Tamworth Blog

Circus Starr arrives in Tamworth on Bank Holiday Sunday 2nd May 2010 to raise both smiles and money for St Giles Hospice.

The circus is a magical mix of top flight acrobatics, breathtaking balancing and non-stop comedy.

It’s laughter all the way with the hilarious antics of Duo Delbosq whose infectious style of physical comedy knows no boundaries of language or age when it comes to pure entertainment.

The outstanding Argentinean Gaucho, as featured on the Paul O’Grady Show, with the famed Bolas Dance of Courage set to wow any audience.

The Julio Troupe from Bulgaria once again returns with their thrilling acrobatics. Their springboard acrobatics will have people on the edge of their seats with excitement and the Russian Swing seems to enable them to defy gravity.
In addition Tracy Jones brings grace, skill and sheer beauty to the world class line up with her international acclaimed Corde Lisse act.

Circus Starr occupies a unique position in British circus by raising thousands of pounds for local charities with the advance sales of show tickets to local businesses.

The donations from those sales go towards specialised equipment for hospitals and hospices.
Since proudly taking to the road 23 years ago, Circus Starr has raised more than £2 million for local charities.

The circus will be in Tamworth, Castle Pleasure Grounds, with two shows at 2pm and 5pm.

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

Odeon Tamworth

The Film times for Odeon Tamworth this week. Films running from Friday March 5 through to Thursday March 11.

Alice In Wonderland 3D (PG)
2hr20m
Fri 14:30 17:15 20:00
Sat-Sun 11:45 14:30 17:15 20:00
Mon-Thu 14:30 17:15 20:00

Alice In Wonderland 2D (PG)
2hr20m Contains moderate violence and intense battle scenes
Fri 15:30 16:20 18:20 19:00 21:00
Sat-Sun 11:00 12:40 13:40 15:30 16:20 18:20 19:00 21:00
Mon-Thu 15:30 16:20 18:20 19:00 21:00

Astro Boy (PG)
2hr00m
Sat 11:10

Avatar 2D (12A)
3hrr00m
Fri 15:50 19:10
Sat-Sun 12:00 15:20 19:10
Mon-Thu 15:50 19:10

Alvin and the Chipmunks (U)
1hr30m
Sat-Sun 11:30

Chloe (15)
2hr05m
Fri 15:20 18:10 20:40
Sat-Sun 13:20 15:50 18:30 21:10
Mon-Thu 15:20 18:10 20:40

From Paris with Love (15)
1hr55m
Fri-Mon 20:50

Green Zone (15)
2hr20m
Advanced Screenings
Wed-Thu 15:30 18:10 20:50

Leap Year (PG)
1hr55
Fri 18:50 21:00
Sat-Sun 18:00 20:20
Mon-Thu 18:50 21:00 (more…)

Sport Relief Mile

It’s that time of year again, Sport Relief is just around the corner and the Sainsbury’s sponsored Sport Relief Mile is back at the Castle Grounds.

On Sunday March 21 the Castle Grounds will play host to a 6, 3 and 1 mile run all in aid of the Sport Relief charity.  The 6 mile run will begin at 11am with the 3 mile run starting at 12 noon and the 1 mile runs starting at 1pm and 2pm.  The event is part of the Sport Relief weekend which takes place the weekend of 19 March thru to March 21.

Councillor Jeremy Oates said:

“The Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile in Tamworth is here and it’s your time to shine.  From teeny-tots with their mums and dads, to super sprinters up against the clock there’s something for everyone on the big day – whether you do 1, 3 or 6 miles.  Best of all, the money you raise by getting sponsored will be used to transform lives forever.  So come on Tamworth, rise to the challenge!”

The money raised by the events off the weekend will be used to help those who are poor abnd vulnerable both in the UK and abroad.  To register for the Sport Relief mile simply visit the Sport Relief website and ensure to register for the Tamworth Mile.

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.

Odeon Tamworth

The Film times for Odeon Tamworth this week. Films running from Friday February 26 through to Thursday March 4.

Avatar 3D (12A)
2hr55m Contains moderate violence and intense battle scene
Fri 16:20 20:00
Sat-Sun 13:00 16:20 20:00
Mon-Thu 16:20 20:00

Astro Boy (PG)
2hr00m
Sat-Sun 11:30

Alvin and the Chipmunks (U)
1hr30m
Fri 15:45
Sat-Sun 11:45 13:25 15:45
Mon-Thu 15:45

The Crazies (15)
2hr05m
Fri 16:00 18:30 21:10
Sat-Sun 13:20 16:00 18:30 21:10
Mon-Thu 16:00 18:30 21:10

Extraordinary Measures (PG)
2hr10m
Fri 15:20 17:50 20:20
Sat-Sun 12:40 15:20 17:50 20:20
Mon-Thu 15:20 17:50 20:20
Subtitled Screenings
Sun 15:20
Mon 17:50

From Paris with Love (15)
1hr55m
Fri 16:15 18:30 2100
Sat-Sun 14:00 16:15 18:30 2100
Mon-Thu 16:15 18:30 2100

Leap Year (PG)
1hr55
Fri 15:55 18:25 20:55
Sat-Sun 13:25 15:55 18:25 20:55
Mon-Thu 15:55 18:25 20:55

The Lovely Bones (12A)
2hr40m Contains child murder theme, disturbing scenes and moderate violence
Fri 17:40 20:50
Sat-Sun 11:40 14:40 17:40 20:50
Mon-Thu 17:40 20:50

Ponyo (U)
1hr55m
Sat-Sun 11:10 (more…)

Odeon Tamworth

The Film times for Odeon Tamworth this week. Films running from Friday February 19 through to Thursday February 25.

Alvin and the Chipmunks (U)
1hr50m
Fri-Sun 12:10 14:00

Astro Boy (PG)
2hr00m
Fri-Sun 12:30 15:00
Mon-Thu 15:00

Avatar 3D (12A)
2hr55m Contains moderate violence and intense battle scene
Fri-Sun 13:00 16:20 20;00
Mon-Thu 16;20 20:00

Invictus (12A)
2hr40m Contains infrequent strong language
Fri-Thu 17:30 20:30

Percy Jackson and The Lighting Thief (PG)
2hr 20m
Fri-Sun 12:00 12:50 14:50 15:30 17:30 20;30
Mon-Thu 14:50 15:30 17:30 20;30

Ponyo (U)
1hr55m
Fri-Sun 12:20

Sherlock Holmes (12A)
2hr25m Contains moderate violence
Fri-Thu 18:10 20:50

Solomon Kane (15)
2hr10m
Fri-Thu 16:00 18:30 21:10 (more…)

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”.

Pancakes - Pic: Gwyn Fisher

Tamworth is the place to be for panacke fun on Tuesday 16th February 2010 starting 12noon at the Peel Status, Market Street, Tamworth.

Tamworth Rotary Club are holding a fun day to celebrate pancake day which this year falls on February 16th just after Valentines day.

Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday (the Tuesday which falls 41 days before Easter) is the traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday.

Lent – the 40 days leading up to Easter – was traditionally a time of fasting, and on Shrove Tuesday Christians went to confession and were “shriven” (absolved from their sins). It was the last opportunity to use eggs and fats before embarking on the Lenten fast and pancakes are the perfect way of using up these ingredients.

Some parts of Britain celebrate the day with pancake races. The oldest and most famous is held at Olney in Buckinghamshire. The race is run over 415 yards by women aged sixteen or older. They must flip their pancake in the frying pan at least three times during the race. The winner receives a kiss from the Pancake Bell Ringer – church bells were traditionally rung to remind parishioners to come to confession – and a prayer book from the vicar.

Fancy dress of your choice is optional and all proceeds will be going to local charitys plus Tamworth Rotary Club.

For entry forms and more details – RTN Doreen Boothman on 01543 – 473617 or tamworthrotary@btinternet.com