Devastating news from the Nature Centre, where the Red Pandas have been shipped off to Bristol. Replacements are Coatis — apparently also members of the raccoon family and known as “snookum bears”: Info from this new blog about the nature centre from a volunteer there.
Election Circus Hits The University, originally uploaded by TheBrumReaper. “The University is hosting an unnamed ‘high-profile event’ on thursday… UK voters can probably guess what that will be.”
If you’ve ever moaned about Birmingham’s lack of independent shops then for the next six weeks (at least) you’ve reason to visit the Bull Ring and support a really indie operation. Brum’s award-winning Created in Birmingham blog has got the keys to a unit just opposite the Apple store — and they’re selling only the best stuff that is made in Brum: art, prints, fanzines, T-shirts… The opening was last night, and the sales were looking brisk. Get yerself down: Location: Bull Ring, Level 3 Upper Mall West Opening hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 8pm. Sun 11am to 5pm There’s also a dedicated shop blog, should you have help, products, or owt else to offer.
“In deciding on the four cities recommended – Derry/Londonderry, Birmingham, Norwich, and Sheffield – the panel was influenced by the expected step change each city was asked to envisage, if they gained the title and subsequent media spotlight.” Wha? via Race to become the UK’s first City of Culture hots up as Final Fourteen become Fantastic Four.
Feel loved this much, Wallace and Gromit, originally uploaded by new folder. Anyone else a little surprised that brining out the same (mostly pot, some flower) floral displays as the last two years is enough to win a prize?
Got a camera? Want to meet other photographers? Would you like to see different parts of Birmingham? Then I have just the thing for you! Once a month on a Sunday afternoon theBirmingham Flickrmeets peeps get together for a photo walk in and around the city. It’s an informal meeting, free of charge, anyone can come along, and there is usually a stop at a pub for a well earned pint and a meal afterwards too. If you have a flickr account, just join the Group. If you are new to Flickr you can join the photo site for free! I joined in the photo walk last Sunday. Emma Jones had gained permission from the Moseley Road Baths for the flickr photographers to have access to the whole of the building. Moseley Road Baths was built in 1907 and is actually still has a working swimming pool. However, there is another swimming pool that has fallen into deep neglect – broken tiles, moss, fungus, rust……. it needs a major overhaul as does the rest of the building. Despite it’s neglect it’s a beautiful Edwardian building, but it certainly needs a lot of work done on it. If you are interested in the...
The Ikon reminded us on Twitter today about MACE — that’s the Media Archive for Central England. They mentioned a Bull going mad in Digbeth, and as luck would have it here it is running amok: Get the Flash Player to see this content. Sadly even then, Digbeth didn’t have any china shops for it.
I have lived in Birmingham for over 20 years and had never attended the Birmingham Carnival. It was on last weekend and I decided I couldn’t let another year go by without experiencing it. It’s a bi-annual event held in Perry Park. The carnival procession sets off from Handsworth Park and winds itself down the streets before reaching it’s destination 3 hours later. I was waiting like an excited child for the procession to arrive! Lorries blasted out music and colourful dancers energetically strutted their stuff behind them. As well as the procession there was a fun fair, music and no forgetting good old hearty soul food. It’s a fabulous day out for everyone – Put it in your diary for 2011! :)
Hey Ho, Let’s Go….down to the Epic Skate Park! Now the kids are on their summer holiday and some of the grown ups too….dust off your skateboards and skates and have a ‘wheelie’ (sorry) fab day out! The park is housed in a former bus garage and attracts skaters from all over the country. It has plenty of half pipes, bowls and rails for everyone and it’s suitable for novices and the more advanced skaters. I spent a day at the park (taking photos, not skating!) and it was great to see the more advanced skaters helping out and teaching less experienced ones. The Old Bus Depot, Alcester Rd, Moseley B12 9AA 0121 442 2425
