Community News

Sandwell Valley Country Park has welcomed the arrival of two calves.

The Traditional Hereford calves were born at Forge Mill Farm during the peak of Storm Emma.

Inspired by the snow storm, staff chose the names Stormzy for the male calf and Emma for the female calf.

Farm manager Melissa Underwood-Grattage said "We are delighted with our new arrivals to the farm. Despite the cold, they are both doing very well.

"Maybe we will get a visit from the rapper Stormzy to see his namesake."

The Hereford calves are among a number of new arrivals to both Sandwell Park Farm and Forge Mill Farm over the last few days. Rare breed Bagot goat twins were born on Saturday 3 March as well as a Jersey cow calf.

Visitors can come to Sandwell Park Farm or Forge Mill Farm to visit the new arrivals as well as lots of other farmyard animals. Details for visitors are on their website: www.sandwell.gov.uk/sandwellvalley.

The University of Wolverhampton has announced validation of two new Degree Apprenticeships.

The Manufacturing Engineer and Product and Development Engineer Degree Apprenticeships (Bachelor of Engineering with Honours Degrees) are available in the School of Engineering at Telford Innovation Campus with the next intake taking place in September 2018.

The new Degree Apprenticeships have been designed and developed in collaboration with employers and professional bodies.

The course is three to four years and students spend one day a week at the University with timetabled access to classrooms, lecture theatres, laboratories and workshops. There will also be occasional industrial visits and trips, practical activities, with further time committed to support Apprentices in the workplace.

Dr Syed Hassan, Head of the School of Engineering, said: “The University is a committed driving force behind economic growth in the engineering and manufacturing sector in the region.

“These new Degree Apprenticeships have the potential to help fill identified regional skills gaps in engineering companies of all sizes whilst at the same time meeting employers’ needs to improve levels of knowledge, understanding and skills within their workforce.”

Having been awarded £250,000 funding from the Higher Education Funding Council (HEFCE) in 2017 to develop its Apprenticeship offer, over 150 apprentices are already studying for Higher and Degree level qualifications at the University.

The University of Wolverhampton has also secured an additional £460k funding to deliver training for Degree Apprenticeships to non-levy paying companies.

The allocation of money was approved by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) recently and means that the University can widen its support for local businesses looking to upskill their workforce.

The University offers Higher and Degree Apprenticeships in Chartered Management (CMDA), Higher Apprenticeship in Construction Management with pathways for Civil Engineering & Built Environment, Chartered Surveying, Chartered Legal Executive, Nursing Associate and Healthcare Science Practitioner Degree Apprenticeships.

Future Higher/Degree Apprenticeships will include Digital Technologies, Civil Engineering, Architecture, Policing, Social Work, Nursing and Paramedic Degree Apprenticeships.

Dippy the Diplodocus is an awe-inspiring 292 piece skeleton cast. He has delighted visitors since he arrived in London in 1905 and Dippy on Tour: A Natural; History Adventure, which takes in eight venues across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, is the first time he has been put on public display outside of the Natural History Museum.

Dippy’s arrival in the Gas Hall at Birmingham’s Museum & Art Gallery (BMAG) will be the only chance to see the impressive 26 metres long cast in the Midlands. Tickets can be booked now at: birminghammuseums.org.uk/bmag/whats-on/dippy-on-tour-a-natural-history-adventure

The Diplodocus lived between 156 and 145 million years ago, during the late Jurassic period and would have weighed around 13 tonnes. This superstar dinosaur cast, gives us an insight into the prehistoric creatures that roamed our earth, long before we were around.

In Birmingham, Dippy will be displayed as part of an exciting and interactive free exhibition which will show that not all dinosaurs became extinct 66 million years – one group survived and evolved into the birds we know today.

Bringing Birmingham’s bird collection back to BMAG for the first time in nearly 20 years, this exhibition will explore the progression from dinosaurs to birds. The exhibition will show the amazing diversity of modern birds and how they evolved to become one of the most successful groups of animals inhabiting almost every part of the world from the oceans of Antarctica to tropical rainforests.

As well as getting up close to Dippy, who will be taking centre stage, families will also be able to see a velociraptor cast, a cast of a dinosaur nest and a real Great auk, the famous bird which became extinct the mid-19^th century.

Gurminder Kenth, Museum Manager at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery, said: “We are incredibly excited to welcome Dippy to Birmingham. The famous dinosaur has the ability to wow and inspire everyone from toddlers to grandparents, and it’s going to be an exciting time at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery.

“Anticipation is building so don’t miss out on the chance to get free tickets. Not only will you see Dippy, but also experience an eye opening exhibition which allows us to showcase Birmingham’s natural history collection and inspire scientists of the future.”

An exciting programme of events is set to accompany Dippy’s stay in Birmingham. Fun for all the family, try your hand at palaeontology with a thrilling Dino Dig, delve deeper into Dippy’s past with curator’s tours, take part in crafts and trails throughout the school holidays, or enjoy a screening of Night at the Museum in partnership with Colmore BID. There will even be a Dino Children’s Menu in the Edwardian Tearooms to fuel your fun day at the museum! Find out more details on the website.

Across the Midlands, there will be lots of dinosaur fun to get involved with during Dippy’s visit to Birmingham. Venues across the region, from Wolverhampton to Coventry and Shropshire to Warwickshire, will be hosting their very own natural history adventures, with an array of events and displays. More details will be revealed soon.

Dippy on Tour: A Natural History Adventure is brought to you by the Natural History Museum in partnership with the Garfield Weston Foundation and supported by Dell EMC and Williams & Hill, working with eight partners UK wide to tour one of its most iconic exhibits over three years, with the aim of inspiring a love of nature.

The Friends of Birmingham Museums Trust have funded vital work for the Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery exhibition to ensure Dippy has a longer legacy for the collections. The funds have allowed specialist conservation training for staff and volunteers to take place to ensure Birmingham’s amazing bird collection is ready for the exhibition.

On International Women's Day, Royal bride-to-be, Meghan Markle, was the ‘toast of Birmingham as she and fiancé, Prince Harry visited the second city – bringing with them a bright ray of sunshine, where beforehand, rain was the order of the day.

A full itinerary of visits saw the couple at the city’s Millennium Point complex early on as they freely met onlookers, many of whom stood agog at the very thought that they were in the presence of a future King of England and the Commonwealth. Though, for the pair, their attentions were stoically aimed at the children and young people – which made it for them a day to remember.

Their visit was to inspiring the young to pursue subjects of science, technology, engineering and maths.

On what was ‘International Women's Day,’ former ‘Suits’ star, Meghan, who prides herself on being outspoken about female empowerment; giving advice to aspiring female doctors, engineers and scientists, embraced the energy that came from the young school girls, especially, encouraged them to 'fly in the face of stereotypes' and embrace the untapped power they have within.

“A woman in the face of society is seen as one who has to be pretty, thin and quiet” she said. “The one who dares to fly in the face of all these stereotypes is the best kind of role model a young female can have.”

As she and the third in line to the throne greeted just about everybody in the line of girls, boys, women and men, the ‘International Women's Day’ theme extended itself as Ms. Markle made her way to introduce herself to The Phoenix Newspaper’s own Founder/Editor In Chief; “You're very beautiful,” she remarked to our own Marcia McLaughlin.

“You too are beautiful,” was the humble response, before she was able to tell the future queen about The Phoenix Newspaper – and its positive, informative and objective ethos.

Having listened intensely, they both posed for pictures from the hordes of press on hand, before Megan went on to join her future husband and media queen, Ms. McLaughlin, was herself being interviewed by the television press.

As the happy couple made their way into the building and the crowd dispersed, what was left was memories, for all, that this day will go down as one of the most memorable – personally and, for the city, collectively.

And that was just the start of what was a very full day in Birmingham.

A special event will use the works of female writers to celebrate the historic achievements of women through the ages and mark International Women’s Day (8 March).

Birmingham City University will host the International Women’s Day ‘Big Read’ at its City Centre Campus on Thursday 8 March, which will see staff and students invited to read the works of female authors for fifteen minutes each throughout the day.

The event aims to raise awareness of gender inequality at a time when women’s rights are back in the spotlight and celebrations are marking 100 years since the Suffragette movement first secured women the vote.

Fifteen minute slots will be handed to readers from 9am to 5pm and will include the chance to read works by female authors.

The ‘Big Read’ will run alongside a Pop-Up Reading Room which will feature a wide range of resources highlighting women’s past and present achievements.

The Pop-Up Reading Room will take place on Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 March at the University’s Curzon Building from 10am to 4pm, and staff and students will be invited to visit, browse, read, reflect and discuss with others.

Dr Kate Carruthers Thomas, Senior Research Fellow and Athena SWAN Project Manager at Birmingham City University, said: “The idea for a Pop-Up Reading Room arose from the coinciding of International Women’s Day, the centenary of suffrage and the extensive media coverage of Weinstein, the #MeToo campaign and the gender pay gap.

“There has been a huge amount of coverage of feminist history and contemporary comment – fascinating and important but almost too much to take in.  The Pop-Up Reading Room will offer an opportunity for all staff and students to reflect at greater length on these rich resources.”

The Pop-Up Reading Room will also feature a Research Zone where University researchers currently exploring topics relevant to International Women’s Day, gender equality and feminism will be talking about their work.

The events have been organised by Dr Kate Carruthers Thomas alongside Diane Kemp, Professor of Broadcast Journalism and Dr Kate Thomson, Associate Professor in Health, Education and Life Sciences.

They aim to bring university staff and students together to mark International Women’s Day as well as drawing attention to the University’s engagement with the Athena SWAN Charter principles.

 A sister event to the Pop-Up Reading Room will be taking place at the University’s City South Campus featuring an exhibition room and talks from academics researching women’s subjects.

Elizabeth Yardley, Professor of Criminology at Birmingham City University, will formally open the Pop-Up Reading Room with a ribbon cutting.

Professor Diane Kemp added: “We wanted to have an event which celebrates women’s many different voices and our individual connections to them.  The ‘Big Read’ is a simple, powerful and visible way of doing this”

“We encourage staff and students to support International Women’s day where they can.”

All three organisers are members of the University's Athena SWAN Steering Committee.

The University’s Athena SWAN Institutional Bronze Award recognises a solid foundation for eliminating gender bias and developing an inclusive culture that values all staff.

Twitter updates for the Pop-Up Reading room event can be followed using #IWD18popupreadingroom

Updates on the ‘Big Read’ event can be followed using #IWD18BigRead

With some 90,000 people expected to line the streets of Digbeth, the annual noon day confetti blast will, as always, signal the start of this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade which will see Irish dancers to Caribbean dancers, Welsh dragons to Chinese dragons, ready for another fun filled festival celebrating the culture and diversity of Birmingham.

This vibrant fun filled festival celebration of multiculturalism – on Sunday March, 11, will see the parade taking its annual route from Camp Hill through to Digbeth – with an added bonus!

The organising committee of Birmingham’s much anticipated St. Patrick’s Festival, in partnership with Kiely Bros, are calling on the city’s community – as one - to join them in celebrating Mother’s Day at the St. Patrick’s parade this year with a host of activity geared around celebrating mothers.

This year’s Festival theme is ‘Celebrating Iconic Women of Birmingham and Ireland’ and in-keeping with the theme, and the fact that the parade falls on Mother’s Day this year, the Festival team have launched a competition to find Birmingham’s Best Mum, which will see one lucky mother winning a VIP package on parade day.

Festival organisers are also inviting people to celebrate the most iconic women in their lives by spoiling their mums with a special message and well wishes that will be displayed on banners and large media screens on the day.

A new campaign to help prevent electoral fraud has been launched ahead of May’s local elections by the Electoral Commission, with the support of Crimestoppers, the independent crime reporting charity, and the Cabinet Office.

The ‘Your vote is yours alone’ campaign materials depict different types of electoral fraud offences taking place in a polling station or in someone’s home as they complete their postal vote. They are designed to empower voters to protect their vote and report any concerns about possible fraud to the charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their anonymous online form which can be found at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Local authorities have been provided with resources – including videos, posters and a leaflet – which they can use in their local areas.

Claire Bassett, Chief Executive of the Electoral Commission, said:

“Whether you are voting in person at a polling station on 3 May or completing your postal vote at home, it’s important your vote is yours alone. No one should feel pressured to vote a certain way. While proven cases of electoral fraud are rare, it remains a serious crime and those who commit it can be sentenced to time in prison.”

Mark Hallas, Chief Executive of the charity Crimestoppers, said:

“Our democracy has taken shape over centuries and all of us should be aware that a tiny minority of people may try to thwart the outcome for their own personal gain. Electoral fraud jeopardises our tradition of free and fair elections, which is why we are delighted to be involved in this important campaign.

“By highlighting the risks, we can ensure the public’s trust in our country’s electoral process is maintained. We urge people to contact our charity 100% anonymously if they know of someone committing electoral fraud.”

What constitutes electoral fraud is not always well understood by voters. For example, some people may not think that interfering with a relative’s vote could be a criminal offence. Previous research conducted on behalf of the Electoral Commission found that language barriers and a lack of awareness or understanding of how the UK’s electoral system works can make people more vulnerable to electoral fraud. This research also suggested that these factors could disproportionately affect specific groups including women in particular communities.

The Commission is committed to overcoming this and to helping women, from all communities, to understand that it is their vote and their vote only. As part of this effort, posters and the leaflet have been translated in Punjabi, Urdu and Bengali.

All resources have been developed with support and advice from a number of local authorities who have experience of managing an increased risk of electoral fraud in their area.

Robert Connelly, Head of Electoral Services at Birmingham City Council, said:

“Along with a number of other local authorities, Birmingham has been working with the Electoral Commission on the best ways to raise awareness of the potential for electoral fraud. It is an important national issue and it is important that we play our part in increasing awareness and letting people know what to do if they have concerns.

“While we must point out that it is just a very small number of people who would contemplate doing anything illegal around voting, it is important that people know that their vote is theirs alone and this campaign should go a long way to re-assuring people that allegations of fraud will be treated seriously.”

Electoral fraud data and the Electoral Commission’s work with the police

Allegations of electoral fraud reported to the Electoral Commission by police forces across the UK show that in 2017:

• Police forces investigated 336 cases of alleged electoral fraud. Of these, 104 alleged cases related to voting offences and 36 related to registration offences.
• One allegation of personation in a polling station led to one successful prosecution and conviction.
• Two suspects accepted police cautions in relation to personation when voting by post and four suspects accepted cautions in relation to registration offences.

It’s your chance to show your mum just how much she means to you. And this year we’re happily reminding you that Mother’s Day will fall on this Sunday, March 11.

For those with mothers the period leading up to it can be panicky, because the date changes every year – leading to a sickening dread you might miss it.

The event always falls on a Sunday because it’s technically known as ‘Mothering Sunday’ in the United Kingdom.

Have a ‘Happy Mother’s Day!’

Leiths have announced that City Harvest will be their Charity of the Year for the second year in a row.

"The charity do incredible work rescuing delicious surplus food from supermarkets and restaurants and delivering it to the hungry, so it's wonderful to be able to offer continuing support."

"As usual, we'll be raising money at our annual Canapé Party in March, but we're also trying something new!"

The Foodie Family Parent and Child Cookery Day will be held on Friday 24th August 2018, and for every child that enrols, Leiths will donate £10 to City Harvest.

Parents get to spend time in the Leiths kitchens with their little food lovers, and their donation will deliver 40 nutritious meals to those in need.

The first elected Mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, visited the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham, to meet the families of seriously ill children staying at the ‘home away from home’ accommodation.

In 2017, over 1,000 families stayed at the House, free of charge, while their children were being treated in nearby Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Mr Street met current residents and the team at the Ronald McDonald House, who work around the clock 365 days a year to provide vital accommodation for the families.

The Mayor said: “It was great to see the fantastic work done by the brilliant volunteers and fundraisers at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham. They give a first class welcome to the West Midlands to all the families that use the House every day of the year.”

Doug Wright, Chair of the Board of Governors at the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham said: “We are delighted that the Mayor has taken the time to visit us so he could see the great work and passion of the team here at the House. The House is heavily funded by donations from the community, from kids raising a few pounds for their sponsored PJ Day at school, to large corporate donations.  This House is vitally important and gives all our families the peace of mind they need.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities provides free accommodation to families of children receiving treatment at specialist Children’s Hospitals across the UK. The 14 Houses across the UK offer somewhere for families to cook their own meals, sleep in their own ensuite bedrooms, and to get valuable respite whilst being able to remain close to their children who are being treated in specialist hospitals.

This year marks the 128th Crufts event, the most hotly anticipated dog show of the year which brings together top dog breeders and trainers from across the globe, all competing to take home one of the prestigious awards.

Every year thousands of dog owners, trainers and enthusiasts mark their calendars for the biggest doggy event of the year, and get ready to celebrate the coveted “Best in Show” pooch. To get into the spirit Lintbells, a Crufts’ event sponsor and manufacturer of premium natural pet supplements, which will be attending for the 11th time, is sharing some of the ways dog owners can celebrate their very own best in show at home.

1. Pamper time

2. Healthy treats

3. Cosy cuddles

4. Walkies

5. Try supplements

If you would like to find out any more information or advice about the health and wellbeing of your dog you can head to the Lintbells stand at Crufts (Stand 121 in Hall 3) to chat to the friendly team.

The team will also be asking “What makes your dog’s tail wag?” encouraging customers, both new and existing, to share thoughts and experiences about their own canine companions, and adding stories to the Lintbells #tellyourtail wall. With one lucky visitor winning a dog friendly UK holiday worth up to £750 with Forest holidays. A Lintbells hamper and discount code for 2018 will also be up for grabs.

A host of Lintbells’ products will be on offer to purchase from the stand including a brand new product, YuMOVE PLUS for dogs which is exclusively available through Lintbells only. This is an extension of their already popular joint supplement YuMOVE, packed with even more ActiveEase® Green Lipped Mussel providing extra strength for older and much stiffer dogs. There will be some fantastic offers available including up to 50% off RRP on selected products. The experienced team will be on hand to offer tips and advice on any of the products.

Alethea Maillard, Marketing Manager for Lintbells, said: “We are so excited to be returning to Crufts this year, and are thrilled to be one of the sponsors for the event for the first time. The health and wellbeing of dogs is at the heart of everything we do and we can’t wait to meet lots of fellow dog lovers and let them know about the benefits of our products. We are also looking forward to hearing everyone’s ‘tails’ about their own best friend  and invite everyone to come along to your stand and share their stories.”

A cute little black-and-white kid is the latest member of the rare Bagot goat family in the Sandwell Valley – the latest newcomer to a project to save the species from extinction.

The female has been born at Sandwell Council’s Forge Mill Farm at West Bromwich and is now available to be seen by visitors.

Melissa Underwood-Grattage, the farm manager, said “She is a cute little thing and is the latest introduction to the farm’s breeding stock and will play a part in helping to increase the number of these rare animals for years to come."

Staff at the Valley are supporting a scheme run by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust to breed the rare goats as there are fewer than 200 registered breeding females left.

The Bagot family of goats are a popular attraction for visitors to  Forge Mill. The Bagot is believed to be Britain’s oldest breed of goat with records of them being around in 1389 at Blithfield, the Staffordshire home of Sir John Bagot.

The exact origin of the Bagot goat is unknown - one theory is that they were brought to Britain during the Crusades in the Middle Ages, while others believe they originated from native goats in medieval times.

A new campaign has been launched urging people to play their part so that, “Together, we can tackle child abuse”.

It encourages members of the public to help protect children and young people by reporting any concerns they may have about the possible abuse or neglect of a child to the City of Wolverhampton Council, the NSPCC or West Midlands Police.

The City of Wolverhampton Council and Wolverhampton Safeguarding Children Board are backing the campaign which was launched by the Department for Education amid fears that some people are failing to report their concerns because they are not certain of the signs of child abuse, don’t know where to report it, or are worried about being wrong.

As well as highlighting how people should go about reporting their concerns, the campaign also urges people to look out for the signs that could suggest a young person is being abused. These include changes in their ABC – their appearance, their behaviour and the way they communicate.

Councillor Val Gibson, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We all have a role to play in protecting children and young people from child abuse and neglect.

“Anything you notice can help a child at risk. If you’re concerned in any way that a child is being abused or their safety is at risk, please speak to someone as keeping quiet could mean that the authorities miss out on vital information they need to keep children safe from harm.

"Information about a child's welfare is gathered from many sources, and your report will form part of a bigger picture. You don’t have to be absolutely certain, but by speaking to the council, the NSPCC or the police you could provide the missing piece of the jigsaw – and ultimately keep a child safe."

To report concerns in confidence, please call the City of Wolverhampton Council's children's social care team on 01902 555392 or 01902 552999 outside normal working hours. If the child is at immediate risk, call the police on 999, or 101 if you think a crime has been committed. Trained counsellors are available via the NSPCC helpline 24 hours a day on 0808 800 5000 or via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Councillor Gibson added: “Anyone can make contact with the authorities if they are worried or have concerns about a young person, including children and their families, relatives, friends and neighbours and professionals such as teachers, doctors, nurses and health visitors. Whoever you are, the message is clear – if you think it, report it."

West Midlands families joined forces to support the launch of Muscular Dystrophy UK’s West Midlands Family Support Group.

The group has been set up to help South Asian families affected by muscle-wasting conditions get access to vital support. It will provide a range of support to the West Midlands community, such as helping them to access local health and care services and find suitable, accessible accommodation.

Around 4,000 people from the South Asian community in England and Wales have a neuromuscular condition, such as muscular dystrophy, and up to 600 people on the West Midlands are affected. Neuromuscular conditions cause muscles to weaken and waste over time, leading to increasingly severe disability. There is no cure, and few treatment options, cutting lives short.

Spearheaded by Naima Ali-Khan (36) from Coventry, Sanah Rauf (21) from Wolverhampton and Jaspal Mann (41) from Coventry, the group hopes to break down some of the language and cultural barriers that may prevent South Asian families from accessing services.

Naima, a student nurse and Muscular Dystrophy UK ambassador, whose two teenage daughters have an ultra-rare condition called SEPN1-related myopathy, said:

“As a parent of children affected by a muscle-wasting condition, it was a privilege to meet other families who really understand what you are going through. It can be overwhelming at first when you don’t know where to go to for support and this is why the group is so important. It can be empowering and reassuring to speak to others in a similar situation and learn from their experience.

“I hope the group will act as a much-needed lifeline for families who need support and understanding, when dealing with the challenges neuromuscular disease can bring.”

Bobby Ancil, Senior Neuromuscular Outreach Manager at Muscular Dystrophy UK, said: “It was good to have families coming together and drawing strength from each other. Muscle-wasting conditions can turn lives upside down, and the feeling of isolation and helplessness people often feel after a diagnosis can be all-consuming.

“By reaching out to the South Asian community in the West Midlands, we want to help families get the right support when it is most needed.”

Muscular Dystrophy UK has been supporting South Asian families affected by muscular dystrophy through the Yorkshire Neuromuscular Awaaz Forum. In 2014, the charity teamed up with Leeds General Infirmary Neuromuscular Service and two mothers from West Yorkshire, whose sons have Duchenne muscular dystrophy, to form the group. Meeting regularly in Bradford, the group brings families affected by muscular dystrophy together to support each other.