Hall Green District Good News Stories
Baroness Helen Newlove's Valentines Day Visit to Moseley
Baroness Helen Newlove, the new Governent Victims Champion paid a special visit to Moseley on 14 February 2013. Despite feeling unwell, she was able to make the trip and discover how Birmingham has been tackling local alcohol abuse concerns.
She seemed to love what she saw and experienced. In 2012, Moseley became one of only 10 areas in the UK to sucessfully bid for funding of £90,000 over two years to set up a new Moseley Alcohol Partnership. The impact has been that local problems have reduced significantly according to crime statistics. After only six months, a recent perception survey also revealed 69% of people think problems have improved compared to a year ago. A great start.
Baroness Newlove also enjoyed "One Too Many", a special interactive drama performed by Loudmouth Theatre about the dangers of alcohol abuse. This was an educational project commissioned by Moseley Alcohol Partnership.
Delegates then heard more about how Hall Green District Office has been making a big difference to Moseley issues, talking with representatives from Safer Communities Team, SIFA Fireside, Aquarius, Midland Heart Rough Sleepers Team, Police, Trading Standards, Fire Service and Birmingham City Council - a true partnership effort.
Calthorpe Park Playcentre at the Sports Awards
Calthorpe Park Playcentre was invited to the Birmingham City Council Sports Awards on Friday 16 November 2012 at the new Bramall Music Building, University of Birmingham.
The event was attended by over 400 people, including sports celebrities and TV presenters.
Calthorpe Park playcentre team was invited for their role in managing the Olympic Torch events across the city.
A short film about the Torch relay was shown at the beginning of the event featuring Calthorpe Park's 'Brum to Brazil' event, and other celebrations across the city.
Further Onwards Success for Local Teen
Zhor Malik the manager at Calthorpe Pavilion is very proud and pleased for the success of one of the young player's, who started playing football in Calthorpe Park and is now representing England Under 16's at the age of 14.
Easah Suliman aged 14 is a local lad living in the Hall Green District. He started playing in Calthorpe Park then played for Local Leagues and Maypole FC. He won player of the tournament at Butlins and was scouted by Aston Villa FC. He was then selected for the Under 8's at centre back position
He has played for them ever since. He is a very talented young man, and has played for at least 1 age group above for the last 3 seasons.He trains regularly with the youth team at Aston Villa. Plays all the under 16's games as well as some 17/18's matches,although his age group is under 15s.
Last season aged 14, he went to Germany with the Aston Villa Under 17s team in an indoor tournament. 3 months ago he trialed for England and was selected to play for the Under 16's in the Victory Shield.
He played against Wales on 1st November,started the game as a left back, the match was broadcast live on Sky Sports 1.
Not only is this young man a talented footballer but he is also an exceptional cricketer who played for Warwickshires 13s & 14s. He was selected as 1 of only 2 boys in his age group on the emerging player programme last season. He did have to give up cricket due to football commitments. His parents and family are very proud of him.
His father also started his playing career in Calthorpe Park, he has played at a very high level in both Football and Cricket. He still plays Cricket in the Park, his achievements are too many to name, one of his highlights was when he played indoor cricket for England in the 2007 was the World Cup held in Bristol.
The Calthorpe Pavilion Manager Zhor Malik stated that he is very proud of the achievements of Easah, It is very fulfilling to learn that the facilities at Calthorpe Park are benefitting our local youth. This is now 2 young men of the area representing England at Cricket and Football.
National Success in RHS Britain in Bloom Awards
Following the recent local success in the regional Britain in Bloom Awards, local parks in the Hall Green District have had further success at the Britain in Bloom National Awards.
Birmingham was awarded a Gold and was overall winner in the 'Large City category'.
Cannon Hill park won two awards - the Horticulture Award for the best floral displays throughout the entry period, and the Public Park Award.
Birmingham was also shortlisted for the Pride of Place award.
Including the local success detailed in the story below, our District has managed to win four awards for Birmingham.
Local Success in Heart of England in Bloom Awards
At the most recent round of Heart of England in Bloom Awards 2012, the Hall Green District has had some outstanding results in several areas.
Large City Award Results
Gold and Category Winner Birmingham Parks included Sarehole Mill, Moseley Bog, The Dingles and Cannon Hill Park - all areas within the Hall Green District.
Urban Community Category
- Moseley achieved a Gold
- Balsall Heath acheived a Silver Gilt
- Kings Heath achieved a Silver Gilt
A big well done to all of the winners. We also received a Discretionary Award for the Rose Display in Cannon Hill Park.
The success is due to the hard work of the Parks Team all year round. Lisa Trickett, Councillor for Moseley and Kings Heath Ward, praised all the efforts of the residents from Moseley, Kings Heath, Balsall Heath and other areas, saying:
"Carol, Jenny and all who worked so hard, fantastically well done. I'm really pleased for you and the community we are part of. Attending the awards today, it was clear that no other part of the city or region could match the contribution or commitment of these communities. I look forward to working with you all over the coming months to build upon our strengths to forge further success in the future."