Hello,Welcome to newsletter #56 from Kerry / The Old Post Office (TOPO)I've been back in the coworking space after a week "off" settling B into a new nursery. Thanks again everyone who helped out keeping the coffee flowing and coworking space open. I've had a lovely week and good conversations!Have an excellent weekend and see you soon. If you have anything you think would suit a future newsletter, just let me know - I'm always happy to include things. — Kerry
What's on at the coworking spaceOther than coworking...
On World Collage Day, join a former magazine editor Fiona Cullinan – aka @editoriat – for a fun collage session cutting up women’s magazines and creating ‘counter images’ that break down their all-powerful words and images.
If you like the idea of literally ripping up the idea of the perfect woman's body and face, this session is for you. Feminists, of all genders, are invited to tear down the fear-mongering messages, create counter images of glossy adverts, design more truthful front covers and generally have fun ridiculing the toxic text.
The session is friendly and inclusive with tea/coffee, chat and collage. There’ll also be a brief introduction to collage for beginners.
Materials and resources are provided but you can also bring your own magazines to subvert and destroy with relish.
Let’s stick together!
Sat 13 May, 2-4pm, The Old Post Office, StirchleyTickets are £13 and include refreshments, materials and resources.Bookings via this eventbrite link
Music to work to #32 by Rachel Botham"Hi, I’m Rachel, a regular TOPO visitor and co-host of crafternoons (hope to see you at our next one on June 11th!).I work in Fundraising for Crisis who are the national charity for people experiencing homelessness.I like to listen to a range of music throughout the day when I’m working but have put together a playlist of the type of songs I listen to when I need an extra boost of motivation. It’s a bit of a mix of pop/alternative/hip-hop/soul. Consider it a bit of a pick me up for a Friday afternoon working session (which coincidentally is when I’m booked into TOPO this week!).Listen to Rachel's playlist on Spotify
5 links
Coming to Soho Road, the first Panjabi and Pahari-Pothwari Language and Literature Festival in the world: JAAG - including performances, talks, music, poetry, workshops and more. Info on eventbrite.
Fellow independent business Isherwood and Co, has been doing weekly houseplant Q&As on instagram on Thursday evenings at 8pm - I've been watching along while I draft this newsletter. You can catch up on Jordan's instagram story highlights - or sign up to a workshop if you want a deeper dive
More planty things, Ampersand Projects have a plant swap Saturday 29th April at Cotteridge Park's community building, The Shed. 10am-2pm and details here
Very sadly, Ten Four Bakehouse is closing their doors on Saturday - their rent has been put up by a whopping 70%. So you've today (Friday) and tomorrow to pop in. Instagram post with details here.
And to end on something cheerier, the City Nature Challenge starts today for a week - ending in a dawn chorus. Cities from all over the world will be getting involved, recording and sharing nature finds. In 2022, 163 people across Birmingham & Black Country recorded a total of 1211 species including birds, mammals, plants and insects. Details here.
Ps. Here's the link to book in your desk for next week. If you're still a bit unsure about if it's right for you, book in a half day (9-12.30 / 1.30-5pm, to see how you get on)