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Happy days
The weather in the UK is a subject of much conversation and a lot of complaining. I’m not saying it’s great, but we don’t live in a climate that gives us monsoons, unbearable heat or bitterly cold winters, so why don’t we appreciate it more?
I think it’s the sun, or rather the lack of it. Our year starts with day after day of sad skies and damp air. We retreat to our homes to face a stream of awful and worrying world news. Both figuratively and literally, it’s hard to find the bright side.
But we’re in spring now – yay! The clocks have gone forward, meaning evenings are longer and, when the sun does come out, it’s not just brighter, it’s actually warm. And there are four bank holidays in the next two months. Yay again!
Obviously, in the wider world there’s a lot to be concerned about. And many at home have their own troubles too. But, no matter what your circumstances, seeing a bit of sunshine, some spring flowers and life anew is uplifting. Could things be better? Of course. There’s no perfect country in which to live. Could things be worse. Yes, and a lot worse at that.
So, I’ve decided I’m going to stop whinging and look for the positives: each day think of one positive thing in your life you are grateful for - this will help boost your mental health and make you feel better, food is easily available (as my waistline will attest) and we’re unlikely to face a summer where temperatures are so high we can’t leave our homes, so what will be your positive thought for the day?
Until next time,
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Prices start from only £32 per month and can help you attract more local customers for your business.
Spring Day Excursions
By shopping secondhand and donating your pre-loved items to Acorns new Harborne Superstore, you will help children like Kazik and his family receive the specialist support they need.
Make secondhand shopping your first choice with Acorns
New charity superstore now open88/94 High Street, Harborne, B17 9NR
Secondhand books first-class reads
Discover hidden gems on the shelves of our new Chapter & Verse Bookshop. Every purchase will help fund vital care for children in your local community, like Bluebell.
Rhubarb Crumble Cake RECIPE
PREPARATION TIME:10 MINS
COOKING TIME:40-45 MINS SERVES: 4
Use in-season Rhubarb to make this New-York style crumble cake.
CRUMBLE TOPPING
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan. In a bowl sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking powder and salt. Stir through the sugar then add the melted butter and mix together with a spoon until it clumps together and becomes crumbly. Set aside.
INGREDIENTS
CRUMBLE TOP
• 260g plain flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 300g soft light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 170g unsalted butter
CAKE
• 260g plain flour
• 70g wholewheat flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 1/2 tsps. ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 300g light soft brown sugar
• 170g unsalted butter, softened.
• 2 tsps. vanilla paste
• 4 eggs at room temperature
• 225ml buttermilk or natural yoghurt
• 400g Rhubarb, cut into 1.5-2cm chunks.
CAKE
2. Preheat the oven to 180C / 160 fan Gas mark 4. Line a13x9-inch pan with greaseproof paper so the paper overhangs the sides of the pan.
3. Sift together the flours, salt, baking powder and ground ginger, adding the bran from the wholewheat flour.
4. Place the brown sugar, softened butter, and vanilla in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on medium speed until fluffy and pale.
5. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition until well combined.
6. Fold in one third of the flour mixture gently. Add half of the buttermilk and mix until just combined. Add the next third of the flour mixture and fold in. Add the remaining buttermilk, mix it in then add the remaining third of the flour and fold until just combined. Finally mix everything together gently for another 30 seconds to make a smooth batter.
7. Place the batter in the pan and spread evenly.
8. Sprinkle half the rhubarb over the top of the batter, then spread two thirds of the crumb mixture, then the remaining rhubarb followed by the rest of the crumb mixture.
9. Place the pan so that the top is level with the centre of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You don’t need a thermometer to check if it’s done but it does make things easier. The temperature of the cake in the centre should be about 95C when it’s cooked. Remove from the oven and cool in the pan for 30 minutes. Use the excess greaseproof paper to remove the cake from the pan.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely. Sprinkle with icing sugar, cut into squares, and serve with thick yogurt or creme fraiche.
By Caroline Knight
Why do we often refer to plants by their botanical, Latin name, rather than their common name?
The answer is very simple. It means that wherever you are in the world, the botanical name for a plant will be the same. Take the lily, for example. Many plants commonly referred to as lilies are not from the genus Lilium. The African lily is actually Agapanthus and it is related to garlic, the snowdrop and the daffodil. A water lily is a member of Nymphaea, an aquatic genus of plants in the family Nymphaeaceae. Peace lily is a tropical houseplant which belongs to the genus Spathiphyllum, meaning ‘spathe-leaf’ in Latin. The plantain lily is actually a Hosta, a day lily is a Hemerocallis and Peruvian lilies are Alstroemeria. Latin names are essential if we are to converse accurately about plants.
Aiming for clarity
The way that plants are named (nomenclature) is relatively simple. They are grouped into the framework of family, genus and species. The name that appears on the label – for example, Carpinus betulus (hornbeam) – will generally consist of two words, the genus and the species. The genus comes first and starts with a capital letter. All plants in the same genus will share characteristics as they have a common ancestor. In this case, they are members of the birch family, Betulaceae. The species, which starts with a lower-case letter, is an individual member of the genus; there could be several thousand species in one genus. Carpinus japonica is the Japanese hornbeam, a different species.
Each additional word on a plant label can tell you more about the individual plant itself.
Terminology explained
The natural progression of improved knowledge, ideas and understanding results in an everchanging succession of linguistic terms. Here are just a few:
Perennial: A non-woody plant that is expected to live for more than two years.
Biennial: A non-woody plant that produces green growth during the first year, then flowers during the second year, before dying down. Biennials often leave viable seeds.
Annual: Normally a non-hardy flowering plant that lives only for one warm season.
Shrub: A woody plant that doesn’t die down to ground level in winter. It usually has several stems.
Subshrub: A low-growing shrub, such as lavender, rosemary and small heathers, with woody stems.
Top Grafted: Often refers to a certain species of tree or shrub that has been grafted onto a longer stem.
Pollination group: Fruiting plants such as apple trees require pollination from other apple trees in the same group, in order to produce viable fruit.
Self-fertile: Certain types of fruit trees do not need another tree nearby to achieve successful pollination. Insects pollinate the tree using its own flowers.
Triploid: A fruit tree of this type needs two compatible partners for complete pollination.
An Asiatic lily is a true Lilium by name
Digitalis, known as foxglove, is a biennial plant
Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that leaves people with warm hearts and smiles on their faces. RED HOT CHILLI PIPERS featuring the RED HOT CHILLI DanCERS - May & June 2025. UK Tour Dates come to Wolverhampton, THE WuLfRun on Saturday 31st May & WaRWICK –aRTS CEnTRE on Thursday 5th June!
There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, from their formation in 2002 and a cameo appearance at T in the Park in 2004 with the Darkness to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014, and storming Glastonbury festival in 2024.
The past twenty plus years have seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet... ever!
For a chance to win tickets to one of these amazing concerts, just email wendy@pagesmagazines.co.uk or text 07854 279751 with the answer to this question:
What year did the
Red Hot
Chilli
Pipers get together?
The deadline is Wednesday 30th April 2025. Good luck! (Please note that tickets are drawn at random and therefore, regrettably, we are unable to change the ticket for an alternative day).
Solicitors For Later Life Planning Solicitor For Elderly Legal Solutions For Those Wanting To Achieve Peace Of Mind In Later Life
Brevitts Solicitors, are a family practice based in Oak Tree Lane, Selly Oak. They specialise in helping clients to arrange their affairs to secure peace of mind in later life. This includes legal estate planning, wills, probate, trusts and a suite of elderly care solutions for clients and their families, to put in place arrangements to assist and support them should they need it.
Brevitts Solicitors knowledge and experience enable them to overcome the myths relating to ageing. They understand and take into account, seeking to accommodate the various challenges people may face. They advise on how to mitigate the concerns of the mind or physical disabilities, which may accompany the ageing process, conscious of the social and health impact of later years and how these can be anticipated and supported.
Brevitts Solicitors expertise helps to provide a personal and client focused experience. They aim to put clients at their ease, whilst simplifying the complex and sensitive issues that we all need to address when resolving legal issues.
Brevitts Solicitors client consultations are offered, face to face in their office or client’s own home, if clients prefer, or are unable to attend the office. They also use online meeting software, either at the office or in the client’s own home, to enable family members to attend and provide support.
Advice And Support They Offer
Estate planning using Wills - simple to complex, Trusts and lifetime giving
Probate and the administration of estates with or without Wills
Trust & their administration - created in their lifetime or under a Will
Advice on financial responsibility and funding for long-term care
Powers of Attorney, including Lasting Power of Attorney for Property and Finance and Health and Welfare
Court of Protection - applications deputyships, statutory Wills etc
Preserving assets in for the future of your family
The provision of home care, Residential and nursing home contracts
Initial consultation in support of any of the above, start from £95 plus VAT for Will and LPA advice and increase if more complex and specialist advice is required. However, if you instruct Brevitts within three months of their initial advice to take matters forward, this fee or part thereof, will be deducted from your final bill.
Call
Jane is also available for group talks. These are packed with interesting advice and the chance to ask questions.
Personal
Personal Training and Group Fitness
April is Stress Awareness Month
For over thirty years April has been Stress Awareness Month. Its aim is to raise awareness of the causes and how to deal with stress.
Mentally, the symptoms can include difficulty concentrating or decision making, constantly worrying about everything, being more forgetful than usual or feeling overwhelmed by life. Stress can be seen in changes to behaviour, eating more or less than usual, sleeping too much or too little, and having broken sleep, wanting to avoid certain places or people, and being much more irritable and snappier than usual. Stress can also lead people to become more dependent on drink, cigarettes, medications or drugs.
Identifying the cause of stress
Sometimes if you know what is causing your stress it might be easier to find ways to manage it. It could be your work, perhaps you feel under pressure or perhaps a big change is impending, perhaps you have a family or relationship problem. Perhaps you are experiencing financial problems, or perhaps you have health worries. But many other events in our life can lead to stress.
Stress effects everyone differently, some stress in our lives is ok, but when it begins to impact our mental and physical health it can seem to take over our lives. There are ways to become aware of, and to battle and overcome stress and this is what Stress Awareness Month aims to do.
Stress
The World Health Organisation defines stress as ‘a state of worry or mental tension that is caused by a difficult situation’, but it is much more than that and it can have a massive impact on our everyday lives in the short and long term. Everyone deals with stress differently, and it is this which makes helping people close to us who may be suffering from stress difficult.
Symptoms
The symptoms of stress can be physical, mental or behavioural. Pyhiscally, they can include headaches or dizziness, muscle pain, digestive problems, chest pains or raised heart rate, or sexual problems.
How to deal with stress
Talking about how you feel is a great way to start to take on the stress in your life head on. Perhaps start with friends or close family and consider peers, or professionals. Perhaps consider contacting your GP.
Exercise is another way to battle stress. Trying to become more positive and starting to take control of your life are great ways to begin to take on stress. Cherish the achievements you have made in your life so far.
By compartmentalising things that are worrying you it makes dealing with them more achievable. Why worry about a telephone call you need to make next week, you can’t deal with that today. A day-to-day approach to living helps make life less stressful. At the end of every day write down three things that went well that day.
Help is always just a conversation away. You could also contact the Samaritans, call: 116 123 or email: jo@samaritans.org if you need someone to talk to. For more information and resources please visit w ww.stress.org.uk
Rob Bullock robbullockauthor.blogspot.com
If you’ve watched your energy bill soar in recent years, we have some good news: you can reduce your bills considerably by adding solar power to your home energy mix, and the technology is both better and cheaper than ever.
According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical home with a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system can expect to save between £160 and £420 per year at current price cap rates. Those caps keep going up, so the savings are likely to be even bigger in the years to come.
How much do solar panels cost?
Every home is different, of course, but according to Money Saving Expert, a 3.5 kilowatt-peak system would cost £7,000.
Can I store the solar energy for nighttime?
Standard solar systems are designed to transmit your unused energy to the national grid. The energy firms will pay you for this, so if you don’t use electricity while the sun’s shining, you can sell it, albeit for a much lower rate than your energy company charges you for normal electricity.
Adding a solar battery adds expense – typically £1,000 to £4,500 – but it means that you can use your solar energy at night. If you have a big family and/or an electric car, that could mean significant savings in your electricity bills even on the dullest days. That’s because solar batteries don’t just store energy from your solar panels. You can also charge them during cheaper electricity times – like late at night - and then use that energy from the battery during peak demand times when you’d normally pay more for your power.
How much will I save?
If you’re in the south of the UK you’ll repay your investment more quickly than if you live in the north and the more energy you use, the more quickly you’ll recoup your investment.
Can any house go solar?
Many but not all homes are solar-friendly. Your roof needs to be in good shape, and you need a decent-sized roof: solar panels are typically around two square metres apiece, so you’ll need enough room for a few of them. South-facing roofs are best for maximum savings, but you can have solar on south-west or west-facing roofs and still get reasonable savings.
Do I need planning permission?
In most cases, no: you’re covered by permitted development rules unless you have a flat roof, a listed property or live in a conservation area.
Do solar panels break or wear out?
Solar panels are very reliable and very low maintenance: you can expect to have to replace a component called an inverter after around ten years, but that’s about it. If you’re unlucky and suffer damage from something like a storm, your home insurance should cover you.
How do I find out more?
Check out the Energy Saving Trust guide to solar power at https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/ advice/solar-panels/.
Spot the
Spot the
There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?
There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?
There are 10 differences between the two images below. How many can you spot?
Funeral Options
By Emma Russell
Most towns have a funeral director, but not many people know how these businesses work or how they support families when they have lost a loved one.
The first point of contact is usually a consultation to discuss the deceased’s wishes and the family’s preference for the funeral. Funeral directors can help the family complete and file all the necessary paperwork. They can obtain the relevant permits and certificates, including death certificates and any other documentation necessary for burial or cremation.
If you are not sure of the deceased’s last wishes, the funeral director can help you
You may decide to have a service in a church, chapel or crematorium and a funeral director will coordinate all of the venue arrangements in your designated location. Your loved one may have left very specific instructions for readings, music or an order of service, all of which can be arranged.
Funeral homes will help you select an appropriate casket or urn from a vast range of options. There will be something to suit your preferences and budget, and some of the more outlandish options can be arranged or ordered.
Funeral directors organise the transportation of the body from the place of death to the funeral home and then to the final resting place. The deceased will undergo a process of embalming, then they are dressed and prepared for any final viewing or burial.
Organising the payment of a funeral can be a huge financial burden, and not something you want to deal with in your moment of grief. Some funeral directors offer guidance on funeral costs and payment options that can help the family navigate the costs.
choose a burial or cremation, and they can help plan the entire service and arrange all the details with you. They will oversee and coordinate the details, ensuring everything runs smoothly according to the family’s wishes. They can help make arrangements for flowers, music, any clergy or religious representation, speakers or selected readers, and any other specific requests that may need consideration. They will also organise transportation for the mourners to and from the service if necessary.
Some funeral homes offer compassionate support and guidance to the family following a bereavement. They can arrange counselling, or provide information on grief support groups as part of an aftercare service.
Overall, funeral directors play a crucial part in coordinating funeral arrangements, they will ensure that all the arrangements proceed smoothly and respectfully. They do this at a time when you need support, professional guidance and practical assistance during one of the most emotionally difficult times.
You can plan your own funeral and make arrangements with a funeral director ahead of time. This can be recorded in a document called an advance care plan or advance statement. They can help you plan, organise, and pay for your own funeral and copies of the arrangements can be sent to your executor, next of kin, or a family solicitor.
“Where saying goodbye means everything”
Whether sudden or expected, bereavement can be a traumatic experience; that’s why you’ll always find someone to talk to at Mortons. We’ll advise and guide you through all the arrangements, respecting your wishes every step of the way.
Whatever style of funeral you’re looking for, whether direct cremation, traditional, contemporary, or somewhere in between, you can put your trust in us.
Find COMPAniOnSHiP And COnneCTiOn At Cofton PARk MAnoR, YOur WArM
And WelCOMing CAre HOMe in Cofton HACkE tt
At Cofton Park Manor, we believe that life here is about more than just care – it’s about companionship, shared moments, and building lasting connections. Every day is an opportunity to be surrounded by friends, create new memories, and enjoy the support of a closeknit community where you’ll always find a friendly face.
We know that companionship and community are essential to a fulfilling life. That’s why we focus on creating an environment where you can thrive, whether by enjoying activities with others, discovering new passions, or simply spending time with people who share your interests and bring joy into your life.
For those moments when you seek peace and reflection, Cofton Park Manor also offers quiet spaces to unwind. Our beautiful gardens, cosy corners for reading, and tranquil spots are always there when you need a break. But rest assured, when you’re ready for a chat or to share a laugh, the warmth of a friendly companion is never far away.
Our award-winning Homemakers are more than just caregivers – they are companions who take the time to understand your needs and provide support, kindness, and connection. Whether it’s through a warm smile, a heartfelt conversation, or lending a hand, they are always there to ensure you feel cared for and valued.
Cofton Park Manor is more than just a care home; it’s a place where you can enjoy the companionship and support of a vibrant community. Our home offers residential, dementia and nursing care, as well as short breaks. We also feature the Monument Suite, a smaller, intimate space that provides a supportive environment for those who are beginning their journey into assisted living, whilst still being part of our lively community and all the experiences it offers. At Cofton Park Manor, you’re never alone. You’re always surrounded by people who care, who celebrate life with you, and who are here to offer you the companionship and connection you deserve. Come and experience our warm and welcoming home for yourself. Contact our friendly team to book your tour today on 0121 826 1455 or email enquiries@hamberleycarehomes.co.uk
These friendly birds have become really popular over recent years, meaning many people are switching from buying super market eggs, to keep their own hens.
Fresh Start for Hens is a not for profit organisation run entirely by volunteers, who rehome ex-commercial laying hens as well as any cockerels needing a home.
The egg industry, regardless of whether the hens are free range, barn kept or caged, send their hens for slaughter at 72 weeks when they become non viable for the farmer to keep. At around this age, hens go into ‘moult’ which is when they replenish their feathers and egg production stops while their energy goes into growing new ones. It can take 8 - 12 weeks before they start laying again.
FSFH work with farmers to prevent them going for slaughter. As layers, rather than birds reared for meat, they would normally end up in cheap meat products or as pet food.
FSFH hold re-homing days where volunteers open Collection Points (CP) across the country, so that people can collect hens to rehome.
There are many cogs in the FSFH ‘machine’ it all starts with our Chief Chicken liaising with farmers to book in when their flock is due to retire. Volunteer CP’s, drivers and admin all work behind the scenes to coordinate the logistics, to ensure the hens can get from their farm to the right home.
Rehomers have to submit pictures of their coop so that they can be approved before choosing a date and venue for collection and submitting a minimum donation per hen.
On the day of the rehome, the Farm Team get there in the early hours, as the hens are sleepy, and are less stressed being caught. Everyone has a job to do to ensure each hen gets on a van. FSFH NEVER leave a hen behind. The drivers then drive the length and breadth of the country to drop off the hens at each of the CP’s.
Once the hens arrive at the CP, they are unloaded and let out of the crates to be checked over and to stretch their wings. After a breather and some food, rehomers arrive to collect their hens, who will live out their life as a pet.
For more information on FSFH or to reserve your hens, please visit our website www.freshstartforhens.co.uk
WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
Feeling very low, empty, lethargic or sad often or for long periods of time?
Having difficulty enjoying things that you usually do?
There are lots of ways to deal with the symptoms associated with depression. Feeling down, out of sorts, or even a bit low, now and again, is totally normal, but if you’re feeling unhappy or intensely sad for days, weeks or months, you might be experiencing depression.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of depression it’s important to get help. You can contact the Samaritans, for free from any phone, by dialling 116 123.
Depression can be mild, moderate or severe. There are effective psychological and medical treatments for moderate and severe depression. It’s Important to find what works for you if you are struggling. £12.20 from you could help us answer a life-saving call.
FOR EVERY £1 YOU DONATE:
83p is spent on supporting people who are struggling, including through our suicide prevention helpline, online tools and advice and campaigns.
Everything else - 17p - is spent on keeping the charity running and fundraising to ensure we can help anyone who needs our support.
JAMES TAYLOR
Walking for Mental Health
Fundraising for CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably)
Hello, My name is James and I help deliver this magazine. Me, and 4 of my friends, will be walking 19 miles on Saturday 19th April 2025 for the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
We will be walking in memory of my uncle, who sadly took his own life at 19. Please sponsor us as much or as little as you can.
Many thanks
Community Pages
Bournville Radio Sailing and Model Boat Club
The club provides facilities to race or build RC yachts, power boats and scale models. A full calendar of events is available throughout the year. The club meets at the following times:
Tues 10.00 to 13.00 - Models and powerboats, Wed 10.00 to 13.00 - Radio sailing
Thurs 10.00 to 13.00 - Models and powerboats, Sat 10.00 to 13.00 - Juniors (Please check for availability) Sun 10.00 to 13.00 - Radio sailing, Sun 13.00 to 16.00 - Models and powerboats
Taster sessions take place on Wednesday and Sunday at 12.30pm when boats can be supplied. Please contact Andrew Hines on 07581 513899 or 0121 449 6178. See the Club’s website at: www.bournvillersmbc.org. Better still, why not just come down to Valley Parkway and try out a boat.
Kings Norton Farmers Market
Join us on the 2nd Saturday of the month on Kings Norton Green.
St Francis youth & Community Centre
St Francis Centre, Bournville, B30 2AA
Volunteering at St francis
We’re looking for friendly people to come and support older people in the Bournville community. Our Lunch Club provides a place for people aged 55 years+ who may be housebound, lonely or in need of some company. This would take place on a Friday during term time at St Francis Centre, and volunteers would be required to chat to our members, run activities and serve food and drink. All our volunteers are DBS checked. For more info call Carol Glynn on 0121 472 7215. Free Dance Class At Deelands Hall
Rubery, B45 9RR
Modern & jazz, every Tuesday,
Age 5-10 5.30pm - 6.30pm - A modern dance class to pop and chart music
Age 11-18, 6.30pm - 7.30pm - a more advanced modern dance class to pop and chart music. Children of all ages and experiences welcome, fully trained instructors, no fee, just turn up!
West Heath Community Centre
Hampstead House, West Heath, B31 3QY
Want to try something new this year ? We have so many groups and activities at the Community Centre, there is something for everyone. Visit our website for more information, www.westheathcommunity.co.uk
Allens Cross Community Centre
Eat and socialise at our Lunch Club. Toast, 2 course lunch, entertainment and transport. Monday & Tuesday, 10am-1pm, only £10/session. Call the office on: 0121 478 3310, or email: info@allenscrosscommunity.co.uk
Please call to book your transport if needed.
Shenley Seniors 50+
We are a very friendly and social group who meet to have fun and interact, and enjoy a packed programme of activities! Join us every Thursday from Noon-2pm at Shenley Court Hall, 200 Green Meadow Road, B29 4ED. Cost £2. 0121 475 7521.
Harborne Heartbeat
Shenley Court Hall, 200 Green Meadow Road, B29 4ED.
Join our friendly circuit based exercise class every Monday 9.30-10.45am.
Harborne Heartbeat was established to support those with heart conditions to stay fit, and has now expanded to welcome all who wish to join. The sessions include warm-up, circuit exercises, cool down and relaxation. Call John on 0121 624 2540 or just pop in to join.
NICE
A small charity based in Birmingham with the biggest of hearts, working miracles in the West Midlands, for families affected by physical disability. We specialise in helping individuals with incurable movement disorders such as children born with cerebral palsy and adults diagnosed with neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, MS and Stroke Survivors to push the boundaries of their own potential.
We offer a wide range of free and subsidised services for all ages. To find out more about how NICE can help, book your free and no obligation consultation, by calling us on 0121 449 1569 or emailing foundation@conductive-education.org.uk
The Scrap Store Birmingham
Hollymoor Centre, 8 Manor Park Grove, Northfield, B31 5ER
Warm Welcome: Tues / Weds / Thurs / Fri 11 - 2pm enjoy a free cuppa or soup and a chat. Bring your own craft projects for a relax and natter.
Chatty Chairs: Weds 12 - 1pm. Free chair based exercise for all with Ed from Inspired Fitness. Join in and grab a cuppa after!
Saturday opening: every 1st and 3rd Saturdays 10 - 2pm.
Golden Threads Cafe: join us on the last Weds of the month to share memories and chat about loved ones. This group is to support those living with grief.
Brownies Need You!
Can you spare a few hours on a Friday evening? Your local Brownies are looking for volunteer leaders.
Visit www.girlguiding.org.uk/get-involved for more information.
Kings Norton Photographic Society
We meet at the Tennis Club on Grange Hill Road, Kings Norton, B38 8RE, starting at 8pm and finishing at 10pm on three Wednesdays most months. This year our season starts on 16th October 2024 and runs through to 7th May 2025. New members with an interest in photography are most welcome to join our friendly group. For more information please contact Dave Wall, Chairperson on 0121 458 2562, email: dave.walluk@virgin.net, or Bill Walton, President on 07850 026557, or email; billy.vegas@blueyonder.co.uk
Kings Norton & District u3a
Are you interested in making new friends and expanding your interests, and are no longer in full time work? Then why not join us? Our members come from all over the area including Bournville. We run monthly speaker meetings and a wide range of interest groups, from languages, dog walking to lunch groups (about 65 groups are available to join). If you are undecided whether to join, you can attend a speaker meeting for £3. For more information, visit out website at https://kingsnorton.u3asite.uk/
Kings Heath Artisan Market
Every 2nd Sunday, 10-3pm, York Road, Kings Heath. Your new monthly arts and crafts market, featuring independent makers, artists, and producers.
Coney Green Drive Allotments To Rent!
The Mill Walk, Northfield, B31 4HL
Come and have a look at the site, gates open Sunday 11-1pm. Call Paul on 07497 683352. Special offer for over 65’s. Full and half plots available. Email cgdaa@hotmail.co.uk
Bartley Green Bee Happy Baby Bank
St Francis Centre, 36 Glen Side, Woodgate Valley, B32 3RU
1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month, 11am12noon. Baby items free to those in need, new and pre-loved donations welcome. Call Elaine Hook on 07956 070989 for more information.
Beanboy Spaces Disability Community Group
Friday, Woodlands Park Hall, Bournville, B30 1HA
Activities to try, non judgmental, accessible and inclusive, support for carers and parents, no pressure, free to be you, the real you ! £5 per child, parent/carer/siblings £2 each. 5-10years 5-6.30pm, 11-18years 7-8.30pm
Ability Life Opportunity
New Disability Support Line - Now Open! Open between 9am and 5pm on weekdays. Out of hours between 5pm to 9pm on weekdays. Call today: 0121 630 2015.
Breathe Collective Inclusive Choir
At Bournville Parish Church, Sycamore Road 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month, 2.30pm-3.30pm.
An inclusive choir for individuals who are disabled, neurodiversive, and for those with additional needs and their carers. £2 suggested donation, refreshments provided. For more info contact Laura on 07817 617923, email: Godwin_laura@hotmail.com, or Helen on 07436 021333.
Black Adder Morris
Selly Oak Friends Meeting House, Bristol Road, Selly Oak, B29 6NB Thursday evenings 8pm-10pm. Contact Sue for more information on: Sue.wri@btinternet.com or 0121 475 4005.
Mental Health Believe UK
For anyone who may need a helping hand with your mental health, please make use of these helplines:
Samaritans 116 123
Calm 0800 58 58 58 YoungMinds 0808 802 5544
Text SHOUT to 85258
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK 0800 689 5652
South Birmingham Stroke Club
We are a friendly active club for stroke survivors and their carers/families.
Members welcome from across South Birmingham. Every Wednesday 10am12pm. Reaside Community Centre, 17 Ormond Road, B450JD.
Contact Donna Belk: 07450 574953.
River Rea Voices
We are a fun and friendly singing group. Songs taught by ear, no need to read music or have previous choir experience. All ages and abilities welcome. Come and join us, first session free. Mondays 7.30-9pm (term time)
The Village Hall, Longbridge Village, 2 Austin Way, B31 2FZ. 07583 462924, riverreavoices@gmail.com
Take The First Step, Men
Walking
And Talking
Quinton Walk, in front of Co-op, Quinton road West, B32 2RE
Every Thursday @ 7pm.
Free Family Nature Walk
23rd April 2025, 11.00-12.15pm at Valley Parkway & Bournville Park, Suitable for all, meet next to the boathouse near the yachting pool, 233 Bournville Lane, B30 1QU.
Contact rebecca.kibbler@tcv.org.uk to book and for more information.
