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B13 MAGAZINE
S 97 1
AUGUST 2021 ISSUE 521
C O V D N A L A CE C LO IN 3
M SELEY
MOSELEY
FESTIVALS ARE BACK! MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL
+ BEYOND THE TRACKS
A MOSELEY ARTIST
ROBERT GEOGHEGAN
MEMORIES OF MOSELEY
PART TWO
MOSELEY MEMORIES
THE SWEET, SWEATY SUMMER
MOSELEY MUNCH
A SHELLFISH LOVE LETTER
MOSELEY B13 MAGAZINE
AUG21 EDITOR Mark Baxter (editor@moseleymagazine.co.uk) THE TEAM Ian Cook, David Isgrove, Stephanie Silk, MariaArroja Ferreira, Tipton, Debbie Aldous, Max Jalil, Martin Jeffers, Jobe Baker-Sullivan, Izzy Knowles, Yonatan Yon, Alex Jenkins, Jenny Gwynne, Mitch Schofield DESIGN Andy Wickett (andywickett@gmail.com) CONTRIBUTORS David Spilsbury, Moseley Local History Society, Jan Berry, Chrissie Smith, Judith FleetwoodWalker, Robert Geoghegan, Adele Hill, Christy Acton BUSINESS MANAGER Martin Jeffers PROOF READER Jane Barry SOCIAL MEDIA Maria Arroja Ferreira TREASURER Leanne Holloway (accounts@moseleyb13.com) ADVERTISING Yonatan Yon DISTRIBUTION Izzy Knowles,Martin Jeffers BOARD David Isgrove (Chair) Stephanie Silk (Editorial) PHOTOGRAPHER Position Vacant COVER IMAGE Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul Festival MAIL Moseley Publishing House Ltd. Moseley B13 Magazine, c/o: Moseley Exchange, 149-153 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8JP. ONLINE instagram.com/moseleyb13mag facebook.com/MoseleyB13Magazine twitter.com/MoseleyB13Mag PHONE 0843 289 3665 COMPANY SECRETARY Position Vacant LEGAL STUFF Moseley Publishing House Ltd is a non-profit voluntary run company based in England and Wales. Company No. 07786560. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in whole or part, without express permission. All material is believed to be correct at the time of going to print.
WORDS FROM THE EDITOR
I’ll never forget my first festival. The mud was plentiful and the beer was warm and flat. The tent was so cold and damp I had to sleep in the big cinema marquee every night. And of course, in those ancient days before mobile phones, friends were easily lost for huge sections of the weekend. However, it was magical, and I made it to the front row (if only for a brief time in the wild mosh) for the headliner. That band was Nirvana, in what was their final UK show. The same magic is now returning after a difficult time for the music industry, and we have a four-page preview of the two big Moseley festivals for August, Mostly Jazz, Funk and Soul, and Beyond the Tracks (pages 8-11). If you’ve been struggling to sleep with some recent hot nights, you’ll relate to The Sweet, Sweaty Summer of 1976 (pages 16-17), and we also have the return of a children’s/family feature from the early days of the magazine. You can find out more about Lucky 13 on page 31. If you do make it to any of the Moseley festivals this summer, don’t forget to send us your photos and we’ll try to include them in the magazine. Mark
08 OUTLETS Farmers’ Market (Village Green) plus: A and R News (320 Yardley Wood Road) Aiden McDonnell Hair (56 St Mary's Row) Drinksville (23 Woodbridge Road) Greenhill Garage (89-91 Billesley Lane) Indigo Foods (50-52 St Mary’s Row) Ladypool Cycles (404 Ladypool Road) Maison Mayci (148 Alcester Road) Moseley Post Office (149 Alcester Road) Newslink (3 Alcester Road) Nima Deli (103 Alcester Road) One Stop (117 Billesley Lane) Oxfam Books and Music (101 Alcester Road) Palmyra (13 St Mary's Row), Select & Save (174-176 Alcester Road) Spend and Save (211 Swanshurst Lane)
2021 PUBLICATION DATES
ISSUE COPY SALE Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
17 Feb 17 Mar 21 Apr 19 May 16 Jun 14 Jul 18 Aug 15 Sep 20 Oct 17 Nov
27 Feb 27 Mar 24 Apr 29 May 26 Jun 24 Jul 28 Aug 25 Sep 30 Oct 27 Nov
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NO.80
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NEWSHOUND
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MOSELEY FESTIVAL
10
BEYOND THE TRACKS
12
A MOSELEY ARTIST
14
MOSELEY RAILWAY STATION
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MOSELEY MEMORIES
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MOSELEY MUNCH
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POEM
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LOCAL ART WORLD
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MICK AND MICHELLE
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VICTORIAN HOUSE
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STANDING TALL
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UNITY STREETS
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RETURN OF LUCKY 13
31
SPANISH LEARNING
BY MARK BAXTER
NEWSHOUND
Tipton, the B13 Newshound Twitter: @B13Newshound / Instagram: @tiptonb13
QUICK-THINKING POLICE SAVE MAN’S LIFE IN HIGHBURY PARK Two police officers saved a man’s life after his evening exercise in a local park nearly ended in tragedy. The man, in his 20s, was exercising in Highbury Park when he became tangled in an exercise rope which was tied to a tree to do pullups. A member of the public called for help as the man was struggling to breathe when the rope became tied around his neck. Fortunately, PCs Alfie Ratcliffe and Tom Dale were nearby in the park on Operation Guardian patrols – West Midlands Police’s ongoing operation to tackle knife crime. Within minutes of the call, the officers had reached the man, and managed to lift him free to alleviate the pressure on his neck. They gave him initial first aid, which undoubtedly saved his life, until paramedics arrived. He was taken to hospital to be checked over, and fortunately there are not believed to be any lasting effects on his health. Neighbourhood Inspector Neil Kirkpatrick said: “I am so relieved to hear the man was brought to safety so quickly. “This is exactly why as police officers we do what we do. Our number one priority is to protect life, and the quick-thinking actions of the member of the public, along with the actions of our officers, really did just that. I want to thank the member of public for calling us so quickly and we wish the man all the best as he recovers from yesterday’s events.” Image: Life savers: PCs Alfie Ratcliffe (left) and Tom Dale KIN HIT BY VANDALISM
With a boarded-up window, the notice stuck to the window of Kin, the design-led homeware, lifestyle and furniture store at 10 St Mary’s Row, says it all. The notice says: “Closed. We were planning to reopen this store. However due to vandalism, and other neighbouring and building issues, we will remain closed. Our focus and attention is now on bringing our new store in Edgbaston to life where we’ll have everything you know and love about Kin, and more. See you soon! Kin."
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SUSPENDED JAIL TERM FOR RED LIGHT-JUMPING BIKER IN MOSELEY SMASH An electric motorbike rider who jumped a red light - colliding with a car at a busy Moseley road junction - has been given a suspended prison sentence and driving ban. Noshad Khan, 30, of Hall Green, was riding his electric motorbike without a helmet when he collided with a Ford Galaxy at the junction of Wake Green Road and Yardley Wood Road. Khan’s bike also had defective brakes at the time of the smash, on September 5 last year. Khan was treated in hospital for serious head injuries, while a passenger in the Ford Galaxy suffered minor injuries. The driver of the Galaxy remained at the scene and a number of witnesses told police how they saw Khan go through the red light at the busy junction. Officers also retrieved dashcam footage which showed Khan had earlier been weaving in and out of traffic. Khan, of Solihull Lane, Hall Green, admitted dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on May 24. On July 6, Khan was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison, suspended for 18 months. Khan was also banned from driving for three years and must then complete an extended test before taking to the road again. Det. Sgt Paul Hughes, of the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "This case shows how important it is to stick to the rules and regulations. "As an electric motorbike, this vehicle still needed to be insured, driven in a manner that did not put others in danger and, as with all motorbikes and mopeds, the rider must be wearing a helmet for their own safety and protection." COULD YOUR SPARE ROOM CHANGE A LIFE? A locally based start-up charity is looking for people who would be prepared to offer a spare room to a homeless person and help them move forwards from living a life on the streets. The charity, called Standing Tall, helps people going through tough times, including those who have experienced homelessness, enabling them to move on and thrive. To be able to move off the street an individual needs a safe home to come home to at the end of the day. The Standing Tall ‘Amici’ accommodation service provides a safe home and a listening ear as the individual transitions away from the street. If you have a spare room, and would welcome an individual into your home, you could become one of the Standing Tall ‘Amici’, from the Italian for “friends”. Being an Amici is a paid role, with Standing Tall providing the necessary induction, support and training. As a trained and supported Amici, you would be protected for all eventualities under the insurance Standing Tall has in place. An individual can stay with an Amici for 3 to 6 months before they are ready to move on to their own accommodation. You can find out more about the Amici role on Standing Tall’s website at. https://tinyurl. com/4zcdkf95
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POLICE ISSUE LOCAL GARAGE AND SHED BREAK-IN ALERT Moseley and Kings Heath Police have warned that there have been several recent garage and shed break-ins locally. Dawn Moreton, Police PCSO, Moseley and Kings Heath, said: “With the long summer months ahead we need to be making sure we are keeping our garages and garden sheds secure. Many of our sheds contain a lot of high-value items such as tools, mowers and bikes, and we need to remind ourselves that these storage areas are really an extension of our homes and the same level of security should apply. “Please make sure you are securing your sheds, garages and outside storage, not forgetting allotments which house garages with strong bolts and padlocks. Ensuring good security lighting where necessary is always a bonus. All these things will help deter thieves.” AWARD-WINNING PATISSERIE TO OPEN IN ST MARY’S ROW A multi-award winning patisserie is to open shortly at the former Village News site in St Mary’s Row. The patisserie, Baker St Cakes, will offer a take away and an eat-in service from Wednesday to Sundays between 10am and 7pm.
COMMUNITY
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Baker St Cakes – The Macaron & Cake Boutique – started off six years ago in Leicester offering fine, handmade cakes, patisseries and many other hand- crafted treats and is known for its elegant, bright and creative selection of freshly baked sweet treats and beautifully detailed cakes. Also on offer is fresh loose-leaf tea by the award-winning tea brand, Newby of London, locally roasted coffee and award-winning cold drinks. The aim is to offer a stylish and warm environment for customers to relax and enjoy what Baker St Cakes has to offer. Branch manager Riaz Ebrahimo said: “We are very excited to be bringing something new to Moseley. We'll be offering a beautiful and warm environment for you all to enjoy our offerings. Something as casual as a handmade cupcake and hot chocolate to our artisan patisserie items which you can enjoy with a nice cup of tea or coffee. We look forward to seeing you all when we open.” Over the next two years there are plans to open up other boutique cafés around the UK. Baker St Cakes says that over the years it has always valued its customers and social media followers.
Ian Cook 7
MOSTLY JAZZ, FUNK & SOUL FESTIVAL 2021
It’s worth visiting the www.mostlyjazz. co.uk website for a really gorgeous array of descriptions and bios, with a personal favourite being the percussionist and singer, Lekan Babalola.
Brummies enjoyed a season of jazz this July which fanned all across the city, but with the Birmingham, Sandwell & Westside Jazz Festival drawing to a close, cool cats need not hang their shades for another year just yet – the much anticipated Mostly Jazz, Funk & Soul Festival is upon us.
“Twice Grammy award-winning Nigerian percussionist, Lekan Babalola, is well known for his innovative musical style, using his native Yoruba tongue infused with traditional music, Afrobeat and funky dance overtones. Lekan started his career playing in the Yoruba Christian Church owned by his father. As custodians of Yoruba tradition his family taught him first hand Yoruba art and culture and this has influenced all his work .He also received a cultural and political apprenticeship from the late Fela Kuti. World press has given him rave reviews for his percussive ‘wizardry’ and infectious grooves. Lekan now devotes himself to his solo, contemporary and traditional projects with regular appearances at concert venues around the world.”
20th-22nd of August 2021 will see our very own Moseley Park transform into a nirvana of music. It’s the Woodstock of the West Midlands, plus it comes with easy access to a Sainsbury’s Local*. Doors open at 1pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday and Sunday. Each day finishes at 10.30pm. The lineup will include headline performances from The Cinematic Orchestra, Hot Chip Megamix, Mr Juke’s & Barney Artist, and Cymande, whose funky-flute solos will lure you down to the park’s lakeside. There’s also a healthy dose of high quality local musicians, including the critically acclaimed Lady Sanity, Xhosa Cole, Call Me Unique and Metz Jnr Band.
I’m surprised to see no grey hairs on the Boss Man himself, John Anthony Fell, who must have had the most tumultuous of years having to postpone Mostly Jazz, and his other festivals – which include Beyond the Tracks and the Moseley Folk Festival, as well as Pink Moon Camping Retreat. This man literally dreams in timetables, with the most impressive black book of contacts in the world. If you’ve ever seen him in action, he sort of glides through festival crowds,
Metz Jnr
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sometimes holding an alcohol rider for a band. The man doesn’t run. Time slows down for him.
simple goal – make Birmingham even better. The vision was to create a charity that local people could get behind to make a real positive change in their community. We are passionate about the city of Birmingham and highlighting the small but incredible things that are always going on.”
What’s it like for a steward at the festival, we ask? We speak to Lily Tomkins who regularly takes advantage of all that the Mostly Jazz festival has to offer.
At the time of writing, there are still tickets available, including the alluring volunteer ticket for £128.00, which is refunded once you complete your shifts [or presumably kept, in case you are a naughty, posing slacker].
"Working the festival in previous years was an amazing experience for me. In fact, it inspired me to move into the event industry myself. I had a lot of fun. It was lovely to see people from all around the UK travel to the Mostly Jazz festival. I remember being up a ladder and watching the Jackson Five band rehearse before the public arrived, not realising the Jackson’s were actually rehearsing too! It was very surreal".
Jobe Baker-Sullivan *Please purchase food onsite, and don’t get into trouble by trying to bring your own alcohol or plastic bottles. It’s been a difficult year for everyone on the festival scene, including the itinerant food vendors. The grub will be lovely, and full of soul.
Lily is looking forward to this year, especially the emphasis on UK artists. "I’m so excited it’s back this year, one of the highlights of the festival is seeing huge international artists come to a small park in a Birmingham suburb, and while this isn't as easy this year with travel restrictions, it’s brilliant to see local artists from the UK being celebrated, and I absolutely can't wait to see Jocelyn Brown!" The official charity of the festival, LoveBrum, [be sure to include the r] is one I’m ashamed to have not heard of until this month, but I’m completely sold by the blurb. “LoveBrum was founded in 2015 with a
Cymande
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BEYOND THE TRACKS
AND INTO MOSELEY PARK
Beyond The Tracks will take place in Moseley Park on Friday, August 27 and Saturday, August 28. The festival began in 2017 and has previously featured Ocean Colour Scene, Editors, The Coral, Orbital, and many more acts. The Friday of this year’s festival is dance orientated (with the following day leaning more towards indie bands) and is headlined by Haçienda Classical, the orchestral project
set up to remember the famous Manchester club. Overseen by ex-New Order and Joy Division member Peter Hook, with former Haçienda DJs Graeme Park and Mike Pickering, the event has been described (by Hook) as a celebration of “...the tunes from the original club which came to shape dance music'. The Haçienda was the Manchester nightclub and music venue forever linked with Factory Records, Tony Wilson and New Order.
Todd Terry
Inner City (Lives)
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Inner City (Live) formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1987 and had UK hits in the ‘80s and the ‘90s. Big Fun and Good Life were massive dance tracks in the late ‘80s as the Second Summer of Love provided upbeat electronic and indie tunes to transform the music scene. Their inclusion to the festival will bring those feelgood grooves to Moseley Park and Pool The Friday also has Todd Terry, the influential American DJ, record producer and remixer of house and dance music. Terry’s tunes were massive on the dancefloors of Europe and he gained commercial success with his remix of Missing by Everything but the Girl. Heritage DJs will also perform on the Friday line-up. The Charlatans will headline the Saturday of the festival, and will be able to delve into a varied back catalogue covering over 30 years. The band became associated with the Madchester scene in the early ‘90s but formed in the West Midlands, with early demos recorded in Birmingham and Dudley. The original line-up were all West Midlanders
Tha Charlatans
until Tim Burgess (from Northwich, Cheshire) joined as lead singer. Keyboard player Rob Collins provided the notable hammond organ sound of the band but was killed in a road accident in 1996, and drummer Jon Brookes passed away in 2013 after a battle with brain cancer. The Charlatans have continued and their recent album Different Days (2017) featured contributions from Paul Weller, Johnny Marr, actor Sharon Horgan and spoken word segments from Ian Rankin and Kurt Wagner. Tim Burgess has also become well known for his Tim’s Twitter Listening Parties which were a big hit during lockdown. The Charlatans will release the career-spanning five album set A Head Full of Ideas in October. The album and its accompanying tour were intended to celebrate their 30th anniversary in 2020, but ended up delayed due to the worldwide pandemic. The Charlatans are supported by special 11
Sleaford Mods
guests Sleaford Mods, the post-punk duo from Nottingham. The band describe their music as “electronic munt minimalist punk-hop rants for the working class” and the themes of the struggle in austerity-era Britain are delivered by vocalist Jason Williamson in his East Midlands accent. BC Camplight is an American songwriter and multi-instrumentalist based in Manchester after a fan on social media recommended he relocate to the city. Deportation Blues, his critically acclaimed 2018 album, gained its title from his own expulsion woes. Camplight was made to leave the U.K in 2015 after overstaying his visa permissions due to a severe leg injury. This meant the loss of a tour, summer festival appearances and a planned appearance on Later...with Jools Holland. Camplight has since re-settled in Manchester with an Italian passport, made possible through his grandparents. The Saturday also includes Billy Nomates, The Clause, Cage Park (from Birmingham), The Pagans S.O.H., and The Nu. Mark Baxter For full Beyond The Tracks festival details and tickets, go to https://.beyondthe tracks. co.uk
BC Camplight
A MOSELEY ARTIST
ROBERT GEOGHEGAN
with - not too small but not too large to finish in one go. I prime watercolour paper to seal it as I am using oil. Occasionally I work on canvas but they take a lot of storage space whereas paper sheets once dry can go in a folder. I just love being outside with the changing light, the sun and wind on my face, hearing the birds singing, the bees buzzing and directly observing nature firsthand rather than from a photograph. I think it gives my paintings a freshness and immediacy by taking this plein air approach where I see the changing light and colours first hand. The interaction with the people who pass by is also enjoyable as long as they don't overstay their welcome! Everyone is so friendly and encouraging and interested to see someone painting outside. The question I get asked the most is "How long have you been painting for?" Do I answer "since 10 o'clock" or "about 20 years". It's funny when I'm half way through a painting and someone comes up behind me, looks at my painting and asks: "What are you painting?"
I might be better known in Moseley for my Funny Brummie Pictures which are very urban with captioned jokes, but over the last two or three years - actually since I bought a large wooden easel to paint outdoors with - I have also started painting plein air on a more consistent basis than previously. Standing up at the easel with room for my paints and brushes and with
In Moseley I have three favourite locations to paint outside in. Cannon Hill Park - great for pine and conifer trees. I love the red brick bridge over the lake as a I use oils with a little bit of motif and the park is also white spirit to thin the paint great for spring blossom with and clean my brushes with. its ornamental trees. Moseley It usually takes me a couple Park - the nearest to me as of hours to do the painting I'm always on foot. Great on the spot and then I touch for the reflections in the it up a bit at home if needed. lake and the posh houses on A3 seems a good size to work Chantry Road and St Anne's the canvas upright offers a wider perspective due to the higher viewpoint and has really made a difference.
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Moseley Park and Pool
Highbury Park
Church showing enigmatically through the trees. Highbury Park is just magical - wild and untamed with all the history of the Chamberlain Estate and beautiful old characterful trees to paint. I am mostly influenced (unsurprisingly) by the Impressionists but don't do the short brushstrokes which would take too long but I try to capture sunlight and shadows quickly with paint applied fairly evenly. Alfred Sisley out of the Impressionists is the one I
Robert Geoghegan
To see more of Robert’s plein air paintings go to www. robspaintings. He teaches As for the future, I want drawing and painting classes to keep building up my at Kings Heath Park Tearoom collection of my paintings on Mondays 1pm to 3pm, from these locations with and Thursdays 11.30am a seasonal emphasis. I am proud to have painted outside to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Classes start back throughout the winter and in early September. You can especially when we had the also find him on instagram thick snow. I will be looking as robertgeogheganart forward to capturing the and Facebook as Robert autumn colours again when they arrive. My subject never Geoghegan. ends as it's cyclical with each season having its own beauty and arriving without fail. Covid cancelled many things but not spring. have studied the most.
Stylistically I like to think I am developing gradually and hope to be applying the paint in a thicker, more textured way, and with a greater freedom. Van Gogh is one of my inspirations, but nature is king and I'm not going to deviate my style too much away from a truthful look. How could I attempt to improve on or want to change what I can see laid out gloriously before me? Cannon Hill Park
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Plein air in Cannon Hill Park
MEMORIES OF
worse for it. She became an ATS teleprinter operator, moving to London to enter service in Eisenhower’s bunker under Warren Street Station, But that was 'hush-hush’ at the time. I know she said it was several levels down under Warren Street and she showed us a plain door once when we were on a day trip to London which was the door they used to go through to tackle hundreds of steps to go down.
STATION
A doodlebug, or it may have been a landmine, exploded in the air above ground and landed in the spinney about 100 metres away from Station House, during WW2. We think it was the same night as the destruction of Coventry and the explosion blew out all the windows, doors and woodwork in the house and knocked a wooden finial off the top of a grandmother clock that my grandparents had been given for a wedding present in 1900 (I still have this clock). The family were unhurt, taking refuge in an Anderson shelter in the garden which was later repurposed as a compost heap.
MOSELEY RAILWAY PART TWO
Harry was a keen gardener and had quite a large vegetable patch on one side of the house, growing most of the family's veg. He always grew wallflowers, which he called gillyflowers, and used to plant them on the station platforms to provide a bit of colour. Grandad and the railway used to run special day excursions and we have a photo of him with a billboard, which were legendary in promoting day trips, and were works of art in themselves.
Grandad Harry Snary with excursion poster
Last month Chrissie Smith remembered the original Moseley Railway Station with memories passed down from her parents and grandparents (Chrissie’s grandfather Harry Snary was the station master) as well as her own later experiences of the derelict station and Station House. This month Chrissie shares wartime and winter memories, and her childhood days spent playing at Station House... Away from Station House in Moseley, Mum was strafed by a German fighter plane during WW2, but she merely hid under her office desk and carried on working, none the
Mom with her Grandma Agnes Snary, outside Station House
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out different flowers. He would hold my hand through the tunnel as it was very dark, but I trusted him and knew that he kept a close eye on train times. Many times when I was playing in the garden in the summer, a stray spark from a passing steam locomotive would land on dry grass on the side of the embankment and set it alight. Harry was used to putting out small fires, but Mum and I were sometimes dispatched to the phone box on St Mary's Row to call the fire brigade when the fires had got out of hand. Chrissie Smith
Harry Snary with his son, Reg
I remember my grandad having to dig some channels through the snow to make a path that had drifted against the house one winter. I was in the pushchair and low down so it felt as if the drifts were six foot high! In the winter of 1963/64 we had to make our way through a snow drift of around four feet high to reach Station House. The worst part of the journey was always having to get up the slope from St Mary’s Row (on the platform level) to the house at the top of the cutting. It was quite steep and there were no handrails, with only a wooden sleeper as a step halfway up. Grandad used to throw the ashes from the open fire onto the slope to help our feet get a grip. I wasn't allowed on the platform myself. I was born in 1951 so the station had long been in disrepair when I was collecting wild flowers, but Grandad would sometimes take me down for a collecting spree. He knew exactly when trains were still coming through on that line, and he would first check the time with his pocket watch and occasionally take me through the famous Moseley tunnel, to where there were sidings and places to seek
Steep slope up to Station House
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MOSELEY MEMORIES
THE SWEET, SWEATY
SUMMER Edgbaston Reservoir dried up in 1976 (credit: BirminghamLive)
1976 was one of those exceptionally long, hot summers, like 1947 had been in my childhood. For me, though, 1976 was also strangely sweet.
to me personally. Early in the Spring, I gave the Head notice of my resignation, to take effect in July. I said I intended to pursue a career as a full-time writer and he warmly congratulated me on taking the risk in a very competitive field.
As Head of Communications at Queensbridge School, I was in charge of English, Foreign Languages and Remedial Education, a position of apparent power that had become increasingly unsatisfying
He was right. Within weeks, I realised that I was risking financial destitution and must have a standby job. I decided I needed to 16
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sweat poured off me however light the clothing I wore and I got through two or three 3-litre bottles of Co-op Cola every day without quenching my thirst. I couldn’t acknowledge what I overheard kids say about how fat I was. In denial, my self-image was of a ‘normal’ person of my age. Years later, I have to acknowledge what the stretch marks on my belly show now. broaden my knowledge base and applied to the Commonwealth Office (now submerged in the Foreign Office) to teach somewhere in Africa. They suggested Zambia, a very stable friend of the UK under Kenneth Kaunda. A cheerful interview at the High Commission in London convinced me it was the right choice and they accepted me on the spot.
In a sense, I have Albert Bore to thank for saving me from what could easily have been a fatal condition, had it developed longer. He was Secretary of Selly Oak Labour Party and a good friend of mine. He persuaded me in 1980 that I should stop paying a high rent to an exploitative developer and get a mortgage on a house of my own. The new Tory government was on their side, not struggling tenants, after all.
When I told friends, they immediately warned me that with the ‘emergency’ in Southern Rhodesia, I would have trouble, because of my politics. I knew that I was on a Special Branch list for my activities in CND as early as 1962, and MI6 would know about my being active in the Anti-Apartheid Movement. Sure enough, I got a letter from the High Commissioner telling me with great regrets that he had been told I was unsuitable. When I met the woman who became my wife 10 years later, I found that Jan had been teaching in Zambia from 1968-72, so I learnt how much I might have benefited from that lost opportunity.
A 3-bed terrace house in Kings Heath fitted the bill perfectly. The mortgage company required a private health check before approval and it showed that I had long-term type 2 diabetes and would have to pay more for a mortgage. Two years on a controlled diet, then three years on medication failed to control my blood sugars, so in 1989, I was ‘converted’ to five daily insulin injections, which have since characterised my life. My sweet, sweaty summer should have been a warning, but I was unaware of what would have been obvious symptoms to anyone with medical training. Like most men, I rarely saw my GP and then only for clear-cut conditions. Because of ‘Eve’s curse’ and its aftermath, women tend to be more regular attendees. Let men be warned.
I had set up a school magazine, Queensbridge News, and set about making my last version the most memorable. I commandeered a rarely used office and took every ‘free’ period I had there with windows wide open and a fan full on. Nevertheless,
David Spilsbury
Sunbathing in Birmingham, 1976 (credit: BirminghamLive)
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MOSELEY MUNCH A SHELLFISH LOVELETTER
it feels like a rare specialty whenever I am tucking into their beautiful, sweet bits. This is probably because shellfish are best enjoyed with loved ones, by the sea on some gorgeous, warm holiday with a cold beer or a glass of wine (sigh!). I have very fond memories and some not-so-fond-yet-still-oddly-fond memories when it comes to molluscs. The sweet, briny buttery ‘New England Steamers’ of my childhood. Their scary appearance terrified me but when dipped in hot salty butter the experience was oh so beautiful! Moules Frites at a very good Belgian beer pub in the West Village on an intoxicatingly sweaty New York City's summer's night. An amazing dinner in a remote seaside place in Italy that unfortunately led to insane hair-pulling food poisoning. I forgave you mussels, but I never forgot! And in France on the beach with my family...my son tucking into a steamy pot of clams (proud, proud Mummy). From a slurpy bouillabaisse to a swirly vongole, that fresh ocean taste just cannot be compared to any other kind of food on the planet. Through thick and thin, shellfish have played a major role in my memories, and I forever look forward to the next encounter.
Shellfish and I have been through a lot. To me, there is something extremely ceremonious and nostalgic in the indulging in shellfish. Even though the hard outer/ soft inner beings have laid a familiar stamp on every portion of our oceanic planet, 18
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As it turns out my love letter is not so unique, and we have got real history because shellfish have pretty much always been consumed for our pleasure. In 2007 scientists discovered a bowl of edible shellfish when excavating a cave in South Africa that dates to 164,000 years ago. In fact, this is one of the earliest documented examples of modern behaviour. If humans have been tucking into seafood like this for so long it makes me turn to the realisation that they are up on the pedestal of my shellfish food affair because they do not need much, if anything at all, to simply taste amazing. A bag of mussels or clams cooked in salt water, for example, can deliver one of the quickest, most delectable and affordable meals. in simplicity… and they are so bloody delicious.
Seeing that it is summer, but day to day life cannot be one ongoing holiday, I would urge you to make a delicious meal out of a mollusc. Even though we might not always be out in the world using them to play a role in our romantic vaca experience – there is concrete history, there is beauty
Here I have created a clam dish with a twist. Fennel caramelised is deliciously sweet. When combined with clams, punchy fennel fronds and spring onion it is quite simply awesome. This can be enjoyed with crusty bread or pasta. There is lots of parmesan in this shellfish dish which (I don't find it sacrilege) you can omit but I promise it tastes better with it! Buttery Clams with Caramelised Fennel, Asparagus and Spring Onion Ingredients: 1.4 kg fresh clams 3 garlic cloves thinly sliced 240 ml dry white wine 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 50 grams butter divided 100 grams very thin asparagus sliced on diagonal* (or 100 grams samphire) 1 bulb fennel sliced into long planks ½ lemon 19
When they are half opened (about one minute before they fully open) throw the asparagus or samphire into the pan to steam and dot with remaining butter. Plate the hot clams and asparagus immediately over the fennel, ladle the hot liquor over them and give it a good squeeze of lemon juice. Garnish with fennel fronds, parmesan cheese, and spring onion. Serve as a sharing platter with lots of crusty bread for dipping. *Discard and do not eat any clams that have not fully opened while cooking. *If you don’t have access to thin asparagus, Handful of fennel fronds you can cut them lengthwise in half and 25 grams finely shredded parmesan cheese then on the diagonal. Method:
Jenny Gwynne
In a frying pan on medium high heat add one tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, then add the fennel planks so that they don’t overlap.
Jenny is “The Salty Chilli”, an obsessive cook and food writer who lives in Moseley. To read more check out her Instagram @ thesaltychilli, her blog www.thesaltychilli. com .
Cook for four minutes on one side until nice and brown then flip and cook for an additional two minutes. Plate on a platter and sprinkle with about two tablespoons of the parmesan cheese. Heat a large sauté pan with a lid on medium high heat and add half of the butter and the remaining olive oil. Stir in the garlic and cook until lightly browned. Add the wine and bring to a simmer. Add the clams, sprinkle with some salt and cover, shaking from time to time. The timing of the clams all depends on how large they are. On average they take about eight minutes to cook. They should completely open when they are done*. 20
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EARLY MORNING A cacophony of birds start up.
Ever vigilant,
Dawn forces its way in, outside.
Expectant.
Creeping up in a pink sky.
The words of the day are dragged across the page of morning.
Outside my window. The cool rays of light palpitate the scene. As I lie here, spread-eagled in my bed; As I take another picture.
A light in yonder window congratulates me, As I greet it with a smile. Judith Fleetwood-Walker
Clouds threaten the horizon, Dull sirens hesitate the day. Creases conspire in my bedclothes. I wriggle about, Shrugging my existence, Embalmed in weak light, 21
WINDOW ON THE LOCAL ART WORLD
There's a new art exhibition in the former Boots' windows. Colourful abstract paintings by Susan McClure and ILdiko Nagy brighten up this corner by the main traffic lights in Moseley. Susan McClure "has long been inspired by the varied landscapes of the British Isles, because to her, painting them expresses our intricate relationships with the natural world, and also the fact that we are an indissoluble part of nature - that the interrelationships are between everything in the Universe, and our every action has an effect beyond our understanding. Her painting took an abstract turn in 2019 when in her search for fresh perspectives and challenges she took an online painting course called "Find Your Joy" by Louise Fletcher. Since then, in painting what and how she enjoys, Susan has found that every abstract not only expresses her inner self but also her memories of landscapes she loves, and her instinctive feeling for the complexity of our World."
This exhibition has been organised by Moseley Community Development Trust who are working with landlords of empty shops and restaurants in Moseley Village to showcase local artists. I'm sure you'll agree the high street is brighter and better for it! If you're a local artist or group interested in displaying your artwork in Moseley, please contact Moseley Exchange (0121 449 8585) who will ask you to fill in a short form, and will get in touch when an opportunity arises. Moseley CDT are working on getting similar agreements with landlords of other empty properties, so watch this space! Adele Hill
ILdiko Nagy "is a highly creative interdisciplinary artist and art tutor who focuses on well-being and nature, encouraging creative self-expression and tackling ecological issues. She works with a wide range of materials and methods such as illustration, painting, graphic design, digital media, conceptual art, willow craft, needlecraft, sculpture, up-cycling and the combinations of these art forms and craftsmanships. Being in the flow of creation is at the forefront of what she does." 22
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MICK AND MICHELLE
COUPLE’S COUPLE OF
BUSINESSES
to your home. Our vision is based around integrity, quality and freshness. We offer cut cheese to order or collection boxes with an assortment of different cheeses.” Who is a typical Queso! Customer? “Well, my focus is definitely the general public. I offer a delivery service, where people can buy online, and I will deliver to anywhere in Birmingham for free Wednesday to Saturday. My customers are ordinary people who have a love for cheese. Some order for a party, some order for wine and cheese evenings and many others order on a regular basis so that they always have quality cheese at home.” Tell us more about the cheese you supply? “Queso! always has a selection of over 40 cheeses at any one time; rotating approximately 100 cheeses depending on the season, availability and maturity. We have a storage unit in Balsall Heath where we store, cut and prepare the cheese for delivery.
We at Moseley B13 Magazine believe passionately in supporting Moseley’s local business people. It’s been a tough eighteen months for small businesses everywhere so now more than ever it's time to support our local entrepreneurs. We would like to introduce you to long-time Moseleyites, Mick and Michelle James.
I don’t sell any cheese I personally do not like which works out well because I am really
Mick and Michelle have been married for over 20 years and each runs their own business from their base in Moseley. They describe running two businesses within one household as being very challenging but ultimately very rewarding as well. Mick runs his own artisan cheese business Queso! while Michelle has her own online store Forever, stocked with the highest quality Aloe Vera products available on the market. I caught up with the entrepreneurial Moseley couple in Maison Mayci to learn about their respective businesses... So Mick, tell us about Queso! “Well cheese is my passion and I’m a big foodie in general. With my background as a linguist, I’ve spent a lot of time in France and Spain and it’s from there my passion stems. Basically, Queso! supplies fine artisan cheese 23
Next up? I spoke to Michelle about her business.... Michelle, when and why did you decide to start working with Forever, and where did your journey with Aloe Vera begin? “Well Aloe Vera is a plant famed for its medicinal and healing powers. My personal journey began a few years ago. I was suffering from skin problems and nothing I tried seemed to have any effect. I had heard about the success people have had with Aloe Vera to treat skin conditions and I decided to give it a go. I was amazed with the results and from that day forward I was a complete convert, so much so that it led me to launch my own business supplying Forever’s Aloe Vera products.”
passionate about great cheese. I have a really high standard and only sell cheeses which are Are there lots of different types of Aloe Vera? artisan, made by small independent producers and above all else are absolutely delicious.” “Yes, there are over 400 species of Aloe Vera plants. However, one species of plant, And where does the cheese come from? Barbadensis Miller is renowned as being the best. My Forever products are made “About 60% of our cheese comes from Britain and the rest from a mixture of France, exclusively from this variety.” Spain and Italy. The most important thing to Tell us more about your products? me is that it is of the highest quality.” "The Aloe Vera plants for our products are A final word for Moseley B13 Magazine grown without the use of pesticides and are readers? sustainably sourced. We only used the inner “If you love quality and are passionate about leaf gel – the most potent part of the plant. cheese then give it a go. Place an order online All drinking gels are vegan, and our products involve no animal testing; they all do what and I will personally drop it off to you. I love they say they will do. getting out there and meeting fellow cheese lovers.” Mick’s passion for what he does is infectious. I for one cannot wait to place an order. You can find a full list of Mick’s Queso’s amazing cheeses at: www.queso.uk / https:// www.facebook.com/Quesofinecheese/ (Free delivery to Birmingham every Wednesday to Saturday). Queso! can also be found at the following Markets: Wednesdays – Warwick Market; Thursdays - Kenilworth Market(Abbey End); Fridays - Stratford upon Avon Market (Rother Street; Saturdays: 1st Saturday of the month – Sutton, 3rd Saturday of the month - Cleobury Mortimer; Sundays – 1st Sunday of the month - Lichfield (Market Place) and regularly at Leamington from September. 24
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me that my customers are happy with their decision to start making Aloe Vera a part of their lives.” A final word for Moseley B13 Magazine readers? “I’m passionate about what I do and really believe that these products can help people live happier lives. It worked for me and it’s working for my customers, so I’d encourage you to give it a go.” Michelle’s passion for her Aloe Vera products really shines through when you’re speaking with her. You can find a full range of Michelle’s products at: If you would like to learn more about Michelle’s Aloe Vera products and fancy starting your own business, Michelle would be happy to speak with you. Email: iloveme@flp. com / Telephone: 07739 806649 Aloe Vera has many healing qualities but the most feedback I get from customers is on how much it improves their skin and also their energy levels. My typical customer is someone who wants to look good and feel good, and cares about the quality of the products they use.”
Martin Jeffers, Financial Planner - Moseley E: martin.jeffers@sjpp.co.uk / 07507634432
What are some of your top products? "Well, I stock over 250 products but currently three of the biggest sellers are: • Aloe Vera Drinking gel (A cleanser which helps to cleanse the digestive tract and is packed with Vitamin C which supports the immune system) • Forever Bright tooth gel (which contains propolis and has no fluoride) • Ever-Shield Deodorant (all-day protection against underarm odour with the soothing power of aloe. It does not contain aluminium salts. Anything else we should know? “I offer a full no-quibble, 60-day money back guarantee on all products. It is important to 25
Sculpture bought by the Blackwells in Italy in 1893
Agnes and Althans Blackwell were a comfortably-off middle-class Moseley family living at Brackley Dene in Chantry Road from 1892. Their home was typical of many in Moseley in the later nineteenth century. How it was decorated and furnished was important to status. The Blackwells shopped mostly in Birmingham, which highlights the welldeveloped retail amenities there, but some purchases were made in London and abroad.
The drawing room at Brackley Dene had ‘a beautiful moulded ceiling’ and throughout there were expensive ‘heavy, solid wood floors’ in which a decorative pattern was set. Fireplaces were focal points and the source of heat. The Blackwells spent £42 14s 8d in 1893 on coal, coke and slack from a local coal merchant, J. Hudson, Coal dealer, 72 Vincent Street, Balsall Heath. Gas was considered reliable by the 1890s when incandescent gas mantles producing a brighter light were developed. Althans Blackwell had gas tubes fitted by William Southall, a Birmingham Gas Fitter, at a cost of £25 10s 6d to fifty locations in Brackley Dene in 1892. The eleven bedroom house only had one bathroom, making necessary the Toilet Set, Toilet Pail, two water sets and two water jugs that the Blackwells bought from Marian Bishop of Birmingham in 1893 for £7 16s 0d. Window treatments 26
were important for exhibiting wealth, style and taste, but also in preserving privacy and status. Agnes Blackwell bought Guipure lace curtains for £1 12s 3d in 1896 and blinds for £3 13s 0d in 1894. Comfortable ‘patterned, padded and puffed out’ seating was popular: in 1895, Althans Blackwell bought a large settee ‘covered in best English velvet and stuffed with hair’ for £15 from John Ward and a round settee upholstered in silks and wool tapestry and silk trimmings for £10 10s 0d from Chamberlain, King & Jones, both Birmingham firms. Specialist furniture was available: in 1895 Althans Blackwell bought two smoking chairs ‘with stuffed seats and backs covered with best English
Satsuma Vases bought from Liberty & Co., Regent Street, London
velvet and stuffed with hair’ for £9, two smoking chairs with ‘stuffed rail and wood seats’ for £8 and a smoking or card table in oak for £2 10s 6d, a total of £19 10s 6d, from John Ward of Birmingham. Lighter bedroom furniture was popular: the Blackwells bought a ‘white painted wardrobe with hanging space and shaped and bevelled mirror’ in 1890 for £27 16s 5½d and a bedroom overmantel in pine with shaped mirror to a special design at £37 15s 0d, both from Chamberlain, King & Jones. Decorative items were important: the Blackwells bought two Satsuma Vases costing £1 17s 6d and £3 10s 0d and a Bronze Pot costing £2 0s 0d from Liberty & Co., Regent Street, London in 1895.In the same year they bought a 40-piece tea set and a trinket set costing £1 18s 0d from Marion Bishop, Wholesale and Retail Glass, China and Earthenware Depot, Martineau Street, Corporation Street, Birmingham. The home was the centre of culture and leisure. Brackley Dene had a billiard room, a place where smoking and drinking was
Bill, Chamberlain, King & Jones, Birmingham, 1895
Bill, William Hopkins & Son, 1896
enjoyed. Over the course of 1895 Althans Blackwell bought 325 cigars at a total cost of £7 4s 6d from John Hollingsworth & Son, Birmingham. He bought barrels of beer in 1892 at £3 12s 0d and whisky and wine in 1893 at £14 8s 0d, from Birmingham and Edinburgh. Owning and displaying the right books was important for middle-class aspirations of gentility. In 1896, Althans Blackwell bought five different titles at a cost of £1 4s 6d from C. Combridge of Birmingham, including Days of Auld Lang Syne, Pleasure of Life, Beauties of Nature, Knight of White Cross and St Nicholas. The Blackwell library contained classic novels, books on domestic management, history, travel, politics and art. Music-making was crucial home entertainment. Althans Blackwells bought violas in 1896 for 5s from William Sydenham of Tamworth, Staffordshire, and had a Victorian inlaid 27
music cabinet with shelves for ‘Songs’, ‘Sacred’ and ‘Operas’. The Blackwells were interested in art too. In 1893 whilst in Florence, they bought an important original figure group of a young man and girl, ‘Declaration of Love’, carved in best Carrara marble, which cost £2,100. They bought other art works; for example, an oil painting by the American artist Walter Blackman for £16 in 1895 and, in 1897, a water colour by Helena Maguire (£20) and a painting by A. Glendenning (£11), all from Frank Kendrick of Birmingham. They favoured rural scenes. Janet Berry £1 in 1890 was about £82 in 2017. £2,100 in 1890 was about £172,300 in 2017. Read more about Brackley Dene, the home of the Blackwells, on the Moseley Society website. (moseley-society/localhistory.org.uk).
Brackley Dene, 1898
HAVE A SPARE ROOM? IT COULD CHANGE A LIFE.
Standing Tall, a Birmingham not-for-profit, matches individuals who have been through homelessness into stable jobs in local businesses. Alongside this, we ensure each individual has a safe home to come
back to through our ‘Amici’ hosting service. If you have a spare room, Standing Tall will support you to welcome an individual into your home and you’ll be paid an extra £500 per month. The Founder and CEO of Standing Tall, Christy Acton says ‘I managed a night shelter in the city centre for four years and a good number of individuals experiencing homelessness can sustain a full-time job. It’s a great way to move away from the streets for good. Last week I visited the outreach group run by Moseley Giving and it was great to meet everybody.’ To find out more, visit www.standingtall.org.uk/ become-an-amici
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Chantell Faure is the C.E.O of Unity Streets in Balsall Heath. Chantell recently caught up with Moseley B13 Magazine to chat about Unity Streets and her mission to make communities and society in general better, fairer and more connected…. Hi Chantell. Tell us about yourself and Unity Streets. I’m a wife and mother to six children. I’ve been nominated for the Heart of Gold award in 2016, and the Community Champion Award 2018/19. I’ve participated in the SSE programme 2017 for Social School of Entrepreneurs. I’ve collaborated with the BBC, West Midlands Police, West Midlands Fire Service, Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Active Streets, Jakeman Nursery, Anderton Park School, Women in Theatre, Bright Future Football Club, Balsall Heath Forum, Birmingham University, Odora, and many more... Unity Streets is a not for profit Community Interest Company. Our aims and objectives are to enhance and transform the lives of individuals and families, focusing on vulnerable women and families on a low income. Unity Streets is open to all, including those in Balsall Heath and the wider community.
We do this through a variety of community engagements such as coffee mornings, workshops, wellbeing sessions, yoga meditation, trips, days out, parties, fund raising, charitable events and much, much more…. You can find out more about Unity Streets by emailing unitystreets@outlook.com or on Facebook as Unity Streets and Twitter as @faure_chantell.
We aim to reduce social barriers such as segregation, isolation, racism, poverty and crime. We believe in empowerment, bringing people together and breaking down social barriers.
Mark Baxter
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FAST FRIENDLY AND FUN
FRENCH AND SPANISH LEARNING
Moseley B13 Magazine caught up with Moseley’s Susan Pollard to say hello/ bonjour/hola, and have a chat about her language classes... So, Suz, tell us about the language classes you run. “At Quick Fix Language Solutions, I guarantee fast, friendly and fun learning for all ages and levels. I ensure the right balance of vocabulary and grammar to quickly give my students the confidence to actively use the language and to say what they want to say, not just limited to the set phrases from a textbook or Duolingo! With a highly tailored approach to each class and carefully selected study materials, students make swift progress with my support. Students can learn with me 1:1 or in small groups online. Intensive courses/special packages such as GCSE revision courses or Essential Spanish for Holidays crash courses are also available on request”. How has your business adapted to the world of Zoom? “The group class format via Zoom has become a
very popular method of learning in recent times, requiring very little technical know-how/set up - just a computer with a camera and microphone. With the Zoom platform allowing the real time sharing of all kinds of content from audio to video, websites, Powerpoint slides, as well as a class whiteboard, chat box and breakout rooms for pair work, I offer highly interactive and well-structured online group classes for my learners. “I cater for Beginner/ Improver/Advanced levels for those learning French and Spanish for leisure in small groups, delivered online from the comfort of their own home or wherever they happen to be”. What’s the feedback been from your students? “Well, here’s what one of my students (Charlotte Jones) of my recent Elementary 1 group Spanish course said: “I’m only in week four and I’m able to construct a sentence in Spanish and not just a statement. There’s a good balance of reading, writing, listening and pair work. The top tips for learning a language have helped too. Susan is a very motivating teacher and the hour lesson is concise and engaging. ¡Olé!” Give us a bit of background on yourself and what led you to do what you do. “Well, I am a language enthusiast and studied French, Spanish and Portuguese at Cambridge University. I have attended more than 10 residential language courses across France and Spain over the years and I really understand the challenges of learning
a language and how to fastTrack success. “After working as a language teacher in Mexico and Switzerland for 3 years, I found myself with a lasting passion for teaching and I have continued this through private tutoring over the last 15 years. “In 2019, I decided to formally set up my language business, naming it ‘Quick Fix Language Solutions’ to reflect the swift progress students make with me! “I’m really passionate about what I do and nothing gives me a bigger buzz than helping my students reach their language goals.” So Suz, what should Moseley B13 Magazine readers interested in learning a new language do next? “They can check out my website www. quickfixlanguagesolutions. co.uk and book onto my next online courses that are coming this September. People can contact me on 07907895594 or info@ quickfixlanguagesolutions. co.uk Martin Jeffers, Financial Planner – Moseley martin.jeffers@sjpp.co.uk 07507634432
THE RETURN OF
LUCKY 13
Lucky 13 was a children’s and family feature from the early days of Moseley B13 Magazine (or Birmingham 13 as it was known from its first issue in 1973). The reprint below is of Lucky 13 from the June 1980 issue and has an animal theme. Joanne Falk (aged nine) details her trip to the Malvern Street Animal and Garden Centre, and then on to the Malvern Street Play Centre. The Malvern Street projects developed into Balsall Heath City Farm and St Paul’s Community Development Trust which continue to bring support, activities and recreation to the area. Joy Cornish-Bowden continues the theme with a write-up on the Animal Day at Cannon Hill Park. Well, Lucky 13 has had a decent rest of several decades so we’d now like to bring it back to the magazine as a regular feature! If you have any stories, events, educational/historical pieces or anything you think would appeal to children or families, then do let us know. Mark Baxter
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