Community News

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice has launched a new bereavement support group for children and young people across Birmingham and Sandwell.

‘Growing Together’ is a peer support group aimed at four to 18-year-olds, which is designed to support children after a loved one has died.

Experienced child bereavement workers from the Hospice will be running the sessions, giving children an opportunity to receive specialist support from them and meet other young people who are going through similar situations.

Peer support can be particularly beneficial for children and young people, helping them to understand that they are not alone in their grief. Growing Together aims to increase children’s confidence, support them to manage their own and others’ difficult feelings, and provide a safe space to learn from others and ask questions.

Funded by BBC Children in Need, the group is open to all children and young people living across Birmingham and Sandwell – even if their loved one who died wasn’t supported by the Hospice.

Beth Hopkins, children’s counsellor at Birmingham St Mary’s, said: “The purpose of Growing Together is to help young people navigate the difficult emotions that come with bereavement. Children can grieve very differently from adults – they may find it challenging to express big feelings verbally for example – so at the groups sessions, we’ll be using a number of tools to help communicate emotions in other ways. This may be through art and crafts, through play or by simply giving the young person an opportunity to talk to someone who is a similar age and is going through a similar experience.

“With Growing Together, we want to teach young people the skills and coping mechanisms that will help them when they get upset, feel alone or face difficulties. Grief is not linear – it can remerge as children get older and face significant events – so by teaching children the skills needed to cope with difficult emotions, we can help them become healthy adults.”

Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice provides care and support to local people living with life-limiting illness. It also offers expert support to families, loved ones and carers, providing practical and emotional help during a person’s illness and after their death.

Growing Together is a new group and Birmingham St Mary’s is keen to run sessions when and where there is demand. For more information or to express your interest, please contact the Hospice’s Children’s Service on 0121 752 8753 or by emailing the team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

An exhibition by West Midlands-based organisation Art Sikh has opened at the Library of Birmingham to commemorate the 550th Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

‘550 Years of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’ is a compilation of a variety of contemporary and traditional artworks depicting portraits of the founder of the Sikh religion to stir the senses, evoke, inspire and resonate with visitors in support of the celebrations that have been on-going to mark this auspicious occasion.

The exhibition features emerging and established artists’ from both the UK and worldwide. The featured artists have drawn from the humanitarian teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and been inspired by the Sikh concept of oneness to artistically create their contemplation’s envisioning the founder of Sikhism.

November 12th 2019 was a significant milestone for the Sikh community to mark five and a half centuries since the birth of the founder of the Sikh faith.

Art Sikh’s touring exhibition features artworks exploring the teachings on humanity as one from the first Sikh Guru incorporation with the British Values, bringing together people from various faith communities and those of no faith in the memory of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

Aimed to celebrate diversity within the local community by providing an educational visual experience on British Sikh heritage and inviting all religions, beliefs and ethnicity groups to participate in celebrating with the Sikh community, Art Sikh a non-profit creative organisation established in 2015, dedicated to help build, support and cultivate art, culture and theology.

The fundamental philosophy of Art Sikh is to support, encourage and mentor up and coming artists from around the world who face barriers in forging a profile as an artist. Dedicated to promoting inter-faith/ belief cohesion between community groups through the medium of creativity, to date Art Sikh have supported over 50 artists, exhibited at number of community and public venues and are building a strong network of creativity. Art Sikh have successfully curated and delivered exhibitions with and for various local council authorities, educational institutes and art galleries.

‘550 Years of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’ is on display until 30th January, 2020.

Running between today (December 3) and December 10, Town Hall Symphony Hall is taking part in The Big Give’s ‘Christmas Challenge’ to double your donations and support the future of music making in Birmingham.

This year, over 100 people joined Town Hall Symphony Hall's free Reggae Choir and sung together for the first time at Town Hall, while over 400 singers from local community choirs took to the stage at Symphony Hall as part of the annual ‘Community Spirit’ showcase. But there’s so much more we could do…

The redevelopment of Symphony Hall's foyers will create dedicated spaces for learning and participation - that means, we'll be able to introduce over 24,000 young people and adults to a world of music every year.

Nicola Starkie, who performed in Community Spirit with Quinton Community Choir, said: “Singing is a vital part of life for so many of our choir members, bringing enjoyment and satisfaction and helping them to switch off from their other responsibilities to achieve a healthy life balance. Some singers have come to choir following a bereavement or while struggling with mental health issues and have found singing to be mood and confidence boosting, and the sense of community within the choir just what they needed.

“Symphony Hall is a wonderful resource for musicians from all over the world and it's brilliant to see it used by community groups from across the West Midlands too. We are really excited to see Symphony Hall's public spaces redeveloped so that there are more suitable spaces for all kinds of local groups to perform and so that community music making can be celebrated and encouraged in Birmingham.”

Richard Whitehouse of Northfield Notes Community Choir said: “Being in the choir means so much to me, I had the pleasure of meeting and singing with some very special people indeed, undivided by race, age or beliefs, and each with a story of their own. We have formed a very special bond through the love of music and song, one that goes beyond friendship, one that allows us to bring a little pleasure and joy to so many, long may we nurture and grow together”.

Janice Paine, choir co-ordinator for Northfield Notes, said: “In 2018 and 2019 we were lucky enough to take part in ‘Community Spirit’ at Symphony Hall. This opportunity empowered the whole choir to want to grow and develop, to improve their singing and musical skills, to share those skills through public performances and hopefully encourage others to do the same”.

Alison Sayer, CEO of Halas Homes, said: “Halas Homes choir members [above] feel empowered, motivated and gain a sense of achievement by being involved in performing as part of Community Spirit. Being a part of Community Spirit has opened doors and provided more opportunities to reach and perform to wider audiences in the region and beyond. The redevelopment of Symphony Hall will provide more open and accessible spaces which will enable access for all”.

Town Hall Symphony Hall has teamed up with multi-platinum selling vocal group The Overtones to highlight the importance of music. With their innate charm and adherence to vintage-modernist style, and a devotion to the timeless appeal of male vocal harmonies, The Overtones are a bridge between pre-rock’n’roll classicism and lively 21st century entertainment. They’ve sold over a million albums, made countless TV appearances and filled Symphony Hall to capacity on tour after tour. X Factor’s Jay James, who recently joined The Overtones, said: “When I got into music it was not about being famous it was about expressing myself, getting up on stage doing what I love to do, connecting with people who are maybe going through the same things and make a living doing it. I don’t think it’s any secret that the boys have had a difficult couple of years. I've personally had a difficult couple of years also, so we all feel like we’ve come together and using music, like people do, to comfort and turn the page onwards and upwards.”

With one donation, you can help us inspire twice as many people. Donations to Town Hall Symphony Hall between today (3)-10 December will be generously matched by the Patrick Trust & our Big Give Champion, the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Your money can inspire twice as many young people and adults with a life-long love of music.

To find out more visit: thsh.co.uk

The iconic statue of Queen Victoria's husband Prince Albert, which stands in Wolverhampton’s Queen Square, and the founder of the city, Lady Wulfruna, outside St Peter's Collegiate Church, are proudly sporting orange sashes in support of the annual 16-day campaign which began on Monday, November 25.

The annual campaign, coordinated by Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum and the City of Wolverhampton Council, supports the United Nations’ Orange the World campaign to end violence against women and girls. says 'no' to domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence, sexual violence and stalking and harassment.

Kathy Cole-Evans, Chief Officer of Wolverhampton Domestic Violence Forum, said: "It's great that we are able to use both of these iconic statues to promote this very important campaign to the people of Wolverhampton.

“There were over 6,500 incidents of domestic violence recorded by police in Wolverhampton last year, with the vast majority of victims female, and this is a major issue that we all need to be aware of.

"But the Orange Wolverhampton campaign is not just about highlighting the problem; we want to ensure that victims do not suffer in silence and are aware of and feel able to get the help and support they need."

Anyone suffering from domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence, sexual violence, stalking or harassment, or knows someone who is, should call the relevant helpline:

• The Haven Wolverhampton 24-hour helpline for women - 08000 194400
• Haven Counselling helpline - 08000 308 345 (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Friday 9am–2pm)
• Haven online Live Chat, www.youmatterhaven.org.uk(Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm)
• St George’s Hub support for male victims - 01902 421904
• Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and forced marriage –  0800 5999 247
• Wolverhampton Adult Social Care - 01902 551199
• Wolverhampton Children's Social Care - 01902 555392
• West Midlands Forced Marriage and Honour-Based Violence Helpline - 0800 953 9777
• National Domestic Violence helpline for women - 0808 2000 247
• National Domestic Violence helpline for men - 0808 8010327
• NSPCC Female Genital Mutilation helpline - 0800 028 3550

Residents, businesses, schools, churches, voluntary groups and other organisations are encouraged to turn the city orange between now and 10 December by holding wear orange days, turning their websites and social media channels orange, sharing campaign messages with friends, customers and colleagues, organising orange coffee mornings, flying orange flags and much more.

Congratulations to all the winners at this years Awards!

Visitors to Birmingham will be able to journey to the centre of the fairy light with ‘Once Upon A Time In Birmingham’, Bompas & Parr’s festive tea parlour and party bar, which is opening in Hammerson’s flagship destination, Bullring & Grand Central on November 14.

The Christmas installation features 88,000 fairy lights, over 9km of illumination, as well as a host of mirrors in a grand, sparkling interior. The merry and bright installation will not only be illuminating, but also delicious, with a menu designed to glow and sparkle.

After venturing down a pulsating electric cable, guests will emerge into a tea parlour and cocktail bar, decked out like the imagined interior of a fairy light. This immersive space will feature:

• LED-eyed portraits of the heroes of electricity: Faraday, Volta, Hertz, Ampère, Ohm, Franklin, Swan and others
• Views of St Martin in the Bullring, a neo-gothic church seen through jewel-like iridescent dichroic film 
• iLOOminated bathrooms – even the toilets will glow 
• Carol-oke and sporadic Christmas games hosted by Mr Sprinkles and Glowstick 

Once Upon a Time in Birmingham will serve drinks that glow, sparkle, and change colour,  allowing guests to experience the tastes and smells of Christmas in the most brilliant way. In a world first, it will also offer crystal clear Christmas puddings that refract light like a prism - a magical twist on a festive staple.

Harry Parr, director of Bompas & Parr said: “We are aiming to turn Once Upon a Time in Birmingham into one of the most festive places on the planet, an ode to the fairy light.

The only thing I’m worried about is all the lights getting in a tangle – with over 9km of strings it’ll be a real challenge to unravel! Come revel with us this winter and lighten your spirits!”

Bullring & Grand Central General Manager, Stephanie Lacey, said: “Once Upon a Time in Birmingham will be a truly immersive experience that is not to be missed. At Bullring & Grand Central, we’ve got a great track record of putting on events that amaze and delight, and this will be no different. Birmingham has never seen anything like this before.”

You can catch ‘Once Upon A Time in Birmingham’ (November 14 to December 23) at the site of former Jamie’s Italian), Middle Mall, with walk-ups possible, but booking is recommended to avoid a party on the kerb.

18 local heroes and their family and friends visited Webbs, Wychbold to officially open the garden centre’s Christmas Ice Rink.

The inspiring individuals, who were nominated by members of the community for their selfless actions throughout the year, were the very first to skate at this year’s rink, which is set to welcome thousands of families from now until when it closes on Monday 7th January.

Ed Webb, owner of Webbs Garden Centres, said: “It was a great night and was our pleasure to give a fantastic experience back to the people that are always giving so much to others out in the community areas around the store. We had local heroes of all ages in attendance, with some as young as 8!”

“Now we look forward to December, where the real ice rink will be spreading Christmas joy throughout the Midlands.”

A police ban on Extinction Rebellion protests in London last month was unlawful, following a High Court ruling.

The Metropolitan Police imposed the ban, which prevented two or more people from the group taking part in protests, under the Public Order Act.

The judges ruled that police had no power to do this because the law did not cover "separate assemblies".

Lord Justice Dingemans said: "Separate gatherings, separated both in time and by many miles, even if co-ordinated under the umbrella of one body, are not a public assembly within the meaning of... the Act.

"The Extinction Rebellion autumn uprising intended to be held from October 14 to 19 was not therefore a public assembly.

The decision to impose the condition was unlawful because there was no power to impose it under the Act."

The judges noted that there are powers within that act which may be used lawfully to "control future protests which are deliberately designed to 'take police resources to breaking point"'.

Following the ruling, activists say the police could now face claims for false imprisonment from "potentially hundreds" of protesters.

During a series of climate change protests last month, activists shut down areas around Parliament and the Bank of England, and targeted London City Airport.

Police had previously warned protesters to keep demonstrations in Trafalgar Square, or risk arrest - before issuing a city-wide ban under Section 14 of the Public Order Act. It was issued on the same day as a message posted online by London activists.

The ban was lifted four days later, with officers from the Met saying that it was no longer necessary because demonstrations had ended.

The protests, which led to 1,828 arrests, was said to have cost £24m to police.

165 people were charged with offences, the Met says.

The Met’s Assistant Commissioner, Nick Ephgrave, said the decision to impose the ban had been "reasonable and proportionate" and "was not taken lightly.

He said: “I would not and cannot ban protests.

“That the ruling was made specifically on whether officers could arrest demonstrators for assembling in central London.

"There is no criticism from me of the decision to impose the condition, which was made with good intent and based upon the circumstances confronting the command team at the time.

"It did in fact result in the reduction of the disruption. Nevertheless, this case highlights that policing demonstrations like these, within the existing legal framework, can be challenging."

Having argued that the ban was the only way to tackle widespread disruption, London’s Metropolitan Police said it would "carefully consider" the ruling.

Describing itself as an international "non-violent civil disobedience activist movement", XR wants governments to declare a "climate and ecological emergency" and take immediate action to address climate change.

Due to high demand, more tables and tickets have been released for the Black Country Chamber Awards, due to take place at Wolverhampton Racecourse.

This year’s event is proving particularly popular and the handful of tables which have just been released, are likely to sell out quickly.

The eagerly anticipated Awards will take place on Friday 15 November. The event is headline sponsored by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre and will celebrate Black Country Business and showcase the Black Country’s strong business community.

The event will be hosted by comedian and celebrity impressionist Aaron James, who is starring in Wolverhampton Grand Theatre’s Christmas pantomime, Dick Whittington. After the success of last year’s Awards, and the increase of local business talent, the awards promise to be the business event of the year.

Ticket prices vary depending on the location of the table, but range from £105+VAT - £80+VAT per. The table locations are shown on the website where tickets are also available to purchase. They are on a first come first served basis.

Corin Crane, chief executive of the Black Country Chamber of Commerce said, “It is wonderful to see so many people supporting the Awards and wanting to be part of this event. Not only will those attending have the opportunity to see all the fantastic businesses the Black Country has, but it also gives people the chance to meet like-minded individuals and gain inspiration.

“I am very excited to see the outcome, we have many high-calibre businesses competing against each other, I don’t envy the judges having to choose between them! We are happy to be celebrating the Black Country and the people working here.”

The awards will feature a night of entertainment, three-course meal and an opportunity to network with other business professionals. In addition to the 13 award categories, an overall ‘Business of the Year’, sponsored by DY5, Dudley’s Business & Innovation Enterprise Zone, will also be selected and announced on the night.

A new multi-disciplinary team is being launched to help prevent at-risk young people in Wolverhampton from having to come into care.

Power2 will work with young people with different levels of need and support, helping them to exert more positive control over their lives and to live safely as they progress towards adulthood.

It will focus on 11 to 16-year-olds where there are concerns around exploitation, instability in the home environment or who demonstrate high risk-taking behaviours.

The launch of Power2 follows the success of a pilot project which enabled two social workers to work exclusively with young people aged 13 to 16 who were subject to Child in Need or Child Protection plans. The social workers helped 28 of the 31 teenagers they worked with – all at risk of a range of issues from drugs and alcohol to gangs and child sexual exploitation – remain with their families.

Overall, there was a significant reduction in the number of young people coming into care during the course of the pilot, which concluded that by dedicating all of their time in this way, social workers were able to build effective relationships with the young people and their families, and with other agencies such as the police.

The pilot also identified a number of areas for further development, and these have been incorporated into the design of Power2. The team will work with young people at risk of gang exploitation or child sexual exploitation, substance misuse or criminal or antisocial behaviour, those who have been excluded from school or violent towards other people in the home, or those who have been subject to missing episodes.

Councillor John Reynolds, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We are committed to doing all we can to ensure that children are able to grow up safely and happily with their families, and keep to a minimum the number of children who ultimately have to be taken into care.

"The Power2 team will have a very important role in supporting some of our most vulnerable young people, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have.”

The team will be part of Children Service’s Specialist Support Service and will consist of social workers, an educational psychologist, a speech and language therapist, counselling psychologist and five keyworkers from Barnardo’s, Gazebo Theatre and St Giles Trust.

With November 5th on the horizon, people across the UK will start planning where they will be celebrating this year’s bonfire night.  For most, the booms, bangs and colourful fireworks are a pure delight however, for many pets they can be terrifying.

Simon Bandy, Managing Director at Health Plus, offers his tips on keeping pets safe and relaxed this Guy Fawkes night:

Cats

• If you can, keep your cat in as night starts to fall.  Frightened cats outside won’t have their usual wits about them.  If they are in the house they can find a place they feel safe to curl up
• Keep windows and curtains closed to prevent them escaping, and to keep light leaks from the explosions to a minimum
• Where possible stay at home with your feline friend.  Your presence and hands on stroking will help calm them

Dogs

• Plan to walk your dog while it’s still light.  Getting them out for exercise before nightfall reduces the risk of fireworks being set off while you are on your walk
• When at home in the evening, turn the television or radio on a little louder than you would normally have it.  This way the heightened noise can act as a screen for the outside bangs
• Build a den as a safe area for them to retreat to.  If they usually have a crate in the house, drape a large blanket over it to create an extra layer of safety

Simon commented, “If you know your pet suffers from anxiety there are many things you can start planning and putting into place for when firework season begins.  If you haven’t done so already it is a good idea to get your pet microchipped, or if they already are, check your contact details are up to date.  Another thing you could try is Pet Vit’s range of calming formulas, for cats and small and large dogs, which soothe emotions during periods of high anxiety or fear.”

Next month will mark the launch of Art.quarter, a new concept for Birmingham’s arty, hip Digbeth area.

A pioneering new halal complex that promises to reflect and celebrate the culturally diverse nature of our city, Art.quarter is the perfect blank canvas for a completely new scene.

Founded by Jordan Patel, a Birmingham-based Muslim revert with Indian heritage, Art.quarter has been over a year in the making, and will provide employment and development opportunities in the local area, as well as injecting new life into the Digbeth scene.

The complex is set over 20,000 square feet and three floors, and will be an explosion of culture and creativity, with talent from around the city contributing to create a space that caters for every aspect of modern life. Launching in late November with a food court, gallery and boutique barbershop, Art.quarter will quickly develop to include a ladies-only hair salon, patisserie, kids’ dessert parlour, fitness studio, multimedia centre, retail and more. With the full complex planned for completion by March 2020, Art.quarter promises to quickly become the beating heart of the city.

Jordan’s vision for the complex is simple but ambitious - he wants to create unity through common interests, and create an environment for everyone to thrive, no matter their beliefs or heritage.

“The idea for Art.quarter comes from a deep understanding of the divisions in our city, and our society, and a desire to help to heal those wounds though creativity,

“I want to create a space for people to share experiences and begin to understand one another,

“Muslim, Indian and British values all coexist peacefully inside me; I want Art.quarter to show that they can coexist peacefully in society, too.”

In line with the collaborative nature of the project, the Art.quarter team are looking for local creatives to put their stamp on the space and staff of all levels. They also welcome enquiries from parties who are interested in business partnership opportunities.

Members of the public were invited to the funeral of RAF Veteran Oswald Dixon who died with no known family.

Broughton House Veterans Home in Salford, where Dixon lived, put out a plea for people to attend the funeral of the 100 year old Veteran.

In a hearse decorated with 100 poppies, Mr Dixon's coffin was taken to Agecroft Crematorium where despite the rain, hundreds had turned out to honour him.

Broughton House had posted to Facebook saying “It is with regret that Oswald has no family members in the UK and his funeral will take place at Agecroft Crematorium on Wednesday 9th of October at 2.20pm.

“At his 100th birthday celebration Oswald stated that he ‘always tried to live life as it should be lived, by doing things for other people’ His warm character will be missed by everyone involved at Broughton House.”

Serving members of 34 Squadron RAF Regiment and RAF Cadets formed a guard of honour, as representatives from the Ministry of Defence, Salford Council, Residents and Staff from Broughton House and the Ceremonial Mayor of Salford Council Charlie McIntyre were also in attendance.

Jamaica Honorary Consul, Wade Lyn CBE read a tribute on behalf of His Excellency Seth George Ramocan, Jamaica High Commissioner.

Donald Campbell, a retired RAF Veteran himself and one of the driving forces behind the National Caribbean Monument Charity, said "It was an excellent farewell to Mr Oswald Dixon, people came from far and wide, local, national & international to pay their respects. RIP Sir. Lest We Forget."

The new chair of The Lunar Society has pledged to foster high social impact and inter-generational discussion, engage more with young people, hold constructive debate, grow the Society’s membership and build a global reach - whilst ensuring that the heritage of the Society is promoted and preserved.

Deirdre LaBassiere, Governance and Assurance Manager at Housing21 was elected as Chair of The Lunar Society following the Annual General Meeting, when there was a tie in the voting for Chair between two candidates, Peter Borg-Bartolo and Deirdre LaBassiere.

It was agreed at the meeting that, following the AGM, a meeting of the new Executive Committee would be held to determine how the election process should be pursued. Dr Borg-Bartolo withdrew his nomination as Chair and has been appointed as Vice-Chair.

The Lunar Society’s new Executive Committee comprises:

Frances Anderson and John Rainford have become co-opted members.

Deirdre LaBassiere, who was elected Hon. Secretary in 2017, paid tribute to the work of the outgoing Chair, Vice-Chair and Executive Committee members, saying: “It is a huge privilege to be appointed as Chair of this remarkable and well-respected Society and my intention is to continue the extraordinarily good work of my predecessor, the Rt. Hon. Jacqui Smith, and the Society’s former Vice-Chair, Sir Michael Lyons. I am delighted that both are remaining on the executive. This both ensures continuity and retains their valued counsel and wisdom.

“Peter and I and the rest of the committee are intent on working together to maximise our influence in Birmingham and further afield and serve the needs and interests of our members and many supporters.”

Peter Borg-Bartolo, who has served as an Executive Committee member since 2017, said: “I am looking forward to working with Deirdre and the rest of the Executive Committee. I am grateful to the members for their support and am also pleased that we have resolved what was a close-run election! Our commitment is to the long-term future of the Society, serving our members and upholding our goals of stimulating ideas, broadening debate and catalysing action.”

The committee also includes Olwen Brown who has been appointed Hon. Secretary succeeding Deirdre, and Mark Purcell, who succeeds Nigel Webb as Hon. Treasurer. Also joining the committee is Clive Stone.

Deirdre thanked Frances Anderson and Olwen Brown for their advice on constitutional issues arising from the tied vote.

According to a statement from Clarence House, Prince Charles will be attending the Canonization of Cardinal John Henry Newman at the Vatican on Sunday, October. 13.

He will be attending a reception at the Pontifical Urban College following the Mass. Newman studied at the college while preparing to become a Catholic priest.

Cardinal Newman was a leading proponent of the Oxford Movement in the Anglican church, which advocated reintroducing older practices into worship. He eventually converted to Catholicism in 1845, becoming a priest soon thereafter. He was created a cardinal by Leo XIII in 1879. He died in 1890. Newman was beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in Birmingham during the pope’s 2010 visit to the United Kingdom.

A patron of Newman University, which he founded, in Birmingham, he will be the first English saint since the Forty Martyrs were canonized in 1970, and the first British saint since Scottish St. John Ogilvie in 1976.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster and president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, said he was “delighted” about the announcement.

“Cardinal Newman’s exploration of faith, depth of personal courage, intellectual clarity and cultural sensitivity make him a deeply admired follower of Christ. His ministry, especially among the poor, is a permanent sign of the Church’s pastoral compassion and a challenge to us all today,” the cardinal said.

Nichols concluded: “As one who has been a lifelong champion of the spiritual in everyday life, to promote understanding between faiths, and who has sought to alleviate poverty and disadvantage through his charitable work, The Prince of Wales is particularly qualified to mark the canonization, which will be such a significant and joyful moment for this country.”

The Vatican is preparing to receive a delegation of thirteen MPs and peers from the All-Party Parliamentary Group on the Holy See for events surrounding the canonisation of Cardinal John Henry Newman.

The Archbishop of Canterbury is sending the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, Bishop of Portsmouth, as his representative, while Newman’s old university of Oxford will be represented by Neil Mendoza, the Provost of Oriel College where Newman was a Fellow, and Dame Hilary Boulding, the President of Trinity College where Newman studied as an undergraduate.

Birmingham, where the soon-to-be saint founded the first English Oratory, will be represented by the Lord Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Azim.

Despite more than 15,000 objections, Birmingham City Council seem set to go ahead with plans to tear down a major flyover close to the site of the 2022 Commonwealth Games’ athletes village.

The £27.1 million project to remove the flyover on the A34 - takes motorists from Walsall and Great Barr into Birmingham city centre - in Perry Barr, in the city, in favour of putting all traffic onto a dual carriageway at ground level, will be voted on by the Council’s cabinet members in the next few days.

With no alternative yet to be found, Councillor Waseem Zaffar MBE, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, has admitted the scheme is now likely to go ahead.

This follows months of controversy after a 15,273-signature petition was handed in to the Council opposing the removal of the flyover.

Cllr Zaffar said that no suitable alternative proposals had been suggested to the council and, as such, they would be going ahead with plans to remove the flyover.

He said: “With the changes that are coming, with 5,000 new homes being built, half a billion pounds being invested into Perry Barr, it’s going to see major changes.

“One of the biggest changes it will see is the Aldridge old connection from the A453 onto the A34 dual carriageway is being taken away because of the new homes that are being built on that particular site.

“And in line with that closure, also connecting people across Perry Barr with the One Stop shopping centre.

“It’s clearly not feasible to do this, and there isn’t the amount of space to do this, without removing the flyover and capping the Birchfield island.

“We have considered a range of other proposals but, in order to keep people moving efficiently through Perry Barr, in particular on public transport and having that cycling offer that we will have, we will not be able to offer all these real alternatives for sustainable forms of transport through the north of the city without removing this flyover.

“We are very confident that we will achieve this with minimal disruption, we will achieve this within the time allocated that we need to achieve it for the big event in 2022, and we will achieve it to benefit the residents in the short, medium and long term.”