'Gratitude' - A tribute to NHS staff and key workers held in Chamberlain Square, Birmingham

Elliott Brown, a regular contributor at Birmingham We Are, got chance to experience Gratitude, a tribute to NHS staff and key workers, before it was moved to Manchester. The tribute consisted of 51 sculptures and was curated by creative ambassador Dame Zandra Rhodes.

If you missed the event, don't worry you can still enjoy Elliott's gallery with us here!

Gratitude was an event held by Wild in Art in Chamberlain Square, at Paradise Birmingham, which ran from the 20th to 30th August 2021. It has now moved on to Manchester and will then move on to Edinburgh and London. It pays tribute to NHS staff and keyworkers during the pandemic.

There were 51 "Lockdown Oscars" displayed in Chamberlain Square close to the Chamberlain Memorial.

The display had mirrors around it and it was curated by creative ambassador Dame Zandra Rhodes.

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The gallery below includes 22 photos taken at Gratitude Lockdown Oscars.  Enjoy!

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'Gratitude' has now moved to St Peter's Square in Manchester.

In Autumn 2021, the sculptures will be auctioned with proceeds going to NHS Charities Together.

Wesleyan was one of the main sponsors of the event.

Photos taken by Elliott Brown can also be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

Getting vaccinated at Millennium Point

My turn to be vaccinated came around in mid May 2021. I booked both at Millennium Point. And I had my first jab on the 19th May 2021. You go in from the ground floor, and get checked. Lift up to 2nd floor, and get directed to chairs to sit down at. After the jab, you go to another chair to sit and wait 15 minutes before leaving. I'll be back in August 2021.

My experience of going to Millennium Point for my 1st vaccination. When my time came for my age range, the NHS posted me a letter with a link to go to. So I booked both vaccinations for Millennium Point. The first one a few days after the letter came, the second for August 2021.

The text from the GP surgery came a day later, by which time I'd already booked for Millennium Point had had to let them know I wasn't going to the local health centres.

 

My first appointment was on the morning of 19th May 2021. When you get in, you show your reference number and they ask you various questions. You are then directed to the right, then to the lift. Press 2 to go up to the 2nd floor.

Once up, they direct you to a seat to wait to be called. You then get called, same questions again, and the nurse talks to you while injecting the vaccine into your arm.

After this you are directed to another seat, to wait for about 15 minutes, resting after your jab. There maybe side effects within the 24 hours after having it, but should be fine after two days.

Plus you get a card, which you will need to take for the 2nd vaccine appointment. Put it in your wallet or purse.

 

April 2021

Photos below, taken during a walk into Eastside during mid April 2021. Passing Millennium Point. This would be the same route I took going to my vaccine a month later. HS2 works on the right.

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Millennium Point seen on the left from Eastside City Park. Thinktank is due to reopen at the end of May 2021.

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The Millennium Point Covid-19 Vaccination Centre sign from Eastside City Park. I would be back in May.

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That day got the train to and from the City Centre. But you can also get the bus, and walk to Millennium Point.

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May 2021

Leaving Millennium Point towards the Jennens Road exit. I noticed that Six/Eight Kafe was gone, and was now another cafe. This exit takes you past the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, towards Aston University.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown

'Forward in Unity' mural - Brilliant initiative in so many ways

The 'Forward In Unity’ mural was started on Friday 22^nd May 2020. It was completed by artist Gent48 on Monday 1^st June 2020. Not only has the project in Digbeth received some fantastic media coverage, it has helped raise awareness of the virus and its devasting impact on the community as well as raising a vast amount for local charities.

'Forward in Unity' is a great example of how to bring people together in a massive shared effort against a common enemy, as the Covid-19 virus must continue to be regarded.

The project has helped raise awareness.

The 'Forward in Unity' initiative has raised awareness of the virus and brought people together in recognition of the front-line heroes fighting the virus for the protection of our community.

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'Forward in Unity'.  Photography by Paul Cadman.

The project has helped bring people together.

The initiative and the significant coverage it has received has attracted the attention of people, not just in Birmingham but across the UK. 

This and other initiatives all have a vital role in tackling the views of those who, despite clear evidence of the devastation caused by the virus, still act and behave in a way that is not in the interests of their community. 

The project has enthused and inspired others to be creative.

During a time when people have been asked to make huge sacrifices and stay at home, the project and the media coverage received has inspired many to check out their own creativity.

Whether through photography, art, craft-making or the written word, such creativity has become hugely important for people's mental health.   

As an example, the Birmingham Gems Charity Calendar for 2021 dedicated a page on the mural in recognition of the city's amazing artists and creative talent. 

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The project has raised much needed funds for local charities.

Prints of all sizes can be purchased in order to support local charities, 

In addition to the prints, a book in celebration of those behind the initiative and across community has also been produced.

Connect HERE and get hold of your very own print (signed, limited edition or unlimited) or your 'Forward in Unity' book.  Help support local Birmingham charities. 

'Forward in Unity' A0 Limited Edition Print

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'Forward in Unity' Print (A1 or A2)

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'Forward in Unity' Video/Book Folder

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'Forward in Unity' Book (2nd edition)

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Connect HERE to make a donation to Art4Charity and support local charities.

Paul Cadman, one of the founders of Art4Charity, was the inspiration behind the 'Forward in Unity' mural. Paul is active across the City and involves himself in many charities that need our help during these challenging times.

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Weekend snow in Birmingham enjoyed by our creatives

The snow overnight on Saturday the 24th January gave a great opportunity for some families and other socially 'bubbled' people to come out for a while and create some great snow sculptures in Centenary Square, as well as all over the city we reckon. Daniel was out to grab some photos later in the day to record some for posterity and inspiration.

Creativity in Centenary Square

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Creativity by the canals at Old Turn Junction

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Creativity at Victoria Square

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Creativity in Central Square, Brindleyplace

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When the Air Ambulance flies patients to hospitals in Birmingham

At least three Air Ambulance services fly to the hospitals in Birmingham, over the last decade or so. The main one of course is the Midlands Air Ambulance (red helicopter). There is also the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance (yellow helicopter). Plus sometimes the Wales Air Ambulance (red helicopter with green). They go to either Birmingham Children's Hospital or QEHB.

Midlands Air Ambulance

It was during May 2011, when I got my first photo of the Midlands Air Ambulance. It was on the helipad near James Watt Queensway. On one of my many walks from work to get some lunch, saw it as I came off Aston Street (Aston University). Only had my then mobile on me. Police usually stop all traffic around the area. Including Corporation Street and at the Birmingham Children's Hospital on Steelhouse Lane.

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The next time I saw it was around April 2013. Again mobile shots as I didn't want to take my then big camera to work with me at the time. This view of the Midlands Air Ambulance from Ryder Street.

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Crossed over the lights on James Watt Queensway and got this view towards the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

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Caught it taking off as I walked back to work via the Aston University grounds. Corporation Street to the left.

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The Midlands Air Ambulance was on it's way as seen from James Watt Queensway. I think this was near a bus stop. The new Aston University student accommodation phase 2 was under construction at the time, and the old Stafford Tower would not get demolished until 2014.

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In July 2014, I saw the Midlands Air Ambulance from the Aston Webb Boulevard in Selly Oak (the Selly Oak Bypass). It was heading towards the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

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During April 2017, on a walk down the Merritt's Brook Greenway in Northfield. Saw the Midlands Air Ambulance fly overhead. I was near Meadow Brook at the time. This was not too far from Ley Hill Park.

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In December 2017, I saw this Midlands Air Ambulance heading to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham.

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Would assume the Midlands Air Ambulance was heading to the helipad, although I've never seen it myself.

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This one is G-OMAA. It is a Airbus Helicopters H135. It is operated by Babcock MCS Onshore.

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Saw the Midlands Air Ambulance again, this time during July 2018. The view from near the Bourn Brook Walkway in Harborne and I was on Arosa Drive at the time. Was walking to Quinton Road. It was G-OMAA again.

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In May 2019, near The Bull Ring Indoor Market, was a Midlands Air Ambulance car (7064), next to a West Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust ambulance (4323). They were seen from Edgbaston Street and Gloucester Street, also near the Bull Ring Outdoor Market (the Rag Market is to the left off camera).

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A few months later, during August 2019, and I was in the Library of Birmingham, getting views from the Secret Garden. When I zoomed down to Bridge Street between Arena Central and the Hyatt Regency Birmingham, and saw the Midlands Air Ambulance car (7064) again. That was the year when the Westside Metro Extension to Centenary Square was getting completed. Library Tram Stop opened here by December 2019.

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Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance

I first saw the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance in February 2012. I was on Moor Street Queensway, and had my then bridge camera on me, so got some decent views. It was near Hotel La Tour and the McLaren Building, heading to the helipad at Birmingham Children's Hospital.

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Seen here passing the McLaren Building. Years before Exchange Square was built they could fly around here, but this route is no longer possible for Air Ambulances.

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In August 2013 I saw the Warwickshire & Northamptonshire Air Ambulance on the helipad from James Watt Queensway. Again a mobile shot, on one of my lunchtime walks from work to get lunch. As per usual, the Police sealed off all the surrounding roads, as the paramedics took the patient to the Birmingham Children's Hospital.

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Wales Air Ambulance

I first saw the Wales Air Ambulance landed on the helipad at Birmingham Children's Hospital from James Watt Queensway during November 2014. This one is a bit rare coming to Birmingham. The Teenage Cancer Trust building is behind.

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The last time I saw the Wales Air Ambulance was from Bournville during September 2019. I was on Oak Tree Lane, walking from Selly Manor to the Serbian Orthodox Church during Birmingham Heritage Week. I haven't seen this helicopter again since then.

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Photos taken by Elliott Brown. Can be found on Twitter: ellrbrown