DIGGING DEEP FOR WILDLIFE (13 December 2007)

A local Scout, Beaver and Explorer group is celebrating after winning backing to create a wildlife pond and garden at Bucklands End in Shard End, Birmingham.

Scout Group 126 will help transform around 300 square metres of disused land opposite the Heathway pub into an amenity to attract birds, butterflies, bats, frogs and insects.

The project has been made possible thanks to Waterloo Housing Association and local building contractor Jessup Brothers Limited. Waterloo is donating £500 towards materials, while Jessups is providing the labour and machinery to prepare and dig out the site.

Jenny Crowther, Waterloo's assistant partnership and regeneration manager, said: "We work closely with local people and community groups and it's great we can commit financial support to a deserving cause. We've a good relationship with the scout group, who help deliver our newsletters on the estate."

John Davies, leader of the Scout group added: "This is fantastic news for our young people, and will really make the most of a big piece of land which is currently not used, close to our scout hut.

"The group will be making bat and bird boxes, and we'll be introducing plants and tadpoles to make it a real wildlife haven. There is already a family of foxes not far away. We've made a start on digging the hole, but some of the brambles are 25 years old and deep-rooted, so the involvement of the contractor with their heavy duty machinery will be invaluable."

Jane Merricks, who leads the Beaver group and came up with the idea, said: "Many of the badges which youngsters can achieve have a nature or conservation theme, so this project is perfect. The pond will be lined using a lorry cover we've had sealed, so we're making the most of existing materials."

Peter Butler of Jessup Brothers added: "It's a great idea and we're pleased to help. It's nice that the group are keen to be involved in the work - it's very much their project."

The Bucklands End estate is a £30 million housing regeneration project and is now three-quarters of the way through its eight year programme. Work has involved Waterloo replacing 350 structurally defective old council homes in partnership with Birmingham City Council and local people. It's one of the most impressive and important housing improvement projects in the city today.

Sultans of swing September 2007

With a combined age of 157 years, Arthur Shaw and Alan Lloyd could be the oldest swingers on the fairway as they enjoy their regular game of golf.

The Waterloo sheltered housing scheme residents, who live at Sandham Grange in Bucklands End, Birmingham, are firm friends both on and off the course.

Twice a week the sprightly duo head to nearby Pype Hayes Golf Course in Sutton Coldfield.

And their favourite pastime has won them respect from players of all ages and abilities.

Fellow golfers are often looking for the secrets of their skills, and scheme manager Ruby Golding is impressed with their dedication and drive to keep fit.

Alan, aged 77, said: "Golfing is one of the best hobbies you could have. Arthur and I play every Tuesday and Thursday and we really look forward to it.

"Not only are we good friends, but we've also met so many lovely people who enjoy playing golf. It is nice that we can have a laugh and a bit of fun as we play."

As well as the social side of golf, Alan and Arthur also know it is a good way to stay fit and healthy.

At 80, Arthur said that walking the course twice a week ensures he gets plenty of exercise.

"It's very good for me and keeps me active," he said. "Playing also keeps my strength up and helps me stay flexible."

Golf is one of the fastest growing sports worldwide and is a popular retirement hobby. It allows people to spend plenty of time outdoors and make new friends. "I've been playing for 12 years, but I'm still looking to improve my swing," added Alan.

£5,000 makes their summer August 2007

Residents at Sandham Grange, Bucklands End, enjoyed a sizzling summer thanks to a bumper cash donation from Barclays Bank.

They were delighted to receive £5,000 to spend on a variety of equipment including a computer, digital camera, barbecue and outdoor seating.

Scheme manager Ruby Golding said: "This was very generous and everyone at Sandham Grange has benefited."

Birmingham Lord Mayor visits regeneration scheme 30/01/2007

A commemorative stone was laid today (Tuesday 30 January) by the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Mike Sharpe, to mark the start on 42 affordable new homes being built by Waterloo Housing Association at Bucklands End in Shard End.

The new homes are the latest phase of development in a £30 million housing regeneration project at the Bucklands End estate.

Now more than half way through its eight year programme, the work involves Waterloo replacing 350 structurally defective old council homes in partnership with Birmingham City Council and local people in Bucklands End.

A mix of bungalows and family houses are being built at the site off Heath Way visited by the Lord Mayor.

Due to be completed by June 2008, they comprise 27 homes to part-buy and part-rent through shared ownership and 15 homes to rent.

The £5.25 million scheme is being funded by Waterloo with the support of a £2.31 million social housing grant from the government-backed Housing Corporation.

Said Derek Waddington, chairman of Waterloo Housing Association, "We are extremely proud to be working with the resident-led estate development group at Bucklands End to make sure that the ideas and aspirations of local people are realised in the redevelopment of their estate. It is wonderful to be able to show the Lord Mayor what has already been achieved, together with our plans to complete housing regeneration in the area."