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Bloomin’ Marvellous
After 35 Years
By
Joan Cunningham |
Tommy raises money for Children In Need Appeal every year, along
with many other charitable efforts |
It’s
true, first impressions count. Apparently, we all make judgements
about people and situations within the first few moments of
contact.
My initial impression of Tommy Beacall was that of a jolly man
oozing kindness and warmth.
He’s more likely than not known as the ‘flower man’ as
he’s the proud owner of three florists – two going
by the name of ‘Rock Flower’ and the other ‘First
Impressions’, located in Stechford and Kitts Green respectively.
Tommy’s into his 35th year as a florist and admits he wouldn’t
change a thing.
He says: “I have tried other jobs from working in a clothes
shop to selling fruit and vegetables, but there was always a
certain element missing. The moment I hit on the idea of the
flower trade, I knew I’d made the right decision.”
Possibly the reason why he’s so good in his chosen line
of business is the fact that he comes armed with the gift of
the gab – he’d be a match for Lily Savage I’m
telling you.
His granddad was a Cork man with his parents hailing from Birkenhead.
He describes his childhood to me as being ‘eventful’,
which is about all he’s keen to say.
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Tommy pictured with members of the Birmingham Pipes and Drums band |
Tommy playing his beloved accordion along with Andy on the pipes |
From
being around so many people from an early age, Tommy’s
definitely a people person and thrives on the public interaction
he encounters on a daily basis.
Take Christmas day for example. He opened up one of his shops at 5am, spread
flower petals along the road leading to the premises and lay on nibbles, beer,
spirits and chocolates for adults and children alike.
He is, no doubt, a selfless man who likes nothing more than making people happy
- not only via the power of flowers but with his estimable skill as a musician.
He explains: “I was taught to play the piano at a very early age. Playing
instruments is something that just seems to come naturally to me. I suppose it
is a gift and a most welcome gift at that.
“I’d have to say playing the accordion is probably what I’m
most fond of and it gives me no end of pleasure.”
I’m sure he’s aware of the great joy himself and his accordion brought
to the folks at the Cheshire Court elderly people’s home and those at Waterloo
Housing as well as Bucklow Walk Friday Club during the Christmas period.
His generosity is evident in the fact that any funds raised from his performances
are sent directly to the Charles Thompson’s Poor Children’s Mission
in Birkenhead.
He explains: “I’m happy with my lot from my shops and this organisation
brings happiness to the less fortunate - such as summer camp trips for children
in most need of such breaks. It makes me a very happy man knowing that the extra
bob or two I send back goes to such worthy causes.”
He’s been linked with various charities down the years and is never bashful
at raising funds for Children in Need.
This year, equipped with his accordion and joined by his piper colleague, Andy,
they spent most of a day playing to the crowds on New Street’s ramp, which
raised around £700.
He says: “We would have raised more but it was so cold on the day we had
to cut short the entertainment as our fingers were like icicles!”
He’s one of these men who is always on the look out for new projects.
One such project he’s rustled up is taking the time to teach youngsters
to play the accordion.
He tells me: “Ultimately, I’m looking at forming an accordion band
with the children so we can take part in activities, such as the Irish parade
and various multi-cultural festivals in the West Midlands area and raising some
funds along the way.
He adds: “I think it’s only right that the love of music should be
passed from generation to generation. These children love to learn and it’s
evident they’re going to be skilled musicians.
“We were in desperate need of junior sized accordions and with the help
from the gaffer and staff at The Mitre pub in Nechells, we raised enough money
to buy three such instruments. If there’s anyone out there who would like
to join the group then they only need to give me a call.
“One thing we’re lacking is someone who can teach the drums. It’s
not really my field. Again, I’m only a ‘phone call away if one of
your readers is ready, willing and able to join the team!”
No doubt Tommy, and his other half, Janet, will be dedicating time in the next
few months in ensuring the usual high standard of their floats at this year’s
Irish Parade.
He says: “The parade is a wonderful event for participants and revellers
alike. Sadly, we were all drenched to the skin last year with the atrocious weather
and I felt so sorry for all the children dressed up in their Irish dancing get-up.
“Maybe I’ll have the accordion band up and running by that time to
entertain the crowds which would be a wonderful experience for the children.”
So if you’re one of the thousands lining the streets of Digbeth in March,
look out for Tommy and his floats. They’ll no doubt be decorated with flowers
galore and perhaps he’ll have his merry bunch of accordionists and drummers
on board.
One thing’s for sure, Tommy will be in the middle of the furore enjoying
every moment of it because Tommy’s a people’s man and one who knows
how to entertain his public.
Tommy can be contacted on 0121 783 0313 or 0121 783 8024. |
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Cork Celebrates
Cork was celebrating after starting its term as European city
of culture with two days of celebrations when 85,000 people
took to the streets of the city.
President Mary McAleese comm-ented ‘this was a wonderful
accolade for cork, recognition for her people’ over 200
projects will take place in the city over the next 12 months
at a cost of E191 million. |
Workplace Smoking Ban
Northern Ireland doctors are demanding the implementation of
a workplace smoking ban similar to the one operating in the
republic. Although smoking is banned in all government buildings
in the north, the local branch of the British medical association
want the measure extended to all workplaces, a consultation
process set up by the British government has established
and addressed the dangers of second hand smoke in the north,
the workplace ban is one of the proposal’s under consideration. |
Happy days in ireland
Professor Raut Veenhoven, a Dutch sociologist who has disclosed
after research that Ireland tied in forth place with Iceland
as the happiest place in the world to live. Professor Beehoven
from Rotterdam also states the only counties ranked higher
are Denmark, Malta and Switzerland. The surveys were based
on surveys conducted in 112 counties. |
Irish Priests College
Anniversary
The pontifical Irish college in Rome was celebrating recently
the 25th Anniversary of the visit of pope Paul II to the historic
college, which has been training Irish priests since 1628, cardinal
Desmond Connell, former archbishop of Dublin, celebrated mass
to mark the occasion. |
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