Newsletter No. 75 - February 2011 This newsletter is compiled and produced by volunteers of Wythall Community Association who distribute 4,750 copies free of charge to nearly all of the houses in the Wythall parish. For friends who do not receive a copy at home, they are also made available in various places in Wythall, including the library, and in Wythall Park itself (Park Hall, Wythall House and the Wythall Community Club). It is funded by the Community Association , with help from the Wythall Parish Council who have a dedicated section in the centre pages for their various reports.

EDITORIAL BONFIRE NIGHT Copy for next issue Park Hall ON THE PARK Will all correspondents and Thanks to Severn Waste contributors please supply copy Environmental Fund, Awards for All, for the next issue by a number of personal donations and a Monday 13th June 2011 loan from the Wythall Community at the latest. Hall Trust we have finally managed to re-roof Park Hall. Please send all copy, preferably electronically as plain text within Thanks go as well to Barrie Stokes, an e-mail with photos/logos as the Association Secretary, who co- attachments or on disk or CD to ordinated and secured the funding the Wythall Community for this project. Association at Wythall House. Saturday 5th A Walk in the Park The e-mail address is November [email protected] There was a rather flattering 2011 article about the Park in the Mail recently. The author, Graham Young, visits, photographs and writes about parks Edited and produced by: in and around the city. He described Dave Hodson the Park itself in glowing terms - " . . . one of the most friendly parks Published by: I've been to in a long time" and gave Wythall Community Association details of some of the many (Registered Charity No 243332) activities taking place here. Distributed by: He quoted extensively from our web Wythall Community Association Volunteers site - www.wythall-park.org.uk about which he commented - "Now that's not out of town posh, just sensible. A means of helping the WYTHALL CARNIVAL neighbouring community to treasure and to embrace a fine amenity". The annual Wythall Carnival is organised by volunteers of Wythall Community Association. Some members have been on the organising committee for over Please show your appreciation by 20 years. To guarantee the continuation of the Carnival the Committee is joining the Community Association. looking to recruit new members with new ideas to help in the organisation of The £5 a year subscription will help future Carnivals. We want this to continue as a good family event enjoyed to maintain our Park and its buildings. by all. Dave Hodson If you feel in a position to help the community in this worthwhile event, we Editor only meet for a couple of hours each month from January to August at 07711 531 665 Wythall House, please contact Bob Green tel: 01564 823666 or Wythall Community Association tel: 01564 823281. Thank you. The Project to Re-roof Park Hall

Since its construction in 1973, Park Hall on Wythall Park has been the first choice venue for many of the Notice of Annual General Meeting clubs, societies, and leisure groups in the local community. It is used Thursday 14th April, 8.00pm in Park Hall every week by more than 300 people who attend one or more of the ALL members of Wythall Community Association are diverse activities which include Ceroc dancing, T'ai Chi, karate, encouraged to attend what is arguably the most ballroom dancing, ladies keep fit, important meeting of the year. Lyntone Dance classes, archery, Weight Watching groups and This is YOUR opportunity to country music. It is also booked on more than 80 occasions per year for * hear reports on our progress in 2010-11 from the birthdays, weddings, annual outgoing Management Committee. presentations, etc by private * to elect the President, Secretary and Treasurer individuals and other organisations. of the Association for 2011-12 In 2009 the roof began to leak and * to raise any concerns which you would like the it became clear that the building new committee to consider. would have to be completely re- covered with new felt if it was to continue as a base for these The AGM of the Association will be immediately followed activities. by a meeting of the General Committee which shall elect The problem was that Wythall from its members its Chairman, Vice Chairmen, and its Community Association, which owns Management Committee for 2011 - 2012. the building, is a charity run on a Thank you not-for-profit basis. It is Barrie Stokes (Honorary Secretary). maintained largely by volunteers and members and does not have funds to carry out the repairs. The cost of £13,500 was way beyond our resources.

However, we were fortunate enough to be given financial support from:- i) Severn Waste Environmental Fund who contributed £3,000 ii) Awards for All who contributed £8,500

The remaining £2,000 was achieved from fund raising and generous donations by members of the Association and the people of Wythall .

Work on the roof was completed in December 2010

Wythall Community Association wishes to thank Severn Waste Environmental Fund and Awards for All – it is due to their support that the future of Park Hall as a community resource is guaranteed.

Footnote: The final bill was £16,950 because extra work was required to the under boarding on the roof, leaving the Community Association to find a further £3,450. If you are willing to make a private donation or gift, it would be gratefully received. Wythall House is open in the evenings and at lunch times on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Barrie Stokes

Hon. Secretary, Wythall Community Association WYTHALL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - www.wythall-park.org.uk

One of the major parts of the meeting is approval of the financial statements. As the year end is 31st December these are not yet finished but I do know that running the Park and Facilities has been expensive this year.

Whilst we make every attempt to keep costs to a minimum the property is becoming of an age The Community Club has provided us where the 44 years of community with a warm, comfortable The Annual General Meeting of the use are showing. This year we have environment where we can socialise, Association will be held in Park Hall re-surfaced the worst parts of the or at least stay warm and save the at 8pm on Thursday 14th April 2011. roadway and replaced the roof of heating at home. The AGM is to be Park Hall. These have been held on Friday 18th February, 8pm in All members of the Association are expensive jobs. We were grateful to the Britannia Room. Probably by the welcome to attend and hear reports the efforts of our Secretary, Barrie time you read this you will have from the Committee Chairmen, and Stokes, who obtained funding from missed it but if you have a comment elect the General Committee. Awards for All and the Severn or suggestion for the Committee Waste Trust; as well as a grant from please let us know. This year has the Community Hall Trust. been difficult but we have WYTHALL BONFIRE succeeded in covering costs and NIGHT 2010 It has been suggested that if raising some funds for the everyone who walked their dog on Association, which is the reason it As co-ordinator for the volunteer the park put 5p in the funds each was set up. The Beer Festival was a rota I feel I would like to officially time we would have enough to make new event which we enjoyed and will give my thanks to all the many who substantial improvements. Personally look to run again in 2011. turned up on the night to make it I would like to charge everyone who such a great success, drives into the park 10p – especially The Association manages the now I know how much tarmac costs. facilities on behalf of the As this was only my second year Then we would have enough to repair community. If you are interested doing the job, I think that I am now the potholes which this winter has then join as a member and come and beginning to put some faces to the started. I have no idea how we can help us. A number of the committee names, I felt we had gained one or possibly get the idiot drivers who members are aging and whilst we two extra this year which is very use the carpark for 'donuts' in the have enjoyed serving the community helpful, but on the down side this snow to appreciate how much over the years, finding friendship year we have had one or two ask to damage they do to the tarmac! and satisfaction, it would be really be dropped from the list for various nice to see that others appreciate reasons, which means that I shall be The problem is collecting this but we what we have done by wanting to on the lookout for some do accept donations if you would like help us maintain and improve what replacements. For anyone who is to make one, by post to Wythall we have got. interested please contact me, Ken House, 52 Silver Street, B47 6LZ or Knowles and I am sure that we could hand them in at the bar. Betsy Johnson, Hon Treasurer. find something suitable from a list of duties to choose from. It goes without saying that thanks Park Hall - Available for hire should also go to all the helpers both on the day the Friday before and on the Sunday morning after to get our park back to normal. Enquiries to

Yours thankfully, Ken Knowles, Alan Griffin - General Manager 01564 824487 01564 823281 Activities on Wythall Park

CROQUET IN Wythall Cricket Club 2010 Season review

WYTHALL PARK ? – First X1 SURELY NOT! In Darren Turner's first year as captain, he oversaw Wythall's first team A MESSAGE FROM YOUR gain promotion after coming runners up in division 6 of the Warwickshire PRESIDENT – League, losing only 3 times in 18 outings. This was achieved with some great performances throughout the season notably by Nick Tongue with the bat, NORMAN HOWARTH where he made 988 runs at an average of 76, and backed up by Kelvin Heath M.B.E. and Rhys Metters with the ball taking 41 and 33 wickets respectively.

Some twenty – or was it thirty - Second X1 years ago, I tried - and failed - to motivate our colleagues to start a A creditable 8th position was secured in their league after getting a bit Croquet Club in Wythall Park, bogged down mid season due to resources being a bit stretched whilst following the successful launch of loaning the first X1 some players due to holidays and injuries etc. Some good Crown Green Bowling. Pitch-and Putt batting by Keith Wilson helped to amass 212 points for the season, and also Golf and general Tennis play in on the positive side some junior members were introduced into the team with Wythall Park. Fraser Burns and Matt Cowley making their mark.

In 2010, we again sussed out the Sunday Development Side popularity of launching this game This team was started for the first time this season; this is used to locally. There is now, in 2011, much introduce juniors into senior cricket with the team made up of seven enthusiasm from members of youngsters and four seniors, playing in friendly games of usually 40 over's Wythall Community Association to per side. get this fun sport under way. This team were unbeaten in six outings where Brad Catlow, George King, By the time this Newsletter is made decent contributions under skipper Jack Tracey. published, we shall have had our inaugural meeting of Wythall C.A. Juniors Croquet Club, attended by all who The U13 team won two out of five league games to leave us mid table with are interested, and will be in the some good batting by Alex Doveston and Tom king throughout the season, throes of organising fun play on the both finishing with averages in the high 20's. In the bowing department lawn fronting Wythall House. This Shaun Jones looks a great prospect, taking wickets in every game, with could be followed by fun - and more skipper Dave Read backing him up. serious play - on an area adjacent the tennis courts Some great catches were taken in the field notably Alex Harper in a game away at Redditch and Gem Lilley at home against Kings Heath in a friendly For the year 2011, we anticipate match. membership fees will be quite low, as we use only loaned personal Winter Nets equipment, so expect an appreciable number of joiners. Juniors start at Woodrush School at 6.30 pm on Fridays in January and seniors at Bishop Challoner School, Kings Heath Sundays 2-4 pm Just a little about the game of Croquet – it is NOT a game for Further information Seniors Dave Perks 07890002214 toffee-nosed twits wearing white Juniors Richard King 07933765948 uniforms and drinking un-known cocktails. It’s for you and me to play and try to massacre your best Wythall Community Association friends and thank them for the game. Annual General Meeting So, please join us and help to make this little venture take off in our true voluntary spirit 8.00pm Thursday 14th April 2011 Norman MBE Activities on Wythall Park

WYTHALL C.A. BOWLING CLUB

Once again the Bowling Club enjoyed dominated the averages for the the season, but a vital contribution a successful season in 2010 with no Wednesday ‘A’ team but could not was Beth Richardson’s superb form less than four of our league teams lift the team above mid-table. In throughout the summer. gaining promotion. the ‘B’ team the ladies showed the On the domestic scene, in the one- way as Pat Bishop, Judy Beamish and Terry Birch was a clear winner of day internal competitions, the Audrey Cox finished with impressive the Sunday ‘A’ team averages as Triples Shield was won by Joyce figures to hoist the team away from Chris Monington’s team achieved Anderson, Trevor Bedenham, and relegation worries. runners-up spot in division 2 of the Phil Richardson, whilst Jeff Rynne Northfield & District league, and Rod and Phil, along with Terry Birch and Ken Clayton claimed the Jubilee promotion to division one for the and Clive Dolphin, also excelled for Shield. The Club Shield was won by first time in our history. The Sunday the Thursday ‘A’ team as they Judith Churchill and Beth ‘B’ team managed a mid-table finished third in division one of the Richardson, with Trudy Knight and position in division 5 with captain Heart of league. Although Graham Thomas taking the Len Graham Thomas leading by example. the ‘B’ team were runners-up in the Austin Plate. Consolation Cup, their disappointing On Tuesday mornings the over 60’s In the major internal competitions league form saw them relegated for ‘A’ team maintained a mid-table Roger Hill won the Plate and Carol the second successive season, position in division one throughout Bettam the Ladies Silver Trophy. despite consistently good bowling by the season with Phil Richardson Trudy Knight and Dave Edwards Pat Bishop. leading the averages. After were triumphant in the Mixed relegation in 2009 Norman Clack’s ‘B’ A creditable fourth position in Doubles and the Ladies Singles team bounced back to achieve division one was achieved by the champion is Chris Monington. Men’s promotion back to division 4. A big Friday over 60’s ‘A’ team thanks to Singles champion is Rod Monington factor in their success was the form the consistency of John Upton and and the Open Singles winner was Phil of Jeff Rynne, a much improved Terry Birch, whilst promotion to Richardson. player after his injury problems. division 3 was a great result for In 2011 we celebrate our 25th John Barlow’s ‘B’ team. Jeff Rynne In division 2 of the South B’ham Anniversary and whilst the was again the main man having lost Ladies League our ‘A’ team narrowly membership level is still strong it is only once throughout the season. missed out on promotion. Carol an ageing membership and we will Bettam’s consistency left her top of The excellent form of Dave Edwards need young and middle-aged the averages, not bad for her first helped the Saturday B.H. team to a members for the future. season in the senior team. Shirley comfortable mid–table position. Phil Richardson Barlow’s ‘B’ team tried hard and Meanwhile the Saturday W & W enjoyed their bowling but finished team finally won promotion to Secretary bottom of division 3. division 3 after knocking on the door for several seasons. Success was Rod Monington and Phil Richardson clinched in the final away match of

COME AND PLAY BOWLS

Crown Green Bowls is a great sport for all ages, male or female. It can be as competitive as you want it to be. We have members who only play socially, others who love the cut and thrust of league matches. COME AND JOIN US Contact Beth Richardson on 01564 822760. News from Wythall Residents Association

Happy New Year 2011 to all Wythall Turner (we hear that the decision issues will arise in the future and we residents from the officers and has been taken to appeal). We could would welcome the chance to work committee of Wythall Residents not let Dee’s talents go unrecognised with residents to protect their Association (WRA). and she has since joined the WRA interests. In areas where you have a Committee and recently stood as a WRA ward councillor we can be even The past few months have candidate in the County Council by- more effective. Membership of WRA presented a number of interesting election for Division is all about helping and supporting and exciting challenges to the which includes South Wythall. We one another and you may have Association. We helped a group of hope to see more of her in South noticed WRA County Councillor local residents with their objections Wythall during 2011. Stephen Peters putting this into to a planning application to build on practice by acting as unpaid rear garden land in Hollywood which Another proposed housing volunteer school crossing warden at was refused by the Planning development, at Selsdon Close off Coppice School – but only until the Committee at District Lea Green Lane, has also generated regular lady returns! Council. The applicant subsequently objections from local residents in submitted a revised plan for that part of Wythall who produced The County Council is having to consideration and, to the great and distributed publicity leaflets to reduce its expenditure by more than relief of residents, this scheme was local homes. WRA would have been £70 million over the next 4 years also unanimously rejected by the delighted to help residents if we had and has recently announced plans to Planning Committee after Dee been invited to participate with our review the subsidised bus services in Morton had addressed them with knowledge and expertise in local Wythall. WRA County Councillor support from District Councillor, Les planning matters. No doubt, similar Stephen Peters has attended the briefings and spoken out in support Wythall Conservatives of bus users in the area. Look out for the public consultation which will The Autumn run into the New year is usually a quiet period but not this year take place until the end of March. as we were suddenly facing two by-elections in the district following resignation and the County division of South Wythall and Alvechurch went to Your 2 WRA District Councillors in the polls on 16th December and our local candidate Cllr June Griffiths was Hollywood and Majors Green ward successful. No doubt her first task at County will be to try and get some are Stephen Peters (01564 824927) clear information on what is happening to our local buses. and Les Turner (0121 430 8478) and they are always pleased to help The dreadful weather recently caused disruption to collection services but residents in a non-party political way. our bin men have done a good job in clearing up the backlog. Councillors were Stephen is also the County Councillor kept up to date with daily e-mails and information was updated daily on the for Wythall Division. Your WRA web site. Should it happen again you are able to use an empty Brown bin as an Parish Councillors are also able to overflow for whichever collection has been missed. respond to your enquiries via our We now know that Govt. funding to Bromsgrove has been cut by £1.2m over Secretary, Tony Pappin at 2years which is a reduction of 27% and the highest in . By 16 Littleshaw Lane,Wythall the time this is published we will have balanced our budgets for the next 3 B47 6EU years with a considerable contribution from our Shared Services agenda with Tel 01564 822326. Redditch where savings are being made to close the gap. Tony can also provide details of The planning position remains unclear at present although we are working to WRA membership which costs just ensure Redditch are not required to build 3000 houses in our Green Belt. £5 for 3 years for each household. Finally, the Annual General Meeting Elections are looming once again with District and Parish elections in May. of WRA will take place on Tuesday Just to complicate matters we may also have a referendum on the same day 8th March 2011 at Wythall House regarding the A/V method for voting. starting at 7.30pm. We look forward

Your Conservative District Councillors can be contacted as below:- to seeing our members there. Jill Dyer MBE 01564 826640 [email protected] Michael Cheal Geoff Denaro 01564 829050 [email protected] Chairman - WRA James Duddy 0121 430 5840 [email protected] WYTHALL PARISH COUNCIL

CHAIRMAN`S REPORT

On behalf of the Parish Council may I wish the residents of Wythall a happy and prosperous 2011. I would also like to thank my fellow councillors for their ongoing support and hard work on behalf of the local community and our Executive officer Pat Harrison ably assisted by Kerie Harris for their hard work and contribution towards the smooth running of the Parish Council.

The present Council’s four year term of office finishes in May this year when elections will be held for both Parish and District Councils. Although Parish Councils have limited power, they do exert considerable influence on both the District and County Council.

As a result of the Government’s spending review, our District and County Councils will need to make some hard decisions over the coming months on the services that are provided and where economies can be made.

Changes are also on the horizon which could impact how local communities can have more say in what happens in their area. In December last year, the government published the Localism Bill which aims to shift power from central government back into the hands of individuals, communities and councils. The bill is split across four core themes, relevant to Wythall - community empowerment, decentralisation and strengthening local democracy, reform of the planning system and social housing reform. Although still at a formative stage, with the ‘devil’ always being in the detail, this bill will evolve over the coming months and does promise to give local communities more control over their destiny.

Both the cuts in local government spending and potential changes resulting from the localism bill mean that it is more important than ever that all residents use their vote so that this Parish has a council of elected members which properly reflects the wishes of the majority of voters.

If you would like more information about becoming a Parish Councillor and the elections, please contact either the Parish Council office or one of your Parish Councillors. Contact details for Councillors are available at the office and on the Parish Council website (www.wythallpc.org). You are also most welcome to attend our monthly Council Meetings (3rd Thursday of each month except August and December), when you can also express any local concerns that you have in the slot allocated to the general public at the start of each meeting.

Finally, a quick reminder that the Parish Council office is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 am and 2.00 pm. The telephone number is 01564 823149. Even when they can’t answer whatever question you ask, or are not responsible for solving your particular problem, Pat and Kerie will do their utmost to point you in the right direction. They will pass on reports of potholes, fly tipping and lights that don’t work to the relevant authority.

Cllr Sue Baxter

Wythall Parish Council Tel: 01564 823149 Beaudesert Road Fax: 01564 826294 Hollywood Email: [email protected] B47 5DP Web: www.wythallpc.org

Office Hours: Mon - Fri, 10am - 2pm WYTHALL PARISH COUNCIL ALERT! CONSULTATION LOCAL BUS SERVICES

Worcestershire County Council is running a Consultation until the 1st April 2011 regarding the reduction of subsidised bus services – under possible threat are the 175 and 177. The 178 and the 179 may not be affected.

Members of the public who use the local buses are urged to respond and make their views known to this consultation either online via a link at:-

www.worcestershire.gov.uk/public&schoolbusservicereview

or you may pick up a copy of the consultation at the Parish Council Offices on Beaudesert Rd.

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

I trust that all of our residents have will be in July and prizes will be favourable comments, and we do had a Merry Christmas and are presented at Wythall Carnival in ensure that it is maintained to a high looking forward to the year ahead. August. standard, at a reasonable cost to our Our Christmas tree this year was residents. The rules and regulations Our allotment plots are all in use, sited outside the Parish Council relating to the cemetery are and our thanks go to the office. The tree looked beautiful, displayed in the entrance, or if you Management Committee who run the and was much admired, and I would need advice, please contact the allotments on behalf of the Parish like to thank the very kind resident Parish Office, on 01564 823149, Council. Representatives from the who donated it to us. between 10am and 2pm, Monday to Parish Council visit the allotments, Friday or visit our website at The Best Kept Frontage competition usually in July or August, to judge www.wythallpc.org. will take place again this year, and which plots have been maintained to we look forward to seeing the the highest standard. Cllr Helen Cleaver efforts of our residents, to make The cemetery continues to attract Chairman their gardens attractive. Judging WYTHALL PARISH COUNCIL PLANNING COMMITTEE

As usual with Central Government We in Wythall will not, however, which is not an ADR) however the Planning Policies we are still awaiting escape scot free as our contribution number of houses to be built for the their latest edict which will probably to this number is likely to be on the Gorsey Lane site is not known (no not be published until the middle of two parcels of land previously called application as yet). the year. This Bill, called the ADR's (Areas of Development As previously reported your Parish "Localism Bill", will replace the now Restraint) but now just called Council, as a planning consultee, still defunct Regional Spatial Strategy Development Sites. The one site is continues to object to any large (Housing). at Selsdon Close off Lea Green Lane scale developments and especially and the other is at the top end of In essence as far as we are those in the Green Belt. Gorsey Lane (Station Road end). concerned in the Bromsgrove If anybody requires any further District area, the likely outcome will How many houses will be built on information or clarification then do still be for some 4000 houses these sites? At the time of writing, contact me on 0121 430 7943 or the (perhaps up to 7000 if linked with early January 2011, a planning Parish Office on 01564 823149 Redditch) to be built up to the year application has been submitted for 2026 and the bulk of these 4000 the Selsdon Close site for some 76 Cllr. Ron Hall will be mainly in or around houses (also an application for a site Bromsgrove Town. in Norton Lane for up to 65 houses Chairman Activities on Wythall Park WYTHALL TENNIS CLUB

Congratulations to Nathan Smith who after winning our 'Road to Wimbledon' tournament won the county U14 plate at Malvern and I am confident we will hear a lot more of this young man in the future. Jacob Cope who is 8 years old and has been a member of the club since he was 4 is another talented junior who is now in the county performance squad.

Another success was at Mini Orange level where Liam Harris and Alex Booker won an area tournament at Four Oaks and eventually were runners-up in North Warwickshire. Our mini red Harrison Dean Philip Todd Andrew Wigley Roger Hill squad of Ruby Lee, Hannah Beirne, Sam Pearce and Caden Otter Ruby Lee Leon Hamilton Louie Dolphin Harley Hobbs-Jones were Thalia Otter Isabelle Marsh Conrad Hamilton Cassie Marsh runners up in an area tournament in December and were and our U10 boys, Harry Jones and county players. Although it was only beaten by Arden. Harrison Dean, were unfortunate to tough the boys never gave in and be drawn in a doubles league where were a credit to the club. They were Not everyone can be a winner though the majority of the opposition were jointly awarded boys junior improver Activities on Wythall Park WYTHALL TENNIS CLUB (cont.) of 2010. Elizabeth Weatherup won the girls improver award for her contribution to the U10 girl’s team.

The men’s summer league team was promoted from division 8. The squad was Ian Turner (captain), Kevin Turner, Tom Bick, Luke Maggs, Ian Smith, Jake Smith and Phil Todd. In the Stratford and District winter league our ‘A’ team is fourth in division 3 and our ‘B’ team is top of division 7.

The ladies consolidated their place in division 7 after promotion in 2009. The squad was Helen Hill Philip Todd Andrew Wigley Roger Hill Kevin Turner (captain), Nancy Berry, Pam Thomas, Grace Turner, Harry Jones Elizabeth Weatherup Liam Harris Alex Booker Nathan Snow Jenny Rankin and Susan Davis. for all ages. We are fortunate to Adults who are interested in more have volunteers such as Roger Hill, information may visit the club on The club continues to coach in Philip Todd and Andrew Wigley. either a Tuesday or Friday evening curriculum time at the Coppice and Another welcome addition in 2010 or alternatively on a Sunday our after-school courses remain was Larissa Hobbs-Jones who has afternoon. Membership fees include popular. The after-school club will provided refreshments to everyone free tennis balls and the use of restart at Woodrush later in the during the 10am session. Without floodlights. For anyone who cannot year. From our attendance forms 91 the support of these members we commit to competitive tennis, off juniors from the three local schools could not continue to offer this peak membership remains popular. have played at the club through unique service to the community so We also have a very popular family 2010. This included non members thank you to them all. Andrew took membership scheme. who attended "pay and play" plus his first step to becoming a coach junior night coaching. The committee The committee believes our when he passed his Tennis Leader remains committed to making tennis membership options cater for all, so course in November. available to as many children as come and see us. Potential members possible within the community at a As so many adults are taking up the can also 'guest' on a couple of club reasonable price. game our club coach Les Swaby now nights before joining so come and runs two group sessions a week for have a go. Saturday community “pay and play” ladies concentrating on doubles sessions remain popular (10am-11am Anyone wishing to know more about match play and tactics. for juniors and 11am-12.30pm for the club may contact me on 01564 junior improvers and adults). These The intention is to introduce a men’s 200282 or visit our website which is Saturday mornings are ideal for session on Sunday mornings. Both www.wythalltennisclub.co.uk. children or adults who either take up Les and Stuart are available for one Kevin Turner or return to the sport without to one sessions for members or committing to course fees. There is members of the community. You can an added bonus; rackets are contact Les on 07979 965 821 or available to borrow free of charge Stuart on 07850 381 456. Activities on Wythall Park WYTHALL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

PROGRAMME 2011

Mar 2 Third projected image competition - Judge, Dave Johnston EFIAP/p 9 Mix and Match competition - away to Northfield Phoenix P S 16 Steam in the landscape - Ralph Ward 23 Interclub with Yardley P S - Judge: David Grounds LRPS 30 Annual theme competition - Judge, Graham Vernon Apr 6 Variety of digital A V sequences - Harry Hunt ARPS 13 Annual portrait/panels competition - Judge: Mike Jemmett ARPS 20 USA, Arizona / Grand Canyon / Utah - Ted Wilson There have been a number of 27 Annual print competition - Judge, Alan Lawrence ARPS excellent lectures from visiting photographers in the first part of May 4 Annual projected image competition - Judge, Dave Deeming LRPS this season. Dave Johnston EFIAP 11 Annual dinner showed us his images of punks taken 18 AGM and presentation of awards on location around Birmingham and

Tony Broom CPAGB showed his competitions. There is more to Visitors and new members are slides of a trip to Australia. Dr come in the programme, which is welcome at meetings on Wednesday Anne Sutcliffe FRPS AFIAP showed shown here. Again this year there evenings at 8pm in the darts room, a beautiful set of prints and was an exhibition of member's Wythall Community Club, Silver explained how she likes to use very photographs in May Lane library in Street, Wythall. Further details can few subtle tones in her images, November. Thanks to all those who be found on the website - which have been described as 'pale went to see it. www.wythall-ps.co.uk or contact and interesting'. Her subjects were [email protected]. varied and included her FRPS panel. We would like to welcome three new members this year, Dot Hands, Alan Geraldine Kent We have also had practical evenings, Williams and Paul Szczygselski and Press Secretary including a Photoshop lecture, still hope that they enjoy the activities life, a members photographic and friendly nature of the club. improvement discussion and

Wythall House Angling Our current membership consists of throughout the year - nearly always twenty five dedicated anglers. associated with fishing of course. In Club These represent the current limit of the past we have used Park Hall for Wythall House Angling Club were our membership. This limit is our presentation evening and we also originally part of the Kings Norton imposed, not by a rule of the club, have held skittles evenings at British Legion, where we were known but by the availability of waters various venues throughout the as the Angling Section. We had had suitable for holding contests – the midlands – indeed we are combining an association with KNBL for more larger the club, the larger the this year’s presentation with a than twenty years, but many of our waters. As a result we are not skittles evening in the Brittania members became dissatisfied with looking to enrol any more members room. the organisation of the KNBL and we at this time. As and when vacancies I will leave this as a brief decided to look for new base. Since arise we shall put notices up within introduction to the fishing club and quite a few of the members of the Wythall House. Of course if you will try to provide an update on a fishing section were also members wish to register your interest in the regular basis. So, until the next of the Wythall Association we fishing section we would be more issue I wish you all a Happy New successfully applied to them to allow than happy to start a waiting list. Year. us to base ourselves at Wythall As well as our interest in fishing we house. Here we are! John Eardley also hold various other activities Activities on Wythall Park

SMOKEY MOUNTAIN COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB BONFIRE NIGHT ON THE PARK Programme for 2011 12 Mar RIDGEWAY COUNTRY - Johnny B (£8) 9 Apr THE WESTCOASTERS - Bootscooters (£7.50) 14 May PLAIN LOCO - Johnny B (£7.50) 11 Jun JOHN PERMENTER(USA) with LITTLE ROCK - Bootscooters (£9.00) 9 Jul AMERICAN SPIRIT - Johnny B (£7) 13 Aug TEXAS BACK TRIO - Bootscooters (£7) 10 Sep LASS VEGAS - Johnny B (£7.50) 8 Oct PAUL BAILEY - Bootscooters (£7.50) 12 Nov MUDDY BOOTS - Johnny B (£7.50) 10 Dec SPEED LIMIT with ALAN GREGORY - Bootscooters (£9.00) 7 pm start

Shows start at 7.30pm except where indicated. Saturday 5th Details from:- November Ray - 0121 459 2401 2011 Bruce - 0121 429 6036 Mike 0121 430 5403

or see our web site www.smokeymountain.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

street collection in Solihull – usually belonging to ethnic communities AMNESTY in February. As well as making living in the hills. Other examples INTERNATIONAL general donations to Amnesty, we are: have specifically supported buying • Forced evictions in Kenya and sending radios to Burma (apparently not illegal) so that people • Destruction of the traditional way there have access to international of life of the Lubicon Cree people in news bulletins. Canada

The group once again participated in • Lack of health care for pregnant the annual greetings card campaign women and their babies in Peru WYTHALL GROUP which takes place around this time of the year. Greetings cards are • Encouraging the Shell Oil Company Although not the main focus of our sent to prisoners of conscience to clean up the Niger delta in activities, we do support some fund around the world to remind them Nigeria where oil extraction has raising locally for Amnesty. We that they have not been forgotten. heavily polluted the area so that sent a team to a Quiz Night Another campaign we have been people have to drink, cook and wash organised for groups in the involved in is the ‘Demand Dignity’ in water and eat fish contaminated Birmingham area and although we campaign which focuses on human with oil and other toxins. did not win, we were placed rights abuses against the poor, We meet on the second Thursday of respectably, had an enjoyable including the denial of economic, every month at 7.30 p.m. at Wythall evening and raised some funds for social and cultural rights that keep Community Association premises in Amnesty. We make some money on them poor. One success has been in Silver Street. If you would like our stall at Wythall Carnival and this persuading the Indian Government more information, please contact was supplemented by a Book Group not to grant permission to the Jane Weatherup on 01564 823654. who kindly held a raffle at their Vedanta Aluminium Company to carry Christmas meeting. We also join out operations which would have Barbara Grayson forces with other local groups for a polluted and destroyed land WYTHALL & HOLLYWOOD LADIES CLUB

There is an opportunity for Ladies who are not members at the moment Programme - 2011 but are interested to come along free to any monthly meeting as a 23 Mar Beer & Skittles evening guest and meet us all. 27 April Self Defence Wythall & Hollywood Ladies Group is 25 May Trip to be advised a small well established group of 29 June Troop Aid ladies who have been meeting every month in the local area since1981. 27 July Bingo & social evening Aug No meeting We have been told many times that 28 Sept Flower demonstration our speakers are interesting and varied. Some of our past 26 Oct AGM programmes have included the 30 Nov Christmas cracker demonstration powers of a clairvoyant, cake 15 Dec Christmas meal - venue to be arranged decorating, flower arranging, line dancing and talks with slides on many subjects including tigers, New England in the fall and Journey to the Tsars etc.

We organise trips to Garden Centres along with others places of interest, we enjoy having our annual beer & skittles evenings and Christmas is a time when all our group get together for a Christmas meal, often choosing a venue with entertainment.

We meet at Wythall Library in May Lane, Hollywood at 8.00pm on the last Wednesday of the month (except August)

We are always happy to welcome new members so ring for more details on 01564 823487 and speak to Janet.

Jan Taylor 01564 823487

Our Programme for 2011 The Royal British Legion 16 Mar Line dancing Wythall Women's Section 20 April Carol Caldicot: Hanging baskets and hot cross buns 18 May Auction 15 June Quiz and bingo Happy new year to all our readers. 20 July Mr Witham: Glenn Miller, life and music What a year, let's hope 2011 ends up 17 Aug Bring and buy better than 2010. 21 Sept Harvest supper and beetle drive I am delighted to say we have had a 19 Oct AGM and a speaker lot of new members, many from reading the Wythall Community news letter, thank you. We are a very friendly and happy The Royal British Legion club with welcoming club rooms and a 15 Houndsfield Lane There is still room for more ladies, well stocked bar which also serves Wythall so don't be too shy to phone us and coffee. (opposite the White Swan PH) we will be pleased to show you around. The club meets every third Patricia E Johnson Wednesday in the month at 7.30pm. 0121 2437628 THE WOMEN'S INSTITUTE

Wythall WI Wythall WI - Programme 2011 Jan 3rd Music of Andre Previn – competition; to make a musical instrument Are you interested in making friends and taking part in a wide range of Feb 3rd Painting in three colours with Stan Kaminski – competition; A snow activities and opportunities? Well if picture the answer is yes, then Wythall Mar 3rd Members Night Women’s Institute is the place for Apr 7th Finger Printing with the police – competition; make a pair of gloves you. May 5th Resolutions Night plus Old Films of the WI The WI is the largest organisation Jun 2nd The work of the RNLI - competition; A holiday photograph for women in the UK and its new Jul 7th Hanbury Hall – competition; summer flowers image and popularity has developed over the last few years supported Aug 4th Ourselves plus a photo quiz by film, television and radio Sep 1st Garden Birds – competition; A bird in any medium programmes. Our WI welcomes Oct 6th Birthday Night – Miss Lamour women of all ages and from all walks Nov 3rd AGM – competition: Autumn Leaf collage of life to come together to find out about the world around them but no Dec 1st Christmas Party longer is the WI stuck in the past. More often than not the members monthly competitions, rambling, which will give you lots more are actively involved in developing a crafts, discussion groups, keep fit information. strong local community spirit and and outings so there is plenty to do See www.wi-wythall.183.net also that of the wider community if you want to and of course, our beyond. cakes are the best around!! Further information can also be found at Wythall Library, May Lane . National campaigns and projects All meetings take part on the first such as COOL (Country of Origin Thursday of every month at 7.30pm. New members are welcome to join Food Labelling) , Mums Matter ( a at Wythall Institute, Alcester Rd. so please contact our secretary joint campaign between the WI and Rosemary Beeston on 0121 430 7341 Oxfam calling for more action to Wythall WI has a great website improve maternal healthcare in poorer countries) and Mission Milk (The NFWI and the NFU are once Dates to remember again joining forces to ask what can be done to safeguard the future for Britain’s dairy farmers) are CARNIVAL BONFIRE NIGHT discussed at our meetings with members having an input into national decision making. Sunday 14th Saturday 5th Members can listen to invited August November speakers at the local meeting who talk on a range of really interesting 2011 2011 topics but also share and follow what is happening in our community. The WI is always up to something Make a note in your diary now! and now you can see what that something is by following them on Twitter and Facebook, for news and Drakes Cross WI Hollywood WI events. Meets at the Baptist Hall, Chapel Meets at Kingswood Meeting House, Wythall WI offers its members a Drive, on the 4th Wednesday Packhorse Lane on the first range of opportunities to get afternoon in each month from Wednesday evening in each month involved with activities such as 2:00pm to 4:00pm. from 8:15pm to 10:15pm Activities on Wythall Park

division, all four members receiving became very popular and in a badge to commemorate winning. September 1971 the club of Redhill This coming season we shall move up was formed. The name was taken a division so we shall be out from Redhill Rd; which was close to practicing on our Archery field in the campsite. Now the club had been April when the new outdoor season formed better shooting facilities starts again were required. So the Club moved to Wythall Park in October 1971. The On May Day, which is the 2nd, we club is now well settled into the Park shall be holding our Open American with many members helping out the tournament. If anyone is interested Community Association on a in archery please come along and voluntary basis. We are currently have a chat. We usually have over a The club have had an active summer, planning to build a Shooting Range 100 archers attending and the the dry weather meaning we have (in association with Wythall tournament lasts approximately been able to get outside on most Community Centre) close to Wythall three hours. In early May we shall shooting days with our older House. This will be used mainly as a also be holding our beginners members enjoying a little bit of training base. The building was courses, currently we can only hold relaxed shooting on Tuesday and granted planning consent in August our beginners courses in the Thursday afternoons. In September 2010. When the project is up and outdoor season, so if you are we hosted the and running it will be available on certain interested then please contact us County of Worcester Junior days to other clubs on the park and to register your interest. We can Championships and a County match to members of the public. give you details of the course and against Leicestershire. At the end when we shall be starting. Remember if you’re interested in of September we held our Club archery and see us on the field then Championships which was celebrated This year Redhill Archers are come and have a chat. at our Club Dinner in October when celebrating their 40th anniversary. the trophies were presented. Betsy It was back in 1970 that a group of Brian Brittle Johnson was our Ladies Champion guides at Goodrest County Campsite phone: 0121 474 3624 and Steven Johnson the Gents. started archery sessions. This e-mail: [email protected] Other trophies went to Sheila Harris Ladies Compound Champion; Pete Morgan Gents Compound Champion; Nigel Woodhead Gents Longbow Champion; Liz York Lady Barebow Champion and Chris Arkwright Novice Champion. Currently we are shooting indoors on Thursday evenings but once a month we do shoot outdoors in the country-wide Frostbite League. We usually shoot this on a Sunday morning in the winter.

Over the summer of 2010 our longbow archers entered the Selby Longbow League Ken Knowles, Mike Hughes, Nigel Woodward and Brian Brittle and managed to win their The Selby Four