New Government Scrappage Scheme Launched

In a bold attempt to revive the government's flagging popularity, Downing Street announced a new scrappage scheme today. People will be able to trade in their old government for a new one and get a reduction in government spending.

Prime-Minister-By-Default Gordon Brown welcomed the news. 'If the focus groups are anything to go by, I'm sure that this will be the post popular policy we've ever announced. Millions of people up and down the country will benefit from scrapping their government, and it will also give a much-needed boost to our beleagured manufacturing base.'

Chancellor-In-Name-Only Alistair Darling added, 'Gordon sent me a text about this, and I'm fully behind that text. I'm already looking forward to my date with the crusher.'

Happy Birthday Quinton!

On 9th November 1909, Quinton became part of Birmingham. That's 100 years ago tomorrow, and we're having lots of events to mark the occasion...

Saturday 14th November, 7.30-10.30pm (doors open 7pm): Concert at Christ Church Parish Hall by four-piece band Giggetty with a repertoire ranging from Abba to folk. Tickets £9 (includes fish 'n' chip supper) available from Quinton Local History Society, 15 Worlds End Avenue, Quinton, Birmingham B32 1JF, or phone 0121 422 1792.

Sunday 15th November, 12.30pm: THE MAIN EVENT. Procession led by Birmingham Pipe Band, Starting from Christ Church Rectory on Hagley Road West. The procession will go along Hagley Road West, High Street, Ridgacre Road West and The Green, crossing Meadow Road into Quinton Park where the Lord Mayor will arrive at about 1.30pm to officially mark the centenary and officiate at the planting of two commemorative trees.

Saturday 21st November, 10am-4pm: Quinton history exhibition by Dr Michael Hall at Quinton Methodist Church Hall, Hagley Road West. Admission free, small charge for refreshments.

Saturday 21st November, 7.30-11pm (doors open 7pm): Concert at Bennett Hall, Quinborne Centre, Ridgacre Road by seven-piece band Penny Short with a guest appearance from Quinton Community Choir. Tickets £5 from The Office, Quinborne Centre or phone 0121 682 7474 and ask for Linda.

Tuesday 24th November, 7.45 (doors open 7.15): Meet the authors of 'The Quinton – A History in Words and Images' (Kate Creed, Michael Hall, Andrew Maxam, Anthony Rosser and Bernard Taylor). This evening of nostalgia is only £1.50, payable at the door on the night.

Saturday 28th November, 10am-4pm: Quinton history exhibition by Quinton Local History Society at Christ Church Parish Hall, Hagley Road West. Admission free, small charge for refreshments.

For general information on any of the events, please phone 0121 422 1792.

Police Halloween Events

I spent yesterday evening helping the local Police with another successful pair of Halloween events in Quinton. Older homeowners can feel quite intimidated at Halloween as they are often inundated with trick-or-treat callers through the night. The Police try to solve the problem by running a family event at the Day Centre on West Boulevard, to give potential 'trick-or-treaters' something else to do, and a dinner for older people at Onneley House on Court Oak Road, so they are not at home anyway.

I went to both events which were very well attended and a huge success. I was further impressed when I found out that all the Police helping out were doing so in their free time and won't be claiming overtime.

Well done everyone, and looking forward to another success next year!

Action on Graffiti

My fellow Quinton Councillor Jane James and I spent much of Saturday removing graffiti from various places in the ward. Graffiti is highly antisocial and has a tendency to bring down an area if not kep in check. I've also passed several photos onto the local Police so they can add to their database of tags in use in the area.