OERG FINALE MEETING OF THE YEAR

The Oscott Elderly Residents group held its finale meeting of the year today. Invited to the meeting were representaives of the Oscott Disability Group and the Oscott Residents Association. We were also pleased Councillor Tristan Chatfield, Oscotts new Councillor could come along.

We were all also delighted that Coucillor Keith Linnecor drew our Christmas Raffle and presented it to the lucky winner on our behalf. At todays meeting we had mince pies sousage roles and other Cristmas goodies. Every one enjoyed them selves are were pleased to be at such a friendly gathering. Senior members of the OERG would like yet again to thank maureen for all her efforts not only to arange this meeting but throughout the year. To find out more about the groups above please ring 675 2349

SEASONS GREETINGS FROM THE ORG

The ORG would like to wish Oscott residents a merry Christmas and a Happy new year.

THE OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUPS

To find out more about the Oscott Residents Groups either pop in to one of their informal meetings most Saturday mornings at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road or ph 675 2349. The Oscott Residents groups conist of the following who meet tohether and work together as a united force to be recond with.

The Oscott Elderly Residents Group The Oscott Residents Association The Oscott Disability Group Other associated partners are The Neighbour Hood Police Initative The Freinds of the Queslett Nature Reserve. The Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum The Oscott North Neighbourhood Forum The Booths Farm Neighbourhood Forum and other local groups. THESE OGANISATION WOULD WELCOME NEW MEMBERS.

FLY TIPPING ON THE INCREASE

Sadly Fly tipping is on the increase in Oscott. The ORG just can not understand why people do not use the buly waste free service. If you want to report Fly tipping please ring 303 1112

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS XMAS DINNER

The Oscott Elderly residents group held its Xmas dinner recently and we would all like to thank those who organised it Maureen, Nigel and Bridget. It was a smashing do and we all enjoyed our meal. It was also nice that Councillor keith Linnecor could take time out from his busy schedule to come along. Brian Brookes

A BIG THANK YOU TO COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR

The Oscott Disability group would like to say a big thank you to Councillor linnecor and the other oscott Councillors for their support this year. Things are not easy and we are facing a lot of cuts but keith has regualry met with us at one of our combined community group meetings on a Saturday and has continued to be out champion.

George Hough Chair ODG

DO WE WANT WHEELIE BINS

What will happen to green bags if we have wheelie bins The Oscott Residents Groups have mixed feelings on this issue like many in the Oscott Community. While there are advantages They are more hygenic They reduce litter on the streets (bags get ripped) And they look tidier on the other hand. They are less easy to store They are difficult if you have steps There may be 3 of them? As we say there are different views on this subject.

WE WANT ACTION ON THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

The Councils decision not to introduce new road safety measures to the Aldridge road is a disgrace. The Oscott Residents group and the NPI are joining together to put forward another petiton call for action

COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECORS BUS CHAMPIONS ARE NEEDED

I am delighted to say along with some other ORG members I have become a bus champion. This is a scheme where ordinary bus users like me can help influence how our bus service operates. For example we help carry out surveys on indivdual journies which help the bigger picture. We have a special number if we see something which needs urgent attention We help out at public events and recieve briefings and guidence. Oscott Councillor keith Linnecor is the Champions Champion for Centro and he and Councillor Kath Hartley along with other Centro Councillors are helping support this new initiative Brian Brookes

DORIS HAS PRE 100TH BIRTHDAY DO

Doris Bellhouse thoroughly enjoyed her American themed pre birthday party at the 610 Community Centre 17th oct Doris who worked in this area during the war as a clippy on the buses and has fond memories of the American soldiers based on the Pheasey estate who were so generous giving out stockings. As a reminder, a surprise where an American soldier look alike presented Doris with a bouquet of flowers to the complement of Glen Millers music which was arranged Like the rest of Dorise's Friends and Family the ORG will be wishing her an extra special happy Birthday on November the 9th Our group would also like to thank Oscott Elderly Resident Group Chair Maureen Byrne and her volunteers for arranging Doris Pre birthday bash.

A BELATED HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MAUREEN BYRNE CHAIR OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP

The ORG would like to wish Maureen Byrne (Chair of the Oscott Elderly Residents Group a belated happy Birthday (sat) and say once again thank for all your hard work on behalfof the Oscott Elderly.

THE OSCOTT CENTRAL NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM NEEDS NEW MEMBERS

The Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum are looking for new members. Chair Aubrey Longe said. "The O.C.N.F activily works to improve the Oscott area for its residents. We are all volunteers and we work with our local Councillors and officers of the Council to make improvements. We also hold meetings which Councillors and the Police are invited to in order for residents to have a say." If you are interested in your community and live broadly within the Oscott wards Cetral area(for example Dyas Road, Birdbrook Road, Old Oscott Hill, Southgate Road, Old Oscott Lane, Goodway Road, Shady Lane and so on)why not join the Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum. For further details ring Aubrey 360 0766

OSCOTT TREES NEED PRUNNING

The ORG are very concerned at the state of the trees in the Oscott Ward. Many of our trees are in need of a good prune. it is also time some of them were replaced by smaller ones. The Council needs to get a grip on this problem and soon.

COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR'S DISABILITY THEMED COUNCILLOR SURGERY

DISABLED OSCOTT RESIDENTS ARE INVITED TO COME ALONG AND MEET COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR AT HIS SATURDAY 15TH SEPT COUNCILLOR SURGERY 1030am AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE KING STANDING ROAD Councillor Keith Linnecor is holding a Disability Themed surgery where disability issues can be discussed. In attendance will be representatives from the Oscott Disability Group Why not pop in for a chat and a cup of tea. The 610 Community Centre has a car park at the rear and is accessible for motorised scooters. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR HAS ASKED FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT TO BE PLACED Once again Keith is showing his interest in the disabled resident in the oscott ward and the Oscott Disability Group are always happy to help him do what he can for the disabled. George Hough Chair ODG

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS SEA SIDE TRIP

Oscott Elderly Residents Group organised a loverly trip to llandudno on the 21 August A coach full of Oscott pentioners had a smashing time by the sea. Many were so pleased to be able to socialise, have a change of scenery and to be able to have some gentle excercise strolling along the peir. Councillor Keith Linnecor came along in his role as a volunteer and it was also nice to see Councillor Barbara Dring could find time to come along to so she could the sort of things the group can do. The wether was good and every one fully enjoyed their seves. Well done Maureen Byrne Chair OERG and thank you Oscott Councillors for your support.

OSCOTT DISABILTY GROUP BACKS COUNCILLOR LINNECORS CALL FOR NEW LITTER BINS.

The Oscott Disability group are right behind our local Councillor (and disabilty champion) Keith Linnecor and he's efforts to get new litter bins and clean up Oscott. For those in wheel chairs and disability schooters litter and dog mess is a real problem. We sometines he the excuse from the Council that litter bins like bollards clutter our pavement we totally disagree. The Council needs to do much more to clean up our streets.

MAKE ALDRIDGE ROAD SAFE

The Oscott resident groups are calling on the Birmingham City Council to put in speed camera;s on the Aldridge Road. This road has a lot of accidents and action is needed.

MISSED BAG COLLECTION SERVICE NOT GOOD ENOUGH

Oscott residents have bombarded the ORG with complaints about black and green bag collections. For many weeks now there has been failures in collections accross the Oscott ward. We did warn the previous Council administration that altering the collection days for so many people would cause problems and we were right. If you have had a missed collection ring 303 1112

POPULAR MAUREEN BYRNE RE ELECTED AS CHAIR OERG

Maureen Byrne the popular re elected Chair of the Oscott Elderly Resident said " I was so pleased to be re ellected as Chair of the OERG. As a group we are adding number all the time. We hold a busy Wednesday afternoon social even which includes, Exended exercise classes, film shows and so on. We also hold an informal Saturday morning drop in session witht the other Oscott Residents Groups."

OSCOTT DISABILITY CHAIR BATTLES FOR DISABLED DROP[ CURBS

George Hough Chair ODG out and about with Oscott Councillors

Gough Hough Chair ODG said " despite some oposition I am coninueing my battle (with the help of our champion for disablity in the area Councillor Keith Linnecor) to lobby the Council hard for more drop curbs. Those of use who have to use wheel chirs, motorised schooters or even parents with children in push chairs no how difficult it can be to cross a road where there are no disabled drop curbs. Thanks to our Councillors we managed to get the Council to instal a number of these curbs in the Oscott area last year ,but we need more."

OLD CAMPAIGNERS RE ELECTED AS CHAIRS OF ORG's

Nigel Quinn re elected as Chair ORA

At last weeks combined AGM meetings Nigel Quin was Re elected as Chair of the Oscott Residents Association. Gough Hough was re elected as Chair of the Oscott Disability Group and Maureen Byrne was re elected as Chair of the Oscott Elderly residents group. Well done to all 3. The ORG would also like to thank Councillors Keith Linnecor and Tristan Chatfield for attending and also Seargent Bebb.

DRAINS NOT UP TO THE JOB NEAR BOARS HEAD

Many of our drains do not seem to be working very well in the )scott area. For example every time in rains we have floods on the Aldridge Road Near the Boards head Public House. I am chasing this situation up with the Council. N. Quin Chair Oscott Residents Association.

OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUPS AGM DATE SET

MEMBERS OF ORG ENJOYING A QUIZ AFTERNOON WITH OSCOTT COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR The Oscott Resident Groups will be holding our AGM's on Saturday 26th May at 10.30am. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. Groups taking part will be The Oscott Residents Association The oscott Elderly Residents Group The oscott Disability Group. We campaign thoughout the year for Oscott residents on subjects like improving life for the elderly. Making our streets safer. looking after the disabled and caring for the intersts of all in the Oscott Community. Oscott Ward Councillors have been invited to our meeting as have the Police. To find out more about us come along to 1 of our pop in sessions which we hold on a Saturday morning at the 610 Community Centre at 10.30am

A GREAT DAY OUT FOR THE OSOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP

The Oscott Elderly Residents group had a great day out to the Coventry Transport Museum. We all fully enjoyed our selves in the museum which was so informative and brought back so many memories. There is a wonderful display of vehicles ranging from toys to real (old) Fire engines. There are also reminders of the Coventry Bliz during the war and so much more. (The Museum does not cherge to enter) If that was not enough we all had a free meal. Our Chair Maureen Byre did a brillaint job organising the event and Councillor Keith Linnecor gave up his valuable time to come along as a volunteer.

COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR ATTENDS FORUM MEETING

Members of the Oscott Central Neighbourhood Forum were delighted Councillor K

eith Linnecor could find the time to attend their meeting. Chair Aubrey Longe said" Keith always makes an effort to attend our meeting and faces a barage of questions well. he always tells us the way it is" The OCNF meeting also had the Police in attendence and a number of questions and concerns were put to bot Councillor Keith Linnecor and the Police. These ranged from Concerns about dog fouling in the area to the viability of the Hawthorn Shopping area.

FLY TIPPING BOOTHS LANE

The fly tipping going on in Booths Lane is getting out of hand.
It is time the land owner and the Council did somthing about it before we get plagued with rats.

ANOTHER ACCIDENT ON THE ALDRIDGE ROAD

There was another accident at the well known accident black spot the Aldridge Road / Greenholm Road Junction.
WE are fully behind Councillor Keith Linnecor and his attempts to get the Council Transportation chiefs to sort this accident black spot out.
The whole of the Aldridge Road needs to be improved safety wide. Speed camera's and Traffic lights would help.
Brian B

VOTING FOR LOCAL ELECTIONS AND FOR AN ELECTED MAYOR REFERENDUM MAY 3RD

There will be a Local Election on May the third and confusingly there will also be a (vote) for a referendum on whether or not Birmingham needs an Elected major.
What ever your political views the ORG think everyone should use their vote.

You do not need your voting card to vote unless you have a Postal Vote (MAY SURE YOU SEND IT OFF IN TIME IF YOU HAVE ONE) just go along to your polling station with your name and address (it is worth taking ID?).

Make every vote count.

A GOOD TIME WAS HAD AT OUR QUIZ

Many thanks to those who attended the Oscott Elderly Residents Group afternoon Quiz on Wednesday.It was also nice to see some younger people there.
Also many thanks to Councillor Keith Linnecor who acted as Quiz master and to Bridget who kept score.

Every one seemed to have a good time, there were plenty of prizes and many of the questions were answered correctly.

Maureen
Chair O.E.R.G

OSCOTT CENTRAL NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM TO MEET SATURDAY 21ST APRIL

There will be a meeting of the oscott Central neighbourhood Forum on Saturday 21st April. The meeting will take place at 10.30am at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road.
Oscott residents are invited to attend to hear about what is going on in the area and to give their views or ask questions.

The OCNF campaign to try and improve the Oscott area.

Those also invited to attend are.

Councillor Keith Linnecor
Councillor Graham Green
Councillor Barbara Dring
Local Campaigner Tristan Chatfield
The Police

If you would like more information about this meeting or the OCNF (new members are welcome) please ring Aubrey Longe, Chair OCNF 360 0766

NEW TREES

I am so pleased to see the Council are planting new trees in the Oscott area.
A lot of trees have been removed recently and with them much of the charm the area once had.
I agree some of the large trees lining our streets do need replacing from time to time but it should be done in a controlled way.

P. Cook

NPI warn lock your sheds

The Neighbourhood Police Initiative on behalf of the Police are warning residents not to get caught out.With the light nights sheds and garages become a target for thieves.
Also do not leave bikes and tools in your garden over night.
Brian Brookes (see above) a leading member of the NPI says.
"One of the things those of use who attend the Police tasking meetings at the Kingstanding Police station are regularly told is make sure people lock their garden gates sheds and garages."

Councillor Keith Linnecor to be Quiz Master 11th April

Oscott Councillor Keith Linnecor has kindly agreed to be the Quiz Master at the Oscott elderly residents group Quiz afternoon.
Keith as our group well know is always happy to help us in many ways.
Our quiz will take place on Wednesday April 11th at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road at 1.30pm.
It will be a team quiz (don't be shy if you come alone there will be teams you can join) with prizes and raffles as well as light refreshments.

We would like to thank all the Oscott Councillors for the funding we have received this year to help us arrange our trips and gatherings like this one.

Most of all we would like to see you come along and enjoy your self anyone from Oscott is welcome.

For more details please ring 681 1061

TRISTAN CHATFIELD COUNCIL CANDIDATE FOR OSCOTT FILLS THE BREECH

Sadly the keep fit instructor due to give a lesson at today meeting of the Oscott Elderly Residents group was unable to attend.
Luckily one of the candidates for the Oscott Council elections was at hand to fill the breech and have a chat with us.
We also had our usual raffle and enjoyed our discusions about various issues.

NPI SAY NO TO COLD CALLING IN OSCOTT

The Oscott Neighbourhood Police Initiative are right behind the local Police Neighbourhood Team Led by Sear gent Bebb and also Councillor Keith Linnecor in calling for an end to cold calling.
Unwanted sales reps calling unexpectedly at our doors are not wanted.
They should certainly never be allowed in your home without having ID checked first. (Phone their firm or the police if in doubt)
The NPI are currently putting out leaflets advising residents to reject sales reps at the door if they have not made an appointment and ask residents to help prevent this by saying no thank you or putting up a No Cold calling sign.
We are currently working with the Police to get more of these signs.

B. Brookes

Senior NPI Coordinator

Use the 75 and 76 bus more

The 75 and 76 buses must be used more if we do not want to lose them. These buses are a valued asset for the elderly in the Oscott area but we all need to use them as often as possible if we do not want to lose them.

P.Cook

DISABLED DROP CURBS ARE BEING INSTALLED

That me on the scooter out and about trying to get disabled drop curbs


I am very pleased to see all the Lobbying the Oscott Residents Disability group has done with the Council is paying off and they are installing a number of drop curbs in the area. Elmbridge Road and blakeland road for example.
These lowered curbs are needed for those of use who have to use a wheelchair or a mobility scooter. (they are also a help for mothers with young children in push chairs).
I would like to thank our Councillors Barbara Dring and Graham Green but in particular Councillor Keith Linnecor who has championed our efforts, for helping get these drop curbs put in.

George Hough
Chair
ODG

OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP COFFEE MORNING

There will be a meeting of the Oscott Elderly residents group at their coffee morning on Wednesday 21st March at 11.15am. The venue will be the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. There will be tea/Coffee and light refreshments available for only 30p.
Its a chance for those over 55 to get together for a chat and a laugh.
There is also a chance to meet up for tea and biscuits every Saturday morning 10.30am at the 610 Community Centre.

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP HAVE A COFFEE MORNING EVERY THIRD WEDNESDAY AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE

For more details please ring Maureen on 6811 826

WE WELCOME COUNCILLOR KEITH LINNECOR GROT SQUAD CAMPAIGN

Given some of our recent posts about the amount of fly tipping and litter there now is on our streets since the Council got rid of our Environmental wardens we welcome Councillor Keith Linnecor grot Squad campaign.
This is where he and some volunteers have being going out and tidying up some of the Little litter strewn area,s in Oscott.

NO MEMBERSHIP FEE TO JOIN THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP

THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP MEETS EVERY 3RD WEDNESDAY IN THE MONTH AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE 11.15am

There is no membership fee
Our group is made up of volunteer members
Coffee, tea and biscuits only 30p

WE OFFER A RANGE OF ACTIVITIES.INCLUDING.-

A CHANCE TO MEET WITH OTHER OSCOTT RESIDENTS FOR A CHAT
QUIZES, FILMS & RAFFLES
OCASIONAL TRIPS OUT
OCASIONAL GENTLE KEEP FIT SESSIONS.
GUEST SPEAKERS- FROM THE POLICE, COUNCIL VOLUTARY SERVICES AND OTHERS

THE OSCOTT RESIDENT GROUPS ALSO HOLD AN INFORMAL DROP IN SESSION EVERY SATURDAY MORNING AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE @ 10.30am . ALL ARE WELCOME. THERE IS ALSO FREE TEA AND BISCUITS AVAILABLE, SO WHY NOT COME AND HAVE A CHAT WITH US?
Oscott Councillor Keith Linnecor often pops in to give us advice and you can have the chance to meet him.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO JOIN THE OSCOTT ELDERLY RESIDENTS GROUP FREE OF CHARGE PLEASE GIVE US A RING ON 681 1826 OR POP INTO ONE OF OUR SATURDAY DROP IS SESSIONS AT THE 610 COMMUNITY CENTRE KINGSTANDING ROAD.

Keep our streets free of litter

The Oscott Residents groups are calling on the Council to do more to keep our streets free of litter.
It appears that all the cut backs are starting to effect the cleanliness off the streets in Oscott.
Before Oscott lost its own Environmental warden , Debora Parsons and then Bashir our streets were much cleaner. The Councils decision to get rid of them was a disgrace The ORG are working with our Local Councillors to try and improve things again but it is hard going.

OSCOTT NEIGHBOURHOOD POLICE INITIATIVE NEEDS NEW MEMBERS

The NPI need new members to help them in their work with the Police helping fight crime in the Oscott area.
Brian Brooke's long time senior office Coordinator for the NPI says. Thank you the help of Seargent Bebb and Councillor Keith Linnecor as well as our member the NPI has continued to help prevent crime in the Oscott area.
As an organisation we regular contact our members on a Wednesday letting them know about crime issues in their area. We also help the Police by putting out crime prevention leaflets and so on. We do need more help to do this however". If you would like to know more or would like to be a member of the NPI please email. Brian Brookes

APRIL 9TH IS DEAD LINE DAY FOR OSCOTT COMMUNITY CHEST APPLICATIONS

Just 1 of the volunteer community groups in Oscott who get a little Community Chest funding to help them


Ken Brown the new Oscott Community Support officer (shared with the rest of the perry Barr Constituency)has informed us the new dead line to make a application for funding from the Oacott Community Chest is April the 9th.
The Community Chest fund is a small fund given to wards across the city to give them the opportunity to have some flexibility in order to help the local community.

The Oscott Ward Advisory Board (Chaired by Councillor Keith Linnecor) with Councillors Graham Green and Barbara Dring, Community Group Representatives, the Police, Education and Voluntary Groups look at requests for funding.
They then make their recommendation to the Oscott Ward Comity who ensuring the request is in order with the Council make the finale decision.

Croups or individual can apply for
Help for pensioners to go on a trip
Help to make things easier for the disabled.
help for groups of pensioners.
Support for a youth club.
Help for groups looking after young families.
Groups helping and supporting young people.
help for clubs support childrens phyisical activies.
Help for clubs supporting people with ilness.
Support for Enviroment
Support for Community safety
help fund a gating schemes
Support for those with a disavatage being out of work and so on.
Help to suport community Groups of all sorts
and many other things.

To find out more please ring 675 2349

OSCOTT WARD COUNCILLORS SURGERIES

There are 3 Councillors in Oscott who are.

Barbara Dring
Graham Green
Keith Linnecor

Councillor Barbara Dring has a surgery on the 1st Thursday of each month, held at the Perry Common Library (3pm) and a surgery on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the 610 Community Centre at 7pm. Barbara can also be contacted by ringing 360 7565.

Councillor Graham Green does not hold any surgeries in the ward but can be contacted on 0783494127 if you have any enquires.

Councillor Keith Linnecor holds Councillors surgeries on most Saturday mornings at the 610 Community centre (1O.30am). Keith can also be contacted on 360 6486.

OSCOTT RESIDENTS GROUPS MEET EVERY SATURDAY MORNING

members of the Oscott Resident Groups meet every Saturday at the 610 Community Centre Kingstanding Road. Start time 10.30am There is a chance to have a chat, tell us your problems and share a joke or 2 over a cup of tea. Councillor Keith Linnecor is often about to offer help and advice.