Author Archives: Andrew Simons

My Endz Summer Programme

Posted on by

The My Endz Summer programme is running 10 – 3pm each day from Monday 29th July to Thursday 8th August. Sessions in the first week included a creative writing and poetry workshop with former Birmingham Poet Laureate, Simon Pitts. There was also a self defence class led by Paul Snook and a visit to Handsworth Leisure Centre for swimming.

Winston Harris, teacher and local music producer, is working with a group of young people on music production and video editing. Looking forward to more activities in the second week – Monday to Thursday.

Birchfield Jazz Festival

Posted on by

Great afternoon at Holy Trinity Community Hall as part of Birchfield Jazz Festival with all-round musician Natalia Mason and Kora player and storyteller Seikou Susso.

Thanks to Welsh House Farm for joining us and to all who provided games and activities, food and refreshments.

Mural Project Unveiled

Posted on by

There was an excellent turnout to celebrate the ‘My Endz’ heritage project with young people at the Secret Garden on Saturday 13th July.

To launch the booklet and unveil the mural we were joined by guest speakers Father Bob Stephens, Vanley Burke and Hector Pinkney and young people entertained with words and music. Workshops included Kung Fu, Face painting and Graffiti art.

The project was coordinated by Kate Luxmoore (Ifa Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust) and Russell Green (Birchfield Big Local) with assistance from Nyah Cole and Daniel Hamilton and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Thanks to all who participated in the project and contributed to the booklet and mural including the artists and visiting speakers – well done all! 

Meet the new Volunteer Coordinator

Posted on by

We are delighted to welcome Mehnaz Afzal who has been appointed Volunteer Coordinator for Birchfield Big Local. Mehnaz is a Birchfield resident and has been volunteering as coordinator of the Birchfield Big Local Women’s Group for some time. She has also been a parent governor at local schools. Mehnaz is based at the Grosvenor Road Studios and is usually present on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

If you are interested in volunteering with Birchfield Big Local please do contact Mehnaz.  Tel: 0121 448 5594; Mobile: 07421 994753; Email: mehnaz@birchfieldbiglocal.org

Launch of Creative Civic Change

Posted on by

Birchfield Big Local and Welsh House Farm Big Local celebrated the launch of the Creative Civic Change project at Church Vale, Handsworth, on Sunday 19th May.

Thanks to Birmingham City Council and Amey, the road in front of the shops was closed off and this small public space at the junction of Wilton, Hutton, Robert and Church Vale Roads was transformed for the day.

Activities included: Family arts and crafts with Claudette Holmes, Adlin Shorter, Scylla Parkyn and Danny Webster; live music with Seikou Susso and Phil Bowers; Tree dressing with Faith Pearson; and a specially commissioned exhibition of photographs taken by Vanley Burke. Pete Chaplin was on hand to take free portrait photographs of families on the day.

Creative Civic Change aims to use art and creativity as both a means and catalyst for transformation – connecting the gifts and talents of local people in both communities. It will involve artists in residence working with schools and young people in both areas, providing much needed opportunities to engage with arts and creativity – linking the curriculum with the community.

It will help to enrich home grown initiatives such as the Welsh House Farm Carnival and Birchfield Jazz Festival and enable the two communities to come together and share their experiences.

The two communities will make and share stories through a film club and children’s library and work towards community art commissions aimed at reclaiming and transforming public spaces in the two areas.

Creative Civic Change is a three-year programme funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Local Trust.

        

 

Music & Drama – Young people’s programme

Posted on by

Do you love music or drama? 

Want to create your own music? Devise a piece of drama? 

Starting in April and leading up to a performance as part of the Birchfield Jazz Festival on JULY 27TH 2019 there will be music and drama sessions for children aged 7 – 10 yrs and 11 – 14 yrs.

Sessions will take place at Grosvenor Road Studios, 16 Grosvenor Road B20 3NP from April to July 2019

For further information please contact: Ifa Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust – Email: iycatuk@gmail.com

Birchfield Big Local Team

Volunteer Coordinator Post

Posted on by

Interested in helping people contribute their gifts and skills within the local community? 

Birchfield Big Local is looking for an enthusiastic person to take on the role of Volunteer Coordinator. The post is part time, initially for 12 months.

This key role involves recruiting, nurturing and supporting people to ensure that volunteering is a positive and empowering experience open to everyone.

For further details and how to apply please see – https://www.bvsc.org/third-sector-jobs/volunteer-coordinator-3 or contact Andrew at Birchfield Big Local on 07421 994752