When Michelle Oakes and Chris Burgees lost their brother to Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS) on the 25th January 2014, it almost destroyed them. Their own health deteriorated both mentally and physically. Mathew Burgees of Hyde, Manchester was only 20 years old when he collapsed while playing football with his friends, it was later found out that he had a massive heart attack, it was unbeknownst to Mathew and the rest of the family that he had a serious heart condition. Their father also died of SADS at the age of 56. Michelle Oakes (32), Manchester born has adopted the Black Country as her new home and on Saturday 5th September her and her brother Chris (36) decided to do an event which some may seem is a little unusual. They put an exercise bike in the middle of Oldbury Library. The exercise bike was supplied by Al Barz, a local poet and musician from Walsall, Al runs the Purple Penumbra at the Barlow Theatre, Langley once a month. Armed with healthy snacks, fruit juices and plenty of water, they set out on a 154KM trip in Oldbury library. With the Help of Angela L. Garratt, author, poet and editor of the Walsall Poetry Society, and Michelle's partner Hugh, Chris and Michelle managed to raise £207 for SADS UK. The money will be going to the Birmingham Community fund to buy more defibrillators and training on how to use them. But more than that, they raised awareness. Angela gave out leaflets and explained what SADS is to visitors that looked a little bit confused. She advised them that if there is a history of heart disease in the family, then it would be wise to get yourself checked out. It is a dreadful condition that could happen to anyone at anytime. It is for this reason that Michelle, an auxiliary nurse at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, wants to see more defibrillators in high streets, schools, colleges, shopping precincts, libraries and gyms across Birmingham and the Black Country. Mathew planned to be a fire fighter, he had been through all the tests and passed away while waiting for the results. He was 6ft 2in and he loved life, he lived for football and was a avid Chelsea supporter. His Brother Chris, a paranormal investigator from Manchester, described Mathew as being a gentle giant, he was very shy, but would help anyone. Both, Michelle and Chris is extremely proud of how hard Mathew worked to get into the fire service, even though he was not there to start his job. Chris goes on to say that he misses his brother every day and that even though he is not here in body anymore, he is in spirit. Chris plans to put on a charity paranormal investigation for SADS UK in the new year. Michelle has raised £200 for the Ronald McDonald House by climbing Snowdon, Wales highest mountain and raised a further £260 for the British Heart Foundation doing a bike ride in Manchester. She says, "this is the first of many events that we will be doing for SADS UK." Michelle doesn't know what inspired her to put an exercise bike in the middle of the library, but she says, "it was something fun, something to get the people involved, to try and get a healthy heart for myself and to keep myself fit, it is also a message to people out there to look after themselves. We are selling healthy snacks today to promote healthy eating and to do a little bit of exercise every day. Some people may be walking into this library thinking 'it is stupid having a exercise bike in the library,' but good health is something that I am passionate about; it is important to help others to look after themselves; plus, it is in memory of my brother and I am trying to turn something negative into something positive." Michelle lives her life knowing that everyday matters and she lives her life to the full; she knows that when it is her time, she has, at least, made a difference to people's lives. Both Chris and Michelle are a true inspiration, they loved their brother dearly, and in keeping their brother's memory alive, they are striving to help others. Next time you see a sign somewhere saying the nearest defibrillator is in your local taxi rank, chemist or library, just remember it is people like Chris and Michelle that helped to put them there.
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Well, that day has come where I am almost close to finishing the building of the website for the Walsall Poetry Society. I am extremely proud of the fact that I am their editor. I create and edit their monthly newsletter which is sent out to all members on a monthly basis. The newsletter is quickly becoming more like a magazine, with events, articles and fabulous art work. We have poems in there from our members, some of which are former poet laureates. The new website will include photos and short biographies of some of our members, it includes our mission statement - which basically just lets everyone know what we're about and what we're going to achieve. It will include poetry, and blogs from the board members, not to mention the contact page where you can submit some of your poems to either the newsletter or the website. I am very much looking forward to its launch. Coming up soon from the Walsall Poetry Society is a fright night at the Wheatsheath in Walsall. I still don't have an address, I am waiting on the organisors to pass that small but very important piece of information on to me. Nevertheless, I am sure this will be a fantastic event, I for one will be turning up in fancy dress, which will be fun and full of fantastically scary stories, poems and music.
Paul Smith hosted another fantastic evening at Blacheath Library, Rowley Regis last night on the 28th March 2015. The event started at 6pm and carried on through until 10.30pm and saw a whole lot of different acts from musicians, poets, comedians and story tellers. One such musician Niven smith whom played three songs with Tony Smith, (no relation to either Paul nor Niven). said 'it was a good night with good acts and I cannot think of anything bad to say about it.' Paul (Pictured left) enjoyed the night very much and was very busy making sure that everyone who wanted to perform got a slot. Angela L.Garratt, poet, author and Honorary Ambassador of the Walsall Poetry Society said that it is not only a place to come if you love your art, but it is a great place to meet other artists, mingle and show this small part of the Black Country what you do.' Other artist included Martin Hubbard, a well known and much admired singer/songwriter. Scar Belly Blues, a local band that includes Den Payne, guitar and vocals, Dave Spittle, Drums, Peter Hacket lead guitar and Chris Johnston, Base. Niven Smith (left) and Tony Smith (no relation), playing 'Say to You'. A song written by Niven many years ago. He has since gone on to write many many, more songs including that of the very well known 'The Beach', 'A Walk in the Park and the 'The Traveller'. Though he is now a music producer, he still writes songs with many other well known artists. The Express and Star came to do a photo shoot for the Honorary Ambassadors of the Walsall Poetry Society at the Lindon Hotel, Walsall, West Midlands on the 25th March 2015. Organiser and founder of the society LaGrif Poet pulled together some of the Black Country's most talented poets, writers, etc and formed a group of honorary ambassadors. This follows an event that took place on World Poetry Day at Southcart Books, Walsall. Among the honorary ambassadors were Poet Laureate of Wednesbury Brendan Hawthorne, Ian Henery, Angela L. Garratt, Niven Smith, John Langford and Scott and Amy Carter, proprietors of Southcart Books and more.
Angela L. Garratt, says 'I am proud and privileged to be a part of something so amazing for the Black Country, furthermore I am so honoured to share this title with other exceptional and poets, musicians, writers.' She continues to say 'thank you to LaGriff for starting this wonderful society and helping us to show the world just how talented Walsall and the Black Country really is.' Niven Smith, singer-songwriter, said 'it was a wonderful opportunity to meet the local Councillor Claire Clews, writer Natalie John and other like minded people.' There will be poetry events taking place in and around the Walsall area, each off them with the intention to show the Black Country's talent for poetry and to bring the community together. Scott and Amy of Southcart Books, Walsall hosted a wonderful afternoon of poetry on Saturday 21st March 2015. This event for World Poetry Day saw the beautiful words of Brendan Hawthorne, Ian Henery, Angela Garratt, Eilleen Ward-Birch, La Griff, Morris Melcome and many more brilliant and inspiring poets. Scott and Amy were accommodating and very hospitable hosts. Their independent book shop, Southcart Books of Lowerhall Lane, Walsall is the only independent book shop in Walsall town. They specialise in Horror, Sci-fi , fantasy, comics and graphic novels. They are also sellers of vintage and antique books. This is not the first event that has been held at Southcart books and there are many more to come. Another Charity Event at Oldbury Library to see the end of 2014
Just as 2014 ended, 29th December saw another marvellous charity event at Oldbury library. The charity event was organised and hosted by Author/poet Angela L Garratt, whom also runs the Oldbury Writing group at Oldbury Library. The event, in aid of the British Red Cross for the victims of the Ebola Crisis, managed to raise a total of £82.36. Originally, set between 2-4pm, the event went over by approximately one hour. It saw acts like, Ian Henery poet laureate of Walsall, Brendan Hawthorne Poet Laureate of Wednesbury, whom sang with Kerry Halford, a lady with an amazing voice. Dr Brian Dakin, otherwise known as Billy Spake Mon, poet and singer/song writer John Langford whom generously donated another £20 from his CD sales. Also performing were singer/songwriters Peter Hacket, Martin Hubbard. Niven smith whom also performed looked after the sound. Past Events This is the second event that Angela L Garratt has organised at Oldbury Library, the first being in November (28th) raised an amazing £135 for the same charity. In total for 2014 £217.36 was raised for the British Red Cross for the victims of the Ebola Crisis. Future Events At present, Angela and the managers at Oldbury library are in talks for more events in 2015. She has many more events coming up in different areas such as Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery on the 11th January and more to be organised in different venues. Angela says that she is looking for more venues across the Black Country and is very much looking forward to more events at Oldbury. It is her aim to ask as many libraries as possible to take part in holding these events as not only does it bring people to the library but she also believes that libraries are an important source for communities to get together. Angela Continues to say 'as an author and a poet, I have a huge love of books and wants to encourage people to join the libraries and read. It is true to say that reading broadens the mind and can take you to places that you never thought possible. When one is reading a story, the reader is in that story and it is as real to them as what their real surroundings are...at least until the book is put down...until the next time. If you would like to contact Angela to speak about holding an event at your library, please email her at [email protected] An Evening of Entertainment
in aid of the British Red Cross for the Victims of the Ebola Crisis At Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery Starts 7.00pm till 10.30pm 11th January 2015 Free Entrance Raffle Refreshments Cobs This is set to be a very good night with ten different acts; all are taking the time to come and play for free. The British Red Cross are in dire need at the moment. They have volunteers in Africa right now putting their lives at risk to help save the lives of others. As we speak there is a nurse in a English hospital suffering with Ebola...forget about any prejudiced thoughts you might have and think about how this courageous person come to contract Ebola in the first place. She was helping others to survive. We can help people like her and the people she was trying to help from dying of this terrible thing just by supporting the charities that are there right now. They are trying desperately to contain this disease and they are doing well, but no body is out of the woods just yet. They need our support. If you are in the area and would like to come to the above event at Wednesbury Museum and Art Gallery tomorrow, you are very welcome. Please bring a friend(s) and help to support us so we can support them. It is FREE entrance, just buy a raffle ticket for £1. Thank you and I hope to see you there. I am proud of what I have achieved this year, I hope with all my heart that you can say the same. We have seen some atrocities, the Ebola Crisis, the death of loved ones and no end of animals going missing from their homes. But I ain't here to bring you or anyone else down. There has been many happy moments too. The Ebola Crisis has not by any means come to an end, but there are many people out there that is working tooth and nail to help. It never ceases to amaze me by the amount of people that care, that will do almost anything to stop this dreadful disease. I heard on the news yesterday (30th December 2014) that Ebola has come to Britain and even scarier that they have run out of the drug that they were treating people with, but...that is not the be all and end all, they are trying something new, using the blood plasma from patients whom have survived. It is a good idea and I hope with all of my heart that it works.
Two days ago, (29th December 2014) I organised and hosted another charity event in aid of the British Red Cross for the victims of the Ebola Crisis at Oldbury Library, West Midlands. We had wonderful acts. Two Poet Laureates, Ian Henery from Walsall, West Midlands and Brendan Hawthorne a Poet Laureate of Wednesbury, West Midlands, whom sang with Kerry Halford, a lady with such a beautiful voice. Other acts included, Dr Brian Dakin, otherwise known as Billy Spake Mon, John Langford (whom kindly and generously donated the money off his Cd's sold at the event), Niven Smith, Martin Hubbard, and Peter Hacket, all three are extremely talented singer/song writers. We sold cakes, tea, coffee and hot chocolate and it was a bargain to get a cuppa and a cake for just £1. All the cakes were generously donated by GREGGS bakery in Blackheath, Rowley Regis, West Midlands. After all of that I am proud to say that the end total, including previous Poetry booklet sales, came to £82.36p It might not sound like a lot, but it will make a huge difference, because of that total, someone will live. Everyone who donated, performed or just bought a cuppa can rest assured that you have helped someone to survive...so, I thank you all so very much and I wish you all a very happy new year. God bless you. Hi All, I just wanted to let you all know that the Poetry Event I put on in aid of the British Red Cross for the Victims of the Ebola Crisis at Oldbury Library on the 28th November went really well. In the space of a couple of hours we managed to raise an amazing £130. Here is Mr Roy Smith with his fantastic Acoustic Blues. He played three songs, all original and was a welcome addition to the many other acts that played. Mr Ian Henery Poet Laureate of Walsall, Mr Brendan Hawthorne Poet Laureate of Wednesbury, Mr John Langford, and many many more played, giving us and the Charity an event to remember, there will be many more coming too. Another event is booked for 29th December 2014 at Oldbury Library and another at Bookmark Library Theater on the 30th December 2014 (Tickets for Bookmark are £3 each; 100% of the ticket sales goes to the British Red Cross for the Victims of the Ebola Crisis). Here is Mr John Langford entertaining us with his wonderful poetry. He will be performing some of his great original music at my other events. I am so proud of every who performed and helped with the sales of cakes and cookies, hot and cold drinks, without them the £130 would not have been raised, we all helped to save some lives last week. Well done to everyone and thank you, thank you, thank you. You're all amazing! Hi All,
I am organizing a poetry event at Oldbury Library in the West Midlands on 28th November 2014 between 2-4.30pm in aid of the Ebola Crisis Appeal. Two Poet Laureates are appearing to grace us with their brilliant black country poetry as is a number of local poets and singer song/songwriters that also writes fantastic poems. I am looking forward to the event but rather nervous as this is the first time I have organized something on this scale. It is free to come and listen and there will be a slot at the end where the public can come and join in and recite a poem of theirs too. Refreshments will be available...now this is where any money raised will be coming from; so if you are free and would like to come and join in don't forget to bring a quid with you and have a cuppa and a cake. The more we sell in ways of tea and coffee and in cakes and cookies, the more we will make for the charity. There are too many people suffering from this dreadful disease and it needs to be contained before it gets any worse. Together we can do our little bit to help. Just think a cuppa tea and a cake to you is the possibility of survival to someone else. So come, enjoy the poetry and enjoy your hot drinks on a cold day. |
AuthorI am the author of a book called Innocent Spirits, I write short Novella's and Short stories. I love to dabble with a bit of Poetry. All my stories are either Horror or paranormal Thrillers. I write poetry of all genres. Archives
July 2019
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