BB summer collect:a4 bugle 23/09/2010 11:08 Page 1

page 8 7 E U S S Birchfield Bugle I Summer 2010 newsletter of the Birchfield Residents Action group

and we will cherish our experience for a lifetime” Pictured above is POPE PASSES BY Some of the children who went said. The STORK Glennis Foley, late 'I had a great day. It was very exciting to see Pope of St Peter’s Road, BIRCHFIELD Benedict.' Olivia, Year 5 a community treasure whose memory was Pope Benedict, was at for ‘I enjoyed visiting the Pope in London. He is a being celebrated in a special service on September 19th. messenger of God and we love him. ' Emily, Year 5 One of the very few remaining given a £9 treat each at Christmas the lounge bar of the Danny Ryan, one of our Council ward 'I cheered when the Pope came. ' Remigio,Year 5 public houses in our area is The Stork from regular bar small change Stork. Support Officers, says, “I had the 'When the Pope came everyone started screaming on the corner of Finch and Heathfield collections, A pictured below is the funeral immense privilege of being seated very and waving their flags!' Jessica, Year 6 Roads. Named after the maternity recent procession as it passes by the near the altar and found hospital close by it has faithfully collection STORK on Heathfield Road on the the whole Mass experience served its customers for over a raised money way to Holy Trinity Church very spiritual. I was century. Its present landlord, Chris to buy a delighted to be asked by Fleming, headstone for Sharon Lea, Strategic pictured left, John Hussey, Director for Environment together with a well loved and Culture to be part of his wife, Kim regular. theCommunity and daughter photo TNT Engagement aspect of the Julie,above in COMMUNITY RESPECTS Papal visit”. His role has involved liason the lounge On the day that we talked to Chris a with Cofton’s residents since early photo thanks to St Augustine’s school bar, hope that reception was being held in the lounge summer. thi s for the deceased wife of one of the Many other local people went to the event to hear the This happy group of children from the two schools are clearly community regulars George. Earlier in the day Pope declare Cardinal “Blessed”, the delighted after meeting the leader of the Roman Catholic Church asset will Glennis Foley’s funeral had passed by first stage of becoming a Saint. photo Oratory survive. There as regulars left their drinks to watch 'Mary Stanley, Head Teacher of St Augustine's Catholic thanks Primary Below a lone Irish piper leads the to TNT is no doubt that landlord Chris is the procession go by towards Holy coffin into a packed church, past Primary School, said,”On Friday 17 September, children children being passionate about serving his Trinity and staff from St Augustine's and the Oratory School interviewed assembled mourners. for BBC customers but feels that cheap deals Church on participated in the 'Big Assembly' at St Mary's University Midlands at Supermarkets has knocked the Birchfield College, Twickenham. The assembly was a huge success Today,after trade for six. He calculates that a can Road. and the atmosphere was electric when Pope Benedict the Pope had of beer is as cheap as a litre of water. Glennis was arrived in the Popemobile. The arena at Twickenham was come to greet them at the However, he is a community awash with flags and everyone cheered excitedly for Pope Oratory looking at ways to restore the pubs activist for Benedict. Being so close to the Holy Father was magical image and is keen to offer the Lounge many John Henry Newman would possibly as a Functions room where the wider years.As have travelled through our district, on community can meet even over a cup community In this issue find out horse or by carriage, during his stay at of coffee. It can be made self leaders and The Mosque worshippers opposite Maryvale, Kingstanding in 1846, after he contained with a separate entrance on citizens came to pay their respects at the church witness the passing of a had become a Catholic.The motto he Finch Road. the service, so to the Islamic great and respected community choose when he became a Cardinal in activist who has put Perry Chris describes his worshippers, coming from their 1879, was “Heart speaks to Heart”, fitting customers as “very multi-cultural, Mosque opposite on the day that words for us to remember in this internet Scotch,Irish, ended their festival of Ramadan,stood Barr on the map , age, as he reminds us that however we Pope Benedict Caribbean,Asian,Vietnamese, full of and remembered this fine devoted local historian Tom Flanagan communicate, what we say should snapped by Paula characters, all with many stories to tell citizen. She had served our area so come from the heart . Cusack of their experiences of living in the well for over 40 years, and her legacy reveals all on page 2 . BIrchfield area. He says they are very was the founding of the Practical Care ‘ concerned about each. The OAPs are Project to help elderly folk. other features Summer Pictures around the Birchfield Residents Action Group (BRAG) was set up to highlight problems within the Birchfield area. Our aim is to cooperate with all the organisations working in and responsible for the well being of our residents. area on pages 4 & 5 Our hope is to regenerate pride and find agreed solutions to the problems. Tom Flanagan, local historian, Dangerous DOGS on page 6 This quarterly newsletter illustrates some of the current activities that are happening in out area, and has been stands in front of St Paul’s Church a police officer’s story kindly funded by Be ’s Successful Neighbourhoods fund. Lozells, which, he believes, marks Faiths in Action on page 7 the spot of the Roman Watch tower © Aston Vision Association Contact us at [email protected], www.brag.btik.com. The Shree Geeta Bhawan Temple Local Catholics in the Newman that overlooks an important battle Published by Aston Vision Association, 98 Bridge Street West, Newtown, B19 2NY 0121-359-8102 A day at the STORK page 8 Shrine at the Oratory Church. site. A day at the STORK page 8 BB summer collect:a4 bugle 23/09/2010 11:08 Page 2

page 2 page 7 The SITE OF QUEEN BOUDICCA'S LAST BATTLE - ,BIRMINGHAM In the year 61 AD Queen Boudicca, marching down Watling Street from legionaries on their weary march down FAITH IN ACTION widowed Queen of the Iceni Celtic North Wales.He knew Boudicca was on from their battle on Anglesey.He may Each issue will highlight some of our local Faiths outreach to the local community. Tribe, faced in battle Roman General his tail and he must have been thinking well have told them to wait for him at the Here we invite the SHREE GEETA BHAWAN Hindu Temple on Heathfield Road to tell us Gaius Suetonius Paulinus and his of a suitable place to reunite with his Roman Camp at Wall,on the Watling Legions.This was the most decisive own forces and have a favourable Street, where it is crossed by the about their activities, their General Secretary, AV Chandan, reports ground for his smaller forces to face Icknield Street,a Roman Military road event in the Roman's conquest of PRAYER and defeat the much larger Celtic coming from the South and along which More than 45 years ago a The four Vedas are Holy Scriptures Britain, Alas, no one is sure where it WHERE the mind is without fear army.The Roman Road,Watling Street the sent for Legion from Exeter could be magnificent church was on sale and over 4000 years old and you may be took place! and the head is held high; First the background to this moment:- from London to Holyhead, was built by expected to come. Another Roman we, the Hindus were delighted when surprised to discover that the word General Paulinus,from his capital city, the Romans on top of a Celtic road Fort,discovered in the 1930s,lies in our offer to purchase was accepted. ‘Hindu’ does not appear in any of these Where knowledge is free; Colchester,marched,in 60 AD into North which, for them,was the "Gold South Birmingham on Icknield Street. We, the Hindus established the Vedas. This is because the Vedas Wales to destroy the Druid priestly Road",bringing precious metals Built just after the Claudian Conquest,it FIRST HINDU TEMPLE IN THE were not specific to any religious Where the world has not been class,a thorn in the side of the etc.from Ireland and Wales into south- had been recently extended around 60 MIDLANDS. community when they were written. broken up into fragments by Romans,on their Holy Island,Anglesey. west .At Daventry,near the start AD to take more troops and There is an evident tranquillity as you Lord Krishna expresses advice to narrow Behind him,in Colchester,now part of of the present M6,it takes an even cavalry.This fort would be the obvious walk into the Prayer Hall, you feel the Arjuna. His message is universal for all domestic walls; East Anglia,he left only retired veterans greater loop than the M6 to avoid the place for Paulinus to wait for the presence of the God and Goddess regardless of their faith. from the Roman Army to defend the city Coventry and Midland areas.No doubt expected reinforcements from deities catering to all the devotees and Why are you unnecessarily worrying? Where the words come out from the and Province.The local Celtic tribes this diversion was to take the least Exeter.Meanwhile his legionaries would representing all the regions of India. To Whom do you fear? Who can kill depth of truth; were peaceable. provocative route between two tribal be resting and regrouping at Wall, name of a few, Bala Ji Vanketeshwara you? Soul is not born, nor does it die. Unfortunately,on the death of boundaries. about 15 miles away. of South region, Goddess Durga of Young and the elderly Hindus are well Where tireless striving stretches its Boudicca's husband Prasutagus,who Perhaps, not so curiously, North and Lord Ram and Lord Krishna established in the local community and FINAL BATTLE arms towards refection; left in his will half his kingdom to The orthodox thinking is that both something happened at Metchley of central region can be found in our have very good relationships with Emperor Nero and half to his two Roman Fort about this time.The temple, a fascinating exhibition of people of all other faiths. Where the clear stream of reason daughters,Nero's tax collectors substantial diversity. I extend on behalf of the Board of has not lost its way into the dreary wanted it all and also Rome decided accommodation,stables and Many devotees desired a replication of Trustees to all the Handsworth and desert sand of dead habit; to call in all debts and loans that had workshop buildings disappeared the beautiful construction of the Lozells community an invitation to visit been granted to the Celts in return for and,later, a smaller camp was temples in India and their desires and our temple. Where the mind is lead forward by their submission to them. built on top of the first and second prayers are now being fulfilled. Thee into ever-widening thought ones.Paulinus was waiting for the Shikharas (marble domes, one of REVOLT and action; There was a revolt, not led by Exeter legion to arrive but got which can be seen behind the ladies Boudicca but put down harshly.As word they were not coming ,Their below) have been ordered and are in Into that Heaven of freedom, my punishment the Romans brutally officer-in-charge,Poenius the process of being installed. Father, let my country (Britain) whipped Boudicca and Paulinus and Boudiccaa took this way Postumus,who was standing in for the raped,repeatedly,her twoyoung and eventually the final battle took place absent Commanding Officer,decided it awake. daughters.Boudicca and her tribe,as at Mancetter,near to a Roman would be suicidal for his legion to march well as other Celts,rose in rebellion, camp.There are many question marks up in support - remember Boudicca had Colchester was first to be attacked and about this including the supposed site already destroyed a legion from wasrazed to the ground.Undefended,its being too small for the size of the Lincoln.On hearing of Paulinus' victory inhabitants were put to the armies and the lack of a Roman he killed himself.General Paulinus, sword.According to Roman historians monument celebrating the Roman realizing that he,his cavalry and his Secretary A.V.Chandan, on the many attrocities were committed.A Victory.Roman historian Tacitus ,whose foot-soldiers were on their own and that right, in front of the main Shrine Roman Army Legion,based at Lincoln father-in-law was almost certainly Boudicca was about to over-run him at with some visitors from Great Barr in the North,was ambushed and present, describes the Roman Army as the Metchley Fort, decided to spring his massacred as it marched South.Next with its back to trees preventing out- trap! He and his cavalry, as well as the was London's turn.At that time a small flanking and the Celtic Army coming Fort Garrison, went up Icknield Street and undefended trading port, it too was onto the battlefield through a to meet his legionaries,marching down looted and put to flame and sword.Just 'defile',meaning through a narrow pass 10 miles from Wall,to Perry Barr! before Boudicca's army arrived at between trees on uphill ground? Perry Barr,about 7 miles from the London, General Paulinus had arrived The shortest route to North Wales from Metchley Fort,is within a loop of the there with a group of his cavalry,after Daventry is presently to take the M45 River Tame and was also within the Hinduism as a religion is a captivating riding 250 miles from Anglesey.He saw to South Coventry,(where a Roman Forest of Arden.Either side of Icknield educational focus and many Pictured above is S.P.Babba, who the situation was hopeless and turned 'cavalry training' fort was discovered in Street would be thickly wooded. As educational visits are made to the was the first secreary 45 years ago, about,retracing his route north-west up 1960) then A45-A452,past North Boudicca followed the Romans,the temple by schools (both primary and and now runs the Friday Watling Street (the A5).Boudicca set off Birmingham,to rejoin 'Watling Street' road traversed the valley of the secondary), higher and further Community Activity event, after in pursuit of him.On the way the town of near Cannock. I feel certain that this Birmingham river Ray,crossing several education institutions and the local which the attendees sit down to a Verulamium,(now Saint Albans), was was the route Paulinus would have fast flowing streams.The last one before community with people of all faiths and splendid vegetarian meal.They will also destroyed. taken rather than sticking to the A5 Perry Barr is Aston Brook and,at its backgrounds, who are warmly have taken part in Exercise, Yogo, SUPPOSITION loop.On his way down from Wales he crossing the ancient Aston Iron Foundry welcomed to join us for a free meal and sometimes Banks or Social We now enter the realms of could have changed to fresh horses at was built,perhaps, initially,by the and a tour of the temple. Services will come to give an supposition;- Paulinus had sent for the the Lunt(South Coventry) fort and,on Romans.Icknield Street rises to cross a Celebrations of all the Hindu festivals Advice Surgery. Some of his Roman Legion based at Exeter in the the way back,with Boudicca behind high ridge,Lozells,before descending occur throughout the year and are pictures are shown opposite of south-west to join him.He also needed him,took as many horsemen as into the Perry Barr promontory. notable for their exhibition of colour other community events. to reconnect with his footsoldiers possible, as he strove to rejoin his continued on page 3 and dance. BB summer collect:a4 bugle 23/09/2010 11:08 Page 3

page 6 page 3 continued from page 2 The problem of DANGEROUS DOGS- Beacon,a Druid ROMAN WATCH TOWER Map from Chattock’s stronghold,behind their enemy .Boudicca by John Marsh (LaozePllso& Eliacst emahnow’fsriensdlytothersey dogs appear, especially Where Icknield Street crosses the “Antiquities” 1820’s where the dog is alleged to have attacked a ridge,at its highest point,there stood may have been a Handsworth Policing team) Druid priestess as I was a police officer with little over a years person. This again harks back to the task what was thought to be a Roman well as a queen and service when I first came across dangerous they were bred for. The original fighting dogs watch tower,now covered by the tower dogs from a policing perspective. An would have been gentle around their of St Paul's church,its perhaps part of her argument had broken out between two men owners, yet aggressive when confronted architect,J.A,Chatwin certainly seems motivation in coming in a flat, and a fight had ensued. During the with another dog. Due to their unique to have made this previous tower the so far with her men fight, a pit bull terrier type dog belonging to physiology, pit bull terriers are capable of and camp-followers one of the men had bitten his opponent on maintaining a level of excitement for was to give support the leg, bringing the man to the floor. The incredible periods. Some reported dog fights to the Druids under dog, in an excited state, had then bitten the have lasted up to six hours. When such a attack by her man numerous times on the neck, face and dog attacks a child, the results can, and enemies.Had she by head. The man suffered an arterial bleed to Ask Your have been fatal now heard of the the head, and lay unconscious on the floor, bleeding profusely from a massive head What Can The Police Do Neighbourhood Roman victory at injury. Anglesey? Members of my team were first on the Manager ? The Romans,less in scene. Whilst trying to apprehend the owner Hi I’m Yvonne Wager( left above) Tom’s numbers,were better of the dog, my colleague was bitten badly with my colleague Debbie armed,armoured and on the arm, causing him to permanently lose Parsons(Environmental Warden) Tom(left) with Pastor Stewart,and suggested disciplined. feeling in the part of the arm affected. The and I’m your local Neighbourhood Church Secretary, Angela The confined space offender and his dog still ran away, where Manager that covers the Birchfield BATTLE favoured the Roman they were eventually picked up by a traffic Williamson, inside St Paul’s area. My job as a Neighbourhood Cavalry over the unit. Most police traffic cars carry an on An unwanted 'staffie' at a RSPCA Hospital. Manager is to work in partnership with which is undergoing AREA board camera, which captured what Copyright Photo: Geoff Pugh Daily Telegraph refurbishment funded by the Tom has more photos and information at www. brag.btik.com Celtic chariots.After residents and service providers from fierce fighting the happened next. One of the traffic officers Heritage Lottery Fund. England and North Wales so they knew About Dangerous Dogs? the community, voluntary and Celtic line broke but there was no was attacked by the dog, which took hold of inspiration for his design. it well.Also there would be an open area Dog Fighting- Unfortunately, dog fighting statutory sectors like residents groups escape route to fight another day.Their his leg, and ragged him around the floor like Pastor Stewart,the present incumbent, cleared of trees used for fuel and a toy. The officer attempted to defend does still exist, and in almost all cases such as Birchfield Residents Action baggage train,the trees behind,the involves pit bull terriers. This can range from feels this fact answers questions he building purposes.The three sides of himself with his baton. The footage shows Group, Neighbourhood Forum, Age marshy ground at streams,all blocked two people with their dogs in a park, to large, had.But was this tower the Roman the river would have trees lining the the dog completely ignoring blows to the Concern, Faith organisations, Fleet their retreat.The Romans were on organized fights where large bets are Memorial to the victory of General banks with the river ford(an escape head, pulling the officer around by his and Waste Management, Regulatory ground they knew and regarded as their injured leg. The owner tried to control his placed. Residents should contact police and Paulinus? Was there a stone with route to Wall?) centrally behind the Services, Heart of Birmingham own. dog by taking hold of it. The dog finally RSPCA if they have any suspicions around ranks,both it and the river hidden by the Primary Care Trust, the Police, Fire Suetonius Paulinus in Latin on it? Aston There was great slaughter and so there released the officer, only to turn and bite into the breeding, training, home vetnary care or trees.Perhaps,even as Boudicca's army fighting of dogs. This information could Service and others to help deliver parish church is dedicated to Sts Peter is probably a mass burial site its owner’s arm, before disappearing on its came down from Lozells ridge into the prevent the unnecessary suffering of these improved services for local people. and Paul and there is a St Paul's about somewhere in Perry Barr.People may own. Only after several hours were skilled clearing where they sighted the ranks animals. I work closely with the RSPCA and Some recent activities and 2 miles away. have some artifact on their mantle piece dog handlers able to control and seize the of the Roman army lined up against dog. Due to their skill, no further members of any information received will be looked into initiatives include ‘Stop the Dumping’ The Romans,used Perry Barr as a to show that Boudicca, Paulinus and a - The appeal of owning a large them on the rising ground,they also the public were harmed, and the staff of City Status Dogs campaign, the Birchfield Be Healthy workshop and staging area for troops great battle happened here. Hospital were able to save the life of the and powerful dog may lead some people Fun day, Princes Trust Volunteers who were on the move to Northern saw,in the distance,the heights of Barr man who had been bitten in the head and involved in anti-social behaviour to possess tidying up the community garden neck, although he received permanent facial dogs they have little control over. Again, pit between Hutton Road and TOWER BLOCKS ESTATE bull terriers are predominant, but other large scars. Grosvenor Road, Community Action YOUTH IN ACTION or powerful breeds are used for the I was tasked with the investigation days in Haughton Road and Lyndon RESIDENTS BATTLE ON purposes of intimidation, or in extreme One of the remaining residents families on the Birchfield estate of the events of the evening, and following Close. To find out more about what’s the conviction of the owner, the court cases as a weapon. The Lozells and East who featured in our last issue has now had to move because of happening in Birchfield please visit ordered the destruction of the dog. Since Handsworth neighbourhood policing team burglary and vandelism.But this family are still in the area, which this incident, I have dealt with dozens of takes anti-social behaviour very seriously, my blog: www.birchfield.org.uk was the wish of many families who have been moved out and often the use of dogs in this way can be dangerous dogs, predominantly pit bull If you have a local issue you want to elsewhere. The two remaining ladies battle on for their right to terrier type dogs. These have ranged from controlled by civil remedies, such as a Dog raise with me please contact me on Control Order. be given accomodation of equivalent size as they have now for dog fights in local parks, to excited dogs (0121) 675 7061 or mobile 07917 172530 or their families. attacking children, and everything in Dangerous Dogs - Unfortunately, dog pop in to see me at my office at the CMAT between. attacks on children do sometimes occur. If Centre, 16 Grosvenor Road, Handsworth, 02 MOBILE MAST PROBLEM Birchfield Residents Action The Lozells, Birchfield and East you are concerned about specific dogs B20 3NP Pictured above are the Council Apprentices who group have been told that the demolition of the remaining tower Handsworth area has a large population of within your community, informing the police together with volunteers from the Prince’s trust is being held up because the resiting of the mast to the opposite means that we can identify any risk before prohibited dogs. A number of pit bull terriers dogs, of which I am pleased to say the team,below, tackled vandelism that happened in side of Birchfield Road on the old Bingo Hall has run into majority are kept by law abiding, responsible an attack happens. Sometimes, this can be have been seized, and their owners as simple as officers visiting an address and prosecuted. We have acted on information St Mary’s Church yard difficulties.The tower needs to come down before the end of the individuals. However, like any area, pit bull by next financial year otherwise funding would be lost, and it will terriers are present. making sure there are no problems with the quickly and effectively, and through our during the summer. remain an unsightly reminder of the Council’s promise to Pit bull terrier type dogs are dog, other times this may result in the actions we have removed a number of prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act seizing of a dangerous dog. By working dangerous dogs from the community. regenerate the area. The old library site has remained 1991, covering any dog which displays a together, we can minimise these risks within The West Midlands Police supports the undeveloped for 3 years now as money has dried up and the substantial number of characteristics of a pit the community. returning of sociable Pit Bull Type dogs to new library will not now happen. We fear that the same will bull terrier. Originally bred for dog fighting, Since the formation of the Lozells and East responsible owners, and there is legislation happen to the Tower block, with the rusting O2 mast serving to these dogs are athletic and powerful, and Handsworth neighbourhood policing team in in place allowing us to assist you in this. remind us daily of the “state of the Nation”. It would seem that have a terrier’s temperament. Often, people April 2010, we have executed warrants at Equally though, if you are thinking about obtaining a dangerous dog, I would advise the Regeneration is not for Birchfield,as eventually Birch tree will say to me how surprised they are by several addresses suspected of containing you to think again. scrub takes over the cleared areas, as in ancient times. BB summer collect:a4 bugle 23/09/2010 11:08 Page 4

page 4 page 5 for families’ “The Spice is right! foodies, and the That is the mantra for the West JOYFUL CELEBRATION inquisitive to try Midlands First Jerk Cookout”, say event out the distinctive tastOe oUf trTaditiAonaNl DCookAOuBt wOinnUer. T WITH BUGLE’S CAMERA THIS SUMMER organisers Tony Fairweather and IN PERRY BARR Caribbean “Jerked” Chicken, Fish, Jesse Gerald Senior community Claudiette Richards,(pictured below) Lobster or Pork. (For those of you yet to Partnership Officer for Birmingham City try this great dish, Jerk is a Jamaican Council said. “This was a fantastic day spice and usually cooked on a BBQ.) to showcase and celebrate Caribbean Stall holders offered their distinct cuisine cuisine and a great way for people of all to the public, and the sight and aroma of cultures to learn about Jamaican Jerk this sizzling spectacle was enough to get food. We are encouraged to see how the your taste buds going. community came together through food These cooks were not only impressing to provide a great event like this “ the public with their tantalising food but The Jerk Cookout raised funds for Oscar they were also entered into a a sickle cell charity, the African competition to see who would be Caribbean leukaemia trust (ACLT), and crowned the West Midlands first Jerk Nelson Mandela Childrens Fund.

Father Mack stands between two couples that he Father Simon Hall on the left, looks on as Father married at the church early in his ministry.To his Mack cuts his celebratory cake to share with left are John and Katheline Connolly with Clare parishioners. and John Banks on his right. © photos- Stephen McPhillips Photograph 0121 356 6939

The sun shone over Handsworth Park on Father Simon Hall and parishioners of St. Therese of the guidance ,wisdom and wit. He ministered to them for over three Sunday 22nd August for the first ever Child Jesus invited Canon Sean Mc Ternan, from Solihull to generations: at baptisms, First Sacraments, weddings and family Jerk Cook Out event in the West another celebration for his Diamond Jubilee.Father Mack as he funerals, sharing fully in the joys and in the sorrows. They Midlands which was a great success!! A colourful Asian wedding ceremony was snapped as this groom and his is affectionately known in missed him greatly when he moved to Solihull and welcomed This free outdoor event brought out the bride enter their new home.The mother-in-law kisses the bride, followed by Perry Barr spent 41years of this opportunity to have him back for the day. It community to sample a range of “Jerk” the scissors to cut the ribbon at the door. his priestly ministry there. was a glorious sunny day! Lunch in the presbytery garden was and cultural foods. There were craft He was greatly loved by his a feast of food, fun, music and wine! Food was prepared by stands, live entertainment and activities former parishioners and parishioners who presented exciting dishes from the five Third place went to the Boathouse Café esteemed for his wonderful continents. for all the family from bouncy castle to report by parishioner Nora Warnaby situated on site at Handsworth Park and pastoral care, spiritual face painting. The event was well run by Mark Bent, pictured above. An attended providing a great opportunity award literally won on his doorstep! SECRET 30th anniversary of the Vietnamese GARDEN Catholic Community re-opened There was a colourful gathering of the Vietnamese Catholic Community at their Pastoral Centre on Wye Cliff by Road.Seeing the great devotion of the Vietnamese refugees in the UK, and their customs of clustering PRINCE’S together for sharing and reminding themselves of their ancient national traditions, Mgr.Tom Fallon invited Mgr. Peter Diem - the first pastor of the Vietnamese refugees - to live and work with him in TRUST the Parish of St. Francis, Birmingham, in July, 1980. With his great help, the Vietnamese Catholic Community gradually came into being. As the Vietnamese proverb: 'Drinking water, remember its source; eating fruit, remember volunteers its grower', the Vietnamese Catholic Community considers Mgr Tom their great benefactor. Now the Pastoral Centre consists of a Chapel dedicated to the Vietnamese Martyrs, and many classrooms for catechism and Vietnamese language to preserve Vietnamese culture and religious The Hutton Road traditions. playground was revamped During the days celebration children and adults performed traditional dances and songs to the as part of the students 12 delight of the gathered community, whilst meals of traditional food were prepared to be eaten for week ‘Team Programme’ the delight of the those present.Many guests had been invited from around the UK by the course which sees them Community Pastoral Council to share in the festivities. Father Peter Dac is shown left with Father spending two weeks Peter Connolly who has come to help Mgr Fallon at St Francis parish. developing community projects locally. Local resident Sarah Bagun, 27 said: “The project has made such an improvement and the kids have really enjoyed their new play area.Its nice to see our local police officers visiting the site regularly also and makes our community feel safe.“I’ve lived here for 15-years and meeting my local officers and projects like this really make me feel safer.”Sophie Forsey, 18 and a student on the course added: “Being part of this programme has given me a stronger sense of belief in myself as well as a chance to give back to the community.The team, including the officers all get on so well and now we see the police as people we can talk to.”