Coleshill mar iss52 36pg single

Your Local Community Newspaper: The only source for local news & community information Issue 52 March Edition 2018 Published in Coleshill, North Warks

www.thecoleshillpost.co.uk The Coleshill Post @ColeshillPost

NEWS| SPORT | BUSINESS | JOBS | WHAT'S ON | AND MUCH MORE

Darling Bobbie - a dedicated follower of fashion, for whom Technicolour could have been invented.

Friends and fashion models were at Coleshill parish church to celebrate the colourful life of Bobbie Collison, Birmingham Post and Evening Mail’s women’s fashion writer and features editor.

Sometimes mistaken for Crossroads‘ Noele Gordon, the energetic, erudite and eccentric Bobbie - the Post and Evening Mail’s Barbara Henderson - died peacefully at home in Coleshill in February aged 83.

REMEMBERING BOBBIE PAGE 22-23

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2

March 2018

Cllr Adam Farrell Town & Borough Councillor Coleshill North

March Update - Summer is Coming It’s hard to believe we’re already nearing the end of March and the summer will soon be here. It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were celebrating Christmas!

This summer will see the Town Council provide an extended On top of this we’ll be hosting a ‘Summer School’ for young people Please keep a look out for more information on our sports so parents can be confident their children are outside, enjoying the programme soon – it really is an exciting time for Coleshill. programme of activities for young people and families.

In 2016 we established the Coleshill Youth Club and after some teething problems, we hope this year’s activities will be bigger and better than ever. We’ve been lucky to secure over £12,500 in grants which alongside the money we are putting into the project, will see nearly £20,000 invested in sports and recreation this summer.

We’re still finalising the plans but it will include a weekly sports coaching session at the Memorial Park alongside some extra ‘Family Days’ where young people, their parents and grandparents can get involved in sports like football, tennis, archery and basketball. We’re also hoping that they’ll be a new addition – a climbing wall for those seeking a bit more adventure.

sun and staying healthy. Our young people can enjoy 5 weeks of sport, celebrating the fantastic facilities we now have in our town.

We’re also hoping to launch ‘Talented Tots’ to support parents with children between the age of 18 months and 4 years old with structure activities and support, helping our very youngest residents with balance, co-ordination and agility.

We’re doing all of this because we want our parks and play areas to be accessible to all. We’ve invested over £350,000 in our parks and open spaces since 2013, not only at the Memorial Park but more recently at the Community Centre Play Area as well. Maintaining and improving these community assets is now top of the agenda at Coleshill Town Council.

All of this is on top of the health and wellbeing activities and programmes the Council has been creating and supporting over the last few years. In 2012 we launched the Coleshill Hub which has gone from strength to strength, providing advice, support and general companionship to the most vulnerable residents.

Most recently we’ve launched the Community Café and Honesty Shop, managed by the Town Council and supported by some amazing volunteers. All of this is part of our aim to make Coleshill an even better place to live, where support for the vulnerable is available and where opportunities to improve your health and wellbeing are available aplenty.

Coleshill and District U3A “Nothing is impossible. If you can see it, I can engrave something on it.”

No matter how small the object, Graham challenges himself to engrave upon it. His engraving of NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE on the edge of a razor blade - one tenth of a millimetre wide - is truly unbelievable. Perhaps his most notable claim to fame, among the public at least, is his engraving of Jane Austen’s head on four

The Post Newspaper Group is an independent hyper-local tabloid newspaper publisher distributing 2 titles with over 14,000 copies to homes and businesses in Coleshill and Castle Bromwich each month, free of charge.

£5 notes. One is yet to be discovered. Keep your eyes peeled!

Facts at a glance: • Graham was born in Birmingham in 1946.

• He is descended from Sir Francis Short, the renowned Victorian hand engraver.

Our main aim is to provide hyperlocal news and information to the community where it would otherwise not be accessible. We also offer the most effective platform for local businesses to promote themselves to their target audience. This benefits the entire community and improves social-cohesion.

Getting in touch People & Departments

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editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

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serena.smith@thecoleshillpost.co.uk 07805 430191

Finance:

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• He served a six-year apprenticeship at the country's premier engraving company, Efficiency Tool, under the tutelage of the master engraver Bill Evans.

• In 1974, Graham set up as a one-man engraving business in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter.

• For the past 40 years, he has been the Royal Engraver.

• Among his prestigious clients are the Royal Household, the Scottish

On the 19 March, micro-artist Graham Short gave a talk about his life as one of the country’s most talented artists. Recounting a string of amusing anecdotes, Graham spoke of his method of creating pieces and of the celebrities with whom his work has brought him into contact.

Parliament, the National Gallery, Rolls-Royce, James Purdey & Sons, Chanel and Vivienne Westwood.

• His first masterpiece was The Lord's Prayer (278 letters), engraved on the head of a 2mm gold pin. It took almost eight months to complete.

• The Royal Household has commissioned Graham to engrave the plates for Graham goes to extreme lengths for the sake of his art. To avoid vibration the invitation to the forthcoming Royal Wedding. from passing traffic, he works from midnight until five-thirty. To decrease his During 2018 Coleshill U3A has assembled a programme not to be missed. Why heart rate – to around 20 beats per minute – he takes beta-blockers. Between not join us? It’s never too late to learn! heartbeats he engraves using very fine needles, viewing the work through a medical telescope. He even goes so far as to have botulinum-toxin injections To discover more about who we are and what we do, visit our website www. coleshillanddistrictu3a.org.uk around his eyes to freeze muscles and nerves!

3

March 2018

Daw Mill Appeal Rejected

Local residents in North Warwickshire are rejoicing today after a planning appeal to build on the former Daw Mill Colliery site was rejected.

Speaking after the decision, Labour Group Leader, Cllr Adam Farrell said; “This is fantastic news for North Warwickshire. We have a proud history of providing jobs in this Borough, particularly on former colliery sites but this application was in the wrong place and would have caused huge disruption to local residents.

“This result is testament to the work of local people who raised money to fight the appeal and to the town and parish councils and LAWRAG who spearheaded the campaign. In particular our thanks must go to Phil Mason, Ross Jones and Graham Stirrop who have fought this proposal for a number of years and for whom North Warwickshire owe a great deal of gratitude to.

“We must now keep up the fight to ensure Daw Mill is restored as promised when the mine opened.”

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4

March 2018

Cllr Dave Reilly North Warwickshire Borough Council and Warwickshire County Council

Funding for our local schools.

The Return of the Lengthsman, Tame Valley Wetlands Partnership and Air quality A bit of a mixed bag update this month. Hopefully you’ll Lengthsman - More good news in that in April the first Lentgthsman find it informative and as ever if there is anything that to work our community will start work. This fabulous photo is Mr you would like to know more about or raise then please Thomas Stanley, the last Lengthsman to look after our community.

With the chimneys in the background he couldn’t be anywhere contact me.

of the partnership team. We are incredibly fortunate to have Tame Valley Wetlands Partnership based in the old walled garden at Hams Hall and working on our local main river network of the Tame,

Cole, and Blythe. If you get two minutes please do have a look at else than Hams Hall!

A Lengthsman is responsible for cutting back their website, just type tamevalleywetlands into Google. I am fully Our Local Schools - Some fantastic news about building works overgrown vegetation on footpaths and roadside, maintaining committed to ensuring that as local authorities and a community we investment in our location schools. Warwickshire County Council will be investing an additional £4.4million across four of our local paths, roadsides and road signs so they are clean and visible, and do all we can to ensure the Partnership and Warwickshire Wildlife school sites, which is in addition to the projected £5 million that will helping us better manage the wildlife and flora that lives along our Trust continue their fantastic work in our community. roadsides. I am really pleased to have got this project up and running be spent building the new Water Orton Primary School.

Air quality. Following local concerns raised with me about air quality The Coleshill School have increased their Pupil Admission Numbers in partnership with Warwickshire Wildlife Trust and the Tame Valley across our communities I have secured myself an appointment on an from 180 to 210 pupils, which will increase capacity by an additional Wetlands Partnership. Colin Hayfield and I have allocated funding Air Quality working group at the County Council. With our network 150 places across the school over the next five years. This growth for the project to run for the next three years, so please let me or of local motorways, airport flight paths and manufacturing and will enable Coleshill School to accommodate demand from a growing any of your local councillors know if there is a location causing you number of primary school cohorts both within our community and problems. I already have Marsh Lane, Vicarage and Plank Lanes and distributions businesses we have all the right credentials to be a from wider afield. This increased demand for places is expected to Chattle Hill and the Cole End Park footpath at Beggars Well on the problems area, indeed Water Orton residents do say there is a ‘Water continue and to accommodate it the school now requires additional list. As the project develops we’ll explore how the role can expand to Orton cough’! I am concerned to find that North Warwickshire does not currently have an Air Quality Management Area that would classrooms and infrastructure improvements. The first phase of building will be a modular build comprising of 10 new classrooms inform planning and development decisions locally, so I have picked that will be built at a cost of £1.8 million. this task up to ensure we create one. Additionally, I was shown some You may recall that High Meadow School has already been allocated £1.65 million to build a four classroom extension to the school. This will enable the school to expand the age range of the pupils taught there, from the current provision from 5 to 7 year olds, up to 5 to 11 year olds. This will result in an increase the school’s capacity of an additional 120 places across the school. Once the building work is finished the school will offer local families a full 1 form entry each school intake year.

data at a county council meeting for a monitoring site on the M42/

It is also proposed to allocate Coleshill C of E Primary School £300,000 to provide an additional classroom to allow the school to move to a 2 form entry intake. This funding will help the school manage the increase in pupil numbers it has been accommodating for the last two years.

much learning to do to better understand what our local air quality

We are still waiting for HS2 to finalise the legal agreements to release the £3.5 million compensation that will contribute to the cost of building the new primary school in Water Orton. As soon as the agreements are signed we will be able to finalise and share the design plans for the new school site on Plank Lane which will accommodate both the primary and nursery schools. To ensure that we can offer the best facilities for Evergreen, our special educational needs and disability provision within Water Orton Primary School, an additional £650,000 has been allocated to pay for a new modular building adjacent to the new main school building on the Plank Lane site.

increase commuter bus routes servcing Hams Hall and Station Road.

An investment of nearly £10 million in our schools is fantastic news and I know that my Coleshill South colleague, Councillor Colin Hayfield, has been working hard to ensure our local schools are properly supported. We do appreciate that while the increased capacity of the schools is good news, it will also cause concern for neighbours on the streets leading to the schools, especially where parents park their cars to drop off and pick up. We are actively working with the head teachers to find safe built and socially responsible solutions.

M6 link at Gilson which indicates that there are no air quality issues.

Again, I don’t sit comfortably with that and have asked that the dataset and monitoring site be reviewed. Unfortunately, the County was not successful in a bid for Government DEFRA funding to buy portable air quality monitoring equipment, so work continues to explore other options to purchase the equipment. Clearly, I have conditions are and what can be done to improve them. I’m on the case, but there does not appear to be any easy quick fixes.

So, what is on my agenda for April? Well the Hams Hall HGV and HS2 work I have been doing has flagged an opportunity to hopefully An initial group of four large employers have said they are interested in working with me to explore options to put on additional commuter bus services. There will be benefits for our local communities if we can get these services running as it could mean a reduction in worker hopefully support local parish councils with flood risk management work and see what we can do to improve the gritting of footpaths

car parking in residential communities as well as providing additional bus routes that might run through Curdworth, Coleshill and Water

outside our schools and public buildings such as the libraries and Orton. I will keep you updated as work progresses. Whilst on the subject of buses I’m sorry to hear that Diamond Buses takeover of doctors during cold weather.

By way of a quick update on progress to support Tame Valley

local services has caused problems, particularly with the school run

Wetlands Partnership’s sustainability planning work for 2019 and between Curdworth and Kingsbury school because of late and nonbeyond. Discussions are continuing with key partners to secure arrivals. I am in discussions with the council and operator but the

core funding to pay team member salaries and support the ongoing challenge is that Diamond Buses are a private company who do not wildlife conservation and education projects that have been delivered receive any council subsidies and therefore make their own business over the last three years. The dedicated volunteers, who incredibly decisions and are not accountable to the local authorities. since 2015 have given over 7,000 hours support to the Partnership, Please do contact me if you would like help. My email address is continue to deliver great local interventions enhancing local wildlife cllrreilly@warwickshire.gov.uk and my phone number is 07770 704 sites, rejuvenating the Tame and the Cole, and supporting the work

617. With kind regards, Dave.

5

March 2018

PIRATE’S PANTRY RECIPE OF THE MONTH BY LLOYD CAST Chinese Beef, Chilli and Garlic Mushrooms with Egg Fried Rice - Serves two Ingredients: Chinese Beef Two trimmed Sirloin Steaks, cut into 2mm slices 100ml Dark Soy Sauce 1 Lime, juiced Tabasco Sauce 2 tablespoons clear honey 1 teaspoon cornflour 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Chilli and Garlic Mushrooms 150g mushrooms, sliced 5 cloves garlic, thickly sliced 1 red and 1 green chilli, sliced 1 tablespoon Dark Soy Sauce Knob of butter Egg Fried Rice 150g Basmati Rice 1 Free Range Egg Petits Pois, a Handful 1 teaspoon sesame oil Dash of Dark Soy Sauce

Although there are three dishes in this meal each can be, in part, prepared in advance and brought together in a frantic few minutes of activity prior to serving. Each element is easily adaptable to individual taste and you’ll have it fully personalised by the second or third attempts. I like mine extra spicy so often garnish it with extra slices of fresh chilli.

The steak retains its juicy texture as the lime ‘cooks’ it while

marinating, meaning that you’re merely heating it in the oven prior to serving.

As with all recipes the result is dependent on the quality of the ingredients you use. For a more tender texture fillet beef is an excellent trade up for the sirloin.

Method Prepare the beef marinade of soy sauce, honey, lime and tabasco sauce. I use 8 drops of tabasco but this can be adjusted to suit your tastes. Stir it until the honey has been incorporated into the liquid.

Add the sliced sirloin and ensure that it is covered in the marinade.

Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of two hours.

Cook the rice until it is cooked but not sticky. Drain and let cool for an hour.

In a little oil, fry the mushrooms, garlic and chilli on a high heat, stirring constantly so they do not catch on the pan. After 2 minutes add the soy sauce and butter while still stirring. Once the butter is completely melted take off the heat and put to one side.

Pre-heat your oven to 200c, (Fan 180c), Gas mark 6.

Remove the beef from the marinade, saving the marinade for making the sauce. Distribute the beef evenly across a baking tray and place on the middle shelf of the oven once it is up to temperature.

Whilst the beef is cooking for approximately 10 minutes we will be juggling pans on the stove. This is the frantic few minutes you were promised.

Place the mushrooms on a medium high heat on the stove, stirring occasionally while you prepare the rice. Do not let them burn.

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a wok or very large pan on a high heat.

Beat the egg and add to the wok In a small saucepan add the sesame oil to the marinade and bring to the boil.

Stir the egg in the wok and add the rice and petits pois. Add the sesame oil and dash of soy sauce and stir continuously until the rice is coloured by the soy sauce. Set to one side.

Mix the cornflour and a teaspoon of water. Add this gradually to the boiling marinade, stirring until it thickens to a sauce consistency.

Take all pans off of the heat. Remove the beef from the oven, place on a plate with the rice and the mushrooms. Spoon the sauce over the beef and garnish with toasted garlic slices.

6

March 2018

Celebrating STEM week (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Students at The Coleshill School enjoyed a full week of exciting Science activities as part of British Science Week. Throughout the week various challenges were set including a ‘Plastercine Boat Challenge for Year 8 students and a ‘Spaghetti Tower Challenge’ for Year 9 students. Selected Year 9 students also took part in a Jaguar Land Rover visit, discussing the different apprenticeship options available in the company. The students then took part in a poster competition to share this information with their peers – the best ones are now displayed in the school career area. Year 7 took part in a forensics session were they had to use their critical skills as well as their scientific technique to solve a crime.

Year 10 students took part in a ‘real-life’ crime scene, analysing blood splatter, fingerprinting, weapon imprints and ballistics. Students enjoyed dressing up and using real equipment to read the evidence left by the perpetrator.

Year 7 students were visited by Jaguar Land Rover where they used real laboratory equipment to study different materials used in vehicles and test its density and hardness. They also enjoyed using a powerful microscope to look at the fine structure of metals.

Selected Year 8, 9 and year 10 students took part in the national Biology Challenge, where they competed against schools across the country in an online biology quiz which covers GCSE biology ideas as well as general knowledge about British natural history.

Our STEM Club students visited the Big Bang Fair at the NEC, a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths, which included taking part in experiments and activities such as building a gravity racer, walking through a wind tunnel and rocket building. The STEM club also took part in a five week challenge to build a machine to transport an egg across a bottomless cavern. The final was held and the winning team – ‘Team Egg’ was crowned after developing a sophisticated crane method of transporting their egg.

The week ended with an invited guests, Mr Chris Webb who delivered a session on alternative routes into Engineering to Year 11 students and the team from Arconica who spoke to the Applied Science Year 12 class about engineering and apprenticeships. Students for this were chosen based on their aspirations to follow careers in mechanics, engineering or design through apprenticeships or University courses after leaving school. This enrichment session gave the students a valuable hands-on experience to aid their future careers.

Ms Rollason, STEM Coordinator said “The week has been an opportunity to involve all our students in the exciting diverse world of science, technology and maths and show them how everyone can enjoy it. We run a weekly STEM Club which is very popular with our students and local primary children who this year have taken part in a number of projects in both maths and in science, most recently transporting an egg across an obstacle course without breaking it. The STEM club is growing every year and there will be more exciting activities later in the year to look forward to!”

STEM Faraday

challenge winners!

A team of six Year 8 students from The Coleshill were challenged to create a new ride for Thorpe Park.

School took part in the annual IET (The Institute The top five teams from across the UK get an all-expenses of Engineering and Technology) Faraday paid trip to the National Final in July to compete for a Challenge Day on Monday 27th February 2018. cash prize of up to £1,000 for their school The event was held at CTC Kingshurst Academy with teams from CTC, John Henry Newman and The Coleshill School competing in the competition. The event, aimed at 12-13 year olds, includes teams of six competing against one another to see who can design, create and promote the best solution to a given challenge. The challenges are genuine, real-life engineering problems and the teams

Kathryn Rollason, Second in Science commented “There were some brilliant ideas and great designs. The teams worked really hard and had to present a business case for their design. All the teams did brilliantly well but the overall winners were The Coleshill School who won a trophy for the school. We are so proud of them”.

7

March 2018

How Cadbury led McIntyre joins the way on CSR key pesticides An example from the West Midlands was As Conservative employment spokesman, Miss held up to MEPs as a model for corporate McIntyre has spoken against any legislative social responsibility during a debate in the imposition of CSR requirements and believes that true social and environmental responsibility European Parliament.

Anthea McIntyre said more and more companies were embracing the fact that they were part of their

involves going requirements.

beyond

a

company's

legal

She said: "Many companies are progressively integrating CSR into their company strategies on a example from her own region. voluntary basis and they should be welcomed and She told how chocolate giant Cadbury voluntarily encouraged. developed Bournville - a model village on the south "It is not just a benefit to society; it benefits the community - and she reminded them of an early

side of Birmingham – for their factory workers to company too, often helping them to compete in the live in. It was described as one of the nicest places labour market and to become an employer of choice. to live in Britain.

"I would like to see the Commission and Member Miss McIntyre, Conservative MEP for the States promoting the voluntary take up of CSR West Midlands, was speaking during a debate on initiatives. But let’s ensure that companies always Strasbourg or corporate social responsibiliy (CSR). retain the flexibility and freedom to shape their She said: "Cadbury really put social responsibility own CSR policies according to their specific at the heart of their company’s ethos." circumstances and the needs of their employees."

committee Anthea McIntyre, Conservative agriculture

Miss McIntyre, Conservative MEP for the West Midlands, said: "My message will be that the spokesman in the European Parliament, science must come first, last and always in deciding has been appointed to a special committee the safety and effectiveness of pesticides.

on pesticides and will lead as Coordinator

"Scare stories and rogue studies must never lead

for the European Conservatives and the process. Instead we need to weigh the full body of scientific research and heed the advice of our Reformists group.

The committee has been set up in the wake of

own experts.

"The glyphosate controversy was a prime example of people putting scaremongering before science weedkiller glyphosate. for reasons of political convenience. It nearly Sitting for nine months, it will examine the resulted in farmers losing their most effective scientific evaluation of glyphosate, the world's weapon against plant pests, with zero gain for most commonly-used weed killer, which was public health.

"A ban would have been bad for rural livelihoods, eventually relicensed for five years by the EU in bad for food prices and bad for the environment December after months of uncertainty. because alternatives methods to using glyphosate The committee will also consider wider issues harm biodiversity." around the authorisation of pesticides and how the Miss McIntyre will be joined on the Committee an attempt by some MEPs to ban the popular

McIntyre is new Conservative farming lead in Brussels We want EU workers to stay post-Brexit EU applies scientific advice in weighing risk.

by her fellow West Midlands MEP Daniel Dalton.

Anthea McIntyre has been appointed

She told the meeting: "With the future of farming becoming increasingly data-driven and dataSpokesman on Agriculture and Rural Affairs enabled, the key area for policy development will be for Britain's Conservative MEPs. on the use and ownership of all this data.

She is herself a grower and vineyard-owner on a "Without a supportive regulatory regime,

European industry will relocate to more dynamic Miss McIntyre, Conservative MEP for the West markets."

Midlands, has been a member of the Agriculture On her appointment, she said: "I am delighted to be entrusted with this key portfolio.

Committee and the Employment Committee since "Managing our countryside sympathetically she joined the European Parliament in 2011. and putting food on our tables are both vital She has pursued a keen interest in promoting tasks. I firmly believe the right broad approach the potential of farming technology and has been for legislators is to help farmers to do this in a a vocal opponent of attempts to ban the use of the sustainable way rather than by hindering them with over-regulation." weedkiller glyphosate. small scale in her home county of Herefordshire.

"We may be leaving the EU, but I expect EU rules and standards to continue to be part of our (Weds) as she hosted a meeting in the parliament for agricultural structure for some time to come. It is the European Landowners' Organisation to explore important that we continue to have an influence over its direction for as long as possible." the scope for applying "big data" in agriculture.

Her appointment was announced yesterday

West Midlands employers will continue to She said that in the manufacturing sector, EU need EU migrants post -Bexit - and MEP nationals made up 11% of the workforce regionally, Anthea McIntyre is preparing a guide to while three quarters of manufacturing businesses help businesses secure settled status for employed at least one EU national: "Employers still their staff.

She outlined the plan at a Conservative business lunch which she hosted in Birmingham with fellow West Midlands MEP Daniel Dalton.

Miss McIntyre, Conservative employment spokesman in the European Parliament, said the West Midlands reported the fastest increase in employment in the UK last month.

She went on: "We also have a record number of job vacancies - and we rely on EU labour.

"About one third of migrant labour in the West Midlands is from the EU, totalling around 150,000 individuals."

need labour of all skill levels.

"The government and the Prime Minister have been clear that we want EU nationals to be able to continue to live and work in the UK and we want to see the same deal for UK nationals in the EU." She said a system of applying for settled status was planned to commence this autumn, which was intended to be swift, simple and straightforward and to cost no more than a passport fee.

RESIDENTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Get in touch with your points of view

Contact: editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk or serena.smith@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

8

March 2018

Tougher mobile phone fines scares drivers in the West Midlands The number drivers in the West Midlands caught on their phones drops 32% in 2017(1) after punishment doubles to £200 and six points(2) · More than 3,500 drivers in the West Midlands were issued FPNs for using their mobile phone behind the wheel in 2017, down from 5,000 the previous year(1). · But the amount authorities collected INCREASES SIX-FOLD due to heftier penalties due to heftier penalties and police declining to offer education awareness courses. · In total, 30,500 fixed penalty notices (FPNs) were issued to drivers in the UK for using their mobile phone behind the wheel in 2017 compared to 50,000 in 2016. · BUT WHEN IS IT LEGAL? Traffic police inspector answers drivers’ questions on using a mobile behind the wheel in FAQ guide, as one in 10 (11%) UK drivers complain the law is unclear.

Harsher punishments for using a mobile phone behind the wheel seems to have scared drivers in the West Midlands into abiding by the rules, as the number of offenders on the region’s roads has dropped 32% in just one year(1).

This is following the introduction of harsher penalties for the offence, which doubled to £200 and six penalty points in March 2017(2).

The number of FPNs issued to drivers in the West Midlands dropped to 3,531 in 2017 according to new figures obtained by Confused.com, the driver savings site, through Freedom of Information requests to the region’s police forces. This is down from a whopping 5,190 in 2016 – a 32% drop in just 12 months.

But while the law has had the desired effect of reducing the number of people using their phones behind the wheel, it has also led authorities to pocket more money. The figures suggest the amount collected in fines from offenders in the West Midlands has increased six-fold (502%) in 2017. At least £212,600 was paid in fines by offenders in the region in 2017, up from £35,300 in 2016(3), do to heftier fines and police forces declining to offer education courses.

And a very similar picture can be seen across the UK, with the number of offences plummeting year-on-year.

In 2017, the number of FPNs issued to drivers dropped to 30,470, from a whopping 49,694 in 2016 – a 39% drop in just 12 months. And the total amount collected in fines across the UK has more than doubled (151%) in 2017. At least £1,207,300 was paid in fines by offenders in 2017(3), up from £481,500 in 2016. And with the profit made from these fines increasing, UK roads will benefit from a bit of extra spending.

But it isn’t just the fines that will be stinging motorists. With the punishment now seeing offenders served six points instead of three, new drivers will lose their licence. In total, a whopping 157,847 points were dished out to offenders throughout last year, with 23,524 endorsements served for six points(4).

Further research by Confused.com suggests there are still some grey areas around mobile phones and the law, with more than one in 10 (11%) UK drivers saying they think the law is unclear. To educate drivers on when they can and can’t touch their phone while behind the wheel, Confused.com has partnered with Inspector Rob Gwynne-Thomas to create an FAQ guide to clear up any confusion on the law. Currently, the law states that holding or touching a mobile phone at any point while driving is an offence, including while stationary, unless it is an emergency. But worryingly, more than one in four (27%) don’t know that entering a location in Google Maps, or tapping the phone screen (26%) while behind the wheel is illegal. And more than one in six (17%) don’t think making or answering a non-emergency call via the phone handset is illegal.

However, all of these would count as an offence, unless the car is safely parked.

The research by Confused.com echoes the findings of the investigation, with the punishment seeming to have changed drivers’ attitudes towards the offence.

In fact, almost three quarters (73%) of UK drivers say the harsher punishment has deterred them from using their mobile phone while driving, with more than a third (34%) saying they have stopped completely. It is a good thing the punishment for the offence has been tightened, as there are many drivers out there who have admitted to breaking the law at some point. In fact, four in 10 (40%) have read a text and more than

a quarter (35%) admit they have answered a call using their handset. Worryingly, one in 15 (7%) have also used social media while behind the wheel.

But there are also some drivers that think the law could be a little more relaxed and should only apply when the vehicle is moving (12%). In fact, one in seven (14%) say they think it should be legal to use a mobile phone while stuck in traffic, and one in 10 (11%) say it should be allowed when stationary at traffic lights.

But what is certain is that the law has clearly made an impact on UK roads, and almost a quarter (23%) of drivers have found there is more of a stigma of using a mobile phone while driving since the introduction of the new punishment.

Amanda Stretton, motoring editor at Confused.com, says: “Since the penalties for using a mobile phone behind the wheel have gone up, it’s encouraging to see it has had the desired effect by reducing the number of motorists committing the offence.

“What’s worrying is so many drivers are still in the dark about what’s legal and what’s not when it comes to using a mobile phone while driving. We’ve set out to clear up where drivers’ stand in relation to the law with the help of the UK traffic police and our FAQ guide.

“Using a mobile phone while driving can have serious consequences, and drivers may forget that being caught committing the offence could damage theirr driving record and could bump up their car insurance premium. And with the car insurance coming to £827(5) on average, we’re sure drivers could do without anything which increases this cost. Drivers looking to keep their car insurance costs down should shop around at Confused.com, where they could save up to £279(6) on their premiums.”

1. Confused.com issued a Freedom of Information request to the UK’s 45 police forces (of which 34 responded) requesting the following information: - The number of fixed penalty notices issued to offenders for using a mobile phone while driving (endorsement code CU80) in your force area in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 to date broken down by month.

- The total amount of money (£) in fines issued to offenders for using a mobile phone while driving (endorsement code CU80) in your force area in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 to date.

2. https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law 3. Based on the sums given by the police forces which were able to provide a breakdown of fines. Not all police forces were able to provide this information.

4. Confused.com issued a Freedom of Information request to the DVLA requesting the following information: - The total number of penalty points (endorsements) issued to UK drivers for using a mobile phone while driving (code CU80) in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

- Calculation based on the number of endorsements, multiplied by the number of points per endorsement to get a total number of points issued.

5. Confused.com’s Q4 2017 car insurance price index, based on six million quotes in a quarter, revealed the average UK premiums costs £827 – more info at https://www.confused.com/carinsurance/price-index 6. Based on online independent research by Consumer Intelligence during (November '17). 50% of car insurance customers could save £279.

9

March 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE GOODS VEHICLE OPERATOR'S LICENCE Woods (Haulage) Ltd trading as Woodall Group of Unit 2 Trillenium, Gorsey Lane, Coleshill Birmingham B46 1JU. Is applying to change an existing licence as follows: To add an operating centre to keep 17 goods vehicles and 17 trailers at: Unit 2 Trillemium, Gorsey Lane, Coleshill, Birmingham B46 1JU. Owners or occupiers of land (including buildings) near the operating centre who believe that their use or enjoyment of that land would be affected, should make written representations to the Traffic Commissioner at Hillcrest House, 386 Harehills Lane, Leeds, LS9 6NF, stating their reasons, within 21 days of this notice.

Representors must at the same time send a copy of their representations to the applicant at the address given at the top of this notice.

Girl guides in Warwickshire unite in social action for charity Across Warwickshire, hundreds of Girlguiding units have raised thousands of pounds for charity as part of their commitment to social action.

In Warwickshire alone, members raised £6,063 through a range of fundraising activity, which could help fund 216 Macmillan nursing hours helping people living with cancer and their families receive essential medical, practical and emotional support.

Girlguiding

Midlands

launched

their 12-month charity partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support in January 2017 with a programme of activities to volunteer, raise funds and awareness for the charity.

Sue Batchelor and Jane Bennett, joint County Commissioners for Warwickshire said: “It was great to see how much enjoyment our members got from taking part in the ‘Macmillan Challenge’ during 2017. Not only did they raise vital funds for a charity that is close to all our hearts, but had a great time making teas, dressing up and dancing and running miles for Macmillan at the same time”.

Chief Commissioner, Girlguiding Midlands Abi Salter said “I am absolutely delighted with the outcome of the Macmillan Challenge.

Thousands of girls and leaders have taken part across the Midlands and the amount raised is fantastic.

Girlguiding offers a wide range of opportunities to our members and this challenge has enabled our girls to help other people as well as having a lot of fun along the way. I would like to thank everyone who has made the Challenge such a huge success.”

Social action and helping others is a core part of the guiding programme and working in partnership with Macmillan has encouraged Girlguiding Midlands members to get actively involved.

Gini Smith, Partnership Manager at Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “We would like to say an enormous thank you to each and every member of Girlguiding Midlands who has supported our partnership. You have run, walked, danced and baked in true Girlguiding style. Together they have raised a massive £112,000, exceeding all expectations. It’s been a fantastic partnership and we were delighted to see so many events taking place across the region. We can’t thank you enough. ”

By participating in The Macmillan Challenge, members of Girlguiding Midlands have made a real positive difference to those living with cancer through three strands of social action – fundraising, awareness and volunteering – with bespoke Girlguiding badges available for each.

Director of Relationship Fundraising at Macmillan, Claire Singlehurst said, “We are overwhelmed by the success of this partnership with Girlguiding Midlands. We have seen such a great commitment

to

the

‘Macmillan

Challenge’ and hope that members of Girlguiding Midlands enjoyed being part of “Team Macmillan” over the last year. Thank you to everyone

TO T O N BE ED S S I M High Street Brands

A guide to Making Representations is available from the Traffic Commissioner’s Office.

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who took part. As the leading cancer

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Liz Tranter 01675 481412 or Kate Burwell 01675 470049

healthy choices in the future leaving a

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also able to support members of Girlguiding Midlands to talk about

lasting legacy for years to come.”

10

March 2018

Diabetes and your eyes

By Ellis Opticians It is estimated that as many as 1 million people in the UK suffer from diabetes but don’t know they have it. Add nearly one and a half million people already diagnosed and it’s clear that diabetes is a widespread illness.

Since eye problems are amongst the most significant complications of diabetes, your optometrist has an important role to play in detecting the condition and in monitoring diabetic eye disease. In fact diabetes is the most common cause of blindness in people of working age. Yet the charity diabetes UK estimates that effective eye screening and treatment could cut blindness due to diabetes by half.

The disease can affect your eyes in several ways, but the most damaging condition occurs when the fine network of blood vessels on the retina (the inner coating of the eye) start to leak. This is known as diabetic retinopathy (proliferative).

But having diabetes doesn’t necessarily mean that your sight will be badly affected. If the diabetes is well controlled, eye problems are less likely to occur or they may be less serious. Most sight loss from diabetic eye disease can be prevented if it’s detected early and treated properly.

The highest risk for the most common type of diabetes is among people with 2 or more of the following characteristics: • Being overweight, • aged over 40,

Image of a normal retina showing no signs of diabetic retinopathy.

If you belong to a high-risk group, it is especially important to have regular eye examinations - even if your eyesight is good. People diagnosed with diabetes receive free NHS eye examinations and should have a diabetic retinopathy screening test every year.

• a family history of diabetes

Ellis Opticians is now your local accredited diabetic retinopathy screening centre.

• from certain ethnic groups.

For further information, call Ellis Opticians on 0121 747 2115 Ellis Opticians is your local independent Opticians at 350 Bradford Rd., Castle Bromwich, Birmingham. B36 9AD Tel. 0121 747 2115

Yet three quarters of those most likely to have the disease are unaware of the risks to their health and eyesight.

• Investment Planning • Retirement Planning • Life Assurance and Protection • Inheritance Tax Planning

If you would like a no obligation report highlighting how we could assist you, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Tel: 01564 432 150

www.lowesawyerfp.co.uk The Partner Practice represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/about-st-james-place/our-business/our-products-and-services. The ‘St. James’s Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James’s Place representatives. Lowe Sawyer Financial Planning is a trading name of Lowe Sawyer Financial Planning Limited

11

March 2018

Coleshill Civic AGM We have a full programme for 2018. In May 10th Mr Patterson will talk on ‘Woodlands in the Community’, July 12 Serena and Sharon will talk about the ‘Coleshill Post Revival’ and in September a talk on Church End Brewery, November a Talk on Air Traffic and perhaps an HS2 update in January.

With regard to HS2 we do represent Coleshill on the special management zone committee. This is mainly to ensure that the bridges and features are not merely functional but do fit into the landscape somewhat.

The business part of the meeting ended by thanks being given to the work done by the committee and thanks, in anticipation, to the ladies who were providing the meal.

After the meal John Hoyle entertained by showing 80 slides of Coleshill over the ages. Some of buildings which were demolished over 50 years ago and caused lively discussion between some of the older members of the audience or perhaps those who had good memories.

The meeting ended at 9.45.

As may be gathered from the above AGM account, we are looking for people interested in Coleshill and the future of the town to take an active part in the Civic Society. There is someone in the Old Market Hall on Church Hill most Saturdays between 10 and 12 or email the society on colehillcivicsociety@yahoo.co.uk

Coleshill Civic Society held their AGM in early March. It is called an AGM but really it is an excuse to sample Deanna’s jacket potato and sauce with a pavlova sweet and then indulge in an overdose of photographs of Old Coleshill which was presented by John Hoyle.

The year had started badly due the death of the guiding light of the Civic Society, Dr Jack Stuart. He had not taken an active role for some time but his spirit was still very much present. Then after the last AGM Peter Rafferty decided that it was time he resigned as Chair of the society. The committee then had a discussion centred on disbanding the society but ended up deciding this was a step too far as we had so many plus points to give in just yet. We have an amazing headquarters, which has an exhibition hall, large meeting room and an archive room full of photos, books, maps and artefacts. We decided that we had to carry on and hope that the next generation would come to take over.

John Hoyle agreed to take over as chair.

In January Geoff Assinder resigned, he had been secretary since 2001.

He was an invisible man who achieved everything and nobody realised just how much he did. Everyone thinks that Jack Stuart organised the Georgian Day and the Roman Day, the ideas came from Jack but Geoff Assinder ensured that all ran smoothly. During the years that Geoff was secretary, all our events and activities were executed by him in a most meticulous manner. He investigated the best investments for the money we had as a result of the sale of Peggs Barn, he ensured we made a good job of having new flooring in the main room of the hall. He was one of those people you do not realise how valuable they are until they are not there.

The accounts for the year show a loss of £6000. However during the year we have decorated throughout, installed a new chairlift, bought items for maintaining footpaths, had new blinds downstairs, made a donation to Coleshill in Bloom and a donation towards the costs of fighting the Daw Mill case where the owners wish to turn the site into an industrial area but the agreements when it became Daw Mill Colliery were that the site was to be restored to farm land. The costs in improving the Market Hall were £3500 and donations of £2500 were made. Implying that with interest from investments taken into account we more or less broke even.

The committee were re-elected and the attendees were asked to see either John Hoyle or Peter Rafferty after the meeting if they were willing to become involved.

Last year we held some very successful meetings. Our first quiz night was well attended and enjoyed by all even though some of the questions were considered hard! David Reilly came to talk about HS2, this resulted in a packed hall. Only preparation work is evident at the moment but towards the end of the year more activity will be evident. He pointed out that many were not aware of the scale of the HS2 project. The height of the track and the necessary bridges will be significant and the simulation pictures used by HS2 are not to scale. The traffic generated will be great and one does hope that they will avoid rush hour. David did speculate on the future. This type of development will generate work. Our area will have had the greatest volume of new work of any area along the route and this will inevitably cause much additional development. Coleshill will undoubtedly end up as part of an area where it is possible all our green fields will be lost.

12

March 2018

Prudence Breed: American Bulldog X Size: Large Gender: Female Centre: Birmingham Age: 2-3yrs Child Suitability: No Live With Dogs: Possibly Status: Available

Prudence is very stressy in her kennel and not keen being locked in, She will need a family that will be home most of the day.

Also she will need some training in her new home to over come this in the future.

Prudence loves to play, And enjoys going on her walks, She walks well on a head collar.

It’s a sad fact that many pets are re-homed & even euthanised as a result of behaviour issues arising from their needs not being met. Most of these cases can be avoided by doing the homework first, saving a lot of stress & heartache & by getting the right help before things escalate.

We would advise an active home where she will be out and about a lot.

Please call our Birmingham Centre, if you can offer Prudence a forever home.

Call our Birmingham Centre Rehoming Team to enquire about this dog on:

Please quote the reference number

0121 643 5211

It’s no secret that when it comes down to our pets we all want a well behaved companion but very rarely does this just happen. There are a lot of factors to consider before getting a pet & once they are living with us.

43807

Some behaviour we consider unsuitable is completely normal & will vary between species & breeds so it’s important to find a pet that is compatible with your lifestyle.

Once you have done this have a look at different breeds especially dogs, as characteristics vary greatly between them. For instance a breed from the working group may not be best suited to a quiet life & equally one from the toy group does not necessarily mean they are less demanding.

Beyond this, behaviour can be negatively affected by an unsuitable diet & environment & lack of mental & physical stimulation. Leading to poor mental & physical health resulting in unsuitable behaviour; being destructive, aggressive or withdrawn.

Play is important in building bonds & is both mentally & physically stimulating, preventing boredom & pets “entertaining” themselves by being destructive. Stress can lead to over grooming in many species for instance our feathered friends will result to self mutilation & pluck their feather out in distress.

Some pets may suffer from temporary behavioural issues due to sensitivity around fireworks or a change in routine or social structure.

Getting your pet from a reputable breeder & steering clear from puppy farms will ensure your pet is from healthy stock. A good breeder will be more than happy to answer questions & provide continued support.

Bart

Ensuring you meet all their needs by providing them with company if they are a social species like dogs or keeping a lone cat as they are generally a solitary species.

Breed: Cross Breed

Feed a high quality diet that meets all their nutritional needs but doesn’t over compensate as this can lead to behavioural issues. It’s also a good idea to make them work for food by hiding it, using feeding balls & interactive games to encourage their natural foraging behaviour.

Size: Medium Gender: Male (N)

Most importantly if you are experiencing behavioural issues with your pet get the right help sooner rather than later. If you are already seeing a behaviourist they should ask you to get your pet assessed by a vet to rule out any underlying medical conditions that may be affecting the behaviour. Equally your vet may refer you to a behaviourist.

Centre: Birmingham Age: 4-5 years Child Suitability: 13 Years +

Before you get a pet:

Live With Dogs: No

• Research, research, research • Take into account characteristics & quirks of certain species & breeds

Status: Available

• Choose a species & breed compatible with your lifestyle

Bart is a sweet boy who loves to play fetch, he will bring the ball back to you but needs encouragement to leave at times.

This handsome lad loves his walks but can get over enthusiastic at times and can pull on the lead.

We feel further training would benefit Bart as he does only knew a few basic commands.

• Purchase your pet from a reputable breeder

Keeping your pet happy: • Feed a high quality diet

Bart would like to be the only dog in his new home so he can have all the attention to himself.

• Provide them with plenty of mental & physical stimulation • Seek professional help from a veterinary surgeon & qualified behaviourist

Useful websites to help you choose the right pet & source professional help: Call our Birmingham Centre Rehoming Team to enquire about this dog on:

0121 643 5211

Please quote the reference number

43485

• Association of Pet Behaviour Counsellors www.apbc.org.uk • he Kennel Club www.thekennelclub.org.uk • International Cat Care www.icatcare.org • Blue Cross www.bluecross.org.uk

13

March 2018

Handbag Dogs Dominate Latest Dog Theft Figures HANDBAG dogs now dominate the UK’s top “We encourage our customers to follow police ten stolen breeds amid a shocking rise in pet advice and take simple steps to keep their pets thefts, according to new figures. safe. If the worst should happen, report it to both

Could Your Precious Pooch Land You in the Pound?

We are famously a country of dog lovers, Can I be prosecuted if I don’t clear up after with around 8.5 million pooches in the UK my dog during walks? and the country’s finest examples about to go into competition at Crufts, the world If you fail to clean up after your dog you can be given an on-the-spot fine. The amount varies most prestigious dog show.

But what if your dog isn’t as well behaved as the show dogs? Can man’s best friend get you in trouble with the law? What are the legal rights of pet owners and those who are fed up with other people’s nuisance pets? Sarah Garner, solicitor from DAS Law, tells you what you need to know.

If my dog bites someone or another dog, can I be sued or be forced to put my dog to sleep?

from council to council. It’s often £50 and can be as much as £80. Many local authorities also have their own rules around dog fouling and can insist that dog owners carry poop scoops or doggie bags to evidence that they are able to clean up in the event of their dog fouling. Fines can be issued for merely failing to carry a poop scoop or doggie bags.

If you refuse to pay the fine, you can be taken to court and fined up to £1,000. Fines, however, do not Dog owners have a duty of care to ensure that apply to those who are registered blind and have an their animal is kept under control. If it can be argued that as a result of a dog being out of control assistance dog. it has caused an injury to a person or another dog, I can’t enjoy my garden because of a the owner can face a civil action as a result of the neighbour’s dog, is there anything I can do? injury to the person or damage to the dog.

If a dog is known to bite others or act in a It may be possible to argue that a neighbour’s dog particular way when startled, the owner has a may amount to a nuisance if it is producing excessive duty to ensure that these acts are avoided. A dog can even be deemed to be out of control whilst it noise, or if your neighbour fails to properly clean up remains on the lead. As well as civil action, if the after their dog creating noxious smells or attracting matter is referred to the Magistrates Court and an excessive amount of flies. However, whilst all they determine that the dog was dangerously out of this may be an annoyance, it needs to constitute a control they can make a destruction order for the substantial interference with your ability to enjoy dog to be put down. your property for it to be deemed a nuisance.

Is it a legal requirement for a dog to wear a collar on walks?

Is it illegal to use sprays or deterrents to keep other people pets out of my garden?

In short, the answer is ‘yes’. The Control of Dogs

Order 1992, states that any dog in a public place must wear a collar with a tag with the name and address of the owner engraved or written on it.

Under the Road Traffic Act 1988, it is considered a criminal offence for a dog to be on a public road without being on a lead. You can be fined £200 for such an offence.

Certain dogs are exempt from having to wear a collar with a tag; these include registered Guide Dogs, emergency rescue dogs and dogs that are part of the Armed Forces, HM Customs and Excise or the Police.

There is a risk to any person who uses sprays or deterrents to keep animals out of their garden. If the spray or deterrent causes harm or unnecessary suffering to an animal there is a risk of being held liable for a criminal offence against animal welfare for which you may be prosecuted.

It is advisable to give serious consideration to the use of any potential spray or deterrent and to ensure they are being sold legally and that they won’t cause any harm or suffering to an animal.

The celeb-fuelled popularity of pedigree pugs, Chihuahuas and French bulldogs is being blamed for the increase, although the Staffordshire bull terrier continues to top the list.

Six dogs are reported stolen every day according to the latest figures, with 2,017 (CORRECT) recorded by police last year, a rise of eight per cent in just 12 months.

The pint-sized pooches on the dog snatcher’s wish list also include Jack Russells and Yorkshire terriers, while working breeds including cocker spaniels, German shepherds and Britain’s favourite the Labrador, made up the rest of the top 10.

The handbag breeds popularised by celebs including Paris Hilton and the Beckhams, now account for over a quarter of pedigrees reported stolen between 2015 and 2017 according to Freedom of Information requests received from 37 police forces by pet insurer The Insurance Emporium.

Britain’s dog theft hot spots were London, Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire, while Lincolnshire, West Yorkshire and Dyfed-Powys had the highest number of dogs stolen per capita.

The latest numbers come after several years of steadily increasing dog thefts, with dedicated charities campaigning for a change in the law to recognise pet theft as a specific crime with tougher penalties.

Campaigners say the breeds made famous by our favourite stars are an easy target for thieves and can fetch hundreds or even thousands of pounds on the black market.

Paris Hilton and Cheryl Cole are thought to have boosted a desire for Chihuahuas, Charlotte Church and Serena Williams are proud Jack Russell owners, and the Beckhams have his and hers British and French bulldogs, while Kelly Brook loves her pug.

Dog Theft Awareness Day co-founder Richard Jordan said: “High value breeds including Chihuahuas, pugs, and French bulldogs are being targeted to fuel this huge demand.

“Often this crime goes unreported where victims pay ransom demands or they find their stolen pets for sale without contacting the police. If dog theft was a specific crime it would improve the accuracy of the figures and more could be done to prevent the crime.”

But some constabularies with higher recorded figures have been praised by DogLost UK’s Wayne May. Wayne said: “Forces like Lincolnshire, Kent and Essex might appear to have more crimes while some counties have hardly any, but that’s often down to them improving procedures.

“We’re lobbying Parliament for a change in the law to recognise dog theft for the heartbreaking crime it is - because at the moment it’s legally no different to having your bicycle stolen.”

The Insurance Emporium Chief Executive Officer Francis Martin said: “Dog theft is a devastating crime and when it happens all you want to do is get your pet back as soon as possible.

the police and your insurer as many policies nowadays will cover the costs involved with trying to find your pet.”

A total of 5,704 dogs were snatched over the last three years in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with 37 per cent taken from their homes, 29 per cent from their garden and 13 per cent being swiped while tied up outside a shop or other premises. No data was available for Scotland.

A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire Police – which has been hit by a spate of puppy thefts from breeders – said: “You can take steps to reduce risk, such as ensuring your garden is secure, and not taking your dog with you to places where you may have to leave it outside unattended.

“And don’t forget microchipping is now a legal requirement.”

For more information on Pet Theft Awareness Day (TODAY, WED 14/03) and Pet Theft Awareness Week (14-21 March), and to sign their petition for a change in the law, visit pettheft.org.uk.

Pedigree breeds stolen 2015-17 1. S taffordshire bull terrier 684 (20% [of pedigrees]) 2. Chihuahua 261 (7%) 3. Jack Russell 247 (7%) 4. French bulldog 171 (5%) 5. Labrador 143 (4%) 6. Pug 123 (4%) 7. B ulldog (English/British) 119 (3%) =7. German shepherd 119 (3%) 9. Yorkshire terrier 113 (3%) 10. Cocker spaniel 105 (3%)

Total no of dogs stolen 2017 1. Metropolitan Police 225 2. West Yorkshire Police 221 3. Greater Manchester Police 157

Dog stolen per 1,000 human population 1. Lincolnshire 2.4 2. West Yorkshire 3.7 3. Dyfed-Powys 4.4

Greatest increase total dogs stolen 2015-17 1. Nottinghamshire Police 2. Lincolnshire 3. Dyfed-Powys Police

14

March 2018

High Meadow Infant School 50th Anniversary 1968 – 2018 – A call-out to past children, parents and staff!

The staff and families at High Meadow Infant School on Norton Road, Coleshill are growing in excitement for the start of their Golden Jubilee celebrations.

From April onwards the school community will be engaged in a range of exciting activities to celebrate 50 years of the school opening!

Each month the children will be enjoying a different activity including Dancing through the Decades, a 1960’s inspired ‘Groovy Lunch’, a Golden Disco and working with a professional potter to create a collaborative piece of artwork for permanent display in the school, to name but a few.

All of these will then culminate in 50th Anniversary Celebration on Tuesday 26th June from 4.00pm – 6.00pm. We are inviting past children, parents and staff to come into school to share their memories, photos and stories of life at High Meadow and catch up with friends from the past.

In preparation for the events, we are calling out to everyone for photos and artefacts from the past 50 years at High Meadow. These could be class photos, school reports, newspaper clippings, anything that relates to their time at our wonderful school.

Please send copies of photos and artefacts to admin2569@welearn365.com clearly stating names and dates where possible or call Mrs Eling on 01675 462312.

Thank you for your support in this really exciting community event.

RESIDENTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Get in touch with your points of view

Contact: editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk or serena.smith@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

15

March 2018

High Meadow celebrate 100 years since women got the vote In February the teachers and staff of High Meadow Infant School arrived in school dressed as The Suffragettes!

This was to launch our ‘Born to be Brave’ Day, a day to inspire everyone to be the best they can possibly be, no matter who they are!

We started with an assembly where we shared with the children the history of the Suffragette Movement. We talked about how a government is formed and how women were not allowed to vote until 100 years ago. The children were ‘The Government’ and the teachers ‘protested’ in front of them demanding the right to vote!

Afterwards the children went to four workshops, each one focussing on different ‘pioneering women’, Rosa Parkes, Emmeline Pankhurst, Helen Sharman and Malorie Blackman. They learnt about the work of these brave women and how in the face of adversity and with resilience and perseverance, they achieved their dreams. Some of the work that the children created was then showcased in displays in the school hall for everyone to be inspired by these amazing women.

RESIDENTS

WE WOULD LIKE YOUR COMMENTS Contact: editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk for more information

16

March 2018

SUPPORT

CAL YOURTCLO HER BU

Full range of BBQ food available to order Beef and Lamb only a mile from field to fork Our Beef and Lamb comes locally from Mill Farm, Maxstoke where we rear pedigree Hereford Cattle. The herd can be seen grazing on the river meadows below Coleshill during the summer. Hereford Cattle are renowned for the eating quality of their meat.

We also run a flock of sheep which graze on traditional pastures in Maxstoke. Wherever possible pork and poultry is sourced locally.

Run by a fully qualified butcher with years of experience, Farmer’s Butcher is an authentic traditional butcher’s shop stocking the very best of local produce.

We also offer Pig Roasts for hire please enquire in store for more details.

Quiz a great success!

Love Coleshill held their first quiz on 9th

The Love Coleshill Committee has recently changed.

March which proved to be a very enjoyable Penny Johnson has taken a break from her hard work as Chair and passed on the role to Chris Leeson a and successful event. Following the wonderful

late night Christmas event that they organised in 2017 funds for this year were left quite

long-time member of the committee and the town’s acupuncturist. Chris said, “I am very pleased to continue to help Love Coleshill.

depleted so they have planned a series of I have a lot invested in this town as I am the fifth fund raising events to ensure that the 2018 generation on both sides of my family to offer a small Christmas event can go ahead again. The quiz business. It is a heartfelt desire for me that Coleshill attracted various teams from the town and held a lot of fun and laughter. There was a specialist round on Coleshill local history which proved

continues to thrive. We even had a question about William Leeson, my great great grandfather’s church clock in the quiz!”

Alison Core, who recently joined the Consortium

to be a popular addition to the normal rounds. representing Relax Kids, is the newly appointed The fish and chip supper arrived on time and Secretary. She said, “Emma, from Essentials, and I had

was tasty and hot! At the end of the evening a great time organising this quiz which has attracted the raffle was drawn and there were lots of so much goodwill.” happy winners with a lovely selection of prizes donated by local businesses. £350 was raised.

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as the Treasurer which is a post she has held from the beginning. She said, “It’s important that we raise

Another quiz is planned for the autumn, so funds to be able to continue what we do in the town.” watch out for posters around the town and on So, keep shopping local and support our town so that Facebook.

Coleshill Mowing provide a wide range of grounds maintenance services for commercial and residential properties

Rosalie Whitehead from One-off interiors continues

this community spirit lives on. Love Coleshill!

17

March 2018

SAVE OUR POST BOX! In august last year the owner of the old post

Royal Mail said they have to accept the decision of a

office in Whitacre Heath informed the Parish post box removal ‘’when the box is located on private Council that the post box was to be removed property, there is little we can do to stop the removal from the front of the property which is being of street furniture if the land owner wishes it to be converted from a shop into residential. He removed from their premises. Has anybody broached had advised Royal Mail and suggested it be the subject with land owner?’’ We have liaised with the relocated a few yards down the road next to the owner and all agree that to relocate the post box down telephone kiosk. The Parish Council were happy the road as we did with the telephone kiosk is the ideal to take on the task, they successfully relocated solution. Royal Mail since decided that they would not the Telephone Kiosk which now houses a be willing to allow us to buy our post box but intend to defibrillator.

The Parish Council began to liaise with Royal Mail as this George 6th era pillar is an iconic part of our village which we wish to keep. Many of the old folk in their 80s

relocate it elsewhere.

Sadly the owner of the old post office has lost patience with Royal Mail and has removed the post box himself.

and 90s have known it to be there for as long as they The pictures above show the discarded post box and the can remember. It sat in the centre of the village where spot where we would like to see the box erected next to the majority of the residents of Whitacre Heath live and the telephone kiosk. He would like the Parish Council post their mail. Many of the residents being older and to arrange to put it in the ground by the kiosk, unwrap infirm rely on the service. They do not want the worry it and inform Royal Mail it needs emptying, post which of finding someone to post mail for them or making the has been posted cannot be ignored. Councillors feel we journey to alternative facilities within the parish.

need the post box in the centre of the village but we

Initially we were told that we could buy the post box cannot bend the law. for £2500 and residents offered to knock on doors to collect the cash to cover the cost. Not only that but the alternative post box, a mile or so down the road, has been overflowing, we didn't think originally that the post box in the centre of the village collected much post but it does appear that the loss of it has left us short of capacity. Royal Mail however believe the box is very low

Please help us to engage with Royal Mail and persuade them that we need our iconic post box to remain in our village and continue to be a vital resource for all our residents. We will be arranging for a petition and would be grateful for any letters of support.

Please email the clerk at

volume since the Post Office closure and only attracted netherwhitacreparishcouncil@yahoo.com any numbers due to the presence of the Post Office or send to Bev Woollaston, 1 Church Lane, and a relocation is not warranted. Our post man and Lea Marston, Sutton Coldfield, residents disagree!

West Midlands B76 0BJ – Tel 07850 166085.

Mob: 07859 039414 07449 781107 Email: info@coleendelectrical.co.uk www.coleendelectrical.co.uk

18

Water Orton Villager

March 2018

Message from The Chair Person

Snowy disruption in Water Orton Snow may have caused massive disruption to us all in one way or another, but what a beautiful sight to be held when I had the pleasure to walk through the village. With the sun gleaming, glistening snow on the path just waiting for a crunch as I strolled past the pavilion towards Vicarage Road, I reflected over the past few months as a Parrish Councillor.

It has not been an easy time. All of the councillors have voluntarily taken on extra duties alongside their working hours in order to keep Parrish matters in hand. Most of us work full time and have family commitments, taking on these extra tasks have only strengthened my belief in how supportive we are as a Parrish council and how integrity ensures we keep the Parrish Council as it has always been striving to provide the best possible service we can to our parishioners.

There may be times when some of our matters may be out of our hands for legal purposes and we have to wait for certain services to

assist us, however it is not a fast process. Even though the age we live in appears to work with a touch of a button, press the return key and it is completed, some council matters do not happen that way which may be perceived as quite old fashioned, I prefer the word traditional . We have a council who listens, who are fortunate to have the support from other volunteers who do their best to represent and speak for the village. We live in a village with some historical and conservation areas, some may remain the same despite some of the massive changes we will see in the forthcoming years.

It may be the smaller things in life we take for granted and often they go un-noticed. As the snow caused some disruption to our everyday lives, it has disappeared. I am sure the sledges we out in force making the most of this weather , I am sure we checked on others to see if all was well and walked to our local store instead of going in the car. It may have taken us a little longer but we managed.

Now our weather appears to have settled if you can spare a few

moments, go for a stroll along the river, the curves, the sometimes turbulent pace may remind us of the day we have just had but it may also ease our tension as we walk alongside it listening without realising to the soothing sound of the ripples over the stones within the riverbed. The river which flows past the oldest part of the village, Old Church Road and under the bridge out towards Park Hall Nature reserve where HS2 will devour the former farmland in order to make way for progress will continue to run its course. It may be turbulent, fast moving or it may be smooth and slower but it will be a flowing river. The progress, the pace of life and the need for instant results will not cause the river to change its path, it will continue to run and give us pleasure for many years to come. The Parrish Council will continue to serve the community, with integrity and openness listening to the views and opinions of others and continue to make informed decisions to the best of our ability. I feel fortunate and humble to be part of such a team.

Photo taken by Holly Brookes from Water Orton

Old Salts on the move!

The Old Salts are approaching the end of the current season, this finishes at the end of April. The season’s results have been very disappointing, the Club will be very fortunate to survive in the Midlands West 2 North League and contemplate relegation!

Of even more significance, the season 2017/2018 will be the Club’s last at our Watton Lane/Gilson Road Clubhouse and Ground. After eight years of concern about the prospect of HS2, the High Speed Rail Link between London and Birmingham, we are forced to move and will have to vacate our present site early in May, to make way for major infrastructure service works, preparatory to the eventual construction of the new railway, in particular the Coleshill Junction.

The Club have occupied their present site since

the mid 1950’s. At that time, the Clubhouse facilities were primitive, taking the form of a wooden shack with galvanised bath tubs and cold water! Later, the Club were able to salvage an old wartime concrete framed structure, salvaged from Sutton Park. This structure was re-erected on the Watton Lane site and survived until the late 70s, when it was demolished to make way for the M42 motorway. The remains of the old building now lie beneath the M42 where it crosses Watton Lane, Water Orton.

A brand new brick built Clubhouse with proper changing facilities, baths, showers, clubroom and kitchen was erected in its place and was opened in 1980. However, the Highways Agency had not finished with us, in 2000/01, they cut a further slice off our grounds to move Gilson Road over

and make room for the M6 Toll Road junction with the M6. It is fair to say the Club did benefit to the extent of a new car park and an additional rugby pitch. The Club thought that was that, it would be safe now in the 21st century. But no! Suddenly, the Government dreamt up HS2 in their long term plan to eradicate the Old Salts. Well! Wrong again! Old Salts will be relocating to a new site in the village of Water Orton. The new clubhouse and ground will eventually rise from land adjacent to Coleshill Road and Vicarage Lane. However, that is unlikely to be ready for occupation until the Winter of 2020. In the meantime, the Club, seniors, minis and juniors will up sticks and move to a temporary home in Kendrick Avenue, Shard End, care of Birmingham City Council and the Tile Cross Academy (to both of whom, our thanks!).

Much work and improvement will be carried out

in during the Spring and Summer months in order to prepare for the beginning of the 2018/19 rugby season.

The next months for the Rugby Club will be hectic and busy. Preparatory works at the relocation site will commence during the summer months, including site investigation works, archaeological excavations, site clearance and creation of a new ecological habitat. Planning approval for the new development, subject to certain conditions, was confirmed in October, 2017. However, before that, the Club await signatures on the legal agreement and the release of funds in order to purchase the land. With a start of design work for the new development imminent, construction work for the clubhouse, car park, access roads and playing fields is unlikely to start on site until early in 2019.

19

March 2018

Year of the Woman at Water Orton Cricket Club Following a highly successful year in 2017 Water Orton Cricket Club are seeking to top their many achievements of 2017 with even greater and more diverse goals for the 2018 season. The club are on a recruitment drive for the forthcoming season with a focus on setting up a female softball team between the ages of 7-11. With the support and backing of local firm Beaver Metals, last year saw 109 young people register to play cricket for Water Orton and, whilst this was the highest figure ever recorded, we are hoping to beat it this year especially with our plans for making female cricket a regular feature.

Women's cricket has a long and distinguished record in this country; the first recorded match of women's cricket was reported in The Reading Mercury on 26 July 1745 and the first known women's cricket club

was formed in 1887 in Yorkshire. Indeed, at the time of writing England are ranked first in the ICC Women's rankings! It is therefore fitting, especially this year, that the most successful cricket club in the area encourage and promote women's cricket as their number one priority for the coming season.

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining the "Water Orton Hens" then contact the cricket club via the e-mail address below.

In 2017 the under 9's team did exceptionally well winning 22 games out of 24 and in doing so reaching their group County finals at Edgbaston. Our under 10's reached the County championship quarter finals after winning their group, unfortunately losing out to Olton and West Warwicks but still having an envious record of played 9 won 8. The under 11's finished third in their group and the under 13's lost only two games all season, one of those being in the County final against Walmley. The under 15's were second in their group and many of the players in

the under 13's and under 15's played in the adult third team a tremendous testament not only to their abilities but to the excellence of the coaching scheme at Water Orton.

Determined to start the season on the front foot, early season nets are already taking place every Monday at Park Hall Academy, Castle Bromwich until 26th March. School year groups 2-8 have their session time between 7pm -8pm with year-groups 8-11 training later on between 8pm-9pm.

Anyone interested in playing in any of the youth teams will be welcomed just get in touch or turn up at the club on Friday 20th April [from 6.00pm] when coaching for the coming season begins.

We encourage everyone to come along, age and sex are no barrier and if you require more information please email waterortonyouthsection@hotmail. com or check out the facebook page “Water Orton Youth Section (WOCC Beavers)”.

Your local community tennis club is always looking for new members.

We warmly welcome players of all ages and abilities from beginners up to those who might like to join in with our established players and even represent our club in league matches.

As a community club we are accessible to anyone and everyone. We offer friendly coaching to get you to a level you’ll be comfortable with, together with the opportunity and support to play social and competitive tennis, in pleasant surroundings, at your chosen level.

We›re a friendly bunch who are continually looking to improve our club facilities and our membership

numbers in order to give everyone greater opportunity to play this great game of ours. Why not see for yourself? Pop down any weekday evening from the end of March or pay us a visit on our annual Open Day. This year it’s on Saturday May 12th from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. We will be holding taster sessions for everyone, so visit our website and book yourself a slot or, if you email our secretary on the mail below, we’ll book one for you, no obligation, we’ll even lend you a racquet to see if you like it!

There will be children’s and adult’s club coaches there to help you and, if you decide to join us, you’ll make new friends and learn something new or improve your

game (we can arrange free” one to one” coaching) but, best of all, you’ll get fit.

Why not give us a try and get a taste of the many health and social benefits we have to offer? We are sure you will enjoy yourself and want to stay with us.

We very much look forward to welcoming you!

Parish Council Meeting Dates Calendar of meetings for the ensuing Council year, all dates are the last Wednesday in the month 2018 28 March 25 April 30 May (Annual Council Meeting) June 27th July 25th

August 29th September 26th October 31st November 28th

No meeting scheduled for December. Notices are placed within the notice boards and updates will be posted as and when they arise.

George Road, Community Centre At the George Road Community Centre a friendly group meet on Monday afternoons for tea and a chat, Tuesday mornings at 10.30 for a coffee. Bingo the 2nd Monday in the month doors open at 7pm, eyes down at 7.30pm. Come and join us ALL are welcome.

For more information please visit: www.waterortontc.org.uk or contact Paul on 07538 601246 Water Orton & District Tennis Club, Vicarage Lane, Water Orton.B46 1RY.

Local Borough Councillors

Library news

Councillors Ray Payne and David Reilly will be happy to meet you at The Robert Lloyd Room, Water Orton parish Church on a Tuesday morning from 11am to noon.

The Methodist Church, the last Saturday of each month from 10am to midday.

David Reilly can be contacted by telephone on 07939 385 229.

Visit from Annie Murray

Not too late !

Saturday March 17th, we opened the bowling green despite the efforts of the Beast from the East, a handful of members braved the conditions.

We were to run a competition following the opening but this had to be cancelled, now to be played on Saturday 24th at 1pm. Members have been very busy in getting the green prepared and the clubhouse ready in time for the new season starting immediately after Easter weekend.

Sunday June 17th, we'll be holding our Annual Open Day if your interested in playing bowls this would be the ideal time to come along. More details to follow, any questions contact: John Cheatham Mob. 07791225761 email wobc39@gmail.com

Annie Murray will be at Water Orton Library, on Tuesday 17th April at 7.00pm.

She will be talking about her writing, including her latest novel 'Sisters of Gold'

Tickets for the event are obtainable in advance from the Library, priced £3 which includes a drink.

Water Orton Library is open Fridays and Saturdays 9.00 am to 5.00 pm

Water Orton Library Easter Closing The Library will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Saturday.

Local Groups and Societies We would be pleased to advertise your meetings and dates for you.

All you have to do is supply a list of forthcoming events to the Parish Clerk.

If you would like to contact the parish council please contact

Ralph Coldrick 07528968134

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March 2018

Quality of care homes Quality of care homes got worse in 1 in 5 local authorities in the last year, new research reveals The proportion of care homes rated “inadequate” or “requires improvement” increased in 1 in 5 local authority areas in 2017. A dramatic variation in the quality of care homes at a regional and local authority level across England continues to exist.

The North West is the worst performing region when it comes to the proportion of satisfactory care homes, while London and the East of England are the best performing regions. That’s according to new analysis

by Independent Age, the older people’s charity[1].

In some areas such as Tameside or Portsmouth, older people and their families continue to face little choice of quality care, with around 1 in 2 homes rated not good enough by the Care Quality Commission.

The main regional findings are: • The North West contains five of the eight worst performing English local authorities on care home quality, with more than one in four care homes across the region performing poorly.

• The North West (28.2% of care homes performing poorly), Yorkshire and The Humber (26.1%) and the West Midlands (21.3%) are the worst performing regions of England for care home quality.

• London (17.4% of care homes performing poorly), the East of England (17.4%) and the East Midlands (18.2%) are the best performing regions for care home quality.

The new analysis is based on CQC inspections of care homes which rate homes as either ‘Outstanding’, ‘Good’, ‘Requires improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’[2],[3]. The analysis regarded homes rated ‘Requires improvement’ or ‘Inadequate’ as being poor performers.

Performance at local authority level shows even greater variation. Seven local authority areas have more than two in five homes rated ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requires improvement’: 1. Tameside – 56.8% of homes 2. Portsmouth – 46.5% 3. Kensington and Chelsea – 45.5% 4. Manchester – 43.8% 5. Bradford – 43.6% 6. Stockport – 43.3% 7. Trafford – 43.1% In contrast, eight local authority areas have less than 5% of homes rated ‘Inadequate’ or ‘Requires improvement’, including five that have no care homes with those ratings: • Bracknell Forest, Isles of Scilly, Reading, Rutland and Southwark – 0% • Thurrock – 3% • West Berkshire – 4.5% • Richmond-upon-Thames – 4.7% This research also provides, for the first time, a year-on-year comparison on care home performance across regions and local authorities in England. The key findings from this year-on-year comparison are: • In every region, the percentage of poor care homes has decreased in the past year.

• However, in every region, at least one local authority has seen an increase in the percentage of poor care homes.

• Five local authorities have seen an overall improvement in the percentage of care homes, yet still have more than 2 in 5 care homes rated as “inadequate” or “required improvement”. This illustrates that, while improvement is welcome, older people and their families are still struggling to find a choice of good homes.

Commenting on the findings, Janet Morrison, Chief Executive of Independent Age, said: “Older people and their families are still facing an unenviable choice between poor care homes in some parts of the country. While it is encouraging that there has been an overall improvement in quality, this masks persistent variation in the quality of care homes within each region of the country. The market simply does not seem to be able to drive the rapid improvement needed in many areas.

While the Government seems happy to deflect all decisions about social care into the vague promise of a green paper, local authorities are having to make difficult decisions now about care in their area. We urgently need both Government and local authorities to demonstrate that they understand the reasons for this variation and that they have the ability to address it.”

Independent Age believes the drivers for care home quality variation includes factors such as low

levels of funding by local authorities, low pay and difficulty recruiting staff, and the lack of a good support mechanism for improving care homes that are struggling. The care homes market is now valued at nearly £16 billion. However, social care is facing a £2.6 billion funding gap by 2019/20[4].

In order to improve quality in the market, Independent Age makes the following recommendations: • The government’s forthcoming green paper must not be restricted to narrow questions of social care funding and finance, but must also address questions of quality in the social care market.

• In areas where there is a failure of quality, the local authority must do more to fulfil their Care Act duty to shape the local care market.

• The Department of Health and Social Care must demonstrate leadership on tackling regional variation in care home quality.

The briefing ‘Care home performance across England 2018’ is part of an Independent Age campaign to improve the quality of care homes available to older people.

Independent Age offers a free advice guide, ‘How to find the right care home’. The guide looks at what to consider and essential questions like location and cost, what you want from a home and whether a care home is actually the best option. The guide is available to download for free or to order at independentage.org/care-home-guide.

[1] The analysis is set out in a new briefing, ‘Care home performance across England 2018’, published by Independent Age. [2] An explanation of Care Quality Commission ratings can be found at http://www.cqc.org.uk/content/ratings [3] The analysis was carried out in January 2017 and the figures reflect CQC ratings at the time.

[4] Provisional Local Government Finance Settlement 2017/18 – on the day briefing, LGA, 15 December 2016

21

March 2018

Sertec Apprenticeship Scheme The Sertec 2018 engineering apprenticeship programme is now open for applications! All roles will support our engineering function and will include Technical Support, Maintenance and Toolmaking apprenticeships, offering a fantastic start to a career in engineering.

Who are Sertec?

Why choose a Sertec Apprenticeship?

Sertec has proven world class performance supplying quality parts to world class customers within the automotive industry.

Our exceptional success is based upon our constant awareness that our people are our most valued resource and we work together to be the best at what we do!

Sertec Apprentices will be provided with numerous opportunities to develop, throughout the programme and beyond. During the programme you will be supported by dedicated mentors as you undertake a variety of placements across the business, allowing you to learn directly from the experts.

Today we are one of the largest independent manufacturers of presswork and assemblies in Europe, producing and What are we looking for? distributing in excess of 4 million parts per week across several Sertec are looking for the best. Whilst academic success is sites in the UK, Europe and Asia; employing over 2400 people. important, so too is your drive and determination to work What does a Sertec Apprenticeship involve? within the automotive engineering industry.

As an Engineering apprentice you will undertake a structured 4 year development programme, where you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills whilst working directly with industry professionals.

You will spend your first year at our Training Provider’s training centre completing Level 2 foundation skills and you will work towards your level 3 BTEC. On your return to company, you will gain competence in your chosen pathway and dependant on your commitment and progress, you may also move on to study a HNC or Degree level qualification.

Desired Skills and Behaviours:

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent at C grade or above (Grade 5-9), (including Maths, English and Science) • A genuine interest in engineering and technology based subjects • Excellent problem solving skills • The enthusiasm to learn new things • A willingness to work as part of a team • Ability to take and follow instruction • A keen eye for detail.

If you are interested to find out more, go to www.sertec.co.uk/apprenticeships-overview where you will find more information on our engineering positions and have the opportunity to register your interest in our scheme.

find us on facebook

j-k9

Hydro-Therapy Rehabilitation

Congratulations to Rachel on completing her City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma for Professional Dog Stylists.

Is your dog slowing down and being reluctant to go on walks? Do they suffer from arthritis and struggle to get up and about?

Do they appear to be in discomfort with their joints? If so then Hydrotherapy can help improve your dogs quality of life.

Hydrotherapy is a non weight bearing exercise that can have a wide range of benefits and can greatly improve conditions and injuries including:

PROFESSIONAL DOG GROOMING SERVICE For specific breed prices please call.

All groom prices include a free nail trim and ear clean. Available 10am-4pm.

Grain Free Foods Available in our shop

Dog Day Care

Play and Socialisation

Dog Grooming

Level 3 Qualified, City & Guilds

Unit 12a Jubilee Estate, Gorsey Lane, Coleshill, B46 1JU t: 01675 465775 | e: J-K9@btconnect.com |

• Arthritis • Hip and elbow dysplasia • Ligament damage • Patella Luxation • Pre and post surgery fitness • Neurological issues

And help with • Mobility in old age • Weight loss • Muscle strengthening and maintenance • Cardiovascular health • Relief of pain & stiffness

We have helped many dogs young and old regain their fitness and strength following surgery, injury or with existing conditions such as arthritis.

Please call for further information, to view or discuss your dogs requirements.

22

March 2018

My mom Bobbie

By Charlie "YOU were always there for me my mother. You juggled your work, deadlines, interviews, reviews, presentations and dinner parties. Weekend guests and parties the perfect hostess. Yet, still always my mom. Always having enough time for me to make me feel so special and so very loved."

My mom was a professional from her head to her toes. Always caring about others and loving her dear Birmingham and her beloved home town of Coleshill. From fetes opened at St Gerrard's to community groups supported in the town, church events and charity work. To her every bit as important as the glitz of her work in France, Russia, America and many more.

I remember our house full of parties and celebrities throughout my childhood. A whirlwind of excitement and glamour. The late, great hairdresser "Teasie-Weasie" Raymond dedicating his autobiography to mom and me to Pat Phoenix enjoying nothing more than hot buttered toast and tea by the fire in our lounge! To mom attending the royal weddings and staying with the then president of America and his wife at their ranch. Yet spending half of our local food shop trip in Coleshill listening to an elderly lady speak to mom most animatedly and openly to finally find she did not know mom but that she read mom's articles in the paper each and every week and just had to stop to say "hello" for she felt like she really knew her! My mom had no side to her. My mom loved people. Making each and all feel worthy and important.

Proud of my mom... how could I not be! What a legacy she leaves.

Bobbies "Thanksgiving service in celebration of her life" was held at her local church St Peter's and St Paul's Coleshill on Tuesday 20th March 3pm. It was attend by a colourful cross section from many walks of life as was befitting of her life. The service was taken by the Reverend Nick Parker. Readings were given

by Darrilyn Downes, step-daughter Claire Collison, Lauren Sheldon, Joy Hancock and tribute by Robin Boyt.

REMEMBERING Bobbie

By Harry Collison

the 1930's.

We had a beautiful daughter Charlotte ( Charlie). We seperated after 40 years but remained good friends.

She was a former editor of 25 years with the Birmingham Post.

Bobbie went to 3 royal weddings which is amazing to even go to one.

She was very good friends with Raymond Bessone know as Teasy Weasy a famous hairdresser from

She used to say 'This is my kind of Town' Coleshill was always in her heart and seeing the church steeple when she was returning filled her with warmth.

Bobbie also travelled the world visiting some beautiful places but she also loved where she came We met in the 1960's then married in the from and lived all her life Coleshill. summer of 1968.

Bobbie had a large character and was loved and known by so many people, she had an amzing life and I will always hold fond memories which I will always treasure.

R I P My Love.

23

March 2018

Nolly? No, Bobbie, darling Bobbie as I knew her

By Claire Collison There weren’t a lot of real life stepmothers about when Bobbie became ours. No one else in my class had one. It was the late sixties. I was five and Ginni was nine, and we visited Bobbie and Dad every other Saturday.

We entered the house through the kitchen (only people who didn’t know used the front door).

Bobbie would be shouting hello before we saw her.

She would be sat in front of a round magnify-ing mirror at the kitchen table, putting her face on; her makeup covering the table’s surface.

Her embraces were enthusiastic and perfume drenched. Darlings! Let me look at you both!

She wore false eye lashes. She wouldn’t even pay the milkman until she’d got her lashes on.

I learned all I know about makeup from her.

Little tips. I even learned to be proud of the scatter-ing of freckles that fell across my face like confetti - I’d not realised what a desirable feature they were until Bobbie told me how top models actually painted fake ones on with an eyebrow pencil.

Sometimes we’d accompany Bobbie to fashion shows, where she was treated like royalty - a ce-lebrity whose autograph was occasionally sought (even if it was because they mistook her for Crossroad’s Noele Gordon); a consummate professional whom we alone had seen bereft of eye-lashes.

We would be allowed backstage, a cramped makeshift room filled with beautiful men and women. Bobbie would show us off to everybody with “Darlings, meet my gorgeous stepdaughters!”

Generous, loyal Bobbie opened doors She never shied away from the name of our relationship, never tried to pass us off as her own, as if ashamed of the implications. Instead, she glorified the title of stepmother, transforming it on her lips from the wicked and cruel of fairy tales to the extra-special because extra-ordinary.

Bobbie was generous and loyal. She often reminded us over the years how, when she told us she was pregnant, we said we would be Charli’s sisters, and not ‘half’ of anything. Even after she and Dad separated, Bobbie remained our stepmother.

Bobbie showed me it was possible to be a writer. I would go in to work with her whenever I could wangle it. In the morning, there might be an interview, or photoshoot, then, after lunch, returning to the Mail and lighting up her hundredth St Moritz, she’d hammer out her copy.

By the time we left, there the story would be, hot off the press. It made me realise anything was possible.

Even though she seemed to have her cake and eat it, as a liberated independent career woman, Bobbie was the product of Edwardian parents, and in many ways deeply conventional. I think it must have been very difficult for her, but she opened doors that made it easier for the next gen-eration.

By Sue Gascoinge I met Bobbie through us acting on stage together.

She was a flamboyant lady with a love of fashion and her personality was of a strong character calling everyone she met 'Darling' Bobbie was one of the most christian people I was to ever of met, she went to church every week and had very strong ethics and values.

Bobbie loved people and was a very socialable person with a fabulous social life.

Im am glad to say I knew Bobbie and she will be very sadly missed.

String section or car horn?

Bobbie could be both Bobbie never lost her journalist’s knack of asking people about themselves, and getting them to open up. Or perhaps that’s the wrong way round - she was a good journalist because of those qualities: she truly was interested in everyone.

Bobbie was a mass of contradictions: she could be a summer’s morning or a thunder storm, a string section, or car horn. She was fierce as a lioness, and soft as a cashmere scarf. She was cookie, a diva, and a joiner in.

Bobbie’s phone number has been in my address book for longer than any other. She phoned me when I didn’t want phoning, and she prayed for me when I didn’t want to be prayed for. She had faith, and she had conviction.

Bobbie taught me how to walk into the smartest places as if I had every right to be there, and to use their loos if I needed. I always think of her when I do. And I frequently do.

The world will be a duller place without you, Bobbie. Goodbye, my glamorous stepmother.

BOBBIE

Bobby Collison holding a picture of when she interviewed Marget Thatcher

Coleshill - Bobbie’s kind of town Bobbie had been places, but Coleshill “I’ve come back to Coleshill from the glittering exotic Harry, along the route he took to the office in the was her kind of town, she told salons of the Paris couturiers. From the sun-kissed morning. ‘It’s so beautiful that it makes you feel glad visitors to Coleshill Flower Festival in splendour of the Italian vineyards. From the Nordic to be alive,’ he had said. charms of the Danes and Denmark. And from that big, “That was the moment when I wanted to make September 1970. brash, bold but lovable baby called America.

Writing in a piece for the programme as Barbara Henderson, Women’s Features Editor in the “Always it has been the same. When you spy that Birmingham Evening Mail, she told readers: “It’s my spire, you are home. This is your harbour. Your haven. sort of town, Coleshill. Big enough to be busy. Small Your nest.” enough to be sociable. Warm-hearted enough to Bobbie’s first visit was a brief one three years earlier to do a story about the work of the nuns at St Gerard’s. welcome newcomers.

She was walking through the croft with then fiancé “And, oh so good to come home to.

Coleshill my home, too”, Bobbie wrote. It was her eighth home town since her father’s banking career took him to a number of branches throughout the West Country, ending up in Shropshire.

She ended: “And now we have just moved into my tenth home, a bungalow. Cosy, like Coleshill. Our home in my kind of town.”

24

March 2018

The Coleshill School World Book Day Staff at The Coleshill School dressed up for World Book Day and students enjoyed being taught by a whole host of characters including a Golden Ticket, Hagrid, Jon Snow, Cruella de Vill, pirates, an Oompa Loompa, Miss Trunchbull, Miss Honey, Fantastic Mrs Fox, Sophie from BFG and James with his Giant Peach to name just a few!

Students received book tokens and have taken part in ERIC Everyone Reading In Class, as well as discussions on books in English.

Digital Schoolhouse Esports Challenge!

On Wednesday 5th March 2018 a team of students The Digital Schoolhouse eSports Tournament started from The Coleshill School took part in the in January 2018 with 20 schools taking part and an Digital Schoolhouse Esports regional qualifying estimated reach of 1500-2000 students. Two teams from The Coleshill School entered and team ‘Ben Hyper Carry’ tournament at Staffordshire University.

The Digital Schoolhouse, powered by PlayStations National Esports Tournament, is designed to engage and inspire students with careers and opportunities within the games, esports and creative industries, it uses playbased learning to engage the next generation of students and teachers with the new computing curriculum. The aim is to bridge the gap between industry and education to prepare the next generation for a digital age.

went through to the regional qualifiers.

Lisa Cooper, Teacher of ICT said “The team were given some great advice from Ramesh Singh, a former professional player. They played really hard against very strong competition and came joint third. This was a fantastic day for our students taking part in a national competition and they enjoyed the whole experience of the eSports Challenge!

25

March 2018

Drop in sessions @ Coleshill Hub Town Hall B46 3BG

6-8 sessions around suppor�ng you and your OCD symptoms—with input from a volunteer and Keyring M.H Community Links workers

TIMETABLE MONDAY

10:00am - 1:00pm Housing Benefit forms General Info & Support Energy Deals 10.00am - 12.00pm P3 Floating Support Service Benefits, Debt, Housing, Advice and Guidance

10:00am - 12:00pm Carers Trust

Maria Beale 07950 786 032 Roger Barker 07506 776 738

Upstairs in the Town Hall

Tuesday 10:00—1:00 Improve your confidence, brush up your skills and succeed!

MEMORY CAFE and their carers Robert Lloyd Room, Water Orton Church

1.30 - 4.00pm 1st Friday of the month

Get help with your CV and learn how to use Universal Job Match and other Job Sites.

The Next Café is on Friday 2nd March

Why not join our Computer Club and improve your IT skills?

Every 1st & 3rd Monday of the month.

Advice & Guidance for Carers only.

TUESDAY

10:00am - 1:00pm JOB CLUB Help with CV’s and Job Seeking

2:00pm - 4:00pm U3A Family History Class Contact for dates

WEDNESDAY

10:00am - 1:00pm Finance, Pensions, General Info & Support.

SSAFA Consumer

THURSDAY

10:00am - 1:00pm General Computer Use & Signposting

megan@coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk

Tel: 01675 463 326

Computer Club

OUTREACH COMMUNITY GROUPS

Friday 27th March 10.00am - 1.00pm

Struggling to keep up with computers and the internet?

Get Connected

Coleshill Town Hall High St, Coleshill

Friday 10.00—12.00 The Coleshill Hub @The Town Hall

B46 3BG

helen@coleshilltowncouncil.gov.uk

01675 463 326

Sally.Evans@sw�.nhs.uk

02476 322 048

FRIDAY

10.00am - 12.00pm COMPUTER CLUB

Learn about Online Banking, Email, Online Shopping, how to get cheaper energy deals and much more, in a relaxed and sociable environment.

Friendly Help and Support Call 01675 463 326 or come up to the Hub to talk

WEDNESDAY

10:30am - 12:30pm ART GROUP Old Market Hall

THURSDAY

10:00am - 12:00pm WALKING GROUP Old Market Hall 1st Thurs of Month

FRIDAY

1:30pm - 4:00pm MEMORY CAFÉ 1st Friday Month Water Orton Church, Robert Lloyd Room

Call 01675 463 326 Visit Coleshill Community Hub @ Coleshill Town Hall www.coleshillhub.co.uk

26

March 2018

Housing announcement helps fire up the West Mids engine MEP Anthea McIntyre has warmly welcomed the announcement of a deal with the West Midlands Combined Authority to build more than 200,000 extra new homes.

A £350 million package of Government support, to include a land fund of £100 million announced in the Chancellor's statement today, will mean thousands more homes built over the next 12 years.

improving our skills and technology to put ourselves at the forefront of creating prosperity and jobs.

"That momentum can stall if there are not enough proper homes for a growing workforce to live. This investment will She said the announcement should Miss McIntyre, Conservative MEP for tackle one of the major obstacles to our provide "important fuel" for the West the wider West Midlands region, said: "The progress and will provide important fuel Midlands engine.

West Midlands Engine project is all about for the engine."

Seven smartphone mishaps and how to fix them Smartphones are an essential part of life in 2018 but, as our handsets get older, they can start to slow down and as much as you try to avoid them, unfortunately accidents do sometimes happen.

Luckily, e2save’s mobile expert, Joe Linnington, has compiled a list of the most common phone mishaps and the top tips on how to fix them so that if misfortune does strike, you can get your phone back to full fitness as quickly as possible.

Water woes Whether a splash from the tap or a drop down the toilet, a water-damaged phone is most people’s worst tech nightmare. Unless you’re lucky enough to own a waterproof phone, it’s important to switch your phone off straight away if it becomes wet and remove your SIM and any memory cards too. Quickly wipe away any excess water by dabbing your phone with a cloth and then place it into a bag or bowl of rice and leave for 48 hours to allow the rice to soak up any additional moisture. As tempting as it can be to switch it back on, it’s important to give your phone time to dry out to ensure it won’t short circuit when you turn it back on.

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Charging challenges

GB glitches

With so many different apps now vying for our phone’s attention, draining battery life is inevitable.

Little changes, including turning off Bluetooth/WiFi when not in use, turning off vibrate and keytones, dimming your brightness and not using the flash when taking pictures, can make a big difference.

Location services and GPS tracking are also huge battery drainers and if you rely on your phone through long days at work, turning these off could give you some vital extra juice. Many smartphones also feature battery-saving modes, so be sure to utilise these when needed.

Photos and videos take up a lot of space on our phones. Tools like Amazon Prime Photos, iCloud and Google Photos all store pictures online for free, leaving more storage available on your phone for the important stuff.

Alternatively, accessing the ‘manage storage’ section on your phone will help you to track which apps are taking up the most memory, so you can cull those storage draining apps you never use. If this fails, deleting your browsing history, text messages and disabling app notifications will also help to free up some much needed storage.

Connectivity complications

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Using Wi-Fi for voice calling and messaging can be a great way of staying on top of your phone bill, but occasionally your connection can be slow. Some routers have a limit on how many devices can connect to it, so this could be a reason for connectivity issues.

In most cases, the best thing to do is to restart the router by simply pulling out the power cable, waiting for 15 seconds and then reinserting the cable. The system should then reboot, which may take a few minutes. Restarting your phone could also help if you’re having connectivity issues.

Hot handsets

The most common reason for your smartphone overheating is having too many apps running at once.. Although they are designed to do pretty much anything, too many demands at around the same time can affect the efficiency of the device.

Phone cases and tight pockets can also cause your phone to feel hot, so try to keep it ventilated where possible. During the summer months, it’s important to keep it out of direct sunlight, as many phones absorb and retain heat from the sun which can cause Rubbish reception overheating. If it does overheat in the sun, store It sounds ridiculous, but opening a window can it somewhere cool until you’re able to switch it on help you if your phone signal is sub-par. This is again. because obstacles such as walls or double glazing can obstruct mobile signal, so if this is a regular problem, Freezing phones try opening a window. Phone signal can also be On the other hand, it’s also very easy for your affected by buildings and objects blocking the line of phone to get too cold. The best way to make sure the sight. freezing temperatures don’t do long-lasting damage Elevating your phone and going upstairs to make is to keep your phone turned off when exposed to calls means there is less chance of anything getting in colder climates. While cold temperatures can affect the way of this communication. Simply waving your battery life, once you’re back in a warmer place, the phone in the air if there are no obstructions won’t phone should return to normal. One way of ensuring work, however. Technology now allows smartphone users to make calls over Wi-Fi, eliminating any your phone stays a little warmer is to buy a high signal issues. If none of that makes a difference then quality case for it. it might be time to switch networks or buy a signal For more information about e2save go to https:// booster for your home. www.e2save.com/

27

March 2018

Outdoor fun makes for happy families -Children behave better after 30 minutes of fresh air and outdoor play-Parents report improved eating, sleeping and happiness in children-64% of parents feel technology is overused by their childrenMORE THAN just fun and games, outdoor play is having a 1 in 3 (32%) of British parents admitted noticing improved behaviour, stimulation for children and allows them to be at one with nature and significant effect on British children’s lives, in terms of their sleep or mood in their children, following as little as 30 minutes of their environment. playing outside, according to a survey of 1,152 UK parents by garden “It is great that we are still aware of the benefits of getting outdoors, mood and daily habits, according to new research. and conservatory furniture e-tailer Alfresia.co.uk.

And 47% revealed that they found it considerably easier to get their offspring to go to bed following an outdoor activity.

A quarter of parents state that their kids enjoy playing outside so much that they struggle to get them to come back inside once they have begun to play outdoors.

12% say their children are even keen to carry out activities outside even when it is raining.

Despite this, 64% of British parents believe technology, such as laptops, smart phones and tablet devices are overused by their children.

A third of this group felt so concerned about their children’s tech habits that they have already or are considering implementing rules to regulate the amount that such gadgets are used each day.

Nic Jones, head of digital at Alfresia.co.uk, said: “It is encouraging to see the positive effects that outdoor play is having on children and that these huge benefits can be seen from as little as 30 minutes of play in the fresh air.

“As well as being a great source of exercise, it encourages group play and creativity and even solo outdoor activities provides a great deal of

especially in light of today’s reliance on technology and the importance it plays in the lives of the younger generation.

“Technology has a great many uses, but if not monitored correctly it can lead to children becoming quite introvert and can also lead to low mood and anger, as well as physical side effects such as tension headaches and eye strain.

“For parents who are having difficulties in getting their offspring outside, it’s a good idea to create a specific outdoor area for them whether that be a den, tree house or a simple space filled with toys and some seating.

“Plan games, like obstacle courses and treasure hunts, keep it simple with traditional ball games or even bring favourite indoor activities like arts and crafts outside. The options are endless and it doesn’t need to be a costly investment.”

Alfresia.co.uk sells a unique range of garden and conservatory furniture, cushions, barbecues, outdoor heaters and premium kitchen appliances via its website.

For more information, visit www.alfresia.co.uk.

28

March 2018

Landons WETRooMs

Opening Times: Tuesday - Friday 10 am - 4 pm | saturday 11 am - 4 pm | Monday and sunday are closed.

LANDONS WETROOMS: 205 Tyburn Road, Erdington, Birmingham B24 8nB 0121 448 4290 | roger@landonswetrooms.co.uk | www.landonswetrooms.com

UNASHAMED LUXURY WETROOMS, SHOWERS & TILES Connect with us online

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Join our revitalizing Health Club & receive 2 months FREE *Free months apply when paying the full annual charge in 1 transaction. Includes use of the Pulse fitted gym, pool, sauna, steam room and whirlpool

For more information, enquire online or chat to us on our social channels.

T | 01675 470 468 E | info@leamarstonhotel.co.uk W | leamarstonhotel.co.uk Lea Marston Hotel, Golf & Spa, Haunch Lane, Lea Marston, Sutton Coldfield, Warwickshire, B76 0BY.

29

March 2018

LOCAL SERVICES GARDENING

PLUMBERS

MISCELLANEOUS

Coleshill Mowing provide a wide range of grounds maintenance services for commercial and residential properties

Mowing of large and small areas Hedge cutting / Trimming Strimming Shrub maintenance Pruning and felling of small trees 20 years Green waste removal experience Bark mulching Supply and planting of shrubs and small trees Weed control Leaf clearence Pressure washing

For a free consultation, get in touch now 01675 481805 coleshill.mowing@outlook.com

Licensed green waste carriers

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ADVERTISE YOUR LOCAL SERVICE

for as little as ÂŁ35 in one paper or ÂŁ60 in both publications Contact: serena.smith@thecoleshillpost.co.uk For more information

RESIDENTS LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Get in touch with your points of view Contact: editor@thecoleshillpost.co.uk or serena.smith@thecoleshillpost.co.uk

30

March 2018

GASCOIGNES Established 1900

OF COLESHILL LTD

FUNERAL SERVICE

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Offering a complete, dignified and caring service to the community for four generations.

01675 462294 24 hour service Private Chapels of Rest

gascoignesofcoleshill@hotmail.co.uk

100 High Street, Coleshill B46 3BL

Vacancies

A selection of some of the roles we are recruiting for:

Temporary

Permanent

Tour Bus Driver, Coleshill (work across the UK) – Ad hoc Temp (possible long term contracts)

Office Administrator, Coleshill – Full Time

Skills & Experience Required: Must hold a PSV/PCV licence, CPC holder , C1 or C2 licence is essential (Having both licences is desirable) Excellent communicator and flexibility is key to the role

Skills & Experience Required: Excellent administration experience, a good all round role including some accounts administration and marketing.

Administrator, Coleshill – Full Time

Waiters / Waitresses, Near NEC – Ongoing – bookings starting immediatly

Skills & Experience Required: Good experience of working with Excel, good communication skills.

FLT Bendi/VNA, Coleshill – Temp-Perm

Skills & Experience Required: Experienced in dealing with customers on a large scale. Good associated administration skills.

Skills & Experience Required: Good customer service skills & experience serving food & drink.

Skills & Experience Required: Working within a Warehouse environment, who is Health & Safety conscious. FLT Bendi / VNA licence

Skills & Experience Required: HGV driver, with Class 1 or Class 2 licence & Driver CPC

MET Technician / Panel Beater, Atherstone – Full Time

Skills & Experience Required: ou will be joining the team in busy body shop, repairing and replacing the panels of accident damaged vehicles in line with the manufacturer`s specifications.

JOB OF THE MONTH

Transport Planner, Kingsbury – Full Time

Telesales, Coleshill Part Time - Permanent

Skills & Experience Required: At least 2 years’ experience as Transport Planner in Transport & Logistics.

Account Manager, Coleshill – Full Time

Hours – PT Flexible 2/3 days a week 9am – 5pm (flexible) www.psrecruitmentservices.co.uk info@psrecruitmentservices.co.uk 07523 904 5725 01675 597 599 Are you an enthusiastic & outgoing person who is hardworking, driven & ambitious?

You will be making telephone calls to potential customers in a friendly professional manner, responsible for: • Obtaining qualifying information from customers

Skills & Experience Required: Working in a design agency environment & a proven track record overseeing each brief

from concept through to/psrecservices delivery is essential. @PSRecServices

Recruitment Consultant, Coleshill – Part Time Skills & Experience Required: Recruitment experience is essential

For more details including salary and job content please contact us on

01675 597 599 / 07523 904 572 or email your CV to info@psrecruitmentservices.co.uk www.psrecruitmentservices.co.uk

• Contacting existing database • Gaining interest in the services the Company provides • Being proactive in your approach Find out more, APPLY NOW!

Web Developer, Coleshill – Full Time

Skills & Experience Required: Confident with PHP, HTML, CSS & Javascript coding. A good understanding of APIs and the ability to create your own.

HGV Drivers – Coleshill & Kingsbury

• Making quality sales appointments www.psrecruitmentservices.co.uk info@psrecruitmentservices.co.uk

Customer Services Operator, Coleshill – Full Time

07523 904 5725

01675 597 599

@PSRecServices

/psrecservices

31

March 2018

You can now have your name inscribed on the wings of the iconic Vulcan Bomber

Afternoon of Social Dancing At

The Link New Road, Water Orton, B46 1QU

Ballroom, Latin American and Popular Sequence Dances Refreshments included Entrance £4.00 Thursdays ** 2pm

Practice your dance steps in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Meet new people and make new friends.

No partner needed.

Use it or Lose it!!!

Call Dawn or Mark: - 0121 783 5584 or 07847093070 ** Every 2nd Thursday in the month April 12th, May 10th, June 14th , July 12th

MEMBERS of the public are being given the opportunity to have their name added to the wings of the iconic Vulcan XH558, as part of celebrations to commemorate the 25th anniversary of XH558’s final RAF Flight in 1993.

In a fitting tribute to one of the RAF’s longest-serving aircraft, in the Centenary year of the RAF’s formation, the Vulcan to the Sky Trust has opened up this opportunity for the public to place any chosen name on a set of plaques that will commemorate the 25th Anniversary of Vulcan XH558’s final flight with the RAF. Dr Robert Pleming from Vulcan to the Sky Trust said: “Following her last RAF flight some people thought that they would never see Vulcan XH558 fly again. Fastforward 14 years and after perhaps the most complex and demanding private aircraft restoration project ever completed – anywhere in the world, XH558 returned to the air once more in October 2007.

“The restoration allowed eight more years of incredible displays in front of millions of people, and a huge fan base developed a real love for XH558. She took to the sky for the last time on October 28 2015 for her final flight.”

As an icon of British aeronautical design excellence she is will spend her ground-running life as the centre-piece of an new inspirational Heritage Hangar which will be built at Doncaster Sheffield Airport.

“We’ve continued to be amazed by the generousity of people who want to see this historic aircraft preseved for future generations to see and the Trust is looking forward to her new home being built so that she can once again wow the crowds,” added Robert.

Support for the 25th anniversary plaque will contribute to the Trust’s work to secure the new home for XH558 and to build a brighter future for heritage aircraft preservation, restoration and operation. XH558 will help provide inspiration for a whole new generation of engineering and technical talent by enthusing youngsters with the excitement of aviation.

Names will be added permanently to the underside of Vulcan XH558’s Wing and each dedication comes with a personalised certificate that acts as a commemorative

Windows (UPVC & Aluminium)

receipt for the requested donation of £30.

Doors (including Bi-Fold & Composite) Roof Lanterns

“This is a great way to support XH558 and is an ideal

Conservatories

Garage Doors Domestic & Commercial Work

gift or memoriam of a lost loved-one, having their name inscribed under the wing of this British Icon,” said Robert.

To secure a place on the plaque and to place your desired name on Vulcan XH558’s Wing visit www.vulcantothesky.org

32 Birmingham Road, Water Orton, Birmingham B46 1TH

32

March 2018

Boxing Show Khan faces Lo Greco in Liverpool return Canadian vows to ruin Brit star’s comeback on April 21 Amir Khan will face Phil Lo Greco on his Khan promising to show that he’s back to his best, the crowd,” said Lo Greco. “I can’t wait to feel that “Boxing teaches us, history repeats itself. Once energy. As much as UK fans love their fighters, they your knocked out cold, it only gets worse.” return to the ring at the Echo Arena in but Lo Greco coming to KO the Brit star.

“I can’t wait to get back into the ring on April 21 love great fights and I promise just that. This night Khan’s clash with Lo Greco is part of a huge night of Liverpool on April 21, live on Sky Sports.

Former unified Light-Welterweight ruler Khan is back in action for the first time since May 2016 where he stepped up to Middleweight to face Mexican star Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez and now the 31 year old is determined to get back on the road to World title glory in his first fight of a three-fight deal with Matchroom Boxing.

Lo Greco has mixed in great company having been in with Errol Spence and Shawn Porter, and ‘The Italian Sensation’ will come face-to-face with Khan at a press conference in Liverpool tomorrow – and both men are predicting an exciting fight, with ‘King’

at the Echo Arena in Liverpool,” said Khan. “Phil Lo Greco will be coming with everything to win this fight and I’m not going to give him an inch. He’s an aggressive fighter who is always looking to press the fight and come forward. That makes for a very exciting and action-packed fight for the fans.

“He’s shared the ring with the likes of Spence Jr and Porter, so he’s operated at the highest level. I respect him as a fighter and know he will be coming with big ambitions but I’m going to put on a great performance and prove to the boxing world that the ‘King’ is well and truly back.”

“Being my first fight in the UK, I'm excited about

will go down as one of the best fights ever in the UK. “I'd like to thank, Eddie, Sam, Al Haymon, and of course, the entire Khandashian family for letting your daughter come out and play.

“I'm happy Amir decided to yank up his skirt and end his long-going tea party. It was time he manned up. I’ve got a full training camp this time around, there will be no room for error. Amir Khan will be knocked out.

“I’ve noticed Amir loves going more to Dubai, so I’ll send him to Du-bai, and he’ll go bub-bye, #AmirGONE.

action on Merseyside as Birkenhead’s Sean ‘Masher’ Dodd defends his Commonwealth Lightweight title against Tommy Coyle, and former Team GB Olympians Natasha Jonas and Anthony Fowler and unbeaten Super-Welterweight Scott Fitzgerald are all in action.

Tickets are priced £40, £60, £80, £100 and £200 VIP and go on sale at midday tomorrow (Tuesday January 30) to Matchroom Fight Pass members from www.stubhub.co.uk and on general sale at midday Wednesday January 31 at midday via the Echo Arena at www.echoarena.com and on 0344 8000 400.

Joshua vs. Parker – Heavyweight blockbuster live and exclusive on Dazn • Dazn is the exclusive home of the Poshua vs Parker fight in Germany, Austria and Canada • Dazn will also show the fight nonexclusively in Switzerland • No additional pay-per-view charge, Dazn subscribers will be able to watch the fight as part of their monthly subscription The World heavyweight unification clash between Anthony Joshua MBE and Joseph Parker will be broadcast live and exclusively on DAZN in multiple markets next month. The contest between the two champions will be aired live from Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday March 31 in Germany, Austria and Canada.

UNDEFEATED CHAMPIONS The fight will be only the second time in boxing history where two undefeated heavyweight champions compete in a unification bout.

British fighter Joshua, the IBF and WBA World Champion, who has won all 20 of his professional fights by knockout will face New Zealand fighters. DAZN will also broadcast behind the scenes footage and an star Parker, the WBO belt holder, who’s achieved 18 knockouts in his archive of previous fights.

24 wins to date.

John Gleasure, Chief Commercial Officer, DAZN commented: "We are thrilled to be featuring two of the best fighters in the world in what LIVE ON DAZN looks set to be an epic battle; and DAZN fans get to watch it at no extra In partnership with Matchroom Boxing and Duco Events, DAZN cost. Unlike other broadcasters, DAZN doesn’t charge a premium for will exclusively showcase all the action in the run up to the big night, box office events. This fight is another example of our commitment to including the must see weigh in and press conferences between the two make sport more affordable and accessible than ever before. On DAZN

you get the biggest and best sporting events, for one simple, affordable price.”

Eddie Hearn, Group Managing Director at Matchroom Sport added: ““This is a history making fight - a breathtaking heavyweight unification between two young, fearless, undefeated Champions and through this partnership we are delighted that more boxing fans in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Canada will be able to witness this special night.”

33

March 2018

Williams v Clarke English title clash confirmed for the 02 English Super-Middleweight Champion Darryll Williams will make the second defence of his title against undefeated Halesowen talent Lennox Clarke at The 02 on Saturday 14th April Williams (16-0, 6 KO’s) seized the English 168lbs title from Jahmaine Smyle in a Fight of the Year contender at the Leicester Arena in April 2017.

The all-out war went the South Londoner's way on a split points decision after 10 tremendous rounds of gruelling, back-and-forth action that had fans on their feet throughout.

‘Ferocious’ then inflicted another defeat on his bitter foe when the rivals rematched at London’s Copper Box Arena. All-action Williams won a majority decision against Smyle as the pair served up another belter of a contest.

Now trained by David John in Swansea, Williams is aiming to dispatch Clarke in style on April 14th before targeting a shot at the British SuperMiddleweight title later in the year.

Fast-rising Midlands standout Clarke (16-0-1, 6 KO’s) has been waiting patiently for his shot at Williams’ title. The 26-year-old also holds a win over Smyle, having floored the Leicester man on the way to a ten round decision in December.

"I'm chomping at the bit to get back in the ring," said Williams. "I'm quite surprised at how quickly I've been able to get back to full fitness and get my mind back in the game. I've been training harder than ever and I'm ready to go again.

"Ive watched Clarke's win over Smyle and all I took from it is that he beat an already defeated man. By the time Clarke fought Smyle, he was already a well defeated fighter mentally. He had two all-out wars with me and some tough fights before that.

"Up until he scored a knockdown in round nine

I actually had Clarke losing the fight. Smyle was pressuring Clarke and pushing him back, if he can't handle Smyle then what am I going to do to him?

"I'd love to fight for the British title this year. I want to move on from the English title after this defence because I know that I can go further than this level.

I've won Southern Area and English titles, the next step on my journey is to win the British title."

"This is a fight that I have wanted for a long time," said Clarke. "Darryll is a very dangerous opponent and it's going to be a tough fight but I'm very confident of getting the win. We've both boxed Jahmaine Smyle in our last fights and I beat him comfortably while Darryll went life and death with him twice."

Williams v Clarke lands on the undercard of Billy

Joe Saunders’ WBO Middleweight World Title defence against domestic rival Martin Murray and Terry Flanagan’schallenge for the vacant WBO Super-Lightweight World Title against undefeated American Maurice Hooker.

An unmissable card also features rising LightHeavyweight star Anthony 'The Beast' Yarde and Heavyweight sensation 'Dynamite' Daniel Dubois while Hackney Super-Lightweight talent Ohara Davies makes his highly-anticipated comeback, with further exciting additions to the undercard to come.

General sale tickets for April 14th priced from £40 (Tier) to £300 (Hospitality) are available to purchase via www.axs.com.

Double World title card lands at the 02 Ohara Davies signs promotional Hall of Fame Promoter Frank deal with Frank Warren Warren will stage a double World Title card on Saturday 14th April at The 02 in London featuring Billy Joe Saunders’ defence of his WBO World Middleweight Championship against domestic rival Martin Murray, alongside Terry Flanagan’s challenge for the vacant WBO World Super-Lightweight title against unbeaten American Maurice Hooker.

Saunders, fresh from a 12-round masterclass against David Lemieux in the Canadian’s home town, returns to the UK to face long-time rival Martin Murray. Saunders’ career-best

performance in Canada has seen him risen to be considered by many the top active boxer in the UK and the Hatfield man is looking for 2018 to be the biggest year of his career.

Murray is the final hurdle for Saunders in obtaining a complete domestic whitewash of British and Irish Middleweights that already includes Andy Lee, Chris Eubank Jr, Spike O’Sullivan, John Ryder and Nick Blackwell. Should Saunders overcome Murray on the 14th April it is likely to clear the path for a blockbuster showdown for all the World Middleweight Titles against the winner of the highly-anticipated rematch between Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez.

In the other World Title clash on

the card, unbeaten former WBO World Lightweight Champion Terry Flanagan faces unbeaten American Maurice Hooker for the WBO World Super-Lightweight Championship, in his first contest at the weight. Flanagan had defended his 135lb World Title 5 times before relinquishing the belt to move to Super-Lightweight, a more comfortable weight class for his stature.

02 presale tickets for this blockbuster evening of action are available via www.axs.com from 10.00am on Friday 25th January.

General sale tickets are available to purchase from AXS, Eventim and Ticketmaster from 10.00am on Monday 29th January.

Hackney fighter returns to action at and with Frank and MTK Global behind me I The 02 on April 14 can achieve my dream. I believe that I have the Ohara Davies has signed an exclusive promotional deal with Hall of Fame Promoter Frank Warren and will make his BT Sport and BoxNation debut at The 02 on Saturday 14th April.

Davies, 25, has won 16 of his 17 professional contest and will be aiming to fight his way into World Title contention after a frustrating few months. The talented Londoner has been out of the ring since his explosive sixthround stoppage victory over Tom Farell in September.

A former English Lightweight Champion, Davies has also claimed WBC Silver and WBA International Super-Lightweight titles, and is determined to get his promising career back on track after teaming up with Warren.

“I’m so glad to be on-board with Frank and the team at BT Sport and BoxNation,” said Davies. “I’d like to thank Frank for giving me this opportunity and believing in me. Frank has been in the game for years and knows the sport inside out, I know I’m in safe hands with him.

“I’ve had a hard few months and I needed a fresh start, I’m in the best place for that now.

It’s been a while since I last fought and I’m looking forward to getting back to doing what I do best.

“I wasn’t fully focused last year. My mind was in a bad place and I was focusing on things that weren’t important. This year is all about keeping my head down, focusing on my boxing and getting to where I want to be in this game.

“I want to win a World Title as soon as I can

potential in me to do big things in this sport.

As long as I keep my head down and stay focused, there’s no limit to what I can achieve in this game.

“BT Sport and BoxNation viewers can expect excitement, entertainment, knockouts and good fights. The real Ohara Davies is back and I can’t wait to show the World what I can do.”

Promoter Frank Warren is excited to welcome Davies to his growing stable that includes Super-Lightweight talents such as Terry Flanagan and Jack Catterall.

“Ohara is a quality fighter and one of the best out there,” said Warren. “I’m delighted to welcome him to the team and we’re looking forward to him making his debut with us at The 02 on April 14th.”

“The Super-Lightweight division is one of the most exciting weight classes in British boxing, there’s no doubt about that. In our stable alone we have the likes of Terry Flanagan, Jack Catterall, Josh Leather and Jeff Saunders. There’s a lot of good fights to be made in the next year or so and it’s great for the fans because we are going to make sure these fights happen.”

Tickets for Davies’ next fight at The 02 on Saturday 14th April ranging from £40 (Tier) to £300 (Hospitalitly) are available to purchase now via www.axs.com.

34

March 2018

Owain James and Will Porter re-signing with Wasps Wasps announce that academy backs Owain James and Will Porter have been awarded new academy contracts.

Pacy 21-year-old James, who has “He’s twice got close to making his appeared at full back and winger, Premiership debut recently and we now was last month named on the want to see him kick on and become a shortlist from which the Anglo- regular part of the first team squad.

“He is a very skillful player who can play Welsh breakthrough player award.

He was also an unused replacement during the recent Aviva Premiership clashes with Gloucester and London Irish, and is currently in his third season as a Wasps professional.

Talented scrum half Porter is a former England under 18 who joined the blackand-golds direct from school.

The 19-year-old is currently on loan at Championship club Rotherham Titans.

Head of Recruitment and Academy Kevin Harman said: “Owain has come on well this season when he’s played some really good games in the A League and Anglo-Welsh Cup.

anywhere in the back three.

“It was a real shame that Will picked up an ankle injury, as otherwise I’m 100 per cent certain he would have been in the England under 20’s in the Six Nations.

“He is fit again now, and has done really well for Rotherham in the Championship on loan - he’s another one with huge potential.”

Owain James said: “Wasps is a club going places, pushing in the Premiership and Europe, so it’s great to be part of a team with ambitions to go high.”

“I was here in the Junior Academy

and now for three seasons in the Senior Academy, so most of my rugby has been played at Wasps and the whole development of my game is thanks to the club.”

Will Porter said: “I have been with Wasps for a long time now through the junior and senior academy, and have a real connection with the club.

“I love the way Wasps play rugby. It suits my game very well in addition to being a lot of fun.

“Since joining the senior academy, I have developed massively due to being regularly exposed to such great opportunities and coaching.

“I’ve also loved playing at Rotherham this season, and hope to get more game time with them during the rest of this season.”

David Langley and George Thornton commit futures to Wasps Wasps have announced that David Langley and George Thornton have been awarded new academy contracts.

The front-row pair both joined the black-and- Umaga at Bishop Burton College. golds last summer and have since appeared Head of Recruitment and Academy Kevin Harman said: in the Anglo-Welsh Cup and A League.

Immediately prior to arriving in Coventry, 24-year-old tight-head prop Langley operated in the National Leagues for Cambridge. Before this, he played in his native Essex for South Woodham Ferrers and while at university for Colchester.

Loose-head prop Thornton, who recently turned 21, has this season been seen on a dual-registration basis in the colours of National Two Broadstreet and National One Ampthill.

Before joining Wasps last summer, the Market Harborough product was under the guidance of former Coventry and Nuneaton head coach Mike

“George is an excellent character who is really good around the club.

“We’ve been really pleased with his progress this season, and are now looking for him to make a mark over the next 18 months in the A League, Anglo-Welsh Cup and possibly on loan in the Championship.

“David unfortunately had a serious leg injury training at Nottingham, but is now getting close to coming back.

“He has the size and potential to be a Premiership prop, and we hope he can realise that next year.”

Tom Willis and Gabriel Oghre Wasps announce that England under 20 pair Tom Willis and Gaby Oghre have signed new long-term contracts.

Former England under 18 skipper Willis joined the club’s senior academy ahead of the current season and has since captained Wasps in both the Anglo-Welsh Cup and A League.

The Henley College product also made his Aviva Premiership debut when he appeared from the bench to join older brother Jack in the back row against Saracens at Allianz Park in October.

Oghre, who joined Wasps from Bath last summer, has made three senior appearances to date, all in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. Both players featured for England in their recent under 20 Six Nations win over Italy, while Oghre has since also faced Wales and Scotland.

Head of Recruitment and Academy Kevin Harman said:

“Tom is a really good prospect and we’re delighted he has signed a new deal.

“He has a great attitude, and we believe he has a lot of the right attributes to go on and be a first team player.

“His selection in the under 20’s shows England think a lot of him too, and if he continues to work hard at his game he has a very bright future.”

“Everyone who has dealt with Gaby since he arrived last summer has found him superb to work with. He has a really positive manner, which along with his approach to playing hooker offers a real point of difference.

“Anyone who has seen Gaby in the AngloWelsh Cup and A League will have noticed his tremendous skill-set.

“He is part of a strong pool of hookers including Tommy Taylor, Tom Cruse, Ashley Johnson and TJ Harris, and he will doubtless continue to develop by working alongside them.”

Gaby Oghre

David Langley

George Thornton

Tom Willis

35

March 2018

All still to play for!

With just NINE league games remaining Coleshill are still in the hunt for a remarkable Double.

Coleshill are Top Of The League, two points ahead of second placed Bromsgrove Sporting, who they play at Pack Meadow on Easter Monday 3pm Kick Off. Sporting do have a game in hand but due to Town's 12 goals for and NIL against over the last three games, the Colemen's Goal Difference is far superior, at that may well decide the Championship come the end of April.

although they to have a game in hand. The dark horses

Due to some readjustments to the Non-League pyramid system, TWO teams will be promoted from this league this year. It is normally just the Champions! Coleshill are Ten points clear of 3rd placed Worcester City at this time,

league campaign with the Final a week later at the Bescot

are Highgate United who Coleshill travel to this Tuesday night (27th March). Highgate are 13 points behind the Colemen in 4th place but have 3 games in hand. A win for Coleshill would just about end United's challenge but a defeat would make it very interesting!

Coleshill also have a League Cup Semi Final to look forward to. The game will be played the first week after the Stadium, home of Walsall FC. Coleshill's opponents will be either Heanor Town or South Normanton Athletic who have yet to play their Quarter Final.

League Table

Coleshill Town Football Club Fixtures Saturday 31st March Away to Rocester (Staffordshire).

Monday 2nd April

Coleshill Town Football Club March match reports

By Alan Beckett

Saturday 10th March

Coleshill Town 2 v 1 Haughmond (Shropshire)

Saturday 17th March Coleshill Town 4 v 0 Rugby Town Rugby were considered one of the title favourites before the season started and beat Coleshill at their place back in September with a single goal in the 90th minute. Coleshill were on fire in horrendous conditions, horizontal snow blizzards. Both teams kept going making for a very entertaining game. Matt Gardner scored in the first half but second half goals from Matt Gardner again, Reece Leek and Gio Dainty blew the visitors away.

Tuesday 20th March

Coleshill didn't exactly struggle against relegation threatened Bromsgrove Sporting 0 v 4 Coleshill Town Haughmond but the visitors had a man sent off before Town scored The Big One! Top v Second. through Joe Halsall. It was 2-0 at half time when Reece Leek scored Coleshill have run into tremendous form at just the right time and to double the lead. The second half was a big disappointment with not ran out comfortable winners 4-0 again. Rob Evans scored early, Matt a lot of action until Haughmond scored with ten minutes to go but Gardner scored a second into the second half and Sporting were Coleshill held on comfortably. reduced to 10 men after a nasty tackle. Reece Leek then made it three and captain Joe Halsall scored in the last minute to take Coleshill back to the Top Of The League.

Wednesday 14th March

Polymac League Cup Quarter Final Littleton 0 v 0 Coleshill Town 1-3 on Penalties

Littleton from the league below put up a brave fight against a Coleshill side missing several regulars. Littleton prevented Coleshill from scoring for just the third time this season in 44 games. As in the previous round the tie went to penalties. Littleton took an early lead but then Jordan Nadat, James Hicks and Goalkeeper Paul Hathaway all scored and then Hathaway saved three Littleton attempts.

Coleshill will play the winners of Heanor Town and South Normanton Athletic in the semi final which will be played after the League campaign.

Saturday 24th March Coleshill Town 4 v 0 AFC Wulfrunions (Wolverhampton) The THIRD 4-0 win in a row! This wasn't as easy as the scoreline suggests. Wulfs played well and defended doggedly but Coleshill's finishing at the moment is deadly. Matt Gardner scored the only goal of an even first half but once again Coleshill's second half display was too much for the visitors. Joe Smith scored the second, Ryan Edmunds scored a cracker before Joe Halsall completed the scoring with five minutes remaining.

Home to Bromsgrove Sporting.

Wednesday 4th April Away to Shawbury United (Ludlow).

19.45 Kick Off.

Saturday 7th April Home to Shepshed Dynamo (Leicestershire).

Saturday 14th April Away to Westfields (Hereford).

Saturday 21st April Home to Rocester.

Wednesday 25th April Away to Heanor Town (Nottinghamshire).

19.45 Kick Off.

Saturday 28th April Away to Coventry Sphinx.

TO BE ARRANGED: Polymac League Cup Semi Final. This will be after the League games are finished. The Final will probably be a week later.

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