October/November 2008 - The Greets Green Partnership Legacy ...

greetnewsIfTwenty-two young people and adultsfrom Greets Green and George SalterCollegiate Academy have taken acourse to pass the FA’s Level 1Coaching Football Award.you have any news get in touch.Call Barbryn on T: 01564 741847,E: susan@barbryn.co.ukor Greets Green Partnership on T: 0800 953 0215,E: brian_mckinstrie@sandwell.gov.ukCOMMUNITY COACHESOur tributeto VeraSince the last issue of themagazine, Greets Green haslost a much-loved friend withthe passing of Vera Barnes.Vera had been an active member ofthe community for many years andwas perhaps most well known forsetting up the Goldies Club for over55s five and a half years ago whenshe herself was 85!Over 50 members of the group, whichmeets every other Monday afternoonat the YMCA in Carters Green, turnedout in March this year to celebrate her90th birthday.Ally Allerson, Executive Director ofGreets Green Partnership said: “Vera’senergy and enthusiasm always markedher out as an exceptional memberof the community. Greets Green hasa lot to thank Vera for and she will bemuch missed.”Friend and local resident OliveBedworth, who has known Vera forover 35 years and is also deputychairman of the Goldies Club said:"Vera was an extremely nice lady,a very kind woman who would helpanyone. She was also a very goodfriend and I will miss her a great deal."Vera, a great grandmother, who hasthree children, worked in the bookingoffice for 30 years at New StreetStation. She also volunteered as aSamaritan and was a magistrate inWest Bromwich for 28 years.They are now able to volunteer their skillswith local clubs, teams and schools tobenefit the wider community with their newfootball qualification. The course took placeat George Salter and included learningabout codes of conduct, laws of the game,football for all and grassroots football.Some of those who took part already workin schools or with clubs and teams, whileothers are now taking part in volunteerplacements and working towards theirLevel 2 coaching awards.Among those who took part was localresident, Darren Saxon. He said: “By havingthe chance to do this award I can supportmy sons to develop in the correct way infootball. There are so many bad examplesof parenting and supporters I see everyweek at football games. I would recommendthat every parent takes this course.”For more details on footballdevelopment at George SalterCollegiate Academy click on theCommunity and Sports link atwww.georgesalter.comWALK 2 LONDON FROM CHINA!If you missed the chance to ‘W alk to Beijing’ don’t despair. You’re now beinginvited to set off back from China and walk to London.The ‘Walk to Beijing‘ initiative was a big success with more than 3,000 people takingpart. Out of the six towns in Sandwell, West Bromwich walkers topped the table andtook the gold for the most steps - 170 million steps!Andrew Wood, Healthy Walks Co-ordinator for Sandwell PCT, said: “Altogether, peoplewalked an amazing 644,260,058 steps, or 400,000km – not just to Beijing, but roundthe world nearly 10 times.”Now with thoughts turning to the Olympics in London in 2012, the Walk 2 Beijing:London has been launched. Anyone living or working in Sandwell borough can take part.Everyone is given a health check and receives a step counter. At the end of threemonths they get a second health check and if they’ve managed to improve their healththey’re given a shopping voucher.To sign up as an individual or a gr oup, call 0121 612 1407.LOOKING FOR STARS!Greets Green Partnership is searching for stars toperform at various community events. Do you have anykind of talent? Are you a singer, a dancer or a performerof any kind? Individuals and groups can apply.Please contact Navida Bukharion freephone 0800 953 0215.18Greets Green Magazine October/November 2008