inWalsall - Issue 1 - May 2015

CONTENTS

www.inwalsall.co.uk I inWalsall May 2015 I 3

Editor’s WordsinWalsall I Issue 1 I May 2015

Welcome to our first edition of inWalsall magazine. We have spoken to many people throughout Walsall recently and are pleased to share their stories, information and business advertisements with you.

We talked to Michael Glasson at Walsall Leather museum and asked him to tell us what makes this Walsall’s number 1 visitor attraction.

We met with an old acquaintance from many years ago and recalled that he was a local writer! Ian Bott has kindly written a short story for us called “A Peak at Old Caldmore”.

Acorns Children’s Hospice is on the hunt for fun-lov-ing party people for a new fundraising campaign - the Acorns Great Big Kids Party. If you are involved in this fundraising event remember to share your experience and photos with us! Acorns will feature regularly; we look forward to sharing updates with you each month.

4 Steps To A Smile is run by Linda Sandhar and her team of volunteers. We were blown away at how everyone came together to put a smile on 3963 children’s faces this Easter and we’re really excited to share the 4 Steps To A Smile journey with you.

inWalsall is packed full of great information with a variety of subjects including museums, charity events, recruitment, business insights and much more.

We would love to hear your comments and suggestions for the June edition. If you have an event or success story that you would like to share with us, please email us on [email protected]

- Russell & Kieran

May 201504. About in WalsallIntroducing inWalsall

05. Acorns Children’s HospiceParty.. and raise money!

06. Grange Player’s Theatre60+ years of productions

06. Crossword & SudokuRelax for a moment

10. Walsall Leather MuseumGain a fascinating insight

14. Kids CornerFun little activities for the kids

16. Arboretum PhotographyBy Local Resident, Michele

20. CompetitionsThere are some great prizes to be won

22. Walsall Local History CentreLearn about your family’s history

26. 4 Steps to a SmileInspiring words from Linda Sandhar

27. Martial ArtistsSupporting Children with Cancer

28. AMR ElectricalLocal business insight

31. Caldmore Green of the PastA peak at Old Caldmore

create48ltdinWalsall

DesignArtworkReadershipCirculation

: Create-48 Ltd: Create-48 Ltd: 50,000: 20,000 homes & businesses

INWALSALL

4 I inWalsall May 2015 I www.inwalsall.co.uk

About inWalsall

We distribute our own magazineWe currently distribute our magazine to 20,000 homes and businesses throughout Walsall (see annotated map below). Contact us now to discuss delivering your leaflets/menus with our magazine. You may select individual areas or deliver to all.

Please email or call us any time:01922 44 75 [email protected]

Advertise in our next issueinWalsall Magazine is a community magazine devoted to the local area making it the ideal platform for local businesses to get their message into the right hands. There is strong evidence that suggests local services are preferred by the majority of the UK population. A potential 50,000 readers every month! Prices start from £50 + VAT

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Call/email now to discuss your requirements.

PARTY


Acorns Children’s Hospice“Acorns Children’s Hospice is on the hunt for fun-loving party people for a new

fundraising campaign - the Acorns Great Big Kids Party.”

To get your party started, visit: www.acorns.org.uk/GBKP

Acorns in the Black Country fundraising team Carisa Coley, Abi Floyd, Tay Fellows

Acorns Children’s Hospice is on the hunt for fun-loving party people for a new fundraising campaign - the Acorns Great Big Kids Party. Whether it’s retro fancy dress, an old-school disco, or recreating iconic children’s games, Acorns is asking people to get party planning and behave like big kids for a good cause.

The charity provides specialist palliative care for life-limited and life-threatened children and support for their families across the Black Country from its hospice in Walstead Road, Walsall, one of three in the region. The funds raised from each party will helpthe charity meet the more than £8 million it costs to provide its vital services. Abi Floyd, community fundraising manager for Acorns in the Black Country, said: “This is the perfect excuse to gather friends, family or colleagues together and get creative to make a real difference.

“It’s all about letting your imagination go wild, whether it’s fancy dress, an 80s film night or even a bring-your-own-toppings pizza party; acting like a big kid for Acorns will help us provide vital specialist care and support for local children and their families.”

The official Great Big Kids Party date is Friday 19th June but Acorns is encouraging people to start planning events throughout the month. Richard added: “Once you sign up you’ll receive a party fundraising pack to get you started with lots of fun hints, tips and ideas to help make your party great.

“Whether you choose to hold your party at home, in the office, at school or on your local high street, we’re hoping lots of people join the Acorns party!”

In the last year, Acorns has supported over 760 children and more than 980 families, including those who are bereaved.

The Grange Players at The Grange Playhouse

Over 60+ years, The Grange Players have been producing wonderful entertainment in Walsall town’s only theatre, located on Broadway North. Following the Agatha Christie production in May, July’s very popular play is by Oscar Wilde, The Importance Of Being Earnest.

Add yourself to our mailing list and be among the first to be in the know about all future productions. Email your name, address and phone number to [email protected]

And if you want to be more involved with us, be a member. We are always in great need of volunteers for occasional kitchen and bar duties, people with DIY skills, lighting and sound technicians and those who just want to do some play reading... and of course actors! Come and join us! Email to Rosemary: [email protected]

Box Office number : 07909 036 835 E-mail : [email protected] : www.grangeplayers.co.uk Tel : 01922 625 100The Grange Players, The Grange Playhouse, Broadway North, Walsall, WS1 2QB

Two people find themselves stranded in a lonely house on Soldier Island when their hosts send word that they have been detained.

The eight guests and two servants are subsequently each indicted of murder. It transpires that no-one has met their hosts and they have evidently been decoyed to the island. First one then another dies, each death according to the rhyme of “Ten Little Soldier Boys”, and with each death one of the little soldier figures on the mantelpiece is found broken.

The tension grows as they realise the killer is, in fact, one of themselves.

Tickets are £9Box office number : 07909 036 835Telephone : 01922 625 100

ENJOY THEATRE


THEATRE



PLAY

Relax for a momentWordsearch

Sudoku

Each row, column and mini-grid must contain the letters:

B, U, C, K, E, and T

Book an appointment today

Call 01922 614454or visit vets4pets.com/walsall-reedswood

Vets4Pets Walsall ReedswoodInside Pets at Home,Reedswood Retail Park, Reedswood Way, Walsall, WS2 8XA

Opening times Mon-Fri 9am-7.30pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm

For a limited time onlyIncludes booster or primary vaccination course

Lifetime vaccination for your petJust £99

Pet Healthcare Voucher

*Terms and conditions: This offer is promoted by Vets4Pets Limited, Epsom Avenue, Stanley Green Trading Estate, Handforth, Cheshire, SK9 3RN. Valid at Vets4Pets Walsall Reedswood. Vac4Life is applicable to cats, dogs and rabbits only. Does not include vaccinations for Rabies, Chlamydia or Kennel Cough. Vac4Life is fully transferable between all practices but may not be used for any animal other than that of the registered pet within the scheme. You must present your printed voucher or e-voucher at your appointment. Expires 30.06.15.

£99 Vac4Life*Including primary or booster vaccination

at


THE LEATHER MUSEUMEXPERIENCE

“At Walsall Leather Museum you can gain a fascinating insight into the story of leather working and find out how Walsall became the greatest saddlery town in the world.”

Exterior view of the Museum

or over 200 years Walsall people have been making some of the finest saddlery and leathergoods. Today something like 40 companies continue this tradition, exporting their products around the globe.

The roots of this trade go back to the Middle Ages, when Walsall became a leading centre for metalworking. In particular small metal items connected with riding and the horse, such as bits, stirrups and spurs. Later on leatherworkers joined them, so that eventually Walsall could claim to produce “everything for the horse”. Once the railways came to Walsall local saddlers and harness makers had access to markets around the world and business boomed.

Later on the town’s leatherworkers turned their skills to making the finest leathergoods such as bags, wallets, purses and belts. Famous customers have included Captain Scott (his dog harness was made here), Lady Thatcher - whose handbags were made in Holtshill Lane - and James Bond. Not to mention the millions of belts made for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, and superb saddles for the Household Cavalry.

F


www.walsall.gov.uk/leathermuseum

“The museum is free admission and is currently rated Walsall`s number 1 visitor attraction on Trip Advisor.”

Walsall Leather Museum, Littleton Street West, Walsall, WS2 8EW01922 652288

Dollar collar hole punching

“Visitors to the museum will discover a fascinating and beautifully restored Victorian factory set in attractive gardens.”

In the museum`s workshops, where handbags and belts were once made, you can meet skilled leatherworkers and watch them hand-crafting leathergoods such as wallets and purses - and perhaps have a go yourself!

The galleries display fine examples of local craftsmanship, past and present and give an insight into the lives of the men and women who made them. There are regular changes of special exhibitions, and a lively programme of special events and activities.

Schools are especially welcome: the museum was proud to recently receive the prestigious Sandford Award for its work in the field of heritage education.

The museum shop sells an unrivalled range of locally made leathergoods including bargain ends of lines and seconds. And to round off your visit why not take a break in the popular Saddle Room café, serving delicious home-cooked light lunches and cakes?

Workshop of the past

HISTORY





PLAY

Kids Cornerd n a z m b l i t u

r y n a u l g b j u

n s o b t j c e l t

g a l l e r y n h l

s d s r r w u e l l

e d r y o f a a n h

s l f q b t s e n c

r e k s r l i k m s

o s a e a m a y u d

h h t w m u e s u m

Arboretum

Fun

Gallery

Horses

May

Museum

Saddles

Theatre

Walsall

Can you spot the 6 differences ?


ENJOY

The Arboretum“As a local resident, I feel I am very privileged to live next door to Walsall Arboretum. It’s beauty has inspired me, sometimes on a daily basis to progress slowly with my hobby of photography.“


Through my own enjoyment, I felt I wanted to share my joy with others, which gave me the desire to create a Facebook page called "I love Walsall Arboretum" .

The response has been encouraging to hear, the followers adore the park also. Some are local residents, people who have emigrated to Australia and beyond. They seem to enjoy keeping up to date with the park evolving and seasonal changes through the photographs.

There are many new additions to the park, one being the Gallery Garden. This is a lovely landscaped part of the park that supports local artists, school children's projects, where they can display art work.

I had the privilege last year to display some photographs for all to see which was a great opportunity. A big thank you to Sam and Louise.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lets keep this wonderful place on the map and share it's beauty with everyone!

- Local Walsall resident, Michele


I Love Walsall Arboretum

“They seem to enjoy keeping up to date with the park evolving and seasonal changes through the photographs.“

Follow the Facebook page!

St Andrews Church HallWolverhampton Road West Corner of Churchill RoadBentley, WS2 0AA

3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pmYour Consultant's name is LizTelephone 01902 351280

The Church On The Corner1 King Charles Avenue(Off Bentley Road North)Walsall, WS2 0DL

5:30pm and 7:30pmYour Consultant’s name is LesleyTelephone 01922 634883

Mondays

Tuesdays

All Saints Parish Church HallElmore RowBloxwich, WS3 2HR

9:30am and 11:30am5:30pm and 7:30pmYour Consultant's name is VickyTelephone 07894 277072


The Church On The Corner1 King Charles Avenue(Off Bentley Road North)Walsall, WS2 0DL

5:30pm and 7:30pmYour Consultant’s name is LesleyTelephone 01922 634883

WednesdaysWillenhall Chart Centre 19 Gomer StreetWillenhall, WV13 2NS

9:30am 5.00pm and 7pmYour Consultant's name is LizTelephone 01902 351280

BeechdaleSt Chads HallEdison RoadWalsall, WS2 7EZ

5:30pm and 7:30pmYour Consultant's name is KirstyTelephone 07584 090762

Thursdays

Darlaston Sports & Social Club Ltd16 The LeysWednesbury, WS10 8DP

9:30am and 11:30amYour Consultant’s name is JackieTelephone 07973 927364

3:30pm, 5:30pm, 7:30pmYour Consultant’s name is LesleyTelephone 01922 634883

Coalpool Methodist ChurchCoalpool LaneWalsall(Coalpool), WS3 1RF

5:30pm and 7:30pmYour Consultant's name is LynneTelephone 07955 685196

FridaysCoalpool Methodist Church Coalpool LaneWalsall (Coalpool), WS3 1RF

9:30amYour Consultant's name is LynneTelephone 07955 685196

Tuesdays (continued) Wednesdays (continued)


WS4 Dental Care Your Local Walsall Dentist

Contact us WS4 Dental Care Walsall WS4 2BY Tel: 01922 622877 Email: [email protected] Web: www.WS4dentalcare.co.uk

WS4 Dental Care professional team take great pride in the quality of care we provide in a relaxed and friendly environment, treating you as we would ourselves or a member of our family.

EXAM £25 for the month of May we are offering New Patients an Examination for the reduced cost of £25.00

We also offer Complimentary Invisalign Consultations .... the beginning of your journey to straighter teeth.

Teeth Whitening available either Zoom In Practice or Pola Nite take home.

Terms and conditions apply.

WS4 Dental Care offer • Full range of dental treatments, including

a hygienist.

• Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns,Veneers and Implants

• INVISALIGN, Quick Straight Teeth and Teeth Whitening

• Denplan pay monthly Care & Essentials plans from £11.30 a month

• Free Car Parking (Sat Nav directions WS4 2BP)


WIN

Competitions

What you can winWhere to redeemHow you can win

: £20 food voucher: Golden Moments, Indian Cuisine Restaurant: E-mail us the correct answer to this question!

What page is Golden Moments featured on in this magazine?

What you can win

Where to redeemHow you can win

: 2 tickets to Oscar Wilde’s most celebrated play, The Importance of Being Earnest: The Grange Playhouse Theatre: E-mail us the correct answer to this question!

What page is The Grange Playhouse featured on in this magazine?

What you can winWhere to redeemHow you can win

: £20 Love2Shop voucher: Many many places!: Like our Facebook page for a chance to win!

inWalsall

Send your e-mails to [email protected]

All winners will be announced in our next issueEnter by 18/05/2015

WS4 Dental Care Your Local Walsall Dentist

Contact us WS4 Dental Care Walsall WS4 2BY Tel: 01922 622877 Email: [email protected] Web: www.WS4dentalcare.co.uk

WS4 Dental Care professional team take great pride in the quality of care we provide in a relaxed and friendly environment, treating you as we would ourselves or a member of our family.

EXAM £25 for the month of May we are offering New Patients an Examination for the reduced cost of £25.00

We also offer Complimentary Invisalign Consultations .... the beginning of your journey to straighter teeth.

Teeth Whitening available either Zoom In Practice or Pola Nite take home.

Terms and conditions apply.

WS4 Dental Care offer • Full range of dental treatments, including

a hygienist.

• Cosmetic Dentistry, Crowns,Veneers and Implants

• INVISALIGN, Quick Straight Teeth and Teeth Whitening

• Denplan pay monthly Care & Essentials plans from £11.30 a month

• Free Car Parking (Sat Nav directions WS4 2BP)


LEARN

Walsall Local History Centre“If you have wondered what it was like to live here in the past we have all the information you need. From Aldridge to Willenhall and everywhere in between you can find out about your local town and the people who lived there.”

Explore our collection of old photos! We have over 13,000 photographs and illustrations and many of them can be purchased as high quality reproductions.

Travel back to trace the history of a vehicle or local transport network! You can find out about all kinds of vehicle including buses, cars, trains and trams. Explore canals, railways, roads and aviation.

Listen to memories of times gone by! We have many recordings of local residents. There are also written memories in the archive and local studies collections.

Reveal the history of your house (or any local building)! Use our extensive collections of build-ing plans, maps and other resources to find information about your home or other buildings within Walsall borough.


HISTORY

What we can offer:• A welcoming environment with friendly staff to help you during your visit• If you are unable to visit in person we offer a paid research or copy service• ‘Family history buddy’ to give one to one advice about tracing your family tree• Free Admission• Access to the internet, including access to Ancestry library edition, for free• Talks, courses and workshops• Exhibitions• Books, DVDs and more for sale• Drinks can be purchased and you may bring food to eat in our reception area• Black and white and colour photocopies and computer prints

Contact usWalsall Local History CentreEssex StreetWalsallWS2 7ASTel: 01922 652212Email: [email protected]

@WalsallLHCentre Walsall Local History Centre

www.walsall.gov.uk/localhistorycentre

Opening hoursSunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday ThursdayFridaySaturday

ClosedClosed10am - 4pm10am - 7pm10am - 1pmClosed10am - 1pm

www.webwalsall.com/local-history-centre/Check out our blog!





4 Steps to a SmileWelcome,

Recently I was asked if I could write a small piece for this wonderful magazine. I jumped at the chance. So here is just a little bit about what we do here at 4Steps To A Smile.

“We helped 21 charities in the West Midlands and put a smile on 3963 children’s faces.”

4 Steps to a Smile

I do believe that we all have it in ourselves to do something positive. Please look out for us, join in and be a part of an amazing adventure...

Many thanks,Linda Sandhar4Steps To A Smile

4 Steps To A Smile was formed back in 2004 (Formally known as the Giving Tree). A huge Christmas Tree in the Old Square Shopping Centre that would have gift tags on, with names of children in need in the West Midlands. These names would be collated from 5 children’s homes and the 1 gift they would like for Christmas. These details would be placed on gift tags, the concept was that the general public would come along, take a tag, buy the child a gift and the gift would then be given to the child for Christmas.

We started off with 5 charities in 2004, and each year the vision was to help more and more and more, just as long as it was manageable... we went from strength to strength and last year 2014, we helped 21 charities in the West Midlands and put a smile on 3963 children’s faces. Easter 2015 we put out a pledge for 200 Easter Eggs and not only did we smash the target, our members were through the roof with the astonishing 3963 Easter Eggs that were donated and then distributed to children in need all over the West Midlands. Thank you social media for making this possible.

I am currently in the process of registering for charity status and also in the process of setting up a web site, make sure to look out for us. 4 Steps To A Smile is run by myself, and an amazing team of volunteers that help with sorting and distribution.

CHARITY


CHARITY

Martial Artists Supporting Children with CancerBushido Martial Arts Academy Beechdale

“A Facebook request was put out by Debbie Challoner (also from Bushido Martial Arts Academy) asking for help from fellow martial artists to help put on a seminar to raise money for this cause.

The response was phenomenal! “

On 11th April 2015 the Martial Arts community came together to support Jack Bristow, Jack is a 10 year old boy who is believed to be the youngest person in the world to have been diagnosed with testicular cancer. Lucci Del-Gaudio from Nottingham came up with a concept earlier in the year ‘Martial Artists Supporting Children with Cancer’. Wayne Keough of Bushido Martial Arts Academy based at Beechdale Lifelong Learning Centre contacted Lucci after hearing of Jacks wish to raise money for the Piam Brown Children’s Ward. A Facebook request was put out by Debbie Challoner (also from Bushido Martial Arts Academy) asking for help from fellow martial artists to help put on a seminar to raise money for this cause. The response was phenomenal!

Some of the UK’s biggest instructors offered to teach at the seminar for free. The special guest instructor was Mr Anthony Pillage of The Way Of The Spiritual Warrior martial arts centre in Coventry, Anthony is also currently battling cancer and is midway through treatment, other instructors included Mick Tully, Russell Jarmesty, Trevor Roberts, Kevin Mills, Mac Robertson, Nigel Anthony, Pete Hughes, Rob Jarvis and Mike Knight. Also on the day there was a drive for Delete Blood Cancer, people registered to help save lives.

The total amount raised so far by Bushido Martial ArtsAcademy is £520.00 if anyone would like to add to this total please visit the link to the right. There are several events planned for ‘Martial Artists Supporting Children with Cancer’ throughout the UK over the next few months.

If you would like more information regarding these events please email: [email protected] or call 07538 930142

www.justgiving.com/joanne-bristow/2/

[email protected]

07538 930142


INSIGHT

AMR ElectricalLocal business insight

AMR Electrical is a reliable family owned firm of electricians in Walsall catering for all domestic and commercial projects. It was set up by husband and wife Andy and Michaela Russell. Andy has over 20 years experience in the industry and is ready to take on any project however small or large. He is renowned in the industry for high quality of workmanship, professionalism and reliability.

Whether it be a replacement light switch to a complete rewire AMR Electrical is more than happy to provide a free , no obligation quote.

What accreditations are held?Andy is Part P approved, registered with the Registered Competent Person "Electrical" Scheme and fully certified by Napit who guarantee work carried out. Napit membership is maintained only by providing a consistently high standard of work. All of Andy's work is compliant with applicable safety regulations.

We asked Andy what makes AMR Electrical different and here's what he told us."Our business is driven by our desire to have satisfied customers. We strive to offer the best customer service. When you hire us to carry out work on your home or business, we inform you of our procedures every step of the way keeping you in the loop at all times. No job is too big or too small for us. We are ready and happy to provide a free of charge, no obligation quote."

And let's see what some of his customers have to say."Very efficient service provided. What we thought would be a massive job turned out to be a £30 call out fee (which is by far the cheapest call out fee that we came across). Highly recommend this business and we will personally be using these again ourselves if we ever need to"

" a great family team, highly recommended, arrived at the time agreed, did the job without adding to the work without finding new faults (unlike some people)."

Contact DetailsFor more information or to request a free, no obligation quotation simply contact AMR Electrical on these details:

inWalsall are proud to represent AMR Electrical as they truly are a great team and strive to provide an exceptional service to their customers. They pride themselves on customer service, professionalism and integrity.

www.amrelec.co.uk

[email protected]

07720 31801407515 544706


www.amrelec.co.uk



HISTORY

A Peak at Old Caldmore

The first documented reference to Caldmore occurred in the year 1307. The settlement grew around a village green where several old highways met, hence the present name of Caldmore Green. The oldest, and perhaps the most famous Walsall building to survive here, is the former White Hart Inn, which began life as Caldmore Green House, built in the seventeenth century on the site of an earlier half-timbered abode, as the home of the wealth Hawe family.

In early days, most of the manor houses of England brewed their own ale, as it was much safer to drink than the local water supply. As early as 1818, the property was listed in Parson and Bradshaw's Directory of Staffordshire as the White Hart. During alterations in the mid Victorian period, a child's mummified arm, still attached to the shoulder blade, was discovered in the attic. The macabre find was labelled 'the Hand of Glory' and placed on display in the town's museum.

Pictured here before exterior alterations in 1884, the White Hart commanded an unobstructed view over the green, which had mostly been built upon by the 1890's, as shown in the postcard view taken about 1938. A County Borough of Walsall police box stands on the green, whilst in the background can be observed J. E. Dolman's seed merchants the Forum cinema, the Old Kings Arms and the former Liberal Club.

Ian M. Bott

The White Hart Caldmore Green

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Documents

inWalsall - Issue 1 - May 2015