Weekend Celebration Evening at St. Phillips Church.

Saturday evening we helped celebrate with St Phillip’s Church its Mission Weekend  which aims to bring communities together, and sees the Church as an important part of the community, in which it is situated.

Mr Hamilton and Rev Pam Daniel made us feel very welcome, and provided us with an evening we cannot forget.

We were serenaded by a young man with his steel drums, a choir of gospel singers, the young dancer, and Shockwave an amazing group of talented young people. The highlight was  the  fashion parade with some fabulous outfits and everyone a winner. Well done.

Opening of the New Canalside Moorings.

Saturday morning was an eye opener. We were invited to perform the opening of The Canalside Moorings at Neptune Health Park in Tipton.

I was not prepared for the number of people who turned out to support this very important occasion. Not only were the Neptune Health Park inundated, but it stretched down to The Coronation Gardens with stalls and entertainment together with boats, boats and more boats.

It was a truly succesful day with special thanks to the Tipton Carnival Queen, and the Tipton Community Association for all their hard work in making this event happen, and we should not forget Tipton & Coseley Building Society for sponsoring this great occasion.

The Religious Festival of Brahmotsavam.

Friday evening we were invited to attend the religious Festival of Brahmotsavam being held at the Balaji Temple in Dudley Road East Oldbury.

It was part of a three day celebration of devotees to participate in the festivities, every day will be a feast for the eyes.

Bob Griffiths Leaving Do

Friday lunchtime we went to Jack Judge House to say goodbye to a very dear friend and colleague, Bob Griffiths.

We have known Bob for more than twenty years and it has been an absolute pleasure and a privilege to  be asked to attend his very emotional leaving do. So many people turned up to say farewell Dave Badger, Nick Hamer,Bob Lloyd and not forgetting Sam Spittle and Mary Dudley to name but a few of the very many people who turned up to say goodbye.

There were many speeches and presents and it was overwhelming and humbling to see how many people will be sad to see him go.

Sam Hayer & family visit to Big House.

Wednesday afternoon we had a visit from Sam his family and the Head teacher of Oldbury Academy John Martin, what an absolute pleasure to welcome them to the Big House.

Sam is Smethwick born and bred and works  at Oldbury Academy. Sam was responsible for field of play in weightlifting at both Olympics and Paralympics.

We are so proud of him and  his team for the outstanding way they carried out their work so much so they were recognised by many countries. WELL DONE.

Torch Bearer Karl Hinett visits the Big House.

Wednesday afternoon it was a pleasure to have Karl visit the Big House to have a tour and pick up his torch bearers stand.

At last l was able to say hello and have some photographs taken with him. It was good to see him and find out what his plans for the future were.

Citizenship Ceremony

Wednesday morning I attended the Citizenship Ceremony in the Council Chamber with the Mayoress. It was great to see that people brought their young children along to help celebrate this very important occasion. In point of fact many of the young people became citizens themselves.

Fun Day at Victoria Park Tipton.

Sunday lunchtime we went to Victoria Park Tipton,who were having their fun day. It was a good day with lots of people attending and l was lucky enough to be asked to open the event and let some balloons off.

The weather was being kind to us all and there were plenty to do with lots of stalls and amusements for the young people. With true Tipton hospitality we had refreshments.Walking around we saw so many people of all nationalities and we even saw a wedding party. The groom and his family and guests were walking to the brides house.

Battle Of Britain Wreath Laying in Birmingham.

Saturday morning we were invited to the Council House in Birmingham, where we met distinguished guests and we walked to the Hall of Memory Centenary Square.

At 11.00 am we joined the veterans and after the wreath laying the Mayor of Birmingham inspected the Standard Bearers before joining the party returning back to the Council House.

It was a very moving ceremony and so pleased we were invited to take part in it.

Ryan and Karen Cockbill at The Big House.

Friday afternoon l welcomed Ryan and his mother with his two carers to the Big House. What an honour it was to meet Ryan who was chosen to represent us in the Paralympic Olympics.

Ryan brought his wonderful Olympic Torch for us to see, and what a great achievement he did in the shooting event. We are very proud of him.