Homeless in the Streets of Birmingham

Birmingham is one of the largest and most racially diverse cities in the country.

Each year it hosts the Frankfurt / German Market and it’s visitors increase greatly over this Christmas period.

What we perhaps don’t see are the number of homeless people tucked away…I say tucked but that is perhaps inaccurate as they are in plain sight – just ignored by the majority of passers.

 

Their are many reasons why these people find themselves living on the streets, some due to an unfortunate set of circumstances leading them to a place they never expected , others cannot hope with the confines of buildings and find a certain comfort in the lack of restrictions. Who are we to judge? Sadly there are also the organised gangs that professionally beg….the ones who arrive an hour or so before the early morning commuters to set up their little sleeping bags to give the pretence of being there all night. Perhaps these are the worst, they are preying of the real street people – next time before parting with goodwill, have a talk to them… find out their story and make sure you are actually making the difference you believe you are.

 

Cotswold Airport Open Day – vintage & wartime rally

Taken from the flyer for the event:

On 30th September Cotswold Airport is throwing open its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom.

In what is set to be an unforgettable and incredible day packed full of dramatic re-enactments and demonstrations; sensational attractions; hundreds of vintage and military vehicles; lots of exciting activities for all the family; and plenty of entertainment, this event is the launch of what will become an annual show held each year at Cotswold Airport – one of the most unique venues for events in the South West.

Star features not to be missed on the day include:
– A huge display of vintage, military and emergency services vehicles and planes
– A kids play zone with giant inflatable slide, toddler play zone, vintage pedal cars, and entertainment by the incredible stilt-walking magician Mr Bamboozle
– Wartime re-enactments
– Steam traction engines
– Control tower and airside tours (limited availability)
– Pleasure flights in light aircraft and helicopters
– Hot air balloon rides
– Model aircraft static display
– Live period music
– Airport fire crew crash demo of a rescue from a burning aircraft
– Incredible rescue demonstration by a lifeboat hovercraft
– Family dog show
– Vintage plane flypasts
– Beer tent and food
– Shopping stalls

All culminating in a jaw-dropping hot air balloon night glow to music … not to be missed!

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A somewhat cold and windy day – strange how all airports seem too be windy!!! Looking forward to its return next year when it promises to be a 2 day event. Hopefully a good amount raised for charity based on the large attendance that we saw whilst we were there!

and my images form the event:

On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom
On 30th September Cotswold Airport opens its gates to the public for a twelve-hour vintage and wartime extravaganza to raise funds for The Royal British Legion and Flying 4 Freedom