Digbeth-based charity Aspire4u has launched Project Talent, which has received funding from the Big Lottery Fund, to create a variety of opportunities for musicians, dancers, designers and models through a combination of platforms.

Aspire4U director, Daniella Genas said: “My vision is to create a portal that nurtures talent in the West Midlands and enables the youth in the region to compete with London-based artists without having to leave the city. Following the recent riots, it is important to engage with young people and provide them with alternatives to criminality.”

To learn more about Aspire4u, click here to visit the website.

With the strong Irish presence in Digbeth, it is sometimes easy to forget that Digbeth has an important Chinese community too. Cherish House, run by the Trident Reach the People Charity, opened in 1999 and is the country’s only Chinese sheltered housing complex. The 60+ residents recently celebrated the Chinese New Year of the Dragon with the same diplomats who launched the project.

The scheme was launched to accommodate Birmingham’s expanding elderly Chinese population. The age group ranges from 50 to 90, with one resident set to celebrate her 100th birthday in May. Most staff can speak in a number of Chinese dialects, the most popular being Cantonese and Hakka. A small number speak Mandarin.

Residents are treated to traditional cuisine, tai chi, Mah Jong and trips to Chinese supermarkets. Elaine Tang, older people’s service leader at Trident Reach, said: “Our residents make lots of friends here so they always have people to talk to, share a joke and play traditional Chinese games with. We all look forward to Chinese New Year – it is such an important celebration in our culture and we feel it is vital to keep the traditions alive.”

Digbeth is such a diverse area, so it’s fitting that we are the setting for such a unique project that really enriches people’s lives.

The Digbeth Snooker Hall is now open on Bordesley Street (B5 5PG), opposite M Latif & Son’s Warehouse.

Opening Times are as follows:
Mon-Thur 12:00pm – 4:00am
Fri-Sun 12:00pm – 6:00am

A Main Hall, Private Rooms, VIP Private Rooms and an Arcade Room are all available. You can even book a Playstation 3 and/or Xbox!

As part of a special opening offer, hire is £5.50 per hour for a limited time only. To find out more, visit the Facebook Page.

When: 11:00 – 13:00, Monday 6th February
Where: Custard Factory

Although you can speak to our Digbeth Local Police Officers at our regular DRA meetings, West Midlands Police have now established new Police Community Meetings.

The first of these will take place at The Custard Factory between 11:00 and 13:00 on Monday 6th February.

Please ensure to drop by to talk to our local officers about any issues affecting you, congratulate them on a job well done, or just to introduce yourself as a resident!

After I reported the Birmingham St Patrick’s Parade was in jeopardy, the local media showed interest in the story and DRA’s Chairperson, Val Wooodward, appeared on BBC WM Radio as a result.

Here, John McMahon of Birmingham’s premier Irish magazine, An Craic, has very kindly written an article for us to bring us up to date with what happened at the EGM recently:

Having successfully arranged the previous two Festivals, the St Patrick’s board have now passed on the torch to new directors – synching with the torch bearing tradition of this the Olympic year. Not surprising then that the main focus for the parade on Sunday March 11 is Irish Sport, and it is with great pleasure that the leading lights of Irish sports men and women based in Birmingham have been asked to be this year’s flag bearers. If you’re a sportsperson with Irish connections – get in touch – for yourself, your sport or your team. We’d love your support at this years parade.

Preparations are well underway to continue the great tradition of the Birmingham St Patrick’s Parade and its supporting fringe events. The civic reception and launch this year will be at The Irish Centre on Friday March 9th. Set your clocks though to be bright and early at the main event – The Parade – Sunday March 11 at twelve noon. As ever the principal feature and focus is The Birmingham Irish and its surrounding communities – blending the traditional with the contemporary: floats and walking groups from the counties, traditional marching bands, GAA groups, dancing schools and the general weird and whacky of Parade day. ‘St PatRocks’ will continue the custom started several years ago of showcasing more contemporary local Irish bands whose members have Irish roots – this will be hosted at the HMV institute.

As with previous years anyone heading to Digbeth on parade day will be submersed in a sea of green and overwhelmed by the infectious sense of such a good natured and joyous occasion. Marvel at the parade – and then enjoy the Craic in many of Digbeth’s finest hostelries – many of which remain resolutely Irish in their devotion. Other fringe events leading up to St Patrick’s Day itself include an Irish Film night, Art installation, Race night, Irish Ale night, Irish literary event and Irish music nights.

We need You. As ever being a voluntary organisation we really do count on the support of individuals – so whether you can volunteer as a steward, are keen to enter a float or walk in the parade, are prepared to help raise sponsorship for us – do contact us. And if everyone can remember to throw a pound into the collection boxes – you will be doing your community proud.

St Patrick’s Festival 2012 starts with the civic reception and launch night on Friday 9th March at The Irish Centre. For tickets and details of the launch, parade and all St Patricks’ events – visit the website at stpatricksbirmingham.com.

Thanks John!