News
Castle Bromwich on the move?
Parish Council plea to speak up ... and make your voice heard!
Boundary Commission changes - IMPORTANT, PLEASE HAVE YOUR SAY - WRITE TO THE BOUNDARY COMMISSION WITH YOUR VIEWS BY 5th December 2011
Guidance available here (Word doc)
Guidance available here (PDF doc)
The parish council urge everyone to look at the proposed constituency changes and let the Boundary Commission know what you think about it by 5th December 2011. The Boundary Commission for England is the independent public body that reviews all Parliamentary constituency boundaries in England and they have made initial proposals that will move Castle Bromwich to a new constituency of Birmingham Erdington. You can see printed details of the proposals and the reasons for them at the Parish Council Office in Arden Hall (9 am - 1 pm), at Chelmsley Wood Library, Solihull Council House or see the website to read them online.
The Act provides that a Boundary Commission may take into account, if and to such extent as they think fit:
- special geographical considerations, including in particular the size, shape and accessibility of a constituency
- local government boundaries as they exist on 6 May 2010
- boundaries of existing constituencies
- any local ties that would be broken by changes in constituencies
- the inconveniences attendant on each changes
Parish councillors would be pleased to know your views so please send in a copy of any response that you make - either by hand to the Office, by post or by email to counciloffice@castlebromwichpc.gov.uk.
HOB FARM CONSULTATION
Following a request from a resident for the shrubbery and growth along the perimeter of the boundary fence at Hob Farm Recreation Ground to be cut back, the Parish Council is considering whether the shrubbery along the boundary should be cut and flailed twice a year or whether the area should be left uncut for natural habitat.
The Parish council is aware that some residents have, in the past, requested authority to plant their own herbaceous shrubs along the perimeter to provide a barrier to assist with preventing nuisance from youths kicking footballs against the fencing and unauthorised access over fences. Other residents feel differently and see the shrubbery as a collecting point for litter and other debris.
Prior to considering it's grounds maintenance requirements for the forthcoming year, the Council would like the views of immediate neighbours on this matter.
Please reply to the Council's Leisure Services Committee by 31st December with your views to councillor@castlebromwichpc.gov.uk (please include your address).
CHAIRMAN WELCOMES NEW PARISH COUNCILLORS IN CASTLE BROMWICH
Following several expressions of interest, two local residents have been co-opted to serve as Parish Councillors at the Parish Council meeting held on Wednesday, 26th October 2011. Councillor Mark Hayes the Chairman of the Parish Council, welcomed Councillor Mrs Barbara Wilkins and Councillor Elliot Hicks to the Parish Council.
Cllr Mrs Barbara Wilkins will represent the Bradford Ward. She returns to the Parish Council after a short absence and looks forward to continuing to contribute to the community by serving on this Council. Cllr Mrs Barbara Wilkins has lived locally for many years and has a keen interest in this environment and to assist in helping make it a safe and delightful place to live.
Cllr Elliot Hicks will represent the Whateley Ward. He works for Solihull Sustain in North Solihull as a Health Trainer supporting people to live a healthier lifestyle. He is an active member of the East Birmingham and North Solihull diabetic group. He also does work as a volunteer for the Youth Offender's Service and is looking forward to contributing further to the community by serving on this Council.
Children help Age Concern for Christmas
Children from Castle Bromwich Junior School and St Mary and St Margaret's Primary School joined forces with the Castle Bromwich Singers to present a carol concert of both traditional and modern carols. The carol concert held in Arden Hall on Tuesday 29th November was organised by Castle Bromwich Parish Council to raise funds for the benefit of Castle Bromwich Age Concern and the Chairman's Charity Fund.
Before the Carol Service Councillor Mark Hayes, Chairman of the Parish Council, led the annual lighting of the Christmas tree which lit up the children's faces. Then it was their turn as the audience was lit up by their superb and enthusiastic singing in the concert. The concert ended with a raffle and concluded with the serving of seasonal refreshments by Age Concern Volunteers.
Cllr Mark Hayes, Chairman of the Parish Council told the children how much he had enjoyed their singing and was pleased to announce the evening had raised £130. Mrs Carole Herbert, representing Age Concern, thanked all concerned for a really enjoyable evening.
REMEMBRANCE PARADE & SERVICE
Approximately 800 people attended the annual open-air Service of Remembrance held on Sunday 13th November at the Village Green in Castle Bromwich. The service at the War Memorial was led this year by Rev. Gavin Douglas, Rector at St. Mary & St Margaret Church. Councillor Mark Hayes, Chairman of the Parish Council, laid the wreath on behalf of Councillors, Officers and Staff of the Parish Council. Youth Councillor Natasha Browne laid a cross on behalf of all Youth Councillors. Wreaths were also laid by official representatives of the Royal British Legion, with local organisations and members of the general public placing personal tributes and poppy crosses. The March and official Salute saw an estimated 160 participants, with a growing number of young people taking part. Everyone attending was invited to return to Arden Hall for refreshments. Cathy Tibbles, Clerk to the Council, thanks all of the voluntary helpers without whose assistance the Council would find it much harder to manage the event.
The reliable group of helpers, who give their time so generously on the day and with planning beforehand, would always welcome more support on the day to cope with the growing public attendance. A new appeal for safety marshals next year is now being made so if you want to know more about helping on 11th November 2012, please send your contact details to the Clerk at the Parish Council Office in Arden Hall.
Macmillan Coffee Morning
A very successful Coffee Morning was held at Arden Hall on Saturday, 1st October hosted by the Parish Council and supported by Castle Bromwich Community Church and many local organisations. Local businesses and residents kindly donated a host of prizes, cash and other goodies that were eagerly bought by the 'hungry and thirsty' visitors. Cllr Ian Courts, the Deputy Mayor of Solihull, kindly drew the raffle and the many prizes and vouchers were quickly claimed.
A fantastic £687.57 was raised for the charity.
Donations received from:
Boozebusters
Dantanas
Sound As A Pound
Walsh Chiropody
Halls Garden Supplies
Tesco
Chris Beebee Productions
Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens
Bed Warehouse
Castle Bromwich Theatre Group
Drinks For You
Castle Bromwich Women's Institute
Coach & Horses Pub
Innovation
Aquapets
Rooms In Bloom
Castle Bromwich Singers
Pauline Allen
Frances Nichols
Castle Bromwich Brownies
Castle Bromwich Community Church
John Whelan
Alison Haywood
Cathy Tibbles
Derek
Carol Haycock
George Rigby
Alex Smith Estate Agents
Discovery Cabling Solutions Ltd
Parkfield Patient Participation Group
Doreen Hand Knitting
Julie Hargreaves
Bedazzled Jewellery
Marzipan Babies
June Taylor Newman
Diane Jewellery
Wendy Hand Knitting
Morrisons Supermarket
Icing World
Mark Hayes
Jean and John Holland
Natilie & Kirsty Szrejder
and other donations
Castle Bromwich and Smith's Wood Neighbourhood Newsletter
The lates issue of your neighbourhood newsletter is available to download and read. Click here to download.
CHAIRMAN PRESENTS CHARITY CHEQUES TO LOCAL ORGANISATIONS
Following another successful year of well-supported and different fundraising events, the Chairman of the Parish Council, Councillor Mrs Pauline Allen, presented cheques to 23 different local organisations.
The proceeds of the Chairman's Charity Fund are distributed annually in May according to the preferences of the retiring Chairman. This took place at the Annual Meeting of Parishioners on Tuesday,3rd May 2011 at 7.45 pm in the Spencer Suite at Arden Hall.
After the cheques were presented a group photograph was taken. The total amount presented was a staggering £2,260.00
To view the full list of the organisations receiving a donation from the Chairman's Charity Fund this year click here.
Annual Civic Service 2011
Castle Bromwich Parish Council held their Civic Service on Sunday 12th June in the Parish Church of St Mary & St Margaret, Castle Bromwich. This annual event was attended by the new Chairman of the Council, Councillor Mark Hayes, with Members and Officers of the Parish Council and Youth Parish Council, together with Cllr Irene Chamberlain (the Mayor of Solihull) and her son Robert Chamberlain (the Mayor's Consort), Caroline Spelman MP, and other Local Organisations.
The service was again conducted by the Rector, the Rev. Gavin Douglas. After the service the whole congregation was invited to attend a Reception at Arden Hall and to enjoy a hot and cold buffet prepared by the Manager and her staff. This was well received by all and gave an opportunity for new visitors to see that Arden Hall is a place for both local residents and those further afield to enjoy. If anyone is interested in knowing more about the facilities/function rooms available for hire, please contact the Hall Manager, Mrs. Tina Kite, on 0121 747 7150. For further details about the Parish Council please contact the Clerk to the Council, Mrs. Cathy Tibbles, on 0121 747 6503
New Chairman of the Parish Council
At the Annual Meeting of the Parish Council on the 18th May 2011 the retiring Chairman, Cllr Mrs Pauline Allen presented the chain of office to the new Chairman, Cllr Mark Hayes and congratulated him on his new position. Cllr Hayes thanked members for electing him as their Chairman and undertook to fulfil the office to the best of his ability. The retiring Chairman, Cllr Mrs. Allen was then presented with her Past Chairman's Badge and was applauded by members in expression of their appreciation.
CASTLE BROMWICH COMMUNITY APPRAISAL 2011
At its January meeting Castle Bromwich Parish Council voted to launch a 2011 Community Appraisal to be led by Councillor John Whelan.
More details ...
VACANCY: MOBILE WARDEN/RELIEF PARK WARDEN
Required for between 6 - 20 hours per week, during the summer period initially, plus extra when required, starting asap. Based at Playing Fields and other areas within the Parish. Previous experience preferred (police check will be undertaken).
Pay: £6.399 per hour.
Further details: Mrs. Tina Kite or Mrs. Cathy Tibbles.
0121 747 7150 or 0121-747 6503
U3A is coming to Castle Bromwich!!
With the help & co-operation of Castle Bromwich Parish Council and Park Hall Academy, it is hope to establish a new U3A to serve the people in & around Castle Bromwich. At present, there are nearly 770 U3A's in Britain, with a membership of around 250,000.
The object of a U3A is to provide educational opportunities through the medium of shared learning and enhanced leisure and recreation, so as to increase the enjoyment of life by its members.
Any person not in full time employment can become a member but our "usual members" are over 55 years.
A local U3A is autonomous from the central body, the Third Age Trust, and therefore activities, development, governance, finance etc will be established by the local members.
It is usual to have periodic Core or General Meetings which all members can attend, together with Interest Groups as determined by the members. A Local U3A can operate as an "umbrella" organisation within which it allows a wide variety of knowledge and skills to be developed in a relaxed environment. The self tuition groups are formed to meet the needs and interests of the members. Interest Groups vary widely from U3A to U3A but, amongst the most popular are educational activities, such as Local and Family History, Art and Art Appreciation, Languages, Philosophy, etc. There are also recreational activities such as walking, dining out, outings, theatre, cinema, bridge, music, etc.
A Public Meeting to decide whether to form a U3A for the Castle Bromwich area will be held at Arden Hall, Water Orton Road, Castle Bromwich, on Wednesday 23rd February, 2011, starting at 2.15 pm . If you are interested please email (councillor@castlebromwichpc.gov.uk) Lisa Smith or leave her a message on 0121 747 6503.
If you want to find out more about the national organisation, web users can look at www.u3a.org.uk.
Consultation on Dog Byelaws
The Parish Council would like to thank everyone who replied to the recent consultation. Every response will be read by members of the Leisure Services Committee in turn before being passed on to other Parish Councillors. The review of Dog Byelaws will be considered at a future meeting and interested members of the public are advised to check forthcoming Agendas for Parish Council meetings. These are on display on this website and the Council noticeboard (by the Arden Hall Gates) together with a list of all planned meeting dates.
Children help Age Concern for Christmas
Children from Castle Bromwich Junior School and St Mary and St Margaret's Primary School joined forces with the Castle Bromwich Singers to present a carol service of both traditional and modern carols. The carol service held in Arden Hall on Tuesday 30th November was organised by Castle Bromwich Parish Council to raise funds for the benefit of Castle Bromwich Age Concern.
The Carol Service went to plan, although the annual lighting of the Christmas tree unfortunately did not as everyone stayed in the dark. Thankfully the children's faces lit up the hall instead and as you can see from the photograph the tree lights were quickly fixed the next day. The children sang beautifully and everybody enjoyed the concert, especially the humorous rendering of "Rudolph" which both schools sang together. The service concluded with the serving of seasonal refreshments by Age Concern Volunteers.
Cllr Mrs. Pauline Allen, Chairman of the Parish Council told the children how much she had enjoyed their singing and was pleased to announce the evening had raised £185. A raffle was also held for the Chairman's Charity Fund. Mrs Carole Herbert, representing Age Concern, thanked all concerned for a really enjoyable evening.
CHAIRMAN WELCOMES NEW PARISH COUNCILLORS
Following several expressions of interest, two local residents have recently been co-opted to serve on the Parish Council.
Cllr John Whelan was co-opted at the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday, 27th April 2010 to represent the Bradford Ward. He has lived in Castle Bromwich for 37 years. Cllr John Whelan worked at Fort Dunlop for 38 years until retiring a few years ago and he believes he can put his business expertise and knowledge to use for the benefit of the local community as a parish councillor.
Cllr Lisa Smith was co-opted to fill the remaining vacancy at the Parish Council Meeting held on Wednesday, 27th October 2010 to represent the Timberley Ward. Cllr Lisa Smith has lived in Castle Bromwich for many years. She worked as an Office Manager until recently and for many years has worked as an exercise instructor.
Both new members look forward to contributing further to the community by serving on this Council.
PARISH COUNCIL DEDICATE NEW MEMORIAL TO FALLEN HEROES
Following careful consideration during council meetings over the past twelve months, Castle Bromwich Parish Council has now installed a new stone tablet in front of the existing war memorial at the Village Green in Castle Bromwich. The inscription on the stone says "In Memory Of Those Who Have Fallen in Conflicts Since 1945" and the words have a white dove engraved either side to signify peace and a poppy underneath for remembrance. The new tablet was dedicated at the beginning of the annual Remembrance Parade Service, led this year by Rev. Andrew Browne, Assistant Curate at St. Mary & St Margaret Church. Councillor John Riordan, Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council, laid the wreath on behalf of Councillors, Officers and Staff of the Parish Council. Youth Councillor Ruth Jennings laid a cross on behalf of all Youth Councillors. Everyone attending was invited to return to Arden Hall where the Legion and the Council provided welcome refreshments.
The estimated attendance at the open-air service was in excess of 700 people. The March had an estimated 120 participants. Cathy Tibbles, Clerk to the Council, paid tribute to everyone who was there saying: "The attendance at this event continues to grow year by year and the Parish Council is deeply grateful to the group of dedicated and reliable helpers who give their time so generously to enable this event to go ahead. It is a tribute to the incredible community spirit that thrives in Castle Bromwich and I think all residents and neighbouring friends should be justly proud of their ability to work together and support each other on this moving and important day each year. On behalf of the Royal British Legion (Firs Branch) and Castle Bromwich Parish Council, thanks are formally given to all helpers and volunteers." If anyone would like to be involved in supporting the service next year, please send your contact details to the Clerk at the Parish Council Office in Arden Hall, who will be happy to supplymore information nearer the time.
The photograph was taken after the wreaths and poppy crosses had been laid by representatives of the Parish Council, Royal British Legion, the Armed Forces, West Midlands Police, 2 Rifles Regiment, Solihull MBC Borough Councillors, local organisations and members of the general public.
PRESENTATION OF AWARD FOR SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY
At the Parish Council Meeting on 27th January 2010, Cllr John Riordan, Chairman of Castle Bromwich Parish Council, presented Jonathan Adams, Park Hall Academy, with the Parish Council's Award for Service to the Community together with a gift voucher. Jonathan is pictured receiving the award with his parents.
The Parish Council had been particularly impressed with Jonathan's community work. He had worked with architects to help design the new Academy, helped the school arrange the successful Garden and Christmas parties, worked with the School Council on travel plans, given presentations to governors and helped to interview staff, including the current Principal. Since his work experience placement at Heartlands Hospital the previous year, Jonathan has become a voluntary helper at the Hospital every Sunday afternoon.
Mr Horace Benson, S.Q.M.S. a World War II Veteran delivers a presentation on Team Leadership in the Uniformed Public Services
On Monday 25th January the BTEC National Public Services Sixth Form students, Mr Smith and Mrs O'Keefe were treated to a session at Arden Hall with Horace Benson, a World War II veteran. The session was arranged by The Castle Bromwich Parish Council and Councillor Mrs Pauline Allen was in attendance to support Mr Benson and the students, it proved to be a wonderful experience for all involved.
The Park Hall Academy students are looking at "Team Leadership in the Uniform Public Services" and clearly enjoyed listening to Mr Benson's accounts about life in the forces in the 1940s and the Dunkirk Landings. The Sixth Form students asked Mr Benson numerous questions about his memories and experiences and then a female student asked Horrace if he would teach them how to march. Mr Benson readily obliged and spent an hour putting the students through their paces. Mr Benson had a lovely manner when working with the students and when the session came to an end everyone showed their appreciation in the usual way. We were especially proud to see every student came over and shook Mr Benson's hand. Mr Benson said that the students clearly enjoyed the session as much as he did and that they were a real credit to their generation, praise indeed from a man whose generation "gave their tomorrows for our today".