Tamworth Blog

Council leader Philip Atkins at Saturday’s budget consultation event.

Staffordshire Country Council are urging residents of Tamworth to have their say in how next years budget should be spent.  But you must be quick as the consultancy closes on Monday November 23.

All feedback received from the questionnaire will be used alongside the views of people who attended two consultation events at County Buildings.

An Adults event which took place on Saturday November 14 saw participants say that more money should be spent on supporting the growing elderly population, those with disabilities and children.  Improving the general health and employment opportunities was also high on the list.

The young people who are members of youth forums also met with councillors at an event earlier in the month.

You can still make your voice heard by filling in the online survey at
www.staffordshire.gov.uk/budgetconsult09, having your say on the councils services, priorities, spending plans and council tax levels.

The results from the questionnaire will be presented to the councils cabinet to help set the budget and tax levels during 2010/2011.

County Council Leader Philip Atkins said he hoped as many people as possible would complete the questionnaires as it was important electors made their views known. He added:

“We’re committed to improving all of our services to the people of Staffordshire. We also want to do it in the most efficient way we can to get the best value for them and keep our portion of the council tax at a low level.

“People’s views are vital and will influence us when it comes to making the tough decisions that need to be made when setting the budget.”

Christmas Lights - Pic: TBC

Friday November 27 will see Tamworth town centre lit up when it’s Christmas lights are switched on.

The festivities begin at 6pm with a lot more to do than just see the lights being switched on.  Tamworth Borough Council will be hosting a stage in St Editha’s Square as well as opening the doors at The Assembly Rooms with plenty of activities.

Portfolio Holder for Economic & Enterprise Councillor Jeremy Oates,

“Tamworth Borough Council is proud to bring the start of the festive season to life in Tamworth. The lights switch on have always been a traditional kick off to the Christmas period and this year we invite families and Tamworth residents to come along and join in the fun. The event is on Friday 27th November so come down and enjoy the community atmosphere.”

The full time table is below:

St Editha’s Square

There will be local groups performing Christmas carols favourites such as Ding Dong Merrily On High, Away In A Manger and many more classics to get you in the mood.

6.00pm – 6.10pm = St. Leonard’s School
6.15pm – 6.25pm = Lark Hill School
6.30pm – 6.35pm = Megan Yates
6.35pm – 6.45pm = Conor Brooks
6.50pm – 7.05pm = Barry and Chloe Hunt
7.10pm – 7.30pm = Driven Like The Snow
7.30pm – 7.45pm = Tamworth Panto Company
7.50pm = Lights build up with Father Christmas
8.00pm = GRAND LIGHTS SWITCH ON
8.00pm = Big sing a long lead by the Tamworth Ladies Choir, St. Editha’s Church Choir and Amington Band.

Father Christmas will also be around, ready to talk to the children of Tamworth and see whether they have behaved themselves this year.

Street Dynamix, Saxon Warriors, Jack Frost and the Snow Queen will also be around the town centre during the switch on.

The Assembly Rooms will also be open with a host of activities including craft stalls and childrens activities.  St Editha’s Church will also open it’s doors for the final few days of the Christmas Tree Festival (read story here).

Tamworth Blog will also be around, taking some photos of the event and getting all the interviews.  If you see us walking about, give us a shout and we’ll get your picture of you getting into the festive spirit.

Christmas Toys at Market - Pic: Patrick Lauke

Tamworth Market is to receive an early sprinkling of Christmas cheer with a one day Christmas market on Wednesday November 25 in St Editha’s Square.

Don’t worry though, this one day event is in addition to Tamworth’s Traditional Christmas Market which will run from December 17.  Think of this one day as a warm up to the big event.

The Christmas market will see a full range of stores and free family entertainment, including Father Christmas walking around the town centre.  There will be a brass band playing Christmas Carol’s, getting you into the spirit of Christmas.  For the kiddies there will be balloon modelling and face painting, as well as awards for the best dressed stalls.

Light up a Life

Remember someone special this Christmas by taking part in St Giles Hospice’s ‘Light up a Life’.  The much loved and one of the most meaningful events in the Hospices calendar gives an opportunity to dedicate a message in memory of a loved one, which will be recorded in a Book of Memories that will be on display within the Hospice throughout 2010.

A poignant service will be held at four churches throughout the region, the closest to Tamworth being at Lichfield Cathedral on Sunday December 13 at 6pm where people can gather to celebrate the loving memories of friends and family members.   During the service, lives being remembered will be symbolised by the turning on of a light.

Those who would like to ensure their memories of a loved one are included in the Book of Memories can submit them now, and are urged to get in touch with St Giles Hospice. This can be done by visiting the ‘Light up a Life’ website, by telephoning 01543 432538, or by picking up a leaflet at their local St Giles Hospice Shop, which can then be returned to the shop or to the hospice.

Peter Holliday, Chief Executive of St Giles Hospice, said:

“Light up a Life is a much-loved event which offers a special way to remember a loved one and record a heartfelt message or memory.

“Everyone is welcome to send in their memories, whether they have lost someone recently or some years ago, and regardless of whether or not they were cared for by St Giles.

“We also extend our welcome to everyone to come along to their local Light up a Life service of their choice, where they will see the lights dedicated to their loved ones switched on.”

Those who wish to take part are also invited to make a donation to the hospice to help them continue their work in supporting local people with cancer or other serious illnesses.