On the 24^th and 25^th November, for the first time, they will be performing Bizet’s Carmen at the Stirchley Baths Community Hub, which we all know is a  fantastic space. The company will be singing in English, with a small orchestra, Bournville Youth Singers, and professional soloists presenting the world’s favourite opera on 24th and 25th November at the Baths.

There have been so may versions of this story of love, jealousy and revenge but be prepared for Midland Opera’s take on the character of Carmen.  Is she the seductress or is she the abused woman?  Come and find out, enjoy the sumptuous singing by professional soloists, and also be entertained by members of Bournville Youth Chorus.

Ticket details on the attached flyer, and can be purchased from Midland Opera’s website.

Are you friendly, outgoing, patient and enjoy working with children? Do you have 3-4 daytime hours each month (term-time) to spare? Would you like to be part of a team which brings alive the history of the iconic former Baths with primary schools?

Then you may be interested in our exciting new Learning Volunteer opportunity!

The award-winning Stirchley Baths is currently developing an interactive education package using its fascinating community history, its architecture, and the campaign to bring it back into use to inspire a new generation of heritage ambassadors. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to deliver sessions both in the classroom and on site, on an ad hoc basis.

Skills and qualities we are looking for in our Learning Support Volunteers

This role would suit someone with experience of educating young minds or who would like to develop their practice and is happy to be mentored.

A passion and interest in social history

Confidence to lead sessions (including some story-telling)

Enthusiasm

Patience

Ability to be flexible and sensitive to different learning styles and abilities

Training and Support we will provide ..

Full training on workshops

Historical information and background reading

‘Out of pocket’ expenses

Mentoring by learning professionals if required

The opportunity to access social events and other relevant training

If you are interested and want to find out more …

Contact Suzanne Carter for an informal chat e: suzanne@suzannecarter.co.uk or t: 07793075737. See the volunteer role description Learning Support Volunteer Role Profile

Please contact Suzanne by 10 June in the first instance

When you can get involved …

At the end of June we will be testing the sessions with children and staff from Bournville Junior School and Stirchley Primary School – it would be great if our Learning Support Volunteers would be able to join us for these sessions – see them as ‘tasters’ and add in your own experiences to shape the final package!

The education offer will be ‘soft’ launched before the end of the summer term and marketed to schools, with bookings being taken from September 2016, so plenty of time to train and practice.

Please get in touch if you can help us!

NEW GROUP RIDE

Why not join us for a relaxed, enjoyable, led bike ride.

Wednesday Afternoons @ 1.30pm from Stirchley Baths, commencing 1st June 2016

To book one of our FREE bikes or for more information please call 0121 464 1020

The Planning Committee met in March following their visits to three nominated buildings for the 2015 Renaissance Award:

• Stirchley Baths
• Fiddle & Bone
• Eagle & Ball – BCU Student Union Bar

Stirchley Baths – Planning Committee’s comments:-

The work that the team have done on restoring the former baths and bringing it back into positive, community use was very impressive. The way that the community has been involved in the restoration as well as on going involvement is exemplary. Whilst there was discussion about the loss of the baths, there was an historical example of how the baths were temporarily over boarded to provide a dance hall! This interesting story shows how the space could be, and has been imaginatively re-used. The building appears to be well used by the local community and it has helped bring together various groups and organisations that would have otherwise never met. It has clearly had a hugely positive affect on the local community.

Judging Process

As part of the judging process, the Committee complete a judging form where they consider the condition of the original building, the restoration works and the completed project. Each Committee Member completes the judging form independently. The scores are then collated and help give some moderation to their considerations.

Summary & Recommendations

The Planning Committee were unanimous in recommending that the 2015 Renaissance Award be awarded to Stirchley Baths.

https://www.birminghamcivicsociety.org.uk/stirchley-baths-wins-2015-renaissance-award/

This is great recognition for a truly collaborative effort – Thank you to everyone who has supported the project over the last few years

PILOT Nights provide a space where theatre makers can develop their work and try out new ideas in front of a lively and supportive crowd. PILOT Nights is landing at Stirchley Baths for the first time, launching Art SOAK 2016, with Play More co-piloting the event. Join us for an evening of eclectic work in progress performances from some of the UK’s most exciting theatre companies, then stick around after for a drink and tell the artist what you thought!

You can book tickets through www.oxboffice.com

From Patents & Toddlers to Zumba, from Barn Dancing to Tai Chi, there is something for everyone. Check out our regular activities page.

This newly renovated and refurbished grade II listed community facility will be formally opened by the Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Ward alongside special guests. On the day there will be  invited guests from the community, city council and our fantastic contractors to take part in the ceremony.

Entertainment will be provided by one of our Selly Oak District Arts Champions – Birmingham Opera Company. Stirchley Baths Heritage Volunteers, History Group and staff will be on hand  as guides to show invited guests around  to view the heritage interpretation and talk about the development of the building from dilapidated swimming pool to 21st century community asset.

Refreshments will be provided by ChangeKitchen CIC who currently run our cafe.

This will be a great opportunity to celebrate the contributions made by everyone who has had an involvement in the project.

General members of the pubic are invited to come and see us and take a look at the facility from January 18th.

Hopefully we’ll be back on site in the next week or so to see it polished and then re-glazed to bring back to its former glory.

Tony showed us around and gave us an overview on what it takes to restore a building as old as ours. I think I agree with him when he talks about the renovation of the roof, those lanterns are pretty impressive.

What do you think?

John Sherrard has been working on lots of different pieces for the restoration, but here’s a quick look at the kiosk in particular.