Monthly Archives: July 2021

News, Transport

Mayor backs cycle scheme

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Anger over dumped bikes and pricing

 The Mayor of the West Midlands has lauded a new cycle scheme which has been introduced across Sutton Coldfield and the wider West Midlands.

Andy Street praised the West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme, despite evidence that some of the bikes were not being returned to their docking station and dumped in the street, particularly in Birmingham city centre.

People have also complained about the pricing which amounts to £4 for a one hour hire period, which includes an unlocking fee.

Safety campaigners have warned of a new danger to pedestrians in Birmingham city centre because of the ‘abandoned’ bikes.

But users say that when trying to return the bikes, the docking bays are already full.

Andy Street, the Mayor of the West Midlands, said: “Our cycle hire scheme is providing incredibly popular in Sutton Coldfield, far exceeding our expectations at this stage.

“People who hire our bikes in the Royal Town are using them for nearly an hour on average, cycling more than 4.5km each time.

Mayor Andy Street

“These are impressive usage figures and we expect them to continue to grow as more docking stations are introduced. New docks have not long been installed at Good Hope hospital and Four Oaks Station, whilst we hope to get our planned one for Sutton Station in ASAP.”

On top of a £1 unlocking fee via an app, users are then billed at the rate of 5p per minute (£3 per hour).

So it is £4 for the first hour and then £3 per hour thereafter.

Sutton Park enthusiast Patrick James said the bikes were a good idea, but the fees were too high, especially as its a new venture.

He said: “You would have thought they could have started with a discounted price and if that proved popular, then perhaps look again at the pricing structure. But for a couple of hours riding around the park, or anywhere that hires them out for that matter, £7 is too much.”

The mayor defended the prices and said: “West Midlands Cycle Hire is a new scheme and we are confident that our pay as you go prices are competitive – especially with our offer of the first 30 minutes being free for new users.

“However as we continue to roll-out more bikes and docking stations across the region, we will of course be exploring the pricing structure and seeing if we can offer subscription packages to provide better value for regular users.”

In theory, any bicycle not ‘docked and locked’ will charge you £37 for the first 24 hours it is not put back into position.

The company website show four steps for hiring a bike:

How to ride

It’s easy to hop on a bike to get to work, pop to the shops, or even to discover new places to explore!

1. Unlock

Unlock using the Beryl cycle hire app

 2. Ride

Have fun and be safe!

 3. Dock

Find your nearest docking station to park up

4. Lock

Close the lock to end your ride

On the dumping of bikes, Mr Street added: “Hundreds of cycle hire customers use our docks without problem every day. The very small number of users who do leave bikes out of docking stations receive a fine. We’ve found that following a fine the instances of bad-parking are greatly reduced.”

News

Martha plea in memory of grandpa

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Martha Davis on holiday with her grandpa Alan Bird

Sutton Coldfield woman urges people to support St Giles Hospice

A Sutton Coldfield woman, whose beloved grandpa died at St Giles Hospice, is calling on local people to support the “amazing” charity which cared for him through his final days.

Martha Davis, aged 24, who works as an NHS Communications Officer, has been a passionate supporter of St Giles since her grandfather Alan Bird received end of life care at the Whittington hospice.

Martha said: “St Giles is such an amazing local charity and they recognise that good end of life care is so important, not only for the patient, but for the whole family too. My grandpa had been there for me all my life, and it means so much that I was able to be there with him in the last moments of his. It’s the moments together that matter the most.”

As well as fundraising for the hospice after her grandpa was cared for by St Giles, Martha also joined the hospice’s weekly lottery, and was delighted to get a phone call a couple of months later telling her she’d won the £1,000 weekly jackpot prize.

Martha said: “Grandpa always wanted to give me a bit of pocket money – even after I’d started earning a wage – as he was worried about whether I had enough cash after I’d graduated.

“I like to think that he’s looking out for me even now and used the lottery as a way to make sure I’m alright even though he’s no longer here!

“I was lucky enough to win the weekly jackpot prize not long after signing up, which was completely unexpected! It’s helped me towards a house deposit and it’s so nice to think that a donation in memory of my grandpa has enabled me to do something I know he would have wanted.”

Martha was very close to her grandpa throughout her childhood and they shared many memorable family holidays together. Sadly, he was diagnosed with cancer and in 2018 was admitted to St Giles Hospice in Whittington for end of life care. 

Martha was devastated by his illness but was comforted by the “truly personal care” she says he received at St Giles and the support her family was offered both in his final days and after he passed away.

“I absolutely worshipped my grandpa and the staff understood that and treated him just as our family would’ve wanted,” she said. “It’s hard to express just how much grandpa’s amazing care meant to us as a family. You simply can’t put a price on the love, support and peace of mind that we all received.

Martha at St Giles Hospice with Ward Sister Ruth Abell.

“Every member of staff was a specialist in their field and we trusted them completely. It was so reassuring for us as a family. When we left the hospice we never had to worry – we always knew that grandpa would be cared for just as attentively and lovingly as though we ourselves were still at his bedside.

“We could concentrate on being with grandpa until the end, knowing that all his needs were taken care of and, when the time came, we were given all the time we needed to say goodbye to him and begin to grieve.

“It’s vital for everyone to support St Giles; you just never know when you might need their care. Nobody plans on becoming seriously ill, nobody plans on dying, but because of the support of the local community, St Giles can be there for patients and families when they’re at their most vulnerable.”

Chloe Herbert, Head of Fundraising at St Giles Hospice, said: “The support of local people means so much to the patients and families supported by St Giles, particularly when our income has been so badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic over the last 18 months.

“There are so many different ways to support St Giles and we’d like to say a big thank you to our community for ensuring that we are able to provide care for patients and their families living with a terminal illness. We are hoping our community will be there for us again this summer, supporting Martha’s Moments Together campaign to help the hospice care for more families like hers in the future.”

For more information about St Giles Hospice and how you can help, please visit www.stgileshospice.com/momentstogether

News

GLA is a star performer

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Mercedes-Benz GLA 

By Bill McCarthy

Selling more than a million models is a testimony to the appeal of Mercedes’ baby SUV. Baby is perhaps the wrong term. The smallest in the range, it is far more than a pumped-up A Class, on which it is based.

With its muscular stance, but still coupe-like lines and distinctive three-pointed star of Mercedes, silver roof rails and 19-inch, five spoke alloys, it never failed to attract attention.

This latest version is a bit higher and a bit shorter than its predecessor, but all models  are well equipped and goodies increase as you move up the range with this range topper featuring leather, heated and powered seats, 64-colour ambient lighting, multi-function steering wheel and high-end sound system.

Like all Mercs it hosts myriad gadgets and gizmos, not least its clever MBUX entertainment system which now uses the latest augmented reality software and a comprehensive range of safety kit. It also features highly efficient and frugal petrol and diesel engines and other cutting edge technology.

The interior on this range-topping model is pure executive quality, with piano black and soft touch finish throughout. 

Five round ventilation units are meant to offer a turbine look, and trimmed in chrome, are a classy touch. The centrepiece is a 10.25inch touchscreen which is the brains of the car, connected to a touchpad on the central console. 

Unlike some touchpads, this one is not jerky and works well, operating key features like sat nav, infotainment and connectivity for smartphones. It also houses the reversing camera.

On this AMG model another 10.25 inch merges with the touchscreen to provide a cockpit style and to deliver key driver information.

 The standard MBUX system uses  voice control. It can be individually configured with the aid of a range of options for configuring screens and graphics and sat nav with augmented reality and learning software. 

For this to work, the camera in the roof console behind the windscreen records a video image of the surroundings. This, in turn, enhances the system with helpful navigation information. Indicator arrows or house numbers are automatically superimposed on the image shown on the media display touchscreen.

The GLA features two petrol and two diesel variants, with this model featuring the two litre, 190bhp diesel engine, mated with an eight-speed, dual-clutch transmission.

It is an extremely lively and refined unit offering rapid acceleration, high levels of torque, 400Nm for excellent pulling power in all gears and lowish  CO2 emissions. Add to this fuel consumption of around 50mpg and that’s pretty impressive considering the car is carrying the extra weight of the  four-wheel drive capability.

This diesel is a refined unit with barely any diesel clatter while acceleration is very brisk, the car hits 60mph in just 7.3 seconds.

The increased dimensions means there is plenty of leg and headroom while the seats are comfortable and supportive, the firmish but smooth ride means passengers have a comfortable experience and despite its high stance, the vehicle always feels stable with a marked absence of wallowing on corners.

As an SUV it needs to be practical and the seating arrangements offer various combinations, while the 485 litres of boot space can be increased  to a maximum of 1, 420, while the sliding rear seats offer extra practicality.

While unlikely to spend much time off road, the four wheel drive offers extra safety, with added traction in poor weather. Actually offroad, power is transferred 50-50 to each axle, giving the capability of pulling a horsebox or caravan on and off a muddy field.

Other safety features include a full complement of airbags, standard autonomous braking to avoid a collision, exit  warning function alerting the driver to approaching cyclists or vehicles, and a warning when  pedestrians are detected near zebra crossings, plus many more. The range starts at £31,465.

Factfile

Mercedes-Benz GLA 220 d 4MATIC AMG Line Premium

Price: £41,430

Mechanical: 190bhp, 1950cc, 4-cylinder, diesel engine driving all wheels via 8-automatic transmission

Max Speed: 135mph

0-62mph: 7.3 seconds

Combined MPG: 49.6

Insurance Group: 37

C02 emissions: 130g/km

Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited miles

News, Schools

Inspirational Sue honoured again

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Sue Bailey MBE is a Silver winner

Arthur Terry teacher’s work wins silver award

A Sutton Coldfield teacher has received a second top award for her services to children and education.

Selected from thousands of nominations, Arthur Terry School/Arthur Terry Learning Partnership teacher Sue Bailey MBE has been honoured as one of 102 Pearson National Teaching Silver Award winners across the country.

Sue was honoured with a Silver Award in The Award for Lifetime Achievement for their outstanding commitment to changing the lives of the children they work with every day. 

Sue has devoted her career to the educational, social, and emotional welfare of children, transforming many lives, and in 2017 she received an MBE for services to the community and vulnerable children.

She was the Strategic Lead for the Four Oaks Children’s Centres, providing a ‘lifeline’ to families, by organising transition days, community choirs and partnership events.

Sue received her MBE from HRH Prince William in 2017

A Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award holder, recognised by the Outward Bound Trust for her long service, Sue has headed up visits to partner schools in South Africa through ‘Aspire for Africa Trust’. In 2016, Sue’s dynamic leadership became headline news when she led students and colleagues to safety during a military coup at Istanbul Airport.

Sue has now been shortlisted to win one of just 15 Gold Awards later in the year, in a programme which will be broadcast on the BBC. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the exceptional school staff who have worked wonders during an incredibly challenging time for educators across the country. 

She said: “I’m really honoured, humbled and proud to have received this Pearson Silver Award. Thank you to all the colleagues I have worked with over the years, who have supported me, inspired me, challenged me, laughed with me, cried with me and been part of this incredible journey. On this national ‘Thank a Teacher Day’ I would like to congratulate all schools and everybody who works in education for the incredible work they do.”

Sue is pictured (centre) along with her daughter Jodie, husband Colin and colleagues from Arthur Terry School and the ATLP.

Richard Gill CBE, CEO of the Arthur Terry Learning Partnership and Chair of the National Teaching Schools Council, said: “We are absolutely delighted to see Sue win this Silver award. She is an inspirational and dedicated teacher and leader, who has transformed the lives of so many children and young people, both at the Arthur Terry School and across our family of schools. It’s a privilege to work alongside Sue, and we all look forward to congratulating her on this ‘National Thank a Teacher Day’ when we will also be celebrating and thanking all colleagues across all schools for their incredible work, every single day.”

Sue’s work with schools in Africa is a key part of her role

Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell said: “Congratulations to Sue on such a phenomenal achievement. Her outstanding service to education and safeguarding across Arthur Terry School, ATLP and the wider community, has helped to shape so many lives over the years. This Silver Pearson Award is richly deserved!

“Every child matters to Sue, and this was never more apparent than when she helped to secure the safe return of her students and colleagues following a military coup in Istanbul. Sue was calm, caring and courageous – exactly what we need in great teachers and leaders, and it is an honour and a privilege to work with her.

“It is befitting that she receives this accolade on ‘National Thank a Teacher Day’ when we celebrate the valuable contribution that all school staff make to our schools and communities. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful schools here in the Royal Town, filled with exceptional individuals like Sue Bailey, and I am very proud of their incredible work.”

The Silver Award winners are being honoured as part of the wider celebrations for ‘Thank a Teacher Day’, a national campaign to honour and recognise school staff for their incredible work. The celebrations follow new data which shows how the previous year’s lockdowns have significantly changed how families across the country view the role of teachers. 

New research from Parentkind and The Teaching Awards Trust highlights that three in four parents and carers have a newfound respect hold for the teaching profession following their experiences of remote learning during lockdown. 74.9% of survey respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they had more respect for the work that teachers do following their family’s experiences of remote learning.

The last year has seen a wealth of stories of teachers making care visits to vulnerable families, coming up with innovative ways of remote teaching, keeping their pupils settled by regularly checking in and even using their school sites for Covid-19 testing when classes did return to school. There has never been a better time to appreciate them and the vital work they do. 

The Pearson National Teaching Awards is an annual celebration of excellence in education, founded in 1998 by Lord Puttnam to recognise the life-changing impact an inspirational teacher can have on the lives of the young people they work with. This year marks its 22ndyear of celebrating, award-winning teachers, teaching assistants, headteachers and lecturers across the UK 

Sharon Hague, Senior Vice President of Schools at Pearson UK, said:  “After a year like no other we want to take today to say thank you to all the incredible school staff who have kept children and young people learning despite unprecedented challenges. We hope the celebrations today show how much you are appreciated, and that your hard work has not gone unnoticed nor unrecognised.”