Communityhttps://thephoenixnewspaper.com/news/community/feed/atom/2026-01-31T18:19:41+00:00Phoenix NewspaperThe Phoenix Newspaper UK | Latest news in UK | Positive news | Inspiring The Next GenerationTributes pouring in following the death of leading Birmingham councillor Waseem Zaffar2026-01-31T12:33:45+00:002026-01-31T12:33:45+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/tributes-pouring-in-following-the-death-of-leading-birmingham-councillor-waseem-zaffarSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Tributes_poring_in_following_death_of_leading_Birmingham_councillo.png" /></p><p>Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Birmingham councillor, Waseem Zaffar.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Tributes_poring_in_following_death_of_leading_Birmingham_councillo.png" /></p><p>Tributes have been pouring in following the death of Birmingham councillor, Waseem Zaffar.</p>
Leading online training provider ‘High Speed Training’ certifies its 4 millionth learner2026-01-30T18:15:20+00:002026-01-30T18:15:20+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/leading-online-training-provider-high-speed-training-certifies-its-4-millionth-learnerSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Leading_online_training_provider_High_Speed_Training_certifies_its_4_millionth_learner.jpg" /></p><p>High Speed Training, a leading provider of online compliance and development training, has officially certified its 4 millionth learner, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Leading_online_training_provider_High_Speed_Training_certifies_its_4_millionth_learner.jpg" /></p><p>High Speed Training, a leading provider of online compliance and development training, has officially certified its 4 millionth learner, marking a significant milestone for the organisation.</p>
Archbishop of Birmingham joins choir for Sacred Music2026-01-30T18:12:03+00:002026-01-30T18:12:03+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/archbishop-of-birmingham-joins-choir-for-sacred-musicSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM-RELIGION_-_Archbishop_of_Birmingham_joins_choir_for_Sacred_Music.jpg" /></p><p>Birmingham’s St Chad’s Cathedral hosts a special concert featuring Birmingham Bach Choir on Saturday 14 March 2026.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM-RELIGION_-_Archbishop_of_Birmingham_joins_choir_for_Sacred_Music.jpg" /></p><p>Birmingham’s St Chad’s Cathedral hosts a special concert featuring Birmingham Bach Choir on Saturday 14 March 2026.</p>
Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Apostolos Andreas hosts Nishkam colleagues at Ordination of Adam Georgiou to the Holy Diaconate2026-01-29T19:52:16+00:002026-01-29T19:52:16+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/greek-orthodox-cathedral-of-apostolos-andreas-hosts-nishkam-colleagues-at-ordination-of-adam-georgiou-to-the-holy-diaconateSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM-RELIGION_-_Greek_Orthodox_Cathedral_of_Apostolos_Andreas_hosts_Nishkam_colleagues_at_Ordination_of_Adam_Georgiou_to_the_Holy_Diaconate.webp" /></p><p>On Wednesday, 21st January 2026, on the Feast of Saint Maximos the Confessor, His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene celebrated his Name Day. His Grace also presided at the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral, during which he ordained Mr Adam Georgiou to the Holy Diaconate.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM-RELIGION_-_Greek_Orthodox_Cathedral_of_Apostolos_Andreas_hosts_Nishkam_colleagues_at_Ordination_of_Adam_Georgiou_to_the_Holy_Diaconate.webp" /></p><p>On Wednesday, 21st January 2026, on the Feast of Saint Maximos the Confessor, His Grace Bishop Maximos of Melitene celebrated his Name Day. His Grace also presided at the Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral, during which he ordained Mr Adam Georgiou to the Holy Diaconate.</p>
Record year for Spitfire Homes as it reports 70% growth and further Midlands expansion2026-01-28T12:41:21+00:002026-01-28T12:41:21+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/record-year-for-spitfire-homes-as-it-reports-70-growth-and-further-midlands-expansionSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM-PROPERTY_-_Record_year_for_Spitfire_Homes_as_it_reports_70pc_growth_and_further_Midlands_expansion.png" /></p><p>Award-winning homebuilder Spitfire Homes has reported a record year in 2025, achieving 70% growth with 303 homes completed as part of the brand’s continued expansion across the Midlands region.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM-PROPERTY_-_Record_year_for_Spitfire_Homes_as_it_reports_70pc_growth_and_further_Midlands_expansion.png" /></p><p>Award-winning homebuilder Spitfire Homes has reported a record year in 2025, achieving 70% growth with 303 homes completed as part of the brand’s continued expansion across the Midlands region.</p>
Youth Charter calls for Africa-wide investment in sport-led education to deliver SDG 42026-01-28T12:38:09+00:002026-01-28T12:38:09+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/youth-charter-calls-for-africa-wide-investment-in-sport-led-education-to-deliver-sdg-4Super User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM-SPORT_-_Youth_Charter_calls_for_Africa-wide_investment_in_sport-led_education_to_deliver_SDG_4.jpg" /></p><p>The Youth Charter has issued a renewed call for African governments, institutions, and development partners to invest in sport-led education models as a proven pathway to delivering UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) across the continent.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM-SPORT_-_Youth_Charter_calls_for_Africa-wide_investment_in_sport-led_education_to_deliver_SDG_4.jpg" /></p><p>The Youth Charter has issued a renewed call for African governments, institutions, and development partners to invest in sport-led education models as a proven pathway to delivering UN Sustainable Development Goal 4 (Quality Education) across the continent.</p>
West Midlands charities awarded £10,000 from The Cadbury Foundation2026-01-25T23:11:49+00:002026-01-25T23:11:49+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/west-midlands-charities-awarded-%C2%A310000-from-the-cadbury-foundationSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_West_Midlands_charities_awarded_10000_pounds_from_The_Cadbury_Foundation.jpg" /></p><p>The invaluable work of three local charitable groups has been given a major boost, thanks to a £10,000 donation from The Cadbury Foundation, made possible by the support of Mondelēz International employees in the West Midlands.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_West_Midlands_charities_awarded_10000_pounds_from_The_Cadbury_Foundation.jpg" /></p><p>The invaluable work of three local charitable groups has been given a major boost, thanks to a £10,000 donation from The Cadbury Foundation, made possible by the support of Mondelēz International employees in the West Midlands.</p>
Amateur choirs wanted for ‘Midlands Choir of the Year’ competition2026-01-23T15:08:39+00:002026-01-23T15:08:39+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/amateur-choirs-wanted-for-midlands-choir-of-the-year-competitionSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Amateur_choirs_wanted_for_Midlands_Choir_of_the_Year_competition.jpg" /></p><p>Amateur choirs and singing groups from across the region are being encouraged to apply to take part in the <a href="https://mcoty.org/">Midlands Choir of the Year</a> competition before the March 1 deadline.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Amateur_choirs_wanted_for_Midlands_Choir_of_the_Year_competition.jpg" /></p><p>Amateur choirs and singing groups from across the region are being encouraged to apply to take part in the <a href="https://mcoty.org/">Midlands Choir of the Year</a> competition before the March 1 deadline.</p>
‘Heart of community’ boosts year-round Irish cultural offering for St Patrick’s 20262026-01-23T15:05:44+00:002026-01-23T15:05:44+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/heart-of-community-boosts-year-round-irish-cultural-offering-for-st-patricks-2026Super User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Heart_of_community.jpg" /></p><p>Independent Birmingham bar and grassroots music venue Nortons Digbeth has announced its annual St Patrick’s programme will take place between 11 and 18 March 2026.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Heart_of_community.jpg" /></p><p>Independent Birmingham bar and grassroots music venue Nortons Digbeth has announced its annual St Patrick’s programme will take place between 11 and 18 March 2026.</p>
Homebuilder supports Essex Christmas lights celebration with £500 donation2026-01-23T15:02:12+00:002026-01-23T15:02:12+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/homebuilder-supports-essex-christmas-lights-celebration-with-%C2%A3500-donationSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Homebuilder_supports_Essex_Christmas_lights_celebration_with_500_donation.jpg" /></p><p>A housebuilder helped Christmas arrive early in Southminster by donating £500 towards the village’s annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremony.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Homebuilder_supports_Essex_Christmas_lights_celebration_with_500_donation.jpg" /></p><p>A housebuilder helped Christmas arrive early in Southminster by donating £500 towards the village’s annual Christmas lights switch-on ceremony.</p>
Severn Trent asks customers to not be a ‘Traitor’ to their pipes2026-01-23T14:58:40+00:002026-01-23T14:58:40+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/severn-trent-asks-customers-to-not-be-a-traitor-to-their-pipesSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Severn_Trent_asks_customers_to_not_be_a_Traitor_to_their_pipes.jpg" /></p><p>Severn Trent is urging customers not to become “Traitors” to their pipes and follow advice that could help to protect their homes.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Severn_Trent_asks_customers_to_not_be_a_Traitor_to_their_pipes.jpg" /></p><p>Severn Trent is urging customers not to become “Traitors” to their pipes and follow advice that could help to protect their homes.</p>
WV Active hosts free family fun days2026-01-23T14:55:56+00:002026-01-23T14:55:56+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/wv-active-hosts-free-family-fun-daysSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_WV_Active_hosts_free_family_fun_days.jpg" /></p><p>Families across Wolverhampton are invited to enjoy a morning of free activities as WV Active hosts Family Fun Days next Saturday 31 January, from 9am to 12.30pm.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_WV_Active_hosts_free_family_fun_days.jpg" /></p><p>Families across Wolverhampton are invited to enjoy a morning of free activities as WV Active hosts Family Fun Days next Saturday 31 January, from 9am to 12.30pm.</p>
ELR visitors to enjoy more heritage rail experiences under exciting new partnership2026-01-22T10:21:54+00:002026-01-22T10:21:54+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/elr-visitors-to-enjoy-more-heritage-rail-experiences-under-exciting-new-partnershipSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_ELR_visitors_to_enjoy_more_heritage_rail_experiences_under_exciting_new_partnership1.jpg" /></p><p>Visitors to the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) are set to enjoy even more heritage rail experiences, community events and learning opportunities thanks to a new partnership with Network Rail.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_ELR_visitors_to_enjoy_more_heritage_rail_experiences_under_exciting_new_partnership1.jpg" /></p><p>Visitors to the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) are set to enjoy even more heritage rail experiences, community events and learning opportunities thanks to a new partnership with Network Rail.</p>
New Caledonian sleeper service complements existing air connections between Birmingham Airport and Scotland2026-01-22T10:16:44+00:002026-01-22T10:16:44+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/new-caledonian-sleeper-service-complements-existing-air-connections-between-birmingham-airport-and-scotlandSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_New_Caledonian_sleeper_service_complements_existing_air_connections_between_Birmingham_Airport_and_Scotland1.jpg" /></p><p>Birmingham Airport is now further connected to Scotland via a regular direct sleeper train service in a historic schedule change that compliments the regional transport hub’s existing air connections with Scotland.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_New_Caledonian_sleeper_service_complements_existing_air_connections_between_Birmingham_Airport_and_Scotland1.jpg" /></p><p>Birmingham Airport is now further connected to Scotland via a regular direct sleeper train service in a historic schedule change that compliments the regional transport hub’s existing air connections with Scotland.</p>
Chinese New Year celebrations return to Birmingham’s Southside next month2026-01-21T12:52:57+00:002026-01-21T12:52:57+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/chinese-new-year-celebrations-return-to-birminghams-southside-next-monthSuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Chinese_New_Year_celebrations_return_to_Birminghams_Southside_next_month1.jpg" /></p><p>Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome have announced the city’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations return to Southside next month, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Chinese_New_Year_celebrations_return_to_Birminghams_Southside_next_month1.jpg" /></p><p>Birmingham Chinese Festival Committee and Birmingham Hippodrome have announced the city’s annual Chinese New Year celebrations return to Southside next month, bringing thousands of people together to celebrate.</p>
Next phase of upgrades announced in long-term programme to strengthen Britain’s busiest railway2026-01-21T12:46:23+00:002026-01-21T12:46:23+00:00https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/next-phase-of-upgrades-announced-in-long-term-programme-to-strengthen-britains-busiest-railwaySuper User<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Next_phase_of_upgrades_announced_in_long-term_programme_to_strengthen_Britains_busiest_railway.jpg" /></p><p>Passengers are set to benefit from a major programme of essential upgrades to the West Coast Main Line – the railway that connects London, the Midlands, the North West and Scotland.</p>
<p><img src="https://thephoenixnewspaper.com/images/COM_-_Next_phase_of_upgrades_announced_in_long-term_programme_to_strengthen_Britains_busiest_railway.jpg" /></p><p>Passengers are set to benefit from a major programme of essential upgrades to the West Coast Main Line – the railway that connects London, the Midlands, the North West and Scotland.</p>