Spring 2008

Youth Golf Project is a Big Hit At Local Schools This Issue

Golf Roots has trained teachers and other sports coaches PAGE 1:
to deliver Tri-Golf as part of the school curriculum. Golf Into Schools
Games are also used as a learning resource in the Quinzone - Activities for Children
classroom and during PE. Research has found golf to
be a sport offering many benefits for youngsters. This PAGE 2:
project breaks down barriers, helping and encouraging Edgbaston Foundation Launch
city youngsters who might not otherwise have the Wellbeing Project - People’s Forum
opportunity to try golf and to take an early interest in
the sport. It is now hoped the sustainable nature of the PAGE 3:
work will see a number of the hundreds of youngsters Brighter Future
taking part enjoy golf long into the future. Edgbaston Fun Run

At local Council-run courses play is currently FREE for

under elevens. Nine holes for juniors over eleven starts Local Sports Sponsorship
A new joint venture between the One Edgbaston at £1.80. Visit the Harborne Church Farm Golf Course Pay Less for Council Tax
Partnership and the Golf Roots organisation is providing over the weekend of April 19th & 20th 2008 for FREE
new sporting opportunities for young people in the taster sessions. Call 0121 4271204 for further information
Constituency. A specially-built Tri-Golf course has been Holloway Hall
created at Woodview Primary School and Community
Centre. Tri-Golf is a modified golf game using safe plastic
clubs, soft balls and colourful targets. As part of the
Why Golf? National Year of Reading
project, pupils from Woodview had a unique chance to Golf can provide youngsters with moderate exercise, Newman College Thanksgiving Mass
visit the golfing headquarters of Europe at Wentworth, improved hand and eye co-ordination and help
Surrey. They were accompanied by Felicity Johnson, develop positive attitudes such as honesty, co- PAGE 7:
our local European Ladies Tour Professional. On the operation, respect, concentration and perseverance. I Did It!
day they got to meet Sam Torrance OBE and national Neet Solution
radio personality DJ Spoony, as well as hold
the Ryder Cup. PAGE 8:
Edgbaston Lives
Reality Estate

Quinton is Getting it Right PAGE 9:

Art on the Edge
Thanks to partnership working, things are happening in
Quinton ! PAGE 10:
Democratoc Services
Since the introduction of Extended Services, Quinzone Leisure Centre Information
Cluster and it’s partners have brought about big changes
to the area. There has been a massive increase in PAGE 11:
activities for children and young people before/after Our Pledges
school, at week-ends and during holiday times.The Forthcoming Committee Dates
Cluster is co-ordinated by Chris Smith and Clare
Overgaard. PAGE 12:
Constituency Contacts
Clare, who is also the Manager at Four Dwellings
Community Leisure Centre says “Thanks to additional Chris reports that “Action for Inclusion” have provided
funding secured from Tesco’s, BBC Children-In-Need, funding for inclusive activities for vulnerable, hard to reach,
Birmingham & Solihull Connexions, and Youth children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and other
...MORE ON THE WEB
Opportunities Fund, I have been able to organise a young people in our cluster. There are growing speech,
visit www.oneedgbaston.org
whole range of activities for the children and young language and communication difficulties in our Quinton
people of Quinton, including an Outward Bound week- Schools and “Action for Inclusion” have also supported
end for a group of Year 11 students from Four Dwellings a bespoke project to address these needs.
High School”.
For more information contact Chris Smith on
0121 422 0131 ext 124.
Edgbaston Foundation Debuts to Local Acclaim
l ages to perform, participate or simply enjoy art. Friction’s Reality Estate
event in October was highlighted in our last issue, and was a part of the
Art on the Edge programme. Finally, The University of Birmingham
Volunteering Award was won by The Saturday Morning Play Scheme. This
is a student-organised play group for children with special needs and
disabilities.

Roundy Rudell, chairman of the Edgbaston Foundation and a leading local

businessman, said: “It is great that we can recognise the efforts of those
making a difference in this area by these awards. It is our intention that
they become established as an annual acknowledgement by the Edgbaston
Foundation and regarded as a highlight in the city’s social calendar.”

For more information on the Edgbaston Foundation, contact:

team@bhamfoundation.co.uk or tel: 0121 214 2080

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

Well Being Project - Older
People's Forum Brings
People Together
Last issue we reported that Age Concern
Birmingham had been commissioned by your
local Birmingham City Councillors to coordinate
the Well Being Pilot Programme in the Edgbaston
constituency. The pilot project, funded through
Adult and Communities Directorate ran from April
1st 2007 to March 31st 2008 and is moving into
its final phase at the time of writing.
Seema Matlib, Well Being Project Co-ordinator,
had this to say about the project and the Forum
itself, which took place on the 10th March and
was one of the major planned outcomes of the
scheme.
“The Edgbaston Well Being pilot, is dedicated to purely for older people."
improving the overall standard of well being of
older people and to assist with promoting and The One Edgbaston Partnership are looking at
increasing their level of independence and healthy
living. It is a holistic programme, which
strategies to continue the good work of the Forum
in conjunction with the successful Voluntary,
incorporates a variety of different themes, which Community and Faith Network
have definite outcomes to be achieved. Part of www.ouredgbaston.org
the project involves the establishment of an Older
People's Forum, and to encourage participation
into it.
This is aimed to encourage local resident
involvement to ensure their voices are heard in
respect of future service planning and delivery. It
will act as the Constituency strategic body to
refer to all major issues relating to peoples
Wellbeing. It shall have the authority to initiate,
contribute and respond to all strategic policy
developments affecting ageing populations of
Wellbeing. It is a forum "OF" older people not
Bringing Edgbaston Together – A Brighter Future For All
Saturday, 23rd February, saw the celebration of
another new charity in Edgbaston – receiving the
support of, amongst others, City Council leader
Councillor Mike Whitby; Edgbaston MP Gisela
Stuart and One Edgbaston Partnership and
Edgbaston Constituency Chairman,Councillor
Deidre Alden, along with university, business,
school and third sector leaders.

Best Chances is a socio-economic focussed

charity, which aims to support all young people
from Edgbaston in acheiving their full potential
and ensuring that a lack of skills, finance and
support does not stand in their way. The charity
owes its existence to the work of two Edgbaston
based teachers, Bernie Smith and Maureen Hunt,
whose book, George Best A Celebration provides
both a financial and practical foundation to the
charity’s work. In line with the ethos of the charity,
the day to day running of the organisation has
been given to two young (22) social entrepreneurs, EDGE Schools. These young people are shining Through a peer-coaching programme young
Gareth Evans and Rob Arnott. Gareth and Rob examples of what can be achieved with the right people are asked to help pass on their knowledge
were both educated in Edgbaston, at King support. There is so much potential within the and skills to their younger peers.
Edward’s School, but come from different young people of Edgbaston.” Gareth Evans
backgrounds. This has only provided more Gareth and Rob are using a programme For more information please contact
encouragement for them to work together. developed by Duncan Chamberlain, who leads Gareth Evans, Best Chances Charity Development
Best Chances, over the past ten years, first Manager, gareth.evans@quinzone.bham.org.uk
”We aim to draw from our different backgrounds introduced at King Edward’s School, Birmingham / 07809 759386 or Rob Arnott,Best Chances
to help Edgbaston and its different backgrounds in 1998. They are tried and tested programmes Charity Development M a n a g e r,
to come together. We have been working recently which develop the employability skills and rob.arnott@quinzone.bham.org.uk / 07786
with pupils at Four Dwellings School and the confidence of the young people they work with. 414943. www.bestchances.org.uk.

Run Away to Edgbaston

This year’s Harborne Carnival sees the introduction of brand new event. The
Edgbaston Fun Run is to be held in conjunction with the Carnival on Sunday
22nd June. The event is aimed at 7–15 year olds and will be held on a traffic
free Harborne High Street. The Fun Run will start by the BP Garage and finish
in the grounds of the Blue Coat School. The event is approximately two
kilometres and offers youngsters a chance to participate in a fun event which
promotes healthy lifestyles.

There will be 4 runs in total, one for each of the following age groups, Under
10 yrs, 12 yrs, 14 yrs and 16 yrs at August 31 / September 1st. All finishers
will receive a medal for their efforts. The entry fee is £2.50 which goes towards
the organisation of the event and a contribution will go to the “Edgbaston
Foundation” which promotes charitable community, arts and sports initiatives.

Entry forms will be available from Secondary Schools, Community and Leisure
centres and other outlets across the Constituency, as well as on
OneEdgbaston.org We would like to see as many schools as possible
participating in this fun event.
If you would like to improve your fitness in the build up to the event why don’t
you sign up to the Ice Gym at Harborne Pool & Fitness Centre, 0121 464
1174, where you can develop your overall fitness.

If you would like more information, contact Nick Price, Edgbaston Constituency,
Harborne West, 326 High Street, Harborne, B17 9PU or speak to your sports
teacher.
Worn With Pride!
One Edgbaston and Calthorpe Estates Sponsor Local Basketball
Team
The City of Birmingham Basketball Academy has continued to grow from
strength to strength over the last four years, and with much needed support
from One Edgbaston and Calthorpe Estates the future continues to look
bright. One Edgbaston and Calthorpe Estates provided funding towards
the Basketball Academy allowing purchases of kit and equipment that has
helped the Basketball Academy train at a higher standard and look a lot
more professional in their games. With the sponsors’ logos displayed on
the kit, local support for the academy will be seen across the West Midlands,
as well as Nationally in the Under-19 English Schools Competition. The
Academy is currently trying to become better known across the local
community, working with schools and community groups in different ways
including the players acting as role models for staying in education whilst
performing at a high level of sport. The sponsorship provided will be vital
in helping to achieve this.
The Basketball Academy is a partnership between Four Dwellings High
School in Quinton and Lordswood Girls School and Specialist Centre. The
basketball focus is provided through Four Dwellings and the academic
support via Lordswood Sixth Form. The Basketball Academy is designed
to provide its students with a well-rounded, pupil-centered approach to
development in both academic studies and Basketball. Students are
provided with coaching sessions before and after college hours, which
focus on all the key aspects of individual and team basketball. Players all
receive individual reports, guidance, goal setting plans, as well as strength
and conditioning programmes. Each of the players receive individual fitness
testing reports completed by BASES accredited lecturers at Newman
College to encourage a healthy lifestyle, as well as improving on-court
performance. In terms of academic performance, in 2007 Lordswood Girls
School and the Sixth Form were given a grade 1 – Outstanding – rating
by OFSTED. Group sizes within the sixth form are kept to a minimum
resulting in more personalised learning for the students. Each member of
the academy gets to choose which courses are best suited to them and
their chosen career path, whether in or out of basketball. Previous members
of the academic have left with excellent results, enabling them to pursue
University aspirations.
While academic studies and basketball are high priorities for students at
Lordswood, the personal and social development that is obtained helps
to improve important life skills such as organisation, communication and
teamwork. Monthly team “outings” are organised to improve both enjoyment
of the academy experience and the team spirit within the group. Trips so
far have included:
• 10-pin bowling,
• laser quest,
• GB Senior Men’s game (NIA, Birmingham),
• GB Senior Women’s game (Manchester) and …
• a trip to the USA Colleges Day in London.
Alongside the monthly outings, in January 2008 both the male and female
squads attended the prestigious “Lundaspelen” tournament in Sweden
comprising over 300 European teams across the different age groups.
This experience provided students with opportunities to experience
European Basketball, develop important social skills and improve a range
of different abilities. Each of the academy members that attended the
tournament has come back with a fresh enthusiasm to be successful in
their studies and basketball. The Basketball Academy provides opportunities
for talented basketball players to continue on with their education into
post-16, whilst being exposed to professional basketball coaching on a
daily basis. The practice sessions take place Monday to Friday between
3.30pm and 5.30pm at Newman College and Four Dwellings High School
Sports Hall, trying to utilise the facilities available across the Edgbaston
community. Any businesses interested in supporting the students of the
basketball academy or any students wishing to apply to become a
member of the Basketball Academy, starting in September 2008 should
contact Director of Basketball Andrew Guppy on
a.guppy@lordswdg.bham.sch.uk.
Council Tax - How To Pay Less
None of us enjoy paying bills but why not at least make paying your Council
Tax as convenient as possible? Paying by direct debit will save time spent
in queues or in having to write and post cheques. You will also have the
opportunity to pay on either the 8th, 15th, 21st or 28th of the month.
Payments are protected by the direct debit guarantee.
How to pay less
Some people and property can have discounts or exemptions. Most
common is that if you are the only adult living in a property you are entitled
to a 25% discount. Some people are not treated as living in a property for
discount purposes, this applies to students, student nurses and some
carers (only if unpaid or employed by a charity and not caring for a partner
or child under 18)
Council Tax Benefit is money off your Council Tax bill. The amount depends
on your income, savings and the number of people you live with. Some
people pay no Council Tax e.g. those who get Income Based Job Seekers
Allowance or Guaranteed Pension Credit but many other pensioners and
low income households have their bills reduced by getting some Council
Tax Benefit. Having savings in excess of £16,000 will normally exclude you
and to claim you will need to complete an application form then provide
original documents such as payslips, bank accounts and benefit award
letters.
A lesser known form of reduction is a Second Adult Rebate. This applies
where a second person in a household who is not a partner e.g. a friend
or adult son or daughter is in receipt of benefits or a low income, this may
entitle you to a reduction of up to 25%.
The above is only a partial description of how you might be entitled to pay
less, for more information about this or payment by direct debit contact
your local Neighbourhood Office (see Constituency Services), Council Tax
Customer Services (tel. 0121 303 1113) or the Benefit Service (0121 464
7000).
Holloway Hall
The development of Holloway Hall has been an important step in the
redevelopment of the Ley Hill Estate. The facility that was developed on
the site of the original tenants hall has provided a modern facility befitting
of the new estate.
Further phases of development on the estate will include the development
of a new village green and the redevelopment of the park. The new centre
will act as a focal point for the park when it is redeveloped where local
people and visitors will be able to use the newly developed centre to visit
and explore the newly developed woodland area and orientation point
to be created in the highest part of the site that will take advantage of
some views formerly enjoyed by Ley Hill House. A café area and toilet
facilities will also be available to provide much needed facilities to make
peoples visit to the park more enjoyable.

Part of the developments is to base a new park warden at the centre

who will undertake some of the low key maintenance required on the site
but more importantly will be working with local community groups and
volunteers. As part of the development of the park the football pitch will
be redeveloped to improve the quality of the pitch. This will be supported
by the new changing accommodation and community facilities to be
developed at the new centre. This will aid the development of sport at
the new centre. This will help people to use the park for more structured
activities but also for recreational usage.

The hall which was officially opened by Councillor John Lines who is
Cabinet Member for Housing on 13th March was attended by people
from the local community and partner organisations who have been
involved with the development of the centre.

The Edgbaston Constituency,Holloway Hall Community Association and

Midland Heart have worked together, not only to develop the facilities but
also to support development of community activities for the new facilities.
This will be critical to the long term future of the centre and the wider
estate.

Two local residents have been at the forefront of the developments working
hard to ensure the facilities meet the needs of local people. Brenda and
Bob Niland have taken on this challenge and have been working hard to
secure the lease for the property and the development of new activities
that are planned `from the centre.

The existing tree stock throughout the site will be redeveloped with new
Some of the projects that have been developed are supported through
trees being planted to replace those trees that are reaching the end of
Community Network South West, who have supported a feasibility study
their natural life. The park boundaries will be sensitively cut back, in
on the potential for a cafe at Holloway Hall run by Adults with Learning
particular the vegetation along the section of Merritt’s Brook which forms
Disabilities. This study has developed as a partnership between the Halls
the southern boundary of the park.
committee, Mencap and the Collingwood Centre to take the cafe idea
forward.
If you or your group would like to know more about what opportunities
that are available please contact, Bob or Brenda Niland (Holloway Hall
Funding has also been obtained for a temporary part time volunteer
Community Association) on 0121 475 9316, Janice Boyett (Edgbaston
coordinator who will recruit and establish training for local people to
Constitiuency- Community Development) on 0121 464 9183 or Nick Price
ensure that Holloway hall is able to offer a range of activities for local
(Edgbaston Constituency) on 0121 464 6042 or the Edgbaston
residents of all ages.
Constituency Office on 0121 464 1953.
The establishment of a youth club which was funded through the Shenley
Extended School until Easter 2008 when a further bid will be submitted
to Midland Heart for a 2 year youth project.

The facilities that have been developed were identified through an extensive Send us your interesting local
public consultation exercise. The new centre has a range of modern
facilities including a main hall, cafe area, training room and a crèche facility. stories and pictures. Email them to
To support outdoor sports activities changing rooms have been built onto
the side of the hall. These facilities represent the needs and aspirations magazine@OneEdgbaston.org.
of the local community.
Please include your name and
telephone number
Read More, Live More
The National Year of Reading comes to your local library In addition to delivering it’s own programme of reading related activities,
the constituency’s community libraries are keen to work with others to
make this National Year of Reading special, and the benefits long lasting.
We are keen both to make new and develop existing partnerships with
friends and colleagues in other sectors ( schools, health, adult, higher
and further education, business, community, sport & leisure amongst
others).

To find out more I invite anyone to contact their local library at Bartley
Green (012 464 4473), Harborne (0121 464 1596), Quinton (0121 464
7400 ) or me, Dennis Lovatt, Constituency Library Services Manager at
0121 464 0136.

Happy reading.

http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/
http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/libraries

2008 is the U.Ks National Year of Reading, (NYR) is a year-long celebration
of reading, in all its forms. It aims to help build a greater national passion
for reading in England – for children, families and adult learners alike. The
programme is being managed by a consortium of organisations committed
to promoting reading, led by the National Literacy Trust and The Reading
Agency, and on behalf of the DCSF. The NYR will launch publicly in April
2008.
In the Edgbaston, to celebrate the year, the Constituency’s community
libraries will be providing a varied programme of reading activities. There
really will be something for everyone. The programme will include:
• Regular activities such as weekly pre school story sessions;
• Bookstart; rewarding very young readers
• Reading Groups for adults as well as teenagers;
• Young Readers Birmingham activities;
• Summer reading challenge;
• Black History Month;
• and lots, lots more.
Month by Month – Activities in the
National Year of Reading
• April: Read all about it! Links to newspapers and magazines;
library membership campaign.
• May: Mind and Body. Reading and learning at work. The knock-
on benefits of reading.
• June: Reading escapes. Holiday and summer reads.
• July: Rhythm and Rhyme. Poems, poetry and lyrics.
• Aug: Read the Game. The influence of sport and how this can
help promote reading.
• Sept: You are what you read. Cultural, personal and local identity.
• Oct: Word of Mouth. Storytelling, reading out loud, reading
together, reading aloud, live literature.
• Nov: Screen reads. Exploring the diversity of reading and writing;
scripts, TV and films.
• Dec: Write the future. Writing, texting, blogging etc.

Newman College Thanksgiving Mass

Newman College Celebrates Forty Years at the
Heart of the Constituency
Newman University College held an event on 21st
February to celebrate forty years of providing
higher education in Birmingham. Archbishop
Vincent Nichols and Bishop Philip Pargetter
celebrated at a Mass of Thanksgiving in the
University College Chapel. Staff, students and
governors from past and present brought items
of historical interest to the altar. These included
a newspaper clipping recording the visit of Mother
Teresa to the college in Bartley Green. The service
celebrated both the fortieth anniversary and the
recent achievement of Taught Degree Awarding
Powers which brought a third University to the
Edgbaston Constituency. At the reception which
followed, past Principals Simon Quinlan and Brian
Ray joined celebrity Don Maclean and the Lord
Mayor, Randall Brew
together with over 250 other guests to toast the
future of the university college.
Principal Pamela Taylor said; Over the next few
years Newman University College will be investing
over fifteen million pounds in revamping the
campus. We want this to be a major contribution
to the redevelopment of Bartley Green and to the
continuing growth and success of Edgbaston.
We will work closely with our local councillors to
create a campus for the local community to be
proud of. Newman University College is one of
Edgbaston’s success stories and we look forward
to making a continuing valuable contribution to
the local economy.
Graduates from Newman University College make
a contribution to the local area. Many work in
Edgbaston schools, in higher and further
education and in private business. The college
considers that preparing graduates to make a
valuable contribution to the world is a fundamental
aspect of Newman’s mission. This focus, and the
graduate level work placements which form part
of all degrees, are believed to be among the
reasons why Newman has the best employment
rate of graduates for UK universities according
to figures produced by the Higher Education
Funding Council for England.
For more information on Newman College contact
0121 4761181
Admission and Prospectus Information:
registry@newman.ac.uk
I Did It!
Sometimes you wake up and something’s gone from your street;
something you’ll miss. Or maybe something you won’t miss – say an
abandoned car – is still there. When decisions are taken and our views
are ignored we feel cross. When they’re taken and we haven’t been
consulted we feel furious. Not every decision can go our way, but it’s
worth making sure your voice is heard. Here’s the background to one
local success story, following an issue raised at Harborne Ward
Committee.
“One day our street’s postbox was gone. Our postbox, that had stood
on the corner of Grove Lane and Millfarm Road for decades, had
disappeared, without even a postcard from the Post Office. I knew if I
didn’t do something to get it back maybe no-one would. I was determined
that we should not be deprived of a community facility because of – I
later heard – health and safety regulations. Besides which, I thought
– hey, they’ve taken it away, so they can jolly well put it back!
For weeks and weeks, I kept up a stream of letters and telephone calls
to Royal Mail, Birmingham City Council, our local MP, as well as to the
new Kenrick Centre, but Royal Mail kept telling me that there were
other postboxes in the vicinity, and they had no intention of replacing
it. My little “campaign” went on for weeks.
I then took my plea to the local press and, eventually, we all heard
(albeit indirectly) that the postbox was going to be replaced, subject
to a satisfactory underground survey of the proposed new site. The
postbox has now been reinstated in Grove Lane, albeit in a slightly
different, but in some minds, more sensible, location.
I feel that I’ve actually achieved something for Grove Lane and all the
residents! A lot of senior citizens live in Grove Lane and the surrounding
streets and, when the Kenrick Centre opens in spring 2008, there will
be even more. Without a postbox in Grove Lane, it would be a fair old
walk for them all – down a hill and then back up again, to take their
letters to the post.
Thank you, those who put it back, I’m glad you finally saw it our way”
Michele, Harborne
Constituency Engineer Bill Taylor was able to liaise successfully with
the Royal Mail and get the Post Box reinstated. Nobody likes receiving
complaints, but sometimes it helps to know how strongly others feel.
If you have any stories of how you helped us see things more clearly,
please contact us via Magazine@OneEdgbaston.org
A "NEET" Solution
What is “NEET?”
Simply, NEET is for young people who are Not In Employment, Education
or Training. When we found out that there were two hundred and seventy
young people, sixteen to eighteen
years old in the Edgbaston
Constituency without work or
college opportunities (November
2007) we knew we could respond.
Partnership members met
together and plans were laid to
work with young people and help
them into situations with better
opportunities and prospects.
Connexions and Queen Alexandra College in Partnership
For the first time, a partnership was struck up between Queen Alexandra
College and Connexions. A scheme was offered which would offer young
people the opportunity to learn how to repair bicycles: developing their
practical maintenance skills, helping them with personal development
issues and acquiring the skills employers look for.
Who Benefited?
Before Vishal started the programme at the Queen Alexandra College
Bike Shop, he felt he lacked confidence. He had low self esteem and
mostly stayed at home with his family. On the programme, Vishal learned
practical skills and feels more experienced, confident and self assured.
He makes friends more easily and has progressed onto a course at
Bournville College to improve his key skills. He now feels more optimistic
about his future.
James always wanted a job working with cycles, but because of a lack
of skills and confidence he had been unable to find work. During the
programme, James improved his mechanical knowledge and problem
solving skills; working at maintenance, repair and pre-delivery inspection.
This has made James more “job ready” and he now has a long term work
experience placement at “Sprocket Cycles” in Digbeth.
NEET in Quinzone
A second local successful local NEET programme ran at Quinzone, with
support from the University of Birmingham, Connexions and the West
Midlands Police. Here young people were offered training and work
experience in construction and horticulture. The project was partly funded
by Edgbaston Constituency NRF and built on a successful pilot project.
At Quinzone eight young people worked towards qualifications in
construction and horticulture. Setting off to work at 8.00am for an 8.30am
start and working alongside skilled and experienced adults, they gained
a real insight into what it takes to get and keep a job. Finally they had the
chance to put their new skills into practice for real on sites across the
University.
”This group of young people were all considered to be ‘at risk’ and this
would have been the first training course they had ever completed. We
consider it to have been a great success”. Keith Slater, Director, Quinzone
Birmingham and Solihull Connexions provides advice, guidance and
personal development services for young people aged 13- 19 to help
them move into a job, training or education. For more information contact
Connexions 0121 248 8150 (Northfield Office) or 0121 248 8004 (Broad
St Office) info@connexions-bs.co.uk / www.connexions-bs.co.uk
EDGBASTON LIVES - Simon Russell
Edgbaston Lives profiles a young film
maker working locally in Edgbaston who
is inspired by the great entrepreneurs of
British innovation’s Golden Age.
Please; tell us about yourself, your
business and how you started.
My name is Simon Russell; I run a film
and video production company called
Isambard Digital Media, based close to
Five Ways. I started the company as a
side project whilst at university, and it has
grown from there. Since graduating I
turned to running the business full time.
I’ve seen Edgbaston from dual viewpoints; first as a student and then as
a film maker, as I’ve just completed filming and editing a series of four
short films for the Edgbaston Foundation. The work was intensive; I had
to profile over a dozen local business and community successes, but
each film could only be three minutes long. Actually I’m fascinated by
entrepreneurship, so this was a great commission for me. I came from
Southampton to study History at the University of Birmingham, and since
meeting my girlfriend here and starting my filming, I decided this was the
place I wanted to be working.
What do you like about the city, and the constituency?
I’m very interested in innovators, especially historical ones – Isambard is
actually my middle name, so I guess the interest stems from that.
Birmingham has a unique record of technological and cultural change;
it’s inspiring and what attracted me to study here. I was lucky, one of my
University tutors was Dr Malcolm Dick; Birmingham’s expert on the Lunar
Society, he brought it alive for me. Edgbaston is an incredible place, and
as a film maker I’m always looking at locations; the architecture here is
amazing. Georgian, Victorian, skyscrapers, tower blocks. And there’s so
much green.
Do you think being named after Brunel has perhaps influenced your
life too much?
Maybe, in a good way! The Edgbaston Foundation Awards were about
local entrepreneurs looking for ways to reward and resource local people.
That’s how I started myself; I won a place on the “SPEED” programme
(Student Placement in Entrepreneurial Education) at university. This helped
me financially, which was great, but also gave me a business mentor, Ian
O’Donnell, which was better. He’d been through it all himself and gave
me the confidence and practical knowledge I needed.
Tell us more about your Edgbaston commission. Where can we see
the films?
The Edgbaston Foundation is a new charity equalising opportunity in the
area. They wanted to really see what award nominees were doing, so I
was asked to shoot all the nominees at work and also a general introduction
to Edgbaston. I was filming in local schools, at Cannon Hill, in Harborne,
Quinton, up and down the Hagley Road, at the Reservoir and at Five
Ways. Terrific! Some of the partners in the foundation are also in the One
Edgbaston Partnership, and I’ve been asked to make the films available
online so anyone can view them. The creative industries are really taking
off in Birmingham, and I’m hoping to be doing more work here in Edgbaston
soon.
Simon Russell can be contacted via his website, www.isambard-dm.com
His short films can be seen at the OneEdgbaston website,
www.OneEdgbaston.org

Reality Estate - Award Winning Local Culture

An Arts Outreach and Performance by Friction Arts, Dutch composer
Merlijn Twaalfhoven and Local People

‘Come along, hurry up or we’ll be late’, said two young twins on BMX
bikes in matching white puffa jackets; tour guides. This was the Reality
Estate performance on 28th October 2007, at and around the Five Ways
Island in Edgbaston. Reality Estate was a challenging, interactive and
immersive experience for over three thousand spectators. It broke down
barriers, challenged preconceptions and will be remembered by many
for a long time to come.

Three hundred participants, three professional and three “volunteer” choirs

helped transform the evening against a backdrop of spectacular projections
and lighting. A series of large scale architectural projections created by
artists in collaboration with local people amazed and delighted visitors.
“Reality Estate ” would later win the Calthorpe Estates Community Award
for Friction Arts, who originated and managed the project.

One Edgbaston is proud to be associated with the event, which was also
the launch of the Art on the Edge local cultural listing, and the new and
improved One Edgbaston magazine. More information on the event,
including videos and personal experiences, can be seen at
www.realityestate.co.uk
What is Art on the Edge?
Art on the Edge supported last year’s Jazz Festival event on Harborne High Street, and Friction Arts’ award winning Reality Estate choral performance
at Five Ways. If you are an artist, performer or run a venue in Bartley Green, Harborne, Edgbaston or Quinton, if you have a public show or
performance taking place, let us know. We can list your event FOR FREE in print or online. If you have any local reviews, photographs or interviews,
please send them to Art@OneEdgbaston.org

Listings information will be accepted by email only. The One Edgbaston Partnership, Birmingham City Council and its agents will not be liable for
any errors howsoever caused. Listings are compiled in advance, you should confirm with the venue before undertaking any journeys. No
correspondence will be entered in to on this regard.

Edgbaston Snaps
As part of Digital Birmingham week in June, residents and visitors to Edgbaston, Bartley Green, Harborne and Quinton will be invited to share
their photographs online. We know that the Edgbaston Constituency is a special place; modern and traditional, busy and calm, diverse and unique.
We’ll be looking for photographs that reveal the character of life in Edgbaston, from your own yard to the grand gardens and open spaces.

For more information email Art@OneEdgbaston.org or call Simon Redgrave on 0796 22 33 567

Arts on the Edge Spring 2008 Listing

Sam Zwemmer - “Flowers flowers flowers” - Now till 3rd April 08
at Botanical Gardens Gallery B15 3TR
These scintillating acrylic and oil paintings are bigger and bolder than
real life. Sam's light-hearted approach ("I love big showy plants") is
combined with a discerning eye and superb brushwork to create these
giant canvasses that burst with energy and excitement.
admin@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk / 0121 454 1860
The Drawbridge Art Group (DAG) Show - 4 April 1 May 08 at Botanical
Gardens Gallery B15 3TR
The DAG was founded in 1972 by six employees of the CEGB. They
still meet weekly, for demonstrations by visiting artists, critiques, life and
portrait, outdoor painting, exhibition, trips to galleries, and social weekends
away.
admin@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk / 0121 454 1860

Behind Closed Doors: Birmingham’s Private Collections Now till 27
April 08 at Barber Institute Main Galleries B15 2TS
What hangs on the walls in the homes of Birmingham’s private art
collectors? Almost 40 paintings, watercolours, drawings and prints
reveal the range and variety of treasures that exist outside the realm of
public galleries.
info@barber.org.uk / 0121 414 7333
Fates:Sculpture by Katherine M Waters - Now till 11 May 08 Barber
Institute Education Gallery B15 2TS
Birmingham-born Katherine M Waters spent a year working and exhibiting
in Umbria before becoming the Barber’s sculptor-in-residence in
September 2006. The show is inspired by her time in Italy and by the
gallery’s masterpiece, The Three Fates.
info@barber.org.uk / 0121 414 7333
Claims to Power Coins and Political Spin - Now till 29th April 09
Coin Gallery Entrance
This compact display looks at how the god Nike/Victory was portrayed
on coins by four different cultures - Greek, Roman, Byzantine and
Islamic - and compares political and artistic styles and techniques.
nfo@barber.org.uk / 0121 414 733
Interventions:Ruth Claxton - 2 April'5f–'5f6 July 08 at Barber Institute
Print Room 1 B15 2TS
Ruth Claxton examines ‘the Gaze’ in this fascinating exhibition based
on works from the Barber’s permanent collection. Claxton explores the
real and implied visual relationships between subject and viewer.
nfo@barber.org.uk / 0121 414 733
Wildlife Art in the Frame 2 May - 29 May 08 at Botanical Gardens
Gallery B15 3TR
Featuring the work of three Artists - Three styles - One theme. Valerie
Briggs, John Horton, and Trevor Smith share a fascination for wildlife
and wildscapes. Their interpretations, styles and use of media are their
own, but their motivation and message are unanimous.
admin@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk / 0121 454 1860
Moorpool Players - Death and the Maiden - 14th – 17th May 2008
Moorpool Hall B17 9DY.
Written by Georgina Reid and directed by Mark Reynolds. The play WILL
feature The Moorpool Players and not its alter ego, The Reformation
Players under which guise our last production was staged. It has been
necessary for us to increase our ticket price to £5.50
moorpoolplay@hotmail.com / 0121 426 2134

Changing Landscapes: The Industrial Revolution and the British
Banknote Now till 6 March 09 Barber Institute Coin Gallery B15 2TS
The face of Britain changed beyond recognition in the nineteenth century.
New private banks employed celebrated engravers to create intricate
and beautiful banknotes, portraying aspects of the changing Britain and
illustrating a sense of national pride and civic identity.
info@barber.org.uk / 0121 414 733
Follies of Europe - Architectural Extravaganzas 30 May - 3 July 08
at Botanical Gardens Gallery B15 3TR
Follies were built for pleasure with passion and self-indulgence.Follies
of Europe is a collection of photographs with accompanying text that
illustrates the wealth and exuberance of follies, ranging from the Baroque
and Rococo through Art Nouveau to the present day.
admin@birminghambotanicalgardens.org.uk / 0121 454 1860

Art on the Edge Festival! A new Constituency Wide Arts festival for this
autumn is in the planning stages. If you are interested in getting involved,
either as a venue or as a performer, contact Art@OneEdgbaston.org or call
Simon Redgrave 0n 0796 22 33 567
2008 Pledges
The Way Forward – our Pledges to You for 2008 to 2009
1. Set up an Public Protection Unit at Ladywood Police Station
combining three OCU’s to fight crime more effectively and improve
public safety.
2. Open a Learning Hub at the University Hospital. This will help local
people step up to fill job opportunities at the new Hospital and in the
Health sector.
3. Appoint a Neighbourhood Advice and Information Outreach Worker.
This one-year-post will help improve knowledge of and access to local
services for residents.
4. Produce a Summer Activities Book for Children and Young People.
This will collate information from many different sources and be given
out free in schools over July.
14. Deliver the Edgbaston Employment Offer; identify five employment
initiatives which can be supported by the City’s Working
Neighbourhoods fund.
15. Inaugurate the Edgbaston Foundation Talent show. Clusters will
stage local heats in October and November, with a grand final in
March 2009
16. Research an Edgbaston Foundation Charity Day for launch in
2009.
A document giving a full listing of our Pledges, together with Officers
or Organisations responsible and our progress over previous years,
is available on the Constituency website, oneedgbaston.org. For more
information on this years pledges, contact Steve Bent, Senior
Constituency manager at the Harborne West Office 0121 303 4978
steve_bent@birmingham.gov.uk

5. Celebrate the National Year of Reading. There will be a Reading

Quiz in April with a focus on health and well being in May. In June;
send us a postcard about your holiday read. Summer activities for
children and youngsters in July and August. In September Quinton
Forthcoming Committee
library will launch a Teenage Reading Group, and there will be Storytelling
events in October.
Dates:
Harborne Ward Committee
6. Run Edgbaston Snaps as part of Digital Birmingham week in June.
To be held at Moor Pool Hall, The Circle, at 19.00pm on Monday,
Residents and visitors will be encouraged to share online their
31st of March 2008.
photographs that depict the character of life in Edgbaston.
Edgbaston Ward Committee
7. Priority areas to have Neighbourhood Charters with satisfaction
To be held at the Church of the Redeemer, 19.00pm on Wednesday,
surveys.
26th March.
8. Expand the Art on the Edge cultural programme. We will continue
Edgbaston Constituency Committee
to develop and support local work and support a performance in
To be held at the Council House Rooms 3 & 4, 18.00pm – Debate
Freshers’ Week.
on Developing Edgbaston Community Centre, Committee meeting
starting at 19.00pm on Tuesday 18 March 2008.
9. Create Constituency Welcome Pack, in the form of an address
book, through sponsorship. This will bring together useful contacts
and information from across the Partnership.

10. Stage a Community Spirit Awards Evening to ensure contributions

from the community, voluntary and faith sector are recognised.

11. Run a Youth Big Vote as part of Democracy week in October. This
will be combined with a Youth Summit supported by Youth Real Eyes
and the Guild of Students.

12. Stage an Edgbaston Fun Run targeting local schools, in conjunction

with Harborne Carnival on June 22.

13. Create Edgbaston Clean Up Task Force with a programme of six

programmes a year; one for each ward and two for Constituency
deployment.

Stay Up To Date at www.oneedgbaston.org

Errol's Working for YOU!
One Edgbaston profiles your new
Democratic Services Officer, serving
t h e E d g b a s t o n C o n s t i t u e n c y.
What is it that you do?
Leisure Centres
Harborne Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre:
Strikes Junior Soccer Academy:
Sessions are held after school, throughout the week at Martineau Centre,
Bolden Road. Classes cover age groups from 4 – 13.
Price: £37.50 (PTL: £22.90)

I feel it is important that everyone has Ice Youth Gym Times:

full and equal access to local Monday – Friday: 16.00 – 20.00
democracy. My job to help develop Saturday – Sunday: 09.00 – 12.00, 13.00 – 16.00
and deliver the comprehensive meeting Ice Youth Gym 1hr Sessions: £2.00 (PTL: £1.50)
management and Councillors’ support 1 Month Ice Gym: £15.00
service that helps make local Ice Gym Induction x 3wks £4.50 (PTL: £2.25)
government work in the Edgbaston
Constituency. I provide Committee For further information on any of the above activities, please contact
Support, and a full range of Member Harborne Swimming Pool on 0121 – 464 1174.
Services Support from the Constituency office based at Harborne West.
It’s also my job to support the Edgbaston Constituency Director, Jagwant Bartley Green Leisure Centre
Johal and the respective Councillors for Bartley Green, Edgbaston, Harborne Irish Dancing:
and Quinton Wards. will be adminstering the the One Edgbaston Partnership Sessions held Monday from 19.00pm. – 21.00pm. Classes suitable for
Board and Executive Meetings. all ages over four.

What’s your background? Disco Dancing:

My name is Errol Wilson, I’m 45 years old and I new in post here as Area
Democratic Services Officer for the Edgbaston Constituency. I have a lot
of experience; I was previously a Neighbourhood Advisor at Birchfield
Neighbourhood Office, and a Ward Support Officer/Service Development
Officer for the Yardley Constituency.
Sessions held Wednesday from 17.00pm. – 21.30pm. Classes suitable
for all ages over four.
Karate:
Sessions held Wednesday from 19.00pm. – 20.00pm, and Saturday from
13.00pm – 14.30pm. Classes suitable for all ages over four.

What do you do in your job? Saykaido:

Sessions held Sunday from 13.00pm. – 14.00pm. Classes suitable for
• I support the Constituency Director and Councillors in engaging and all ages over four.
involving as many people as possible in the local democratic processes.
I ensure that all Constituency Committee meetings, and Ward Committees, Four Dwellings Community Leisure Centre
are organised, convened and serviced in accordance with statutory Basketball:
requirements and best administrative practice, to facilitate effective decision- Sessions held at Welsh House Farm, for ages 14 – 18, on Tuesdays from
making and consultation. 16.30pm – 17.30pm.

• I provide support to Edgbaston Constituency Committee and Ward Strikes Junior Soccer Academy:
Committees and their Chairmen, prepare work programmes, plan and Sessions held at Four Dwellings Leisure Centre,
organise meetings and undertake all necessary action to progress and Ages 12 – 14, Wednesdays from 17.00pm – 18.00pm,
secure meeting outcomes. Ages 14 – 15, Fridays from 17.00pm – 18.00pm,
Ages 15 – 16, Thursdays from 17.00pm – 18.00pm.
• I Attend meetings and prepare agendas, minutes, reports and other
documents relating to those meetings having regard to legal or procedural U12’s Match held Saturdays in Smethwick, times will vary. Contact Clare
and financial regulations. I attend pre-agenda and pre-Committee briefing Overgaard 423 2467, Charge of £1.50 goes towards pitch fees.
meetings with the Chairmen and Senior Officers, meetings of service
management teams and other working groups, as required. Shenley Court Community Leisure Centre
Strikes Junior Soccer Academy:
• I advice the Constituency Committee, Ward Committees, and their Ages 4 – 5, Saturdays 9.00am – 10.00am
Chairmen on their powers, responsibilities and associated matters. I advise Ages 6 – 8, Saturdays 10.00am – 11.00am
Senior Officers on Committee and administrative procedures and the Ages 9 –11, Saturdays 11.00am – 12.00pm
formulation of appropriate recommendations to Committees bearing in
mind provisions of the Council’s Standing Orders, Financial Regulations Strokes Swimming:
and other statutory requirements. Monday: 17.45pm, 18.15pm, 18.45pm, 19.15pm
Tuesday: 17.15pm, 17.45pm, 18.45pm, 19.15pm
I’m glad to have this opportunity to explain my work to you, and help Saturday: 9.00am, 9.30am, 10.00am, 10.30am
reveal how crucial careful planning is to ensuring fairness and equality at
a grass roots level. Gymnastics:
Sessions held 17.30pm on Tuesday evenings.
I can be contacted at errol.wilson@birmingham.gov.uk, at the Edgbaston
Constituency Office, Harborne West, 326 Harborne High Street, Harborne, Play scheme activities held for children 10.00am – 15.00pm during some
Birmingham B17. My direct telephone number is 0121 464 9197 school holidays.

For more information contact the Leisure Centre on 0121 – 464 5511
Contacts Constituency Services
ONE EDGBASTON TEAM CONSTITUENCY DIRECTOR - EDGBASTON KIDS CLUB
magazine@oneedgbaston.org. EDGBASTON Hilary James
Jagwant Johal Hilary.james@birmingham.gov.uk
POLICE (non emergency) 0121 464 9197 0121 464 0689
0845 113 5000
BARTLEY GREEN B’HAM CHURCHES TOGETHER
FIRE SERVICE (non emergency) NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICE 0121 766 5522
Woodgate Valley Fire Station 0121 303 5250
0121 427 2261 HIGHWAY ISSUES
EDGBASTON 0121 303 6644
BOURNBROOK FIRE STATION NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICE
0121 472 1594 0121 303 4988 ABANDONED VEHICLES
0121 303 1112
HAYMILLS FIRE SAFETY CENTRE QUINTON
0121 753 1313 NEIGHBOURHOOD OFFICE COUNCIL TAX
0121 303 5500 0121 303 1113
HOME FIRE RISK ASSESSMENT (HFRA)
0800 389 5525 WASTE/REFUSE ALL COUNCIL SERVICES
COLLECTION & DISPOSAL 0121 303 1111
HEALTH SERVICE 0121 303 1112
Locality General Manager
0121 428 6378 LIBRARIES

PRIMARY CARE DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Bartley Green 0121 464 4473

0121 428 6372
Harborne 0121 464 1596
LOCALITY LEAD NURSE
0121 428 6376 Quinton 0121 464 7400

Your Councillors
BARTLEY GREEN WARD Fergus Robinson Len Clark
Vivienne Barton 0121 244 5625 0121 684 0814
0121 475 3067 Fergus.Robinson@birmingham.gov.uk Len.Clark@birmingham.gov.uk
Vivienne.Barton@birmingham.gov.uk
HARBORNE WARD Jane James
Bruce Lines John Alden 0121 423 1559
0121 475 3789 0121 426 5077 Jane.J.James@birmingham.gov.uk
Bruce.Lines@birmingham.gov.uk 0121 303 2130 (Group Office)
John.Alden@birmingham.gov.uk
John Lines Your MP
0121 422 6321 Peter Hollingworth
0121 303 2130 (Group Office) 0121 429 3322 EDGBASTON CONSTITUENCY
0121 303 4049 (Council Office) 0121 303 2130 (Group Office) Gisela Stuart
John.Lines@birmingham.gov.uk Peter.Hollingworth@birmingham.gov.uk 0121 454 5430
stuartg@parliament.uk
EDGBASTON WARD Mike Whitby
Deirdre Alden 0121 303 2130 (Group Office)
0121 427 2681 Mike.Whitby@birmingham.gov.uk
Deirdre.Alden@birmingham.gov.uk
QUINTON WARD
James Hutchings Richard Bashford
0121 303 2130 (Group Office) 0121 421 1807
James.Hutchings@birmingham.gov.uk Richard.Bashford@birmingham.gov.uk