of year in France (around 10 C) and whilst overcast we had a pleasant journey to the palace of the sun king Louis XIV, well what can I say the place looks wonderful with the gold railings as you approach the building. To describe it is one of those times when it would be great to use the line "a pucture says a thousand world so here's some pictures) but as I am typing this in a hotel reception and I have yet to finding how to post pictures on blogger from my iPhone I simply can't show you. Needless to say it was a great experience walking around learning about the building and some french history. On thing That stood out for me was the shear size of the place and the immaculate grounds we walked around.
Whilst in the grounds we stopped for lunch in a nice restaurant where once again I had the chance to try some combinations of foods we just don't try in the Uk (as I am not talking stereotypes)this was followed by a long pleasent walk back to the minibus, the grounds are such that you feel a million miles from anywhere not so close to the sneaky populated Paris.
I write this entry as I wait for my hosts to pick me up for and evening in the capital. There is so much opportunity within twinning in Tamworth that we need to harness but there needs to be more involvement and drive, I would recommend people especially younger people to join up and explore France and Germany with the help of some friends within either sides of twinning
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Princes Trust Presentation
The Progressive Club played venue to the Team 266 Prince's Trust Presentation celebration.
The Prince's Trust was set up 35 years ago and has a number of strands including supporting people in need of skills and confidence development through to assistance with business start up. The group presenting here, team 266, consisted of 7 young people from Tamworth who were struggling to gain employment and could develop some of their confidence and skills through Prince's trust.
They all took part in a 12 week course which included many items of problem solving team building and other essential skills learning including first aid and in this case DIY, along with the need to fund raise towards a particular project.
On of their fund raising ideas was to kidnap me as Mayor of Tamworth, a very bizarre experience but a lot of fun.
during the 12 weeks they had plenty of experiences including residential trips, and a DIY project to decorate the Tamworth Canoe Club rooms, this project turned into a larger one when the walls they were painting fell apart and the you people were left wit the problem of finding a new wall covering to put up before the painting began.
The 8 people that completed the course and gained their certificates last night have been on a fantastic journey and have all now either got volunteer placements of job offers as well as having improved their CV's. One of the participants commented that this course has taught them that you can turn your life around and start again putting your old life behind you.
It was really nice to see these people succeed when in the past they had struggled and the only future they could see was signing on. The princes trust do a great job and of the young people they help 85% of them go on to employment, education or training.
The Prince's Trust was set up 35 years ago and has a number of strands including supporting people in need of skills and confidence development through to assistance with business start up. The group presenting here, team 266, consisted of 7 young people from Tamworth who were struggling to gain employment and could develop some of their confidence and skills through Prince's trust.
They all took part in a 12 week course which included many items of problem solving team building and other essential skills learning including first aid and in this case DIY, along with the need to fund raise towards a particular project.
On of their fund raising ideas was to kidnap me as Mayor of Tamworth, a very bizarre experience but a lot of fun.
during the 12 weeks they had plenty of experiences including residential trips, and a DIY project to decorate the Tamworth Canoe Club rooms, this project turned into a larger one when the walls they were painting fell apart and the you people were left wit the problem of finding a new wall covering to put up before the painting began.
The 8 people that completed the course and gained their certificates last night have been on a fantastic journey and have all now either got volunteer placements of job offers as well as having improved their CV's. One of the participants commented that this course has taught them that you can turn your life around and start again putting your old life behind you.
It was really nice to see these people succeed when in the past they had struggled and the only future they could see was signing on. The princes trust do a great job and of the young people they help 85% of them go on to employment, education or training.
Monday, 19 December 2011
Student fire fighters Presentation
 |
| Student Fire Fighting vehicle |
Here I met 7 of the student fire fighters who have attened at 12 week course consisting of one day per week. these young people had recived some excellent training and through 2 displays showed us what they had learnt. this wasn't thoery or playing around this was proper training in fire and rescue from cutting the roof off a car to fighting fires with breathing aparatus.
A couple of the things I noticed today included 1, the weather 2, the team 3, the attention to detail.
The weather - as i sat in the cold watching I thought to myself how it would have been nice to have done this on a warm dry day, but then stopped and thought, the actual fire and rescue personal don't have a choice if its a real emergency. And today (no offence meant) you couldn't tell the difference between the regular staff and the teenagers.
The Team, these young people came from different school around Tamworth and had not met before but still in the 12 hours they worked together and developed a strong team, they way they used the spinal board and cut the roof off the car was a really team effort and was carried off seamlessly
Attention to detail and discipline, my teenage kid and other children really struggle to tidy up, but these in the team did what they did in the rescue and without a thought put all the equipment back away where is should be without a second thought.
This was a great experience and honour to share with the families, I hope the courses continue and would recommend all high schools to be aware and find out about this opportunity for young people in Tamworth.
Monday, 12 December 2011
Wilnecote Rest Home Christmas Carols
A bitterly cold windy and wet evening was not a problem as we went inside Wilnecote Rest Home for their carol service.
Everyone was seated as we kicked off we 9 readings and a dozen carols, led by both local churches. As can be imagined some of the residents are becoming quiet elderly and so we were all allowed to remain seated for the duration.
I was really nice and relaxed sitting together and singing carols, I really noticed how many of them knew to carols so well and didn't have to look at the words at all.
Local man Graham Allcote helped organise the event and spent weeks on his mobility scooter selling raffle tickets to raise funds for the centre.
Really nice cosy event
Everyone was seated as we kicked off we 9 readings and a dozen carols, led by both local churches. As can be imagined some of the residents are becoming quiet elderly and so we were all allowed to remain seated for the duration.
I was really nice and relaxed sitting together and singing carols, I really noticed how many of them knew to carols so well and didn't have to look at the words at all.
Local man Graham Allcote helped organise the event and spent weeks on his mobility scooter selling raffle tickets to raise funds for the centre.
Really nice cosy event
Sunday, 11 December 2011
Bolehall Manor Club Childrens Christmas Party
Bolehall Manor on Amington road is a spectacular building which many of us drive past regularly, today the venue played host to a children's Christmas party which was open to members families. I arrived whilst the children were eating their party food and shortly before Santa handed out the presents.
Bolehall Manor is always a pleasure to visit and looked great today being so busy and decorated for Christmas, the 45 kids made it look really busy. Then came the moment they had all been waiting for Santa arrived, there was a great moment when Santa announced to the cheering children that he had some helpers, his elves and the Mayor of Tamworth, at this point the kids stopped cheering looked at me then turned back to Santa and started cheering again. it was a great moment.
The keen eyed readers will have noticed a film crew who were at Bolehall Manor filming for a BBC documentary about the economy and have been following a member of the directors of the club so came along today to film the Christmas Party.
The atmoshere was really nice and there was a great mix of all ages of the families attending
Bolehall Manor is always a pleasure to visit and looked great today being so busy and decorated for Christmas, the 45 kids made it look really busy. Then came the moment they had all been waiting for Santa arrived, there was a great moment when Santa announced to the cheering children that he had some helpers, his elves and the Mayor of Tamworth, at this point the kids stopped cheering looked at me then turned back to Santa and started cheering again. it was a great moment.
The atmoshere was really nice and there was a great mix of all ages of the families attending
Saturday, 10 December 2011
Amington Band Christmas Concert
I've just got in from tonights Mayoral duty and I'm that excited about it I have had to turn the computer on and write this blog entry.
So I have seen Amington Band before and would recommend them to anyone especially if you have not seen them before. Tonight was a fantastic treat, we had the band playing a variety of pieces and playing backing to a great Tenor Richard Lloyd Owen as well as the Birmingham Citadel Timbrel Brigade.
The Night began with the band playing Little Drummer Boy and White Christmas, then came the Birmingham Tinbrel ladies came out and performed with Amington Band providing the music, for anyone who doesn't know what a Timbrel group does (me about 4 hours ago) search them on google, but it involves some really good tambourine dancing with tassel's. When a Child is Born was followed by the Tenor singer who entertained and amazed us with his vocal talents.
Another highlight were the 2 performances by The Lichfield Players who were really good and added some great humour to the evening.
I had a great night and really enjoy listening to Amington Band but for me the highlight of the night was the last set, the audience was asked to stand and join in singing some Christmas carols. The whole of the assembly rooms were on their feet, the band was playing louder than they had all night, all the other performers joined then on stage and we raced through 9 carols with an atmosphere and volume you would not believe if you were not there, we all really raised the roof. Everyone joined in and sang their hearts out, it was truly a fantastic moment in such a great venue.
So I have seen Amington Band before and would recommend them to anyone especially if you have not seen them before. Tonight was a fantastic treat, we had the band playing a variety of pieces and playing backing to a great Tenor Richard Lloyd Owen as well as the Birmingham Citadel Timbrel Brigade.
The Night began with the band playing Little Drummer Boy and White Christmas, then came the Birmingham Tinbrel ladies came out and performed with Amington Band providing the music, for anyone who doesn't know what a Timbrel group does (me about 4 hours ago) search them on google, but it involves some really good tambourine dancing with tassel's. When a Child is Born was followed by the Tenor singer who entertained and amazed us with his vocal talents.
Another highlight were the 2 performances by The Lichfield Players who were really good and added some great humour to the evening.
I had a great night and really enjoy listening to Amington Band but for me the highlight of the night was the last set, the audience was asked to stand and join in singing some Christmas carols. The whole of the assembly rooms were on their feet, the band was playing louder than they had all night, all the other performers joined then on stage and we raced through 9 carols with an atmosphere and volume you would not believe if you were not there, we all really raised the roof. Everyone joined in and sang their hearts out, it was truly a fantastic moment in such a great venue.
Wilnecote Childrens Christmas Party
So it was straight from Stonydelph Arch to Wilnecote Working Men's Club for the Wilnecote Children's Christmas Party,
This event was organised by Tina Clements and had around 15 children attending from the very you through to around 9 years. It was a nice little event and when Cllr Clements couldn't find the present for Pass the Parcel she had to improvise and came up with the great kids game of Pass the Beer Mat, when the music stops the person with the beer mat is out. To the kids the beer mat didn't matter they were having a great time at their Christmas party.
The culmination was a Christmas present and a photo with the Mayor of Tamworth. great event and great fun to attend.
This event was organised by Tina Clements and had around 15 children attending from the very you through to around 9 years. It was a nice little event and when Cllr Clements couldn't find the present for Pass the Parcel she had to improvise and came up with the great kids game of Pass the Beer Mat, when the music stops the person with the beer mat is out. To the kids the beer mat didn't matter they were having a great time at their Christmas party.
The culmination was a Christmas present and a photo with the Mayor of Tamworth. great event and great fun to attend.
Santa comes to Stonydelph Arch
For the first time Santa and his helpers landed at Stonydelph Arch, Crossfell. any child that attended with their parent were able to sit with Santa and have a FREE gift.
Other attractions were also on hand including face painting, free craft sessions making table centre pieces and Christmas decorations, Finger printing and mug shots by the Police, a visiting Fire Engine, tombola, raffle and finally must not forget the Community cafe providing refreshments.
Throughout the morning around 100 people visited on top of the group of volunteers from the community who help put the event on. It was a great display of community togetherness, local councillors, public sector staff and volunteers all pulling together to make this free Christmas event happen for the benefit of the local area. However there were some disappointed faces when the fire engine suddenly disappeared on a shout, but all was restored on its return.
This event and the Amington one last month was supported by my Local Community Fund
No big message here just reporting on some of the fantastic work that the local Arches are doing , great event well worth looking out for next year if there is another one.
Other attractions were also on hand including face painting, free craft sessions making table centre pieces and Christmas decorations, Finger printing and mug shots by the Police, a visiting Fire Engine, tombola, raffle and finally must not forget the Community cafe providing refreshments.
Throughout the morning around 100 people visited on top of the group of volunteers from the community who help put the event on. It was a great display of community togetherness, local councillors, public sector staff and volunteers all pulling together to make this free Christmas event happen for the benefit of the local area. However there were some disappointed faces when the fire engine suddenly disappeared on a shout, but all was restored on its return.
This event and the Amington one last month was supported by my Local Community Fund
No big message here just reporting on some of the fantastic work that the local Arches are doing , great event well worth looking out for next year if there is another one.
Thursday, 8 December 2011
BiBs breast feeding peer group
You know the feeling when you get invited to something and your not quite sure what to expect, well today was on of those feelings as I made my way to the Breast Feeding Peer Group graduation at Glascote Sure Start centre.
I was expecting to get there and find half a dozen new moms who had chosen to breast feed their new child, what I was a room fiull of volunteers who not only had chosen to breast feed their babies but also help other moms who maybe struggling to do so. I learnt that the group now had 14 volunteers moms providing advice and support including a 24/7 phone line and home visits. In that last 20 months they have helped 285 moms at anti natal stage. We presented a number of certifcates to the newly qualified peers.
This group provides a fantastic service which is not provided by any public service, the advice has been put together with personal expeirence and training all this is done by the 14 volunteers free of charge. I was told of many visits made to new moms homes for periods of 3 hours to help the mom breast feed. The great thing about this 'service' is that just when a mom is at her most anxious and worried about her new baby these ladies can provide calming advice, any mom who can not easily feed will immediately become worried and anxious, today I learnt of how it took some moms around a week to be able to achieve what they wanted, by which stage many would have given up.
So a really good afternoon with some great volunteers from our community.
I never did find out what the knitted breasts were about ????
I would recommend all moms to be or new moms should get in touch with Bibs at Surestart and consider their help with breast feeding or any other anxiety.
I was expecting to get there and find half a dozen new moms who had chosen to breast feed their new child, what I was a room fiull of volunteers who not only had chosen to breast feed their babies but also help other moms who maybe struggling to do so. I learnt that the group now had 14 volunteers moms providing advice and support including a 24/7 phone line and home visits. In that last 20 months they have helped 285 moms at anti natal stage. We presented a number of certifcates to the newly qualified peers.
This group provides a fantastic service which is not provided by any public service, the advice has been put together with personal expeirence and training all this is done by the 14 volunteers free of charge. I was told of many visits made to new moms homes for periods of 3 hours to help the mom breast feed. The great thing about this 'service' is that just when a mom is at her most anxious and worried about her new baby these ladies can provide calming advice, any mom who can not easily feed will immediately become worried and anxious, today I learnt of how it took some moms around a week to be able to achieve what they wanted, by which stage many would have given up.
So a really good afternoon with some great volunteers from our community.
I never did find out what the knitted breasts were about ????
I would recommend all moms to be or new moms should get in touch with Bibs at Surestart and consider their help with breast feeding or any other anxiety.
Saturday, 3 December 2011
Staffordshire Performing Arts Christmas concert
A great afternoon in the warm protected from the cold by the Coton Centre we settled down to a great performance from local people young and adult who performed a wide array of pieces.
We were treated to a Christmas concert (which this year was in December, we learnt last years was snowed off and so was held in February)which involved a rotation of 6 different groups including sax, strings concert band etc and had children as young as 8 performing.
It was a great enjoyable event.
I didn't realise (and maybe I should) that whilst Staffordshire performing arts carries the Staffordshire logo it is a separate entity and now has to bid for funding through central government. I hope that the good work of this organisation continues and I wish the friends of SPA all the luck in the world in fund raising and organising more concerts in the future.
the level of talent in Tamworth's youth is fantastic I only wish more people knew about it and not the odd few that blight out landscape
We were treated to a Christmas concert (which this year was in December, we learnt last years was snowed off and so was held in February)which involved a rotation of 6 different groups including sax, strings concert band etc and had children as young as 8 performing.
It was a great enjoyable event.
I didn't realise (and maybe I should) that whilst Staffordshire performing arts carries the Staffordshire logo it is a separate entity and now has to bid for funding through central government. I hope that the good work of this organisation continues and I wish the friends of SPA all the luck in the world in fund raising and organising more concerts in the future.
the level of talent in Tamworth's youth is fantastic I only wish more people knew about it and not the odd few that blight out landscape
Friday, 25 November 2011
Bad Laasphe (Pt1) The Golden Book
31 years ago Tamworth and Bad Lassphe (Germany) signed a declaration that we would Twin and build relations between the two areas. This year as Mayor of Tamworth I travelled to Bad Laasphe to sign their Golden book in the spirit of reaffirming this relationship and also attend the handover of some nice fire fighting equipment.
The first thing that struck me about the visit was the genuine welcome we received, and the pleasure they had that we had made the effort. speaking not a word of German made the speeches interesting but not a problem as we had great a translator who had volunteered to assist, not only that but many of the people we met spoke good English too and made us feel very welcome. They still have a real grasp as to the value of twinning and the learning and sharing opportunities that it provides, the weekend really opened my eyes to this and I feel we in Tamworth should do more to raise the profile of the learning that is available through twinning.
So signing the golden book. Every visiting dignitary that Bad Lassphe has is invited to sign the golden book, this is kept in the Rathaus or town hall and serves as live reminder of the recent history of Bad Lassphe. I quickly scanned the book to see what to do and who else had signed it the first page I opened at random was on from 1985 and contained the signature of the greatly missed Sammy Munn. Having taken a moment to inform the councillors of Bad Laasphe of his sad passing it was on with the ceremony which was attended by local councillors and the local press.
The first thing that struck me about the visit was the genuine welcome we received, and the pleasure they had that we had made the effort. speaking not a word of German made the speeches interesting but not a problem as we had great a translator who had volunteered to assist, not only that but many of the people we met spoke good English too and made us feel very welcome. They still have a real grasp as to the value of twinning and the learning and sharing opportunities that it provides, the weekend really opened my eyes to this and I feel we in Tamworth should do more to raise the profile of the learning that is available through twinning.
So signing the golden book. Every visiting dignitary that Bad Lassphe has is invited to sign the golden book, this is kept in the Rathaus or town hall and serves as live reminder of the recent history of Bad Lassphe. I quickly scanned the book to see what to do and who else had signed it the first page I opened at random was on from 1985 and contained the signature of the greatly missed Sammy Munn. Having taken a moment to inform the councillors of Bad Laasphe of his sad passing it was on with the ceremony which was attended by local councillors and the local press.
So with the book signed by myself, the Mayoress and Tony Goodwin the chief exec of Tamworth we retired to another room where we had time to met and chat to members of the twinning group in Bad Laasphe and councillors of the area including exchanging stories about the Staffordshire Hoard and previous twinning triumphs.
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Kibblestone and a load of Scouts
I have to admit i had never heard of Kibblestone and also knew very little about the Scouts (I was a member of a different uniformed organisation for boys the Boys Brigade) so I was a little unsure as to what to expect when I received an invite to their Born Survivor weekend. Just add that i was only there for a few hours.
So the site is just outside stone and had 1200 scouts from the age of 10 upwards taking part in a number of activities and camping there for the weekend. There was loads to do an well organised ration of activities some of which seemed to be just fun whilst others were of great learning value and sharing of skills which can be seen on TV practised by the head scouts Bear Grylls (top bloke check him out on google or discovery channels).
I ran into a group of scouts from Tamworth just at the point they had finished a team building exercise which included building a shelter, lighting a fire with a flint and making a cup of tea on it. I did miss the cup of tea however got a full description of what it was like from on of the scouts, apparently she didn't like it as it was like warm milk and a bit weak.
This was done just up the hill from an area where scouts were gutting and cooking trout on open fires, great life skills and new horizons, one of the leaders mentioned that a number of scouts started off saying they didn't like fish but once they had prepared and cooked it they nearly all ate it.
Away from the main site across the road there were yet more activities in the trees including a fantastic yet little scary set of apparatus for scouts to climb either racing each other or using teamwork and communication skills, for me these looked scary and high let alone to a 10 year old but they just take it in their stride.
![]()
So the site is just outside stone and had 1200 scouts from the age of 10 upwards taking part in a number of activities and camping there for the weekend. There was loads to do an well organised ration of activities some of which seemed to be just fun whilst others were of great learning value and sharing of skills which can be seen on TV practised by the head scouts Bear Grylls (top bloke check him out on google or discovery channels).
I ran into a group of scouts from Tamworth just at the point they had finished a team building exercise which included building a shelter, lighting a fire with a flint and making a cup of tea on it. I did miss the cup of tea however got a full description of what it was like from on of the scouts, apparently she didn't like it as it was like warm milk and a bit weak.
This was done just up the hill from an area where scouts were gutting and cooking trout on open fires, great life skills and new horizons, one of the leaders mentioned that a number of scouts started off saying they didn't like fish but once they had prepared and cooked it they nearly all ate it.
Away from the main site across the road there were yet more activities in the trees including a fantastic yet little scary set of apparatus for scouts to climb either racing each other or using teamwork and communication skills, for me these looked scary and high let alone to a 10 year old but they just take it in their stride.
How high is that.
These activities along with live music, inflatables, activities on Trentham lakes made for a fantastic event for the youngsters of Tamworth and Staffordshire.
Scouting along with other organised youth groups provide some fantastic life skills and a sense of belonging and worth in the world as well as fun, they do a great job and should be recognised.
Monday, 11 July 2011
Shakespeare in the Glade. Much Ado About Nothing
English countryside, British weather, outdoor venue and a group oozing with passion, what more do you need to bring a Shakespeare play to life ? well after Friday evening I would say absolutely nothing else is required.
![]()
![]()
As Mayor I get to meet the "Chain Gang" (the other civic heads) regularly and so when we go to an event such as this we get to talk about it the following day or weekend. Well I can report that they all loved the performance and were full of praise for the small cast and show they did for us.
A big thank you to all who have put this on and a thank you for the contribution to the Mayor's Charity the RNLI, great evening enjoyed by all.
At the kind invite of Alex Farrell and Ian Gibbons of Turnright Productions I was joined by a number of civic heads from around Staffordshire and North Warwickshire as we traveled the very short distance to Middleton hall for a performance of Much Ado About Nothing. During my A levels I had looked at some Shakespeare but not this particular play.
The outdoor setting was fantastic in the walled garden at Middleton hall with the addition of a few gazebos to fend off the rain and nearby thunder and lightening, The rain did not put off any of the cast who took to the stage at 6pm prompt and did a fantastic performance full of passion, commitment and professionalism. I sat there genuinely wound up by the actions of some on stage, I had to keep reminding myself they playing a part and not to judge the actor themselves should I meet them after the show, they were extremely convincing. Maybe I shouldn't pick individuals out but the poor chap that Dogberry (Ian gibbons) kept smacking round the back of the head got some proper clouts. All the actors & actresses brought the characters to life in the most convincing way.
As Mayor I get to meet the "Chain Gang" (the other civic heads) regularly and so when we go to an event such as this we get to talk about it the following day or weekend. Well I can report that they all loved the performance and were full of praise for the small cast and show they did for us.
A big thank you to all who have put this on and a thank you for the contribution to the Mayor's Charity the RNLI, great evening enjoyed by all.
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Pride of Tamworth Awards
Now in its second year the Pride of Tamworth Awards landed at Drayton Manor for the Presentation.
The evening went really well as we were treated to a performance of dance and singing from by the children from Birds Bush School and choir followed later by 2 performances from 2 students of QEMS who played the piano and violin.
And then came the awards,
I do not have a full list of the runners up and winners so i will just talk about generalities.
The Pride of Tamworth Awards celebrate the huge contribution that both individuals and groups make to Tamworth and there were a vast amount of nominees from a wide range of backgrounds. Some had been volunteering for many years some only a short time, some had used their skills to influence, some had provided manual labour. They all had one thing in common and that was they have all made a difference to Tamworth and none of them had done it for an award.
It is the contribution that these people make that makes Tamworth Tick, these people provide the glue that holds our communities together in fact if it weren't for the contribution these groups make we would not have a community just a set of buildings with beds in. And Tamworth would be a much duller place.
The evening went really well as we were treated to a performance of dance and singing from by the children from Birds Bush School and choir followed later by 2 performances from 2 students of QEMS who played the piano and violin.
And then came the awards,
I do not have a full list of the runners up and winners so i will just talk about generalities.
The Pride of Tamworth Awards celebrate the huge contribution that both individuals and groups make to Tamworth and there were a vast amount of nominees from a wide range of backgrounds. Some had been volunteering for many years some only a short time, some had used their skills to influence, some had provided manual labour. They all had one thing in common and that was they have all made a difference to Tamworth and none of them had done it for an award.
It is the contribution that these people make that makes Tamworth Tick, these people provide the glue that holds our communities together in fact if it weren't for the contribution these groups make we would not have a community just a set of buildings with beds in. And Tamworth would be a much duller place.
Friday, 24 June 2011
Coton Green Pre-school Garden opening
This morning I was asked to open the new pre-school garden at Coton Green, It was great there was not only a load of space for the kids to play and learn but with the help of volunteers and fund raising they have a great sensory garden and wild flower bed.
Some of the funding for this project including the wooden bridge and bench was supplied by County Councillor Ben Adams' community fund which is available to community groups from their county councillors. This i felt was a great use.
There was a sense of pride in the kids there today who once opened walked round the garden watering plants with their watering cans, some sat on the bench and read books not forgetting to take a plastic frog along to listen too.
A little oasis in the middle of the community
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)