*  NEWS  *

Confirmations on Ascension Day 2010

On 13th May 2010, four adult candidates from All Saints were confirmed by Assistant Bishop Maurice Sinclair. Confirmation is an opportunity for Christians to affirm with their own mouth the promises made on their behalf at their Christening. It is expected that those baptised as infants will come to Confirmation when they are old enough to make their own profession of faith. We wish all our candidates joy and blessing as they continue on their Christian journey.

Church Hall Refurbishment

Work on improvements to the church hall have been ongoing for the last three years, little by little as funds permit. A grant from the SITA Trust (via the Government Landfill Tax Scheme) has enabled the life-expired toilets to be replaced with a modern and accessible facility. The hall is now used by a number of community support projects, as well as by another church group on Sundays. Other community groups wishing to use the hall on a regular basis (subject to availability and the approval of the Parochial Church Council) are invited to get in touch.

Shard End Urban Village Update

Important News re Shard End Urban Village

The consultation period for the planning application has now closed. Details of the application can still be seen on the Planning Online website referenced below. It is still hoped to begin new construction before the end of 2010.

A planning application has been submitted.  The details can be viewed in Shard End Library (or through Planning Online at www.birmingham.gov.uk/planningonline - the application reference is 2010/01367/PA). Please note that the consultation period ends on 22nd April. It is important that everyone who has a concern for the future of Shard End is able to view the proposals and make their comment. This may be the last consultation before the new construction work gets under way. Comments can be made via Shard End Library or via the Planning Online website.  

Demolition work has started in preparation for the new urban village development. During November 2009 houses in Ownall Rd and some properties in Shustoke Rd were demolished – further work will be done as properties become vacant.

Click here to see a photo of the demolition in progress

At the public meeting in December 2009 a revised plan was presented. Money from the Homes and Communities Agency has enabled some affordable housing to be included in the urban village, and has made the project financially sustainable following the decline in property values.

 Christmas Services 2009

As usual we celebrated Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve, along with a Christmas Day service. The weather was not kind and the attendances were probably the lowest ever. Somewhat disappointing for those who had worked so hard to make the church look suitably festive and to offer the familiar pattern of services.

Christmas Fair November 28th 2009

Despite the fact that many of our immediate neighbours have moved away, the Fair was well attended and enjoyed by all who came. Father Christmas was a popular attraction with the younger ones, and the seasonal refreshments were enjoyed by the grown ups.

Annual Bereavement Service October 11th 2009

We were able to remember our departed loved ones, and light candles in their memory. As always, a very moving service, and appreciated by those who came.

Next Bereavement Service Sunday October 10th 2010 at 10am

Autumn Fair - October 10th 2009

A busy morning with plenty of customers to purchase things old and new

Click here to see some pictures of this event

Visit to Keble College, October 3rd 2009

Nine folks from All Saints were able to travel to Keble College in Oxford and enjoy their hospitality for the day. The College is the Patron of our Parish and we are grateful to them for the practical help that has been received over the years

Click here to see some pictures of this event

Confirmation Service 2009

Thursday 21st May 2009 (Ascension Day) - Confirmation Service Five adult candidates from All Saints were confirmed at a joint service hosted by St Barnabas Church, Kingshurst. They comprise a variety of ages and faith journeys, including a mother and her daughter, a lady who waited just three months between her Baptism and her Confirmation, and another who waited over 70 years. Confirmation services are a reminder to all of us who were baptised (Christened) as children, that it was expected that when we reached an age of understanding, we would speak for ourselves the promises made on our behalf by our parents and Godparents.

Click on the photo to see a larger image

Summer Fair 2009

Saturday 4th July - Summer Fair A fine day allowed the Summer Sale to go ahead outdoors as usual. We had lots of stalls and activities and a good number of visitors. It was encouraging to see such a positive response, especially now that most of the surrounding housing has been emptied. In these days of smaller church congregations All Saints relies on events such as this to raise the necessary funds to keep the building open and working.

Click here to go to see some photographs of this happy occasion.