Community News

With so many different special occasions on the calendar, it can be difficult keeping up with them all. But if there is one date in the diary you want to make sure you remember it's Mother's Day - for a clear mind and the sake of your eardrums.

The last thing anyone wants is a phone call on Mothering Sunday asking if you'd remembered to send your well wishes and the customary card and flowers. So when does Mother's Day fall in 2021, what are its origins?

In the UK, Mother's Day takes place on the fourth Sunday of Lent, meaning the date changes each year depending on when Easter Sunday falls. The dates are all connected to the lunar calendar, which has around 354 days in a full year compared to 365 days in the solar calendar.

In recent years, Mother's Day has become another name for Mothering Sunday but the two have different origins borne from the US and UK respectively. Mothering Sunday was traditionally a day when Christians were encouraged to visit their mother church - the main church or cathedral in a family's area. It was originally an opportunity to show thanks to the Virgin Mary in church and reunite family members who had been working away.

Over the years the day has maintained that aspect of families reuniting and has in recent times seen mothers showered in love and appreciation. Though Mother's Day is celebrated on Mothering Sunday in the UK, other parts of the world mark the occasion on a different day.

In the US, where the idea of Mother's Day originated, they show their gratitude for mums on the second Sunday in May. The holiday was formed much later than Mothering Sunday. An American woman named Anna Jarvis, in honour of her late mother, petitioned for a holiday to celebrate all mothers after their deaths. It took some years but her determination paid off when president Woodrow Wilson made it an official holiday in the US in 1914.

As the holiday became more established and grew in popularity, Jarvis is thought to have disapproved of the commercialisation of the day. Mother's Day remains a popular date in the diary and one which sees a big spike of sales of flowers and cards all over the world. Cards, flowers and chocolates remain popular choices for Mother's Day gifts but if you're looking for something different then look no further. Personalised items always go down well and have a wide scope, meaning you're bound to find something that's going to appeal to your mum.

From mugs, t-shirts and gift boxes to portraits, books and family trees - there's a lot of choice out there on various sites such as Etsy and Amazon. The thought of doing something ‘normal’ might appeal to you both, so why not spring for a lunch out when restrictions allow or a voucher for a spa day? It might be just what you both need.

Whatever you decide to do, there’s only one thing that counts - and that’s the thought.

Birmingham: The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) along with the Arbor Day Foundation has named Birmingham as a Tree City of the World for the second year running.

This international programme celebrates cities across all continents that are committed to growing and maintaining their urban trees and forests and recognise the importance of trees in building healthy, resilient and happy cities. To achieve recognition, Birmingham met the five programme standards – establish responsibility, set the rules, know what you have, allocate the resources and celebrate achievements – to show its dedication towards planting and conserving trees.

Councillor Waseem Zaffar, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “The role that trees play in mitigating for and adapting to the effects of climate change is well known; because of this, trees are a priority in our Route to Zero Plan and emerging planning documents. Being recognised as a Tree City of the World for a second year in a row is a great achievement and shows that Birmingham is dedicated to the sustainable management of its. Urban Forest for the benefit of its citizens and the environment”.

Cllr John O’Shea, Cabinet Member for Street Scene and Parks, added: “We know our parks and open spaces are some of Birmingham’s greatest assets, but this award also recognises the important work done by volunteers.

“Birmingham Tree People, our tree warden group, act as champions for trees, working with local communities and council officers to monitor, manage and raise awareness of the importance of trees in the landscape. Likewise Birmingham Trees for Life engage with local groups and schools to plant trees in the city and since 2006 have planted over 90,000, and a network of friends groups across the city support this work by helping look after our parks”.

Tree Cities of the World aims to create more green spaces in urban areas by recognising the cities that do it well. Planting more trees is the quickest and easiest way to improve a city’s tree canopy and invest in a brighter future.

Sandwell Council was sending out a heartfelt thank-you to borough faith leaders who paused congregational worship in a bid to halt rising Covid-19 infection rates. Places of worship for a variety of faiths closed voluntarily to protect people – despite the fact that, for most, the decision would mean a severe loss of funding.

Deputy Council Leader Councillor Maria Crompton and Director of Public Health Dr Lisa McNally said they wanted to put on record their appreciation for the decisive action by faith leaders in a bid to protect the community. She said: “Government’s lockdown guidance does not prohibit congregational worship and there was no legal requirement for them to close.  

“However, they took the decision to close, fully aware of the financial risks and our communities should be very proud.”

Dr McNally said: “I have so much respect and admiration for our faith leaders here in Sandwell and the outstanding leadership they have shown throughout the Covid-19 pandemic so far. They sought out public health advice over concerns about hosting congregational worship in the light of the rising Covid-19 rates.

“We were very keen to support any faith sector organisation deciding to pause services at this time, especially thinking of their members who are older and more at risk of severe illness and death. They have clearly prioritised protecting the health of their own and the wider community over financial worries and I sincerely believe their action has saved lives.

"I do hope their communities will support them in return and they will all come through the pandemic stronger." Some of the faith leaders who took the decision to close to congregational worship have provided comments:

Imam Ghulam Rasool, Bahu Trust Sandwell, Langley Mosque said: “With high rates of infections in Sandwell and following discussions with the DPH it felt prudent to shut down. I hope we can get to some degree of normality as soon as possible, as the face-to-face disconnect will have long lasting irreparable effects.” 

Reverend David Gould, of Holy Trinity Church Smethwick: “Closing public worship was a hard decision and, as with the others, there have been financial implications for us but the most important thing is the safety of people.”

Harmohinder Singh Bhatia, Sant Nirankari Satsang Bhawan (Centre for Oneness) in Wednesbury commented: “Although there are financial difficulties the safety of our congregation is important so we have closed our place of worship since March last year.”

Pastor Peter Spence, Warley Baptist Church added: “The pandemic has seen a drop in our income that has at times been 80% of the normal monthly levels, however the safety of our community is more important than money.”

Reverend Nutan Sandhya J Suray, West Smethwick Methodist Church said: “West Smethwick Methodist Church has been hard hit financially due to closing the church and no letting rentals. However, the health of our people is more important so we must take care of ourselves and each other.”

Nasir Zameer, Chair of Trustees, The Abrahamic Foundation also said: “Despite the financial loss, we chose to voluntarily close after all our staff, volunteers and trustees felt it had to be done to help save our NHS and country in reducing the spread of Covid-19.” 

Hema Patel, President of the Shree Krishna Mandir Hindu temple in West Bromwich added: “It is a great concern for Trustees and working committee as to how to sustain and maintain our place of worship but the focus is to keep our community safe.”

Residents and community groups now have the chance to apply for money from a £2million fund to help people in all 69 of the city’s wards feel involved with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The Celebrating Communities Small Grants Funding Scheme has been assembled by Birmingham City Council to maximise the benefit and legacy of being the Proud Host City for the Games. Grants will be available to run initiatives which deliver against one of three themes: ‘Get Active’, ‘Ready, Steady, Fun’ and ‘Celebrating Culture’ - which are described as follows:

Get Active – encouraging communities to get out and get active by participating in sports and recreational activities. The overriding aim should be to encourage residents, of all abilities and ages, to engage in physical activity and improve their health and wellbeing. This could, for example be anything from running to gardening and walking – it isn’t restricted to traditional/organised sport.

Ready, Steady, Fun – delivering community projects to ensure a local area is Games ready (e.g. by improving communal space, and hosting community celebrations to connect people and foster civic pride).

Celebrating Culture – developing community-led cultural events and initiatives that encourage intergenerational activities. Proposed schemes should harness the power of culture to bring people together, celebrate their identities, Birmingham’s place in the Commonwealth and the culture, heritage and stories of their communities.

The scheme will allocate funding across the city’s wards using a formula that takes into account local deprivation data and the size of the ward. Wards with one councillor will receive between £11,100 and £17,500. Wards with two councillors will receive between £22,200 and £35,000.

Councillor Ian Ward, Leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “We're determined that the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games will be a Games for everyone, bringing people and communities across the city together.

“Of course, not every district and neighbourhood will have a venue for the main competition, but through this fund residents and community groups can play a big part in a city-wide celebration. We want everyone to embrace our status as a Proud Host City and, thanks to this funding, there are lots of ways for communities to get involved. We hope Celebrating Communities will help unlock some of the local excitement and help make the events of 2022 memorable for the people of Birmingham.”

The deadline for Round One applications is 1 June 2021. Ward Forums and community voting will then take place to select the successful bids between July and September, with projects then commencing in October.

An application process for Round Two will then get underway with projects being selected and going live in early 2022.

There will be dual celebrations this year on March 8 when both Commonwealth Day and International Women’s Day take place. A series of virtual events are planned to mark these important annual occasions, accessible to audiences across the Commonwealth.

Leading up to the celebrations, the Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “This year particularly is vitally important for the Commonwealth, as our member countries and communities face multiple interconnected global crises, including a horrific pandemic, a worldwide economic crisis and the continuing threat of climate change.

“It is during such times of challenge that we must uphold ever more resolutely our shared values, commitment to cooperation, and unique sense of connection. As a family of nations, we have the opportunity through mutual support and encouragement to overcome the issues we face together by connecting, innovating and transforming to deliver a brighter, more prosperous, more sustainable future for all.” On Sunday March 7, the BBC will broadcast a special programme to replace the usual Commonwealth Day Service at the UK’s Westminster Abbey.

The Queen will share her annual message in 'A Celebration for Commonwealth Day', to be broadcast on BBC One in the UK. Presented from the Abbey by Anita Rani, this programme will also feature messages from members of the Royal Family as well as musical performances and readings from around the Commonwealth.

The theme for Commonwealth day, 'Delivering a Common Future', highlights how the 54 member countries in the Commonwealth are ‘innovating, connecting and transforming’ to help achieve some of its biggest goals, such as  fighting climate change, promoting good governance and boosting trade.

As Commonwealth Day and International Women’s Day approach, the Commonwealth Secretariat is launching a social media campaign #SheLeadsTheWay which ties with the official International Women’s Day 2021 theme: ‘Women in leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world’. This campaign will provide an opportunity for audiences to recognise women leaders across the Commonwealth, during COVID-19 and beyond. All are welcome to contribute by posting their video on social media.

The following virtual events are also open for public registration:

March 5 – 1-2pm GMT: Sea the She: Recognising women’s contributions to ocean science. This event features inspiring stories of women from across the Commonwealth who are challenging gender norms through their work in ocean industries.

March 8 – 2-4pm GMT: Enabling Women’s Leadership in a COVID-19 World to Build Back Better for the Commonwealth. This event will put a spotlight on women’s leadership in responding to COVID-19 and charting an equitable recovery. 

March 10 - Commonwealth Youth Awards. The winners of the annual Commonwealth Youth Awards will be announced. Twenty finalists from 18 countries are up for five regional awards.

A speech from the Secretary-General to commemorate Commonwealth Day will be made available soon.

Young bookworms are being invited to celebrate World Book Day 2021 with a week of events and activities organised by the City of Wolverhampton Council's Community Language Learning team.

They are being urged to put down their screens and read on World Book Day, which takes place on Thursday March 4. And throughout the week, the council has organised a series of live events with children's authors via Microsoft Teams which schools and families are encouraged to join.

They include Elizabeth Laird who has written numerous books, mostly set in Africa and tackling issues such as war, the life of a refugee, courage and perseverance. Her session takes place on Monday from 1.30pm-2.30pm.

Lela Burbridge was born in Uganda and now lives in Britain. Her first book is about a little girl who gets a book for her birthday but can’t yet read. It is aimed at younger children and promotes the great importance and value of education.

On Wednesday from 10.30am-11.30am, there is a session with stand-up comic, author and poet Ian Billings. He has written lots of fiction and poetry books for children. Also on Wednesday, there is a Teams session with Natalie Pritchard, the author of the Sea School Stories. Her books aim to develop emotional intelligence in children while being fun and magical at the same time. Her live session takes place from 1.30pm-2.30pm.

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: "Getting into the reading at an early age instils a life-long love of books.

"It's great that we've been able to arrange these sessions which will enable children and young people to meet inspiring authors over Teams, and we're encouraging schools and families to get involved. And if you can't join one of the sessions, please make time to take a break from the screen and settle down with a good book.

"If you are inspired to read this World Book Day, why not become a member of Wolverhampton's libraries? It's free to join and will give you access to a huge range of books, DVDs, eBooks and eAudiobooks." To find out more about World Book Day, visit: www.worldbookday.com. 

Representatives from Coventry City of Culture Trust, city and national partners and community representatives will announce further programmes, initiatives and moments that will form part of Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture, which begins in May this year.

Coventry is a city of welcome, a city of activists and pioneers, a city of peace and reconciliation, a city of innovation and invention, and now a City of Culture. Coventry has always been a symbol of regeneration. Of movement. Of hope. Coventry is the city that rose from the ashes of the Second World War, a city that rallied through music when others were divided. This year, of all years, we will summon that same spirit.

Starting in May 2021 and running for 12 months, the 365-day Coventry 2021 programme will reflect Coventry as a diverse, modern city, demonstrating that culture is a force that changes lives, moving the city and the region forward. It is one of the first major cultural programmes of its scale, breadth and length to commence since the arrival of the pandemic. This will include announcements and updates from:

·       Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director for Coventry UK City of Culture

·       Martin Sutherland, Chief Executive for Coventry UK City of Culture

·       Cory Barrett, Cultural Leader on the Coventry Leadership Programme

·       Cara Pickering, Visual Arts Producer for Coventry UK City of Culture

·       City Hosts: Dennis Brittain, Vijay Lakhanpal, Zowie-Jade, Si Chun Lam

·       Laura McMillan, Director of Audience Strategy for Coventry UK City of Culture

·       Cllr David Welsh and Cllr Jim O’Boyle from Coventry City Council

·       Stuart Thomas, Head of Midlands at BBC

·       Gaby Wood, Literary Director of The Booker Prize Foundation

·       Lee Child, Author, 2020 Booker Prize Judge

·       Tania Mahmoud, Cities Programmes Lead at the British Council

·       Simon Vaughan, Director, Creative Giants

·       Heather Peak Morison and Ivan Morison, Co-Founders, Studio Morison

·       Sue Bent, Chief Executive, Central England Law Centre

·       Clare Wightman, CEO, Grapevine

·       Lorna Couper, Coventry Refugee and Migrant Centre

·       Susie Murphy, Senior Manager, Positive Youth Foundation

·       Corey Campbell and Balisha Karra, Co-Artistic Directors, Belgrade Theatre

·       Doreen Foster, Director, Warwick Arts Centre

·       Jen Davis, Associate Director, Royal Shakespeare Company

·       Dom Breadmore and Anne Forgan, Creative and Programme Director, Ludic Rooms

·       Mark and Sarah Worth, Company Directors, Highly Sprung

·       Ruark Jon-Stevens, Marketing and Communications Manager, Culture Coventry

Event format - The programme briefing will last for approximately 45 minutes – followed by a media Q&A session.

A media Q&A session will take place from 10.45am approx. and will last for 15 minutes. Journalists will be able to submit their questions via the chat system available during the broadcast (name and outlet will be required).

Interview opportunities - Media interested in one-to-one interview opportunities (via video or email) should get in touch with Four Communications to co-ordinate.

To commemorate Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s milestone 30th anniversary in 2021, heritage Midlands jewellers, Deakin & Francis, has exclusively crafted a limited edition of cufflinks, which are now available. 

Just 100 sets of the meticulously crafted cufflinks have been created by the seventh-generation jewellers, which display the charity’s distinctive and popular ‘pulse’ design. In addition, just 100 lapel pins carrying the distinctive pulse have been crafted to complement the cufflinks.

Henry Deakin, managing director of Deakin & Francis, states: “The limited edition pulse collection, made in the Midlands for the Midlands, is a design we are particularly proud of as the sale of every pair of cufflinks or lapel pin will directly help fund lifesaving air ambulance and critical care car missions in our region.”

Fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity,Emma Gray, adds: “While our heritage is two centuries behind that of Deakin & Francis, this is a fitting partnership for two organisations founded in the Midlands. We are extremely grateful to Henry and James Deakin and the whole team for supporting our pre-hospital emergency service by crafting such a beautiful collection to commemorate our 30th anniversary.

Their support and that of our buyers will help fund future vitally important missions in our area as each pair sold will fund one of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s critical care car missions.” 

On the reverse, all cufflinks and lapel pins will display their individual number in the limited edition, making them a collectors’ piece from day one.

Awards season is well underway… but the Oscars, Baftas and Golden Globes have nothing on the Virtual BHF Heart Hero Awards 2021. Nominations for the 2021 awards have just launched. And, as the BHF celebrates its 60^th anniversary, we are looking for health professionals and members of the public going above and beyond to save and improve the lives of those battling heart and circulatory diseases.

The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic hit the BHF hard in 2020 – cutting their research budget by half. So, this year we are adding a special award – Innovative Fundraiser – to acknowledge those who found new and creative ways of raising money, despite events like the London Marathon and the BHF’s London to Brighton Bike Ride being cancelled.

A ‘Heart Hero’ can be anyone: From a nurse or doctor working in the field of heart disease that may have helped you or your family, to a young person with heart disease who has shown incredible courage and determination or a fantastic fundraiser. All nominees and winners will be invited to our glitzy star-studded online awards ceremony premiering Live on YouTube on World Heart Day on September 29th when the winners will be announced. There are three categories to nominate in: My Healthcare Hero, Innovative Fundraiser and Young Heart Hero (under 18).

Some of last year’s inspirational winners included: 104 year-old Joan Willett, a double heart attack survivor who raised more than £60,000 with a daily hill climb outside her care home during the pandemic; Toddler Sophia Marshall who was born with 11 complex heart defects and  survived against the odds to raise awareness of congenital heart disease and raise funds for the BHF with her family; Dedicated couple June and Jim Machin who channelled their grief from losing their two sons to congenital heart disease to raise over £600,000 for the BHF over 45 years.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, said: “Following the huge success of last year’s Virtual Heart Hero Awards, this year’s event will again be virtual. It has been an incredibly challenging year for heart patients and their families, the heart research community and the BHF which has seen its research budget halved due to the impact of Covid-19.

That is even more reason to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our supporters who have gone above and beyond – despite the pandemic - to help the BHF Beat Heartbreak Forever.”

Development work has started on a £30 million package of bus priority measures to improve reliability and journey times on commuter routes covered by some of the region’s busiest bus services between Birmingham, Sandwell and Dudley. The measures will include new bus lanes, priority junctions and bus gates, with brand new state-of-the-art bus stops offering real time information along a cross-city corridor from Druids Heath to Dudley via Birmingham City Centre.

It will allow buses, including the 50, 82 and 87 routes in Birmingham, Sandwell and Dudley – primarily following the A435 and A457 - to cut through traffic congestion and offer passengers more reliable journey times. Improving bus reliability and services will also contribute to the region’s #WM2041 plan to become carbon-neutral over the next 20 years by making public transport an even more attractive option.

Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is currently working with partner councils to plan the package of bus priority measures. Public consultation on proposals for Birmingham City Centre has launched this week, and further consultation on the wider measures will take place later in the year.

Construction on some early measures will begin this summer and the entire project will be completed during the second half of 2023. That will open opportunities for a new cross-city bus route providing better connections to bus, tram and rail services including the new state of the art Dudley bus and metro interchange, due to be opened in 2023.

Andy Street, Mayor of the West Midlands and chair of the WMCA, said: “This cross-city bus route will enable buses using the Alcester Road and A457 Dudley Road to beat traffic jams and offer commuters a convenient and reliable alternative to the car. It will also come on stream around the same time as our Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension and our new Dudley Interchange, transforming public transport for people and businesses living in that part of the Black Country.”

Improving the region’s public transport infrastructure better connects people to jobs and leisure opportunities which is seen as crucial for the region’s economic recovery from Covid-19, as well as helping the region in fight against climate change

Measures could include:

·         Improving bus journey times through Cape Hill 

·         Improvements to Burnt Tree junction in Sandwell and Dudley

·         Safety improvements on Waterloo Road

·         Dudley Road improvements alongside works planned by Birmingham City Council

·         Bus improvements  on Alcester Road South through Druids Heath, Highter’s Heath, Billesley and Kings Heath.

·         Brand new shelters with RTI at key locations

The investment is backed by a grant of more than £24m from the Department for Transport, topped up with funding from West Midlands Bus Alliance partners, which includes Birmingham City Council and TfWM.

Councillor Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio lead for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “These bus lanes and junction upgrades will improve services for the many thousands of people who use the number 50, 82 and 87 bus routes every day.

“It is also being developed in parallel with the reopening of the Camp Hill rail line stations to transform public transport and better link the people of Moseley, Kings Heath, Stirchley and Druids Heath to the city centre and wider West Midlands region.”

Cllr Patrick Harley, leader of Dudley Council, said: “We welcome these improvements, which come on board at the same time as the Metro extension and the new bus interchange in Dudley town centre.

“The net impact of all of this is that it will be easier than ever for people to get to Dudley town centre and into our borough.

“The increase in footfall that will bring will be massive for our shops and businesses looking to bounce back from the coronavirus pandemic. It’s a game changer.”

Cllr Jackie Taylor, cabinet member for sustainable transport for Sandwell Council, said: “The introduction of highway improvements along this cross-city bus route will not only benefit bus passengers but also other road users and this investment in Sandwell is most welcome.

“It comes at a time when we already have significant investment in transport projects across Sandwell with the Wednesbury to Brierley Hill Metro extension on its way and the recent announcement of funding for the improvement of Birchley Island to name but a few.

“This will provide better connectivity between the Black Country and Birmingham, including for the residents of Sandwell.

“This is another great example of how we are working together with partners to provide sustainable transport routes in and around the borough and wider region.”

Consultation over the first phase of bus priority measures in Birmingham city centre has been launched this week. These measures are set to be introduced later this year, benefitting hundreds of thousands of residents and bus users daily.

These include:

·         a bus lane on Bristol Street between Wrentham St and Lee Bank Middleway

·         bus lanes on Summer Hill Road between Newhall Hill and Ladywood Middleway

·         a bus lane on Snow Hill Queensway

·         passenger improvements around Margaret Street; and

·         improvements to the junction of Newhall Street with Great Charles Street Queensway

With raising sufficient money for a deposit often the biggest stumbling block to homeownership, new data analysis from Key shows that older home owners gifted an average of £42,500 to younger relatives to help them get on or move up the property ladder in 2020.

Gifted Almost Two-Thirds of the Average First Time Buyer Deposit: This is almost two-thirds of the average first time buyer deposit (£57,278**) and will have gone even further than before due to the stamp duty holiday announced in July 2020. Older homeowners in London (£102,826), South East (£61,500) and Wales (£44,200) were the most generous while those in the North West (£23,467) and Yorkshire (£25,217) were less so [see table below for full analysis].

That said, more modest house prices in these regions meant that first time buyers still benefitted from 76% of the average deposit needed in Yorkshire (£33,313) and 67% of the average deposit required in the North West (£34,347).

Interestingly in four areas - Wales, the East Midlands, Northern Ireland and the North East - the average gift from property wealth was higher than the average needed by a first-time buyer.  This seems to suggest that in these regions some people who relied on family funding were able to put down a larger deposit, purchased a more expensive property or undertake renovations.

Helping family is a major motivation

Helping younger family members is a major motivation for equity release customers with £755 million of the £3.4 billion in property wealth released last year used for gifting.

The Stamp Duty holiday on all purchases up to £500,000, currently scheduled to end on March 31^st, was a major driver with 43% of these gifts used for housing deposits and 26% for an early inheritance – some of which was possibly used for other types of property costs.

Will Hale, CEO at Key, said: “Finding almost £60,000 to use as a deposit for your first home is tough – especially in the current economic environment - and therefore it’s not surprising that many younger people have looked to take advantage of the stamp duty holiday.   In 2020, older homeowners released almost £755 million of equity in order to help younger members of their family meet a range of costs including supporting them with an average of £42,500 to use for a house deposit.

“For many people, these gifts will have been the enabler to them buying their first home and is a perfect example of how intergenerational wealth transfer can deliver positive societal benefits.  The stamp duty holiday has certainly been a catalyst for more activity in this area but helping family is always a major motivation for older homeowners exploring their equity release options.

”That said, it is vitally important that homeowners get specialist advice if they do decide to use some of the value tied up in their home to help their families.  Balancing generosity with their own financial security is vital and a good adviser will help them explore all their options.”

The picture across the country

Gifts for house deposits were highest in London at £102,826 and lowest in the North West at £23,467 as the table below shows.  However in Wales the average gift at £44,208 was the biggest in comparison with the average first-time buyer deposit with Northern Ireland at £34,167 the second highest proportionally. Gifts in the North East and the East Midlands also exceeded the average first-time buyer deposit.

A Wolverhampton community group is helping local people discover the fun of cycling after setting up its own cycling hub using a Transport for West Midlands (TfWM) funding grant.

The Park Village Education Centre in Low Hill used its Better Streets Community Fund grant to create secure cycle storage and workshop facility, cycle parking and a safe training area.  And it is working with the Whirling Wheels Cycle Training to offer lessons and bike maintenance services to help local people get out and about on two wheels.

Park Village Education Centres' Dr Yusuf Shafi said: “We used the funding to purchase two 20ft containers for cycle storage and repair and set up a secure cycle shelter for Centre users and locals.

“In partnership with Whirling Wheels we were then able to engage 86 young people and 37 adults in a variety of cycling training, cycle repair and safety training sessions. It has been an absolute pleasure and delight to see so many people getting on their bikes and realising the fun of cycling.”

The hub covers an area with a rich and diverse community and high levels of social deprivation and has not only promoted healthy activity but also provided emotional and social support during lockdown.

The £2 million Better Streets Community Fund was set up for groups and organisations to apply for funding for small scale active travel infrastructure such as bike racks, cycle clubs or safe road crossings.

The group was among 34 projects throughout the region to benefit from grants of between £10,000 and £250,000 for projects to improve cycling and walking in their areas.

These include:

·         An inclusive cycling project run by Midland Mencap at Woodgate Valley Country Park in Birmingham to provide adapted bike and wider cycle paths for their use

·         New toucan crossings at Stevens Park in Dudley to allow children from Old Park School and Thorns Primary School to safely cross the Thorns Road and better enjoy the park

·         Secure cycle parking facility at the YMCA in West Bromwich town centre

·         A Wheels for All inclusive cycling centre, including adapted bicycles, at Aldersley Stadium in Wolverhampton

·         Creation of a community cycle hub at Walsall Rugby Club, which included balance bikes for young children

Mayor of the West Midlands Andy Street, who launched the Better Streets Community Fund in 2019, said: “These community led projects can make a real difference to people, particularly children, by giving them a lifelong love of cycling.

“Encouraging more people to cycle and walk, especially for those shorter journeys, is a key part of our plans to reduce traffic congestion and improve our environment and health.

“That is why we have put unprecedented investment into active travel, including our region wide Starley Network of safe cycle routes and our new West Midlands Cycle Hire scheme rolling out across the region from next month.”

TfWM, which is part of the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), is currently investing £40 million, including £23 million from the Government’s Transforming Cities Fund and £14 million from the Active Travel Fund, into cycling and walking infrastructure.

Encouraging more people to cycle and walk for shorter journeys can play a part achieving the #WM2041 target of becoming net zero carbon region over the next 20 years.

Cllr Ian Ward, WMCA portfolio holder for transport and leader of Birmingham City Council, said: “These community led projects, such as pedestrian crossings, better cycle paths and bike training can make a real difference to a neighbourhood by giving people the confidence to walk and cycle and make streets safer for children.

“As well as backing these smaller projects we are also investing in larger cycle routes and a region wide cycle hire scheme because getting more people to cycle, either for their commute or leisure is healthy and good for our environment.”

Following Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon made her announced of the reopening of the country's economy - including shops, bars, restaurants, gyms and hairdressers - is expected to start from April 26. She said it was hoped that the country's ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions could be lifted on April 5.

With four people from two households being allowed to meet outdoors from March 15, all primary pupils and S4 to S6 secondary students could return to school from that date. But pupils in the first three years of secondary school are unlikely to return until after the Easter holidays.

Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish government's strategic framework was deliberately cautious at this stage. "But in the coming weeks, if the data allows and positive trends continue, we will seek to accelerate the easing of restrictions," she said. However, opposition parties said the statement "fell short" of expectations and lacked clarity on its "ultimate goal", while business leaders called for more detail.

Prime Minister Johnson announced that shops, hairdressers, gyms and outdoor hospitality in England could reopen on April 12. Under a four-step plan to ease lockdown south of the border, all legal limits on social contact could be lifted by 21 June if strict conditions are met.

The First Minister said the aim in Scotland was to move fully back to a levels system of restrictions from the last week in April. She said: "At that stage, we hope that all parts of the country currently in level four will be able to move out of level four and back initially to level three - possibly with some revision to the content of the levels."

Ms Sturgeon said that from April 26, the government would expect to see a phased but significant re-opening of the economy, including non-essential retail, hospitality and services like gyms and hairdressers. The aim is for a progressive easing of the level four restrictions at three-week intervals.

She said schools were the immediate priority with the country's youngest children and some senior pupils having returned to the classroom on Monday. It is hoped that the next phase will see the remaining primary school pupils return from March 15, with more senior pupils back in the classroom "for at least part of their learning". Deputy First Minister John Swinney said that this would not just be senior pupils studying for qualifications, and that he wanted to see all S4 to S6 pupils "back into the school system" on this date if the data allows.

The rules on outdoor mixing would also be relaxed on that date, with up to four people from two households allowed to meet, and non-contact sports for under-18s resuming. The final phase of the return to school would take place from April 5, a date when school pupils will be at the start or middle of their Easter holiday break. It is also hoped to lift the stay at home restrictions from that date. At least six people from two households should be able to meet together outdoors, and communal worship will be allowed to resume.

The timing of major religious festivals - such as Easter - will be taken into account when deciding the exact date. The levels system of restrictions would then be reintroduced from April 26, along with a more substantial reopening of society and the economy.

Ms Sturgeon said: "It is important to stress, of course, that all of this depends on us continuing to suppress the virus now - and continuing to accept some trade-offs for a period, for example on international travel. However, if we do so, I am optimistic that we can make good progress in returning more normality to our lives and the economy."

Police have handed a £10,000 fine to the organiser of a church meet-up in a pub car park. Officers from Nottinghamshire Police said the Church on the Streets service, involving about 30 people in Bardney Drive, Bulwell, Nottingham, broke lockdown rules.

They said when officers arrived, at around 12:15 GMT on Saturday, there were tents, food and a sound system. But the church's pastor, Chez Weir, has said she will contest the fine.

Insp James Walker, from the force, said they had been advising the group for a number of weeks about how and where they could worship during lockdown. He said: "Over the last week in particular, we have absolutely clarified these events are not allowed."

"Whilst the rules state you can attend places of worship, this car park is evidently not a place of worship. Despite the warnings given over the last week in particular, this event continued to go ahead and that is why we have implemented our last resort of enforcement."

The pastor said those attending Church on the Streets gatherings stayed in their cars and the food, tents and sound system were all part of the service. She said she had worked with the police throughout and had recently been advised against using a different car park for worship but did not realise the restriction also applied to the pub car park.

"We've looked at the guidelines and they are very vague," she said. "I'm really disappointed. I'm going to challenge it because I don't believe I've done anything wrong." People are allowed to gather at places of worship under current lockdown rules.

Government guidance states a place of worship can be somewhere used for religious gatherings, even sites usually used for other things. But it adds they must be permitted to be open during lockdown and "additional guidance may be applicable".

It also recommends that, where possible, places of worship continue to stream worship or other events to avoid large gatherings.

Key members of West Midlands faith and community groups are coming together to help improve the lives of all residents.

Organised by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) the new Faith Strategic Partnership Group is bringing together 19 representatives from five religions. They were chosen from 84 applicants who applied to join the group back in October.

West Midlands Mayor Andy Street said: “The work of local faith groups is highly valued, especially the strong contribution they have made during the pandemic. They have helped spread the word to their communities about everything from safety messages to support available to businesses. A very strong field of applicants was received for a small number of places so I am sure this new group will make a significant contribution to the recovery of the West Midlands.”

Members of the group will identify priority areas and strategies to tackle these from a faith perspective. These areas are expected to include homelessness, education, employment, poverty, community relations and leadership. The group’s members will be expected to network within and beyond their communities and collaborate with other faith groups. Their priority will be to support the WMCA’s Covid-19 response, especially around the issue of health inequalities highlighted by the recent Regional Health Impact of Covid report.

The first meeting was held on December 15 and was attended by the Mayor and Councillor Brigid Jones, WMCA portfolio lead for inclusive communities and deputy leader of Birmingham City Council who said: “The new Faith Strategic Partnership Group represents a balance of religious affinities, gender, age and geography to create the right mix of members which is truly representative of the faiths in our region. I look forward to hearing from them on some of the key issues facing our communities in the West Midlands.”

Just over three years ago a faith steering group was created to work with the Mayor’s office and the WMCA and over the past nine months the group has supported its faith briefings which bring together faith groups by holding weekly online meetings. The virtual round tables provide faith leaders and representatives with updates on Covid-19 from local authorities and public health experts, and on funding and support available and the opportunity to hold to account each week’s panel about issues that directly affect their communities. The new group will start off with 26 members, seven of which are from a previous steering group, who will develop and support the new group and stand-down in 12 months.

Chair of the Faith Strategic Partnership Group and chair of the Council of Sikh Gurdwaras, Birmingham and centre director at the Nishkam Centre, Amrick Singh Ubhi said: “The new members were chosen on the basis that they have the strategic capacity and foresight to ensure faith makes a strong contribution to the work of the region. We were particularly keen to include younger faith representatives so we can contribute to the development of the faith leaders and advocates of the future.

“We are passionate about calling upon all the amazing individuals who expressed an interest to join and involve them in future discussion. We are also indebted to the outgoing Faith Steering Group who have to pave the way for this next phase.”

Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, with support from the West Midlands Combined Authority, vital voluntary services were set up by the wide range of faiths in the West Midlands to help those affected by the current crisis - regardless of belief.

The successful applicants are:

1. Amrit Kaur Juss
2. Bhuvnesh Shah
3. Cheryl Hawkins
4. Ghulam Vohra
5. Hannah Stanton
6. Hikmah Muhammad
7. Jaspreet Singh
8. Jatinder Singh
9. Jessica Day Pollard
10. Julian Sampson
11. Kuljeet Takhar
12. Mahmooda Qureshi
13. Matt Lambert
14. Maxine Douglas
15. Nasir Akhtar
16. Nisha Patel
17. Ruth Jacobs
18. Sheikh Mohammed Nuru
19. Tarang Shelat

Members of a business networking group have helped to organise a Charity event in aid of the Stan Bowley Trust, which raises money for cancer radiotherapy treatment and was instrumental in bringing the revolutionary CyberKnife machine to the UK.

The charity is named after Alan “Stan” Bowley, a Staffordshire Police officer who died in 2011 from cancer but who had benefitted from CyberKnife therapy in Washington DC, USA, after a successful fundraising appeal. Now, to mark the tenth anniversary of his death, the charity is launching Best Foot Forward and inviting people to collectively as a group run, walk, cycle – or climb the stairs – 7088 miles (the distance of the return journey from Congleton, Cheshire, where Stan lived, and Washington DC, where he was treated) over 18 days.

Event Organiser Stuart Bravington, said already 45 people had signed up for the challenge, which will take place from March 31 to April 17. Between them, they have pledged to cover nearly a half of the total distance. He’s calling on local people to sign up and help the Trust in meeting its target.

“I’m hoping to walk or cycle every day for the 18 days of the challenge and would love others to join in,” he said. “With charities unable to do their usual fundraising because of the pandemic, we were keen to do something and came up with this idea. We’re hoping to have as many people take part and raise as much money as we can for the Trust.”

Stan’s brother Ian Bowley, who is a founding member and Trustee of the charity, said: “This is a great initiative organised by Stuart, Gary Williams and Darrell Smith. It will be a fitting tribute to my brother Stan, who worked tirelessly to raise funds for CyberKnife prior to his untimely passing.

“As an event-based charity, our fundraising has dropped by approximately 90% during the lockdown, so to have this opportunity in getting as many people involved as possible and also to raise the awareness of what CyberKnife can offer is fantastic, and the best bit about it, the event will be suitable for anyone, as you can either be an athlete or just clock the miles up by walking the dog or mowing the lawn.”