Dear Members,
We hope you have recovered from all the extra work that Christmas entailed and have written all your" thank you' cards. If it is too late for that, write for the Newsletter before the next copy date which is the 30th June. Some of our members have used their questionnaires on places they have visited. Others have held forth on problems which have run over into the new year. Whatever the subject (we've never actually rejected any article so far !)
On the 13th of May at 7.15 pm. we hold our 39th AGM. - (details enclosed) in the usual meeting place which is so convenient to reach by bus or train, and has good car parking facilities. Our speakers are always well informed on their subjects which leads to interesting discussions. The Friends' meeting house lives up to its name. We look forward to meeting you.
We thank Mr. M. Gowtoski for his information on the work of the Birmingham Trading Standards which enables us all to keep up to date with the City's problems and how they are overcome. Best wishes for 2002 (which seems to be an acceleration in time warp) from your Committee.
Editor
Thank you for providing information regarding the removal of unwanted furniture to sources who could put it to good use. The Birmingham Settlement, 472 1891 unfortunately is unable to deal with offers outside the Birmingham area but gave me further sources to investigate. I finally gained satisfaction from the Red Cross on 359 3080 who were anxious to have our sideboard and arranged to collect it. They did as planned and also some surplus crockery and glassware. Thank you for your help.
On mentioning this at a Committee meeting more information was received on the matter as follows-.-
Charities which will collect for resale (and sometimes renovate before sale) anything from single items to entire house clearances are-
Another list from a different area can be obtained from the local CAB. Probably the B'ham CAB has a similar leaflet.
After visiting our local ‘recycling park' in Lifford Lane it is apparent that far more items in the ‘Household’ bunker could be salvaged and put to good use.
Editor
My word processor is quite unable to print the new symbol for the Euro. It has a £ sign and it has a $ sign. Both these were, until now, quite adequate to cover all international currencies. We had the simple letters, such as DM for German marks, Ffr for French francs, Es for Portuguese escudos. Then we had IRE for Irish pounds, A$ for Australian dollars, C$ for Canadian ones, NZ$ for New Zealand and so on.
The Euro seems to be a sort of distorted C with a = in the middle. What am I to type to denote this? On referring to Chambers dictionary, I see that Euro actually has a meaning (not known to my spell check incidentally):
Euro n. a wallaroo (Native name)
and for wallaroo:
Wallaroo n. any of various large kangaroos
(Native Austr. Wolaru)
So now we have an alternative name, and a real meaning for the Euro, which, at times jumps about in value not unlike a kangaroo. We have quids for pounds and greenbacks for dollars. I suggest Wallaroo, or, better still Wolaru, (abbreviated Wo) as a jollier name for the otherwise rather dull sounding Euro.
The Euro Symbol can be generated in certain fairly standard fonts by pressing <alt> and while depressed typing <0128> on the numeric keypad. There "€" I told you so!!
We had a complete day in London in October. Having been invited to stay for one night for a function, we booked the hotel room for a second night. The weather was reasonably good. We had never been to Greenwich before, so decided on a visit.
First, we bought London Travelcards at a local agent, 5 minutes walk from the hotel in Bloomsbury. These, covering travel zones 1 and 2 for one day (right up to Greenwich) cost £3.90 each. They are valid for virtually all buses and for the tube as well. We travelled by tube to Westminster and walked down to the pier. Here we booked two returns to Greenwich, getting £1 reductions for having Travelcards and further reductions with our Centro Senior Citizen cards. The cost was £5 each for return tickets, truly most reasonable. We also got a very well printed and designed multi-language booklet about the cruise on the River Thames.
The booklet was not needed then, though it is good for later reference: we had a most informative and entertaining commentary from one of the crew throughout the 50 minute trip. The boat was comfortable enough, the trip was good, passing a variety of well known places initially. We were told many interesting facts about places on the riverside, many of which we had not heard of before. We passed many warehouse conversions, now luxury flats - not bad looking on the whole. And we saw new apartment developments, some of which were quite appalling in appearance, and spoiled the view.
On arrival at Greenwich, we saw the tea clipper Cutty Sark propped up in the large open space leading to the pier. The entrance to a foot tunnel to the other side of the river was nearby. Across the square was an information centre, with shop and cafe attached, located in the Pepys Building, part of a complex of buildings. Originally designed in 1694 by Wren as a hospital for seamen, these became the Royal Naval College in 1873. Now largely occupied by the University of Greenwich, a charitable foundation cares for the buildings nowadays. We paid the pensioner rate of £2 each to see the magnificent Painted Hall (originally the dining room for the seamens' hospital pensioners) and the Chapel, both designed by Sir Christopher Wren.
We wanted to see the Old Royal Observatory, located, naturally, at the top of a hill. The walk would have been lengthy, but a shuttle bus ran from just outside the information centre, at a fare of £1.50 right to the top. Well worth it. The observatory would have been fairly pricey to enter, however, we found that "seniors", were admitted free! Great fun - you can stand on the meridian line, with one foot east and the other in the west. The observatory was the dwelling of the first Astronomer Royal, and his rooms are there, furnished in the style of his time. There are masses of things to see, particularly an exhibition of the various design of chronometers made by Harrison for the competition he eventually won. Quite amazing to see something made over 225 years ago which keeps time completely accurately. This was to enable marine navigators like Captain Cook to chart their position at all times. Cook, we read, was highly satisfied with the device.
When we came out it was raining. We had intended to walk back to the pier, but as the shuttle bus was due rode back down the hill. As we had just missed a boat, we decided to return by tube. The Docklands Light Railway station was five minutes walk away, we soon got a train, changed at Bank and were back, at Holborn much quicker than going on the ferry. Also, we saw quite a lot of the new developments in the Isle of Dogs area, Canary Wharf and all that. Plenty of building still going on, all functional and not very pretty.
The Hippodrome has, at last, reopened, after a major refurbishment. The theatre has been transformed. As you go in, it looks and feels completely different from the old "Hipp". There are refreshment bars on several levels, quite reasonably priced; two large new lifts and nicely carpeted wide stairs. The auditorium, while redecorated and refurbished with new seating (well placed), is basically unaltered. Additionally, there are now facilities for conferences and meetings ,during the day. They also have private hospitality rooms for corporate or private entertaining, with a full range of catering. A new restaurant called Leiths looks, very nice with not too expensive pricing. The pantomime menu offers 2 courses for E11.50 (children £7.50).
The list of forthcoming productions is impressive. It is good to have ballet and opera returning to a stage in the city, plus some more modern musicals.
Tickets are available from the box office, and also from the City Arcade Ticket Shop, from Victoria Square Visitor Centre (where half-price tickets are sold on the day of performance), from Birmingham Rep and from MAC. One somewhat odd matter is the 5% booking fee applied to all ticket sales other than for cash. This has caused some lively correspondence in the Birmingham Evening Mail. To avoid a booking fee at the Hippodrome, we suggest going along with a wad of cash. After all, if you want to book for a group of, say, ten people at the top price for an opera, this would save you £22.
Booking fees are not uncommon for places such as NEC or NIA, are normally at a fixed fee of, say, £3. However, for some tickets they may be as high as 10%. Also; they can usually be avoided by going in person to the NEC box office, or to Symphony Hall (for NIA). However, booking by card (credit or debit) may involve a fee, even at the event's venue.
BT Answer 1571 - a new, free to the customer, service was launched by BT earlier this year. It is a basic answering service, and works if the phone is not answered after 7 rings. It also operates if the line is engaged, whether on a call or on the Internet. If there is a message, one hears a different stuttering dial tone, and can access the service by dialling 1571.
It seems unusual to get something for nothing in this way, though BT will get some return, as the caller pays when the phone is answered, whether by an answering machine or by this service. BT customers can activate the service by dialling either 0800 917 1571 or 0800 003800 from their home phone.
BT have streamlined their residential phone 151 fault report service. It seems to be fully automated now - you can report a fault from another phone, and input your own phone number when directed. The line will be tested, and you get the result in a few moments. Incidentally, the initial advice, if the phone does not work, is to disconnect all phones, modems or TV links for a short time, then plug in one phone and check again.
If ringing from another phone, which may not be BT, the freephone number is 0800 800 151.
Once upon a time, a little more than 30 years ago, a young couple were setting up home in Birmingham. This young couple were nonplussed by the choice of, for example washing machines on the market. They all looked alike and had a lot of similar features. Should the young couple opt for the cheapest, money being somewhat tight, or might this prove a false economy? Would they do better to rely on the salesman's recommendation or try to draw on the experience of friends and relatives?
Then the young couple discovered Which? Magazine and all their problems were solved! They now had access to reports based upon controlled tests and information on the features that might be important to them.
Some ten or twenty years down the line, when the washing machine needed replacing and a microwave was a must for a family with teenagers, our now not-so-young couple still found Which?'s guidance invaluable in their choice of product.
Thirty or forty years on however our now very-definitely-middle-aged empty-nesting couple have been dismayed to find their infallible purchasing system if breaking down.
They resorted to the Which? Report to replace their larder fridge last, November and discovered that there were a number of similar suitable larder fridges not appearing in the Which? Report at all. Even so the report did give information on features and efficiency so that, when size constraints proved to be the determining factor, it was reassuring to find that their choice, although not tested by Which?, did have the features they considered most desirable.
Now our no-longer-young couple want to buy a micro system or perhaps a portable C.D.-radio. Which? Reports are minimal or date from 1998/9, model numbers therein bearing little relationship to products currently on sale. How can they tell if a higher price results from a remote control and the facility to load more C.Ds -(things they don't particularly want) or better sound quality (which they decidedly want)? The proliferation and diversity of products has meant that Which can often test only a sample and that less frequently. Sadly it can no longer offer a solution to every purchasing decision.
Our couple, now silver surfers, have located the Goldfish Guide covering microsystems on the Internet.. Better than no guide, it is nevertheless not in the same league as the Which? Reports.
So what now? Are there other better guides out there in the ether? Do we decide on price? The salesman's patter? Or are we back to buying from the "little man" and paying a higher price for what, if we are fortunate, may be his expertise? Will there be a happy ending by the time our couple become senior citizens`? Suggestions please!
Christine Wood.
In July 1995 we produced a fact sheet about the dangers to pedestrians caused by bull bars fitted to many vehicles. We had joined a number of other concerned organisations, who along with MPs were also worried about these devices.
Seven years have passed since and at last there is good news. . The Guardian on 27`'' Nov. 2001 stated:
"New vehicles sold in the UK will no longer be allowed to be fitted with bull bars after an EU deal yesterday which banned them from January 1 2002 on pedestrian safety grounds.
All butchers shops, apart from those selling raw meat only, now require a license (costing £100 a year). Shops are inspected regularly, staff must be properly trained, and businesses must generally comply with food safety regulations.
When the regulations were first brought in (May 2000) it was thought 550 Birmingham shops would need a license. However, some shops altered their business, such as no longer selling ready to eat foods. Some other may well have closed for whatever reason. In any case, the present position is that the number of affected shops has reduced to 219.
203 licenses have been issued. Of the balance, seven are carrying out minor work or are completing training courses, three have recently been taken on by new owners. The six remaining shops are subject to legal action: two have been issued with Prohibition Notices due to bad hygiene. The remaining four have been cautioned for operating without a license, and will be prosecuted if they continue to offend.
We understand that butchers shops in Birmingham were generally run in a satisfactory way previously. The introduction of the licensing system, with extra training and more inspections has meant that hygiene is now even better.
At its January meeting, the Council's Public Protection Committee had a long discussion on the sale and use of fireworks in the City. Of the 972 reported firework injuries in the year 2000, no less that 72% occurred at family or private parties, or in the street. Many differing opinions were expressed at the meetings. Problems were recognised , but fireworks use is so widespread that any new laws would be virtually impossible to enforce. One new suggestion was, however, agreed and is to be forwarded to government:
The loud noise of many exploding fireworks is a cause of many complaints and much distress. The suggestion was that manufacture, and sale of very loud fireworks could and should be stopped. This could be done by regulation - a number of very large fireworks are already prohibited. If these were on longer for sale to the public, the problem would be greatly reduced. This would in no way affect the large public displays where different conditions apply.
Worcester is a great place for shopping and for numerous other attractions. If travelling by car, parking can be difficult and is expensive. City centre traffic here can be worse than Birmingham. However, there is now an excellent park and ride scheme, on the A38 Droitwich road, the main approach road from Birmingham if not using the motorway. The entrance is clearly marked, shortly after passing the big garden centre. There is a large and secure car park, buses run every ten minutes between lam and 7 pm. The charge for up to 5 people is only £2. Buses run largely along dedicated lanes, passing other traffic, to the Crowngate shopping centre in the heart of the city.
All estimated gas bills are corrected by phone in our abode a.s.a.p. and back comes the `proper' bill within 3 days. Dial 0845 609 1122 and press the right button from recorded list and hey presto things begin to happen. ‘Customer's number?' Ponk. ‘Last meter reading?' Ponk. ‘Customer's reading?' All ready. Ponk. ` Your new corrected bill will arrive within the next three days. Thank you for calling ' And it did. Always the same routine, the same helpful, polite voice, you knew what she was going to say, she was lovely to talk to. Until Feb. 02.
The "Thank you for calling" bit didn't happen. There was a different voice ....a man's surely?
‘Your corrected bill will amount to ' Impossible, but then I realised what I'd always suspected. The little man had always been there - but had suddenly been poked into action . I kept telling everyone machines couldn't answer all those questions on their own. Typical though, the man having the last word.
Computers are bad enough but laptops are worse. So impressive, so small, and always operated by some wand like figure dressed in expensive clothes. Very secretive too, a casual passer-by can't even see what's on the screen.
A birdlike figure came to our the door in January bearing her lap top like a shield. Before being allowed to ask her purpose she announced ‘National Opinion Poll - this is my registration number' There was no choice. It took 30 mins. This was partly due to the fact that I flatly refused to answer personal questions - and that stopped the Lt.'s programme proceeding smoothly. The blunt pencil anchored by a piece of string, hovered over the screen. She jabbed expectantly. ‘I'm afraid you've halted the program' More jabbing. The suggestion that she should enter ‘question not understood' got results. We moved on.
A large booklet was produced, pages of different symbols and trade marks appeared.
‘No, I'm afraid I don't recognise any of these' More jabbing. The questions turned to income, and Banks, and what kind of service did I get from my bank? What would its rating be? The session dragged on. Finally she thanked me for my time and offered the information that she had been Opinion polling for eighteen years - but not with a laptop. As she battled up the drive against a bitter wind I felt glad about giving up time. After all 2 houses out of 20 couldn't really be classified as a good `Banking' survey could it? Besides she had been so proud of her laptop.
Tea bags usually result in over strong stewed tea. Whereas leaf tea has to be strained otherwise sinks and drains become clogged. How can these trivial (not to a tea addict) inconveniences be eliminated? Use an ` inside the pot' filter - an 'infuser' - or what you will.
Our new tea pot holds 1/2 a litre of water - enough for two breakfast cups of tea. The large but light nylon basket allows the boiling water to allow the leaves to swim freely in it. Lift the lid, view the colour of your favourite blend, lift out the light filter and place on a saucer. Perfect tea - as you like it from a pot which is hassle free, a good pourer, a perfect strainer, and safe positioning of both filter and lid. Where was it spotted? In a motorway service station!
It will cost you about fifteen pounds. The wholesaler is the London Tea Pot Co. under the name ‘Chatsworth’'. Made in England it is available at the John Lewis store at the Touchwood Centre.
Going by train (have not tried any other means) there are three possibilities. The cheapest is Silverlink These trains run from New Street to Euston, take about 21 hours. There are 2 trains per hour, but not evenly spaced. The first train for the cheap day return fare of £14.90 departs at 8.39, arrives at Euston at 10.51. There is no restriction on return trains. However, a warning: do not board a Virgin train at Euston by mistake Silverlink tickets are not valid on these. The last Silverlink train leaves Euston at 19.54. Silverlink trains are perhaps not as comfortable as those run by Virgin, and a little slower - they go by a slightly longer route.
VIRGIN TRAINS can be cheaper, but only if you book in advance, and specify the exact trains on which you wish to travel there and back. If you need flexibility, then a Saver Ticket would be best. This costs £29.60 return, the earliest train on which you can travel is the 10.15, which gets to Euston at 11.53. Tickets for the return journey are not usable between 15.30 and 18.30. Incidentally, Saver Tickets are valid for a month for the return journey -Virgin do not have day returns for London.
CHILTERN RAILWAYS are noted for their punctuality. They mostly run the new "Clubman" trains, very comfortable ones too. These run from Snow Hill to London Marylebone. Nearly all trains also stop at Moor Street Station. The first train for a cheap return of £22.70 leaves at 7.45, arrives in London at 10.13. For £27.40 you can have a day return ticket which covers travel on the tube and most buses in London too. (The difference of E4.70 is actually the price of a comparable one day travel card for London which you can get at a tube station there, but only after queuing for a long time! A travel card for London zones and 1 and 2 costs £3.90). Return from Marylebone can be on any train to Birmingham, except for the one at 18.00. ,
All the above travel restrictions for the three train companies generally only apply Mondays to Fridays. Above details correct as at 14 November 2001.
In the last weekend of October, we travelled from Birmingham to Euston by `Virgin' at a cost of £27.40 per person. Staying in the Russell Square area, bed and a full English breakfast - (so filling lunch was not needed) - cost £49 per day.
Although armed with a London travel card (and maps) costing £6 a day for tube, bus and limited train travel, we were able to walk to the imposing British Museum which houses the remains of the British Library which is now topped with a magnificent golden domed roof, and restored to its 1857 splendor. A Visitor's guide at £2.50p is an essential buy for a newcomer.
The Victoria and Albert museum took two of us a whole day to discover only some of the delights of the many floors and levels with more exhibitions on different topics and themes. Again the Guide book (£1) is essential as it suggests which areas to cover the time available.
On our last day we visited the Royal Academy. The only place where an entrance fee still existed -but to see the spectacular showing of "Rembrandt's Women" and hear an expert explaining their background, was well worth £7.
In both Museums and the Art Gallery the standard of eating facilities were high, with wide choices of both hot and cold food, and provisions for small appetites, as well as children's chairs The atmosphere was airy and there was no muzak! The toilets were clean with hygienic hand washing areas. In the V. and A. lockers could be used for small possessions and push chairs left. Lifts and ramps helped the footsore.
We returned to Euston where we met our first real problem. A late train, inaudible information from station loud speakers and blank information screens in the forecourt. Realising the movement of many people towards a platform meant the arrival of a train we moved with great speed, boarding -with the chief guard carrying our luggage - to obtain the last two seats.
7. However, undeterred we will return.
Ed.
As part of the Montreal Agreement, the new EU Directive on Ozone Depleting Substances 2037/2000 and 2039/2000 require the removal of all chlorofluoro carbons (CFC's) from refrigerators from 1 January 2002.
The-Government would like the nearly 3 million old fridges discarded each year in Britain to go to one of three specially built plants. At the moment however no such sites have been approved or Planning Permission given. The danger is that large scale dumping may take place all over the country, which would create a health risk.
The problem started on 30 November 2001. From this date no scrap-yard or receiving centre will be allowed to accept a discarded fridge, so adequate storage space will be needed. At the moment this is in short supply because Planning Permission is needed to store dangerous waste.
Anyone thinking of storing discarded fridges will also need a waste management licence; which costs £4,000 and takes several months to issue. There will also be a high insurance requirement.
Fridge retailers may also end up with a big problem because in the past when supplying a new fridge they have usually taken the old one away for disposal -sometimes, if possible, selling them on to others for refurbishment. It is estimated that more than 50% of refurbished fridges have found their way back into British homes or exported, but this practice ended on 1 January this year. It could be that the home market for second-hand fridges may dry up because of the difficulty of disposal.
R Farrier
Washable Fabric - Place a pad of cloth under the stain and dab with meths. Non Washable Fabric - Dab with meths and then sponge.
Washable Fabric - Soak in a solution of a dessertspoonful of salt to a pint of cold water, then launder.
Non Washable Fabric - Brush and then sponge with a solution of 1 part ammonia to 3 parts cold water. Sponge with clear water.
Washable and Non Washable Fabrics - Scrape off as much set wax as possible. Place stain between two sheets of blotting paper. Press lightly with a warm iron. Change position of blotting paper as wax is absorbed. Remove stain from coloured wax with a dry cleaning fluid.
Washable and Non Washable Fabrics - Rub stain with an ice cube and, when gum is brittle, scrape it off: Alternatively chill fabric in the fridge to set gum.
Washable Fabric - Sponge up excess, then soak in a solution of 1 teaspoonful of borax to a pint of water. If stain is set, sprinkle with borax and leave for about 30 minute before laundering.
Non Washable Fabric - Treat with a dry cleaning fluid. If stain remains, dab with glycerine and then sponge with a solution of carpet cleaner.
Last autumn Birmingham City Council introduced a paper recycling scheme for many parts of the city. This involved giving people large cardboard boxes for their newspapers, junk mail, cardboard etc., to be collected fortnightly. Also, people were to get a roll of 13 plastic dustbin bags, instead of having two bags each delivered weekly. Other rubbish collections were to continue as before.
There were a number of teething problems, still not fully overcome at the time of writing (mid January). Many people, particularly in flats, did not receive boxes or bag rolls. Others, in houses, were simply missed. One BCG committee member managed to get a box from the paper collectors after some weeks, but has still had no bin bags. Many dates on the explanatory leaflets were incorrect.
However, for most people in the areas concerned things seem to be settling down. The boxes are emptied on the right day, the empty boxes are left correctly. In some roads, regrettably, boxes have been seen left out and are used as general rubbish receptacles.
A letter received from Barbara Green, a regular contributor to this publication, tells us how things differ from Birmingham. Living in Northamptonshire, near the Oxfordshire border, the Greens tend to use facilities in Banbury. There is no local bin or paper collection where they live in a small village. Banbury comes under Cherwell (Oxon) Council, where the local contractor cannot process any cardboard - not even cereal boxes or envelopes. Cherwell Council tell us that they, too, introduced paper collection boxes last autumn. The results were very good and much more paper was collected than had been forecast. Cherwell produce an informative leaflet about recycling and reducing waste. Most emphasis here is on getting the consumer to take action. The leaflet does inform us that Cherwell, prior to the domestic paper collection scheme, recycled about 6% of waste. The government target is for 25% of household waste to be recycled or composted by 2005. They list the recycling banks in the area - a number in each of the towns (Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington) and single sites in many villages. All sites have bottle banks and take cans/tins. Not all have facilities for paper. There seem to be no bins for cardboard anywhere.
In the Greens' village there are no recycling bins at all. The 20 apartment "Park" complex where they live generates a lot of rubbish - most people have a daily paper, and there are catalogues, mail, magazines etc. Also a modest number of bottles. All this goes into standard rubbish bins, and the refuse collectors tip it into their dustcart every Wednesday.
Barbara has kindly obtained the Northamptonshire recycling leaflet for us. A very well produced publication, listing all the recycling facilities, some of which take books for charity shops. It seems those than cannot be resold - about 25%, cause a problem, because reprocessing is difficult. Here, again, cardboard and suchlike cannot be taken by the paper bins. We seem to be lucky in Birmingham in having a firm like Kappa to look after paper collections, and taking all sorts of paper and card, and books and phone books too.
It seems clear that all local authorities now will try and recycle as much as they can. In rural areas this can be difficult and expensive, but they do make efforts. In conclusion, we quote from Barbara's letter:
"Seeing everything in a new area does highlight one point for me. "The authorities" do have to make it relatively easy/convenient for consumers to join up to recycling projects. Here, for example, a car is required -which not everyone has. And, of course, for establishments like the Park, there is no financial reward for it. Even a small amount would be an incentive."
Bus routes seem to be changing constantly. A member has told us of standing at a stop for some time, waiting for a bus scheduled to arrive according to the time table fixed to the shelter. After some time, he was told by someone waiting for another service that the advertised bus did not run from this stop any more.
The service concerned, A6, used to run between Northfield and the Airport/NEC. Not so long previously it ran Northfield to Damsonwood in Solihull, cutting out the last leg. Now, it appeared, it only ran from Kings Heath. However, at least some of the time tables on bus stops were still there. It was found later that while some stops did have separate notices about the changed route, this particular one did not.
Centro were informed of the matter, passed the complaint to Acocks Green Garage. In only about a fortnight the Customer Liaison Officer at the garage replied:
"I regret to note the incorrect information is on display on the bus stop sited opposite Aliens Croft Road.
In view of your comments I am arranging to have this stop, and all other stops between Northfield and Kings Heath checked by our Street Furniture Manager.
I I would like to thank you for bringing this matter to my attention so promptly. It is through receipt of such information I am better able to monitor the performance of my services and seek improvements where necessary."
The lesson here seems to be that consumers should inform bus operators (or Centro) when they find such a problem. The sooner the operator is told, the sooner matters will be rectified. Ring the garage if you know which one. From past experience, a call to Centro Public Affairs on 214 7214 produces the best results.
British Rail . does it know how to help its passengers?
About two weeks ago, I was visiting a friend in Droitwich, travelling from New Street station on a Thursday morning. When I arrived at the station close to the train's departure time, details of the train to Droitwich were already on a screen over the advertised platform. Soon the train came, and I got on it.
To my horror, I found I was being taken to London, by an earlier train that was running late! I got off at Birmingham International and took the next train back to New Street, but of course by then I had missed the Droitwich train.
So please note - screen details are ‘on time', even if trains are not.
Ruth Klemperer.
It is easy to access places and stores using the ‘General Questionnaire' We tested it at ‘Touchwood' and the John Lewis store. Don't let this stop members sending in a second opinion, that's the point of the exercise.
Touchwood and such shops as JL makes shopping a pleasure even for a very unwilling shopper! It is interesting to sit in the ‘window' section of the restaurant and view the shoppers in the mall while relaxing over your meal.
It was a slightly showery, but quite mild afternoon in late November when Birmingham National Trust Association members visited "Rotunda onefive". Several BCG members were among them. Total numbers were so great that the visitors had to be split into three groups, entering at hourly intervals. The venue is, in fact, on the 15th floor of the Rotunda (hence "onefive") There is a marvellous view of the BullRing (note the spelling) development. Rotunda onefive is a business and education facility. There are rooms for business meetings and conferences. The well equipped education suite, free to city children, seems to be focused on the city's development. Over 1500 students from 55 schools had visited the suite since May 2000. This is also a place to which prospective customers of BullRing can be taken to show them the site, the plans etc, and, hopefully, get them to sign up to rent a unit.
The visit began with a most interesting introductory talk by Melanie. She explained that the Birmingham Alliance, who were carrying out the development, were a partnership between three firms, carrying out a phased development in Birmingham's city centre covering 40 acres, and costing around £800m. The first phase was the Indoor Market, which we reported on in a previous issue of this Newsletter. As most people in the city now know, both Selfridges and Debenhams are having new department stores built in the BullRing. There are to be over 100 retail outlets, nearly half have already been let. There was a great deal of information i.n the talk, covering wider aspects too, such as the restoration of the old Moor Street railway station.
The design was illustrated by model displays we could examine, and by a large plan on one of the walls. The area we were in afforded a vista not only of the actual Bull Ring area, but much more - really a very nice view of a large part of the city. Not far below us we saw the two new market buildings. St Martins church was rather dwarfed by the cranes and new structures. But the final appearance, as shown by the models, puts the old parish church in the middle, with quite a large open space around it.
So far the scheme is going according to plan. The opening of the whole site of 110,000 square metres is to be in Autumn 2003. We are not sure where Nelson's Monument is to go - possibly in the wide walkway leading down to the church. This is to be called "St Martin's Walk". There are to be several other walkways too, reviving old names such as "Jamaica Row" and "Spiceal Street".
It was all rather impressive. This is the largest city centre retail regeneration scheme in Europe. It is intended to make the area easily accessible from New Street and High Street - something which was sadly lacking when the area was last redeveloped in the 1960's. As far as one can judge from the models and plans, they seem to have got it right this time. The Bull Ring will really be part of the city centre again: after all, this was the area where Birmingham first began.
Ed. We were in the first group to view the Bull Ring developments from the fifteenth floor, an awesome sight indeed, with the large crane towering above St. Martins spire. The crane swayed in the wind while the operator descended via a metal staircase. Nearly a 360 degree view of the site can be observed. A worthwhile outing. .
When the whole area is near completion a direct booking may be possible for individuals- at the moment only groups and school visits are permitted. Tel. 0121 643 0293.
I thought one or two of these recycling suggestions might be of interest
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In the Sutton Coldfield area we have a NEWSPAPER collection service once a month but failing that many supermarkets and the local ‘tips' have collection bins as well as bins for GLASS BOTTLES AND JARS. |
Guide dogs for the blind are grateful for ALUMINIUM CONTAINERS AND BOTTLE TOPS. My local collector is Helen Edkins, 19 The Chase, Sutton Coldfield - 0121-3500917. |
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Many churches and girl guides/scouts organisations collect USED STAMPS. |
Both Tesco and Summerfield collect PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS for recycling. |
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A bit late now, but after Christmas some local parks will accept Christmas Trees for shredding and this is then used on the pathways in the parks. Also after Christmas some stores (Boots and Tesco to my knowledge) will accept Christmas Cards for recycling. |
Some shoe menders collect old SHOES, which I understand they repair and send to people in poor countries. GARDEN RUBBISH, if kept separate from household rubbish can be taken to some, if not all, local tips. This is then made into compost/soil improver and is sold at a modest price in local garden centres. i |
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Old SPECTACLES are collected by Dollond and Aitchison for use in ‘Third World' countries. My local hospital also has a collection box for these. |
Of course I'm sure we all use our local charity shops to dispose of unwanted Bric-a-Brac, Clothes etc. and some of them will also accept Furniture. |
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Another outlet for FURNITURE which I have known of for many years (and used now and again) is Community Transport, Dixon Rd, Birmingham 10 - 0121 773 2858 or 34 Oldbury Rd, West Bromwich - 0121 520 8168. |
Betal will also collect Furniture. Betel has several residences in the UK (the first opened in 1996 at Windmill House owned by the Bournville Village Trust). Betel is a free Christian residence, committed to restoring the broken lives of the homeless, alcoholics and drug addicts, giving them new direction in a caring family atmosphere. Betel centres aim to be self-supporting and sustainable. The majority of funding for daily operations is generated through their charitable businesses and workshops. Betel will also gratefully receive DONATIONS and gifts of FOOD, CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, CLEANING PRODUCTS, VEHICLES etc. Their Charity Shop at 122 - 138 Sherlock Street, Birmingham City Centre, will also gladly receive CLOTHES, APPLIANCES etc. The telephone number for the above - also for HOUSE REMOVALS AND CLEARANCES is 0121 622 5422. Anyone requiring GARDEN CLEARING, DIGGING, TIDYING, HEDGE TRIMMING, RUBBISH REMOVAL (minimum half a day's work) should contact 01564 822356. |
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Although storage is sometimes a problem our local Little Theatre are also glad of ‘hard to get' items for their productions such as OLD FASHIONED TELEPHONES, WIRELESSES, 30's/40's/50's etc CLOTHES and SHOES. |
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Pheonix Cycles of Bierton Road, Yardley - 0121 789 9724 , is a workshop for people with learning difficulties. They will gladly accept BICYCLES which they then do up/repair and sell on again. I have taken my grandchildren's tricycles and bicycles there and in turn bought one or two cycles from them for my grandson. |
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Lastly, it might be helpful to know that replacement instructions for equipment such as videos (and presumably kitchen appliances etc.) can be obtained from Mastercare - 01442 888 444. |
I hope readers may find some of the above useful. |
Useful stuff - grit. It converts grotty rockeries into eye-catching centre pieces, makes drives attractive, and smothers weeds without weeding ! The ‘True Grit' John Wayne possessed made millions of women fall for him even before he spoke or rode his horse into the future. Then there's that microscopic piece of grit that becomes embedded under your upper eyelid that would reduce J. W. to a blubbering jelly.
The First Aid book suggested ‘open the eye under water' A difficult task, which did not work. ‘Roll the top eyelid back using a rounded pencil and remove the object swiftly' Never. Not without the experienced Sister who could perform this miracle in a split second before the patient who lay flat on the table and hadn't realised what was going on.
On a Sunday morning at 8.30 am. I contacted Selly Oak Accident section. ‘The waiting list for emergencies is four hours and this department doesn't treat eyes, you need to go to Dudley Road Eye Hospital. It doesn't open until 9.30 am.’ The road signs indicating the Hospital seemed to have been bumped by tall vehicles so I circled the side roads twice- thus missing the main car park, and finally parked near the Ambulance bays after all I was disabled - having only one open eye! The way to the Eye Hospital is not signposted until you are within 300 yards of the entrance, the map is high lighted by a black arrow stating ‘You are here' and leaves the patient to work out where everything else is!
At 9.0 am the small accident admittance section was manned by one Sister who took my name and details and told me to wait. After 20 minutes I asked if anything could be done for the pain. She obliging squirted some liquid pain killer into the offending eye and the pain disappeared - only to return with greater intensity ( I thought ) about 15 minutes later.
There were now five others waiting. Time dragged. Finally I was treated. The offending grit was removed only after it had obligingly scratched the cornea just for spite! After being given a small tube of jelly with instructions to administer 4 times a day for 4 days by lining the bottom lid with it - (quite a feat in reality) I was dismissed.
It would have taken considerable courage to have attempted this experience on a dark wet night at a time when eye emergencies for a large area of Birmingham were more numerous than a quiet Sunday morning. There are reasons to be thankful even in dire situations. Good old Dudley Road.
Ed.
We can all fall victim to a ‘scam.’ Some scams are very sophisticated, others are simple. The intention with all of them is to part you from your money. Their promises are enticing but rarely fulfilled. We cannot begin to list all of the scams that exist, but this infonnation sheet will provide details of some of the swindles doing the rounds and alert you to their characteristics.
These may arrive by post or be found in publications such as newspapers and magazines. "Scratch the silver panels to see if you’re a winner" is the general claim and pound to a penny every time the recipient will be a lucky winner. All you have to do is phone that premium rate number to claim a great prize. The prize will be either a product of less value than the cost of the phone call you make to claim it, or some sort of discount holiday or other offer that has more catches than a North sea trawler!
Check the small print and remember, if you dial the number it will cost you!
Again these will arrive through the post, claiming that you have been "selected" from millions worldwide to be the recipient of a substantial cash prize. Unknown to you, a few thousand other’lucky winners’ will have been sent identical information asking for a small sum of money (administration charge/release fee/postage charge) to enable the organiser to send you your winnings. Once you send off your money all you are likely to receive is a cheque for one dollar or details of another plausible scheme aimed at parting you from more of your hard-earned money.
Many of these schemes originate abroad in North America, Canada or Australia. Beware of any offers which come from outside the U.K. It is virtually impossible to reclaim money back from them.
Doorstep sellers can be a great nuisance (or worse) for the elderly in particular. It may be a workman who has spotted that you have a ‘loose tile on your roof and offers to fix it or someone selling something you don’t really want or need. Worse still it could be someone attempting a distraction burglary. Always be very wary of anyone, however authentic they appear, selling goods or services at your door. Many goods and services sold on the doorstep are subject to specific legal requirements. Be very wary of a trader who does not issue receipts or provide information on cooling off periods. Do not fall for the ‘discount for cash’ line or be pressurised into signing there and then because the special price is time limited. You may end up paying way over the odds. You can always ask them to call back later when you have had a chance to think about it. Take advice from the Police on the use of security devices such as door chains and on asking for identification.
Experience -has shown that very few homeworking schemes ever generate any income except to the organisers. Beware of any scheme that promises huge earnings from working full or part- time for work such as stuffing/addressing envelopes or assembling small craft items or the like. Be suspicious about so called testimonials from people who have made fortunes but only identify themselves as ‘Dave from Nottingham’.
If you are asked for an up-front fee (even as little as £5 or £10), beware!
Unscrupulous traders and fraudsters are using the anonymity of the Internet to con the public in ever-increasing numbers. This can take the form of Internet auctions that result in consumers receiving an item that is worth less than promised or worse still nothing at all. Unsolicited e-mails may seem harmless, offering free services but hidden in the information may be contract details which bind you when you respond.
Web site information may be available for free but the download is via a premium rate line at £1.50 per minute. Any purchase via the Internet needs to be looked at carefully. Always look at the sender’s address; be suspicious of numeric domain names or addresses opened for free, which usually do not show the trader’s name. Most frauds can now be found on the Net as well, be they travel and vacation deals, investment opportunities or credit card fraud.
These offer to make you money through the products and services you sell as well as those sold by the people you recruit into the program. Such schemes may be lucrative for the individuals who set them up but are unlikely to bring you the money promised. If you still feel you want to go ahead, be prepared to lose all your investment. Pyramid selling is illegal and most other schemes will end up with numerous victims. Steer clear!
At home or abroad there are travel companies ready to recruit unsuspecting consumers to enjoy fabulous offers and guaranteed prizes in the fantasy world of the international jetset executive traveller. Deals and bargains may be available but do your research before parting with any cash.
e-mail: tradingstandards@birmingham.gov.uk phone: 0800 413 381
May 13th (Monday) time:- 7.15 pm.
Place - Bournville Green: "The Friends Meeting House"
Topic: ‘Keeping Birmingham Clean.'
Speaker: Either - Mr. Rob James - Head of Waste Disposal. Or - Mr. Jeremy
Shields. Contract Monitoring Officer.
Interval with free refreshments.
We are an active group taking an interest in many matters affecting our community. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in taking part in our activities or just joining the Group, please complete the enrolment form below.
The Group aims to produce a Newsletter three times a year. It is sent to all members and copies are available in some city lending libraries. Contributions to the Newsletter are most welcome. Contact with the Group may be achieved through: birmingham@ncf.info
Annual subscriptions are:
Individual and joint: £5 a year (£13.50 for three years in advance)
Corporate membership: £7 a year (£20 for three years in advance)
Please enrol me as a NEW MEMBER of the BIRMINGHAM CONSUMERS' GROUP.
Cheques
should be made payable to the BIRMINGHAM CONSUMERS' GROUP and
sent to the
Treasurer, Mr G. Weil, 8 Cornhill Grove, Birmingham B30 2RR.
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