Tamworth Blog

The Packington Pork Pig being ushered back to the Field

A stray pig has caused tail-backs on the A51 between Hopwas and Whittington after it escaped from the Packington Farm where they are bred.

The incident at about 2.15pm on Friday November 13 saw traffic bought to a halt whilst concerned motorists tried to usher the pig back into his field.

In true style though the pig was happy running them around until a member of staff from the farm came to the rescue of the porker.

A collection of people including a businessman and two ambulance crew members attempted to help the pig.

New footage of ghostly activity at Tamworth Castle has come to light, fuelling the stories about the castle coming alive with paranormal activities after the sun goes down.

The new footage which has been made available on You Tube shows Orbs clearly in the right hand corner of the picture.  The first sighting is 6 seconds into the video, then there are more at 44 seconds, 1 minute 8 seconds, 1 minute 15 seconds and 1 minute 30 seconds is a big orb.

Do you have any Ghost Stories about Tamworth Castle? Do you have Video footage?  If so let us know your stories about Haunted Tamworth.  Mail us at blog@tamworthblog.co.uk.

Odeon Tamworth

The Film times for Odeon Tamworth this week. Films running from Friday November 13 through to Thursday November 19.

2012 (12A)
3hr05m Contains sustained moderate threat and one use of strong language
No Guest Passes
Fri 14:00 15:30 16:30 17:30 19:00 20:00 21:00
Sat-Sun 10:30 12:00 13:00 14:00 15:30 16:30 17:30 19:00 20:00 21:00
Mon-Thu 14:00 15:30 16:30 17:30 19:00 20:00 21:00

A Christmas Carol 3D (PG)
2hr00m
No Guest Passes
Fri 16:20 18:50 21:20
Sat-Sun 13:50 16:20 18:50 21:20
Mon-Thu 16:20 18:50 21:20

A Christmas Carol 2D (PG)
2hr00m
No Guest Passes
Fri 15:10
Sat-Sun 12:40
Mon-Thu 15:10

Cirque Du Freak:The Vampires Assistant (12A)
2hr10m Contains moderate violence and fantasy horror images
Sat-Sun 10:40

Harry Brown (18)
2hr05m
Fri-Thu 15:00 18:30 21:10

Jennifers Body (15)
2hr05m
Sat-Mon 20:40
Wed-Thu 20:40

Michael Jackson’s This is It (PG)
2hr15m
Fri 15:00 17:50 20:30
Sat-Sun 12:20 15:10 17:50 20:30
Mon-Thu 15:00 17:50 20:30

(more…)

Scene from 2012

We do spoil you.  Once again the kind people at Odeon Tamworth are giving you the chance to go to the cinema with a friend for nothing.  All you need to do is answer a simple question based on the review of this weeks new release, 2012, which is below.

2012 (12A)

Who´s in it?

John Cusack, Amanda Peet, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Thandie Newton

What´s the plot?

Centuries ago, the Mayans predicted when the world, as we know it, would end – the year 2012.

Ever since, the date has held huge significance for astrologists, numerologists and religions throughout the world – and many scientists and geologists confirm that the world is heading towards a cataclysmic disaster.

An epic adventure, ‘2012’ takes us to the apocalyptic date when, after a series of natural disasters, the world is left in ruins. John Cusack and Danny Glover star as two survivors who must struggle against the odds to save themselves, and the future of mankind.

To win tickets to ODEON Tamworth just answer the following question

Who predicted the world would end?

To enter the competition, email odeoncompetition@tamworthblog.co.uk the correct answer and your name and address. The competition closes at midnight on Wednesday 18 November. Winners will be picked out of a hat and announced on the Tamworth Blog website.

The winner of this weeks Odeon Competition is Matthew Carter from Tamworth who answered last weeks questions correctly.  The Question was:

Who’s voice is used for Ebenezer Scrooge ?

The answer was of course the rubber faced Jim Carey.

Wilnecote Junior School Students and Street Wardens

Tamworth Street Wardens teamed up with a group of PCSO’s and children from Wilnecote Junior School to take part in a litter pick during the last half term holiday.

As well as cleaning the streets, children we also able to learn about the issues surrounding people dropping litter and the effect that it has on our environment.

Patrick Kavanagh, Street Warden seconded to Project Turnaround said:

“We were approached by the school to take part in a community litter pick for the whole of year 6 and we were delighted to take part,

“The children were able to go out into their own community and see the impact which littering can have. All of the children seemed to enjoy themselves and were very keen to take part. We collected a total of 12 bin bags full of litter. I would like to thank all of the children for taking part and to the school for inviting us to come along.

“As the Street Wardens role has developed an important part of our role is to provide educational packages to schools which allow us to interact with the next generation of a local community” said Pete Layton, Head Street Warden. “We regularly carry out presentations, assemblies and activities with schools across the borough. Our scheme is one of the only ones in the country which offers such a wide range of educational talks and activities. We are always happy to assist local schools in any way that we can.”

Christmas Banquets

What better than getting into the Festive spirit at Tamworth’s Medieval Castle at one of the special Christmas events that have been organised.

This year there are three major events planned at the Castle during December with a mixture of something for everyone, from bargain hunters to those who like to celebrate in medieval style.

Christmas Fayre

Running alongside the Christmas lights switch on, the Christmas Fayre runs at the Castle on November 27 and 28. A festive experience for all the family with stall holders selling food, jewellery and crafts, hearty pig roast and costumed characters. The fayre will run on the Friday evening into the Saturday daytime. The event is on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th November 2009 £2 adult, £1 child. Friday 5.00pm – 8.30pm Saturday 12pm – 5.15pm.

Christmas Medieval Banquets

The much loved Christmas Banquets are now a staple of the Christmas run up at Tamworth Castle, so much so that the Banquets for 2010 are already planned.  You’ll receive a short tour of the castle before making your way to the Great Hall where a 5 course banquet will be served.  The ticket includes your meal, half a bottle of wine and a glass of mead.   On top of this, you are given the opportunity to get into the spirit and dress in period costume.

Tickets for this event sell out quick and are available from Tamworth Tourist Information Centre.  Tickets are priced at £42 each and it’s strictly over 18’s only.  The Medieval Banquets take place on December 4, 5, 11 and 12.

Santa Trails

Tamworth Castle opens specially for the week before Christmas. Explore Tamworth Castle at its most magical as the Victorian family prepare to celebrate Christmas. Be welcomed by roaming Victorian characters, enter Santa’s grotto and join in with a fun Santa trail. All children will receive a Santa goody bag. Discount admissions apply.

The public dates for the Santa Trails run from Saturday December 19 through to Sunday December 20.  The week before will be for school groups.

The Santa Trail will be ideal for nursery groups and children at Key Stage 1.

For more information on any of the above you can visit the Tamworth Castle Website.

Money - Photo Warren H

Rent reductions for council tenants are a step closer after Tamworth’s cabinet members recommended that the proposed rent increase of 6% that took place on April 6 2009 be reduced to 3.1%.

Earlier this year, the Government said that the increase in rent should be reduced, but this announcement came to late meaning that the adjustment couldn’t be made immediately.  Subject to approval from the full council, the reductions will be implemented in December 2009.

Councillor Mary Oates, portfolio holder for Quality of Life said:

“I welcome the reduction which I am sure will be a great help to tenants at this difficult time

“It is unfortunate due to the timing of the government’s announcement that we were unable to implement the reduction sooner however I am sure that the savings to tenants will be beneficial. The council is continuing to offer support to residents facing financial difficulties and through working with partners we are helping people through this difficult time. In the run up to Christmas we will be running a rent campaign encouraging people to prioritise their debt and ensuring that they pay their rent. I would strongly urge any of our residents to get in touch with us if they are struggling to pay either their rent or Council Tax.”

The rent increases are set in accordance with a Government formula which means the council have very little control over the actual increases, this proposal though would enable the council to offer back dated reductions to tenants.