NORTHFIELD METHODIST CHURCH
Here we are with the annual Christmas Lunch. Lots of lovely people from all around the area, come together for a meal in company that they would not have got in their homes. I really am grateful for the Church and their thanks – especially with the pictures enclosed above, and a beautiful letter that one of the participants had written. I would post it, but it is private. Afterwards I said that I had to get home for three. All the family were waiting for that event, and I just made it. “Why do you have to be home for three? ” was one question I was asked!!
I really wish to thank Councillor Mariam Khan for her hard work in chairing the Eid Mela Council Committee of Big Johns Mela. She handed over the considerable responsibility to me a few times, but she was the prime mover, and keeper of the principles of the Mela. However the fairy god others to the whole event are Big Johns without whom it would not take place. We all wish their business well, and congratulate them this year in the biggest attendance yet – over 45,000 and that is a figure I have been given by the safety staff so it must be true!
Get your stamps from the Post Office. They have promised to order a load, and this is just the sort of present that Children will love when the grow up. A reminder of 2017 for all time, and the most brave example of the city investing in its centre!
Here is Jess R. singing so beautifully at the Sandwell and Birmingham Barrio Fiesta. She has enormous range and a truly amazing gift. The Barrio this year suffered from being the same date as the one in Woodgate Valley, and hopefully it will not coincide next year. I guess her there was some problem with other community groups as it should have been held last week. See if you can spot my tigers – or maybe just one?
A brilliant job done here by Sandwell Council. BIrmingham City decided some years ago to give Lightwoods Park – building and land- to Sandwell where it got the required love and attention. They have turned it into a beautiful asset for the community, and shows well what can be achieved by authorities working together. We achieved the start of this process, I believe, when under my chairmanship of the City Planning Comittee we consulted Sandwell on the Brewerey development known as Deers Leap. So much was achieved and we set the bar for interauthority working, which gave rise to the gift of Lightwoods Park. I used this in my speech at the Barrio Fiesta today to show how much more can be achieved by working together. All it needs for argument and quarrel is for good men to do nothing!
With the Lord MAYOR of Manchester, Councillor Newman, and his lovely daughter who is the Lady Mayoress for six months until her mother can replace her. We were at the Manchester School for Girls and the very prestigious and interesting Choir festival . The Judges were so kind to us, we really enjoyed ourselves and definitely want to come back next year, when it will be in Cardiff.