Aldridge Running Club

Aldridge Running Club has been well establshed in Aldridge for over twenty years and is based at the "Stick and Wicket " cricket and hockey clubs.

The club meets each Tuesday at 7.15 and there are runs from one to nine miles, depending on what members want and what they are training for. There is a strong emphasis on safety for all members, so training runs are supported by running marshals.

Members compete, as a matter of course, in many events including the big international marathons such as London and New York and have arranged for groups of runners to run in the Paris and Barcelona Marathons. There are Men's and women's cross country teams and these compete in leagues.

Aldridge Running Club is very much a social club as well, welcoming all ages of runners from their twenties to over seventy so it is "A club for all ages." The emphases within the club are to run and to have a good social life. It is very much part of the club ethos to hire transport, run a race in the morning and have lunch and libations on the way home.

This is very much a local club and has been a steady supporter of local initiatives, which include being actively involved in funding the Christmas tree in Aldridge.

Victoria Cross for Captain " Gus " Bonner

Charles George " Gus " BONNER, an Aldridge man, was a Captain in the Royal Naval Reserve forces on HMS Dunraven, which was a 'Q' ship, designed to fight U boats. These ships were converted merchant vessels concealing large deck guns. During the war there existed a convention of allowing the crew of a damaged ship to disembark before sinking, which is why Q ships would lure the U-boat to the surface at which point it would be sunk before it could retaliate. While this may have been effective, it only worked when the U-boat was willing to play fair, by observing the convention for damaged ships, that is to say before the Germans caught on. These decoy tactics are largely responsible for the German orders to sink without warning.
Charles Bonner was awarded the Victoria Cross a a result of action when his gun position was hit during a battle with a U boat in the Atlantic Ocean, on 8th August 1917. He received his medal at Sandringham as a guest of the King and Queen. After the war he was a marine salvage expert in Edinburgh where he died on 7th February 1951, His memory is served by a headstone in St Mary's Church Aldridge, and Bonner Grove in Aldridge also commemorates the Bonner family name.
The Victoria Cross is Britain's higest award for gallantry, yet it is quite possible that few people in Aldridge even know about Charles Bonner, so it has been suggested that a inscription or plaque on the War memorial outside St Mary's Church, may be worth consideration for such a distinquished figure of our community.

for more information about Aldridge, visit www.Aldridge-web.com

Ofsted give St Francis of Assisi Catholic School top marks

Ofsted inspectors have praised St Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Aldridge, describing it is 'outstanding'.

Inspectors reported that it's outstanding with excellent provision and achievement in the sixth form.In particular Ofsted inspectors highlighted the school's motto 'Nil Satis Optimum' saying it is very apt as the school really believes that 'nothing but the best will do'.

Both the teachers and the effectiveness and efficiency of the sixth form received a Grade One.

St Francis head teacher Philomena Mullins' leadership qualities were also singled out for praise.

Inspectors said: 'the leadership has created a community and learning environment in which young people and adults can flourish. The headteacher leads from the front and by personal example, embodying the caring Catholic ethos of the school and a quest for continuing improvement'.

Mrs Mullins paid tribute to her staff, saying: "Our recent Ofsted and Diocesan RE inspection successes, where we achieved the top grade of 'outstanding' for each, is testimony to the dedication and commitment of our staff, governors and students.

"At St Francis, we have always set high expectations for ourselves and have developed a strong sense of community here.

"We are delighted that our hard work has been recognised by both inspection teams.

"The reaction of our students in particular is one of immense pride in their school and we have received many letters of congratulations from parents to say how pleased they, too, are with our inspection outcomes."

The "Avion" super Cinema De-Lux in Aldridge

The "Avion" super Cinema De-Lux in Aldridge, was opened by George Formby, in 1938, designed by Architect Roland Satchwell. It seated 1000 people, with tickets priced at 6d. to 1s. 6d, and had shows running Continuous from 2 p.m. daily. It also presented occasional variety performances on the stage measuring 30ft. x 15ft with just two dressing-rooms. It's original telephone number was Aldridge 52312. It closed in 1967 and has been well known as a Bingo hall since. Some of the original art-deco features are still visible, such as the large stained glass windows above the canopy front entrance.

It also shares something in common with Aldridge police station, when the Council added both to the historic buildings list in October 2006.
Walsall Council heritage experts included them on the special local list, giving permanent protection to interesting, local historic and architecturally valued buildings.


Walsall Council officers are keen to add the buildings to the list which fall outside of designated conservation areas, giving them a degree of protection when planning applications are made for work on the properties.

Aldridge Children's festival

People in Aldridge often say " We need more things for family and children in Aldridge", well you now have the latest scoop, hot off the press for a brand new series of events, right here in Aldridge.

An Aldridge based Corporate Entertainment Consultant, whose usual artist bookings for clients, range from Stephen Fry to Boris Johnson MP is trying to bring entertainment home to Aldridge, with the creation of 'Aldridge Children's Festival - A Series of Unmissable Events'.

Julie Homfray, who co-runs Cohesion Ltd with Sarah Morrissey from their Aldridge and Lichfield offices, has for some time wanted to see more events take place in the village. She plans to hold a series of five initial shows at Aldridge's Community Centre, on Sunday afternoons from the end of February.

"The first season of shows will be focused on children's entertainment: A Girls Aloud Tribute and Pirate Show for the Primary School children, an under 18s version of the popular indie-rock band 'Green Day', a Nursery Rhyme show for the younger children and a Family Magic show all feature in the programme. Julie say's " I'm having great feedback from parents, kids and teenagers, who really welcome these types of events".

Girls R Aloud are a fantastic tribute - " my 7 year old daughter Jodie and her friends are ecstatic at the thought of going to a real concert just for Aldridge children". Green Bay, the Green Day tribute have a good Midlands following.

"This is a new type of event for Cohesion. We normally work on Award Ceremonies and Corporate dinners - but if this first run of events is a success, I'd be willing to put together more seasons. I've plans for a Senior Season too - with acts ranging from Frank Sinatra tributes to Jazz and Speakers - but I'm keen to hear from all age-groups to see what would be of interest".

Tell your friends and family and click the link below for more details and booking info:

Aldridge Children's Festival

News about Amtrak in Aldridge

Aldridge based AMTRAK Express Parcels has been rescued from administration, following several months of searching for finance or a new owner, also safeguarding 40 jobs at it's hub in Warrington.

Mark Orton and Allan Graham from KPMG's restructuring practice were appointed as administrators on January 13 and have now successfully negotiated the sale of the business to Netfold, which will trade under the name of Amtrak. The firm has a turnover of £80m and nearly 1,000 employees across the UK.

Mr Orton said: "The company has been looking for a buyer or refinancing in recent months. The sale protects the jobs of the company's employees and provides continuity and ongoing business for the customers and suppliers.

"Amtrak enjoyed busy trading during December which should provide a good platform for the business in 2007."

The new company chairman, Ron Series, and the managing director, Alan Jones, have considerable experience in the turnaround of under-performing businesses in the parcels and transport and logistics sector.

Mr Series said: "Despite its recent financial difficulties, Amtrak and its staff have continued to provide a high service level to its customers.

"Alan Jones and I look forward to restoring the operational and financial performance of the business to a level that will ensure a profitable and secure future for the business, its customers, suppliers and staff."

As well as the head office in Aldridge, the company has a base in Warrington, an administration office in Bristol, and 80 owned and franchised depots across the country, including Liverpool.

In September, Amtrak opened a new parcel sorting centre in Warrington, handling around 25,000 parcels every night.

The 65,000 sq ft building was opened to boost Amtrak's national capacity and to handle parcels destined for the North West of England and Scotland.

The new hub has been specially designed to handle fragile items, using wireless technology with handheld scanners, allowing rapid throughput of parcels which are hand-loaded on to a 70-metre carousel parcel sorter.

For more information about Aldridge visit Aldridge Website:

www.Aldridge-web.com