Hello there bab,I normally send out these emails on a Tuesday lunchtime but I've had a busy week! An observation not a complaint - I'm working on a new place-making project with Birmingham Community Matters, and getting Stirchley Community Market out in the wild! I've had some brilliant conversations this week, both inside and outside of The Old Post Office and despite all the *waves arounds around* stuff going on, I feel quite positive.This week's newsletter contains:
An updated TOPO events calendar - events which you'll also find in your booking platform dashboard
5 local links
and a kitchen disco playlist by Jane
Here's the link to book your desk for tomorrow / next week.Heads up - I will be closed on Friday 2 December for a private event. — Kerry
Wellbeing walks with The Clear SpaceFriday 18 Nov, 7.45-8.45am (and every Friday morning)The third wellbeing walk is taking place this Friday, meet at TOPO at 7.40am. Reply to this email if you'd like to be added to Laura's whatsapp group (it's a broadcast only whatsapp group.)
Coworkers curry at AkramsTuesday 22 Nov, 6pm-7.30ishJoin me and 7 of your coworkers (so far) at this coworkers curry at Akram's. Plenty of room for more! Let me know you're coming via eventbrite
Christmas crafts with Kerry & RachelTuesday 6 Dec, 6pm-8pmWe're going to be making Christmas cards, there will also be all the pom pom materials from the last crafternoon if you missed out on that. There will be snacks and hot choc. Tiered pricing, tickets via eventbrite
Freelancers / Coworkers christmas partyFriday 16 Dec, 4.30pm onwards* A christmassy get together for TOPO coworkers held at The Old Post Office. I am hoping Verbena will be on nibbles duty 👀 Let me know you're coming by signing up on eventbrite, teas&coffees available, christmas jumpers encouraged, contributions towards snacks welcome, no obligation, BYOB.*I did an instagram poll with various different time slot and it was pretty much equally split! So let's go for 4.30ish onwards
Local links, full steam ahead with Christmas by the looks of it (never too early for me - bring on the fairy lights!)
Planet Brill is holding a Christmas card doodle workshop at Cartlands Tea Rooms in Kings Heath Park on Saturday 26 November from 10am-1pm, includes all materials and refreshments. £30pp
I'm giving another shout out to Stirchley Community Market, taking place on Saturday 3 December at Stirchley Baths from 10am-3pm. There's a list here of all the stallholders and community groups. I've organised this event after four years break from being market manager and it's been good to be back
The day after the market, head back to Stirchley Baths for The Clear Space Winter reset sound bath collaboration with Manoj Yoga, 4 Dec, 6—8pm
'Yule Decide' join Stirchley Open Cinema on Monday 15 December for their festive screening. The community is invited to choose the film that's screened from four christmas classics - Elf, Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life or Muppets Christmas Carol. Cast your vote here. The winner will be announced on 1 Dec. If you like surprises the tickets are on sale.
Plus Rabbits Road Press are hosting Artist Talks at The GAP as part of their Print and Matter series, found via Twitter
This week's playlist is by Jane Greenstock who has created a kitchen disco playlist"This playlist is definitely not conducive to concentration, but I hope provides some great soundtracks to those essential kitchen disco breaks, when you need a breather from work or life. For many of them, the theme is just dancing, because sometimes that is all you need! There's some classic bangers, some divas, some indie top tunes, and should-have-been-victorious Eurovision hit. Hopefully at least one track to get someone grooving.""I'm a health and social care researcher particularly interested in improving wellbeing for older people. Outside of work though, my wellbeing is really boosted by being a member of south Birmingham-based choir Notorious. We sing a real mixture of pop, folk, classical, rock...everything. This year, to celebrate turning 25, on 3 December (7.30pm), we are putting on a big gig at the CBSO auditorium singing Mass in Blue, a beautiful jazz/soul setting of a Latin mass. There's quite a few Stirchley residents in the choir, so would be great to see neighbours there!"Here's a link to her playlist on Spotify - thanks Jane! Next week it's back to the Music to work to format with a playlist from Marie!
ps. I'm moving the newsletter over from mailchimp to substack next week, so things may look a little different. You won't need to do anything. Thanks for being here!