Every year the Tiffin Cup is awarded to the best South Asian restaurant in Britain.

The Tiffin Cup is a national competition between constituencies.  Gisela has nominated the Cardamon Indian Cuisine restaurant at 350 High Street, Harborne as the Birmingham Edgbaston entry.

The Tiffin Club was originally formed in 2006 by Keith Vaz MP, Michael Fabricant MP and John Barrett MP.  Martin Horwood MP has now taken over John’s role. 

The aim of the Club is to not only applaud the quality of South Asian food in Britain but to also raise much needed money for charity. This year the competition is in aid of ‘World Vision’.

The short-listed entries will be invited to demonstrate their skills at a cook off event, judged by MP’s and guest celebrities with proceeds going the charity.

Gisela said: “This competition gives diners and residents the opportunity to thank local restaurateurs who provide an above average service.”

Gisela had the privilege of opening The Parish of St Faith and St Laurence, community week-end event on Saturday 10^th July.

Gisela said:

“I am always delighted to visit this Parish church.  All visitors receive a very warm welcome.  To be asked to open the community week-end was a great privilege. 

The Church provides a busy schedule of events in the Parish for the local community.  Do check the diary on their website for details of all the events and group meetings.

http://www.saintfaithandsaintlaurence.co.uk

Libraries across the UK are getting ready to launch children into orbit for an intergalactic adventure that will keep them reading throughout the school summer holidays….with the 2010 Summer Reading Challenge.

Gisela helped mark the final countdown, by attending a special Summer Reading Challenge reception at the House of Commons on 19 July 2010.

The Summer Reading Challenge is an immensely popular and successful reading initiative. Now in its twelfth year it reaches 750,000 children aged four to 12 years annually via the UK library network. It is created and run by The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to inspire more people to read more, and is supported by children’s publishers

www.readingagency.org.uk/children/summer-reading-challenge

Each year the Summer Reading Challenge helps transform public libraries’ impact on young readers. Its challenge to children is simple. They’re encouraged to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal for every child who completes the Challenge.

Children can sign up at their local library as the summer term draws to a close and all materials are absolutely free to children.

The 2010 Summer Reading Challenge has a space theme. Called Space Hop, it will enable children to boldly go to new worlds, to discover the joy of reading and nurture a life-long love affair with reading and books. Illustrated by leading children’s book artist Tom Percival, Space Hop coincides with the 350th anniversary of The Royal Society’s scientific endeavours, and the 2010 BBC Year of Science.  An interactive Space Hop (www.spacehop.org.uk) links children with top authors and illustrators, and giving them space to talk about their favourite books and to share reading ideas. Space Hop also promotes their local library as a place of wonder for children, where librarians can offer them invaluable advice and guidance to help them on their mission.

Once again this year there are also large print Summer Reading Challenge materials available for visually impaired children, thanks to the support of the RNIB National Library Service. Also available in a variety of languages are special “family leaflets”.  These explain, for parents and carers visiting their local library, the benefits for children doing the Summer Reading Challenge. They also suggest ways of supporting children during the Challenge, and provide joint reading ideas for the whole family during the summer.

Britain in Bloom judges visited the Moorpool Estate on Saturday to view their entry in the “Its your neighbourhood category”.

Gisela had the opportunity to meet with residents for an early preview.  Gisela said;

“The Moorpool Estate offers a warm welcome to visitors and the resident’s pride in the estate is evident.  I do hope that the judges give well deserved credit to the hard work put in by the residents to maintain this unique section of Harborne.”

Gisela had the opportunity to sit in on a full rehearsal of the school’s production of Willy Russell’s Blood Brothers.

Gisela said:

“The actors were amazing, very confident and talented.  Emma played Mrs Johnson, the lead role with conviction and Robert as young Mickey provided much amusement. 

Well done to all those involved in the production.”

For full details of the production and further information on the achievements at Bartley Green School, click onto their website http://www.bgtc.bham.sch.uk/blood_brothers.php

You know that when push comes to shove, I fight for you. 

With a coalition Government that’s more important than ever.  With every decision I will first ask, “What’s right for the people here in the constituency.”

I am conducting a survey to find out what you want to see improved in your local area.  Many of you may have already received a card from Team Gisela asking for your views on what changes you would like to see in the area over the next few years, or to tell me why you wouldn’t change anything!.

Today I have launched the survey onto this website.  Please do let me know what your concerns and priorities are for the area.

The Bus Network Review has been undertaken with Centro and Birmingham City Council. 

As a result, National Express has announced the changes to their bus services in West Birmingham.  Timetables and information about the changes are being produced by Centro and will be available at a number of exhibitions being held in the local area during July.

Tuesday 13^th July  - St Francis Centre, Woodgate - 10am to 3pm

Thursday 15^th July - Quinborne, Ridgacre Road   - 12 noon to 4pm

Tuesday 20^th July - QE Hospital Lobby   -   10am to 3pm

Saturday 24^th July - St Mary’s Parish Centre, Harborne - 10am to 3pm

The changes come into force from Sunday 25^th July 2010

National Express announced the Services 9, 22, 23, 24, 76, 120, 126, 140 and 141 will have minor or no timetable changes.

The main changes will affect the 636 service, x64, 448/448A, 20, 21, 21A, 29, 29A, and 84 service.

Gisela said: “I have been campaigning on behalf of constituent’s who raised genuine concerns about proposed changes to specific bus routes.  The positive result appears to be the 636 service, which has been extended from the QE to the City Centre.  However, those who rely totally on public transport are best able to judge whether the new services address their needs.

I encourage bus users to continue to contact me if they have concerns about the new bus routes.”

During a recent visit to Four Dwellings High School, Gisela Stuart was delighted to meet Jake, a Year 11 pupil, who has won a place at Eton College Sixth Form for this September.

Jake’s scholarship is in recognition of his academic and sporting ability. Jake is very much looking forward to the new experience.

Gisela said:

“Jake is a shining example of what you achieve with hard work and determination. His mum and his school can be proud of him. I hope Jake will keep coming back to Four Dwellings to tell his fellow students and teachers how he is getting on”.

Head Teacher, Bernie Smith stated that:

“Four Dwellings High School is exceptionally proud of what Jake has achieved and wish him every success as he furthers his education and opportunities at Eton College. Jake has been the school’s head boy and has been an outstanding mentor and support to the school and students as he carried out his Head Boy duties with commitment and a high level of maturity for his age.  He is a clear example of a Four Dwellings student that has worked hard and has responded to the support and encouragement he has received to aspire and to achieve.  For Jake to have won his place at Eton College as one of the eight students selected from 90 applicants from all over the world is truly a terrific achievement.  We look forward to hearing great things of Jake as he embraces all that this wonderful opportunity offers for him.”

The Parish of St Faith and St Laurence, Harborne is hosting a community week-end commencing on Saturday 10^th July at 11am.

The event promises to be a fun with fund raising events, displays, music and refreshments.

For further details click onto the link http://www.saintfaithandsaintlaurence.co.uk/page10.html

Gisela said:

“I am delighted to have been asked to open this event. 

The Church provides a busy schedule of events in the Parish for the local community.  Do check the diary on their website for details of all the events and group meetings.

This week-end is a further example of the excellent motivation and incentive of the parish team”.

Watermill Primary School received a grant from the Royal Society to work on projects which bring together engineering and the environment.    Gisela Stuart visited their display at the Royal Society’s 350th anniversary Summer Science Exhibition, which was held last week  at the Royal Festival Hall in London.   

Gisela said :  

” I was so proud of the students  - who had worked with Mr Taylor and Mr Webb, to build their very own water mill to help them water their vegetable garden. They explained the models to me with great enthusiasm. Congratulations to the young people, teachers and their parents”.