Moseley B13 Magazine - October 2011 by John Northam

October 2011

Your monthly community magazine

Issue 412

MOS ELEY B 1 3 Serving Moseley, Kings Heath and neighbouring areas.

Five minutes with... Stornoway Po’Girl at the KGC Tinbox Theatre

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‘Birmingham 13 Magazine’

‘@MoseleyB13Mag‘

Come and see us on Facebook, Twitter and online at www.moseleyb13.com Outlets Village News (38 St. Mary’s Row) Nima Delicatessen (103 Alcester Rd) Moseley Post Office (149 Alcester Rd) Indigo Wholefoods (25 St. Mary’s Row) Acupuncture & Chiropractic Centre (26 Wake Green Rd)

Select & Save (Alcester Road) Moseley Exchange / CDT (Alcester Road) Kings Heath Library (Kings Heath High Street) Kitchen Garden Cafe (York Road KH) DrinksVille

Editor’s comment As the summer draws to a close, we here at B13 Head Quarters (in one of our living rooms) can barely believe that we are almost half way through the B13 year. There have been a few stumbling blocks along the way and I feel certain that we still have plenty to learn but it’s great to be producing a publication that we are starting to feel real pride in. We can’t thank you all enough for your continued support (and patience). Our exciting development of the month is that we finally have subscriptions up and running again (hurrah). We also hope to have a system in place for buying subscriptions online soon (and maybe other things... so keep your ears to the ground!)

100 years has passed this November since the Incorporation Act (Nov 1911) made Moseley a part of Birmingham. Despite being a legal part of Birmingham, it is easily argued that Moseley continues to enjoy it’s own identity as a creative, cultural hub. The village ethos is maintained, with the Farmers Market, Moseley in Bloom, SusMo and our very own community magazine. This is a month to celebrate our Moseley identity and be proud of those B13 postcodes. With Christmas coming up, we’re running a cover design competition, see the back page for details. Enjoy!

Moseley B13 Magazine

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Local altruist sending aid to Zimbabwe Residential Care Worker, and Team Leader, Janet Walcott is dedicating her efforts setting up a charity ‘Giving Back to God’ since a trip Zimbabwe brought back memories of her Grandson, Diondre who passed in 2009.

She is currently working on a website and hopes to be formally registered by the end of the year. Anyone wishing to donate items to be sent are welcome to contact her by email jwalcott6@aol.com.

Devout Christian Janet planned a trip to the African country taking colouring books, clothing, baby milk, sweets and toys to three villages; Chiweshe, Zambezi Valley and Madziwa. Smitten by the younger villagers, one of whom particularly reminded her of Diondre, the gratitude shown, and welcome felt from the village Church in Madziwa, Janet is now dedicating her spare time and savings to establishing a registered charity to continue her efforts and sending barrels of goods beck to the villages.

Moseley shows its colours in peace events. Positivity is emanating through the area with community events encouraging a more loving nature amongst people. The first, hosted at The Old Print Works by local activist group We Are Change Birmingham, commemorated the World Trade Centre attacks (exactly a decade ago). As part of a ‘global intention experiment’ the One Event, created by Seattle fireman Erik Lawer, centres on a global screening of Erik’s web-cast and includes theatrical events, music and pertinent speakers. The aim of the event is to replace the fear and negativity created by the attacks on the World Trade Centre with peaceful and loving intentions.

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Articles published in Sept 2011 issue of Moseley B13, ‘Mullaney’s War on Drinkers’ and two others, are currently under investigation by the Moseley B13 Complaints Committee. One organiser, Clive Middleton, said ‘On the Sunday it was possible to take part in two experiments, to try and affect the world through people thinking positive thoughts and emotions together... I actually felt better after taking part in these.’ Mr Middleton advises anyone interested in learning more to the check the website www.onetheevent.org.

Follow the Farmers

Afro-Brazilian street performance brightens Sunday afternoon Locals living in the village centre were drawn out of their homes by the exotic sounds of the berimbau on the otherwise uneventful Sunday 21st August. Outside, a circle or roda (pronounced horda) had formed with a dance combat discipline being displayed for passers by to enjoy and even join in. Local Capoeira group Cordao De Ouro (translating as Cord of Gold) brought their acrobatic skills to the village green in celebration of their esteemed visitor. Instructor Aranha from Natal, North Brazil was visiting the group to share his expertise and culture. Led by Instructor Mascote (pronounced mas-coch, meaning mascot) Birmingham’s Cordao De Ouro Group have been practicing in and around Moseley for three years. They have regular classes for all levels including infants and teens in The

Friends Institute, 220 Moseley Road. Regular Yuiko Takebayashi tells us; ‘I enjoy Capoeira because it brings together different elements of art, combat, history and culture. The game teaches me to be focused and aware of my surroundings but also to be artistic and expressive. The music encourages me to learn Portuguese and to understand the historical background of Capoeira. It’s also a great way of making new friends!’ Famous for its non contact peaceful approach to self defence Capoeira was developed by Angolan slaves in Brazil it is estimated in the early 16th century. It is now practices globally and continues to grow in popularity. More information about the sport and how to find a class can be found at www.cdob.co.uk

Moseley’s Farmers Market is now present on popular social networking sites Twitter and Facebook. Anyone wanting to stay in touch, ask questions or receive updates on the Farmers’ Market can 'follow' or 'like' to keep abreast of market news. This comes at a time when the Market is due to receive its eagerly awaited FARMA inspection for submission in this year’s Best Urban Farmer’s Market. An award Moseley achieved in 2009. The next Farmers market will be in the village on the 22nd Oct. Farmers Market can be found... Twitter: @moseleyfarmmkt Facebook: Moseley Farmers Market Kerry Rowberry If you have any news concerning Moseley and the surrounding communities, please email; news@moseleyb13.com

NEWS MOSELEY B13

This Photo by Nicki Sunn

ARTS 6

MOSELEY B13

Michael Chapman

Willy Mason

Kidnap Alice

Moseley Folk Pictures speak louder than words Ruth Theodore

ARTS All photos by Alexandria Hall Photography except where stated.

MOSELEY B13

Five minutes with...

Stornoway talk festivals, chart success and pulling Christmas crackers with Billy Bragg.

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Nestled amongst the hustle and bustle of a jam packed Moseley Folk Festival was the illusive Little Racket Stage, which was host to a fantastic array of ‘secret gigs’ over the weekend. On Sunday afternoon 20 lucky Oxfam raffle winners were treated to an enchanting performance by Oxford based folk band Stornoway. Since their first single Zorbing was self released in 2009, Stornoway have seen their debut album Beachcomber’s Windowsill receive unprecedented critical success. A

STORNOWAY

success which the band themselves seem slightly taken aback by. ‘We’re still getting used to seeing our name so high up in festival line ups,’ says a rather surprised Brian Briggs, the band’s lead singer. So given their shock about how far up on the line up they are how did they feel about being on the same bill as festival veteran Billy Bragg? ‘We’re excited about seeing Billy, the last time we saw him was round a campfire at a Christmas gig with Florence and the Machine in London. That was quite surreal, pulling Christmas crackers with him!’ After rubbing shoulders with the likes of Florence and the Machine and with performances at high profile gigs such as Glastonbury and Sheppard’s Bush under their belt

what attracted them to a smaller festival like Moseley Folk? ‘We actually prefer player smaller gigs. The selection of music seems to be better’. The band had spent the morning soaking up the atmosphere of Moseley Folk Festival and spent some time wondering round admiring the ‘Mo-Fo’ t-shirts and sampling the culinary delights that were on offer (the pakoras were their favourite). Their secret gig was the perfect warm up for their performance later on the main stage and couldn’t have left the audience happier (one fan was so excited she offered to take the band home to her mum!). Stornoway's last gig of the year couldn’t have finished on a better high. Both sets were a storming success and will have no doubt netted

Stornoway some more followers. So what’s next for the band? Well, you will struggle to catch them over the next few months as the band are locking themselves away to concentrate on writing the follow up from their first album. If your were not an existing fan of Stornoway I’m guessing that if you managed to catch their performances at Moseley Folk Festival you will be now. For more information on the band check out their website: www.stornoway.eu Marie Dennehy

MUSIC MOSELEY B13

Dear Auntie Moseley, I have recently met a new man. He is short, balding and, to be honest, not all that funny. However, he owns a house in Moseley – it is within walking distance of The Cocks and The Prince and a stones throw from the 50 route. I suspect he is thinking marriage. Would it be so wrong to commit to a future with this rather average man because I know it is my only hope of ever achieving the Moseley dream? Ethical Dilemma. Dear Ethical, Thank you for your honest and heartfelt message. I understand your dilemma completely and can see how difficult this must be for you. However, let me assure you that, with rising house prices and unemployment at an all time high, we ladies must do whatever it takes to get on that property ladder. And just remember, if all else fails – you can always divorce him and fight for the house! Hope to see you on the 50 soon. Love, Auntie Moseley.

Dear Auntie Moseley, I have been living in Moseley for a while now and my wardrobe looks the part – brogues, blazers and glasses (even though I don't need them – I have great eyesight) all feature in my day to day styling. Occasionally converse make an appearance for a slightly more casual, creative look. My hair hasn't been it's natural colour for the best part of a decade. To the outside world I am the perfect Moseley-ite but, on the inside, I can't help wondering 'What's so wrong with my old trainers, hoodies and baseball caps?'. Please help me, Auntie Moseley, I'm not sure how long I can keep up this pretence. Fashion Faux-pas.

Dear Fashion, Rest assured that I have seen many Moseley-ites when they are not on 'fashion duty'. (Sometimes I look through their windows on Sunday mornings or follow them on their journeys towards their families and middle class shame in Reading, Surrey or Hertfordshire). Everyone has a secret stash of clothes hidden away: velour tracksuits, rugby shirts and combat trousers. This is the ultimate Moseley taboo – everyone does it but, and this is key, no-one talks about it. Or wears it in public. So, keep them in the wardrobe, tucked away until they become 'so uncool, they're cool again'. This season's top tip – coloured jeans are the way to fit in with the group that don't want to fit in. Stay strong! Love, Auntie Moseley.

To share your problems with Auntie Moseley, please e-mail auntie@moseleyb13.com. After all, a problem shared is a problem halved.

Talk about books (succeed at school) To help your child secure skills in comprehension, reasoning, and critical thinking: Ask your child about the kinds of books he or she would like to read. Talk to your child about your favourite books from childhood, and offer to read them. Discuss the characters in the story, how they behaved, felt or what they thought. Ask them how they know or whether they have ever behaved in a similar way.

Last month’s article discussed the importance of being an influential role model to encourage your child to see the value and pleasure in reading. This month we are looking at the significance of talking about reading. There is much more to being a good reader than just being able to read the words correctly on the page. We support many children who struggle with reading and frequently we find that they can decode words, but if you ask them to discuss what they have just read they really haven’t got too much of a clue.

It is important that your child can understand what has been read. Talking about the books you read is just as imperative as reading them. Taking the time to discuss a story or a book with your child helps your child understand it and relate it to his or her own experience of life. It also helps develop your child's vocabulary with new words and phrases. Always talk to your child about the book; about the pictures, the characters, how they think the story will end, and their favourite part.

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Encourage your child to ask questions and to comment on the story and pictures in a book – before, during, and after reading it. Look at the cover and the title of a book with your child, and ask your child to predict what he or she thinks might happen in the story. You can do this throughout the story too – children enjoy prediction and love to know whether they were right! Encourage your child to think critically about the story. Ask lots of ‘what’ or ‘why’ do you think questions. Swap roles – tell them it’s their turn to ask you questions about the story. If you would like any further support or information as to how to support your child please drop us a line, we would love to hear from you. Byline Siobhan and Natasha www.best-chance.co.uk info@best-chance.co.uk Assistant Head teacher Advanced Skills Teacher

CHILDREN MOSELEY B13

Is reading… the new drinking? I was out with a couple of friends last week at Loco Lounge in Kings Heath. The newly furnished urban bar / restaurant / café with its mismatch of furniture and glistening fairy lights seemed a great way to spend a Tuesday evening after a long day at work. Sitting to the right of the restaurant (on the comfy sofas) I noticed a shelf of books eagerly waiting to be picked up and perused by customers. Ok, they were slightly battered and looking a little forlorn, but it got me thinking about books, about pubs and about whether they mix. Is it common for members of the public to simply walk into the pub, grab a beer, grab a book and relax for the next hour or two with a worn out copy of an Agatha Christie? Do husbands yell to their wives: “I’m just going to the pub to read Harry Potter?” It all seems highly unlikely, and I began to think that perhaps the books on the shelf of Loco Lounge were only for display purposes and to provide something quirky to fit in with the vibe of the venue’s rather “alternative” arty décor. I can’t really visualise myself wedged between a group of girls on their hen night whilst I delicately leaf through a romantic novel with a tear in my eye. And being rather young myself and desperately wanting to be cool, is reading a book alone the “thing” to do nowadays? And what if you want to go on reading, and there are too many cliff hangers and twists and turns in the novel, will you have to buy drink after drink in order to find out what happens

COMMUNITY 12

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in the end? I mean this can hardly make sense since after the fourth or fifth pint, even if you have made it to the denouement, I’m sure the words will be so blurry and incomprehensible (and in fact you’ll be so drunk that you probably don’t actually care any more about who stabbed who) that reading will have become a pretty pointless exercise. So all these questions and more came into my head when sitting down with the girls over a couple of glasses of wine. I looked around the café bar and was uninspired by the lack of individual parties. However, I went back to Loco Lounge a few days later and noticed a few books missing. I then observed, in the depths of the bar, a man nursing a cup of cappuccino and a novel. Hurray! It is official: reading in pubs is definitely something people do. And obviously this man was a professional. He’d bought a coffee so the words don’t turn into black lines on the page after many alcoholic beverages. He’d chosen his time carefully: Thursday afternoons seem very appropriate and are definitely lacking the loud and boisterous crowds we see at the weekend. Finally he’d selected a corner with sufficient light for reading, but with enough darkness to blend into the pub without disturbance. Perfect. I think next time I need a bit of relaxation you’ll find me in Loco Lounge hidden in the corner with a great trashy novel and a cup of tea. Hope to see you there. But obviously in the other corner of course. Eva Quigley

Ed’sHighlights The most important month of the year is upon us. The end of British Summertime, a day of atonement in the temple, global harvests prepare the world for winter and my birthday (in order of importance – ascending). And whilst Dionysus and Demeter argue at Threshers, Birmingham gorges from a trough of autumnal musical goodness. With a phenomenal schedule this month the O2 Academy kicks of with Nerina Pallot (Oct 5th). If you see smoke above Bristol St that’s just me combusting with lust. Pallot’s major label releases were somewhat over produced, but when it’s simply her and a piano I become borderline obsessive (Google her Abbey Road sessions. Do it. Do it NOW).

Across town the HMV Institute spits in our face with The Feeling (Oct 7th, although with a well placed gas leak it could be Christmas come early) but wipes it clean with Ed Sheeran (Oct 11th). Possibly the most interesting UK artist of recent years, Sheeran has evolved what’s seen as acoustically possible. Rewriting old doctrines, challenging collaborations and beguiling word play, he’s like Mandelson with a guitar. And a soul. Sorry Ed that’s a horrific analogy. Go see this gig and apologise for me. In Birmingham’s diamonds and pearls auditoriums Crosby & Nash play the Symphony Hall (Oct 20th) with Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings at the Town Hall (Oct 26th). It’s not Young or with swagger, but expect some misbehaving on the ringand-ride into town.

Also worth noting are Emmy The Great (Glee – Oct 4th), Chris Ty Band (Yardbird – Oct 5th), Bombay Bicycle Club (O2 – Oct 13th), Pop Will Eat Itself (O2 – Oct 28th), Stiff Little Fingers (HMV- Oct 20th) and the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Brittan (Symphony Hall - Oct 26th). And whilst October’s cup runneth over I excitedly scan the listings for something to do on my actual birthday, disappointedly realising there’s only Cliff Richard (LG Arena - Oct 22nd). So pub it is then, first round on Live Nation. Literally the least they can do. Ed King is Music Editor for the Birmingham Observer and edits the Birmingham Review. Follow him at www.twitter.com/edking2210

MUSIC MOSELEY B13

ZERO CARBON In five years time, all new homes built in the UK are expected to become carbon neutral. A family in Balsall Heath has demonstrated that this is more than achievable, creating a local green haven that is an inspiration to us all. The award-winning house is completely carbon neutral, or zero carbon, which means that the house generates as much energy as it consumes. At a recent open day, hosted by the owners John and Jo Christophers, I was able to gain an insight into this new lifestyle, and glimpse the future of housing. The couple approached the project with two main aims in mind. First and foremost came their ambition to create a zero carbon house. The building boasts insulation 16 times more efficient and an overall performance 2600% greater than the standard modern equivalent. John Christophers also highlighted the architectural beauty and excellence of the project as a chance to challenge the stereotype of ‘going green’ and inspire others. Certainly, the remarkable level of support and interest in the project, from its completion 18 months ago, has demonstrated the Christophers’ success in both these areas.

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John Christophers explained how the initial concept grew as a “response to the existing 1840s house”. An interesting example of this is found in the old ash tree, which plays an important role in the success of the house. The absence of leaves on the tree in winter lets light stream into the house, while the summer foliage helps to shade the house from over-heating. This particular example illustrates the pre-dominance of nature that the family have exploited whilst creating the house. The use of natural light is arguably the most impressive feature of the building, used in almost every aspect of the design. The hot water and 92% of the overall renewable energy needs are supplied by the solar panels on the roof, which continue to supply energy throughout the seasons. The family also makes use of the natural sunlight that pours in through the skylights, at 5 times the strength of ordinary windows. However, it is the exploitation of light through the use of space, tall ceilings and mirrors that creates the beautiful aesthetics in the house. One is also drawn in by the resourceful use of renewable energy sources

and recycled materials in the interior design work. The materials chosen for the building of the house used 1/9000th of the energy normally taken to make modern houses. Examples of this can be found with the hemp handrails for the banisters and walls made of lime plaster and recycled glass. Such materials add to the character of the building, which can be described as ‘wabi sabi’, the Japanese name for the natural look of the interior. When the Christophers first embarked on the project, 5 years ago, only one other prototype building had achieved the level 6 code of sustainable housing. The family has broken a lot of new ground and will hopefully be one of many that go out of their way to help the government meets its target of cutting carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. If designing a zero carbon house seems a little bit too ambitious, just think about the local environment and your own carbon footprint next time you leave the light on. To find out more about the ‘zero carbon house’, visit their website www.zerocarbonhousebirmingham.org.uk for information and photos. Lucy Atkinson

Robert Geoghegan - www.robspaintings.com

What’s On this month...

September 2011 Date

Event

Where

Time

Contact

04 (Tue)

Drama 13, rehearsing for ‘Dancing at Lughnasa’ to be performed on 1 - 3 December.

New Life Baptist Church KH

19.30

Pat 0121 244 2709 www.drama13.co.uk

08 (Sat)

Moseley Rugby Club v London Welsh

Billesley Common

15.00

www.moseleyrugby.co.uk - 0121 443 3631

11 (Tue)

Drama 13 (as above)

(as above)

11 (Tue)

18.00 - DEADLINE FOR NOVEMBER ISSUE OF MOSELEY B13. Submissions to editor@moseleyb13.com

13 (Thu)

The Over 50s Club - Harvest

St. Agnes Church Hall

14.00

0121 443 3413

16 (Sun)

Wedding Fair

Highbury Hall, Yew Tree Rd

11.00-15.30

events@birmingham.gov.uk - 0121 303 2050

18 (Tue)

Drama 13 (as above)

(as above)

22 (Sat)

Moseley Rugby Club v Rotherham Titans

Billesley Common

15.00

www.moseleyrugby.co.uk - 0121 443 3631

25 (Tue)

Drama 13 (as above)

(as above)

27 (Thu)

The Over 50s Club - Time Travel on a Living Planet

St. Agnes Church Hall

14.00

0121 443 3413

28 (Fri)

Halloween Fancy Dress Ball

Highbury Hall, Yew Tree Rd

Doors 19.30

events@birmingham.gov.uk - 0121 303 2050

The Regulars...

To get your free listing email mim@moseleyb13.com

Date Mondays

(1st Mon) Tuesdays

Wednesdays

Event

Where

Mother & Baby Yoga (4 mths - Crawl) Mother & Baby Yoga (Under 4 mths) Pregnancy Yoga Ashtanga Yoga (Basic drop-in class) £6 per class

Moseley Exchange Moseley Exchange Moseley Exchange St. Columba’s Church Hall

Find Your Voice Community singing group for singers of all abilities. Tree of Life Inspiration Network - Uplifting talks (£5)

St. Columba’s Church

Local Councillors’ Surgeries

B’ham Buddhist Centre, Park Road Moseley Exchange

Active Birth Yoga for Pregnancy - Booking essential.

12 Wake Green Road

Moseley Forum Open Committee Meeting Local people welcome. Music Shakers Music classes for infants, toddlers and carers. Active Birth Yoga for Pregnancy - Booking essential.

Moseley Exchange

Moseley & Sparkbrook Rotary Club

New Billesley Hotel, Brook Ln.

Bellringing

St. Anne’s Church

Drama 13 - New Members Welcome. Self Defence Class Meditation Drop-in - Suggested donation £7 (£3.50 cons)

(KH) New Life Baptist Church Moseley Exchange Birmingham Buddhist Centre, Park Road St. Mary’s Church

Music Shakers Music classes for infants, toddlers and carers. Free Silent Meditation - (please contact if attending) Meditation Drop-in - Suggested donation £4 (£2 cons)

St. Mary’s Church 12 Wake Green Road

Moseley Holistic Centre 99 Blenheim Road Birmingham Buddhist Centre, Park Road

Time 10.00-11.25 11.35-13.00 18.00-21.00 18.30-20.00

Contact

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0121 532 6067 - Cat Morgans cat.yoga@blueyonder.co.uk www.bigandlittleyoga.com 01384 394702 or 07967 211748 James Critchlow 19.30-21.30 07828 291090 lorna.bickley@hotmail.com 19.00 0121 449 4086 www.mindbodyandspirit.eu 19.15-19.45 0121 689 4372 martin.mullaney @birmingham.gov.uk 19.30-21.00 0121 449 9803 - Paula Sims enquiries@eaubaby.net 19.30-21.30 07974 913905 www.moseleyforum.org.uk 09.30 & 11.00 0121 449 5120 www.musicshakers.com 10.00-11.30 0121 449 9803 - Paula Sims 19.30-21.00 enquiries@eaubaby.net 12.45-14.00 0121 777 3247 laurence.h.taylor@gmail.com 19.00-20.00 077731 919179 jayne.beauchamp@hotmail.co.uk 19.30 0121 244 2709 - Pat 19.00-20.30 07912 032 558 - Steve Neal 19.15-21.45 0121 449 5279 info@birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk 09.30 & 11.00 0121 449 5120 www.musicshakers.com 12.30-13.00 0121 449 4086 info@moseleyholisticcentre.co.uk 13.00-14.00 0121 449 5279 info@birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk

The Regulars... (cont’d) Date (3rd Wed) (4th Wed) (4th Wed) Thursdays

Event

Where

Time

Iyenger Yoga for adults (Graham) Tree of Life Social Evening. Free.

Moseley Exchange (KH) 48 Poplar Road.

Neighbourhood Police Tasking Meeting Raise local issues of concern & reports of Police action. Susmo Meeting Philosophy Discussion Group Prayers for Peace in Palestine/Israel Knit & Natter Magenta Female Close-Harmony Chior Moseley Morris - New Dancers Welcome

(KH) Silver St.

Meditation Drop-in

Birmingham Buddhist Centre

Bhangra Jamm Class. Learning basic Bhangra dance movements. (1st Thurs) Highbury Park Friends (fortnightly) Tindal St. Fiction Group (2nd Thurs) Labour Party (2nd & 4th Th) Moseley Village Band Rehearsal - All welcome. Fridays Ashtanga Yoga (self-practice drop-in class) £7 per class. Riverside Church Youth Event

TBC Moseley Exchange St. Mary’s Church Dowells Close Moseley Exchange St. Columba’s Church Hall

The Dance Workshop 132 Alcester Road Moseley Exchange Moseley Exchange Moseley Exchange St. Columba’s Church Hall St. Columba’s Church Hall

Saturdays

Coffee & Company Meditation Drop-in

Riverside House 21 Alcester Rd St. Mary’s Church Birmingham Buddhist Ctre

Sundays (1st Sunday)

Christian Congregetion Cannon Hill Poets

Moseley Exchange Moseley Exchange

Contact

18.30-20.00 19.00

0121 472 8299 0121 449 4086 www.treeoflifemagazine.co.uk 19.00-20.30 0845 113 5000 - moseleyandkingsheath@ west-midlands.police.uk 19.00-21.00 sustainablemoseley@gmail.com 10.30-12.30 0121 449 2616 12.00 0121 449 2243 14.00-16.00 0121 443 5549 19.30-21.30 0121 249 0813 - Liz Garnett 20.00-21.30 0121 442 6132 - Lorraine 0121 689 1802 - Paul 19.15-21.45 0121 449 5279 info@birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk 19.45-20.45 0121 442 2286 - Sohan Kailey www.ozonepr.com 19.00-20.30 0121 449 8585 20.30-21.45 0121 451 3551 - Alan Beard 19.30-21.30 0121 246 0513 - Martin Straker-Welds 19.30 www.tradartsteam.co.uk 18.45-20.30 01384 394 702 / 07967 211 748 James Critchlow 19.00 (11-14) 0121 442 4484 - Andy King 20.30 (15-18) andyk@riversidechurch.org.uk 10.30-12.00 0121 449 2243 10.00-12.15 0121 449 5279 info@birminghambuddhistcentre.org.uk 15.00-18.00 07932 226 669 - Paolo 13.00-17.00 0121 426 6413 - Martin Underwood

To get your free listing email mim@moseleyb13.com

Pubs&BarsLiveMusicArts&CultureTheatreCinemaChildren Pubs & Bars

Pubs & Bars (cont’d)

Quiztastic  Every Monday from 8pm Fighting Cocks, Moseley Start the week with the Fighting Cock’s picture and music quiz. First prize is cash and they’ll be handing out wine like it’s going out of fashion! Free entry Visit www.thefightingcocksmoseley.co.uk for more information.

Sunday Chill Out  Every Sunday from 1pm Fighting Cocks, Moseley Fantastic roast dinner, drinks offers and papers and board games and to top it off – plus DJ Julie Warr on the decks with some classic tunes. Free entry Visit www.thefightingcocksmoseley.co.uk for more information.

Wine-d Down  Every Tuesday  Fighting Cocks, Moseley A fun and cost-effective way of tasting wines from around the world! Exclusive and discount on bottles of wine. Free entry Visit www.thefightingcocksmoseley.co.uk for more information.

This Is Tmrw Clubnight Sat, Oct 29 Bull’s Head, Moseley Monthly dance night in featuring regular This is Tmrw residents playing contemporary dance music for all ears with a live P.A from disco via shoegaze showman Greg Bird and Flamingo Flame! £3. Visit www.bullsheadmoseley.co.uk/this-is-tmrwclubnight.

Cheesy Dip Every Friday from 9pm Prince of Wales, Moseley Get your weekend started with a fun night pop, chart and cheesy classics! Free entry. Visit www.theprincemoseley.co.uk

Pubs&BarsLiveMusicArts&CultureTheatreCinemaChildren Live Music

Live Music (cont’d)

Aries Sat, Oct 1. 9pm - Hare and Hounds International local Dj/Producer Aries has been making big waves in the scene since his first releases in 2005. Aries brings the future sound of dubstep and DnB to Birmingham, with support from TNT& Vytol, Disgrace and Defcom. Free entry before 10pm. £4 afterwards (NUS £2) Email sumosoundsystem@yahoo.com.

Paper Aeroplanes Tues, Oct 4. 7.30pm Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath Indie/folk pop from Wales bring their infectious music to KGC. Compared to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, Suzanne Vega and The Cranberries, Paper Aeroplanes have been described by the BBC as a “west coast, easyriding, folkish indie with a pop sensibility.” £7. Call 0121 443 4725 or visit www.kitchengardencafe. co.uk.

Enablers plus support Fri, Oct 14. 8pm - Hare and Hounds San Francisco quartet Enablers write songs that are equally manipulative and encouraging to our darkest desires. The band merges dramatic and flowing melodic soundscapes. Support from Kogumaza and Backwards. £8. Call 0121 444 2081 or email naaathan@hotmail.co.uk.

Crazy P (live) and Sam Redmore (freestyle) Sat, Oct 1. 9.30pm - Hare and Hounds With some of the best live dance music shows on the planet, Crazy P have been leaving their mark on the landscape of British dance music over the last 15 years. Fusing live house and disco, this event is sure to sell out fast. £10adv. Email rachel@hareandhoundskingsheath.co.uk or call 0121 444 2081

Gregory Porter Wed, Oct 5. 8pm - Hare and Hounds Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Gregory Porter has experienced a string of recent successes, including a captivating performance on Jools Holland’s show. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear the Brooklynbased musician in Birmingham. £10adv . Call 0121 444 2081 or Ticket Sellers on 0844 870 0000 COPPE’ (feat. Modified Toy Orchestra) Thurs, Oct 6. 8pm - Hare and Hounds Often described as “the lost daughter of Aphex Twin and Björk”, the legendary godmother of Japanese Electronica, Coppe’ (pronounced “Co-Pay”) heads to the UK this autumn. Proceeds will be donated to the Japanese earthquake / tsunami relief appeal. £4adv (£6 on the door) contact@soundkitchenuk.org

Harmonic Jazz Festival : Mike Hurley’s Tasting Notes Sat, Oct 1. 12.30pm, 3pm, 5.30pm and 8pm - Mac Join Mike Hurley of Fizzle and Invention Convention for a series of concerts based around the theme of food. Featuring some of the finest free improvisers from the local scene and further afield. £9 - £12 Harmonic Jazz Festival : Mike Fletcher Quartet Sat, Oct 1. 3.30pm - Mac Acclaimed Birmingham saxophonists Mike Fletcher returns to the West Midlands after a spell of globetrotting. Innovative performance featuring some of his best-known music. £7 - £10 Harmonic Jazz Festival : Percy Pursglove’s Enchanted Heart Sat, Oct 1. 6pm - Mac Festival director Percy Pursglove leads a new ensemble with music written for Harmonic. Percy has been making a name for himself as a sideman on the UK scene in the last few years, playing with an array of well-known musicians. £7 - £10 Harmonic Jazz Festival : FOOD Sat, Oct 1. 9pm - Mac Iain Ballamy (saxophones) and Thomas Stronen (drums and electronics) have a longstanding partnership of making breathtaking music together. This performance explores the versatile sonic possibilities of their own instruments. £10 - £14 Harmonic Jazz Festival : Steve Tromans’ Directions In Music Sat, Oct 1. All day - Mac Marathon 11-hour performance from one of Birmingham’s most prolific musicians. Steve wanted to give a performance that could only be experienced in its entirety in a festival environment. Harmonic Jazz Festival : Birmingham Creative Composers Ensemble Sun, Oct 2. 1pm - Mac The Creative Composers Ensemble was established to give the opportunity for Birmingham’s composers to perform their work in an ensemble setting. This performance will feature the work written by members of the ensemble. Free entry. Asian Autumn Sun, Oct 2. 4pm - Mac Uplifting afternoon of South Asian music, showcasing the Midlands’ best home-grown talent. Including Sanchita Pal’s classical vocal students, Harjinder Matharu’s Dhol players, North Indian classical musicians and more. £4 - £6.

Sam Amidon / Little Sister / Tom Martin Fri, Oct 7. 7.30pm - Hare and Hounds Sam Amidon plays banjo, guitar and fiddle, whilst Little Sister combine harmony vocals and electric guitar with accordion, violin and harp. Irish singer songwriter Tom Martin has carved out a “Celtic fusion” musical niche that effortlessly imbues whatever genre he tackles. £7adv. Email info@moseleyfolk.co.uk. Blood Ceremony plus guests Sun, Oct 9. Time TBA - Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath Blood Ceremony’s distinct style of flute-tinged rock evolved from an infernal marriage of occult inspired acid folk and vintage hard rock riffing. Their fascination of horror, the witchcraft and the supernatural lends the band a refreshingly unique sound and style. Price TBA Nadja plus guests Mon, Oct 10. 7.30pm - Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath Nadja consists of Aidan Baker and Leah Buckareff and create music that has been described as drone metal, ambient doom and shoegazer, combining soundscapes, electronics and atmospheric vocals with epic guitar riffs. £8. Call 0121 444 2081 or email iroha@hotmail.co.uk. Sarah Blasko Wed, Oct 12. 7.30pm - Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath Acoustic singer-songwriter and musician Sarah Blasko will embark on a series of intimate shows throughout October, having toured extensively across Europe last year with her full band. Sarah will perform songs from her forthcoming album. £8adv. 0121 444 2081 / carlo@birmimghampromoters.com Wilcox / The Formula / The Fontana Instincts / Escape Avenue Thurs, Oct 13. 7.30pm. - Hare and Hounds Wilcox’s sound is infused with catchy melodies and the band are known for their explosive live performances. The Formula fuses varied styles and influences to produce an original musical cocktail. Indie band The Fontana Instincts unleash their haunting yet soothing vocals whilst Escape Avenue deliver their own brand of alternative grunge/rock. £6adv Email: emmascottpresents@btinternet.com.

MCM / Caveman (Live performance and DJ set) Sat, Oct 15. 9pm - Hare and Hounds MCM originally was the front man for 1990s UK HipHop group Caveman. Caveman was considered one of the pioneering UK Hip Hop acts of the Golden Age. MCM will be doing a live performance of some of his classic tracks and a taste of his new album. £5. Call 0121 444 2081 or email mantus@hotmail.co.uk. Michelle Shocked Sun, Oct 16. 8pm - Hare and Hounds As part of her 2011 tour, American singer-songwriter Michelle Shocked brings her unique ‘hillbilly’ alternative folk sound to Birmingham. Her 24-year career that has seen critical acclaim at every juncture. £16adv. Email info@moseleyfolk.co.uk. Negative Brody / The Motive / The Illuminations / Fantastik 4 Thurs, Oct 20. 7pm - Hare and Hounds Negative Brody bring their unique alternative rock to Birmingham, alongside the high-energy punk rock ’n’ roll of The Motive, Walsall-based rock-blues band The Illuminations and the charismatic Fantastik 4. £5adv. Email emmascottpresents@btinternet.com. The Sabri Ensemble present Shiraz Fri, Oct 21. 8pm - Mac Franz Osten’s lavish 1928 silent film tells the romantic story behind the Taj Mahal and is accompanied by a live score by internationally renowned tabla player and composer Sarvar. £7 - £10. Leb Bib + Jonathan Silk Quartet Wed, Oct 26. 8pm - Hare and Hounds Now on their fifth Album, Led Bib first exploded onto the jazz scene in 2003 with their playful and exhilarating mash up of jazz and rock. Support from the Jonathan Silk Quartet, featuring some of Birmingham’s finest jazz talent. £5. info@birminghamjazz.co.uk. Monster Ceilidh Band Thurs, Oct 27. 7.30pm - Hare and Hounds Newcastle’s finest folk musicians Monster Ceilidh Band bring a new breed of ceilidh dancing to generations new and old all over the world – with an innovative sound of electric guitar, fiddle and accordion. £5adv Call 07531 723 043 or email world.unlimited@ o2.co.uk. Sugarfoot Stomp 7 Year Itch Birthday Party Fri, Oct 28. 8.30pm - Hare and Hounds Music and more from the 1920s to 1960s. It’s been seven years since the Sugarfoot Stomp began and they plan to make a big noise about it. Features filmmaker Film Ficciones whose visuals add a mysterious backdrop to the night. £3. Call 0121 444 2081. Arun Ghosh Sat, Oct 29. 8pm - Mac Clarinettist Arun Ghosh and his sextet play music of South Asian origin with a contemporary jazz attitude, featuring an innovative fusion of urban beats and punk rock. Tickets £9 - £12

Live Music (cont’d)

Arts & Culture (Cont’d)

The Travelling Band / Burnside Sun, Oct 31. 7pm - Hare and Hounds A recording project in New York City in 2006 was to lead to The Travelling Band - a shimmering blend of cosmic-country-pop, understated psychedelia, vocal harmonies and nu-folk. Features support from Birmingham-based band Burnside. £6adv. Call 0121 444 2081 or email carlo@birminghampromoters.com.

Dean Friedman Sun, Oct 16. 7pm - Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath Critically acclaimed American singer songwriter Dean Friedman performs an array of songs from his threedecade career. An evening of moving, insightful, hilarious and touching music. Visit www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk or call 0121 443 4725.

Some Domestic Incidents Mon, 24 Sep – Sun 13 Nov (Open Tuesday until Saturday, 12pm – 8pm; Sunday, 11am – 4pm. Closed Monday) - Mac Some Domestic Incidents is an exhibition of new paintings. Featuring works of seven British artists that explores the theme of domesticity and how normative relationships with homes can be changed or damaged. Free entry.

Midlands Fretted Orchestra and Nosferatu (cert PG) Mon 31 Oct, 7.30pm - Mac Halloween special. An adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula with Midlands Fretted Orchestra, who will provide a chillingly eerie live score to the vintage classic silent vampire film Nosferatu. £4.50 - £6.50 Arts & Culture Laughing Cows Wed, Oct 5. 7pm - Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath Monthly sell-out comedy night with an all female lineup. October’s event features Jen Brister, Janice Phayre and Liz Carr alongside resident comic Maureen Younger. £8 (£6 concessions). Visit www.kitchengardencafe. co.uk or call 0121 443 4725. Kill For A Seat: Dan Nightingale and Duncan Oakley Fri, Oct 7. 8pm - Mac Kill for a Seat is Mac’s monthly comedy night. October’s event features comedy duo Dan Nightingale and Duncan Oakley, whose unique and innovative humour has won nationwide critical acclaim. £8 - £11. Visit www.macarts.co.uk/event/kill-for-a-seat. Retro Cabaret Show Sun, Oct 9. 7pm - Kitchen Garden Café, Kings Heath Eclectic mixture of music, comedy, cabaret and poetry. Includes Birmingham-based band The Dirty Old Folkers, comedian/magician Matt Pritchard, stand-up comedy and much more. £8 (£6 concessions) Visit www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk or call 0121 443 4725. What Are They Whispering? (Part of the Birmingham Book Festival) Tues, Oct 11. 8.30pm - Mac Poetry event featuring the emotional, funny and engaging poems of Imtiaz Dharker, Joe Dunthorne and John Stammers. What Are They Whispering? is a beautifully designed performance of poems about power in all its forms. Tickets £6 - £9. Birmingham Comedy Festival Special – Ivan Brackenbury / Ian D Montfort Thurs, Oct 13. Doors 8pm, show 8:30 - Hare & Hounds Birmingham Comedy Festival special with Ivan Brackenbury and his hospital radio roadshow. Also features  Ian D Monfort, plus open spots and compere James Cook. Non-members: £7. Members: £5. Become a member on the night for free or by emailing ilikealaugh@gmail. com Discount tickets available at wegottickets.com/ comedyat. Call 0121 444 2081 or email ilikealaugh@gmail.com.

October 2011 Details correct at time of going to print.

The Birmingham Book Festival Closing Party Sun, Oct 16. 2pm-6pm - Mac Selection of short events to celebrate the end of another year of the Birmingham Book Festival. With a programme including film, open mic poetry, discussion, and books on sale, you can drop in for an hour or stay for the duration. Storytelling Café Wed, Oct 19. 6.30pm - Kitchen Garden Café, KH Delivering the art of storytelling to an adult audience. Features a disparate array of storytellers from across the Midlands battling it out to be crowned winner. The audience decides the result! Food served from 6.30pm. £7. Visit www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk or call 0121 443 4725. Mary Macmaster / Donald Hay Sun, Oct 23. 7.30pm - Kitchen Garden Café, KH Mary Macmaster is a Scottish harpist who has performed with The Poozies and the duo Sileas, whilst Donald Hay is a percussionist whose elegant and emotional live shows conjure up the untamed wilderness of the Scottish landscape. £8.50. Visit www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk or call 0121 443 4725. Fearing and White Mon, Oct 24. 7pm - Kitchen Garden Café Canadian songwriter / storyteller Stephen Fearing blends powerful lyrics, creative arrangements and brilliant guitar playing, whilst Andy White combines pop and folk sounds with a poet’s sensibility. £9adv (£10 on the door). Visit www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk or call 0121 443 4725. Children Snow Play - Tue, Oct 25 – Wed, Oct 26. 11am and 2.30pm - Age: 3 – 7 years - Mac When Mr Green comes back from holiday he finds that Mr White has moved in and covered everything in snow. All Mr White wants to do is have fun but Mr Green can’t stand the snow. Interactive smash-hit production starring Patrick Lynch from CBeebies and Carlo Rossi from Italian TV. Tickets £6 - £8. Wolf Tales - Sun, Oct 30. 2.30pm - Mac - Age: 5 years + Little Red Riding Hood is out on stage telling the world the same old story about Grandma and the Big Bad Wolf. But the audience can come backstage and meet Mr Wolf as he takes a break between scenes to set the record straight. £6 - £8 The Light Garden Sun, Oct 16 - Mon, Oct 17. Times vary. Age: 18 months – 4 years, Duration 20 mins Award-winning artist Rachel Davies creates an interactive light and video installation. Children begin their adventure in the dark armed with torches. A guide encourages them to journey around the scene with their bodies and imagination. Supersonic Kids Gig - Sat, Oct 22 – Sun, Oct 23. 2.30pm - Mac - Age: 2 months – 6 years + families Supersonic Festival is back with music for the whole family. Come and jam, play and dance to big sounds for little people, and discover amazing experimental music. Features performers from the main Supersonic Festival at the Custard Factory. - Tickets £10 (1 adult + 1 child, extra child/adult £5.50 each)

The Big Draw: Continued Line Sat, Oct 1 – Mon, Oct 31. 9am - 11pm - Mac Exploring the true potential of the etch-a-sketch. As part of Continued Line, this project aims to get everybody drawing, and visitors will be encouraged to relive or to re-introduce etch-a-sketch fun to the next generation of sketching artists. smallprint:big impression Sat, Oct 22 – Sun, Dec 4 (Open daily from 9am - 11pm) - Mac smallprint:big impression is an international showcase of contemporary fine art printmaking, presenting artists from across the UK and as far afield as the US and New Zealand. Features a diverse range of printmaking techniques. Free entry. All New Comedy – Dave Longley and Daliso Chaponda Thurs, Oct 27. 8pm - Hare and Hounds Rising comedian Dave Longley is joined by Malawianborn comic Daliso Chaponda for an unmissable night of hilarity and laughter. Plus open spots and compere James Cook. Non-members: £7. Members: £5. Call 0121 444 2081 or email ilikealaugh@gmail.com. Jackie Leven Sun, Oct 30. 7.30pm - Kitchen Garden Café Scottish songwriter, guitarist and folk musician Jackie Leven has a career spanning 35 years. Leven started his musical career in the late 1960s and this October brings his unique uplifting folk sound to Kings Heath. Price TBC. Visit www.kitchengardencafe.co.uk or call 0121 443 4725. Theatre Autobiographer by Melanie Wilson Wed, Oct 5 – Sat, Oct 8. 8pm (Matinee Sat, Oct 8. 3pm) - Mac This enigmatic and compelling performance focuses on the unraveling mind of central character, Flora. Features a cast of four and a bold, electrifying score of voice and sound. Post-show discussion on Wed, Oct 5. Tickets £9 - £12. www.macarts.co.uk/events/cinema. Speechless Tues, Oct 11 – Sat, Oct 15. 8pm (Matinee – Thurs, Oct 13. 2pm) - Mac Story of identical twins who communicate in their own private language, and whose relationship is one of turbulence and intensity. Powerful portrayal of a secret world and the struggle to find a voice. Postshow discussion on Wed, Oct 12. Tickets £10 - £13. Visit www.macarts.co.uk/events/cinema. At Swim, Two Boys Tues, Oct 18. 8pm - Age: 14+ Set in 1916 Ireland, the production is staged entirely in water and and set against the backdrop of the Easter Rising in Ireland. This performance juxtaposes the love affair of two young men with political turmoil and slaughter on the Western Front. Tickets £10 - £13.

A Spot of Tranquillity It is always a pleasure to visit Martineau Gardens in Edgbaston with its wild flower meadow, orchard and woodland nestled two miles from the city centre. On Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September the Gardens were pleased to host The Birmingham and District Beekeeping Association Birmingham Honey Show. Locally produced honey was available for sale directly from the beekeepers and visitors had the opportunity to create candles from beeswax. Hives could also be viewed from the safety of the observation sheds. It was fascinating to talk to beekeepers to find out more about their craft. The sun shone, lots of visitors enjoyed the green oasis and a good day was had by all. Ensure you make a note in your diary of the autumn event at the Martineau Gardens on Sunday 25th September 11am until 3pm when children's activities include storytelling and pottery, there will be apple juice demonstrations and tasters. Musicians will perform and there will be stalls selling plants, jams, honey and other local produce. Judy Dyke Member and supporter of Martineau Gardens

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Return of the S(c)illy artist. Regular readers of B13 may remember reading in the April 2009 issue, an article about Stephen Morris. Stephen is the artist who grew up in the Moseley area, but now lives and paints on the beautiful Isles of Scilly. He had a very successful exhibition entitled ‘Scilly Seasons’ in the Gallery of The Botanic Gardens in Edgbaston in April 2009. Last year, Stephen was delighted when their new gallery manager, Isobel Blackwell, asked him to stage another exhibition. This will have its opening weekend on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th October and be on display for 4 weeks in total. Entitled 'Islands of Sun and Ice' it will comprise about thirty paintings ranging from three very large and impressive watercolour works, done near his gallery at Glandore on the island of St. Marys, to a selection of small ink sketches. Four of these inks Stephen did while on holiday in

Iceland at the end of 2010. Incredibly, two of these sketches were done 'en plein air' in sub zero November temperatures. One, painted overlooking Tjornin (the lake in the centre of Reyjkavik) in falling snow produced an unintended but interesting crystal snow effect in the sky! Since the invitation last year, his regular trips back to Birmingham to see family and friends have been used to transport the 30 or so paintings needed for the exhibition . Mum's wardrobe has been used for storage and it's getting rather full! Stephen, his wife Lois, together with friends Bill and Sue Rogers, who are helping stage the exhibition, will be delighted to meet anyone who wants to view the work on the opening weekend. Photo: Graham Mealand 2011

The Gallery THE BIRMINGHAM

BOTANICAL GARDENS

An Exhibition

“Islands of Sun and Ice” by Stephen Morris www.glandore.co.uk

Sat 29th October to Thursday 24th Nov Inclusive

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Po’Girl

(Live at the Kitchen Garden Cafe)

Po’Girl @ KGC - Photo: David Rodgers

For those of you who are not familiar with the Kitchen Garden Café I must say you should be ashamed! Although I cannot say I’m a regular goer, I have been for an odd coffee here and there, a drink in the evening and a taste of comedy on one occasion and have never been disappointed. This wonderful mixture of a kitchen, a garden and a café is located in the heart of Kings Heath and is one of those hidden gems you’ll be kicking yourself for not discovering sooner. At first, wandering through the gate almost feels like you’ve accidentally stepped into someone’s back garden, but the warm welcome from the host and bar staff when you reach the café removes any doubts of intrusion! In fact the garden is idyllic with little tea-garden type tables sprinkled across the courtyard, fairy lights decking on the walls and garden ornaments peeping out through the vast amount of greenery. The café goes beyond the limits of what I would expect a café to constitute. KGC offers a number of regular and one-off events, from live music to comedy, from storytelling to a Cabaret Show. And tonight I was here to see Po’Girl. This extremely talented Canadian-born group dazzled the crowd with their seemingly never-ending use of instruments, witty remarks and beautiful voices. The rather intimate arrangement of being up close and personal with the band meant there was no possibility of craning your neck, and with a glass of wine in hand you can sit, relax and watch the performance unfold. The charming singers, Allison Russell and Awna Teixeira, really connected with the crowd and there wasn’t a single person who wasn’t tapping their feet or nodding their head to the beat. The gentle acoustic sounds from banjos, violins and guitars mixed with snatches of the clarinet and the amazing gut-bucket bass (Teixeira’s genuine interest and passion for the gut bucket was very endearing as she detailed its origins) created an effortless harmony which

was incredible to listen to. The soulful rich voice of Russell and the dreamy tones of Teixeira complemented each other well and I was very intrigued by the silent drummer (what an oxymoron!) known as Mikey ‘Lightning’ August. And whilst I usually find it quite disturbing to ever meet anyone who is happier than Father Christmas, I actually found their optimism infectious and completely understood the title of their new album Follow Your Bliss. This band truly knows the meaning of bliss, and with voices that are both powerful and calming and a sound something between soul and acoustic, I think myself and the majority of the audience were somewhere on the road to bliss. KGC is definitely a great location for the delights of a live band. The only thing I could find fault with was the small number of toilets but with so much to look at on the walls, and a convenient table stacked of leaflets to browse through, the wait is hardly worth a mention. In fact, as cafes go this is definitely one of Kings Heath’s best and I would fully recommend it as a relaxed way to spend an evening. Whether it’s laughing your way through a comedy set, humming along to a live music show or getting creative with poetry, the friendly staff, the exotic range of beers and the wonderful location create a unique experience. For me, I had a great time and have definitely been won over by the rustic garden feel and lovely intimate setting for a live performance. For more information about the Kitchen Garden Café visit www. kitchengardencafe.co.uk or check out the What’s On listing in this magazine for details of upcoming events! Eva Quigley

MUSIC MOSELEY B13

Roast Squash and Pepper Soup by Birgit Kehrer @BSustained (Vegan and Gluten free)

Ingredients: - 1 ca 800g (weight before roasting) roast (as whole) butternut squash (or any other winter squash) skinned and chopped (after roasting, makes it much easier). - 3 roast (as whole) red peppers – skinned and chopped (after roasting until skin is blistered). - 3 onions. - Good handful of red split lentils (optional). - Handful of grated coconut or tin of coconut milk. - Garlic, fresh ginger, chilli, turmeric, asafoetida, bay leaves, veg stock all to taste. Method: Fry onions in vegan ghee, margarine or good quality oil with garlic and ginger until caramelised; Add coconut, then water, spices and lentils; boil for 5 mins. Add vegetables, cook for a bit longer, whiz up. Voila! Enjoy! p.s. Roasting the butternut squash or pumpkin as a whole takes the work out of using squashes and pumpkins. You just roast them whole until tender and then scrape out the flesh, discarding the seeds while doing so. p.s. I sometimes also include roast sweet potatoes in this recipe which fits very well – and leave out the coconut

Confessions of a Locavore Life moves indoors as the seasons change, and food follows life. Three months ago all our produce was in the allotment; now it’s all in the freezer. The disappointing August didn’t slow down the climbing beans which means there are industrial quantities waiting to be defrosted and eaten. Over the next few months I will be scratching my head and scouring the internet for ways to perk up green and purple beans which, delicious as they are, do tend to get a bit monotonous. All the more reason to plant borlotti beans, which look like beans but don’t really act like them. You’ve FOOD & DRINK 24

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probably come across them dried or in a tin (brownish, marbled beans a little smaller than kidney beans), though they’re harder to come by in their un-podded state. The plants look just like ordinary climbing beans, but the pods are a splendid mottled, fire-engine red that look pretty enough against the green leaves to merit a place in the flower border. Although it’s possible to eat the beans pods and all when they’re very young, that’s also exactly the time when all the other beans are clamouring for attention so it makes more sense just to ignore them for a while. In fact, it does no harm at all to let the pods wither and dry on the plant before harvesting, though if you leave it much past mid-October you run the risk of sliminess. Of course you can pod the borlotti and eat them right away, boiling them with a clove or two of garlic until they’re tender, then serving with a generous drizzle of olive oil. How-

ever, they also freeze very well (pod and blanche in boiling water for 3 minutes or so, then plunge into cold water before drying and putting into freezer bags). Even better when the freezer is already over-full, it’s very simple to dry them and store them in a jar on the shelf. Spread the podded beans on a baking tray (the drier the beans already are the better, so don’t rush to harvest them) and put in a fan oven set to ‘fan only’. They’ll dry out in anything between an hour and 3 or 4 hours, depending on how dry they already are. Do make sure they’re all dry before you store them, though, or you’ll wind up growing a crop of mould. They’ll need to be soaked, preferably overnight, before cooking, but they’ll keep for months—in fact, you could still be eating them next spring when you’re sowing next year’s crop. Delicious. Jean Gilkison

Parallel worlds

in Moseley

T H E

After a year’s break, I decided to have another go at stewarding at the Moseley Folk festival. Where else can you be useful to your community, meet friends and neighbours and experience some excellent music as a part of the bargain? And all this for free when you’re a steward. Not bad at all! By Sunday, I had done my two shifts of duty so I could just enjoy the programme. But then I remembered that I had wanted to go to the Eid Mela taking place the same afternoon. So I decided to take a detour and first pop down to Canon Hill Park with thousands of other local people. I then managed to get to Moseley Park just in time for one of my favourite acts from two years ago, Scott Matthews. Although the two events were taking place in different parts of our community, they seemed to be worlds apart. Having spent many years locally, I have become used to feeling at home in a multiracial environment. So, what struck me above all was that the crowd at the mela were almost wholly Asian. There was a complete lack of any white faces with the exception of a few women who had married out of their community and, of course, some of the people who were staffing the display from organisations such as HSBC, Ford and Aston Villa Football Club who were there as a

part of their outreach programme. And then later, at the folk festival, the crowd was slightly more multi-racial, predominantly white, with the occasional black or Asian face. It reminded me of the phrase ‘parallel lives’ coined after the 90s riots in a number of northern towns. At the time, it appeared to imply that it was the Pakistani community was the guilty party. I wasn’t sure who was to blame or indeed whether there was anything wrong with communities participating in distinct cultural events. Surely, the main point is that people are free to choose what they want to do, on their Sunday afternoon. It could be having a pint of Mad Goose and listening to some up and coming folk artist with their friends and family or, a couple of hundred yards down the road, listening to Pakistani music also with friends and family but without the ale. I did wonder, however, whether we will come to a time when we will stop having separate cultural events; perhaps a better option would be for both the events, and others like them, to have a more diverse audience. Karamat Iqbal www.forwardpartnership.org.uk

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COMMUNITY MOSELEY B13

Why Moseley is the perfect place for dating… Well, you might have noticed that Moseley village is crammed to the seams with pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants and fish and chip shops. It caters to everyone’s definition of what a romantic date entails. If you’re on a first date, why not try the Fighting Cocks? With its spacious and leafy beer garden and blackboards covered with a crazy variety of foreign lagers and beers, there will always be something to talk about. Plus the friendly, and rather quirky, bar staff ensure that there are no awkward moments. The roaring fireplace on a cold winter evening can really enhance the romantic mood. For those of you already steaming past date three or four, and perhaps have both discovered a love of alcohol, the welcoming beer garden in the Prince of Wales may be perfect for you. With its relaxed attitude, cheese and wine cellar and cocktail bar, the venue caters for all kinds of tastes (and you’re unlikely to receive funny looks if you drunkenly climb on to a bench and proclaim your love for your date). You are of course in the Prince and as dates go, they can get very messy. For those less alcohol-minded individuals, a few glasses of sauvignon blanc at The Cross is always a winner. And then of course you don’t always have to be going for drinks on a date. Those of you in the middle of a wonderful relationship can enjoy the delights of La Plancha where las tapas es excelente! Moseley definitely caters to all tastes. From Indian to Italian, French to Chinese your date will definitely be spoilt for choice in cuisine. Head up to Woodbridge Road and you could even go for a drink at the Pat Kavs and then head down the road to one of my favourite Thai restaurants, Sabai Sabai. And for those of you who shy away from the hustle and bustle of Moseley village, there’s always the option of buying a take

PIANO TUITION Andrew Bland BMus All ages/experience. Learn classical, jazz and folk styles. £12 per half hour

07783 556643

www.andrewbland.co.uk away and snuggling up at home with a movie. Fish and chips is not always romantic, but along with a bottle of merlot, dim lights and the ultimate rom com it can turn into a perfect date. So there you go! That’s why Moseley is indeed the ideal place for romance. From a scary blind date to a cosy night in with your partner, Moseley is the ultimate hot spot for dating, romance and love. Eva Quigley

Thought for the month Riots hit Brum again ….. 14 July 1791 Does anything change? Mobs, fuelled by rumour and alcohol, attacked and burnt many homes, nonconformist churches and Dr Joseph Priestley’s house: his irreplaceable library, manuscripts and scientific apparatus, were ransacked and destroyed. He and his family had fled as they saw the mob approach. James Watt (of the Lunar Society COMMUNITY 26

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along with Priestley) wrote that the riots “divided [Birmingham] into two parties who hate each other.”1 This caused a deep wound and distrust in the Nonconformists and the ‘FreeThinkers’ against Parliament and the Established Church.

Perhaps it shows us what we’re like under our skins … would we have wanted a ‘free Plasma TV’? Yet the reaction to it all was a sense of justice needing to be done and for us to work together to prevent it ever happening again.

The riots we saw 220 years later produced some deep feelings within many of us as we watched people’s livelihoods and homes go up in flames. One of these was the strengthening of right and wrong – the words ‘moral compass’ were often used in interviews as people tried to understand the ‘why’.

But does anything change? In the end we have to face up to what we ourselves are like: we have to pull the plank out of our own eye before getting the speck out of others. Each of us individually are what makes society what it is: it’s our choice. David Isgrove

TIME TO STUDY At this time of year you, your sons or daughters, your neighbour’s children, your ex-pupils may be packing up and going off to university. I wonder how many are heading down south to Sussex to study Wine Production or Viticulture & Oenology at Plumpton College. Did anyone even know that such a course existed in the UK? Well, I’ll have you know that Plumpton is the only university in the UK teaching such a degree and the only one in the whole of Europe offering this qualification in English. These are just two accolades I shall be laying at Plumpton’s door during the course of this article.

Sensory Department. Plumpton’s students are working on viticultural techniques with regards to climate change, a massive hot potato at the moment, on budburst manipulation, yeasts in sparkling wine and clone and rootstock selection amongst other highly specific and scientific projects (Electric Pulse Fields and Gel-Flotation since you ask!) and are also being commissioned to undertake research on behalf of the trade. The college works very closely with the UK wineries moreover, and it is no coincidence that there have been significant improvements in English wine quality in recent years.

I recently organised a day there for a dozen or so wine writers and educators to investigate what courses are available, what research is being carried out and to have a sneaky look at the vineyards there. We were shown around by the very impressive Dr Belinda Kemp, full-time lecturer and research co-ordinator in wine. Belinda has previously worked in the awardwinning English winery, Nyetimber and her PhD was earned for her work on the effects of vine leaf removal on fruit-ripening; crucial information for anyone growing grapes here in the UK.

We tasted 4 of the wines the college produces from its 6.5ha of vines. Cloudy Ridge 2010, a white blend from Seyval Blanc, Schonberger, Reichensteiner, Bacchus and MüllerThurgau (all grapes that do well in our cooler climate) and found it to be light and fresh and very pleasant. The Cloudy Ridge Rosé was more than just palatable but The Dean’s Blush 2008, a sparkling wine made with the same grapes as Champagne and by the same method, was really pretty interesting. This is where English wine scores so well; our climate is suited to provide grapes of high acidity which is needed for quality sparkling wine. It was the red which surprised me the most – Sutherland’s Block 2010 made from 100% Pinot Noir, was lovely with rose petal and red fruit gum aromas and a crisp freshness and cranberry juiciness on

The research the college is undertaking is considerable and considerably important! They are working closely with prestigious universities such as Reims and Geisenheim and in the UK with Nottingham University’s

the palate. No surprise to hear then, that previous vintages have won Best English Red. They obviously know what they are doing and I am sorely tempted to enrol on one of their courses, not least because, if you do, you have to learn to drive a tractor! I may be a tad above the average age of the students there (which by the way is 32, suggesting quite a few people are either making life-changing choices or doing courses just for fun!) but the Principles of Wine-Making definitely appeals. www.plumpton.ac.uk If Sussex is a bit of trek for you why not come become a member of Birmingham Imbibers and come to one of our tastings? 3rd October Chile - Wines To Make You Smile 14th October Champagne Tasting/Fun Night in aid of Cure Leukaemia For more information contact; laura@birminghamimbibers.co.uk

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Tin Box Theatre Company is celebrating it's First Birthday this October and the founders, Jo Gleave and Jo Newman, are delighted with their achievements so far and excited to be looking towards a bright and innovative future. I met with them both in Moseley's Fighting Cocks for a swift drink and a catch up. Their début piece, Stop the Clocks, (funded by Ideas Tap) was released upon Birmingham earlier this year and, following a successful run, opened once again this September. This promenade piece has been developed as a site specific production over the past year, using the Newman Brother's Coffin Fittings Factory (Fleet Street) as it's inspiration. Tin Box are the first organisation to access the Birmingham Conservation Trust building since it's closure in 1998. The success of Stop the Clocks has inspired the Conservation Trust to continue to use the building as an experimental arts and heritage space for the foreseeable future. Lucie Thacker and Elizabeth Perkins of the Birmingham Conservation Trust have been an excellent support network for Tin Box along the way. Jo and Jo are bubbly, chatty and lively and have been friends since meeting at University of Birmingham. After gaining qualifications in Drama and Directing, they set up Tin Box last year. The unusual company name was developed alongside the Stop the Clocks project, a tribute to the metal boxes which coffin parts are stored in. The Birmingham based company are in the development stages of a new piece, Not Known at This Address,

which will continue to reflect their passion for immersive theatre and they hope to tour it over the coming year. Each Tin Box piece is a sensory experience, involving smells, touch and sound. There is a focus on storytelling and creating a space which promotes “freedom to explore”. These participatory experiences are family friendly and children are welcomed at the performances. Moving forwards, Tin Box hope to continue to explore new and interested spaces and are “looking forward to developing more work in the future”. Birmingham will continue to be their base and they love living and working in the city. “It's a great theatre community to be part of,” reflects Jo N. A Moseley-ite herself, she appreciates the importance that theatre and the arts play in our local community. Tin Box is a young, innovative organisation and the two lovely directors are keen to gather as much feedback as possible. If you do manage to catch one of their productions, please do let them know your thoughts. You can find them on Twitter (@tinbox1), Facebook (Tin Box Theatre Company) and online (www. tinboxtheatre.co.uk). Let me take this opportunity to wish Tin Box a very happy first birthday and many happy returns. I feel certain that they have many positive years ahead of them. Lindsay Jane Brown www.lindsayjanebrown.co.uk

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To plateau or not to plateau By Darran Law

So you’ve been training for a few months now and suddenly you’ve stopped improving. The scales are no longer your friend, your run time’s static, or even more simply you’re still lifting the same weight and not getting any bigger and stronger. Frustrating? Yes. Time to give up? Hell no! The most important thing is to remember to focus on the positives. Try to visualise how far you’ve come and everything you’ve achieved. I’m pretty sure Madonna doesn’t live in Moseley and unfortunately, doesn’t subscribe to this publication, so it’s safe to say you don’t have a 24/7 personal trainer and gym in house to work out constantly. As a result, any improvements you’ve made are all down to you. Have you congratulated yourself? You should! There are a number of very simple ways to get back on track and break out of the plateau. Stay on your toes. I don’t mean walk around on tip toes as if auditioning for the Black Swan sequel. No, what I mean is, keep your body guessing. For example, if you’re used to doing squats, replace them with lunges. If you don’t have a vast array of exercise knowledge, that’s ok. Should this be the case; do whatever you are currently doing, but do it backwards (start at end of training programme and work back to the usual starting point). By varying your workout, your muscles won’t get accustomed to regularity. Rest. Muscles need time to recover from any draining exercise. It’s a common misconception that the more you train, the better results HEALTH 30

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achieved. Without sufficient recovery, muscles reach a catabolic state, in which the tissue breaks down, thus slowing metabolism and preventing weight loss. Don’t rest. Yes you’ve read this correctly, and no I’m not contradicting myself. This is a very separate point. During weight training, or interval training, crank up the intensity by reducing the rest period. Push yourself and feel those extra calories burn away! Hydrate. Water isn’t just for the shower after. Drinking plenty of water is essential for transporting oxygen around the body. You should

be drinking around 2 litres of water every day, more if exercising. Have fun. Losing weight doesn’t have to be about just pounding the pavements. If you can’t bear the thought of endless running alone, try encouraging a friend to come along too. Maybe try an exercise class, join a sports club (I know for a fact Birmingham City Korfball Club are always looking for new members and train just down the road from Moseley), or better still, hire yourself a personal trainer, I can recommend a good one! Darran Law is a Personal Trainer working in Moseley.

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DECEMBER COVER COMPETITION

Do you have a penchant for illustration, a talent for photography or a knack with graphic design? Or are you just incredibly talented at scribbling? Either way, Moseley B13 Magazine invite you to submit a cover design for the December issue. Make it fun, make it seasonal, or make it abstract... your choice. The winning design will be the official cover for the December issue of Moseley B13 Magazine. The design can be submitted by e-mail to community@ moseleyb13.com or by snail mail to Moseley B13 Magazine, Moseley CDT, The Post Office Building, 149153 Alcester Road, Moseley, B13 8JP. (Sometimes it’s quicker if you just take it in!) Please include the following information with your submission: Name, Age (if under 18), Name and signature of parent/guardian (if under 18), Address, Phone, E-mail, and the title of your artwork. Now for some blurb (if under 18... the grown up can read this bit).

General Contact: info@moseleyb13.com Online: www.moseleyb13.com Postal Address: Moseley B13 Magazine, Moseley CDT, The Post Office Building, 149-153 Alcester Road, Moseley, Birmingham, B13 8JP. Design: Doublesided Media Group www.dosime.co.uk Print: www.mixam.co.uk Editor: John Northam

editor@moseleyb13.com

Community Editor: Lindsay Jane Brown community@moseleyb13.com Event Editor: Jane Cummins

events@moseleyb13.com

News Editor: Kerry Rowberry

news@moseleyb13.com

Kings’ Heath Editor Eva Quigley kingsheath@moseleyb13.com Distribution & Subscription Manager Martin Timms distribution@moseleyb13.com Further Details: Any opinions expressed in Moseley B13 or on www.moseleyb13.com do not necessarily reflect those of the editor, publishers, agents, advertisers, board members or employees of Moseley B13. Also, whilst every effort is made by Moseley

Please note that all submissions will be displayed on the B13 website (www.moseleyb13.com) and may be used for publicity purposes. Only selected designs will feature in the magazine. One entry only per person. Your details will not be passed on to any organisations external to Moseley B13 Magazine. However, your contact details may be added to a Moseley b13 Mailing list – please state clearly on your entry should you wish to opt out of this. The deadline is the 10th November. No submissions will be accepted after this date. A panel of impartial judges will chose a winner and two runners up. Judges decision is final. Please direct any queries to: community@moseleyb13.com And one more thing ... try and stick to A5 dimensions! Happy drawing/designing/sculpting/painting/illustrating...

B13 magazine to ensure that our advertisers are genuine, it remains the responsibility of the reader to ascertain the suitability and quality of individual advertisers or companies. Job Vacancies advertisements will only be accepted for charities. Moseley B13 is an organisation run by volunteers. If you are interested in getting involved, the please get in touch. Thank you for reading Moseley B13 Magazine. Moseley B13 is currently not available on subscription, but you can pick up a copy at your local store. Deadline & Publication Dates 2011-2012: Issue

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