Siôn was delighted to switch on the Christmas lights along with Councillor Mick Finnegan on Friday 20th November.
The event was well attended with a fantastic contribution from the choir of St. Marks Church.
Siôn said: “I love events like this; it is just great when the community comes together, and what better time to show some community spirit than at Christmas.”
Residents extended a warm welcome to Siôn Simon MP when he was recently a guest at their weekly coffee morning. Around 25 residents gathered to meet Siôn and discuss local issues with him over a cup of coffee.
Siôn said:
“I was especially pleased to meet one the their 100 year old residents on my visit. Waterford Court is a great place and residents are obviously well cared for in an environment that provides independence, care when needed and excellent living accommodation.”
Siôn met Christopher Stone, head of Arthur Terry School in Sutton which is federated with Stockland Green Technology College, and it’s acting head Neil Wallace.
Proposals are in place for a dramatic extension of facilities at the school, including a dance studio, state of the art classrooms, landscaped student spaces, a new library and a host of facilities that will be available to the wider community.
The Erdington MP said:
“Stockland Green Technology College has had a difficult recent past with only 15% of pupils getting five or more qualifications at GCSE level; including English and mathematics. With a new management team in place I am pleased to see that standards have already improved with twice as many students achieving five qualifications; with English and mathematics included at GCSE level.
I am pleased to see that Mr Stone and Mr Wallace are committed to the long-term success of the school and its students. During our meeting I was also able to raise the importance of including some level of post-sixteen education on the site if the school is to truly serve the needs of the local community in Stockland Green.”
Siôn today met residents from across Erdington at one of his regular coffee and tea mornings.
The events, which are held on a regular basis, gives residents the chance to meet Siôn and allows questions or local concerns to be raised about the local area.
Siôn said:
“Holding local coffee and tea mornings are a vital way for me to keep in touch with local residents and the issues they raise about the local area.
This also gives local residents an opportunity to question me on areas of Government policy and I look forward to holding more events across the constituency in the future.”
Erdington MP Siôn Simon visited Osborne Primary School in Erdington on Friday to meet staff and pupils. The school which is now based on Station Road around the corner from its original site on Osborne Road is improving standards and attendance under the guidance of head teacher Mrs Susan Coughlin.
Siôn said:
“It was a pleasure to meet the staff and pupils at the school. The atmosphere is warm and friendly and the staff work hard to involve parents in the life of the school. A day trip earlier in the year for children and their parents went particularly well.
The school also uses computer games to enhance the learning experience of its children. It is clear from their experience that the use of games can be used to improve skills like mental arithmetic and make learning fun. Computer technology is a part of everyday life for adults and children alike. Computer games can improve children’s competence and confidence as well as helping behaviour and concentration.”
Siôn Simon, MP for Erdington visited the Birmingham Rathbone Society at their Longmore House premises in Mosley on Friday. The organisation provides training, education and support for people with learning difficulties within the Birmingham and Solihull area.
Siôn said:
“I was there to meet some of their post sixteen students, who are studying for a mix of vocational and more traditional academic qualifications like mathematics and English. We enjoyed a lively discussion covering many subjects from teenage pregnancy to the classification of drugs. I am glad that the students I spoke with recognise the value of qualifications and training. I know that the time they spend with Rathbone will enhance their employment prospects in the future.”
