Newsletter No. 76 - August 2011This 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.

EDITORIALCommittees

The details of the new Management and Club Committees elected for 2011/2012 may be found on our website under 'About Us' and 'Club'.

Dog Doings

It appears that there are still a few people who care little for others (and flaut the law) by refusing to clear up after their dogs. If you see any such incidents please pass any information on to the Association and hopefully this sort of behaviour can be stopped. Those who have such little regard for other users are not welcome on the Park.

Club Opening Hours

For a trial period during the summer the opening hours on a Sunday in the Community Club will be from 12 noon until 11pm. This will be reviewed at the end of September.

Dave Hodson

Editor07711 531 665editor@wythall-park.org.uk

Edited and produced by:Dave Hodson

Published by:Wythall Community Association(Registered Charity No 243332)

Distributed by:Wythall Community Association Volunteers

Copy for next issueWill all correspondents and contributors please supply copy for the next issue byMonday 9th January 2012at the latest.

Please send all copy, preferably electronically as plain text within an e-mail with photos/logos as attachments or on disk or CD to the Wythall Community Association at Wythall House.

The e-mail address is editor@wythall-park.org.uk

WYTHALL COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION - www.wythall-park.org.uk

Why not become a volunteer?If you feel you would like to help with the maintenance of Wythall Park or help with the organisation of major events such as the Carnival and Bonfire please contact the following: -

House & Park Committee (Maintains Park and Buildings)Paul Johnson 01564 823792

Bonfire Committee (Plans and organises the annual Bonfire)Mark Stinton 07863 227 076

Carnival Committee (Plans and organises the annual Carnival)Bob Green 01564 823666

BONFIRE NIGHTON THE PARK

Saturday 5thNovember

2011

Wythall German Shepherd Dog Club are holding a fun dog show again this year on the day of the Carnival.

You can bring along any dog you want. The only classes you can’t enter, if your dog doesn’t have a pedigree, are the breed classes.

There are 7 novelty classes which anyone can enter. It’s £1 each time & the money is split between Wythall Community Association & a rescue centre, decided by the dog club after the event - if you have any suggestions please mention them when booking in.

We have obedience classes which all start on lead & go up gradually getting a bit tougher.

We also have an obstacle course, which again is £1 a go. Lots of the dogs love having a go at this, so come along with lots of energy to run around with them! The top 6 get a rosette.

We have been running the show now since 2004. Last year we had 326 entrants & raised £180 for charity. The club itself does not make any money, it’s all donated. If you get in the top 6 you get a rosette & a bag of treats, hopefully donated by James Wellbeloved again this year, which means we can donate the equivalent cost to the rescue centre.

It’s a fun day for handlers & dogs. if you have never had a go at anything like this before please come along and have a look. Your pooch may surprise you if you win a rosette to take pride of place on their collar, although most of the dogs are usually more interested in the treats!

Events on the DayHave a go Judge: Julia Marsden

Guideline for entrants: For those still eligible to work pre-beginners.

Heelwork and a recall all on lead

½ minute sit stay & 1 minute down stay on lead.

Getting there Judge: John ColleyGuideline for entrants: For those still eligible to work pre-beginners.

Heelwork on lead and heel free

Recall off lead

1 minute sit stay & 2 minute down stay

Dogs Wotsits Judge: Lisa DoodyHeelwork on lead and heel free

Recall with a finish

Retrieve dumbbell

1 minute sit stay & 2 minute down stay

Top Notch Judge: June ClaytonHeelwork on lead and heel free with change of pace

Send away

Retrieve dumbbell with finish

1 minute sit stay & 2 minute down stay

Novelty Classes Judge: Lisa BassettPrettiest Bitch

Handsomest Dog

Junior Handler

Best Veteran (over 7)

Cutest Puppy (6 to 12 months)

Waggiest tail/Happiest dog

Best Rescue

Breed Classes Judge: Lisa BassettPuppy – 6 to 12 months

1 to 2 years

2 to 6 years

7 and over

Best in show

Rosettes to 6th place in all classes and a medal/plaque for 1st place for the best in show in the novelty & breed classes.

If you want a schedule or need any more information please contact us on info@gsdtraining.com

WYTHALL CARNIVAL - FUN DOG SHOWSunday 14th August 2011

Activities on Wythall Park

We can now be seen out on the Park on most Tuesdays and Thursdays from about 3pm till late. The weather this year is being very kind to us! Currently we have just completed our beginners course, but if you are interested in archery we shall be holding our Have-a-Go stall at the Carnival in August. Come along and shoot a few arrows - you never know - you could find it’s a lot of fun!

We are currently into our fortieth year. Sadly, however, we lost two of our longstanding members - Barry Nash who passed away in April and Mike Hughes in May.

It is a great loss to the club and Wythall Community Association. Both members will be greatly missed.

Our May Bank holiday tournament held on the Park was once again a great success with some 90 archers from around the region attending. It was quite a difficult day for shooting, although being nice and sunny the winds played havoc with the archer’s arrows. Roy Nash, representing Bowmen of Bruntwood, was first Gentleman Recurve Archer. Karen Atkins from Bowflights was top Lady Recurve Archer. Our next open shoot will be in September, when we host the West Midlands and Worcestershire Junior Championships.

If you are interested in archery, then please have a chat with one of our archers who can usually be seen shooting on Tuesdays or Thurdays on the Archery field at Wythall Park. New members are always welcome.

Brian Brittle

0121 474 3624brianwbrittle@talktalk.net

Activities on Wythall Park

Barry Nash joined the club in 1983 as a social member but then changed to shooting membership. Over the years He supported his son Roy at various archery tournaments. Roy made the British Team. Barry did a lot of work on behalf of the club, serving on the committee, decorating and refurbishing our archery hut, and was awarded life social membership in 2009. Over the last few years he had become involved in helping out around Wythall Park and was a very active member of Wythall Countryside Carers.

Mike Hughes was a member of Lucas Bowmen, joining Redhill Archers in 1980. He was an active club member, serving as club coach also being involved on the club committee until recent years helping out with the Treasurer's position for a number of years. He was a real charactor and well known by all our club members. He was always willing with advice and help for newer archers, especially with the longbow. Many Wythall members will know him after he started a T'ai Chi class on Monday afternoons in Park Hall.

WYTHALL SKITTLES LEAGUEWythall Skittles League has been running for almost 30 years in the Britannia Room at Wythall House and is enjoyed by 12 teams of 10 players from September to May each year.

Many players have been playing from the start, but there are club members joining in most of the time and this year we have welcomed a number of teenagers. There is no age limit as long as you are over 12.

We are always looking for new players and are a happy mixed bunch, seeking fun and a great night out. From the beginning of June to the end of August we play every Thursday from 9pm and everyone is welcome, so come along and have a go!

Every year we have in house competitions and the 2011 Champions are: -

LEAGUE WINNERS: ‘A’ TEAMRunners Up: FACES

SHADOW LEAGUE WINNERS: VIRGINIANS

KINGPIN WINNERS: ‘A’ TEAMRunners Up: ARUNDEL

JUBILEE CUP WINNERS: HOLLIESRunners Up: RACKETEERS

HIGHEST SCORE LADIES: ENA, LADYBIRDS

HIGHEST SCORE MENS: MATT, ARUNDEL

HIGHEST SCORE TEAM: 383 – TEAM HUSSEY and ‘A’ TEAM

SINGLES WINNER: JAMIE, RACKETEERSRunner Up: MOSS, ARUNDEL

DOUBLES WINNER: MALCOLM and SCOTT, CRICKETSRunners Up: MATT and DAVE, ‘A’ TEAM

We are now looking forward to another very successful season.

Pat Daley, Hollies.

Activities on Wythall Park

CROQUET IN THE PARK.

Following our notes in the last edition of our Newsletter, I have to report some useful, though faltering success.

The worst news is – we have lost two of our active and enthusiastic members through recent, sudden and unexpected deaths. First we suffered the loss of Barry Nash, who was our most keen grass-carer looking after our lawn and showing through as one of our more-skilled croqueters. Then we lost Mike Hughes, who was bursting with enthusiasm to perform and outshine some of us. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to their widows June and Gay.

So, we must plod on regardless and have enjoyed welcoming quite a few budding players who have thoroughly enjoyed themselves, often making up their own rules to suit their personal circumstances at the time.

As yet, we are only having play sessions on Monday and Tuesday afternoons from about 3-30 when the weather is clement enough – we’re not as keen as other sports enthusiasts, who brave all elements to compete.

However, if you (or a group of you) would like to try your hand, please ring me on (01564) 823554 and I will set up the equipment on the front lawn and we will give you any guidance you wish. (This is because the equipment is as yet personal and needs safe storage, which we haven’t so far organised. We hope soon to run sessions at other times of the week, but that depends on demand. All we expect for this season is that you eventually join the Community Association as a minimum (not necessarily the Community Club) at £5 per year. Since we have not

bought any equipment for now and our ground-carers are totally voluntary, we are not demanding membership fees for this initial season.

With regard to the game itself, we are guiding our newcomers into learning Golf Croquet for now – it is so much simpler than Association Croquet and more sociable within groups of players. Then, as we gain skills, we will show everyone how to play the livelier game.

To that end, we have established

contact with members of Edgbaston Croquet Club, which has been running for 100 years – though we didn’t come across many Founder-Members. They are so willing to help us get off the ground and a continuing friendly relationship is forecast, though they have still not seen our pint-sized undulating lawn, warts and all.

So, come on, swell our numbers and help to put us on a proper footing and buy our own facilities.

Norman Howarth MBE

SILVER JUBILEE YEAR FOR BOWLING CLUB

This year is the 25th anniversary of the formation of Wythall Bowling Club, and in celebration of this milestone, on 30th July about 40 bowlers are going on a day trip to Bournemouth to compete for our Jubilee Shield. This was originally given to the club by the Community Association in 1991 to mark their own Silver Jubilee.

Once again we have enjoyed perfect bowling weather in April and May. No excuses then for the poor start made by some of our league teams. Never mind, there is still plenty of time for them to show their powers of recovery.

The Sunday morning ‘A’ team, newly promoted to division one of the Northfield & District league, are struggling in the higher grade and are currently in a relegation position, despite Roger Hill winning 4 matches so far. The ‘B’ team currently sit 3rd in division 5 with John Barlow and Wendy Dolphin the leading scorers.

On Tuesday mornings the over 60’s ‘A’ team are mid-table in div 1, having won their home matches but lost the away games. Jeff Rynne’s ‘B’ team, after promotion to div 4, are surviving with Arthur Osborne setting the pace, and new recruit David Watts showing great promise.

Pat Bishop leads the averages for the Tuesday evening ladies ‘A’ team who are 4th in div 2 of the SBL league, whilst the ‘B’ team are in a lowly position in div 3, but with several games in hand.

The Wednesday ‘A’ team have had a disastrous start to the campaign, losing their first 5 matches despite good individual performances by

Captain Harvey Lee, Phil Richardson and Roger Hill. Having played all the big guns, let’s hope the recovery starts here. A recovery is also required by the ‘B’ team who have lost 2 home games, although Pat Bishop and Jean Parkes are in fine form.

On Thursday evenings the ‘A’ team find themselves in 4th position in division one with Rod Monington and John Upton making valuable contributions, whilst the ‘B’ team are just above a relegation position in div 4.

Dave Edwards’ Friday morning over 60’s ‘A’ team are mid-table in div one with games in hand. Bob Weafer and John Upton are leading the averages. Meanwhile Captain John Barlow is setting a good example for the ‘B’ team, enabling them to hover above the relegation positions in div 4.

On Saturdays, the newly promoted W & W Premier team are mid-table in div 3 with a recent away win

making up for an earlier home defeat. Capt. Phil Richardson and Clive Dolphin are leading the averages. Also on Saturdays the Business Houses team are 3rd in div 1 with Elaine Holmes, George Lindsay and Jean Parkes putting in impressive performances.

On the domestic scene the Club Shield was won by Trudy Knight and Carol Bettam.

Whilst the club has a healthy number of members, we urgently need younger people to take up the game. If you are young or middle-aged, start playing now. Don’t leave it until you are too old to play other sports. The younger you start, the better player you will become. Contact Beth or Phil Richardson on 01564 822760, call in at the bowls pavilion, or come to our stall at Wythall Carnival.

Phil Richardson

Secretary

WYTHALL C.A. BOWLING CLUB

Activities on Wythall Park

News from Wythall Residents AssociationThank you to everyone who voted for WRA candidates in the recent District and Parish Council elections. We enjoyed mixed fortunes but were delighted that Sue Baxter topped the poll in Drakes Cross & Walkers Heath ward and succeeded in her ambition to represent the area where she lives! We continue to hold the majority of seats on the Parish Council and congratulate Helen Cleaver on her appointment as Chairman of Wythall Parish Council. We promised we would put “people before politics” and that will continue to be our guiding principle.

The Association has been busy over recent months offering practical help and advice to local residents with neighbourhood problems including road traffic hazards and planning applications for new homes at Selsdon Close and Norton Lane. Please remember to contact us if

you have any local concerns – we can usually help out or else we know the right people to contact!

Later this year (in September), the digital switchover of the terrestrial television service will take place. This means if you receive your TV programmes via an aerial you will need to have either a digital receiver or buy a Freeview box to convert your older TV to receive the signal. If you presently get a good signal from your rooftop aerial it is likely that it will be perfectly adequate to receive the Freeview signal. Please be cautious if an “expert” says you will need a new “digital aerial”. Eligible elderly people can obtain low cost or free help to convert their televisions. Don’t allow our vulnerable residents to be ripped off by unscrupulous traders.

Your WRA Councillors can be contacted as follows:

District Councillor Sue Baxter (Drakes Cross & Walkers Heath) – 01564 824920

District Councillor Les Turner (Hollywood & Majors Green) – 0121 430 8478

County Councillor Stephen Peters (Wythall Division) – 01564 824927

Your WRA Parish Councillors are also able to respond to your enquiries via our Secretary, Tony Pappin at 16, Littleshaw Lane, Wythall B47 6EU Tel 01564 822326. Tony can also provide details of WRA membership which costs just £5 for 3 years for each household.

Michael Cheal

Chairman - WRA

Wythall ConservativesFollowing the District Elections in May, there are three new Conservative representatives at Bromsgrove, Jonathan Boulter (Wythall South), Roy Clarke (Drakes Cross & Walkers Heath) and Mark Bullivant (Hollywood & Majors Green). They will all be involved in many activities, but their principal interests will be :

Jonathan – Licensing Committee and the publication of “Together Bromsgrove”

Roy – Planning Committee, Local Development Framework and services for the Young, the Elderly and the Vulnerable .

Mark – the wide-ranging Portfolio for Legal, Equalities & Democratic Services, the Customer Service Centre and the Corporate Plan.

Our re-elected Parish Councillors are Roy Clarke, Geoff Denaro, Jill Dyer, Sue Stewart and Betty Webb and there are two welcome additions to the team - Mark Bullivant and Robert Lawley. Jill is the Vice-Chairman of the Parish Council for the coming year and Geoff the Chairman of the Finance, Policies & Resources Committee. A heartfelt “thank you” goes to Brian Holmes for his energetic and enthusiastic contribution over the past 4 years.

Further involvement in Local Government is with June Griffiths, County Councillor for Alvechurch & Wythall South and Pat Harrison, the Parish Council’s Executive Officer, who is now a District Councillor for Alvechurch. June is also serving another period as Chairman of Bromsgrove District Council.

On the social scene, Wythall Conservatives will, as usual, be manning a stall at the Carnival in August and are hosting a Supper & Jazz Evening at the White Swan and the British Legion H.Q. on September 9th. Details and ticket information from Brian Holmes 0121-733-7322.

Any further information can be obtained from Branch Chairman Geoff Denaro 01564 829050, geoff.denaro@hotmail.co.uk or Branch Secretary Jill Dyer 01564 826640, jdyer31@hotmail.co.uk.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORTFirstly, a thank you to my fellow Councillors for electing me as Chairman for the next twelve months, to May 2012.

I would also like to thank the outgoing Chairman, Councillor Sue Baxter, who has very ably chaired the council for the last 2 years, helped by Pat Harrison, our Executive Officer, and Kerie Harris, her assistant.

Following the elections in May this year, many of our previous Parish Councillors have been re-elected, but we also have some new faces. If you would like to know which councillors represent your area, please either telephone the Parish Council on 01564 823149, Monday to Friday, 10am to 2pm, or visit our website.

The website also has a wealth of general information about services, organisations and activities in the Wythall area.

There are fifteen elected members of the Parish Council, and as well as regular committee meetings there is a monthly council meeting held at Wythall Village Hall, on the third Thursday of the month, (excluding August and December). The meetings begin at 7.30pm, and I would like to encourage our residents to come along and see what we do. There is also a fifteen minute slot prior to the start of the meeting, when residents can tell us of any local concerns that they have. In recent months, planning applications and bus services have been the main issues and causes of concern.

We are continuing to produce a newsletter twice a year, which has contributions from a variety of groups and organisations, and which gives information about the services provided by the Parish Council. To keep costs down a proportion of the newsletter contains adverts and the feedback we are receiving from advertisers is that this is a successful and cost-effective way of promoting their products and services.

The Parish Council is again supporting Wythall Carnival, on the afternoon of Sunday 14 August, so that all residents can attend, with no admission fee. There will be arena events, classic cars and a host of stalls raising money to support local organisations, so please do come along and enjoy yourselves.

Helen Cleaver

Chairman

WYTHALL PARISH COUNCIL

FINANCE COMMITTEE

The Parish Council have set a precept of just under £20 for a Band D rating for this current year which raises £95k across the Parish. Over a considerable number of years we have been replacing the majority of our old concrete and wooden pole Footway lights with modern steel columns with energy saving bulbs, which should reduce their energy costs over time. We have about £50k of work left to complete this project which will then drop out of our annual expenditure, but we will own in excess of 400 refurbished lights which should survive for many

years to come apart from the odd one or two being targets for drivers but we do chase them through their insurance for replacement costs.

In the current financial circumstances of local Government some problems are due to appear unexpectedly and we are already aware of plans by the County Council to reduce their budgets for Youth Services which may impact on our successful Youth Club. Residents can be assured that working with both Woodrush School and The District Council we will ensure that financial

solutions are found if necessary. Our Cemetery continues to be successful and attracts non-residents who pay substantial fees which provide an annual income of about £50k. This should enable us to build up a Specific Reserve to find more land for use rather quicker than we were anticipating. With expenditure reducing and income increasing we will certainly look at reducing the Precept for subsequent years if able.

Geoff Denaro

Chairman

Following the recent Parish Council elections we now have a newly constituted Planning Committee. Ron Hall decided he would stand down after 12 years as Chairman, but he remains on the committee to guide me as its new Chairman, and I am supported by Cllr Mrs Susan Stewart as Vice-Chairman.

The committee continues to respond as consultee to planning applications within the parish. Our monthly meetings are open to the public and recently we have had a good attendance resulting from the controversial application to build 76

It must be stressed that the Parish Council is not the decision-making authority and if you have any objections or concerns you should direct them to your District Councillors, three of whom sit on the district Planning Committee.

I am always pleased to hear from residents on any planning matters that concern them and you may contact me at home on 01564 824927 or via the Parish Office.

Cllr Stephen Peters

Chairman

homes on land at Selsdon Close. This was unanimously refused by Bromsgrove District Council on the grounds of inadequate infrastructure and unsafe roads incapable of absorbing the traffic from the development. The applicant (Taylor Wimpey) decided to lodge an Appeal and the date for a Public Inquiry has been announced. In the meantime, they have re-submitted their planning application – maybe in the hope that the new Planning Committee at Bromsgrove would overturn the decision of the previous committee.

WYTHALL PARISH COUNCIL

Our allotments are still very popular, to the extent that there is a waiting list, and the Management Committee continues to do an excellent job, on behalf of the Parish Council. The roof on the shop was in a poor state and we have contributed towards a replacement roof. Once again the Portaloo was installed in April and will remain in place until October.

The Parish Lengthsman Scheme continues to prove very successful and ditches have been cleared, signs cleaned and hedges trimmed back, encroachment of verges on to footways reversed, to mention just a few of the jobs done under the scheme. If there is anything you would like the lengthsman to attend to please contact the Parish Office and we will let you know whether it is something he can do.

We are again staging the annual Best Kept Frontage competition, and by the time you read this article, the judging will have taken place. Prizes

will be presented at the Carnival as usual

The appearance of the Cemetery attracts many favourable comments, and our contractor continues to work hard to maintain it to a high standard. We have installed an additional two rows of paving for burial plots, using a slightly different style, which we hope will make it easier to maintain.

At long last we have reached the final stages of our programme to replace the footway lighting, with just the pole mounted lights to be done, and we expect that this will be completed this year.

Cllr Sue Baxter

Chairman

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE

PLANNING COMMITTEE

Wythall Parish CouncilBeaudesert RoadHollywood

B47 5DP

Tel: 01564 823149Fax: 01564 826294Email: wythallpc@tiscali.co.ukWeb: www.wythallpc.org

Office Hours: Mon - Fri, 10am - 2pm

In May we held our annual junior tournaments. The 8U saw two close semi finals where Sam Pearce beat Harley Hobbs-Jones and George Hunt defeated Mia Enright. In the final Sam Pearce beat George Hunt 10-8. There were excellent performances from Thalia Otter, Mathew Finnegan, Hannah Beirne, Boo Vale, Cassie Marsh and Louie Dolphin.

Hornsby who defeated Matthew (net cord) Wilkes and Kevin Turner in a 3 set match.

Our 8U juniors competed in the North Warwickshire winter league finishing runners up. The squad was Harley Hobbs-Jones, Sam Pearce, Ruby Lee, Hannah Beirne and Mia Enright.

While at the carnival come and visit us as we are holding our annual open day that afternoon. For juniors there will be coaching and games while adults can enjoy a hit with club members and coaches. Rackets are available to borrow and you can have a go on our ball machine.

In the Stratford winter league our men’s winter ‘B’ team was promoted from division 7. The squad was Ian Turner, Mark Turner, Roger Hill, Kevin Turner, and Philip Todd.

In April our winter doubles finals were held. The ladies final was between Helen Hill and Larissa Hobbs-Jones and Grace Turner partnering Lynn Todd. Although Helen and Larissa won in two sets both were close and could have gone either way. For Helen this was another title for her collection which covers many years at the club. The majority of members feel that like a good wine, Helen continues to improve with age. The men’s final was won by Mark Turner and Jeff

WYTHALL TENNIS CLUB

Activities on Wythall Park

T’ai Chi is a gentle form of exercise for health and relaxation. Gentle flowing movements are combined with deep breathing exercises to cultivate the inner energy of the body or chi. These help you to develop greater flexibility and suppleness. T’ai Chi originates in China and follows Taoist philosophy. There are mental and spiritual benefits to the art, particularly as

an aid to relaxation and helping you to stay focused. T’ai Chi cultivates an awareness of oneself and the natural environment, creating balance and harmony with the world around us. The Lee Style of T’ai Chi was brought to the West by Chan Lee in the 1930’s and has been passed by him to Chee Soo who founded the Taoist Cultural Arts Association. For more information on T’ai Chi and the Lee Style see www.seahorsearts.co.uk . The Taoist Cultural Arts Association was founded to preserve the essence of the Lee Style. It is a non-profit making company limited by guarantee. Students are encouraged

to become members of the Association which enables them to attend further training courses in the Midlands and Cornwall.

Jane Arthur has been studying Lee Style T’ai Chi for 8 years and is now teaching the class at Wythall following the sad death of Mike Hughes in May this year. Mike was an inspiring teacher and colleague who started the class at Wythall in 2009 which Jane also attended.

If you are interested in attending the class please contact Jane on 0121 233 0906 or jane.l.arthur@btinternet.com.

Lee Style T’ai Chi at Park HallClasses are every Monday afternoon from 2-3.30.

WYTHALL TENNIS CLUB (cont.)Ruby Lee won the 9U event beating Teddy Hobbs- Jones in the final. There were encouraging performances from Isabelle Marsh and Caden Otter.

The 10U event had so many entrants 3 tournaments were run. The main final saw Cameron Garland beat Alex Booker. Group B was won by Liam Harris against Sam Humpherson and in Group C Christopher Van Engels won against Joseph Simpson. There were encouraging performances from Shaun Jenkins, Ryan Dougan, Chris Mcleod, and Alex Clifton.

In our 14U "Road to Wimbledon", again the boy’s event was split into 3 tournaments. The main final saw Nathan Snow beat Alex Weatherup. Group B final was won by Felix Deuchar against Oliver Howarth and in Group C Sam Horton defeated Harry Jones. During the afternoon there were excellent performances from Tom Ford, Harry Beirne, Ben Hobson, Harrison Dean, and Oliver Buckley.

In the girl’s tournament Ellie Vale took the title in a close final against Emily Harris. Another young lady who deserves a mention is Elizabeth Weatherup who played well and continues to improve.

Junior tournaments are only possible if volunteers such as Roger Hill, Philip Todd, Andrew Wigley and Malcolm Fletcher give their time. On the subject of volunteers we are fortunate that parents of juniors assist with general maintenance and repairs around the club. Graham Vale repaired and replaced doors, Noel Beirne laid slabs, Richard Harris arranged for tennis frames to be welded and Alan Boffey arranged to have club and court keys cut for us. So thanks guys we do appreciate all you do for the club.

Activities on Wythall Park

The LTA now print league tables based on junior activity and competition within clubs. Currently we are 5th in H&W overall and 2nd for clubs with 3 to 5 courts. Considering there are over 50 clubs we are pleased with our performance to date but we cannot be complacent.

As acknowledgment of our achievements LTA invited 30 of our juniors and their families to visit the Aegon Ladies Classic tournament in Edgbaston. In addition to the visit the juniors enjoyed a 45 minute session in the Highland Spring Kids Zone which they all thought was cool. The children were a credit to the club throughout the visit. Parents were welcome and I was surprised how many dads stood admiring the ladies volleys and drop shots, well that was their story before they received a slap from their wives and moved on.

To celebrate the visit club polo shirts were designed and procured by Larissa Hobbs-Jones. So on behalf of all the families thank you Larissa for all your work. As you can see from the photo everyone looks very smart.

One Wythall junior made it to centre court though. Ryan Dougan was chosen to be a ball boy for the tournament. Well done Ryan.

The club continues to coach in curriculum time at the Coppice and our after school courses remain popular. From our attendance forms 97 juniors from the three local schools have played at the club through 2011 to date. This included non members who attended pay and play and junior night coaching. The committee remains committed to make tennis available to as many children as possible within the community at a reasonable price.

Saturday community “pay and play” sessions remain popular (10am-11am for juniors and 11am-12.30pm for junior improvers and adults). These Saturday mornings are ideal for both children and adults who can either take up or return to the sport without committing to course fees. The added bonus is that rackets are available to borrow free of charge for all ages.

As so many adults are taking up the game our club coach Les Swaby now runs two group sessions a week concentrating on doubles match play and tactics.

Both Les and Stuart Seery our Development coach are available for one to one sessions for club members or visitors. You can contact Les on 07979 965 821 and Stuart on 07850 381 456.

Adults looking for more information can visit the club on either Tuesday or Friday evening or alternatively a Sunday afternoon. Membership fees include free tennis balls and the use of floodlights. For anyone who cannot commit to competitive tennis off-peak membership remains popular, plus we have a very popular family membership scheme.

The committee believes our membership options cater for all so come and ask a few questions. Potential members can also guest on a couple of club nights before joining.

So, come and have a go!

Anyone interested to know more about the club contact me on 01564 200282 or visit our website which is www.wythalltennisclub.co.uk.

Kevin Turner

Last season ended with an enjoyable meal at the Resevoir on the 11th May and the AGM and presentation of awards on the 18th May.

David Keel won all three merit leagues, colour print, mono print and projected image, the W.C.A mono print shield and the panel of prints shield. John Lacey won the annual mono print cup and the annual projected image cup. Geraldine Kent won the portrait cup and the W.C.A colour print shield. Mike Appleby won the annual theme cup and Keith Bagnall won the annual colour print shield.

Over the year we won the mix & match inter club competition but only came second in the six societies and the North Warwickshire Plaque. The inter club competitions are always enjoyable and give us a chance to meet friends from other clubs and see their images.

The programme for next year is again varied, with lectures, members evenings, inter clubs and competitions and should include something for everyone to enjoy.

Visitors and new members are welcome at meetings on Wednesday evenings at 8pm in the darts room, Wythall Community Club, Silver Street, Wythall. Further details can be found on the website wythall-ps.co.uk or contact secretary@wythall-ps.co.uk.

Geraldine Kent

Press Secretary

PROGRAMME 2011 / 2012

2011Sep 7 Lecture by John Gould

Sep 14 Lecture by Malcolm Cook

Sep 21 Members evening – members critique

Sep 28 First print competition – Judge – John Haines

Oct 5 Lecture by Irene Mathews

Oct 12 Lecture by Eric and Dave Deeming

Oct 19 First projected image competition – Judge – Sue McGarrigal

Oct 26 Members evening – members choice show

Nov 2 Lecture by Kim and Dave Bowen

Nov 9 Second print competition – Judge – Graham Vernon

Nov 16 Members evening – panel prints and projected panels from Great Barr exhibition

Nov 23 Second projected image competition – Judge – Alan Lawrence

Nov 30 Alan Griffin theme competition – countryside and leisure

Dec 7 Members evening – mix & match

Dec 14 Christmas buffet and Unmounted enprint competition – Judged by members

2012Jan 4 Members evening – camera night

Jan 11 Presidents theme competition – chimneys and ornamental gates – Judge – John Lacey

Jan 18 Lecture by Jon Baker –‘ To taste the wind’

Jan 25 W.C.A. print competition – Judge – Alan Griffin

Feb 1 Lecture by J.M. Holt

Feb 8 Third print competition – Judge – John Bissell

Feb 15 D-AV-E 2 - AV by our own Dave Harborne

Feb 22 Members evening – to be decided

Feb 29 Third projected image competition – Judge – Malcolm Cook

Mar 7 Mix & Match away at Northfield

Mar 14 Lecture by Harry Hunt

Mar 21 Members evening – seasonal photos of Wythall & Hollywood

Mar 28 Annual theme competition – Judge – Ian Hodgkiss

Apr 4 Lecture by Graham Walton

Apr 11 Annual portrait and panels competition – Judge – Graham Walton

Apr 18 Members evening – to be decided

Apr 25 Annual print competition – Judge – Dr Anne Sutcliffe

May 2 Annual print competition – Judge – Tony Winfield

May 9 Annual dinner

May 16 A.G.M

WYTHALL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Activities on Wythall Park

Activities on Wythall Park

WYTHALL GROUP

50TH BIRTHDAYThis year is the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Amnesty International. In 1961 Peter Berenson, a British lawyer, was outraged that two Portuguese students had been imprisoned for raising a toast to freedom. He wrote an article for The Observer newspaper (The Forgotten Prisoners) which launched “Appeal for Amnesty 1961”. This was

reprinted in newspapers around the world and provoked a remarkable response.

On 10th December 1961 the first Amnesty candle – now the iconic symbol of the organisation – was lit in St-Martin-in-the-Fields in London. In 1976, the first Secret Policeman’s Ball was held, raising the profile and the funding of the organisation. In 1977 Amnesty was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. There are now over 3 million members in 150 countries.

Although methods have changed over the years, the work for prisoners of conscience and human rights has continued. For instance May 28th this year, the actual birthday, coincided with the release of an Azerbaijani journalist, Enyulla Fahillayer, on whose behalf Amnesty has been campaigning for several years.

AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL

At our May meeting we watched “Zarganar – This Prison Where I Live” which is a documentary about the character and trials of Zarganar, a Burmese comedian, currently serving a 35 year sentence for speaking out against the military junta. The countries in the spotlight may change but the need does not.

Our local group meets on the second Thursday of every month at 7.30 p.m. at Wythall Community Association in Silver Street. We will also have a stall at the Carnival as usual. If you would like to join us or would like more information, please contact Jane Weatherup on 01564 823654.

Barbara Grayson

Our event this year will be on Saturday 5th November

We are planning our usual 2 displays at 7.30 and 8.30pm, with the bonfire lit at 6.30.

Admission will be, as last year, £5 for everyone age 11yrs and over. Tickets will be on sale at the Carnival or from Wythall House in advance £4.00 each.

On recommendation from the Authorities we have, again, applied for a Road Closure Order, which will close Silver Street in front of the Park to allow visitors to arrive and leave safely.

The Closure will be effective between 5.30pm and 9.30pm.

If any local resident does have to drive through this area during this time please make sure you have a pass with you. We will deliver a pass

to each house within the Road Closure Area during the two weeks before the event, however if there are too many pedestrians about you will not be allowed access.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused and hope you all enjoy the fireworks.

Bonfire Night 2011

Hello again everyone, hope you are enjoying our beautifull weather! It's a good job we have nice places to go, like our club.

I am very pleased to say that we have quite a few new members, mainly due to our article in The Wythall Community Newsletter. Thank you.

We are still hoping for more ladies to join our pleasant club.

The club meets every third Wednesday in the month at 7.30pm.

The Royal British Legion15 Houndsfield LaneWythall(opposite the White Swan PH)

Patricia E Johnson

0121 448 4854

The Royal British Legion Wythall Women's Section

Our Programme for 2011 / 2012

2011

19 Oct AGM and Quiz

22 Oct Poppy Bazaar, 2:00pm in the main hall

11 Nov Service at the Memorial, 11:00am

13 Nov Rememberance Sunday

16 Nov Organist and an American Supper

2012

18 Jan Unwanted Christmas Gifts

15 Feb Ann Buxton (speaker)

21 Mar Skittles and Hot Cross Buns

18 Apr The Tenner Ladies (entertainment)

16 May Auction (always an enjoyable evening)

20 Jun Quiz

18 Jul Beetle Drive

St. Mary’s Church is the local Church of England church in Wythall and Hollywood. We meet in the Coppice Primary School on a Sunday morning. Rev Mike Godfrey left us just before Christmas to move to a new parish near Leeds, but our services have been able to continue as normal, thanks to considerable support from other churches in the diocese and much hard work by our lay reader and church wardens. We have now begun the process of seeking a new Vicar. This will take a number of months and we pray for the right person to join us in Wythall.

There is still plenty going on at St. Mary’s while we await our new Vicar! Our Children and Youth worker,

Dean Taylor, runs after school ‘JAM’ (Jesus And Me) clubs at the Coppice and Meadow Green Schools, two Sunday evening youth groups, football sessions and much more! Our Baby and Toddler group, Noah’s Ark, continues to flourish on a Friday morning at Woodrush Youth Centre, providing a place for preschool children and their carers to meet, play, chat and relax. We have an active ‘Elderly Care Group’ who run regular events for seniors. We have mid week prayer groups and home groups, a mission committee, social events, men’s groups and much more!

A recent highlight was our Joint Easter Service with Hollywood Christian Life Centre and Wythall

Baptist Church, which was held at Park Hall on Easter Sunday and was a lovely celebration of Easter. Looking ahead, we are planning a church weekend away, a seniors’ Holiday at Home, a strawberry tea and a fundraising cookery book! The latter will raise money for our Lent–to-Harvest project supporting flood relief in Uganda.

If you would like to find out more, you are welcome to join us for one of our services on a Sunday in the Coppice Primary School Hall – 9 am is our traditional communion service, and at 10:30 we have a more modern service with Sunday School groups. Do come and speak to us at Wythall Carnival, we will be joining with Hollywood Christian Life Centre in their refreshments tent. Alternatively we can be contacted on 0121 430 2775 (answering machine) or for information about children and youth contact Dean Taylor on 07958 447514.

Wythall LibraryIs the library closing?

This is a question we get asked daily and has not been helped with recent reports in the local newspapers. At present we are NOT CLOSING.

However, Worcestershire County Council does have to make substantial cuts to some of its services and this will affect the library service. All Worcestershire Libraries will be reviewed and the way that services are delivered will change. The Council is not looking to close libraries but it cannot be ruled out. This is a three-year programme and will involve public consultation. The staff at the library will keep you informed of this process.

Adult Education for September 2011

Below are details of courses/clubs running at the Library starting in September. If you are interested in any of these please contact the library to put your name on the list and we do require a deposit of £10.

Leisure courses:

Monday 3.00-5.00pm Spanish for Beginners £85 per term

Tuesday 2.15-4.30pm Drawing and Painting (cost to be confirmed)

Tuesday 9.45-12.30pm Festive Crafts (6 week course starting November) £70

Computer courses:

Monday 9.30-11.30am Digital photography with imaging manipulation £85

We will also run ad hoc short computer courses on email and internet, e-safety, family history, creating publications and creating web pages. Please check our website or contact the library to check when these courses will run.

GO Online – These FREE sessions are aimed at people who have never used a computer before. A member of library staff will sit with you and give you an introduction to the keyboard and mouse, using email, internet and safety on the web. People usually need 4 or 5 one-hour sessions over a number of weeks.

Summer Reading Challenge

This year's theme is Circus Stars. The scheme starts July 2nd through to the end of September, so there is plenty of time to read the six books. But please be quick, as places on the scheme soon get taken. We will have a number of activities to keep the children entertained during the summer holidays, so please check on the website or in the library. We are also hoping to run an Adult reading challenge throughout the summer too, so look out for details.

Please remember to use your local library - every visit and every item taken out and every minute on the computer terminals counts towards showing how well used your local library is.

Patsy Folan

Library Manager

www.worcestershire.gov.uk/libraries

Wythall History SocietyThe History Society photographic exhibition will be held in Wythall Library for one month staring 7th October 2011. The theme of the exhibition is "The effect of two world wars on Wythall".

There will be displays of photographs together with written text spanning the years from 1900 to 1970. There will be reminiscences from former evacuees who spent time in Wythall and with whom we are still in contact. There is also information on acquisition of land for the RAF Station together with details and photographs.

Betty Sadler

(01527) 585307 www.wythallhistory.co.uk

Wythall Beer Festival 2011

Autumn - Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness and time for the Wythall Beer Festival.

Yes, I know the summer has only just begun but it's always nice to have something to look forward to later in the year. The Wythall Community Club will be holding their 2nd Beer Festival on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th October, so add those dates to your diary before you pop out to enjoy the warm summer rain!

This years Beer Festival will be offering:· 20 Real Ales & Ciders (including locally produced products)· Food· Cheese & Wine (Saturday afternoon)· Musical entertainment· The chance to meet and chat to award winning brewer Dave Smith from

the Weatheroak Brewery, Studley.

The Beer Festival will be held in the Club's Britannia room and is organised and run by members of Wythall Community Club, who are unpaid volunteers. Entry fee to be confirmed.

Beer Festival Opening timesFriday 14th October 6.30pm - 11.30pmSaturday 15th October 12 noon - 11.30pm

The Club has built a reputation for offering fine cask ales including regulars Weatheroak (locally produced at the Royal Victoria Works Brewery, Studley) and London Pride, plus two changing guest beers, so holding a Beer Festival was a natural progression and last year the Wythall Community Club held what we believe to have been the first ever Real Ale Festival in the village of Wythall. The event was well attended by many locals along with real ale fans from further afield, some visitors came from as far away as Devon. We were also pleased to see a good number of Campaign For Real Ale members attending, particularly from the local CAMRA Redditch & Bromsgrove branch. And at least one celebrity was seen enjoying some of the fine handcrafted ales on offer.

Thanks to the efforts of staff, volunteers and all the folk who came along to enjoy the event Wythall's 1st ever Beer Festival proved to be a great success; we aim to make the 2011 festival even better.

For further information and the latest updates, please log onto the dedicated website:

http://www.wythallbeerfestival.co.uk

or phone the Wythall Community Club General Manager Alan Griffin on 01564 823281

We would also be pleased to hear from local businesses who may be interested in sponsoring this years event.

Mike Village

(Wythall Community Club Beer Festival Committee)

Car Show at Wythall Carnival

Sunday 14th August 2011

We are holding a Vintage, Pre-war and Classic Car Show at Wythall Carnival again this year and you are warmly invited to attend.

The Car Show will be situated at Wythall Community Centre, Silver Street, Wythall, B47 6LZ.

Cars should arrive between 9.30 and 12.30. It is requested that cars remain until the Carnival closes at 5.00 p.m. for public safety reasons. There will be refreshments available, plus all the usual activities.

This year, there will be no entry charge for the event. However, we would like to raise some money for the volunteer ground staff of Wythall Park who help greatly before and after the event. This will enable them to maintain the equipment essential to keep the Park in good condition. Therefore, if you wish to do so, could you bring an item suitable for either a raffle or Autojumble.

Please advise if you are attending by contacting Alastair Bowie on:-

Email on bowiejill@msn.com

Text 07966 066 674

Or by Post 54 Shawhurst Lane, Hollywood, Worcestershire B47 5JN

To keep costs down we will not acknowledge postal entries unless requested to do so. We will acknowledge Email and Text entries.

Looking forward to seeing you on the day

Activities on Wythall Park