THE BLOXIDGE TALLYGRAPH
The online Community News
and Local History Magazine
for Bloxwich - Edditid by
a Bloxidge mon!
Recent News
Here's some recent local news relevant to Bloxwich - hopefully some of it may even still be timely 
OLD FOLKS OVERJOYED AT ANNUAL PARTY
Two hundred and seventy-seven Bloxwich pensioners enjoyed a hearty meal and a convivial evening of stand-up comedy and wartime sing-along at the annual Old Folks Party organised on 12th July by Bloxwich Carnival Committee.
Funded by profits from the Carnival, which was revived in 2000 after a break of some years, the party is a fine tradition that dates back to the "good old days" of Bloxwich Wakes, and this year took place in the former Bloxwich Baths, now the function hall of Bloxwich Leisure Centre.
Carnival Committee Chairman Ken Worley said "Everyone really enjoyed themselves and said they were looking forward to coming back next year."
The 2006 Carnival was a massive success and goes from strength to strength. This year's carnival takes place on Saturday 4th August and begins at the Promenade Gardens in Bloxwich at 12 noon. At 12.45pm the crowning of the 2007 Carnival Queen will take place. The Queen, Lindy Barnsley, will be there with her entourage including 2007 Princess Nicole Hall and 2007 Rosebud Chelsea Stringer, as well as 2006 Carnival Queen Kirsty Rolston.
The ceremonials at the Promenade Gardens will be followed by the traditional grand Parade of decorated floats and the rest of the event will be held in King George V Playing Fields, with events, games, refreshments, entertainment and stalls, not to mention the essential Pat Collins Fun Fair.
Photo courtesy George Jevons
CARNIVAL QUEENS TO UNVEIL NEW BLOXWICH SCULPTURE
On Friday 27 July at 2.00pm, the culmination of a year’s work with local groups and children will be officially unveiled by three Bloxwich Carnival Queens at Elmore Green, Elmore Row, Bloxwich.
Walsall Council and Walsall’s New Deal have worked with artists Ron Thompson and Julie Edwards and the people of Bloxwich to create a stunning monument that celebrates the town and its heritage – see our special 'Bloxwich Column' feature and photograph album via this link or the main menu item (left) for full details and preview pictures.
The Carnival Queens attending will be:
2006 Kirsty Rollinson
2005 Samantha Badger
2003 Tammi Scales
Mayor of Walsall and local councillor Melvin Pitt said; “This is an exciting time for Bloxwich. It’s great to see local people’s ideas and inspirations take shape to help renovate this area and provide a spectacular talking point.”
Alan Venables, Chair of New Deal’s Environment Theme Group said:
“Both the sculpture and information boards are special to Bloxwich and it’s great that local people will now be able to see the result of their hard work.”
Chair of the Friends of Bloxwich Parks Ken Worley said:
“This sculpture is a fantastic bonus to the area, and with the information boards will considerably enhance the Elmore Green area”.
The Bloxidge Tallygraph fully supports this project and, amongst others, The Edditer has been involved in providing historical material and advising the artists during the process. Remember - you heard it here first!
Story: 6 July 2007BLOXWICH CARNIVAL LATEST NEWS
Source: George Jevons
Carnival Queen Judging
This will be held on the 7th of June, as yet a venue has not been agreed.
Old Folks Party
This will be held in the Old Bloxwich Baths (now the Leisure Centre Function Room) on Thursday 12th July - entry is by ticket only - which are being sent out to the elderly of Bloxwich.
4th August is Carnival Day!
The
Vander Brothers Triple Wheel Spectacular, a unique and highly
prestigious act which made its debut at the 1995 Glastonbury Festival,
and is the only Triple Wheel known to be in existence, an 11 metre
structure which rotates on a central axis with a cage at the end of
each axial.
The
Vander Brothers enter the cages and commence to rotate the wheel at
ever increasing speed, walking then running on the inside, then on the
outside of the cages.
A
highly dangerous and spectacular act - one which will leave you with
your heart in your mouth throughout, especially when the artistes walk
blindfold on the outside of the wheel.
They have appeared at
More as it happens!
BLOXWICH CARNIVAL DATE SET
Source: George Jevons
This year's Bloxwich Carnival will take place on Saturday 4 August 2007. The Carnival Queen choosing will take place on 7 June. Telephone 0796 1160663 for entry forms. More news as we receive it!
CEMETERY ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS IN PLACE
Source: Walsall Council 30 March 2007
Special access through a barrier and new parking bays for people with disabilities will be available from next week at Bloxwich Cemetery.
The council has been working closely with Walsall Disability Forum, Bloxwich Cemetery user group and Blakenall and Bloxwich Local Neighbourhood Partnership (LNP) on ways to improve access to the cemetery for people with disabilities.
The LNP has provided funding of £4,700 to install the electronic access barrier.
From Monday, 2 April, blue badge holders can apply for a swipe card which gives them access through a barrier inside the entrance to the cemetery during normal opening hours.
Several parking bays for people with disabilities have also been installed and a number of new seats have also been provided within the grounds.
The new improvements have been applauded by Walsall Disability Forum which says this shows partnership working at its best.
Andrew Moult, forum chairman, said: “This is great news and shows what can be achieved when everyone works together.
“These new access arrangements have made a real difference to people’s lives and will be extremely well received.
“We are now looking at other ways to improve the cemetery including a cemetery watch committee.”
Steve Billings, Walsall Council’s bereavement services manager, said: “I would like to thank members of the disability forum in bringing a positive approach to addressing the local concerns of cemetery visitors about accessibility and new ideas about improving traffic flow and parking on site. The ability to access funding from the LNP has been just as important. It hasn’t been easy, as we need to balance the needs of different visitors, but we have tried to work with all interested parties to bring about these improvements.
“By working together and with the local LNP these improvements have been carried out.”
The council launched a pilot scheme to prevent access to the cemetery by cars after distressing scenes during Christmas 2004 saw drivers damaging verges and graves by disregarding narrow roads on the site and trying to drive round other cars.
But disabled visitors have been calling on the council and Local Neighbourhood Partnership to improve access to the Victorian cemetery, as the current manual barrier system offers them only limited additional access by appointment.
Blue badge holders can apply for a pass by telephoning the council’s bereavement services on 0121 353 7228.
EASTER EXTRAVAGANZA
Source: Walsall Council 30 March 2007
There will be fun for everyone this Easter in Blakenall as The College of Continuing Education gets ready for some exciting activities this Tuesday, 3 April.
Everyone is welcome and there will be activities to suit all ages including: -
- Introduction to sugar craft – decorate an Easter egg
- Easter bonnet parade
- Easter egg nests
- Walking treasure hunt
- Card making
Come along to the Church hall at Christ Church in Blakenall between 10am and 2pm. All activities are free of charge.
For more information please call Pauline Pegram on 01922 654510.
BLOXWICH HOCKEY TEAM TAKE ON INTERNATIONALS
Source: Walsall Council 22 March 2007
A Bloxwich Hockey Club mixed team took on a Welsh International mixed team to raise the profile of the game.
The game was held at Sneyd School where Bloxwich had many chances but couldn’t find the back of the net. The game was won 6-0 by the Welsh International team.
Hayley Worgan, hockey development officer, said: “The score did not reflect the game as Bloxwich did have many chances, we also made some great saves to keep the score down.
“It was great to have the chance to play an international team and the match was great experience.
“The game was also well supported by spectators and will help to raise the profile of hockey in the borough.”
The Bloxwich team were Hayley Worgan (captain), Joanne Field, Leanne Brittle, Victoria Jackson, Emma Pearce, Stephanie Oates, Martin Wootton, Anton Cox, Eddie Morocco, Philip Ashfield, Mike O’Brien, Simon Toole, Lee Waltham and Sophie Field (mascot).
For more details about playing hockey in Walsall please call Hayley Worgan on 01902 605500.
NEW £1.5M CHILDREN'S CENTRE OPENS IN BLOXWICH
Source: Walsall Council 13 March 2007
Bloxwich West Children’s Centre is being officially opened today, Tuesday, and will offer a range of facilities to help families with young children.
The centre, which is based at two sites at Busill Jones and Mossley Primary Schools, will offer support, help and activities to more than 1,000 families with children aged under five.
To mark its opening various activities have been arranged, including clown shows, guided tours, balloon modelling, face painting and children’s activities.
The centre will offer child care places together with health and family support services for all children aged under five in the Bloxwich West area.
The centre was funded through Sure Start.
Bloxwich West Children’s Centre joins a growing network of children’s centres providing:-
•Integrated childcare with early learning for young children,
•Health services,
•Family support
•A base for childminders
•Help into employment, including links with Jobcentre Plus
Ward councillor and Deputy Mayor, Councillor Melvin Pitt, welcomed the investment into Bloxwich West and the support offered to local families on behalf on him and other ward councillors Des Pitt and Louise Harrison.
He said: “This is a massive investment for Bloxwich West which should be welcomed by everyone.
“These two sites will make a real difference to the lives of families in this area by offering them sometimes much needed support, advice and help.
“This demonstrates the council has an on-going commitment to this area and to give young children and their families the best start in life.”
The highly popular children’s centre programme has already seen services open in the five Sure Start centres at Alumwell Pleck, Birchills and North Walsall, Blakenall, Darlaston and Palfrey, as well as new centres at Bentley West, Greenfield, Leighswood and Pheasey Park Farm Primary Schools.
By 2010, there will be 3,500 children’s centre up and running nationally – one for every community, offering a range of services for young children and their families, tailored to meet local needs.
If you require any further information on Children’s Centres, please contact the Children’s Information Service on 01922 653383.
STEVE'S POP SHOW HAS PROVED A BIG SMASH HIT
Source: Walsall Council 12 March 2007
A pop exhibition which showcased the career of a talented Bloxwich-born music mogul has been declared a hit.
Almost 7,000 people attended ‘Kylie, Justin, Britney and Me’ event which traced the career of Steve Jenkins.
The former Joseph Leckie High school pupil launched on a glittering career includes more than 160 top 40 hits including acts such as Kylie Minogue, Steps, Justin Timberlake, Backstreet Boys, The Stone Roses and 2 Unlimited.
Amongst the visitors were Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman, multi-million selling artist Billy Ocean and Shadows drummer Brian Bennett.
Councillor Louise Harrison, Walsall Council cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: “This has been a great show. We are very proud of Steve and his achievements.
“We have had more than 6,700 visitors to the exhibition which makes it one of the biggest shows in Walsall Museum’s history.”
The links with Steve will continue as Steve becomes a roving ambassador for the Forest Arts Centre in Bloxwich, she said.
Councillor Harrison added: “Throughout Steve’s career he has always flown the flag for Walsall and we are pleased he is going to continue this.”
The show featured scores of gold discs and memorabilia gathered during a glittering career that has spanned more than three decades.
Steve said he was overjoyed the exhibition had gone well.
He said: “I’m really pleased. I’m a Walsall man and I’ve never really left in many ways.
“The whole aim of this was to inspire young people in Walsall. I left school with few qualifications but I had a burning love for music and I made my career in that.
“I suppose what I really wanted to get through to people was that it doesn’t matter what your chosen field is. If you are inspired by something and want to do it then just keep your eyes on the prize and go for it.”
Steve said he enjoyed bringing some of his friends from his pop career up to Walsall to see the show.
He said that the faces of young people were something to behold when they turned round as they played a computer music quiz game to find Pop Idol judge Pete Waterman standing next to them.
The exhibition also included scores of items of pop memorabilia contributed by people across the West Midlands.
Loaned from people’s collections were momentoes from the Wonder Stuff gig at Bescot Stadium,
For more information about Steve log on at www.stevejenkinsuk.co.uk.
Source: Walsall Council 7 March 2007
Work has started to give Leamore local centre a £368,000 facelift with a new canopy, pavement and pedestrian improvements.
Walsall Council and New Deal for Communities with the Leamore Forum are working together on this priority project which comes in two phases. Phase one has started and work will continue into 2008 for phase two.
Improvements to shop fronts, pavements and pedestrian areas will be carried out to boost the appearance of the local centre for traders, shoppers and visitors. The work carried out will also compliment the 301 bus show case route.
The improvements are being funded by New Deal for Communities.
Councillor Adrian Andrew, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “This is another clear example of the Council working with partners and making neighbourhood regeneration a priority for the administration. The regeneration of our borough is not just the town centre and the District Centres it is also our neighbourhoods.
“The improvements will enhance the local environment for both the business people and the local residents and it is important that people access to the opportunities for improving the environment. New deal and the Council are again having a major positive impact on this community
Tom Perrett chairman of the New Deal partnership said; “We are very delighted with this development which we believe will ‘breathe new life’ into the Leamore retail area creating a better shopping experience for our local residents.”
This phase of works should be completed by Spring 2007
The second phase including work along Bloxwich Road will carry on through 2008.
For more details about the plans please contact Maxine Turley, principal regeneration officer, on 01922 652495.
