Volume 23 Number 1 Spring 2019

NORTHFIELD MANOR PRIMARY ACADEMY TURN BACK TIME IN BOURNVILLE! The Children from Northfield Manor became local historians last term as they worked on their learning challenge titled ‘How has our local area changed over time?’ The learning challenge outcome, was to create a museum exhibition to show how the local area has changed over time. The children (aged five and six) came up with so many ideas, but ultimately chose to organise an exhibition and invite their families along. The first step was to identify what they already knew about the local area, the landmarks, important people and about the homes they currently live in. The Year One children were extremely enthusiastic about the learning challenge and enjoyed talking to their families to gather even more information.

The next step was to visit the stunning Selly Manor Museum in Bournville. The children were amazed that such a beautiful piece of history was so accessible to them. They embraced the opportunity and with the help of the wonderful guides, they learnt so much about the history of the building. They had many questions answered, such as how the house was built, who built it and lived there and how people lived there many years ago. During this trip we also took a walk in the surrounding area, looking at the different type of houses, the Cadbury Factory and the children’s favourite - the Carillon Clock Tower.

Continued on page 4

CASTLE ART SOCIETY 40TH ANNIVERSARY 2018

This has been a memorable six-month period for Castle Art Society with both our 40th Anniversary and a new venue for the Summer Exhibition. We celebrated our 40th Anniversary on Friday, 26th October 2018. A special cake was made and we were honoured to have the very first Vice Chairman of the society, John Maiden with us and his wife Sylvia. John became Chairman after a couple of years. We had some reflections on the society from our present Chairman, Ray Brookes followed by bubbly and cakes which were enjoyed by one and all.

Organising the Exhibition in September last year required a lot of extra work as we were re-locating to St. Nicolas Place on Kings Norton Green. Also, the old display boards were past their sell-by date so eight new A-frame display boards were made to a bespoke design. Generally speaking we were pleased with the new venue and by the end of the week eight paintings had been sold. Continued on page 4

Photo left: Previous Chairman, John Maiden is cutting the cake with current Chairman, Ray Brookes looking on.

BVT DESIGN GUIDE

The latest version of the BVT Design Guide has been released with important advice on the use of artificial grass. While there are some advantages to installing artificial grass in gardens, the disadvantages are overwhelming and fundamentally go against the neutral surroundings which the Trust promotes. Therefore, the use of artificial grass on the frontages of properties on the BVT estate is not permitted. At the rear of properties, the use of artificial grass is discouraged. There are factors which mean that artificial grass is not suitable for properties on the BVT estate, these include:

It is made of synthetic materials which is not environmentally friendly.

It is not environmentally friendly to insects and wildlife.

It can look very uniform and provide a manufactured ‘false’ look.

The Trust promotes a natural environment and artificial grass goes against this. Since its creation in 1985, the Design Guide has been updated at intervals to provide valuable guidance to resi-dents. As new innovations and technologies have been created, the Guide has needed to be updated to take into consideration the benefits, and indeed the drawbacks, of several areas of building and planning. The guide includes advice on: Conservation areas & listed buildings, Extensions, Building materials, Gardens, Hardstanding & parking spaces, TV & satellite dishes, Miscellaneous alterations & additions and how to apply for Trustee consent. It is im-possible for the Guide to comment upon every eventuality, so if there is any proposal that does not feature in the Design Guide then please seek further advice from the Trust.

See https://www.bvt.org.uk/bournville-estate-design-guide/

Ralph Lawson Tennis Club Rep, Council Treasurer, Hall Management Team, WHVNews delivery team 475 4175

Tom McGrath, WHVNews delivery team 07903 028033

Tessa Mitchell Secretary, WHVNews delivery Team News Team 472 6383

Richard Trengrouse Conservation Zoning, WHVNews delivery team 258 2256

Carole Willock Hall Management Treasurer, WHVNews delivery team 258 0621

Sharon Yeomans Estate Management and Scheme Rep 475 9890

W E O L E Y H I L L V I L L A G E N E W S E D I T O R I A L T E A M

Robert Booth, Tessa Mitchell, Rosemary Hay and Alan Moody

The team acknowledges the invaluable help given by proof readers and all the contributors

Please send articles for the next edition by email to cadamservices@btopenworld.com or ridgway442@btinternet.com

The team takes this opportunity to send a warm welcome to all new residents of Weoley Hill

W E O L E Y H I L L V I L L A G E C O U N C I L M E M B E R S

IMPORTANT NOTICE BOURNVILLE VILLAGE TRUST

PERMISSION FOR ALTERATIONS Please note there have been recent

revisions to BVT’s Design Guide all residents are invited to

consider the same via www.bvt.org.uk See example below

TREE REMOVAL

Prior consent from BVT is required be-fore any tree is removed from the

front or rear of a property

Weoley Hill Village News in full colour

and large print:

www.bvt.org.uk/news-and-events/

weoley-hill-village-news

Alan Moody Chairman, Hall Management Team, WHVNews delivery Team, Cp4so Rep, 475 7682

Spencer Webb Vice Chair, Street Association Rep, WHVNews delivery team 07973 636197

Jessica Allan, BVT Representative 0300 333 6540 Ann Belsey Hall Manager, Hall Management Team

07809 640080 Rosemary Hay Badminton Rep, Hall Management

Team, WHVNews delivery team 472 0674 Wiebina Heesterman, Environment, WHVNews delivery team 475 6967

Weoley Hill Village News in full colour and large print: www.bvt.org.uk/news-and-events/weoley-hill-village-news

WEOLEY HILL BONFIRE AND FIREWORK DISPLAY 2ND NOVEMBER 2019 — PUT IN YOUR DIARY!

Over 30 years ago the first firework display took place in Weoley Hill when John Wilson fired off his “£50.00 box of Brocks” on the clay tennis courts at the back of the hall. At the time this gave a great deal of pleasure to people living close by. However, times have changed and last year’s bonfire and firework display was a spectacular event watched by 2,000 people!

But, some things do not change and once again a great deal of pleasure was given to a lot of people in a safe and friendly environment. Whether this was for the volunteers who may, or may not, know each other and often only meet during the day once a year to build the bonfire, lay-out the site, prepare the “BBQ” and drink stalls, or the people who purchased the tickets for an evening of entertainment, everyone left saying they were

“looking forward to next year.” Well, next year has arrived and the bonfire and firework display will be held on Saturday 2nd November 2019.

Twelve months is a long time to wait to enjoy the one and only community event in Weoley Hill. Perhaps there should be another? Maybe in summertime? Maybe either a sports or music festival? If anyone has any ideas for another event in the Parkway please contact Alan Moody on 01214757682 or email on alanmoody@hotmail.co.uk.

NEW INITIATIVE - STREET WATCH Are you interested in making your area safer and supporting your own community to resolve problems? Street Watch is a brand new volunteer-led, community-led initiative based on street patrols carried out by members of the public with no police powers. They provide visible reassurance and appropriately engage in local

issues that matter most to your community. Volunteers patrol in pairs and register each patrol on a website.

The neighbourhood policing team can look at the website before the patrols take place. If volunteers spot suspicious activity they should report it to the police but not get involved. The presence and activities of Street Watch members will have a significant and positive impact on quality of life issues within your community. Members of Street Watch must be 18 years or older. If you are interested in starting or joining a Street Watch scheme in the Bournville Ward, please email: a.ryan@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk Andy Ryan, Birmingham West Connect & Build Team.

BVT GARDEN AWARDS 2019

Having judged gardens over the last 3 years, the Landscapes team felt that gardens given over to growing fruit and vegetables can be unfairly judged under the current categories and as such has created a new category to cover a Private Allotment Garden.

The BVT Garden Award, developed in partnership with residents, is presented to residents in Birmingham and Telford who go above and beyond to look after their gardens. There is no limit to the number of awards that BVT presents each year, but candidates do need to meet a specific standard to receive an award.

Gardens are judged according to the Garden Award Assessment Criteria by Bournville Village Landscapes, on the first Tuesday of every month from April to September. Information is on the BVT website. The categories are: Small garden, Medium to large garden, Container garden, Community garden, Environmental/Wildlife garden, Private Allotment Garden and Commercial garden.

Successful candidates are presented with a plaque that can be fixed, in most instances, to the front of the property. To check eligibility and to apply for a BVT Garden Award, please contact our Community Services team by emailing communityadmin@bvt.org.uk. Non-Internet users can call BVT Customer Services on: 0300 333 6540.

FOR NEW TREE ISSUES ON THE ROADSIDE Amey say ‘If you would like to get in touch please contact our customer service centre on: 0800 521 660’ https://www.amey.co.uk/contact-us/

NORTHFIELD MANOR PRIMARY ACADEMY TURN BACK TIME IN BOURNVILLE! Continued from page 1

The Chairman of the Bournville Society visited Northfield Manor to talk to the children who were thrilled to have a special visitor and prepared questions to ask. The presentation was very informative and the children were shocked by the comparisons in old to modern photographs! A copy of the book ‘Two Brothers and a Chocolate Factory’ was gifted and now has pride of place in the school library.

After all the ground work had been done it was time to create models of well-known buildings from the local area (both new and old) for their museum. The children were so engaged with the challenge that they also created models at home to display! They then created artwork using a wide variety of techniques. The portraits of Selly Manor were particularly impressive! A dance, along to a song from UB40 was choreographed by Miss Holden. Reports about the Cadbury family were written, detailing interesting facts about the family and the impact they had

on our area. The children wrote invitations to invite their family and friends along to the exhibition as well as the chairman of the Bournville Society. Overall the children worked extremely hard and put all their efforts into making the museum a success and they really did! Mrs Westwood and Miss Holden were very proud of them.

Some quotes from the children: “It was exciting when the Chairman visited us to talk to us and we loved that he came to see our exhibition. Our trip was to Selly Manor, we got to dress up, but it was a bit scary to go down the stairs” Erin aged 5 years. “My favourite work was when we wrote about the Cadbury family. I loved the walk around Bournville, we saw the Cadbury factory.” Henry age 6 years. “I really enjoyed making the models and working with Anabelle to build it.” Lucy aged 5 years. “I have never, never, never seen the clock tower in Bournville. I enjoyed learning about it and found out that it had lots of bells.” Nicholas aged 5 years.

Report by Helen Whitaker

CASTLE ART SOCIETY 40TH ANNIVERSARY 2018 Continued from page 1 Castle Art Society started life in October 1978 when a group of amateur artists who were being taught at Shenley Court School evening class by Roy Jauncey had the idea of setting themselves up as a stand-alone art society. The school secretary, Eva Van Bienen helped the group to obtain funding. The first Chairman of the society was Bill Hoskyns and the Vice Chairman was John Maiden. Eva Van Bienen became the Honorary President in recognition of the help she had given and John’s wife Sylvia was also a founder member. The first secretary was Dennis Reece and his wife Mary looked after the refreshments and collected the attendance money. 40 years on Mary is still an active member of the society.

The first exhibition was held in March 1979 at the old Birmingham Central Library and ran for four weeks. In

1991 a prestigious Castle Art Society exhibition was held at the Royal Birmingham Society of Artists Gallery in New Street from the 9th – 14th September. In those early days the society held an annual painting holiday to Bruges, Reith in Austria, Limone and Sorrento. By the mid-eighties John Maiden had become Chairman with Denis Reece as Vice Chairman. Another long serving member of the society is Lilian Woolhouse who has been a member for 30 years and served as secretary for 15 years.

At our Friday morning art sessions there’s always a good social and artistic buzz. If you’d like more information about Castle Art Society please ring Lillian Woolhouse on 0121 453 9548 or visit our website at castleartsociety.co.uk Type the name directly into the header, you won’t find us through Google. Annette Booth and Phil Watkins

CASTLE ART SOCIETY PROGRAMME 2019 Demonstrations by professional artists 10.15-12.30pm

Friday April 5th Shane Wiseman—Wildlife in Pastels Thursday April 11th Vicki Norman—workshop: Seascape in Oils Friday May 3rd Annual General Meeting Friday June 7th David Johnson—Mountains in oil Friday July 5th Sue Chatterton– Wildlife in Water Colours

Sessions are informal and members are encouraged to bring their own work and paint in a convivial atmosphere. There is plenty of opportunity to seek help and guidance from other artists if needed. Cost is £3.00 per session which includes refreshments. Why not come and join our very friendly group.

Ballroom & Latin Dancing

Beginners Class every Thursday at Weoley Hill Hall 7.15 - 8.15pm

Enquiries: Brian & Barbara Boscott 0121 459 9167. 07745 160585 (Mobile)

Green Flag Award Scheme submission for Weoley 1, 2 and 3 park areas. After a GFAS inspection of the area in 2018, with BVT officials, the local submission was deemed not to be successful. The main issues for the area are: lack of signage and there is no obvious biodiversity area. BVT have a management plan and action is being taken so that a further submission can be made this year.

For information: the BVT noticeboard in Hemyock Road has been taken down from the gates to the copse because it had been used as a foothold to gain illegal entrance to the copse. If you were particularly ‘attached’ to this noticeboard it has been relocated to Bournville Park.

BVT Design Guide Please visit the revised Guide if you are planning any alterations, tree or hedge removal. There is also information about the use of artificial grass, which is not allowed in front gardens, and making applications online.

Careless Parking The drop down kerbs on the footpaths have tactile paving for the assistance of pedestrians with limited sight and should not be used for parking cars.

SHORTS

Duncan Cadbury bowls the first wood to open the proceedings

32 Knighton Road, 63 Witherford Way, 103 Bournville Lane, 82 Hay Green Lane, 40 Middle Park Road, 52 Elm Road, 21 High Heath Close and 11 Kestrel Grove

CROWN GREEN BOWLING AT WEOLEY HILL Do you know when people first started to play bowls? It is known that from the 13th century the upper classes played on the lawn in their large gardens. The less affluent played on common ground very often near an inn or tavern this being the forerunner of many of our greens today. The oldest known club is in Southampton where bowls has been played since 1299!

Royalty have enjoyed the game. Henry V111 found time to play but he banned the lower classes from playing since he claimed that it interfered with their trading. Charles1 is said to have lost £1,000 at a game of bowls and it was Charles II who had a green installed at Windsor Castle.

Perhaps the most famous story in history is that of Francis Drake who was playing bowls on Plymouth Hoe in 1588 when he saw the Spanish Armada approaching. He finished his game before going into battle. We know he won the battle but it is not known if he won his game of bowls!

It is hard to say when crown green bowls was first properly organised but it is known that a series of county games were played from 1897. And it is crown green bowls that is played here in Weoley Hill but do you know when the club first started? It was on Saturday 28th April 1928 that George Cadbury Junior bowled the first wood to open Weoley Hill Bowling Club which was formed to promote relaxation and good health to the residents of his father’s garden village. The 90th Anniversary of this event was celebrated to the very day on Saturday 28th April 2018 when Duncan Cadbury bowled the first wood to open the proceedings. A competition was held during the

afternoon and this was followed by a buffet supper and entertainment in the Village hall. A very memorable occasion.

There have been many changes in the club’s 90-year history but it remains very active. Activities include social bowling, league bowling, inter-club matches and inhouse competitions together with a number of social events throughout the season which starts in April and concludes at the beginning of October. During the closed season members come together to enjoy social events – a presentation dinner, whist drive, skittles and a quiz. Scrabble can be played each Tuesday afternoon in the Village Hall. More information can be found on page 6 Pat Finney, President

Over thirty residents attended the Village Council AGM in the village Hall in November. Peter Richmond, BVTs new CEO, gave an overview of his first four months in post and his vision for the future.

Mr Moody told the meeting that once again there had been two editions of the Village News published and distributed. He had received several compliments praising the quality and high standard of the publication and had passed these compliments on to our Editor Robert Booth. Mr Moody asked that the thanks of the Village Council and the residents for Robert’s work be recorded along with thanks to John Clarke, Vincent Griffith, Barry Fulford, David Marlow and Nigel Wood.

CP4SO – Alan Moody continues to represent Weoley Hill on this forum. Very useful for networking and community support. Sainsburys are moving next week. All partners are

working to stop any further student accommodations. A dual carriageway is planned on Harborne Lane so the site of the ‘old’ Sainsbury’s will be reduced. A pre-application has been submitted by developer but currently not known what this is for.

The partnership is looking into obtaining Community Development Trust status to try and get residential homes and help protect the area and shops. Weoley Hill Annual Bonfire – last year’s bonfire held on the 5th November 2017 was a complete sell out and contributed just under £2000 to the Councils income. Thanks, were expressed to everyone involved for volunteering their time to support this local event. Mr Moody gave a heartfelt thank you to Council Members and the NHS for the support and care he received following his heart attack last year.

PARKING MATTERS – PROTECT OUR VERGES A reminder: Please can everyone park sensibly and not park their cars on grass verges, pavements or drop curbs for the disa-

bled. When vehicles are parked here it causes unnecessary difficulties for wheelchair and pram users. Warning: fines are being issued. When possible residents should make an effort to park on their driveways keeping roads

clear and encourage visitors to park sensibly too. Remember you are making a difference!

WEOLEY HILL VILLAGE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2018

S & A Rossiter Traditional Family Butcher

Birmingham’s First Registered Organic Butcher Gold Award Winning Sausage

Tel/Fax 0121 458 1598 www.organic-butcher.co.uk 247 Maryvale Road Bournville Licence No.R6327

WEOLEY HILL BOWLING CLUB

We have vacancies for new members for the coming season and would love you to join us. We are a very active, friendly and sociable club with lovely facilities.

Are you missing out? Taster sessions are being held in April and May and we

would really like to see you.

Taster sessions are: Saturday, 13th April 2019.

Saturday, 27th April 2019 and Sunday, 5th May 2019

Come any day, any time between 10.00 and 4.00pm No experience necessary, ages 8 and upward,

equipment provided with tuition given by our experienced members.

See also the article on page 5 Where are we? In the park by the tennis courts, adjacent to 63 Fox Hill, Weoley Hill, B29 4BQ.

For further details contact: Sam Dear 0121 475 3507 Or David Obrey 0121 472 4217

A glorious day at Weoley Hill Bowling Club

Look after your eyes!

A professional sight care service for all the family. We are part of the Birmingham & Black Country

Diabetic Eye Screening Service. Free Contact Lens Trial available

Try our wide range of budget to designer frames and get our best advice on lenses, tints and coatings.

Williams Optometrist

8A Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak B29 6HX 0121 472 0211 www.williams-optometrists.co.uk

Garden Waste collections start 3th and 15th March and end 25th November to 6th December 2019 Cost £40 pa. Pay online.

HARBORNE LANE SCHEME

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/downloads/download/2405

selly_oak_new_road_highway_improvement_scheme

Parkinson’s UK Birmingham South

Support Group

Meets on 8 x Thursday evenings per year at the Bournville Gardens Village from 7.30 to 9pm on 7 March, 4 Apr, 2 May, 6 Jun, 4 Jul, 5 Sep, 3 Oct and 7 Nov. Speaker, tea, coffee and support. Also Tai Chi & Nordic walking groups & trips out, email for details

pukbhamsouth@gmail.com 07711 889347

LIBRARY REPORT

The library will be holding one of its popular Coffee and Craft mornings on Friday April 12th at 10.30 - 12.30. Run by the Friends of the Library group to raise awareness and money to fund the talks and children’s events, these are held two or three times a year. Last November we had a demonstration of flower arranging which gave us lots of ideas for Christmas table decorations. Another visit from the Bartley Green History Group on March 14th will talk about the Elan Valley.

All events are free and everyone is welcome and there are many weekly and monthly events at the library including the Readers Circle. This is an opportunity to share the love of reading while being introduced to a new subject. These meetings are friendly, informal and run by the library staff. A free cup of coffee is offered on arrival. More information is available at the library; details of the Friends Group can also be found there and new volunteers will be most welcome.

REGISTER HERE

ESTATE MANAGEMENT and SCHEME COMMITTEE. (EM&SC) The (EM&SC) is a committee of the Bournville Village Trust. It is made up of four (4) Trustees’ and four (4) resident representatives who live on the BVT estate. It is this Committee where residents can make an input into the running of the BVT estate. The Resident representatives serve for a period of four (4) years and can stay in office for two consecutive four-year terms then they must stand down.

At the end of this year our, Weoley Hill, representative will complete her second four-year term in office and as such will be standing down thus leaving a vacancy. As a result of this Weoley Hill Village Council are looking to invite anyone who is a resident of Weoley Hill and is 18 years of age or older to put themselves forward to take on this roll for the next four years beginning on the 1st January 2020.

The roll will involve 4/5 meetings of the EM&SC per year and the person who takes on the roll will become an ex-officio member of the Village Council to whom they will report back. The Village Council meet once a month, except for August and December.

A couple of the typical issues the EM&SC deals with are planning applications from residents put into BVT and liaising between residents and BVT in such situations as traveller intrusions. If you feel you may be interested in taking on the roll please contact the Chairman, Alan Moody or the Secretary, Ms Tessa Michell. Contact details can be found on page 2 of this Newsletter.

BVT Homeowners Newsletter registration: https://www.bvt.org.uk/news-and-events/register-

for-home-owner-newsletter-now/ Tenants Newsletter: https://www.bvt.org.uk/

publications/newsletters/

3rd April 2019 7.30-9.00pm Stirchley Baths - Phil Banting, secretary of the Stirchley History Group, gives a talk on the history of these local baths and the recent redevelopment and links with the Cadbury family. 1st May 2019 7.30-9.00pm Jewellery Quarter - Rupert Fisher, who has worked with Birmingham Museums for many years, describes the work of the Jewellery Quarter Museum and aspects of the wider Jewellery Quarter. 1st June 2019 One day visit to Port Sunlight (must be booked to guarantee a seat).

Enquiries and booking: 458 2547 or 475 6814 Dame Elizabeth Hall, Firbank Close,

Bournville B30 1UA

Weoley Hill Village News online is a blog on Wordpress, it has approximately 230 members and has been up and running for over two years. In that time 178 posts have been made.

The great thing about the blog is its immediacy we can get information out to members very quickly. We have covered major events such as the travellers encampments, planning issues, fetes and open days. If you would like contribute to WHVN Online please contact me at weoleyhillvillagenews@gmail.com. Contributions must:

i) Be of local interest ie: Relating directly to Weoley Hill, Bournville and the surrounding area

Ii) Not be party political or directly religious

Iii) Not commercial advertising, except for classes, concerts etc

Please provide brief succinct text preferably with photographs or graphics

If you would like to become a member of the blog please email Richard using the address above and he will send you a invite or put weoleyhillvillagenews.wordpress.com into your favourite search engine and follow the instructions.

WEOLEY HILL’S BLOG

WEOLEY HILL WINE CIRCLE 2019-20 Enjoy wines and socialise at Weoley Hill Village Hall, 7.30pm

23rd March 2019 Eastern Europe John Wilson & Quentin Smye

11th May 2019 Supermarket Wine Alex Collier & Mick Danks

13th July 2019 The French Borders Jane Bradbury & Liz Potter

14th September 2019 tbc Laura Clay—wine expert

23rd November 2019 Australia Theresa Edwards & Chris Marlow

18th January 2020 AGM & Well Travelled Grapes

Mick Danks & Alex Collier

Weoley Hill Wine Circle is a friendly and informal group that meets six times a year in Weoley Village Hall to enjoy wines from all over the world. Every meeting is based around a different theme, which may be a country or geographical area, particular grapes or types of wine, or sometimes a broader topic: recent sessions have included 'Californian wines', 'wines from Portugal', and 'the wines of South Africa'.

Once a year there is a session focusing on pairing wine and food. Weoley Hill Wine Circle celebrated its 16th anniversary in January 2019, the group started in January 2003 following a wine tasting the previous year organised by Weoley Hill Village Council and

presented by local wine expert John Wilson. The event was so well received that the Council's Vice Chair at the time, Jean Powell, suggested setting up a wine circle. 34 local residents turned up to the first meeting and since that time 6 meetings a year have been held with some 700 different wines being tasted.

The Wine Circle welcomes new members and anyone with an interest in wine is invited to come along. Membership for the year is £12.50, which is due after two visits, and there is a charge of £5 for each visit to cover the cost of the wine.

We look forward to seeing you.

WOODBROOKE Woodbrooke was the former home of famous Quaker and chocolate maker George Cadbury. In 1903 Woodbrooke changed from being a family home to a Quaker College. At that time there was a lot of debate among Quakers about how to combine faith with the scientific and social changes happening in the world. George Cadbury wanted to utilise a house that he owned for a good cause and, alongside another Quaker, John Wilhelm Rowntree, he established a centre for Quaker learning. Today, Woodbrooke remains the largest provider of Quaker learning in Europe and has evolved to also become a busy, professional conference and accommodation centre. The original house has been extended and further buildings have been added over the decades. Woodbrooke now offers over seventy bedrooms and ten meeting rooms set in ten acres of organically managed gardens and grounds.

Each year we offer a diverse and engaging range of courses covering a range of topics including mindfulness and spirituality, exploring Quaker history and engagement with the world. Our courses are open to anyone and we also run a number of creative courses including making bread in an outdoor oven, yoga retreats, pottery and making mosaics to name a few.

We believe that new friendships and connections are made over good food, which is why our meals are prepared by our creative, in-house chefs. Why not book a meal with us to enjoy high quality food at a fantastic price and best of all forget the washing up! As people have got to know us through open garden events and word of mouth, we find many more people realise that you don’t have to be a Quaker to stay at Woodbrooke. With a variety of room types available, Woodbrooke is perfect for local, quality accommodation at great prices.

Get in touch with our Reservations team to find out more about booking your next event, course or break at Woodbrooke. Don’t forget to join our mailing list to keep up to date with our latest news, offers and events.

T: 0121 472 5171 E: enquiries@woodbrooke.org.uk

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME SELLY OAK TRIANGLE

Open Gardens 2018 Sunday 7th July from 10am to 5pm, six BVT residents opened their award-winning gardens as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) last year. Over £4000 was raised for various cancer and local charities and almost 500 people from a wide area visited the gardens on a beautiful day. So, on July 7th make a point of visiting: 32 Knighton Road, 63 Witherford Way, 103 Bournville Lane, 82 Hay Green Lane, 40 Middle Park Road, 52 Elm Road, 21 High Heath Close and 11 Kestrel Grove. See www.ngs.org.uk/?bf-garden=33349 . Check BVT notice boards at the beginning of July. Sign up to Village Voices at: www.bvt.org.uk/register-your-interest

Bournville Works Housing Society BWHS Centenary celebrations - Sunday 15 Sep-tember. Plans TBC - Check BVT notice boards at the start of September. Sign up to Village Voices at: www.bvt.org.uk/register-your-interest

Selly Oak (Triangle) New Road (SONR) highway project is to commence on 21 March 2019

The project consists of highways improvements to the Selly Oak Triangle. The scheme will deliver improved access to development sites, including the Life Sciences Campus on Aston Webb Boulevard and support the regeneration of Bournbrook/Selly Oak centre. Key improvements on completion of the works at the Selly Oak Triangle include: Making Harborne Lane, between the Bristol Road junction and the junction with Chapel Lane, into a length of two-way dual carriageway Re-configuring Chapel Lane to make it two-way and introducing a mini-roundabout at the Battery Retail Park entrance Widening the footway along the north side of Bristol Road between the Harborne Lane and Chapel Lane junctions. Upgrade of bus, pedestrian and cycling facilities.

When completed it will no longer be possible to turn right into Harborne Lane from Bristol Road, or left from Harborne Lane onto Bristol Road (except buses).

To facilitate changes in traffic flows during the work it will be necessary to completely change the traffic signal arrangements at the three intersections around the triangle - this will require temporary traffic signals to be put in place whilst the works are done. Temporary lane closures will be required to enable construction activity to be carried out safely, most of which will be carried out at night. Narrow lanes will be required during the daytime, however daytime lane closures would only be applied when and where unavoidable.

Down on the Farm

14th April, 10am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 4pm Meet Farmer Fraser and his friendly animals including, baby piglets, lambs, kid goats, chickens and much more - all in the surroundings of the Selly Manor garden. Adults and Children £5, Family £15, Under 1s free

The Selly Manor Easter Egg Hunt 16th – 26th April, 10am – 5pm Have a cracking time this Easter as you eggsplore Selly Manor for our eggcellent egg hunt. Plus, get creative and make some Easter themed crafts and play our fun-filled garden games. Adults £4, Concessions £3, Children £2.50, Family £13

Bournville Village, 1894 - 1914 – Heritage Talk 2nd May, 7pm Join Michael Harrison for a detailed and fascinating talk on the early period of George Cadbury’s ‘model village’. £5 per person

George’s Fantastic Festivities 27th – 31st May, 10am – 5pm Take part in good old-fashioned Victorian fun with traditional games and crafts and learn about George Cadbury’s brilliant village of Bournville. Adults £4, Concessions £3, Children £2, Family £12

Magical Rainbow Unicorn Party 22nd June, 10am – 12.30pm or 1.30pm – 4pm Join us for a once in a lifetime opportunity to ride a real life unicorn! Search for the golden horseshoe, go on the spellbinding fairy trail, listen to our enchanted storyteller, plus lots more mystery and magic. Adults and Children £5, Under 1s free

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare The Crescent Theatre Outdoor Summer Tour 10th and 11th July, 7pm Enjoy this classic play in the stunning surroundings of the Selly Manor garden. This promises to be a hugely funny and heart-warming, modern dress production of one of Shakespeare’s best loved and most enduring comedies. Adults £12.50, Concessions £10.50

The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark Children’s Outdoor Theatre 14th July, 2pm Plop is a baby barn owl. He is the same as every baby barn owl that has ever been - except for one thing… he is afraid of the dark. Riverside Performing Arts present Jill Tomlinson’s classic tale, filled with song, dance, puppetry and laughter in a very special outdoor show. Adults and Children £5

Bournville Art Class Exhibition 22nd – 28th July, 10am – 5pm An exhibition of work created by members of Bournville Art Class, displaying a broad variety of mediums and techniques including drawing, painting, print and textiles. Free entry Continued on page 11

GOOD FOR YOUR WALLET AND GOOD FOR THE CLIMATE Do you realise that getting gas and electricity from a supplier of renewable energy is now cheaper than from the Big Six? (British Gas, EDF Energy, EON, Npower, Scottish Power and SSE, even with some energy from renewables mixed in, what they sell is mostly based on fossil fuels). Switching to one of the more recently established renewable energy companies can save you between £20 and £200 per year. These are: Bulb Energy, Tonic, Octopus Energy, iSupplyEnergy and a few others. Good Energy and Ecotricity are priced similarly to the Big Six. However, if you are on a fixed tariff with some of the Big Six, you may have to pay an 'exit fee'. The renewable energy companies do not request 'exit fees', when you go on a fixed tariff. In fact, you may find that the renewable energy company you switch to, pays some of the exit fee back to you.

We are lucky here in the West Midlands as we are part of the West Midlands Clean Energy Community, which guar-antees continuation of the service should your green supplier to get into difficulties. All sources of renewable energy generate their own electricity and between 65% and 10% of the gas they provide is by anaerobic digestion from farm waste or energy crops (willow and/or grass).

Switching is quite easy: you do so online at www.bigcleanswitch.org/west-midlands – If you don’t use the Internet, ring 0800 249 4770: you will be talked through on how to do it. It is helpful to have your last electricity and gas bills at hand, when switching as the savings are different for large, medium or small users. It is, however, useful if you have an email address so a company can send news to you. If you want to have a bit more time to think things through, you should know that there is no obligation to switch when you go on the clean energy switch site. We went on the site several times to check out how much switching from different Big Six companies saved customers. Wiebina Heesterman

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

BOURNVILLE FREEHOLDERS AND LEASEHOLDERS ASSOCIATION

Chairman: Jack Hynds, 55 Green Meadow Road,

B29 4DD; 476 5248 chairman@bfla.org.uk

Treasurer: David Matthews, 29 St Laurence Road, B31

2AU; treasurer@bfla.org.uk Secretary: Lucy Farrow,

secretary@bfla.org.uk

Website: www.bfla.org.uk

SELLY MANOR ACTIVIES continued from page 10

Pirates! 12th – 31st August, 10am – 5pm Ahoy shipmates! Set sail for Selly Manor this summer and have a go at pirate-packed crafts, adventurous activities and venture on a swashbuckling treasure hunt trail – perfect for young and old buccaneers alike. Adults £4, Concessions £3, Children £2, Family £12 Bournville Heritage Open Day 14th September, 10am – 4pm Visit Selly Manor and a host of other sites as we celebrate the buildings, people and places of George Cadbury’s historic garden village of Bournville. Enjoy a wide range of exhibitions, tours and activities throughout the day. Free entry

Bournville Townswomen’s Guild

We extend a warm invitation to women of all ages to join our friendly group. We offer many activities as well as our

main Guild meeting on the 4th Monday of each month, when we usually have talks given on a wide variety of topics and sometimes a quiz. On the other Monday

afternoons we have monthly scrabble, tea and chat, and handicraft groups. During the week we have a lunch club

and trips to places of interest. Members have regional activities they can also

Why not give us a try? You can sample 3 meetings before joining the organisation.

We meet on the 4th Monday of each month, 2.00 - 4.00pm at the Bournville Quaker Meeting House,

Linden Road, on the famous Village Green.

For more information, ring the local contact: Sue 0121 608 0646

COMMUNICATION SECURITY

SCAMS TO BE AWARE OF - KEEP SENDING THEM IN

An email from a person known to YOU: I've shared a Dropbox pictures with you CLICK HERE TO VIEW. Documents received will be deleted from our system after 7 days. Regards The DropBoxAdmin WHVNews advice: Delete!

HMRC is issuing a warrant for your arrest A reader writes: ‘I received the very unpleasant + threatening voicemail yesterday afternoon. "This is officer Clare Williams from HM Revenue and Customs. The hotline to my division is 02032875716. I repeat it is 02032875716. Do not disregard this message and call us back. If you do not call us back or we do not hear from your solicitor either then get ready to face the legal consequences. Goodbye and take care’. WHVNews advice: Delete!

BT ‘are’ suspending your internet connection. Important information about your email service. WHVNews advice: Ignore!

Hello, As you've used your email address in the last 90 days, we need to let you know about some changes we're making. We're closing some of our older email services. That means your BT email address will stop working after 4th Feb 2019, unless you add it to your BT Broadband account. If you don't do that, you'll lose your email address as well as the contacts and messages associated with it. WHVNews advice: Delete!

Dear (Your name) How about a new Smartphone? If your answer is yes, then you will like this message even more! All winners, that participated in an online-survey with a chance to win a Galaxy S9, have been choosen: We're happy to inform you today that you are one of the lucky users, who will receive a brand new S9 Smartphone. In order to plan the delivery of your new phone, simply proceed below to ‘shedule the delivery’right away. WHVNews advice: Delete!

Dear (often your name), I would like to remind you that there is still a delayed request dated back in May, connected with a refund. Since ASDA went through some major transitions, we are now following up with all open cases. To find out, if there are any open cases on your side, please get back to us by following this link. If you do not remember, if your case is involved? You can as well check our customer portal. It simply takes about 2 minutes and you can be sure you not going to miss your compensation. *Please note that the deadline for every open case is set to end within the next 12 hrs. With best regards, WHVNews advice: Delete!

TIME TO REVIEW YOUR LOCKS ON PLASTIC DOORS There have been numerous reports across the West Midlands of ‘lock snapping’ to gain entry illegally and it only takes 5 seconds according to reports. To overcome this threat arrange to replace the basic lock fitted to most older plastic doors. Alternatively, purchase and fit them yourself, few skills are needed and Lock and Key (www.lockandkey.co.uk) can supply and offer advice. Just check you haven’t already got anti-snap locks — if you don’t see a British Standard kite mark and 1, 2 or 3 stars on your locks (Euro standard TS007 as above) you really should consider changing. Two star is recommended for most situations and are available as ‘keys alike’ for front and porch doors. The cost is approximately £20 for each lock. For anyone who is considering fitting anti-snap locks please use this link to find a reputable locksmith in your area https://www.locksmiths.co.uk/. If you have double opening doors buy a cycle ‘D’ lock to lock your handles when you go away on holiday.

BOURNVILLE CLARINET CHOIR Founded in 2015, with a Vision Award from Bournville Village Trust for starting a community project, we have become a well-established musical ensemble. We rehearse fortnightly in term-time at Weoley Hill United Reformed Church, playing a variety of clarinets to create a rich orchestral sound. Our unique repertoire ranges from pieces by Bach, Mozart and Dvorak, to contemporary compositions, including works by our Musical Director, Nigel Wood.

We give local concerts, hold occasional workshops, and have appeared on the More 4 TV programme “All Gardens Great and Small”. Our sounds can be exuberant and dynamic, especially in our lively popular pieces, although we can also evoke a peaceful and sonorous tonality which will soothe the listener.

Why not take a look at us on YouTube, where you can listen to what we have been doing recently? Our live gigs in 2019 will include the National Garden Scheme on 7th July, where we play in the garden at 63 Witherford Way, B29 4AJ, as part of the Bournville Village Group. Our summer concert is on Saturday 20th July at St Francis Church, Sycamore Rd, Bournville B30 2AA. More details will be on our website: www.BournvilleClarinetChoir.org.uk. We welcome new players from the locality or further afield. You may contact us via our Facebook page, or email us at bournvilleclarinetchoir@gmail.com.

BOURNVILLE CLARINET CHOIR IN CONCERT, Musical Director: NIGEL WOOD

IN CONCERT 7 00pm SATURDAY 20th JULY 2019 St FRANCIS CHURCH, SYCAMORE RD,

BOURNVILLE B30 2AA

A Vibrant and Varied programme, with a few moves and surprises along the way

Contact bournvilleclarinetchoir@gmail.com for further information and tickets

PLEASE MENTION WEOLEY HILL VILLAGE NEWS WHEN CONTACTING OUR ADVERTISERS

BOURNVILLE MODEL YACHT & POWER BOAT CLUB

We meet on Sunday mornings for sail, Sunday afternoon for power, Wednesday mornings for sail and

Thursday for power. Everyone is welcome to visit any time we are here. If you want to know “What’s on When” our calendar is on the Club House door or take a look at our website.

Valley Pool in Bournville Lane 200mtrs from the Bristol Road A38 www. bournville-mypb-club.org.uk or

contact Bill Green on 07780 952083

rmbhypnotherapy - Rachel Broomfield www.rmbhypnotherapy.com rmbhypnotherapy@aol.com

telephone: 07733 839 591 Clinical Hypnotherapist and

Teacher of Mindfulness

To help with a range of issues including: panic at-tacks, anxiety, depression, phobias,

stopping smoking, weight management and many more…

Formerly a local primary school teacher with 20 years

experience of working with young children, I am a fully insured ‘adult and child hypnotherapist,’ and

possess an enhanced DBS/CRB certificate. I work from Central England Holistic Therapy Centre, Alcester Road, Kings Heath. I also offer Mindfulness-based stress-reduction group sessions for people in

the workplace. Please get in touch to find out more.

If you would like to advertise in WHVN please contact Alan Moody on 475 7682

alan.moody@hotmail.co.uk

WEOLEY HILL VILLAGE HALL BOOKINGS MON 2.00-3.00pm

Move it or lose it exercise for the over 50s

4.00-7.30pm After school club

7.30pm-8.30pm Tai Chi

TUE

2.00-4.00pm Scrabble weekly Oct-March

4.15-6.15pm Football

6.30 - 7.30pm Aerobics

WED 2.30-5.00pm Badminton

7.00-8.30pm Dance class

THU 4.30-8.00pm Ballroom Dancing Lessons

8.30-10.00pm Badminton

FRI

Available for private hire 4.00-6.00pm After school club

7.30-10.00pm Badminton

If you require further information regarding any of the above classes or hall booking please contact the Hall Manager Ann Belsey on 07809 640080

or Jess or Carole 0121 667 1179/1180 between 9am-4pm Mon-Fri

SAT Available for private hire

Available for private hire

7.30-10.30pm Chinese community (some Sats)

Iraqi comm. (some Sats)

Wine circle (see adverts)

SUN Available for private hire 4.00-8.30pm Ballroom Dancing Lessons

Available for private hire

11.00-12.00 Physio Class

10.00-12.00 Art Group

10.00– 1.00pm Art group

9.00-12.00

Self-defence

10.00-4.00 Tai Chi Some Saturdays

Attention needed to road, pavements, verges, potholes etc.? Report to the City

https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/info/20110/report_road_and_pavement_issues

AIR POLLUTION AND THE SCHOOL RUN My daily newspaper is clear about the issue. Time and time again they warn: “A record number of people are dying from asthma”, “More than 90% of children breathe toxic air” “High pollution cause huge reduction in intelligence” and the clincher, “School run is the biggest polluter of air” and we haven’t even mentioned the risk that those breathing the fumes might contract heart disease or cancer sometime in the distant future.

Parents or grandparents still appear to believe they are protecting children by taking them to school by car. A year ago the Guardian reported that “A range of experiments, some as far back as 2001, have shown that drivers inside vehicles are exposed to far higher levels of air pollution than those walking or cycling along the same urban routes” (Children in cars ‘at far greater risk from fumes than walking,’ 13 June 2017). That particular report quoted Prof Stephen Holgate as saying air pollution “is 9 to 12 times higher in the car than outside”.

Yet there they are, waiting at the school gate, engines running, poisoning the air, pumping exhaust fumes into the next car. Dear parents “Why not organise a ‘walking bus’, if you live close to the school, or, if it is too far, drive them part of the way towards it, park the car and walk with them to the school?” Wiebina Heesterman Drawing by a pupil of Bournville School, 2015

Sunday 12th May Manor Farm Park 7.00 am. DAWN CHORUS WALK. Meet by the children’s playground.

Saturday 15th June Manor Farm Park 12 noon – 3.00 pm. LARK IN THE PARK. Free event for all. Come along and join in the fun with races, tombola, refreshments and much, much more.

Wednesday 10th July 7.00 pm Weoley Hill Village Hall ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING for the Friends of Manor Farm Park. Free Refreshments

Friday 13th September 7.30 pm Manor Farm Park BAT WALK led by the Park Rangers Meet by the children’s playground.

For more information on these or any of our activities please contact: secretary@friendsofmanorfarmpark.org.uk find us on Facebook or check our website: www.friendsofmanorfarmpark.org.uk

Neighbourhood Alert If you are interested in receiving helpful security information on Policing, Fire

you can visit Community Messaging and enrol at https://member-admin.neighbourhoodalert.co.uk/

WEOELY HILL’S KEEPING FIT PAGE

JAYNE’S GOING FOR THE LONDON MARATHON There can be very few of us whose lives have not been touched by the scourge of Alzheimer's Disease, be that through much loved friends or members of our families. My Mum died of it some three years back, my much loved cousin some ten years ago at fifty eight and I currently have two friends also in their late fifties who are seriously afflicted.

Jayne Read of Witherford Way, is currently practising for the London Marathon on the 28th April. She is raising money for the Dementia Revolution - this is a year-long campaign delivered by Alzheimer's Research UK and Alzheimer's Society. These are the ‘Charities of the Year’ for the 2019 Virgin Money London Marathon. The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of dementia, overthrow old attitudes and power ground-breaking dementia research.

Jayne writes eloquently and movingly about the impact of dementia on her own family on her Virgin Money Giving site. If you would like to support Jayne and the Dementia Revolution you can do so through her Virgin Money Giving Site: https://virginmoneygiving.com/jayneReed1 We wish Jayne all the best for the 28th April!

CANNON HILL PARKRUN 9.00am EVERY SATURDAY MORNING

Over recent years, Parkrun has evolved from a successful series of running events having a positive impact on those taking part, to an organisation with a very clear objective: to counter the skyrocketing incidents of diabetes and increased levels of obesity and the devastating effects isolation, loneliness, stress and depression. People are moving their bodies less, looking at artificial light more, and consuming increasing amounts of processed foods and drinks that can be toxic and addictive.

Parkrun is now a global charity operating in 20 countries around the world, with the single purpose of improving the health and wellbeing of the communities in which our events are delivered. Over the past 14 years this winning formula has been embraced by 1,700 communities around the globe, proving beyond doubt that parkrun has a significant role to play in promoting health and wellbeing and reducing health inequalities.

About Cannon Hill Parkrun What does it cost to join in?

Nothing - it's free! but please register before your first run. Don't forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode. http://www.parkrun.org.uk/cannon-hill/

How fast do I have to be? We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace! You’ll never come last, there’s always a ‘tail walker’ to do that!

Are there any amazing marathon, half marathon or short run stories and

photographs from Weoley Hill residents for the next edition of Weoley Hill

Village News?

ST. DAVID'S CHURCH, SHENLEY GREEN We welcome you to our Services:

Thursdays 10.00am Holy Communion Sundays - 10.00am Holy Communion

'Messy Church' at 4pm on the first Sunday of the month 'Godly Play' on the second Sunday of the month at 10am 'Café Church' on the third Sunday of the month at 4pm

We also have a Coffee Shop open on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30am until 12.00noon.

For a full list of activities held at our Church and Hall please come along and pick up a copy of our

Church magazine

OUR LADY & ST ROSE OF LIMA CATHOLIC CHURCH

Gregory Avenue, Weoley Castle B29 5DY

Contact the Parish Priest Fr. Gary Buckby

0121 475 1634 www.strose.org.uk

WEEKEND MASSES Saturday 5.15pm—Sunday 11.00 am Confessions Saturday 4.30 – 5.00 pm

Baptisms by arrangement

ST MARY’S CHURCH, SELLY OAK

Regular Services

Sunday: 8.00 am Holy Communion

10.00 am Family Communion (and Junior Church) 6.30 pm Evening Worship

3rd Sunday in month: 10.00 am Family Communion & Youth Service

6.30 pm Choral Evensong

Every Wednesday: 10.00 am Holy Communion

6.15-7.15 pm Parish registration for baptisms & weddings

1st Thursday: 10.00 am Holy Communion at Sellywood House

4th Thursday: 10.00 am Holy Communion at Queen Mother Court

Email: Vicar@StMarySellyOak.org.uk Tel: 0121 472 0250

See: www.StMarySellyOak.org

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AT WEOLEY HILL CHURCH

Sundays 10.30am Morning Worship & Jnr Church (Choir 9.30) Holy Communion 1st Sunday each month

2.00pm Birmingham Korean Church Mondays 5.00pm-6.30pm Beavers 7.30-9.00 pm Guides Tuesdays 3.30, 5.30 & 7.30pm Slimming World (3 sessions) Wednesday 1.00pm Lunch Club (1st week of month) 2.15-3.30 pm Friendship Group (2nd week of month) 6.00 pm Cubs 7.30pm Scouts Thursdays 10.00am – 12 noon Embroidery class Fridays 6.30 for 6.45 Community Choir Saturdays Morning Korean School 6.00pm Arabic-speaking Church (2nd week of month)

Church Secretary: Cheryl Thornett, 475 6338 Lettings Secretary: Mrs Rosemary Hay, 472 0674

Minister: The Revd Leonora Jagessar Website: www.weoleyhillchurch.org.uk

All are welcome to our services. If you would like further details about our services or any of our other activities, please contact the Church Secretary or the Minister. An up-to-date diary is pub-lished each month on our website.

Friendship Group: Wednesday10 April at 2.15 pm: Speaker from Restore, about their work with refugees and asylum seekers. Wednesday 8 May at 2.15 pm: Christian Aid Bring & Buy, includ-ing cake and tea. Wednesday 14 June at 10 am.: Day trip to World of Wedgewood, Stoke on Trent. Concessions £8. Leave car park at 10 Wednesday 12 July 2.15 pm: Garden Party at 45 Middle Park Road. Autumn meetings begin on Wednesday 11 September at 2.15 pm with a Beetle Drive.

Lunch Club Anyone wishing to have a home-cooked lunch on the first Wednesday of the month please contact Nancy Nicholls on 457 4980 for details.

Community Garden project Meet at the church on the first Sat-urday of the month at around 10.30 am, March through October.

Lent, Holy Week and Easter Tuesdays, 12 March-9 April, 2 pm: Ecumenical Lent study (with St Mary’s & Selly Oak Methodist) Saturday 13 April, 12.30-1.30 pm: Ecumenical Lent soup lunch Sunday 14 April, 10.30 am: Palm Sunday Worship Friday 19 April, 7.30 pm: Good Friday Ecumenical Service Sunday 21 April, 7 am: Early Easter worship with the minister and Easter breakfast. Sunday 21 April, 10.30 am: Easter Sunday Communion with the Revd Michael Jagessar

NORTHFIELD BAPTIST COMMUNITY RESTAURANT

Have you tried the Restaurant and Coffee Shop at Northfield Baptist

Church on the Bristol Road Coffee Shop open 10.00 am to 1.15

Restaurant open 12.00 noon to 1.15pm

Mondays to Fridays in the centre of Northfield?

Low cost meals & snacks. Fresh food cooked on the premis-es. Hot drinks plus biscuit £1.20 or less

All the information is included by the editors in good faith and is believed to be correct

at the time of going to press. Weoley Hill Village Council accepts no responsibility

for error and views expressed are not necessarily those of the Council