Tamworth Blog

Mark Beaumont on his bike

The Man Who Cycled the World is Mark Beaumonts remarkable story detailing his 2008 world record when he cycled the world on his own.  The 18,000 mile epic journey saw him riding some 100 miles per day for half of the year.

In 2009, Mark set out on his second ultra-endurance solo challenge; to cycle the length of the American Cordillera.  On this 13000 mile expedition, Mark will not only be cycling down the longest mountain range on the planet, but will also be climbing the continents two highest peaks, Mt McKinley in Alaska and Aconcagua in Argentina, making his second self-filmed documentary for BBC1 – Cycling the Americas. Come to Tamworth Assembly Rooms on Thursday 25th March and listen to the extraordinary stories mark has to tell.

Some of the national press have hailed this extraordinary story as “Truly inspiring, the sort of thing that makes you want to get off the couch, out of the house and on the road.”  (THE SCOTSMAN) and Mark as “A true man of the world” (DAILY MAIL).

Tickets for this story are priced £13 each and are available from Tamworth Information Centre or by calling 01827 709618.  The event will start at 7.30pm with the doors opening at 7pm.

Kingsbury Lake - Pic: Paulette Sedgwick

Tamworth sailing club on the Kingsbury water park are holding an open day Saturday 13th March between 10am – 3pm.

A FREE sail around the lake is on offer when you attend the open day as you also find out if joining the club is for you.

Tamworth Sailing Club is situated on the banks of a 45 acre lake within the picturesque Kingsbury Water Park. The club offers leisure activity for all ages there’s something for everyone. Sailing experience is not essential as there are courses for those that want active participation and comfortable clubhouse facilities for those happy to sit and watch. Whilst the main focus is small boat sailing and racing, there is a variety of ‘on shore’ social events, ideal for family group participation. For the keen dinghy helmsman there are the regular weekly races, competing for a variety of trophies throughout the summer season. For the even more dedicated and hardy there are other trophies to win during the cold and sometimes icy conditions of winter. Tamworth Sailing Club is an all year, all weather club. For the spectators the large brick built clubhouse offers a range of refreshments during sailing days and on special occasions.

All sailing club members can obtain a pass from the Waterpark Office, giving them free access to the Water Park at all times. This large nature reserve controlled by Warwickshire County Council is now a popular leisure park often crowded on summer weekends and holidays. Nature trails provide walks through a profusion of wild flowers and shrubbery, which provides protection for an interesting variety of birds and wildfowl. There are numerous other areas of water surrounding the main sailing venue, one caters for model boaters and another accommodates Jet Skis, it adds to the volume of activities found throughout the park at weekends and provides interesting diversions away from the sailing.

A FULL MEMBER shall be entitled to full club privileges including boat ownership, sailing a club boat and the right to vote at Committee meetings. Full membership shall extend to the member’s spouse and children under 18 years (unless in full time education when it extends up to the age of 21 years) but shall only carry one vote.

A LIMITED MEMBER (intended for crews of Full Members only) shall be entitled to full club privileges but may not bring a boat to the Club or sail a club boat. Limited membership shall extend to the member’s spouse and children under 18 years (unless in full time education when it extends up to the age of 21 years). Limited members are not entitled to vote.

A CONCESSIONARY MEMBER will include all Full members having attained the statuary age of retirement (or retired early and in receipt of invalidity benefit), or a student between 18 and 21 and in receipt of a Student Union Card.

A LONGSHORE MEMBER being an adult (over 18) who does not wish to participate in any sailing activity, either helming or crewing, but who wishes to retain contact with Tamworth Sailing Club on a social basis, shall be entitled to all club privileges except that he / she may not bring a boat to the club and is not entitled to vote. Longshore Membership shall also extend to the member’s spouse. A longshore members will not be required to participate in Duty Teams. A Longshore Member can upgrade to Full membership at any time during a membership year by paying to the Club the difference between the Full subscription and the Long shore subscription.

A JUNIOR MEMBER(under 18 years or in full time education and under 21 years) shall be entitled to full club privileges including boat ownership, but is not entitled to vote Junior membership is on an individual basis and shall not extend to the member’s family. A Junior member must be accompanied by another adult member (of minimum Longshore status) be they parent, guardian or sponsor, who will undertake responsibility for that Junior member subject to Bye Law 6 at all times..

Contact for more infomation call 01543268163

Happy Feet - Showing at Drayton Manor in 4D

Drayton Manor Theme Park have unveiled this years film showing at their 4D cinema that opened last season. Happy Feet will be playing the Oscar winning “Happy Feet” from the start of the new season on March 20.

The specially adpated film which lasts 12 minutes, tells the tale of penguin Mumble, who bravely tries to save his penguin friends from starvation after humans steal the supply of their fish.

This new experience is made all the more special with the special 4D effects where chairs move up and down, water is sprayed, bursts of air and various smells to react to what’s happening on the screen.

The film will show at regular intervals throughout the season and is included in the cost of the admission to the park and is one of the many treats in store for visitors during the parks 60th anniversary year.

Colin Bryan, Managing Director of Drayton Manor Theme Park comments:

“We are very excited to have an Oscar winning film showing at the park this year. The 4D cinema provides great entertainment for all ages, and we wanted to show something extra special during our Diamond Jubilee.

“We are extremely proud to be celebrating our 60th anniversary and hope everybody who visits the park this year will enjoy the atmosphere and have great, value for money, day out.”

Drayton Manor Park, along with Thomas Land reopens on Saturday March 20 for the summer season.

Councillor Pritchard on the proposed site of new BMX Track

Following on from the news about Tamworth’s new Skate park nearing completion, Tamworth has come one step closer to a new BMX track, after Tamworth Borough Council’s cabinet voted in favour to support a residents group with its proposals to build a community use BMX track.

The council is working with the Belgrave Residents Association to help them develop a National Lottery “Changing Spaces” bid for funding for a small track intended for use by local children.

Local residents have asked the council to consider a proposed site on the Deltic. Residents proposed site is next to the old BMX track that was destroyed when the A5 bypass was built.

Local residents in the area will be surveyed over the spring to ask their opinion on the project and proposed site.

Cllr Robert Pritchard said,

“This project is a great opportunity for local children, however it is essential that there are activities available for them, many are asking me for a BMX track. With BMX becoming an Olympic sport it will only become more popular.”

A key part of the project and gaining a “Changing Spaces” grant is community approval, if residents don’t want it happen it wont. In the spring local residents, school children, community groups will get a survey asking their opinion on the project. The track will also require planning permission but at this stage we are after local peoples views.

The project is also being supported by the Tamworth Crusaders (Tamworth BMX Club), Staffordshire County Council through the local member’s grants scheme and numerous ward councillors.

Cllr Pritchard added,

“We want the public to let us know what they think, without their views we won’t know if we have the right place. The site will serve local children in Belgrave, Stonydelph, Glascote and Wilnecote. I think this is why the project has generated so much interest from all generations within the community.”

Work on the Skate Park late in 2009

Tamworth’s new Skate Park is getting closer with the much needed move from by Strykers to one of the old tennis courts not long away.

The old skate park has been subject to vandalism and anti-social behaviour which has meant that many legitimate users have stopped using the facilities.  The move across to the Tennis Courts is hoped to improve the park and safety for all users.

The skate park has been funded through Tamworth Borough Council, The Youth Capital Fund (from Staffordshire County Council), Tamworth Community Trust, Staffordshire County Council’s local members fund, Tamworth round table members and fund raising activities by Tamworth’s Wheeled Sports Forum have made this all possible.

“All that is left to do is the surrounding landscaping of the grounds. When finished we will have an official opening in the summer with lots of exciting activities to celebrate this world class skate park. I am pleased we, in partnership with Tamworth Wheeled Sports Forum have taken this from an idea four years ago to the wonderful new asset Tamworth now has. So much credit must go to Mike Dryburgh for his dedication to the project over the course of the last few years. Tamworth should be very proud to have such young people so driven to improving opportunities for all.

Tamworth Borough Council is totally committed to offering an excellent range of leisure facilities.  This new skate park, when complete and officially open, we are sure will prove to be very popular. It will be a dedicated park where youngsters can show off their skateboarding skills in a safe and secure environment”.

Mike Dryburgh, of Tamworth Wheeled Sports Forum.

“It’s really exciting to see the original plan come together.  Feedback from local skaters, inliners and bmx’ers has been invaluable in ensuring we got the park that everybody wanted and we hope they enjoy using the new facility”.

River Anker - Pic: Paulette Sedgwick.

Multi Agency River Clean up of Tamworth Town Centre Water Ways involving Tamworth Borough Council, Sea scouts, Fire Service, Police,Street Wardens (TBC), Street Scene(TBC),Environment Agency, The Angling Trust, HSBC Volunteers, Staffordshire Youth Service and more.

Anyone wishing to volunteer for the day meet at Holloway Car Park 9.30am for registration and health and safety brief.

Main activities will include litter picking, helping collate items recovered from the river, scrub clearance, information awareness on litter, fly tipping and pollution plus more plenty for everyone.
It will be a good day drinks provided, people are asked to dress appropriatley.

The Geeds caused an upset last week

The weather has caused some issues over the last few weeks, but last week saw the Leisure Leagues kick off the new year.  Below are the first updates for 2010.

Wilnecote Sunday

Deportivo Laka Talent had their own “Ash Sunday” as Steven Ash saw them home 5-2 against Wannabee Top and led them away from the relegation zone.

Double Dutch had Paul Bryan at his best as they managed the same score against Inter Minan to stay top, while Faresille kept their title hopes alive after a 5-1, Chris Brown-inspired victory over Bodyzone.

Socceroos stay top of division one after beating high-flying BLH 8-5 – and that slip allowed Brew Alex to move second with a 2-1 victory over Bimblers. HS stay in the relegation zone despite a 5-2 hammering of Inter Minan that saw James Colin star.

Q Stars are rooted to the bottom of division two after a Darren Davidson proved too hot to handle in Kerona’s 8-3 dismissal, but they stay in touch as Cannon Fodder also lost, Steven Rodgerson proving the difference in a 3-2 edging. Finally, TFC Young Uns cruised home 4-1 against Austrey.

Woodhouse Sunday

Totally Useless made it four wins out of four in awesome fashion with their 22-1 mauling of The Allmightys, as Matt Silvestre starred.

Bolehall Youth kept up the pressure with their 11-0 destruction of The All Stains, whilst Jurassic shared a pulsating 5-5 draw with Liberals 1907.

Woodhouse Monday

IMN were the stars in the Woodhouse Monday Premier Division this week with their 8-3 destruction of FTG, whilst Division One leaders FC Beefcelona eased through 4-0 against Messers United.

Sweet Feet Reserves stormed to a 6-2 demolition of Usual Suspects, and rock-bottom NLME shared a 3-3 draw with Moobs FC.

Woodhouse Wednesday

Bouncebackability remain top of Woodhouse Wednesday after their incredible 25-1 dismissal of Feet For Street, but Not So Athletic kept up the pressure with their crushing 12-3 victory over Mean Machine, thanks to Adam Gurney.
Mutts Nutts belied their lower half position in the table with a Brett Walker-inspired 14-5 win against Real Tamworth, whilst Without A Paddle edged through 7-5 in their thriller with Charlie GFC.

Woodhouse Thursday

Dunya Dunya made it seven wins out of seven to remain top of the Tamworth 6-a-side league.

Despite peppering the Nikke Allstars goal, they found Tom Wigley in outstanding form between the sticks, and could only pick up a narrow 1-0 win.

Anthony Dutton proved to be the difference for West Midlands Village as they edged past HIB FC, 1-0. Vavers V’s were the nights biggest winners as Matt Watson starred in their 4-1 humbling of Winning Post.

Wilnecote Thursday

Geeds caused a big upset in the Tamworth 5-a-side league and had their goalkeeper Dave Randle to thank for their 5-4 defeat of table toppers Brewers Droop.

Wongs took full advantage of the leaders slip, moving to within a point of the summit, and did so in some style, smashing 14 past N.L.M.E, who could only reply with a solitary consolation. Mile Oak Rovers were also big winners, in slightly less sensational fashion, as they hit YMA for six, who could only muster one in response.

On The Bus were made to work considerably harder for maximum points, battling to a 6-5 defeat of Allstars, keeping themselves well in the title hunt in the process.

Anyone who wants to join the 5 and 6 a side football leagues in Tamworth can ring 0845 230 2340 or visit www.leisureleagues.net

Odeon Tamworth

The Film times for Odeon Tamworth this week. Films running from Friday December 18 through to Thursday December 24.  The cinema will close early evening on Christmas Eve.

2012 (12A)
3hr05m Contains sustained moderate threat and one use of strong language
Fri-Wed 20:10

Alvin And The Chipmunks (PG)
1hr50m
Advanced Screenings
NO GUEST PASSES
Mon-Wed 10:45 12:10 13:00 14:30 15:10 16:40 17:30 19:10
Thu 12:10 13:00 14:30 15:10 16:40 17:30

Avatar 3D (12A)
3hr10m Contains moderate violence and intense battle scene
NO GUEST PASSES
Fri-Wed 12:30 16:20 20:00
Thu 13:30 17:10

Avatar 2D (12A)
3hr10m Contains moderate violence and intense battle scene
NO GUEST PASSES
Fri-Sun 11:30 13:30 15:20 17:10 19:00 21:00
Mon-Wed 11:30 15:20 1710 19:00 21:00
Thu 11:30 15:20 16:20
Subtitled Screenings
Sun 11:30
Mon 15:20

A Christmas Carol 3D (PG)
2hr00m
Sat-Wed 10:15
Thu 11:15

A Christmas Carol 2D (PG)
2hr00m
Fri-Thu 11:10 13:30 15:50 18:00

Law Abiding Citizen (18)
2hr10m
Fri-Wed 21:10

Nativity (U)
2hr00m
Fri-Thu 11:00 13:20 15:35 17:50

Paranormal Activity (15)
1hr50m
Fri-Sun 19:10 21:20
Mon-Wed 21:20 (more…)

Christmas - Pic: Scott Feldstein

Atherstone Choral Society are a 65 strong mixed voice (SATB) choir based in Atherstone.

There music spans Bach to Beatles and they enjoy performing Concerts that range from summer showtime fun to more serious Classical music. The Society had quite a traditonal beginning when a group of people decided that they wanted to sing the Messiah and organised themselves to do so. 35 years later some of those people are still active Members of the Society.

They now have a new musical director and are planning there 2010 programme, building on there enjoyment of a wide range of music.

There next concert will be held at the Memorial Hall in Atherstone. FREE parking is available

Tickets are FREE to under 12’s if accompanying with an adult otherwise there £10 each and can be obtained by calling Pat Jay on 01827 713 079

”Christmas Joy”, music for voices and brass from the Arden Hill School Choir concert is Sunday December 13th at 4pm

James Camerons Avatar

Another week has gone… Where does the time go?  It’s Friday again and the good news is that it’s competition time here on Tamworth Blog, thanks to our friends at Odeon Tamworth.  This week, we have another two tickets to a movie of your choice. To enter, it couldn’t be easier, simply read the below review of James Cameron’s new movie Avatar and answer a simple question by midnight next Wednesday December 16.

Avatar 3D (12A)
Also available to see in 2D

Who´s in it?
Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Michelle Rodriguez

What´s the plot?
From James Cameron, the director of ‘Titanic’, comes the long awaited ‘Avatar’.

‘Avatar’ tells the story of an ex-Marine who finds himself in a war-zone on an alien planet. Now an Avatar – a human mind in an alien body – the ex-Marine must fight for the survival of both himself and the planet’s inhabitants.

Ten years in the making, ‘Avatar’ incorporates the latest CGI technology to transport the audience into a spectacular alien world, promising an unprecedented cinema experience.

This weeks Question

To win two tickets to Odeon Tamworth, just answer the following question

Who Is the Director of Avatar?

To enter the competition, email odeoncompetition@tamworthblog.co.uk the correct answer and your name and address. The competition closes at midnight on Wednesday 16 December. Winners will be picked out of a hat and announced on the Tamworth Blog website.