CoCoMAD 2023 - Saturday 1 July 2023 from 12noon

SATURDAY 1 JULY FROM 12NOON

Welcome back!

After last year’s “post-pandemic” version, it’s so nice to be back to a year with no doubt that CoCoMAD is happening. From tiny acorns the mighty oak of CoCoMAD has grown. From an enthusiastic school fete in 1997, to the festival of music, art, dance, science, circus, food and celebration we all love.

There is no other festival quite like it, you don’t need a ticket.

But CoCoMAD isn’t free, it’s paid for by donations from you, your neighbours and the businesses that you use. Thank you to the sponsors, from page 12 onwards.

There are volunteers at the festival with donation buckets - so remember to bring some cash. If everyone donates at least £3, the festival is almost paid for.

CoCoMAD is run by Friends of Cotteridge Park (FoCP), a group of dedicated volunteers and registered charity in England and Wales (charity number: 1181644). If you want to know more about FoCP, or join the team, get in touch.

Best wishes for a happy CoCoMAD from all the volunteers.

Thank you to everyone who helps make CoCoMAD happen. Not just the volunteers you see on the day.

Marquee erectors, litter pickers, gate monitors, stewards and lost children finders - but the months of work done by the fundraisers, planners, stall and music programmers. Thanks to the artists and performers, stallholders and food and drink providers who make the day such a pleasure. Thanks to Birmingham City Council Parks for all the help and support throughout the year. And thanks to the community of Cotteridge. Without your support, this festival wouldn’t be possible.

Editorial: Emma Woolf and Kelly Baber, Design: Kerry Leslie Illustrations: Edie Woolf, Photos: TheBrumReaper

Celebrating Tony James’ (1935-1922) Decades of volunteering in Cotteridge Park After a long life, well-lived, one of our most dedicated volunteers died last year. Tony, was a daily litter picker for over 20 years and helped keep the park looking spotless.

And in later years we discovered Tony’s cartooning skills - when he produced a series of witty and knowing jokes about the park and its users (page 8).

He was also the man who unblocked the drains - with a determination that meant that no mud withstood his efforts for long.

Tony and his wife Marian (left), as well as a succession of dogs, were inexhaustible volunteers at CoCoMAD and we will miss his efforts this year and into the future.

1 July 2023 from 12noon

GE LOUN COCO RDin -2 A H Window with posters C R THE O

Window with posters in

Main entrance door

< FOR LOST CHILDREN

CIRCUS

BARS+ BIKES

ACOUSTIC STAGE

ALL ABOUT SWING

Fixed bit

COCOWOOD & ROAM MILLENNIUM WOOD

M A

COFFEE + ICE CREAM

R K E

MAIN STAGE SCIENCE

H

T

O T

OLD BOWLING GREEN

F O O

MAIN FESTIVAL FIELD INFO STALL

D

BASECAMP FOR GAZEBOS

TOILETS

www.cotteridgepark.org.uk Join us on Instagram: @CotteridgePark & facebook.com/CotteridgePark

Festival information, please read Please do not sit in the areas marked with white lines. These are there to make getting around the main field easier and so we have safe evacuation routes. You will be asked to move.

Don’t put tents or gazebos in the main field. You can set up camp in the family gazebo area.

No BBQs or camping stoves are permitted on site.

We have wristbands for all children. Please come and pick one up from The Shed, or from the FOCP stall. Write your phone number on your child’s wristband. Lost children (and people) will be looked after at The Shed.

First Aid is by the main entrance.

Report crime at the time: go to the FOCP stall or call 101.

Dial 999 if life is in danger or crime is in progress.

Do not drive to CoCoMAD. There is no parking available.

Parking enforcement officers will be on site.

As it’s a local festival, we encourage you to walk or cycle. You can lock up your bikes at your own risk in the tennis courts.

There is disabled parking on a first come first serve basis.

There will be chairs for waiting at the entrance for drop offs.

Please respect that CoCoMAD is a local festival put on by local volunteers - and have fun!

3

CoCoAcoustica

MAIN STAGE

1pm—7pm the glade by the skate park Turn up on the day, book a slot and plug in and play. It’s your chance to perform! Here at the acoustic tent - or CoCoAcoustica - we offer a warm and encouraging welcome to all performers. Whether you’re a budding star or a seasoned pro, we want you to come and play.

Hosted by Birmingham’s brilliant Barbara Nice! With interlude DJing

by Gez of Attic and Bournbrook

Have you got a cover you’ve been practising in your bedroom that you’d like to unleash on the world? Or you want to share some original material. This is the place to do it, in front of our friendly audience.

You can turn up, plug in and play. If you’d like to book a slot in advance please email: info@cotteridgepark.org.uk

Please note timings are approximate.

Low Red Moon — 12pm Psych/Folk/Americana five piece fronted

by Texan Brummie Kaytee De Wolfe. www.lowredmoonuk.bandcamp.com

Collective Sleep — 1pm Psychedelic funk, soul and alternative, taking you on a trip through time and space. www.soundcloud.com/sinnedfinn

Jasmine Gardosi — 2pm Birmingham’s Poet Laureate, a multiple slam champion, beatboxer and winner of the Out-Spoken Prize for Poetry. www.jasminegardosi.com

Rebecca Shwartz — 3pm Hard rock, klezmer, fiddle, and a whole lot of soul-sharing. www.rebeccaschwarz.co.uk

Calypso Moon — 4pm Jazz band; upbeat vintage swing, calypso & Latin, fronted by Eleanor Dattani facebook.com/calypsomoonband

The Strumtroopers — 5pm A ukulele based covers band - big songs on tiny instruments www.facebook.com/thestrumtroopers

Independent Country 6pm Indie classics on a rollicking ride to Nashville and back with pedal steel guitars and four-part harmonies. www.independentcountry.org

CoCoMAD After Party at Attic (18+ only) Head to Attic Brew Co on Mary Vale Road (opposite Bournville Station) for the official CoCoMAD after party featuring live music

by The Strumtroopers.

This event is not suitable for children.

CoCoLounge 1pm—7pm, The Orchard Sit back and relax in our very own indoor-outdoor space at CoCoLounge in the Orchard.

If you’re looking for some quiet time away from the bustle of the main event, come to the CoCoLounge. Here there will be comfy space to relax and listen to music and poetry from our tiny stage. Reflect or ruminate on the mellow sounds of house band RAW SAX, inducing a sense of wellbeing and celebrating difference.

Would you like to take your place on our tiny stage? You could present your party piece (it doesn’t matter if your family has seen it a thousand times, we will love it).

Speak to our stage managers at CoCoLounge in the Orchard.

Check the chalkboards for details and timings.

Festivals make a mess Please help reduce the environmental impact of CoCoMAD. Help our volunteers by taking all of your rubbish and recycling home. If you don’t have something to carry your rubbish in we have Cotteridge Park tote bags! Get them from the Info stall in the Main Field for a donation (specified on the stall).

Buy a pint for CoCoMAD As a festival organised by volunteers, we rely on your support so it can go ahead. Please keep an eye out for buckets and chuck a few quid in. We’re around £5000 short of funding for this year, every pound counts. You can also donate by text.

Text COCOMAD plus the amount you’d like to donate to 70085 e.g COCOMAD 10 to donate £10.

CoCoCorner - Making Space for Girls Inspired by the work of the charity Make Space for Girls, OPUS are making an inclusive space for girls with a programme of dance, DJs, performances and workshops working with Girl Grind CIC. Dance the afternoon away in a fun and inclusive space and talk to us about what the park needs to make it more welcoming for girls.

Girl Grind, photo: Hayley Salter

OPUS are a women-led multidisciplinary arts and events producing house, They’ve produced some of the city’s largest outdoor events recently, including the Motionhouse show Wondrous Stories and the Commonwealth Games festival sites.

Activities run from 12-6pm on the old bowling green.

All About Swing 1pm-5pm, between the willow and the wood Have you tried SwingFit yet?

There will be mini dance classes for partners and those flying solo. A selection of music to suit all tastes whether they want to dance or just sit and listen.

There will be dance demos and things to watch and participate in. Why not try a Lindy Hop a 1930s dance developed in Harlem New York - fast, fun and infectious! Something with a vintage feel for everyone.

Stalls: Food, drink, crafts & more We are again bringing an array of stars from our local communities. From the local street food legends, and breweries, to the array of producers available at the stalls in our markets, there’s something for everyone.

When you go to the bar they will charge you an extra £2 for your first drink for a reusable pint “glass”. This isn’t a donation to CoCoMAD. Keep it as a souvenir and reduce single use plastics. Or bring your own reusable plastic festival pint glass from home.

CoCoMAD’s market proudly features some of the city’s best makers, artists and artisans.

You’ll find crafts, clothing, accessories, homewares, condiments, sweet treats and more. Don’t forget to spend some time exploring the

culinary delights of our street food traders. We recommend turning up hungry with a bag to carry your new goodies in.

Two of Birmingham’s best breweries are on bar duties.

You can find Birmingham Brewery and Attic in the basketball court serving up a selection of drinks, alongside non-alcoholic hot & cold drinks.

The market stalls have moved this year, and the hot food is in the main field. Everything else: go and explore.

5

Campaign corner CoCoMAD is put on by a group of volunteers; Friends of Cotteridge Park. We’re a charity and care a great deal about community.

So, we’d like to introduce you to

other groups doing good stuff locally. Come and say “hello” to the people who are passionate about a wide variety of causes and campaigns.

Silent Disco 1pm—6pm The Orchard Silent Noize Events are bringing a silent disco to CoCoMAD. You can find them in the orchard with the CoCoLounge. Grab a headset, pick your channel & join the party. Free, all ages, turn up on the day. We guarantee you’ll have a great time.

The Barbers Club of Cotteridge Cotteridge’s longest standing barber shop will be offering fresh cuts in their air conditioned pop up shop. Find them next to the Main Stage. Cuts, shaves and free hair styling for little rock stars.

ROAM

CircusMASH We are excited to have CircusMASH back at CoCoMAD again! They are always a big hit and we love having them at the festival. They will be providing workshops and performances throughout the day. And hullabaloo that everyone can join in with.

This year, they will be inviting the Midlands Circus Community from across Birmingham and further afield to create lots of displays of community circus, and be sure not to miss the performance on the main stage sometime in the afternoon!

Local charity ROAM is back at CoCoMAD. Find them nestled in Millennium Wood between 1pm and 4pm to discover nature themed challenges for all.

Electric Vehicles Learn all about Electric Vehicles in the park - meet ESB Energy by Cotteridge Park’s EV chargers in the car park.

Science The CoCoMAD scientists will be roaming the festival - hoping to bump into you and wow you with their science busking and massive bubbles.

The scientists have plenty of fun and exciting hands-on demonstrations to pique your curiosity, giving short science talks in the orchard. There may even be a science quiz.

6

Also, be part of the Royal Society of Chemistry funded ‘CoCoElectro Bag’ project by claiming your free science kit to explore materials science and energy. The kits are aimed at 9-14 year olds, but you will have to be quick as we will only have a limited number to give away.

POETRY IN THE PARK

1–7pm, Millennium Wood Pathcarvers wood festival at CoCoMAD

Before CoCoMAD begins The trees stand with a hundred years’ worth of patience under their belts – but even they are beginning to itch for the festivities to begin; for the first song to ring out through the leaves and for laughter to be shared like bread between strangers and friends. The trees are waiting for us to join them, to walk between them in this: divine celebration of a thousand front doors opening and coming together across concrete to the grass.

They wait for this community to lay spread out for a day – singing in the rain if it falls and basking in the sun if it comes. Sharing smiles. Feasting on the day together. These trees of the park stand in waiting for our footsteps to be cast in the ground surrounding them. Hundreds of us. Overlapping, as

CoCoWOOD will celebrate all things wooden, with activities for all ages. The wood festival will be a fun way for you to learn about the importance of trees and how to use wood and tools.

CoCoWOOD will also promote environmental awareness.

CoCoWOOD will have spoon carving, tree poems, bowl turning and axe demonstrations.

You’ll find knife skills workshops, a handmade wooden craft

market and nature games.

Not only that - experience fire lighting techniques, folklore and willow crowns. As part of the CoCoWOOD area, there will be a place to carve and chat and an area to chill out and take a breather. There’s something for everyone!

To book on to the knife skills workshop please email info@pathcarvers.co.uk, £10pp or pay what you can.

One. — Mr Blue @zissoui

For more park poetry: cotteridgepark.org.uk/poetry

How is it ‘FREE’?

CoCoMAD isn’t ‘FREE’, it’s paid for by a mixture of sponsorship from local businesses, fees paid by traders and your donations.

The festival costs about £22k (most of the work is done by volunteers). If every person (adults and children) put at least £3 in the buckets we can keep CoCoMAD going.

Volunteers CoCoMAD is entirely run by volunteers, since our first event in 1997.

Would you like to volunteer for CoCoMAD, or for Cotteridge Park?

There’s always something to do, including gardening, litter picking, festivals stewards, and shifts at The Shed. We’re always looking for more volunteers to help spread the workload, and we’re a really friendly bunch.

Email Emma, FOCP on: info@cotteridgepark.org.uk If you see our volunteers at the festival say hello and give them a wave. The festival couldn’t take place without them!

The rest of the cost is covered by the lovely organisations that sponsor the programme (please take some time to read through their adverts later), and the fees from stallholders.

Please chip in - via textgiving or donation buckets. BRING CASH TO COCOMAD!

To support your local festival put on by volunteers in the park, you can donate by text: Text COCOMAD plus the

amount you’d like to donate to 70085 e.g COCOMAD 10 to donate £10 7

JUST FOR FUN

Illustrations by our volunteer Tony James (1935-1922)

Wordsearch Can you find 15 words to do with CoCoMAD? Words can run forwards, backwards, vertically or diagonally but always in a straight line.

C

I

R

C

U

S

O N

A

V

D

O

O

F

T

W U

R

U

Q

A

E

M

A

R

G

T

O

B

F

O

I

L

M

S

I

E

E

E

E

S

L

P

I

U

T

E

E

E

S

H

K

I

L

A

N

A

N

R

T

E

R

C

Y

A

E

I

G

D

I

D

A

N

O

Z

T

O

T

E

V

N

P

I

J

H

B

G

R

Y

A

I

Z

C

N

A

D

O

X W

L

For the answers, go to cotteridgepark.org.uk/answers

CoCoMAD newspaper prize crossword #2 Seven clues (marked with *) refer to six activities which are provided free in Cotteridge Park. For the prize, please name all six activities and when they happen. The winner can have free drinks for one at The Shed for a month!

Across

Down

1) Amounts of medication (5) 4) A type of energy related to movement (7) 8) See 6 down* (3) 9) Carving wood with a small knife* (9) 10) Oriental fruit (5) 11) Gets someone back (7) 12) Spotted insects which are an unusual colour (4,9) 16) The “queen of pop” (7) 18) Belonging to them (5) 19) Black headed bird that, oddly, lives in fir trees (6,3) 21) --- cream (3) 22) More dangerous (7) 23) Baby carriage used for fitness in the park* (5)

1) The ten commandments (7) 2) What we do in the Shed before we “bitch” * (6,3) 3) A place to cut wood (7) 4) More polite version of 2* (4,3,6) 5) French for “our” (5) 6,8ac) Slow martial art* (3,3) 7) Where birds are kept (5) 12) Sunday morning activity in the park* (9) 14) A container for bathing (7) 15) Medical operations (7) 16) What we use to cut grass (5) 17) Biblical girls name (5) 20) Comes before “Vegas” (3)

The Shed is the community building in Cotteridge Park.

Staffed by volunteers, it’s the base for all the activities that go on in the park. And it’s the best place to go to find out what’s on.

It also has toilets, hot drinks and somewhere to sit down.

The Shed will always be open during park activities - you can find out when The Shed is open by looking at our timetable on our website.

Please check the website for updates before you head out: www.cotteridgepark.org.uk

Ring Joyce for more info:

07805 252 650

9

IN COTTERIDGE PARK

COMMUNITY FESTIVAL

www.cotteridgepark.org.uk @CotteridgePark #CoCoMAD

SATURDAY 1 JULY FROM 12NOON

coworking space The Old Post Office 1533 Pershore Road Stirchley B30 2JH book your desk online: theoldpostoffice.space

Monday to Friday 9am—5pm

CoCoMAD offer

for a free welcome drink quote “cocomad23” when you book online 1474 Pershore Road, Stirchley B30 2NT verbenakitchen.co.uk @verbenakitchen *the offer entitles you to one drink per person with your meal, for parties up to four people. Online bookings only. Cannot be exchanged or substituted, valid until 31 Aug 2023

Stirchley’s best kept secret.

Visit our factory shop on Hazelwell Road, just off the Rea Valley Cycle Route.

Use the code Use thediscount discount code “ISHOULDCOCO” “ISHOULDCOCO” 20%off offonline online orders forfor 20% orders E N A M E L S H A D E S . C O. U K

Unit 14 Stirchley Trading Estate Hazelwell Rd, Stirchley B30 2PF Opening hours: 8.30am - 4.30pm Monday to Friday contact@display-sign.co.uk 0121 369 1109

12

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

Unit 14, Stirchley Trading Estate, Hazelwell Road, B30 2PF • 0121 451 1799 @EnamelShades contact@enamelshades.co.uk

POSTER SN FRAMES AP CHALKBOARDS MENU HOLDERS PAVEMENT SIGN S TILL ROLLS ACCESSORIES

est.

1910 & 2016

Selly Oak Neighbourhood Network Scheme

No longer a swimming pool, Stirchley Baths is a beautifully refurbished, vibrant community hub with a programme of activities, classes and events including heritage tours and family trails. Available to hire for all kinds of uses including childrens parties and weddings.

Putting prevention first for people 50+ years to enable them to lead healthy, happy and independent lives within their own homes and communities.

The building features a main hall and 3 well-equipped multipurpose rooms. Thereʼs a free car park, free wi-fi, co-working space and café.

Follow us on twitter @SellyOakNNS Call us on 0121 464 9072 Email us on SellyOakNNS@birmingham.gov.uk

Small grants of up to £10k are available to community groups to set up activities and opportunities for older people.

Take a look at our short video: www.vimeo.com/529370284

www.stirchleybaths.org

stirchleybaths

hello@stirchleybaths.org

0121 464 9072

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

13

NEW FRAME RANGES

SPECIAL OFFERS AVAILABLE

see you soon

Come and

see our

new look Travelling this summer?

Speak to us about travel vaccines

POP IN AND SEE OUR

NEW LOOK

24 Hour

STORE

Automated

Prescription Collection collect anytime

: Address 1-3 Pershore Road South Cotteridge | Birmingham | B30 3EE : Telephone 0121 486 2404

day or night kingsopticians.co.uk

: kingsoptician@gmail.com

HELLONEIGHBOUR NEIGHBOUR HELLO HERE’S A 10% DISCOUNT AT OUR TAPROOM

HERE’S 10% DISCOUNT AT OUR TAPROOM

Cotteridge 1-3 Pershore Road South, B30 3EE | Tel 0121 433 3072

Connecting people with South Asian Arts and Heritage for 30 years Dance, Music & Theatre Education, Community & Outreach Artist Development sampad.org.uk

10% OFF VOUCHER 10% OFF VOUCHER Voucher must be presented. Valid until 01/10/23. Not to be used in conjunction with VOUCHER MUST BE PRESENTED. VALID UNTIL 01/10/23. NOT TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH ANY OTHER OFFER. any other BIRMINGHAM offer. Birmingham Brewing Company, Unit 17 Stirchley Trading Estate, BREWING COMPANY. UNIT 17 STIRCHLEY TRADING ESTATE, HAZELWELL ROAD, B30 2PF. WWW.BIRMINGHAMBREWINGCOMPANY.CO.UK Hazelwell Road, B30 2PF, www.birminghambrewingcompany.co.uk, @brumbrewery @BRUMBREWERY

14

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

WE HOPE EVERYONE HAS A FANTASTIC DAY!

Discover Birmingham's heritage with the National Trust & partners

Take a tour of the Back to Backs Enjoy the views at Clent Hills

Explore the city with Roundhouse Birmingham © National Trust 2023. Registered Charity no. 205846. Photography © National Trust Images/ Trevor Ray Hart, John Miller, © Roundhouse Birmingham / Sophie Flynn

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

15

16

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

O’CONNOR

CLEANING SERVICES 0121 471 5211 www.oconnor-clean.co.uk

Quality Carpet Cleaning 0121 471 5211 oconnor-clean.co.uk enquiries@oconnor-clean.co.uk

AS G ESTABLISHED 1999

Mechanical Repairs MOT Servicing Tyres Diagnostics Clutches Cambelts & more

0121 451 2016 07976 953 540

No.1 Franklin Road, B30 2HJ Proprietor Alan Gregory

Motors LTD

Selly Oak Nursery School Our experienced and highly qualified teaching team provide a creative, inclusive and engaging curriculum.

‘OUTSTANDING’ IN 2007, 2010, 2013 & 2018

ADMISSIONS OPEN

A BRILLIANT INDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND FOREST SCHOOL

15 HOURS FREE CHILDCARE FOR ALL 30 HOURS FREE CHILDCARE FOR ELIGIBLE PARENTS

BOOK A VISIT TODAY! Tel: 0121 4721700 Email: enquiry@sellyoak-nur.bham.sch.uk Web: www.sellyoak-nur.bham.sch.uk

Address: 26 Tiverton Road, Selly Oak, B29 6BP

PARKING AVAILABLE FOR PARENTS

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

17

You look like a role model.

Join us at 1stbournville.org.uk/volunteer

Accounts Plus Ltd

Join us today

Jonathan & Gloria send CoCoMAD our very best wishes on another successful event.

Be part of something bigger

Your three local community run Farmers Markets are

UNFORGETTABLE ENTERTAINMENT

proud to support Cocomad

HIRE YOUR OWN SILENT DISCO PACKAGE #SkillsForLife

1st Bournville (100th Birmingham)

Pay £1

www.silentnoizeevents.com Kings Heath

mbers 306101/SC038437

First Saturday of the month 9-2 in Kings Heath Village Square

Own

a share

Your local community-ran Farmers’ Markets r three local community run Farmers Markets are Kings Norton are proud to support CoCoMAD proud to support Cocomad

Second Saturday of the month 9 - 1:30 on The Green

Save ££’s Moseley

KINGS HEATH KINGS NORTON Last SaturdayMOSELEY of the month 9-2 on the High Steet Kings Heath FIRST SATURDAY SECOND SATURDAY SATURDAY Come and supportLAST local producers and traders and at the same time rst Saturday of the month 9-2 in Kings Heath Village Square meet up with friends and neighbours, reduce food miles, get of the month of the month of the month sustainable food and food of the highest quality.

9am-2pm on the 9am-1.30pm 9am-2pm on Village Square on the Green the High Street

membership.centralengland.coop

Kings Norton Second Saturday of the month 9 - 1:30 on The Green

Moseley Last Saturday of the month 9-2 on the High Steet

nd support local producers and traders and at the same time

p with friends and neighbours, reduce food miles, get

able food and food of the highest quality.

Scan here to download

Imagine a world without waste Using the waste hierarchy can help us to make the right decisions HIERARCHY WASTE HIERARCHY THE THEWASTE

Reduce/Repair Reduce your waste by only buying what is necessary. To help, make a list and stick to it, only buy what you need.

Repair. Ask yourself, if the item can be repaired before considering to replace?

Recycle Reduce the need for raw materials by recycling waste in the correct bins at home and at the household recycling centre (HRC).

Reduce/Repair

Reuse Choose to reuse by purchasing pre-loved items if you need something.

Anything you no longer need can also be donated for reuse.

Reuse Recycle

Recover

Recover

Anything that can’t be recycled is processed through the Energy Recovery Facility to generate electricity via the steam turbine generator that goes on to power c50,000 homes.

HRC Sutton Coldfield Castle Bromwich

Recycle and donate items for reuse at our household recycling centres.

Tyseley

Don’t forget to book a slot online before you visit.

Kings Norton

More information at www.birmingham.veolia.co.uk The Reuse Shop is located at the Tyseley HRC site and doesn’t require a booking to shop there.

SOLD

SOLD