Newsletter #84 - Save Stirchley Library (again)
Hello,
I've blinked and a week has passed ... here's The Old Post Office's not-quite-weekly newsletter. I don't suppose you mind too much!
This week I've been inside two places in Stirchley I had never been before - Lifford House - much brighter inside than it looks from the outside (it's a city council building), and Church of the Ascension's community hall on Pineapple Road for a fourth birthday party - Toni's Tots Drama - mega!
Don't forget next Sunday 3rd is the first Fat Joy Book Club - let us know you're coming by signing up to the event via eventbrite.
Oh and happy coworking!
— Kerry
Meet a coworker
This week it's Babb! Laura Babb is one of our keyholders - and has run several events from the coworking space including wellbeing walks, wreath workshops, soundbaths and photography sessions.
What do you do for work?
I’m one of those multi hyphenated freelancers. In my wellbeing business (The Clear Space) I’m a counsellor, meditation teacher, wellbeing in nature practitioner and sound healer. I’m also a photographer (Babb Shoots It) who works with small businesses and freelancers to help them to be more visible and share their work.
What's your favourite thing about The Old Post Office
The calm and welcoming vibes, the friendly people and Kerry’s ethos for the space as a community hub.
What's your favourite spot in Stirchley?
@verbenakitchen. I’m biased as I do all of their food photography so I get to try a lot of their amazing food. I also love Space Therapies for their wellbeing offerings.
--
If you'd be up for being featured in our Meet the Coworker series, reply to this email (or chat to Rachel) and we'll send you the details
Learn how to sew with expert and friendly tutor Charlotte, different short courses available for various ability levels - recently announced *kids/tween sessions* www.stirchleysewingschool.com
Links
Birmingham Peoples Assembly have organised a rally 5pm on Tues 5 March at the council house, 'every council run or funded service is at risk in Birmingham - from children's services to cemetries, libraries to the Symphony Orchestra, markets to home care - join unions and campaigners lobbying the council budget setting meeting'
There is a 'Save Birmingham's Libraries' petition to Birmingham City Council by the Save Birmingham Campaign group. There are a few petitions floating around for individual libraries too - including Save Stirchley Library. My thoughts (as a resident who led the last Save Stirchley Library campaign back in 2017) is that the council have to provide a library service as it is statutory, but they don't have to provide a library service in a library building. They have alternatives they're suggesting, ie mobile library service. Any comments/counter proposals need to bear that in mind and it make it clear if you want the service in the libraries' existing buildings - as libraries offer so much more than books in those spaces (as Stirchley Library's petition by Stirchley Art Room/Friends of Stirchley Library say).
Selly Oak Neighbourhood Network Scheme (NNS) have a Cost of Living Roadshow at Stirchley Baths on Thurs 14 March, 2-4pm. Find out what activities/help there is locally for over 50s across the constituency - more via twitter
National Literacy Trust in Birmingham have relaunched #MyBirminghamStory campaign. They want to hear the stories that connect you to Birmingham; whether as a born and bred Brummie, newcomer to the city, or far-off admirer - more info of how to get involved on their website
I'm enjoying reading updates from illustrator/educator/mama Millie, who some of you will know from Folk Like These. Millie and her family are relocating from Cotteridge to the seaside and she writes gentle updates talking about how that's going - Look + Sea
My firstborn, Stirchley Community Market is back Saturday 16 March, 10am-3pm at Stirchley Baths. See you there!
Coworker Marina (Intervention Architecture) is working on a community project over in East Birmingham to transform the area of grass outside the community hub on Bromford Drive into a green space that is created, cared for and enjoyed by local people. The project team and community are looking for volunteers to help out - there's more information here (image below)
P.s. If you'd like to come and cowork, you can book your desk via this link