Community News

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RSPCA officers spent two hours trying to corner, confine and rescue a feisty fox with a plastic bottle stuck on his head.

Animal collection officers Adam McConkey and Victoria Hurr were called to Grove School in Dawson Road, Birmingham, on Wednesday (12 February) after families spotted the frightened fox in a bit of a pickle.

Victoria said: “The large 2litre bottle was missing the narrow neck so the fox had managed to push his head inside the cavity and got it stuck. Goodness knows how long he’d been like that but if he hadn’t have been spotted he would have died from dehydration and starvation, or could have even been hit and killed by a vehicle.

“He was very distressed and confused but still gave us the run-around! It took us two hours before we were able to get him out from underneath a cabin, corner him and get him onto a grasper so we could safely remove the bottle.

“Thankfully, he wasn’t injured so we released him there and then and he scarpered happily off into the undergrowth.”

The RSPCA is called to around 5,000 incidents every year regarding animals and litter – with hundreds of incidents of animals caught up in plastic litter.

Adam said: “We’ve seen a huge rise in the number of incidents of wild animals being injured or trapped due to plastic litter.

“We see seals with plastic stuck around their necks causing deep lacerations and wounds; we see wildlife with plastic and glass jars stuck over their heads or plastic taping wrapped around their bodies; we see birds with plastic fishing wire wrapped around their legs cutting off the blood circulation.

“It’s so important to cut down on the amount of plastic waste we’re using and to ensure our litter is properly disposed of so animals don’t pay the price for our waste.”

Tributes have been paid to long-serving City of Wolverhampton Councillor Peter Bilson, who sadly passed away at Russells Hall Hospital on Saturday following a period of illness. He was 66.

Councillor Bilson, who was a councillor for the Bushbury South and Low Hill ward, was first elected in 1982 and had served Wolverhampton for nearly four decades.

He was the Deputy Leader of the Council and the Cabinet Member for City Assets and Housing, and proud to serve as Mayor of Wolverhampton at the turn of the Millennium when city status was granted.

He was also a huge Wolverhampton Wanderers fan, being a season ticket holder for many years.

Leader of the Council, Councillor Ian Brookfield, led tributes to Councillor Bilson, saying he left behind a “great legacy of public service”.

He said: “This tragic news comes as a huge blow to everyone who was lucky enough to know and work with Councillor Bilson.

“He was devoted to the City of Wolverhampton and its residents which is shown by nearly four decades of public service.

“He played an instrumental role in the ongoing regeneration of the city and his work to improve housing in Wolverhampton, through the Decent Homes programme, the redevelopment of the Heath Town estate and with the council-owned housing company, WV Living.

“He also played a key role in our ongoing work to tackle homelessness and rough sleeping.

“As we come to terms with this sad news our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

Originally employed as a firefighter, then as a Trade Union Official, Councillor Bilson went on to serve as the Chair of the Regional Fire Authority (WMFCDA) for six years before becoming the Millennium Mayor of Wolverhampton for 1999-2000.

Chief Executive of the City of Wolverhampton Council Tim Johnson said: “Councillor Bilson had a wealth of experience of involvement in various roles in Local Government, the Fire Service and the Voluntary and Community Sector, over a period spanning many years.

“He was an extremely supportive councillor who cared passionately about doing his best for Wolverhampton and those who live here.

“His work over the years has been recognised nationally and he will be greatly missed by the people he served and staff alike.”

Councillor Bilson also previously chaired a number of multi-agency and other community and business organisations including the Board of Directors of the Grand Theatre, a city-wide Millennium Working Party and the Wolverhampton City Centre Company.

Councillor Bilson leaves behind a wife, Nicky, and two children, James and Emma. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity’s Strensham airbase, located in Worcestershire, has received an extensive refurbishment and extension to include larger aircrew facilities and a dedicated education and training area.

In line with the charity’s commitment to continuously improving its pre-hospital patient care offering, the new building now includes a brand new training room.

Hanna Sebright, chief executive for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, explains why a new training room was required. “As a progressive charity we are always looking for efficient and effective ways to develop our operations. At our Strensham airbase, due to irreparable weather damage to our stand-alone education and training centre in 2018, we made the strategic decision to combine our aircrew accommodation building with a new fit-for-purpose facility and training room for the community and education purposes.

“The training area allows the specialist clinicians to undertake theoretical and practical simulations in a larger and more suitable environment, helping them to continually develop their skills to support patient care.”

A carport was also built for the charity’s rapid response vehicle and Worcester-based cardiac car. This means the aircrew do not have to de-ice the cars in the winter, and provides cover during the daily vehicle and kit checks. Works to the hangar included a specialist gel coating painted to the walls and roof, which allows natural movement of the hangar without joint leakage.

Funding for the £200,000 renovation, which took seven weeks to complete, was partly funded by donations from the public and by a grant from the HELP Appeal – the only charity in the country dedicated to funding hospital and air ambulance base helipads.

Robert Bertram, chief executive for the HELP Appeal, states: “We are delighted to have been able to make a further donation to the Midlands Air Ambulance Charity to help fund a larger aircrew facility. Also having a new carport protecting its emergency responder vehicles from freezing weather, will mean that the vehicles will be ready to respond to an incident immediately, which will save time and save lives.”

The build was completed by Redditch-based contractors DES Build, using Wernick module buildings, following design and build consultancy from Lambert Smith Hampton.

For more information on Midlands Air Ambulance Charity and how you can support the lifesaving service, visit www.midlandsairambulance.com, find Midlands Air Ambulance Charity on social media, or call the team on 0800 8 40 20 40.

Young eco-warriors from St Anthony's Catholic Primary School in Wolverhampton have been investigating the importance of recycling - with a little help from a friendly giraffe.

They have temporarily adopted the mesh giraffe for a challenge set by the British Ironwork Centre in Oswestry to collect recyclable bottle tops.

John Taylor Hospice is asking fundraisers to host their own Big Brummie Bake sale on Friday 3 April and raise money for people living with a terminal illness.

The hospice is encouraging people to get together with friends, family or colleagues and hold a bake sale or coffee morning – with every penny raised helping to provide end of life care for people across the West Midlands.

Ther City of Wolverhampton Council has created a citizens’ assembly to help shape Wolverhampton’s response to climate change.

Following the council’s declaration of a climate emergency last year, a commitment was made to produce a climate change strategy which details how the council will reduce its CO2 levels to zero by 2028.

Scores of families turned out to enjoy a morning of activities inspired by the popular book, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt.

The event at Graiseley Strengthening Families Hub on Tuesday (11 February, 2020), was organised by the National Literacy Trust and the City of Wolverhampton Council, and was the first to be held by the city’s new Pop Up Literacy Hub, which will support families and young children to gain the literacy skills they need in life.

Children had the opportunity to hear the much-loved children’s picture book by Michael Rosen brought to life for them by professional storyteller Steve Stickley – and also enjoyed a welly walk and their very own bear hunt around the nearby Graiseley Park.

Inside, children enjoyed a range of craft, sensory activities and rhyme time activities, while youngsters were given their own copy of We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, along with a soft bear, to enable them to recreate the fun and develop a love of reading at home.

Tuesday’s event was one of four organised by the National Literacy Trust across the Black Country this month. It is working with all four local councils, early years professionals and health professionals to introduce Pop-up Literacy Hubs in Wolverhampton, Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley which will support families and young children to further develop the literacy skills they need in life.

The National Literacy Trust is also providing training for early years professionals and giving advice to share with local families. Through the National Literacy Trust settings will be receive training regarding ways to further develop good communication, language and literacy skills.  Families will be provided with information, support and practical tips to use at home.

These activities are all part of a new early years vision to improve the support for children living in areas at the highest risk of low literacy.

Local Hub Manager for the National Literacy Trust, Gaganpreet Basra, said: “We are excited to be launching our first four Pop-up Hubs in the Black Country, and we were delighted to welcome so many families to our event at Graiseley Strengthening Families Hub on Tuesday.”

Councillor Dr Michael Hardacre, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Lacking vital literacy skills can hold a person back at every stage of their life, and we are pleased to be working with the National Literacy Trust on this exciting project which will help young children and families across the city to develop their literacy skills at an early age.”

Volunteering opportunities are available to people who can spare a few hours and would like to join two City of Wolverhampton Council teams who support children and young people.

Drivers with their own vehicles are being encouraged to join the Children and Family Support Volunteers, who transport children and young people to and from school and adults to day services in and around the city.

To help parents keep kids entertained throughout the February half term holidays, Pets at Home is once again offering its fun and free interactive My Pet Pals workshops, every day in stores from 11.30am, plus there’s a free bag of wild bird seed with every workshop booking.

The woodland themed workshops will be hosted by the friendly and knowledgable pet care advisors and offer fun-filled activities to help children learn how to care for wild birds, hedgehogs and small furry pets including guinea pigs and hamsters.

Children will have the chance to take part in interactive games, meet the small furry residents and complete a fun activity booklet based on what they have learnt. At the end of the session, children will be awarded stickers and a certificate in a goody box.

The workshops are aimed at children between the ages of 5-11 and will take place throughout February half term in stores across West Midlands at 11.30 am and will last for approximately half an hour.

Kerry Boulton, store manager at the Pets at Home Oldbury store, said: “Our free My Pet Pals workshops continue to be a big hit with local families. They’re a great way for parents and children to learn the importance of animal welfare and how we can all care for local wildlife. Our expert pet care advisors tailor the workshops to ensure they are fun, interactive and educational.”

The workshops will also cover the five key welfare needs for small furries including shelter, food, water, good health, appropriate company and the right living environment.

The free workshops will run every day during the February half-term school holidays and bookings can be made at petsathome.com/petworkshops.

Chinese New Year 2020 - sponsored by Birmingham Airport and The Galliard Apsley Partnership - welcomes in the Year of the Rat with three days of free festivities across the city.

The celebrations are expected to draw in huge numbers to the city and kicks off on Friday 24 January with a Chinese classical concert presented by the University of Birmingham at the Bramall.

Shoppers at Bullring & Grand Central will be able to enjoy the much loved lion and dragon procession, pop up performances including traditional fan and umbrella dances, amazing acrobats and much more throughout the day on Saturday 25 January. A special Wish Tree will also be placed in Grand Central for shoppers and travellers to add their new year wishes to. The celebrations will continue into the evening at the Arcadian with more performances and fireworks.

To celebrate the official start to the New Year on Sunday 26 January an exciting programme of performances and free activities will take place in Birmingham’s Chinatown in Southside. The main stage in Hippodrome Square will host the official opening and closing ceremonies with a variety of performances and free family friendly activities throughout the day. Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio will also be hosting renowned choreographer Corey Baker’s new dance piece performed by Hong Kong Ballet and Birmingham Royal Ballet. The performance will be followed by a world premiere screening of Corey’s new film Lying Together.

Graham Callister, Director of Festivals at Birmingham Hippodrome said: “We are thrilled to be co-producing Chinese New Year with the Chinese Festival Committee again. This will mark our fifth year being part of the festival and bringing some of the best talent to unique spaces. As a venue in the heart of Southside, we are passionate about working with our local communities and partners to offer exciting events across our wonderful city. We look forward to taking our Chinese Year Celebrations across Birmingham city centre and welcoming in the Year of the Rat”

James Wong, Chairman of Southside BID and the Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham, said: “Chinese New Year 2020 will be bigger and better than ever as we welcome in the Year of the Rat. New for this year, on Saturday we will present a preview of the main event culminating with fireworks in the evening. Birmingham’s Chinatown in Southside as ever hosts our annual New Year’s Day celebrations with something for everyone. I can’t wait to enjoy a jam-packed weekend of celebrations.”

Chinese New Year is supported by headline sponsors Birmingham Airport and The Galliard Apsley Partnership.

Nick Barton, Birmingham Airport’s CEO, said: “Birmingham Airport is once again proud to be sponsoring the Birmingham Chinese New Year celebrations. Air connectivity across China is easily available from Birmingham with a number of scheduled carriers, which serve more than one hundred thousand passengers each year through their hubs. We look forward to celebrating the New Year with our local community over this special weekend and encourage people to attend the festivities around Birmingham’s Chinatown.”

Jason Day, Head of Sales, West Midlands, at Galliard Homes, said: "We are heavily invested in Southside and all its people and that's in no small part down to the Chinese community who make the area so vibrant. Chinese New Year is a flagship event not just locally but for the whole city, and we are thrilled to support it."

A loved-up couple who met on a National Express coach 30 years ago celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with a trip down memory lane.

 

Simon and Joanne Jones from Whaley Bridge got to relive the moment they first met on a vintage National Express coach, just like the one that brought them together 30 years ago.

 

Having endured the stress of being evacuated from their home of 25 years in August due to the collapse of the Whaley Bridge dam, Joanne said it was great to be able to spread some good news: “It was great to be able to celebrate with National Express. There is so much bad news in the world now, it is nice to hear something positive.

 

“We have been married 25 years this year and have National Express and the M1 to thank for that.”

 

The couple met when Joanne was travelling from Manchester down to her home town of Crawley and Simon, who was on his way to Gatwick Airport for a holiday to Magaluf, took the empty seat next to her at the back of the coach.

 

“I remember he was listening to Madonna on his walkman. It was very loud. The driver made an announcement about a delay and Simon took his headphones off to ask what he had said. We talked the rest of the way to London and exchanged addresses when we got to Victoria.

 

“That week I received a postcard from Simon from Magaluf which I still have to this day. A month later we went on our first date and the rest is history.”

 

The pair, who met when they were just 25 and 26 years old, were in a long-distance relationship for two years and made their relationship work thanks to weekly visits using National Express.

 

Simon said: “We are proof that long-distance relationships really can work. We got married five years later and now have two grown-up children that we are very proud of. Sara is 24 and working in China and Ben is in his final year at drama school.”

 

Joanne said: “For years people have told us that we should share our story. I finally got round to it 30 years after it started.”

 

Chris Hardy, Managing Director of Birmingham-based National Express UK Coach, said: “With 1,800 services each day linking more than 540 locations, we're all about connecting people.

 

"When we heard the story of how we brought Simon and Joanne together all those years ago, we knew we had to do something special to help them celebrate."

According to research, the average Brit has £60.78 at home in unused current and old foreign currency, and this idle change could be used to help fund a lifesaving mission with Midlands Air Ambulance Charity.

 

As 2019 comes to a close, the vitally important pre-hospital charity is raising awareness of its partnership with Cash4Coins, which enables old coins, foreign coins and banknotes to be donated to the charity.

 

Currency of any age can be donated to the charity, including; all foreign coins and banknotes, old £1 coins, old British and Irish currency, pre-decimal coins and notes, pre-euro currency and of course, spare change.

 

The cash can be donated at most high street banks and building societies across Shropshire, Staffordshire, West Midlands, Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire. The charity also has a number of collection boxes in shops and community hubs throughout the region

 

Emma Gray, fundraising and marketing director for Midlands Air Ambulance Charity, said: “Midlands Air Ambulance Charity relies solely on the support of the public and local businesses to stay operational. Donating unused cash lying around the home is a fantastic way to support our lifesaving service in an easy, fuss-free way.

 

“Without donations, our charity simply wouldn’t be able to save lives every day, so all support is hugely appreciated.”

 

Birmingham Museums Trust has demonstrated its support to the armed forces community by officially signing the Armed Forces Covenant and outlining its pledges to those serving in the military and their families.

 

The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise from the nation that those who serve or have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated fairly. The ceremony at Birmingham Museum & Art Gallery saw Dr Ellen McAdam, Director of Birmingham Museums Trust, sign the agreement alongside Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Dines, Commanding Officer of 159 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps.

 

As one of the leading cultural employers in the region across nine sites, Birmingham Museums Trust has committed to a number of pledges. These include supporting reservists who may need leave for training, striving to support the employment of service spouses and partners, and helping to create opportunities for veterans. Other commitments include free admission on Armed Forces Day for service personnel, veterans, reservists and local cadets, including discounts on this day for Birmingham Museums Trust membership.

 

As part of the ceremony, Birmingham Museums Trust was presented with the Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which recognises that Birmingham Museums is committed to upholding the values in the Covenant.

 

Dr Ellen McAdam, Director of Birmingham Museums, said: “We are very pleased to have been able to sign up to the Armed Forces Covenant. As part of our inclusive approach to audiences we will do all that we can to ensure that serving personnel, veterans and their families have every chance to participate in the services we provide. We look forward to working with partners to create new programmes for this special audience and promote our support for them publicly. My father and his two brothers served in the RAMC, RAF and Royal Navy during and after WWII, so this is a cause that is particularly close to my heart.”

 

Siamha Butt, Head of Engagement, West Midland Reserve Forces & Cadets Association (RFCA), said: “We are delighted that Birmingham Museums Trust are publicly showing their support for serving personnel, veterans and military families by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. Dr Ellen McAdam and her team have been incredibly diligent in creating some unique pledges along with an impressive plan as to how they will deliver against each pledge. We very much look forward to working with them in the years to come.”

 

Councillor Mike Sharpe, Birmingham City Council Armed Forces Champion, said: “I am very encouraged to see organisations like Birmingham Museums Trust, join the growing numbers of Birmingham based organisations signing the Armed Forces Covenant and pledge support to the Armed Forces community in Birmingham. This is part of a national commitment to show our support to all military personnel and their families, whether serving or ex-service, and ensure they are treated fairly in civilian life.”

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