Monday 22 May 2017


Last Chance to Register to Vote in the General Election 2017

Today is the last day to register to vote in this years General Election
Follow the link https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

You can at both their home and uni addresses, but can only vote at one. Here is a handy tool to see where your vote is most powerful: http://ge2017.com/students

A national insurance number makes it easier to register, and can be found on pay slips or student finance letters. However, it is not essential and you can register without it
If are on holiday on 8th June, they can register for a postal or proxy vote: https://www.yourvotematters.co.uk/how-do-i-v…/voting-by-post

Some international students CAN register - a list of eligible commonwealth and other countires can be found on the Guild of Students FB page



Tuesday 7 March 2017

Metchley Roman Fort


Metchley Roman Fort was a site for not one, but two settlements during the Roman occupation of Britain around the early 1st century AD. The first and larger fort was 10 acres in area, although with annexed additions it brings this number closer towards 14.5 acres. The fort is thought to have held roughly 1000 soldiers (cohors equitata milliaria) including a small cavalry group (turmae).

You can see remnants of this fort by the roughly straight and distinct corner of a hill near the medical school, as well as a small board full of information on the walk up to university.

Metchley fort sits on what is believed to be a roman road in Ryknild Street, which was a roman road that ran through Birmingham going from Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield all the way through and past towards Metchley and Perry Barr Potteries. This could almost be seen like an ancient precursor to what is now the cross city line!

Check out more below: 





Thursday 2 March 2017

Visit to Cannon Hill Park



What is Cannon Hill?

Cannon Hill Park one of Birmingham’s five premier parks and less than two miles from the city centre. The park stretches between Edgbaston Cricket Ground and Stirchley. The park runs along the River Rea where there are pathways and cycle routes (see the interactive map tab on https://lovesellyoak.com/) The park has been awarded Green Flag status and is enjoyed by runners, cyclists, wildlife enthusiasts, families and schools. 


How has the Park developed?

Cannon Hill House was a 19th century villa, owned by Louisa Ann Ryland. The house overlooked meadows and the valley surrounding the River Rea. In 1873 she gave 57 acres of the land to the city and commissioned the park to be created.

Cannon Hill Park is listed at Grade II because it was designed by John Gibson who also designed Battersea Park and several other parks in London. Since the original sculpting of the park, very few of the original features have been changed, including many of the tree selections and plants.

Cannon Hill Park was opened to the public in 1873, with the intention to provide a green space for the local people to engage with. Visitors were encouraged to protect and preserve the wildlife and enjoy leisure activities available.  

In 1898 more land was acquired to aid the endeavour of straightening the River Rea. In 1887 a botanical garden was created in the park for botany atudents. The plants and seeds were supplied by the botanists at Kew Gardens in London.

Visitors will notice the beautiful old ruins of the Golden Lion Inn. Originally this 16th century house was built in Digbeth but was re-erected in the park in 1911 by the Birmingham Archaeological Society. Until the building fell into ruin, it served as a refreshment room and cricket pavilion. Excitingly, there are plans underway to renovate the building and repurpose it for public use. The following link contains an interesting video which shows the inside of the building and all the work that is currently in the process of being approved.

Following the Second World War, Cannon Hill Park saw the development of the park with a new boathouse. In 1964 the Midland’s Arts Centre (MAC) was built upon the old site of the 19th century bathing pool.  




What is the MAC?

The MAC is a popular arts centre which runs events throughout the year. It aims to connect a variety of different artists and audiences of communities across the city. The MAC has several performance spaces, including theatre, concert halls, and cinema.

Events include comedy, music, art exhibitions, spoken word, independent film, dance, theatre. It also holds creative classes including musical instruments, making ceramics, designing jewellery. The MAC truly is a unique arts centre!

The MAC is recognised as a national leader for developing work with children, families and young people of all backgrounds. The MAC works with people both within the centre and out in the community. For more information or to book tickets for events please visit;


 

When does Cannon Hill host Park Runs?

Cannon Hill Park hosts two free timed park runs every weekend:
·         Every Saturday at 9am there is a 5k timed run.
·         Every Sunday at 9am there is a 2k timed run for juniors (4-14).


 


Although the course consists of tracks, some sections of the course fall victim to the weather. If this happens, the marshals situate themselves at the key sections of the course to redirect runners.

Both park runs use Age Grading to help compare results. Age Grading takes your time and uses the world record time for your sex and age group to produce a score.

You’re welcome to run with your dog as long as they are on a short leaf or harness. You are also welcome to run with buggies. If running with a buggy, you are asked to start at the back of the field and keep to one side of the course to avoid collision with other runners. Unfortunately, you are not permitted to run with both a dog and a buggy.

At the end of the run, you’re welcome to join your fellow competitors at The Garden Tea Rooms for a coffee and a catch up! For any more information please follow this link:



How can I get involved with tennis at Cannon Hill Park?

Recently, the tennis courts at Cannon Hill Park were renovated, including floodlighting to allow all-day-all-year-round access. The Edgbaston Priory Club coaching team are on hand to advise, teach, and lend equipment to anyone who wants to have a go. 

You can register as a Park Player to book one of the five courts or two floodlit courts. If you’re not registered, you can play on any un-booked court when you visit. Now everyone can enjoy tennis for free at the Park! For any additional information, please click on the following link;


Can I help or get involved with Cannon Hill Park?

If you’re interested in getting involved with the park or just want to keep up to date with the local events, get in touch with the Cannon Hill Park Friends;