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Balsall Common and Berkswell

Balsall Common residents come out in droves to switch on christmas lights

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Hundreds of people assembled on Station Road on Friday 22nd November to switch on the Christmas lights. Children from Balsall Common Primary School Choir sang festive hymns and the Mayor of Solihull lead the countdown, with Father Christmas in attendance courtesy of the Lions. Local businesses, notably Angela Jaynes florist, The Leisure Traveller (formerly Aeroscope) and John Shepherd provided mince pies and other refreshments to the assembled crowds.

This event is getting bigger – see you there next year !

 

Balsall Common Lions charity bonfire and fireworks night

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Claire Turner writes:

lionslogo

The ever popular Balsall Common Lions Fireworks Display and Bonfire is this Saturday (9 November). It is being held at a new venue this year, the field next to the Blessed Robert Grissold Catholic Church in Meeting House Lane.

 

Tickets are on sale now from Angela Jaynes Florist, Oakes Farm Shop, and A1 Motor Shop. Family tickets are £15 and are only available in advance. Adult tickets are £6 in advance and £7 on the night, child tickets are £3.

 

The Lions now have Facebook and twitter accounts:

 

facebook.com/balsallcommonlionsclub and twitter.com/balsallcomlions They are running a competition to win a family ticket to the bonfire. All you need to do is like and/or follow these accounts and you will automatically be entered. If the winner has already bought a ticket it will be refunded.

 

As well as being an enjoyable evening for everyone, the night contributes to local good causes. Over the past 10 years the Lions have raised more than £35000 from the bonfire night event with 90% of proceeds donated to local good causes including prostate cancer screening, medical equipment, help for gap year students, and support for local sports teams.

 

Timetable

 

  • 6pm – Gates open
  • 6.30pm – Guy competition
  • 7pm – Lighting of the bonfire
  • 7.30pm Fireworks display

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    Note: organisers point out that parking in the vicinity is extremely limited and request visitors show consideration to nearby residents by walking to the venue where possible.

     

     

     

    Spooky community fancy-dress Halloween bonfire and fireworks display

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    The Sports Association’s Spooky Halloween bonfire returns for another showing this Thursday evening (31st October) at the Lant, best known as home to the local cricket and tennis club on Meeting House Lane. The family-friendly fancy dress spectacular brings more spook-tacular fireworks from the returning professional pyrotechnicians at Halo FX, alongside a range of great attractions to keep the entire family happy, including the popular licensed bar facilities. As with previous years the entire community is invited to join the party.

     

    Lant bonfire and fireworks - 2011. Fireworks and image courtesy of Halo FX.

    Lant bonfire and fireworks – 2011. Fireworks and image courtesy of Halo FX.

     

    Attractions at this year’s spook-fest include:

     

  • Prize fancy-dress
  • Bonfire
  • Fireworks set to music courtesy of Halo FX
  • Pig-roast
  • Hot spuds, hot spicy spooky soup and other refreshments
  • Ossie’s bar
  • Kids bar
  • Spooky Halloween games and prizes
  • Children’s rides

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    Tickets

    Advanced tickets:

  • £15 family (2 adults, 2 children)
  • £7 adult

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    On the gate

  • £7 adult
  • £3 child

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    Outlets

     

  • Balsall Common Pharmacy
  • Two Ten Hairdressers
  • Oakes Farm Shop

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    Note: there will be no family tickets on the gate on the night so advanced purchases offer great way to save some money. Last year’s event won rave reviews from attendees.

     

    2011 event [image by Halo FX]

    2011 event [image by Halo FX]

     

    Timetable

     

  • 6:00pm Gates open
  • 6:30pm Fancy dress judging
  • 7:00pm Light the bonfire
  • 7:30pm Fireworks display

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    Half term fun – things to do in and around Balsall Common this half term

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    Image from 2011 Meeting House Lane event - image by Halo FX

    Bonfire  at the Lant on Thursday evening

     

    Well a long eight weeks of school are over and it’s time for some half term fun. As Halloween falls during the week lots of the activities have a spooky theme.

     

    The highlight is the Spooktacular Bonfire at the Lant (tennis and cricket club) on Thursday evening.

     

    Hopefully the weather will be kind to us as there are lots of activities being organised in local parks and at nearby attractions.

     

    Kenilworth Castle hosts creepy crafts, spooky activities and ghost hunting galore! http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/kenilworth-castle/

     

    If you fancy pumpkin carving and a pumpkin hunt why not head along to Hatton Country World http://hattonworld.com/hatton-adventure-farm-park-west-midlands/calendar/

     

    For indoor fun and learning there are some fantastic events and activities being put on by Coventry Museums, and many are free. Highlights include a Quinten Blake exhibition at the Herbert Art Gallery and war time themed family activities at the Coventry Transport Museum. Full details here http://www.theherbert.org/sites/default/files/October%20Half%20Term%20at%20Coventry%20Museums.pdf

     

    If your kids are arty, Balsall Common Library are doing spooky crafts on Tuesday 29th from 10am-12. Call in or phone 532590 to book a place.

     

    On Tuesday 29th October and Wednesday 30th October from 11.15-2.15pm Positive Fitness are running a holiday club. There are limited places for the club which offers craft making, dance, games and fun. CRB and  DSB checked. The cost is £15 per child, second child half price. To book email positivefitnessuk@hotmail.co.uk

     

    Our local cinemas do special priced kids screenings each school holiday. The Odeon at the Skydome in Coventry is showing Despicable Me 2 at 11am every day for £2.50 per ticket http://www.odeon.co.uk/kids/ If you can get up and about in time, Cineworld in Solihull does a £1 screening at 10am every day.

     

    Local councils Solihull, Coventry and Warwick all have events running with details on their websites.

    http://www.solihull.gov.uk/events/default.htm
    http://www.coventry.gov.uk/holidayschemes
    http://www.warwickdc.gov.uk/WDC/Leisure/Tourism+and+travel/Whats+on/Half+term+activities.htm

     

    There is plenty to do in and around Balsall Common and these are just a few ideas to consider. Let us know if you’ve got other suggestions or if you attend any of these, please tell us what they are like.

     

    Enjoy!

     

     

    Article by Clare Turner