A D N C O V
A
L
BUMPER 40-PAGE DIGITAL ISSUE!
EE FR
B13 MAGAZINE
L
May 2020 ISSUE 507
A C E LO C IN 3 S 97 1
M SELEY
MOSELEY COMES TOGETHER! SUPPORT DURING THE PANDEMIC
KIDS IN LOCKDOWN: QUARANTEENIES
A MOSELEY ARTIST
ANKARET SHAKTI HARMER
BUSINESSES IN LOCKDOWN: 9-PAGE SPECIAL
TOGETHER, APART:
CONNECTED IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD
Newshound's valiant attempts to get the magazine photographed in the strangest and remotest of locations.
MOSELEY B13 MAGAZINE
MAY20
EDITOR Mark Baxter (editor@moseleymagazine.co.uk) THE TEAM Ian Cook, David Isgrove, Stephanie Silk, Tessa Kate Lowe, Maria Arroja Ferreira, Tipton. Debbie Aldous, PHOTOGRAPHER Alexandra Merrick CONTRIBUTORS Jonathan Sandilands, David Spilsbury, Des Jennings, Nick Cuthbert, Kashmir Tutt. Moseley Local History Society, Tessa Lowe. PROOF READER Jane Barry ADVERTISING Debbie Aldous SOCIAL MEDIA Position Vacant TREASURER Leanne Holloway (accounts@moseleyb13.com) DESIGN Andy Wickett (andywickett@gmail.com) 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 info@moseleyb13.com www.moseleyb13.com PHONE 0843 289 3665 BOARD David Isgrove (Chair) Stephanie Silk (Editorial) 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. COVER PHOTO Conrad Brunton (instagram.com/conradb1982) 2020 PUBLICATION DATES
ISSUE COPY SALE Jan (no issue) Feb 15 Jan Mar 19 Feb Apr 18 Mar May 15 Apr Jun 20 May Jul 17 Jun Aug 15 Jul Sep 19 Aug Oct 16 Sep Nov 21 Oct Dec 18 Nov
25 Jan 29 Feb 28 Mar 25 Apr 30 May < 27 Jun 25 Jul 29 Aug 26 Sep 31 Oct 28 Nov
WORDS FROM THE
EDITOR
Moseley B13 Magazine goes electronic! OK, it's not exactly 'Dylan goes electric' (some hilarious wise guy out there is bound to be shouting “Judas!” in response to my remark), but it is a big move after 47 years as a physical product. The reasons for the change, as you've probably guessed, are issues created by the lockdown, and we plan to be back in print form as soon as possible. On top of the bells and whistles of our digital transition, the magazine is also free and we hope this will help it to reach people in all corners of the community during the pandemic.
By the way – did you spot last month's April Fool spoof article? The Night Moseley Trembled was a fabrication, parodying the story of Orson Welles War of the Worlds radio play. The 1938 drama is thought to have caused panic, with some listeners believing it to be a factual report. I moved the action to 1950s Moseley with locals mistaking an outdoor science fiction play for an alien invasion. The Moseley Accrington Stanley Supporters' Club article was also peppered with porkies. The magazine's April Fool's pranks have been an ongoing event since the 1970s. Stay home, clap for good people and read our first ever digital issue! You know it makes sense. Mark
IN THIS ISSUE
04 NEWSHOUND
08 QUARANTEENIES 10 BUSINESSES IN LOCKDOWN
So what can you find in this 'bumper' 40-page digital edition (using the word bumper in an editorial is one to cross off the wish list. I just need to find a way to use 'soaraway' in the next issue)?
11 KATSU KITCHEN
There's a nine-page special on how our local businesses are staying afloat and engaging in entrepreneurial activity to help the community. We take a look at the many creative ways Moseley is keeping connected and having fun at home – from 1980s disco nights to virtual trips to local fire stations. David Isgrove writes about how the church is finding new parishioners with the convenience and privacy of online services. This reminds me of the recent and apt quote about how Lent 2020 was “...the lentiest Lent we've ever had”.
18 COMMUNITY SHOP
We also have correspondence from the USA on how the magazine has gained a surprising overseas readership. In a similar vein, we look back at the
12 FEEDING THE COMMUNITY 14 LITTLE BLACKWOOD 16 MOSELEY TRAVEL 20 MOSELEY COMES TOGETHER 22 TOGETHER, APART 24 MIKE WAKELAM 25 JUST TO SAY 26 MOSELEY MEMORIES 28 A MOSELEY ARTIST 31 VIRUS KILLED THE CHURCH? 32 COVID-19 FAMILY LAW 34 BRITANNIC ASSURANCE 36 EDITOR’S CHOICE 38 TIPTON’S TOUR 39 B13 NEEDS YOU!
20
22
66
08
28
10
NEWSHOUND
Tipton, the B13 Newshound Twitter: @B13Newshound / Instagram: @tiptonb13
COVID-19 TEST CENTRE AT EDGBASTON STADIUM CAR PARK
Warwickshire County Cricket Club has donated its Edgbaston Stadium to the Department of Health to create a drive-through COVID-19 testing station, to regularly test NHS staff who are working in Birmingham and the wider West Midlands region. The NHS staff testing centre is within Edgbaston’s main on-site car park. NHS staff will drive in through the Edgbaston Road entrance, be tested while remaining in their vehicle and exit the grounds onto Pershore Road. Neil Snowball, Chief Executive of the Club, said: “With our county cricket programme and conference and events business closed until 29 May, our staff have been exploring various options which enable the club to keep supporting our local community during these difficult times, whether that be through making calls to our elderly members and ex-players, volunteering and by offering Edgbaston Stadium for use in the wider civil contingency effort. “Whilst it is a small part to play in the grand scheme of things, we are pleased that our stadium can be utilised to support the fantastic efforts being made by all of our NHS staff in response to the coronavirus crisis. We are also very grateful for the support that we have received in delivering this project from Patrizia and Homes England, our development partners” The NHS staff COVID-19 testing station will remain at Edgbaston Stadium until further notice to support the measures that have been implemented by the Government to counter the virus. Warwickshire CCC has also outlined plans to show thanks to the NHS by providing free entry to its staff at a Birmingham Bears fixture later this summer. Details of this will be revealed as further information about the 2020 season and schedule are released. MOSELEY FESTIVAL 2020 CANCELLED The organisers of Moseley’s annual Summer festival have confirmed the 2020 event won’t take place this year saying : “With heavy hearts we’ve taken the decision to cancel this year’s community Moseley Festival, which had been due to take place in early July. “While some restrictions may or may not be in place by then, we couldn’t be sure. We are completely run by volunteers and do not receive any public funding. It was coming up to the time when we would have needed to book the stalls and entertainment for the street fair and other events and pay overheads. “As we can’t currently guarantee that it would be safe to hold the event in early July, we decided that it would be best to cancel this year’s festival. Moseley Festival has been going for many years and we have no plans to end that tradition. We will be back in 2021 and hope we can hold at least one special one-day event before then.” 4
www.moseleyb13.com
MOSELEY TRAVEL HELPS WITH REPATRIATIONS Although the shop door is closed, Moseley Travel is very much still very much open for business. The office is staffed most weekdays and is assisting with repatriation, rearranging existing bookings and offering general travel advice and new bookings. Its phone number is 0121 442 4499 and emails to enquiries@moseleytravel.com are still being answered. Read more about Moseley Travel on pages 16 and 17.
CAFÉ OWNER SAYS MOSELEY BUSINESSES WILL CLOSE IF LOCKDOWN LASTS TOO LONG Moseley businesses may be forced to close permanently if the lockdown goes on for too long, the owner of one of the area’s main coffee shops has said. Bob Khan, who owns Cafephilia on Alcester Road, which closed its doors to customers after the announcement of the lockdown, was talking to the Birmingham Live website. He said: “We are a very close-knit, family-owned coffee shop. We have had to close the doors - that’s really bad. It’s going to have a massive effect financially. We had bought a lot of stock in and all that stock has been given away to the elderly. “We just want to get back to normality. It’s going to put us at risk if it carries on. I will have to use my personal resources. We can last two months before it starts to get really serious. We have to write off April, and if May is out of the question too we will be in serious trouble in June. I know a lot of businesses will close. We can sustain the hit for two months but other businesses are just making ends meet on a weekly basis.”
info@moseleyb13.com
5
LOCAL BUS SERVICES HIT BY PANDEMIC Bus services have been reduced due to a decline in passenger numbers. The 50 is running a service every 20 minutes. The no. 1 to Moseley Village / Bristol Road / Five Ways goes through Moseley on the hour, with return buses reaching Moseley Village at 26 and 56 minutes past each hour. The 1A to the QE bus station leaves Moseley Wake Green at half past the hour - a couple of minutes later in the Village, but there are so few passengers that it pays to be a few minutes early. It returns from the QE bus station at 10 minutes past the hour, reaching Moseley Village at 26 minutes past.
MOSELEY IN BLOOM CANCELS JUNE OPEN GARDENS In light of the COVID-19 situation, Moseley in Bloom (MiB) has had to take the decision that Moseley in Bloom Open Gardens event will not take place in June this year. The group believes it is extremely unlikely that the virus will be under control by the end of June and that mass movement of people will be safe again. Even if it were, the current timetable of planning for the event would involve visiting gardens, talking to owners and calling for volunteers during April, and that simply cannot happen. Kate Stocks, MiB Open Gardens Co-ordinator, said: “In times of uncertainty people need clarity and we hope that making the decision now will reduce people’s anxiety. We are currently investigating other possibilities for some kind of garden event – watch this space to find out more, once we have had chance to develop these ideas. Best wishes, stay safe, and enjoy your gardening: Moseley gardens should look amazing this year.”
MOSELEY PULLS TOGETHER TO HELP LOCAL CARE HOMES Moseley Together (MT), a new group providing community support for Moseley during the COVID-19 pandemic, is saying a huge “thank you” to everyone who has helped with its plea for Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to help Moseley care homes. Moseley Together has received donations of 62 boxes of gloves , including 50 brand new boxes (that’s 5,000 gloves) from Patrick of Moseley Autocentre; around 100 disposable face masks; around 60 disposable aprons; 7 x 500 ml bottles of hand sanitiser (six from one person), six small pocket-packs of sanitiser, and one unused paint spray mask. Supplies have been delivered to four care homes which needed them most. One care home passed on this message: “Please thank all of your volunteers. You are a lifeline. I have put your note on the staff notice board as encouragement in everything that you are doing.” Another said, “Thank you so much for your kind support. We really appreciate your efforts supplying us gloves this morning.” MT has now been in contact with all 13 known care homes in Moseley and further supplies will be delivered as soon as possible to those who need them. Not all of the homes look after the very elderly and a couple of them with younger residents have asked for washable face masks for the residents to use when going out for walks. So, if you are handy with a needle and have a pattern, about 20 are still needed. Also still required are: disposable one-piece zip-up paper overalls, gowns or aprons with sleeves, eye goggles (the spectacle kind that wrap round the face, rather than the masks with elastic straps). If you would like to volunteer to support others, or need support yourself, Moseley Together can be contacted on 07796 668257, email info@moseleytogether.org.uk Ian Cook Read more about Moseley Together on pages 20 and 21.
COMMUNITY
6
Moseley B13 Magazine
www.moseleyb13.com
MOSELEY SOCIETY MEMORIAL PAGE
In these extraordinary times the Moseley Society
committee has taken the decision to open a Memorial page on their website: https://moseley-society.org.uk/ (There is a link from the front page to the relevant section).
Fiona Adams made the following announcement: “As
COVID-19 spreads across our community we have opened this page for everyone who wishes to record and remember the lives of people in Moseley who have died. We wish to include everyone, particularly at a time when normal funerals and memorial services cannot take place.
Some will have died in hospital and have been tested
for virus, others will have died with symptoms but without testing. We want to include everyone who has died during this difficult period, whether before their time or from natural causes. We wish them all to be remembered.”
Anyone can send in details of the person they want
to be remembered via the contact page on the website or direct to Fiona Adams.
info@moseleyb13.com
7
COMMUNITY
When I accepted the brief to do this page a mere three weeks ago, the prospect of selfisolation, whilst daunting and full of unfamiliar challenges, was also exciting and held promise and opportunities: from DIY to finishing that novel; getting to know the neighbours and even contributing to a local magazine. We had been given the gift of precious time with our loved ones. I write to you now from a very different world; the honeymoon period is over and we’re here for the long haul. Despite not having kids myself a children’s page would be a piece of cake, or so I naively thought. Many of my friends are parents and teachers, and the internet is full of good ideas and advice. New phrases such as 'quarantine shaming' and 'isolation envy' have crept into our vocabulary and I do not want to encourage these or add to the levels of stress that some are experiencing by setting unrealistic goals or giving unsolicited advice, as there is plenty of that flying around at the moment. It is for that reason that I am letting you know that Birmingham City Council has
commissioned kooth.com, from XenZone, an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people. If you feel you are in danger of becoming part of the surging domestic violence statistics then call Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid on 0808 800 0028. Women’s Aid have also launched a chat service which you can find here: https://chat.womensaid.org.uk/ and services are also available for other genders. Every family is different and what works for one is not necessarily 'right' and may not work for another: some prefer maintaining a routine; others have come to treat it like a holiday and fit education in when possible. Many celebrities are offering online resources to satisfy their need for attention/ help the nation though lockdown. HERE'S A SAMPLE TIMETABLE: 9.00am - PE with Joe Wicks https://youtu.be/6v-a_dpwhro 10.00am - Maths with Carol Vorderman www. themathsfactor.com or live science from glasgowsciencecentre.org
Kids in L
QUARAN
11.00am - English with David Walliams https://www. worldofdavidwalliams.com/ elevenses/
12.00pm - Lunch (cooking with Jamie Oliver) https://www. jamieoliver.com/feat…/category/ get-kids-cooking/ 1.00pm - Music with Myleene Klass https://www. youtube.com/channel/ UCQh2wgJ5tOrixYBn6jFXsXQ 1.30pm - Dance with Darcey Bussell https:// twitter.com/diversedance…/ status/1241098264373592065 2.00pm - History with Dan Snow (free for 30-days) https:// tv.historyhit.com/signup/ package 4.00pm - Home Economics with Theo Michaels (Mon/Wed/Fri) https://www.instagram.com/ theocooksScience with Brian Cox: https://cosmicshambles. com/stayathome/upcomingschedule.
8
www.moseleyb13.com
kind and not judge ourselves too harshly against impossible standards, and remember to give ourselves a break. I will finish with reflections from a teacher in China on her recently ended lock down:
Lockdown:
NTEENIES
Moseley has fine local celebrities also doing their part. If you are fed up with the housewife’s favourite Joe Wicks then Emma's https://www. facebook.com/drumnbounce/ will get you moving, or for a more relaxed pace then Laur Bee's https://www.facebook. com/LaurBeeWellbeing , www. iamyogi.co.uk and https://www. facebook.com/MoseleyYoga are offering live online Yoga. Speaking of exercise it has been so uplifting to see the rainbow symbols of love and support for the NHS during our daily constitutional. This seems to have impressed the local police who have been dropping Easter eggs off to the artists where they see them (I must get drawing). Moseley Park is running a Springwatch (at moseleypark.co.uk) - you don’t even need a key!
“1. Accept that you have no control over the situation. Let go of any thoughts of trying to plan too much for the next month or two. Things change so fast. Don't be angry and annoyed at the system. Anxiety goes down, and you make the best of the situation - whatever that might be for you. Accept that this is what it is and things will get easier. 2. Try not to listen to/read/ watch too much media. It WILL drive you crazy. There is such a thing as too much! 3. The sense of community I have felt during this time is incredible. I could choose who I wanted to spend my energy on - who I wanted to call, message and connect with and found the quality of my relationships has improved. 4. Appreciate this enforced downtime. When do you ever have time like this? I will miss it when we go back to the fast-paced speed of the 'real world'.
Ultimately though just getting our families through this physically and mentally intact is probably enough. We should be info@moseleyb13.com
9
5. Time goes fast. The relationships I have built have only continued to grow. It was a time to learn and develop. 6. You learn to appreciate the little things: sunshine through the window, flowers blossoming and being able to enjoy a coffee in a cafe. To those just beginning this journey: You will get through it. Listen to what you are told, follow the rules and look out for each other. There is light at the end of the tunnel.” - Max Jalil
BUSINESSES IN LOCKDOWN:
9-PAGE SPECIAL
DIWAN BALTI: TAKEAWAY SUCCESS Hygiene ratings ensure that businesses take hygiene seriously at the best of times and are especially vigilant at the moment.
It has been interesting watching the progress of Diwan Balti from my front window as I hang out of it meditating on the swirls from my wicked cigarettes. This was the first week after closure of all restaurants, with takeaways seeing only a small trickle of customers.
"Are you doing a reduced menu now, Kalam?" I asked him. "No. We're offering the usual choice but mostly people tend to choose a few favourites so effectively it is reduced."
I spotted a young man making deliveries one evening and went over to ask him how they were doing and to ask if keeping open was worth the while. "We'll know at the start of next week," he smiled wryly in reply. He turned out to be Kalam, son of the founder and owner. He is now effectively running Moseley's favourite Balti (or any other curry) restaurant.
It turns out that Garlic Chicken Chili Bahar is top of the list of 'favourites' with their world famous huge and delicious onion bhajees still 'selling like hotcakes'!' There are just three of them keeping it all going. Before the change it took ten or eleven people to keep the customers satisfied. Here's hoping it won't be too extraordinarily long before they need them all again.
The nightly trickle continued and then, suddenly, on the third Saturday, there were queues of cars patiently waiting all evening long.I caught sight of him a couple of days later. It is all going well now. It seems there was a widely read article online which rated takeaways, the safest way of all to get your food in these strange times. The Food COMMUNITY
-Tessa Kate Lowe The Diwan is open from 5.30pm until around 11pm. Order online at www.diwanbalti.co.uk or call 0121 442 4920 10
www.moseleyb13.com
If you’d like to try your hand at a delicious Japanese meal, Yuji of Katsu Kitchen has shared a recipe you can recreate at home too! Chicken Karaage (Japanese Fried Chicken) Serves 3 – 4 Prep time 12 minutes Cooking Time 3-4 minutes Level – Easy Ingredients ½ Cup Potato Starch (preferably), if not available use corn starch There have been many changes for everyone 2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce (Japanese) in the past month. What changes have you had to make in order to remain open for 1 Tablespoon Sake (if you do not have sake, do business? not worry - you can leave this out) I have always had quite an open outlook on life, and my recipe for staying positive is simple: always think and act on the brighter side of life. We all get a bad hand dealt to us from time to time, it just depends on how each person deals with it. This time unfortunately the whole planet is affected.
1 Tablespoon granulated Sugar (you can use honey)
To help support all NHS and Emergency services, we are giving a 40% discount and, though we realise that in the bigger picture of life this is a small gesture, it’s how I and the team at Katsu Kitchen show our appreciation and awe.
Serve with a slice of Lemon or Mayonnaise (Japanese Mayo preferably), on boiled rice or on a salad!
½ Tablespoon grated Ginger ½ Tablespoon Garlic
If you like things spicy add a teaspoon of your favourite chilli powder. As a worldwide community and within our local communities and - even closer - to Directions friends and family, we just need to do the obvious to keep going. Good comes out of bad 1. Get two chicken fillets and dice into bite times and humanity will always lead the way, size pieces. so this is something I always have faith in – humanity. 2. Add all ingredients minus the potato starch to a bowl and mix. All the essential workers are doing an incredible job too. The NHS have helped me 3. Add chicken pieces to marinade, cover and out so many times in the past with my medical leave in sauce mix for 10 minutes. needs, and I have always received 100%, from 4. Place potato starch in separate bowl, then the porters and admin staff to the nurses add chicken pieces and toss in flour. and consultants. I can’t even imagine what they are going through now and although it probably does not mean much, I am so proud 5. Fry in hot oil at 180 Degrees for 3-4 minutes. of our NHS.
info@moseleyb13.com
- Katsu Kitchen interview and recipe courtesy of Maria Arroja Ferreira
11
COMMUNITY
FEEDING THE COMMUNITY – THE BETTER BANKS Foodbanks have unfortunately come to be a necessary part of today’s society with ever more people becoming reliant on them. In the current crisis they are more important than ever and increasing numbers have sprung up to fill the void left as other parts of social care and food deliveries struggle to catch up with demand. Donations have fluctuated massively, with an initial dearth as hoarders stockpiled for imminent lockdown followed by record donations from businesses - restaurants, canteens and cafes, that were not going to open during lockdown. The Birmingham University Students Union Shop kindly donated all their perishable stock. This was obviously a one-off and now food banks are again reliant on the generosity of supporters, largely the public, for their donations of food, money and time. Clothes, toiletries, nappies and baby food, and now PPE (gloves, masks etc.) are also valued contributions.
funded and service the needy through a voucher referral scheme. Clients can be referred by different agencies, such as the job centre, Citizens Advice, children’s centres and health visitors - check their websites: birminghamcentral.foodbank.org.uk; sparkhill.foodbank.org.uk and www.facebook. com/Acocks-Green-Foodbank for details and opening times. Donations can also be dropped off at, and online shops can be shipped directly to: B30 Foodbank Warehouse, Unit 17, Castle Road, Kings Norton Business Park, B30 3HZ (Tuesdays and Fridays 14.00 -16.00). Food can be dropped off at the following places: Balsall Heath Church Centre, 100 Mary Street, Balsall Heath, B12 9JU (Tuesday/Wednesday/ Thursday 9am – 14.00), Sainsbury’s Kings Heath (08.00-20.00), Co-Op buidling Stirchley (08.00- 22.00),Co-Op Cotteridge (08.00 – 21.00), Co-Op Dads Lane (07.00-22.00), Co-Op Vicarage Road (07.00-21.00), Lloyds Bank Cotteridge (when the bank is open) and Cotteridge Church (when the church is open).
There are various types of food banks serving the varied needs of their clients: The Trussell group food banks such as Birmingham Central Foodbank, Sparkhill Foodbank, and Acocks Green Foodbank are part-government-
Let's Feed Brum (https://www.facebook. com/letsfeedbrum/) run a soup kitchen for the homeless which is temporarily closed due to Covid. However, they are now managing the feeding and housing of rough sleepers moved into hostels and hotels whilst isolation is in operation. They are not accepting food donations directly but are partners to The Active Wellbeing Society theaws.co.uk, an 12
www.moseleyb13.com
umbrella organisation that is co-ordinating the effort – check its website. Their associates SIFA Fireside, Birmingham’s main day centre for homeless and vulnerably housed adults are organising The Big Brummie-Campout to raise money and awareness for their cause. https://www.sifafireside.co.uk/pages/181-bigbrummie-camp-out-2020 Babies in need are catered for by Brum Baby Bank (also part of The Active Wellbeing Society) - donate here https://uk.gofundme. com/f/brum-baby-bank and apply here if you need help https://theaws.co.uk/food/ There are also the many new local groups that have sprung from the community spirit engendered by the pandemic, such as moseleytogether.org.uk, Kings Heath Volunteers Network (COVID-19), Cooperation Birmingham and Balsall Heath Mutual Aid which not only offer help and support but provide much needed positivity at this time. I would like to give a special mention to Birmingham Community Solidarity (facebook. com/BrumSolidarity) who in association with The Real Junk Food Project Birmingham and Sewa Day are providing food to needy local residents without requiring a voucher or agency referral. Donations can be dropped
off DAILY to Darren and Adele at The Station, Kings Heath High Street, from 10.00-16.00, or can be collected locally. In addition to food donations and toiletries, there is also need for non-perishable food that requires little preparation, such as instant noodles, cup-asoups, breakfast bars etc. This is to help the vulnerable young people of St Basil’s Youth Hub currently being housed in emergency accommodation such as B&Bs and hotels which often have no cooking facilities, just a kettle. Volunteers are also needed for sorting, disinfecting and packing incoming donations, collecting and delivering. As Stu from BCS says, “Many dark days lie ahead of us, but when all this is over, remember that it was your neighbours, your local communities who came through for you!” - Max Jalil
info@moseleyb13.com
13
BIG HEARTS OF LITTLE BLACKWOOD
the governments guidance on social distancing and self-isolation. We panicked a few days in, because what started as 9 or 10 orders for the following few days soon resulted in over a hundred emails a day requesting produce – we weren’t ‘geared’ up for it and so my partner and myself were up until midnight trying to reconcile who had ordered what, where it needed to be delivered, what the cost would be based on our supplier rates then getting the order in from copious emails. Once the goods arrived, typically around 7.00 in the morning, we would start packing it all and eventually we’d be able to deliver it to the local community. We tried to charge as little as possible for delivery, and even donated the delivery fees to the NHS during some of the weeks. While this was going on, we knew we could do a bit more. The kitchen wasn’t being utilised and despite how difficult things seem to be for us, those on the frontline have it harder. We were asked if we could do a lunch for the carers at Moseley Hall Hospital. We got in the best beef we could source, and that Sunday morning we prepared a full Sunday dinner, with all the trimmings, and delivered it to the staff at the Hospital. It wasn’t anything super fancy but it was a bit of a thank you to those working so hard and putting themselves at risk. We’ve done a few things like this before, Christmas Eve dinner for homeless shelters and supporting other charities, but we’ve been really proud to support the NHS over the past few weeks, and also those in our community who’ve supported us over the last few years. If nothing else we’re keeping ourselves busy and trying to ensure that we’re in a position to continue Little Blackwood in the years to come – we’re especially excited about the party once we can all get out and be with our friends and family again.
Zsofia and Ben from Little Blackwood restaurant write about their efforts to adapt to the lockdown period with home deliveries, supporting the vulnerable in our community and helping out frontline workers... Since the government introduced a lockdown on 23 March, things for us at Little Blackwood, and it would seem the industry as a whole, have been difficult. We knew that we needed to adapt, even if it’s just in the short term, in an effort to ensure we could stay afloat and reopen when things do eventually start getting back to normal, but just as important to us was the community we are a part of. We have such a wonderful client base who support us in all that we do, and a fantastic range of local suppliers who were also feeling the pressure with so many of their customers and clients having to close; that’s why we decided to see if we could help our friends within the community. It started out as an idea to deliver more specifically to those who couldn’t get out such as the elderly, but we soon realised that more and more people were struggling to get hold of items in a safe way which complied with
-Zsofia and Ben COMMUNITY
14
www.moseleyb13.com
MOSELEY FARMERS’ MARKET will now deliver to your DOOR...
There are two ways to get fresh produce and Farmers’ Market food: 1. Sign up to https://www.neighbourfood.co.uk/markets/kings-heath-and-moseley/7 We have teamed up with one of our traders, Sherine and Khaled of Baladee Egyptian Cuisine to join their weekly market through Neighbourhood Food. Your order will be delivered to your door as one food box. When the market opens, usually on Sunday, choose your produce and pay online. Your food will be delivered to your door on Thursday evening. There are 15 traders taking part so far from Moseley and Kings Heath Farmers’ Markets. Those from Moseley include: Baladee - Egyptian Cuisine Magic Porridge Pot - wide variety of porridges and muesli More Cocoa - Handmade cakes and chocolate Olive Press - stuffed olives etc Robbies Fish Styans - vegetables and some salads Kneals - hand-made speciality Belgian chocolate 2. Some of our traders will deliver straight to your door - you just need to contact them. Go to http://moseleyfarmersmarket.org.uk/. You can order directly from these traders/farmers. They will deliver to the door themselves or via couriers. Go to ‘OUR FARMERS’ page and contact them individually, order and pay. Curds and Whey Cheeses (via email) Bake cakes (via website) Bennett and Dunn (via website) Brocklebys Pies via website) Cossack Cuisine Russian style delights (via website)\ Good Game (Steve on 07940 133 237) Hilltop Farm beef, lamb and pork (via website)] Holly and the Ivy jams, chutneys etc (via website) Kneal’s Handmade chocolates (via website) More Cocoa Handmade cakes and chocolate (via website, email and texts) Peter the Bee and Friends wild flowers (via email or facebook) Pips Sauces (via Website) Robbies Fish Shropshire Salumi (via website) Tan Rosie Caribbean Food (via website) Urban herbs (via website) Wenlock Edge Pork products (via website) “Simple.”
info@moseleyb13.com
15
COMMUNITY
M SELEY TRAVEL
Lianne Davenport
With the sudden cancellation of flights, changing travel advice and restrictions leaving many holiday makers disappointed or worse – stranded far from home or even quarantined in hotels as their dream breaks turn sour, no industry felt the effects of the pandemic more abruptly than travel and tourism. With the future of the industry still up in the air (unlike the planes) Lianne Davenport, manager of Moseley Travel – our local independent travel agency providing the residents of Moseley COMMUNITY
and beyond with all things travel since 1993 answers some of my questions: Hi Lianne, can you tell me what you like about the job in normal circumstances? I started working at Moseley Travel 20 years ago as an apprentice and I have worked my way up to being the manager. I have thoroughly enjoyed my whole time here as this was always my dream job. I love planning 16
www.moseleyb13.com
and arrange my client’s travel, which can range from anything from a dream holiday or honeymoon, a last-minute beach holiday, a quick city break to a fully tailor-made trip around the world. It is an absolute pleasure for me to be able to help plan and arrange a trip that my clients will remember for a long time.
get cancelled or changed and this is where our many years of experience come into their own. We work closely with our suppliers to get you back on track.
When I last saw you quarantine hadn’t even been declared here and the rest of us were panic buying toilet roll but you were working flat out trying to help customers stuck in the travel chaos – I remember you saying, “We’re in crisis mode at work at the moment and I haven’t left the office before 8pm in the last few days. It’s unbelievable, the world is closing down and we’ve still got lots of customers to bring home or re-book.” Are you still open, has it calmed down yet and did you get everyone back?
There is so much more to this job than just booking a trip online, that’s the easy part! We offer you our knowledge and expertise, which more often than not will end up saving you money or adding value. Our friendly team are always available for a chat or to respond to your emails. The service we offer is personal and we really do care about our clients, many of whom have been using us since we first opened. Remember we are here to work for you. We do the hard work so that you don’t have to. We can save you money and take away the stress of booking a holiday at the same time. Anyway, we are also online at moseleytravel.com and you can follow us on social media at https://www.facebook. com/moseleytraveloffers/ and https://www. instagram.com/moseleytravel/ for the latest offers – now might be the best time to get a bargain!
Surely the high street travel agency’s days are numbered – you can just search the internet now?
Whilst we are still very much open for business, at this time our door remains closed in order to protect both our clients and members of staff. We are still assisting our clients with travel arrangements that have been affected by Coronavirus and we are currently working through a long list of future bookings, advising our clients of their options and getting them re-booked. Holidays for later on in the year are selling well, as are holidays for Summer 2021, which have been released earlier than normal. We have also been working very hard helping to repatriate clients who were overseas whilst governments were placing their countries in lockdown. We have now managed to bring our final few clients back to the UK to get them back home where they belong.
I saw you posted a plea to help the industry through this time (savefuturetravel.co.uk) – are you worried and what can we do about it? Coronavirus has had a massive impact on the travel industry as a whole and these are worrying times for independent travel agents. Like all the independent businesses in Moseley we are going to depend on the loyal support and custom of our local community. If you like the fact that you have an independent experienced travel agency on your doorstep then please, next time you’re thinking of booking a flight or a holiday, all we ask is that you give us a try first.
That’s a relief – I’m glad you got everyone back in these terrible times – what should people look for to know that they will helped in circumstances like these?
We hope that you stay safe and well and we look forward to assisting you with your future travel plans. We will all deserve a well-earned holiday when this is over!!
We would like to highlight the importance of booking with your local, trusted, ABTA bonded travel agency. We always have your best interests in mind and we are here to support you if things go wrong. We are trained to help minimise the impact of a schedule change, the collapse of a travel company or a worldwide pandemic. We know only too well how stressful it can be when your travel plans info@moseleyb13.com
Thanks Lianne. - Max Jalil
17
COMMUNITY SHOP AT SAREHOLE MILL
small community shop stocked with essential items such as flour, eggs, pasta, porridge oats and tinned goods. Although the site's bakery isn't open at the moment, the shop is stocking freshly baked bread when possible, made offsite by the baker. Flour has also been hard to find during the pandemic so the shop's supply, along with other items in stock, offers an alternative to supermarket shelves. The mill has uploaded 'Bake with us' recipes to its Instagram account. The shop has limited space and will only allow entry to one customer at a time. Please be responsible with your purchases – the shop will be restocked on a regular basis.
When Sarehole Mill opened a modern bakery in February it was exciting news, as it would mean bread being baked on the - Mark Baxter premises for the first time in almost 150 years. The Victorian bakehouse was restored alongside the opening of the new facility, and Sir Kaur followed in the footsteps of the last baker, William Anderton, who retired in 1872. Pizza and sweet treats would also be served at the on-site cafe. The mill celebrated a successful soft launch for the bakery, before life took a very unexpected direction for all of us. Sarehole Mill closed on March 18 along with all other Birmingham museums. However, the site has been able to adapt and return to an earlier purpose for many watermills - helping to provide food sources for local people. The mill's gift shop has been transformed into a
At the time of writing Sarehole Mill's shop is open today to Friday, 11am-4pm and will remain open for as long as government advice allows. Check Sarehole Mill's social media accounts for updates. 18
www.moseleyb13.com
info@moseleyb13.com
19
MOSELEY COMES TOGETHER Moseley Together is a network of local support organised by Moseley Community Development Trust (CDT), working with local Councillors Kerry Jenkins and Martin Straker Welds and volunteers from all over Moseley, to help people who are ill or self-isolating and unable to go out due
a small group and efficiently co-ordinated by Lorna Brewster of Moseley CDT. Initial details are obtained of the help required and then an area co-ordinator is asked to make contact with the person. The individual is then put in touch with a volunteer and there is a follow-up with both parties for any feedback or issues. The co-ordinators are all trusted local residents who have links into their neighbourhood. Many of the requests we have received are for collection of shopping and prescriptions, but some we have signposted for specialist and additional help including a number of referrals as 'extremely vulnerable'. Some people just need reassurance and a chat, and neighbours have gone above and beyond in checking on people they were worried about.
to COVID-19. The community spirit of Moseley went into overdrive to create, in less than a week, a website, logo and graphics, social media platforms and a network of volunteers and co-ordinators across the eight polling districts of Moseley ward. Leafleting networks were mobilised and posters put up. Guidelines were compiled, safeguards put in place and telephone crash courses administered in using Gmail and Google Drive. Moseley Together has a central helpline and email address monitored remotely by HISTORY
20
www.moseleyb13.com
Three weeks on and 336 people have signed up to volunteer and over 100 households have been helped, with about a third of those receiving regular ongoing support. A daily newsletter compiled by Fiona Adams and her Moseley Society team has kept us regularly updated in ways to deal with the lockdown: from businesses innovating and going online, to patterns for sewing masks. More recently the Moseley Together team became aware that some of our care homes desperately needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for their staff. An appeal resulted in donations of almost 7000 gloves, 120 face masks, 60 aprons and 10 bottles of sanitiser being delivered to six of the care homes with residents most at risk. Some talented sewers are now busy making colourful face masks for staff to wear over their PPE, and for younger residents in care homes to wear when they go out for walks or to shops. Donations of food and baby items have been delivered to Anawim, a charity that supports vulnerable women, and to The Active Wellbeing Society (TAWS) which has established Brum Together and is delivering food parcels to people throughout the city who cannot get out and would otherwise be without food. info@moseleyb13.com
Residents’ WhatsApp groups have sprung up across Moseley and Balsall Heath, helping to build networks, put neighbours in touch with each other, to show solidarity and support for people who are ill, alone or anxious, and to send alerts when tinned tomatoes appear in M&S. We have plant pot, seed and book swaps, rainbows in windows and thank you notes on bins. If I had a drone I would fly it over the streets at 8pm every Thursday and record the clapping, pan banging, cheering and instrument-playing in tribute to our brave NHS staff and care workers. It would be a wonderful image of Moseley coming Together in difficult times. -Izzy Knowles www.moseleytogether.org.uk E Mail: info@moseleytogether.org.uk Call or text 07796 668257
21
TOGETHER, APART #KINDNESSCREATIVITYCONNECTION
Tim Burgess
The internet has often been regarded as a reckless and shallow invention, and with trolling, fake news and people sharing pictures of their supper, it's easy to see why. A worldwide pandemic and the need for all us to stay physically apart does seem to have taken it to a more creative and joyous level. Here's this month's round-up of the best local efforts to stay 'together, apart'... Easter events were plentiful with Moseley Park hosting the 'Virtual Egg Hunt'. The Park's official website stated “The first
rule of Virtual Egg Hunt is YOU DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE PARK. The second rule of Virtual Egg Hunt is YOU DO NOT NEED TO GO TO THE PARK�, parodying the lines from David Fincher's Fight Club. West Midlands Fire Service offered a live stream from Highgate Fire Station on Easter Sunday, offering safety tips and a tour around a fire engine. Our March covers stars Graziella and Stevie held Beatamax, an online 80s electronica and indie night on Easter Saturday. The event was based on the 22
www.moseleyb13.com
club of the same name that the couple ran on a monthly basis at The Victoria pub in the city centre. Graziella and Stevie were captured on camera at the decks in their home, and took requests from an enthusiastic Facebook disco crowd (I managed to get Fuzzbox's Pink Sunshine played which sounded bostin' Steve Austin on a warm April night). Beatamax was a great success and looks likely to return. Join the Beatamax Brum group on Facebook for updates and interaction. While you are there, you can like the Sweat Funk Club Birmingham page where Stevie is also a DJ providing some seriously sweaty sets. Independent Birmingham shared some inspiring sites spotted around the city, including positive posters pasted up in York Road, Kings Heath. Stuck on the boards in front of the derelict site where the Ritz Ballroom (the concert venue which hosted The Beatles, Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones) once stood, the posters had messages such as “Love each other” and “Please believe these days will pass”. The phrase 'together, apart' has been used by Tim Burgess, front man of The Charlatans and currently enjoying fame for #timslisteningparties on Twitter. Tim has arranged to have parties for a couple of albums a night so people can listen at the same time, “together, apart”. Some of the artists behind the records answer questions and tweet memories in real time. How about a B13 listening party?
info@moseleyb13.com
Beatamax DJ Booth
Moseley Shoals (surprisingly!) by Ocean Colour Scene seems to be regarded as the most Moseley record, but there are many other possibilities with the area's wealth of musical talent. There's so much we can do to stay connected during the lockdown, and being at home can be a whole lot of creative fun. Please get in touch with any events you have staged or are planning, or suggestions that can be developed into 'together, apart' moments. -Mark Baxter
23
MICHAEL WAKELAM OBITUARY
The Babraham Institute has announced the sad news of the death of Professor Michael Wakelam who died suddenly from a suspected COVID-19 infection at the beginning of April. Before taking up the post of Director at the Babraham Institute in Cambridge in 2007, Michael had been Professor of Molecular Pharmacology at the Institute for Cancer Studies at the University of Birmingham. When he took on Directorship of the Institute, the Wakelam family continued to live in Moseley and have been members of the Moseley Society for many years. Not only was Michael a passionate scientist, he was also an enthusiastic member of our community. He helped establish Moseley Forum in 1998 and became its first Treasurer. The archive photograph shows a vote being taken at the second public meeting in St Columba Church Hall. That is Mike in the front row, turning to ensure that all the effort we put into leafleting the whole of Moseley had paid off and we had secured a majority vote in favour of setting up the Forum. Richard Lutz paid a moving tribute to Michael on thebirminghampress.com: “I can't possibly describe the complicated work he did. I'm a layman but it seemed so critical in the world of medicine. It had to do, among other things, with cell signalling COMMUNITY
and how that affects the body, especially in ageing and the immune system. He was sincerely dedicated to medical research: ‘I love my work, I truly do’.” Richard also mentioned Michael's dedication to his wife and two sons, and his enthusiasm for life: “Whether talking about his family or rugby or rock and roll or his work in community development, he bubbled. He fizzed.” Michael was someone who led from the front. Not only is this a terrible loss for his family and for science, but it is a tragedy for our community too. Michael Wakelam 1955-2020 - Fiona Adams
24
www.moseleyb13.com
JUST TO SAY... LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Where are Moseley B13 Magazine's most distant readers? Sutton Coldfield? Milton Keynes? Gretna Green? You may be surprised to find out that our most remote readers (to our knowledge!) are in the USA. Mike Mosley of Alabama has been a regular reader and it seems to have led to a fan base on the other side of the Atlantic, as communicated in recent emails.
originated in that area. We love reading about Moseley and all that you have going on. Thanks, Mike Mosley.”
Thank you, Mike. It's fantastic to know that you all enjoy the magazine from so many miles away! You know what they say – once a Moseleyite, always a Moseleyite! We “I really enjoy the read. I have been hope that our friends in the USA manage forwarding (the magazine) to a larger to stay safe and well during the worldwide group in Alabama and South Carolina, with crisis. We look forward to welcoming you great response... to the village some time in the future. "The group are my family members, all - Mark, Editor Mosleys/Moseleys or former Mosleys. We look forward, one day, to travelling to your village. We all feel certain that we
info@moseleyb13.com
25
COMMUNITY
MOSELEY MEMORIES Is horsepower for you abstract or
real? When James Watt invented the measurement “horsepower” in the 1780s on the other side of Birmingham, it was as a sales device. He wanted to show reluctant owners of coal mines that instead of employing a pair of tired nags walking in a circle round a windlass, a Boulton & Watt 4-horsepower steam engine could pump up more water from their pits, from greater depths and for as much as 24 hours at a time, while using fuel they actually produced into the bargain! And now? We measure all forms of power in watts (more usually kilowatts, because a watt is so small) and young people today have no idea about the horsepower of a car’s engine. Sad, but it is an abstract concept (by the way, 1 hp = 745.7W).The postwar world was different. For us, horse power was all too real, in all its varied forms. Daily, we had two regular rounds, when fresh milk and bread were delivered door-todoor from horses and carts. One great advantage they had was that horses are intelligent power plants, in a way that modern ideas of artificial intelligence could never match. The milkman would arrive at the bottom of Farquhar Road and take the number of bottles he needed off the cart and put them on the doorsteps. As he walked to the next stopping point, his horse would take the cart along and stop at the appropriate house. Between its ears was an information processor which learnt which houses they delivered to and which they passed. Apart from
Horse-drawn carts and vans were
so. Leighton Road is on the top of the
an occasional companionly word or
normal to us then. For bigger loads,
Moseley ridge and the sewers did not
“cluck, cluck,” the milkman gave
vehicles would have a pair of horses,
drain well, so they had to be flushed
no instructions, picked up no reins,
with
companionship
out on a regular basis. The main
and walked all the way round until
between them. Best of all for us kids,
manhole was just by our house, outside
reaching the bottom of Tudor Road,
though, was the real joy when the
Warren Avenue. A large tanker cart
accompanied by his organic automatic
water cart arrived every six months or
would come, drawn by two enormous
an
obvious
vehicle.
COMMUNITY
26
www.moseleyb13.com
- REAL HORSE POWER
would then pull more than a ton of fuel on their rounds.The dust from the slack, the fine second-quality coal, made their coats dull and filthy and no doubt went into their lungs and stomachs. Any given horse seemed to have no more than a year or so of useful working life before going to the knacker’s yard. The real joy of horse-drawn Birmingham was May Day. Every year, a fair was held at Alcester Lane’s End, where a large housing estate now stands, and ponies and full-grown horses would be drawn in from all around the city and surrounding areas. For us, the free entertainment started early in the morning as we sat outside the Post Office and watched them on their way up the Alcester Road. The main attractions were pony traps and drays. Manes and tails were plaited with coloured ribbons, shaking jingling harness decorations, and the horses enjoyed their annual outing as much as we did. Especially impressive were the proud dray horses, fed up with pulling loads of beer barrels and sacks of flour, whose manes were more magnificent than those of mere ponies. We sat and applauded them, earning an occasional wave of the hand or declarative crack of a whip, until we dragged ourselves home
for
dinner
with
sometimes
unappreciative mothers complaining about how late we were. Horse power or horsepower - which gives greater satisfaction? We had no choice, of course, but we gloried in what we had. shire horses. Each gentle giant weighed
and stroke their muzzles with evident
a ton or more and towered over us.
appreciation.
We
approached
them
-David Spilsbury
tentatively,
The coalman’s horses never seemed
looking into the friendly mournful
to be quite the same. The coal yard
eyes behind their blinkers. When their
was at Kings Heath station, where
nosebags were removed, they would
Topp’s Tiles and The Gym now exist.
bend their heads and allow us to pat
Overworked
info@moseleyb13.com
and
under-loved
27
nags
COMMUNITY
A MOSELEY ARTIST
Meet the Artist: Ankaret Shakti Harmer This month Moseley B13 Magazine chats with the wonderful and colourful artist known as Anky. I visited Anky in her vibrant flat in Moseley just before the lockdown started. As soon as you enter you are greeted by her natural flair for all things art-and-crafty. Despite having a cast on her foot, Anky was very mobile when it came to showing me her stunning art. There was so much of her talent, there wasn’t enough room on her walls to display it. Anky isn’t just an artist but also quilts and knits, and her rooms were awash with everything she has created, from blankets on the bed to quilts on the chairs. Anky first found her love for art when she was “a kid” and spoke of her childhood affection for scribbling. I am going to guess here and say it was probably a bit more than scribbling because she was complimented on her “scribbles” by adults, and some teachers noticed her ability to create art and offered kind words. These words of praise encouraged Anky to paint and draw more, and she became interested in artists, especially Vincent van Gogh. When she explored more of his art,
28
www.moseleyb13.com
she decided she wanted a copy of 'The Church at Auvers' but couldn’t find it anywhere so she opted to replicate this famous piece of art. I must say it's a very good copy. One thing she particularly loves about van Gogh is that his colours are all wrong, making the art come to life. The trees writhe in some of his paintings and look like they are going to take off and leave the canvas. Anky describes her style as quite traditional and she enjoys landscapes and portraits, with one or two musical psychedelic-inspired pieces. She admits that she is inspired to create art if she sees something beautiful. Anky's first serious piece of art was her Jimmy Hendrix portrait, and I think the picture jumps to life because she describes being able to “see” his music. Though it was her first piece of art, it is still one of her favourites. Hendrix was an info@moseleyb13.com
29
inspiration to Anky and her portrait does him justice. Anky is using her time wisely and she explained that the upcoming social isolation would be a great opportunity to catch up with all the projects that she has been putting off. She jumped up as fast as she could with her plaster-covered
foot and showed me an amazing quilt she is currently working on. She is a very ingenious lady and subsequently showed me a chair that she has covered with her hand made-quilting because she couldn’t afford to get it professionally re-covered. Knitting has become one of Anky's current creative pastimes. She has expertly knitted a couple of unique and colourful blankets for her bed. Any surplus items she makes are generously passed on to Oxfam; with a smile, Anky added that she believes Oxfam will do very well out of her in this current crisis situation. One of Anky's inspirations in the world of knitting is a man called Kaffe Fassett who became popular in the 1980s when knitting wasn’t fashionable, and became a knitting artist. Fassett inspired her to be creative with knitting, and she is.
30
Anky knits or does patchwork; she sits and creates in the evening with the TV or music on, in her clubs with other pensioners, and even carries it around with her to do when she is waiting for trains, for example. If I were to sum up Anky's works in just three words, I would choose dreamy, pretty and happy; she definitely has a distinct style and each piece oozes the personality of the artist. Anky described the reason for her creating art as “to make the world a more beautiful place”. I believe she does. To enquire about Anky's art please contact us at the magazine and we will pass your query on to her. -Debbie Aldous
www.moseleyb13.com
HAS THE VIRUS KILLED THE CHURCH? With almost everything closed down and just your four walls to look at, life begins to take a different direction. Suddenly we have time to reflect, to turn in on ourselves, to find that we are made to be with others, but are helpless to do anything about it. Switch on TV or social media and there’s an overload of things to do, read or watch. I started with good intentions – wow – I can finally do some painting – but have I, after over four weeks in isolation?!
moseleybenefice.org.uk/, whilst St Columba URC is giving out reflections, available by emailing fiona.elvins@talktalk.net.
(1) If you want a short reflection for the day …
So, far from the virus killing off Easter and the Church, it has brought a breath of fresh air to proceedings, rooting faith back into the community and also providing safe, downto-earth ways to help people rediscover the spiritual side of themselves and to offer hope and comfort in the midst of all that’s happening.
(2) If you want to ‘join in’ a service (by watching, singing along or joining in prayers for what we’re going through, for friends and loved ones), then the Anglican Churches of St Mary’s, St Anne’s and St Agnes point you to either the official website (www. churchofengland.org/more/media-centre/ church-online) or to Birmingham Cathedral It doesn’t matter who you are – even Robbie which has online services and a pause for Williams has revealed that prayer is important prayer (http://www.birminghamcathedral. for him as he can become depressed com/). sometimes. In fact, when he thought he’d Riverside Church has produced the most contracted the virus, he prayed like anything! interesting and techsavvy Moseley services This is not unusual – over 90% of people at Easter with its own YouTube channel - bit. pray when things get desperate. But many ly/RiversideChurchOnline. Its services have don’t want to go to a church as they feel it’s a been watched by audiences up to thirty times bit alien to them, or that they’d stick out like a the size of its congregation (based on three sore thumb. What’s the answer? THE VIRUS!!! people per ‘view’) with ‘watchers’ from Brazil to Cote d’Ivoire, Kenya, Egypt, South Africa, Churches may have closed their physical USA, Canada and Japan! doors but they have now opened virtual ones. People can see what it’s like for themselves As well as services and reflections, the from the safety of their own living room, churches have been at the forefront of giving them opportunity to reflect, meditate, supporting food banks and even providing listen and pray. So we’ve asked the question chaplains for people who are lonely or unable – what have Moseley churches been doing to get out. Riverside has also started an online over Easter, the most important date in their Alpha course series of videos for people who calendar? Has the virus killed the Church? want to question life, its meaning and where Let’s see… they’re at. Riverside Church, one of the largest in South Birmingham and offering a congregation service for those with impaired hearing (see https://wordofhands.org.uk/), was quick on the uptake. Local people from its congregations are taking short videos of themselves reflecting on a psalm a day. (There are 150 psalms so as this started on 22 March, Visit one of the services this Sunday – no-one are they expecting lockdown to finish on 21 will know! It might really encourage you. July?). Well worth a look. -David Isgrove St Mary’s and St Anne’s have a written thought for the week on https://www. info@moseleyb13.com
31
COVID-19:
A FAMILY LAW PERSPECTIVE As a local family law practitioner I have come to expect the unexpected but these current times are unprecedented. Here is some timely guidance, advice and perspectives to help families during the COVID-19 lockdown.
between their parents’ homes”. The child’s welfare must come first and, quite naturally, they are likely anxious at this time and you may wish to keep them settled at home. On the other hand, provided there are no health risks, they may benefit from the normality of their usual routine.
Separated parenting
The same applies where there is a court order. This should not be a mandate for a parent to go against the arrangements ordered but perhaps be inventive, using live video chat through FaceTime, WhatsApp, Skype and Zoom. And don't forget grandparents, who can join in on group chats. You can talk to your child about the virus. Use simple language and encourage them to ask questions. Above all, reassure them.
If the shared time of children between separated parents is working then it doesn't need to change. The Judiciary Guidance states “where parents do not live in the same household, children under 18 can be moved
Court hearings
These are still taking place, albeit remotely and by videolink, and there is detailed guidance on this. If all this sounds scary to those without a lawyer, this should not discourage you from making your application 32
www.moseleyb13.com
in the family court. The court will assist and It might be worth using your lockdown time make the arrangements and let you know how to consider mediation. Mediation services are your case is to be heard. available and their sessions are taking place by telephone or video link. These are a well worth alternative to the stress of trying to sort out your financial and child arrangements Domestic Abuse through solicitors and legal aid can be Sadly, this is on the rise and this is not available for their services. surprising due to the restrictions of the lockdown. The police do take domestic incidents very seriously and if you fear for Cancelled wedding? your safety you must call 999*. On a practical level, Refuge offer a 24-hour free helpline Most disappointing of all may have been the on 0808 2000 247 and, locally, there is cancellation of your wedding. If it has been Birmingham & Solihull Women's Aid on 0808 re-scheduled, perhaps use this time to look 800 0028. These organisations, and others, at wealth protection and consider making a will talk to you confidentially, advise you and pre-nuptial agreement. Even if you are not assist you in leaving your abuser. marrying, but considering living with your partner and buying your home together, look Legal remedies are available and you can at making a Living Together Agreement. No apply for a non-molestation order to protect one wants to consider parting, but think of it you from the abuse and, if appropriate, you as a piece of insurance. can apply for an occupation order preventing your abuser from entering and remaining in Pauline O'Rourke - Consultant Family Solicitor, your home. Your abuser could be ordered to South and Central Birmingham. leave your home even during lockdown. Contact Pauline on 0121 270 4760 / paulineorourke@newleafsolicitors.co.uk / www.newleafsolicitors.co.uk Divorce now or wait? * If you call 999 but are unable to speak you can use the silent
If you are contemplating divorce, my advice is get on with it now. Even before the COVID-19 crisis there was a huge backlog of divorces to be processed, often taking up to 12 months to conclude. It still is the case that, for those on a low or income or without income, there is an exemption from the ÂŁ550 court fee (Form EX160 from www.gov.uk). So if you think financially things will improve for you, you could save on the fee by applying now.
999 call method - simply wait and key in 55 on your handset once prompted, keeping the call connected throughout.
As part of the divorce process, you may want to address what is to happen with your home and the finances. Consider whether to wait until after the lockdown to have the assets valued as, for example, house prices are likely to be low just now. If you are putting off dealing with the finances (you can divorce now and address this at a later stage) consider having a separation agreement in place which will set out your financial arrangements. Judges are likely to uphold such if they are entered into formally and are fair to each party. info@moseleyb13.com
33
THE BRITANNIC ASSURANCE
NEW CHIEF OFFICE
The Britannic Assurance started Workmen’s and General Insurance, in Birmingham in 1866 as the British changing its name in the early 1900s at about the time that its chief office was built at Broad Street Corner in Birmingham (1904). This office was closed in 1962 and moved to the recreation ground of Moor Green House, a thirteen-acre estate enclosed by the current Moor Green Lane and Yew Tree Road. All the recreational facilities there were retained including cricket, football and tennis along with surrounding lawns, gardens and wellestablished trees. Work on site started on 1 June 1959 and building operations were in their final stages in April 1962 with furniture being installed and visits to the site arranged Main dining hall 34
www.moseleyb13.com
for March and April. On 21 March 1963, the chairman and manager realised a 30-year-old dream when he formally opened the new head office at Moor Green in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Alderman EW Horton, JP, and other Birmingham personalities. A plaque in the main entrance hall was unveiled, luncheon was served to some 200 guests and a tour of the building followed (details sourced from The Britannic Magazine, 17:3, Special ‘Gold’ Edition of August 1963).
Central entrance hall
and hockey pitches and ‘one of the finest cricket squares in the Midlands’. On the east side there was scope for landscape gardening, including a rockery, a small bed and a shrubbery. There were about 350 trees edging the site. The Britannic Assurance Chief Office block was converted into luxury private flats, Britannic Park Apartments, in 1999. There are 113 apartments, set in lovely landscaped gardens and accessed from Yew Tree Road. Sports ground
-Janet Berry
The new chief office of Britannic Assurance was a modern structure with five floors and two wings with cream travertine marble exterior walls, window frames of Burma teak and a central feature of green Westmorland slate. The grounds extended over thirteen acres and included the sports grounds with football
If you have any memories of Britannic’s Chief Office, Moor Green, or the new flats, please contact us on moseleyhistory@ gmail.com . See our website for more information on Britannic Assurance: moseley-society/ local-history.org.uk
Model of the Britannic Assurance building info@moseleyb13.com
35
EDITOR'S CHOICE ONE WALK A DAY: OXFORD ROAD Being restricted to one walk a day does create a greater appreciation for time spent strolling around Moseley. It can also bring a different perspective with the slower pace of lockdown life, and previously unseen details suddenly become apparent on our quiet streets. The only concern is what route to take on that treasured walk...? I've selected Oxford Road as a location brimming with history, oddities and curious tales. Starting at St Mary's Row and heading onto Oxford Road, you can't miss the Calvary Church of God in Christ on the right. Dating to 1888, the former Baptist church was built to a design originally intended for St Agnes Church (source: Moseley Society). Have you ever noticed the stained glass windows when illuminated by light? The details come to life and are breathtakingly beautiful. Another memory of the church is when I spotted the Moseley Owl (you've heard the
Moseley Owl at night, haven't you? Saying that, he/she doesn't seem to have been around much in recent times) hooting on its roof at midnight. It did seem a little bit ominous at the time...! On the other side of the road is the retail park that is well known to all. Have you noticed the recycling of the artwork created to brighten up the site before development? A section of Mohammed Ali's tree sculpture is on the car park wall of the Marks and Spencer Foodhall – the mural was originally added to the boards that formerly surrounded the Meteor Ford site. The trees of the artwork were painted in bright colours but are now black in contrast to the white walls of the car park. Much further down the road and on the other side, you will come to a pair of striking houses. They are adorned with decorative details from the Arts and Crafts movement, such as the wrought 36
www.moseleyb13.com
iron overthrows bearing the street numbers. The houses were designed by the architect William de Lacy Aherne amd his work can be found on many other roads in Moseley. Aherne's sons were both actors – Pat Aherne was a silent screen leading man, reduced to minor supporting roles during the early sound era. He was also a champion boxer and featured in the first boxing film ever made. Brian Aherne played opposite Rita Hayworth, Bette Davis and Marlene Dietrich. I heard a rumour that Ozzy Osborne lived in one of these properties at one point and I'm guessing that, if true, it would have been in the 1970s after he earned a few bob from the success of Black Sabbath. It's probably an urban myth, but the buildings do have an appropriate look for the residence of the Prince of Darkness (like the recycled tree sculpture mural of Meteor Ford, the houses are a stylish mix of black and white). The road is fairly quiet in present times so I'm not sure how the son-of-Aston could have got away with biting the heads off bats on his front lawn. Perhaps there wasn't a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in those days. Whatever the truth of Ozzy's B13 residence, the houses are certainly fascinating in their design. A little further along you'll find a green plaque for someone who definitely did live on Oxford Road. Frederick Lanchester was
a scientist, inventor and engineer, and a pioneer and visionary in aerodynamics and the automotive industry. Lanchester is cited as building the first four-wheel all British automobile in 1895-96. The green plaque is on Dyott End, the house Lanchester built to his own design and lived in from 1924 until his death in 1946. Another tribute to the inventor is found in Birmingham and was created by a member of a family synonymous with Moseley. Tim Tolkien, the great-nephew of JRR Tolkien, was the sculptor of the Lanchester Car Monument in Nechells. The work stands on the site where Lanchester created the groundbreaking early car. After this you reach Colmore Crescent and St Agnes Church, and it's the end of the line for Oxford Road. Mark Baxter
info@moseleyb13.com
37
TIPTON'S TOUR
Warmer weather has finally arrived, but all of us will have to stay put for the foreseeable future. The best we can do is to take a virtual tour so here's a look back at the Newshound's mission to get Moseley B13 Magazine photographed in the remotest and strangest of places over the last few years (images originally appeared on the magazine's social media accounts) ...
sniffing around Housesteads Roman Fort which was one of the stops on the walk. The Newshound then got the magazine to a high peak overlooking Ullswater in Cumbria in 2017. Trekking around the Lake District was no problem for Tipton, although she did feel a little stalked by goats that kept popping up and giving her the evil eye.
Last year's excursion was to the coast of West Kirby and the magazine got a coating of sand. The Newshound seemed a little surprised to see a horse crossing the beach on what was a beautiful morning in Merseyside. Where next for Tipton and the magazine? Tipton reading the magazine next to the Great Sphinx of Giza? Let's face it, a trip to Tipton was pictured on Hadrian's Wall Tyseley would seem exotic in the present in 2016 and completed a three to four time. mile walk of the Roman Empire's most -Mark Baxter northerly frontier. She can also be seen
38
www.moseleyb13.com
Moseley B13 Needs You! Are you the go-to person in Moseley for gossip? Are you passionate about Moseley community events and initiatives? Are you new to Moseley and just want to get stuck in?
We are looking for volunteers for the following roles…
Business Manager (new role)
Treasurer
Tasks • To have an overview of the functioning and development of the magazine. • To facilitate the smooth running of the various non-editorial business functions, liaise with the volunteers responsible for advertising, finance, market sales and distribution, and support with volunteer recruitment and induction. • Report to monthly editorial meeting. • Organise and report to quarterly business meeting, including prepare agenda and take minutes. • Monitor post. • Send a copy of each magazine to the British Library (quarterly).
Tasks • Bank cash from magazine sales at farmers market and other retail outlets. • Raise sales invoices for advertising in accounting software (setting up new customers where required). • Post purchase invoices for supplier payments. • Pay expenses when incurred by the team (on supply of valid receipt). • Liaise with accountants to provide information for annual accounts. • Report to B13 team on outstanding debtors and ensure follow-up to chase payment. • If available to do so collect post from Moseley Exchange. • File annual confirmation statement on Companies House.
Requirements • Enthusiasm for and interest in Moseley. • Ability to use or learn Microsoft Word and Excel, Facebook and Dropbox. • Good communication and problem-solving skills with keen eye for detail and ability to see the ‘bigger picture’. • Business, management or journalism experience not essential.
Requirements • Experience and knowledge of above financial procedures.
Time commitment • Approximately 5-8 hours per month
Time commitment • As much or as little as you want – average minimum requirement 1 hour per week, depending on the time of year. • Attend quarterly business meeting,
including:
usually a Tuesday evening.
• Email and Facebook management 1-2 hours per week.
• Monthly editorial meeting - 2 hours. • Quarterly (often bi-annual) business meeting - 3 hours. info@moseleyb13.com
39
Moseley’s show of support in Trafalgar & Alcester Road windows.