News update

Druids Heath Festival 2010

The 3rd Druids Heath Fun Festival was the best one yet! We had salsa, belly- and bhangra dancing performances and workshops; willow-crafts; amazing falconry displays from Arden Falconry; face-painting; massage and aromatherapy; circus skills and drama workshops; FREE rock-climbing; FREE bouncy castles, sumo-wrestling and gladiator inflatables; cafe tent, stalls and tombolas... and more! This was the first year that a job and training fair was incorporated into the festival - in collaboration with Pertemps, Learn Direct and Wilmott-Dixon.

This festival is a fantastic example of multi-agency working, involving: PRODH, Birmingham City Council, West Midlands Police, The Real Link, Druids Heath Housing Liason Board, Pertemps People Development Group, In Training, Spearhead Trust, St. Judes RC Primary, Baverstock School, The Action Group, Guide Dog Association, Golf Roots, Aashiyana Arts, Belly Dance Elements, The Foundry and more!

 

 

ESOL Celebration May 2010

 

 

On 20th May 2010 tutor Raksha Solanki, learning mentor Michelle Gardner and the adult learners who attend English for Speakers of Other Languages classes at the Dell Meadow Family and Community Learning Centre held a celebration event. Professionals working in the area were invited to celebrate the learner's progress - Mr and Mrs Turner (Deputy Head and SENCO at The Oaks Primary), Hazel Clarke (Parent Support Advisor for Kings Norton and Real Link), Mike Leddy (local councillor), Wola (SWEET), Julie Perry (Centre Manager of Dell Meadow), Karen Urwin (PRODH), Nicki Branch (Pupil School Support Service), The Real Link team and Crossroads Young Carers all came along. The learners each brought a traditional dish - from various countries across Africa and Asia - for a very tasty multi-cultural feast!

At the beginning of the event every single learner spoke about their home country and the many different places they had lived since leaving their homes. Some spoke about the differences between Britain and their country of origin - what they missed and what they were glad to leave behind! This exercise showed how much the learners had gained in confidence since joining the class - speaking in public to such a large group was a great achievement. The atmosphere was extremely supportive and there was a great sense of community in the group.

 

 

 

Monday 29 October 2007

Baverstock Students Support Police Graffiti Blitz!

POLICE from Kings Heath together with young volunteers who attend Baverstock School took part in 'United Streets of Birmingham II' initiative.

Local children and adults,  housing officers, environmental services 'hit squad', environmental wardens, members of Bells Farm Community Centre and neighbourhood Police formed a series of groups to clean-up graffiti.

The successful operation, which ran on Friday 26 October, was a direct result of consultation with residents from the local neighbourhood who consistently raise the issue of graffiti as a priority.

The Bells Farm Community Centre acted as 'Gold Control' - the operational centre for the day, where the teams assembled and returned for refreshments. The refreshments were provided by Molly's Café in Kings Norton Green and Cadbury Schweppes. Home made cakes were proudly donated by local residents who also served the grateful workers.

Sergeant Denise Markham, from the Druids Heath neighbourhood team, said: "This was a true community initiative with lots of groups contributing. Despite the cold whether the teams worked incredibly hard and stayed in high spirits throughout the day."

"It was heartening to see so many people wanting to make a difference to the area they live in. The operation raised a lot of community interest including interviews with local radio stations, Kerrang and BRMB."

Ian Coghill, Director of Environmental Services and Community Safety for Birmingham, said: "We all want to work together to make sure that Birmingham remains one of the safest places in the country to live. This campaign is about the community working together to ensure that we can continue to be proud of where we live."