Community News

Youngsters are on the career ladder thanks to an imaginative initiative between Haringey Council and a range of companies and charities. Called the Tottenham Charter it aims to ensure Tottenham residents get the most from the regeneration in the area in terms of jobs, health, education and training.

The organisation signs up to the charter and pledges, in their own way, to improve the quality of life for residents in the area.

One of these is leading engineering and construction company VolkerFitzpatrick, currently working to improve Northumberland Park’s railway station. Thanks to the charter, VolkerFitzpatrick’s Anglia Rail Skills Academy was brought together with Haringey Play Association which runs a popular adventure playground in north Tottenham. A ‘pre-apprenticeship programme’ was launched which saw a group of 16-19-year-olds build a new sandpit and water play area in the playground, aided by VolkerFitzpatrick staff who also organised a site tour and a construction workshop.

Indeed, the programme has been so successful that one of the group, 16-year-old Asha Clarke, has recently secured a job at the company as a trainee engineer.

“I did the pre-apprenticeship programme and then came on a week’s work experience at VolkerFitzpatrick,” he said. “I think they liked my attitude and how I performed but I was shocked when I was phoned to be told the good news. I couldn’t stop smiling for the whole day!”

Asha admits his life could have turned out very differently. He had fallen in with a particular crowd at school and found himself on a final warning.

“Six months ago I never would have dreamt I would have a full-time job in engineering. But this is my time to shine.”

Asha’s ‘mentor’ at the adventure playground in Somerford Grove was Tam Carrigan who encouraged Asha to apply for the programme.

“I’m so proud of him,” said Tam, beaming. “He still comes in to see us every week and tells the younger kids to think about their future and he is also a constant encouragement for his peers, just by the example he has set, which is wonderful. The charter is a great idea and it gives big companies like VolkerFitzpatrick the opportunity to give something back to the community.”

Children will be getting breakfast with their books during half term "Cereal Readers" sessions at several local libraries as the popular scheme returns to Sandwell for the half-term holidays.

Cereal Readers is a library initiative in which children and their parents are invited to share a bowl of cereal and a glass of fruit juice as they take part in book related activities at the library during school holidays.

All the refreshments have been provided by local supermarkets and other community groups and all the sessions are run by library volunteers and it has proven popular with local families.

Councillor Syeda Khatun, deputy leader, said: "This is a brilliant idea for young people who love books and like to get along to their local library."

Cereal Readers sessions are taking place from 19 to 23 February at the following libraries.

Blackheath Library – Monday – Friday 9.30am-11am

Glebefields Library  Monday – Friday 9.30-10.30am

Rounds Green Library - Monday, Wednesday and Friday 11-11.30am

Stone Cross Library -  Monday, Tuesday and Friday 9.30-10.30am

The National Wedding Show returns the NEC Birmingham again highlighting the biggest name in wedding events offering every bride and groom much needed inspiration, advice and planning tips for their big day, all in one place.

Show-stopping favourites will run alongside brand new features over three days, during which guests will have the chance to imagine the reality of their own wedding day providing over 300 of the best experts, planners and brands the world of weddings has to offer, including David’s Bridal, Confetti.co.uk, Debenhams, Oasis, Ben Sherman, Your Singing Waiters, Exclusive Yacht Weddings and Warwick Castle alongside many more.

Brand new for 2018 is the Money Matters Theatre, the must visit feature for all couples seeking budgeting and financial advice ahead of their big day. The theatre welcomes a host of expert speakers who’ll advise on everything from “Spend V’s Save” and “How best to create a reliable wedding budget.”

Must visit show-stopping features include: ‘The Catwalk’ where you can take a seat at the FROW where the season’s newest wedding dress designs are showcased alongside beautiful bridal hair, accessories and make-up, as well as the latest looks for the whole of the wedding party, including suits and bridesmaid dresses.

Following sell out sessions in the Autumn, ‘The Inspiration Lab’ offers brides, grooms, family and friends the chance to be inspired ahead of their big day.  The workshops, ranging from calligraphy to creating flower crowns, help guests tap into their own creativity and flair, encouraging them to take away armfuls of tips in how to create something personal, unique and beautiful for their special day.

An extraordinary panel of planning experts, from artisan cake companies to photographers, will be on hand at the ‘Hitched.co.uk Wedding Planning Platform’ to answer any queries and relieve any wedding worries.  They’ll be ready to answer any questions!

Weddings and honeymoons are held around the world. ‘TUI Wedding Travel Lounge’ will be hosting the Wedding Travel Lounge and providing the ultimate in destination wedding and honeymoon services at the show, including advice on creating a celebration that is unique and bespoke, as well as the ability to book the perfect weddings and honeymoons there and then.

Visitors will be invited to take a time-out and toast each other, or a loved one, when they reach the heart of the show, at ‘The Champagne Bar.’

With so much to enjoy, the ‘VIP Experience’ is also a must for visitors this Spring.  No queues for the VIP’s as they swan past the crowds at the door and make their way straight to the private lounge, collecting their goody bag on the way.  They’re also the envy of the bunch as they get seated in the VIP section for The Catwalk!

The National Wedding Show NEC Birmingham (Between February 23 and 25) will provide everything a couple needs to plan their dream wedding in one exciting event.

All National Wedding Show ticket holders will receive complimentary access to visit ‘The Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Show’ which is also new for 2018, and an essential event for all couples planning a wedding or honeymoon abroad, hosted in association with BookYourWeddingDay.com.

A major campaign designed to help businesses address the region’s alarming productivity gap is being launched by Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC).

Growth Through People – which gets underway on Monday 26 February - is a month-long campaign of seminars, workshops and leadership content which aims to inspire businesses to develop skills within their organisation and manage employees more effectively.

GVA per head in West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) area is £19,423 – nearly £3,500 lower than the national average.

At a national level, the UK’s productivity is 30 per cent lower than the USA and 35 per cent lower than Germany.

And new figures from the GBCC’s Quarterly Business Report for the fourth quarter of 2017 show that just 31 per cent of organisations in the region offer employees formal training opportunities in leadership and/or management skills and techniques.

Henrietta Brealey, director of policy and strategic relationships at GBCC, said: “We are excited to be launching this campaign for the second year running.

“People are often a business’s biggest cost – and asset. These latest statistics show that many organisations in Greater Birmingham are not training their employees in leadership and people management, a key component of productivity which feeds into low productivity figures for the region.

“We hope that by offering these free sessions, professionals in the region will take up the opportunity to develop these crucial skills and that, long term, businesses might be encouraged to reconsider investing in them.

“The Chamber is striving to create a real, lasting change to the productivity gap in the region, and as always, to ensure our members are equipped with the best skills to thrive and grow.”

GBCC will deliver 20 events over four weeks in partnership with more than 40 organisations across the region.

Events will range from intimate, interactive workshops to larger, high-profile panel discussions.

All Growth Through People events are free to attend for Chamber members and non-member businesses.

Events include a session on the importance of Developing More Female Leaders on International Women’s Day (Thursday 8 March), National Apprenticeship Week events and a ‘Get On Board’ event which will provide an overview of the Asian Business Chamber of Commerce’s new pledge to encourage greater diversity at board level.

The West Midlands Combined Authority is the official partner for the first week of the campaign, focusing on Growth Through Responsible Leadership.

Aston University are sponsoring Growth Through Attracting & Retaining Talent week.

Sponsorship is available for the third week of the campaign - Growth Through Workplace Environment week.

Curium solutions are sponsoring Growth Through Unlocking Potential week.

Wishing all of our readers, advertisers and friends a Happy Valentines Day! Treat your loved one to something special, and if you don't have a special someone, treat yourself!

Roses are red Violets are blue I know it's hard But you'll make it through With your hear up high And your friends at your side Ready to hold you Just in case you cry You have so much left So much to do That alone's a motive For you to fight through And the roses are still red The Violets still blue They'll be here for a while And so should you.

A pair of Gentoo penguins at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham have been treated to a private Valentine’s Day serenade by a violinist from Birmingham City University’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire.

Parents to the aquarium’s baby penguin chicks born last year, Arabel and Pablo have been working hard to raise their young, but like many new parents, they can sometimes struggle to find time for romance amidst the demands of parenthood.

As the attraction now begins to prepare for breeding season, animal care experts at the National Sea Life Centre, with the help of nearby friends at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, have rewarded Arabel and Pablo with a well-earned extra special date experience for Valentine’s Day. However, the rest of the colony soon followed behind to see what all the fuss was about.

“Every parent knows it’s hard to get time alone once a little one comes along,” said Jonny Rudd, Curator at the National Sea Life Centre.

“With Valentine’s Day being so close to the start of breeding season it was the perfect opportunity to treat our dedicated penguin parents, in the hope we can encourage another successful period of breeding.”

Last year, two of the aquarium’s resident penguins Arabel and Pablo became parents to two chicks, nicknamed Hulk and Dumpling due to their sizes. The rare pair are the first to hatch at the centre as part of a global breeding programme after Gentoo penguin numbers declined rapidly. Their parents crossed continents to conceive, coming all the way to Birmingham from as far as New Zealand, Canada and Denmark.

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire student and violinist Markéta Nádvorníková said: “Students at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire get to play in some of the world’s greatest venues, but this is certainly the most unique place I’ve performed in!

“I am delighted to have played my part in creating such a special Valentine’s Day for the National Sea Life Centre’s infamous penguins and hope that my performance has helped reignite a spark ahead of breeding season.”

Originally from Police nad Metují in the Czech Republic, Markéta is currently in her final year of study on the Birmingham music and acting college’s BMus Music undergraduate course.

Visitors can meet the Gentoo penguin family for themselves at the Penguin Ice Adventure exhibit at the National Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.

Have you got the most marvellous moggy in the UK? The search is on to find the country’s top cat and owners have just a few weeks left to enter the National Cat Awards 2018.

Run by Cats Protection, the competition is open to all living cats in the UK and celebrates the difference cats make to owners' lives by highlighting heart-warming stories of devotion, companionship and courage.

Cats need to be nominated before the closing date of Friday 9 March in one of the following categories:

Hero Cat – Cats that save the day Most Caring Cat – Cats that positively impact a person’s health or wellbeing Furr-ever Friends – Tales of friendship between children and cats Outstanding Rescue Cat – Fabulous felines adopted from animal charities Purina® Better Together – Celebrating the special bond that has transformed and enriched the lives of both a feline and human

Category winners will then be in with a chance of inheriting the title National Cat of the Year from last year’s winner Genie, a black-and-white cat from Lincoln who was honoured for the incredible support and inspiration she gave to 12-year-old Evie Henderson, who was battling bone cancer.

Evie, who is now on the road to recovery, said: “I missed her every day I was in hospital and my family could tell she missed me. She’s my best friend and is always there when I need her. I was so happy to win our category but to win the overall title as well was really amazing, incredible.”

A panel of celebrity cat-lovers has the hard job of selecting the category winners as well as honouring this year’s National Cat of the Year. The awards are sponsored by PURINA® and winners will be presented with prizes at a glamorous ceremony at the Savoy Hotel in London on Thursday 2 August 2018.

Twycross Zoo is inviting loved-up couples to experience a Valentine’s Day with a difference.

From first dates to anniversaries, and even proposals, couples can take a stroll in the award-winning zoo and get up close and personal during a feeding experience with some of the popular residents - a far cry from a night of Netflix and Chill!

After feeding penguins or meerkats, lovebirds can feed themselves in Himalaya whilst being mesmerised by the beautiful family of snow leopards.

And for a memory to cherish forever, Twycross Zoo also offers the unique Snow Leopard Experience, a truly magical 30-minute encounter with these fascinating creatures that includes feeding and meeting the keeper, followed by a delicious three-course Champagne Lunch.

The Snow Leopard Experience costs £300 for two adults* and as Twycross Zoo relies upon the generosity of its visitors to support its conservation work, you’ll be helping to save animals from extinction as well as having a wonderfully wild and romantic time.

Speaking of wildly romantic experiences, Twycross Zoo also offers couples a wedding venue like no other, with a recent report showing that a quarter of those looking to get married now seek more exotic venues!

While love is in the air for more than half of Brits this Valentine’s Day (53 percent), a new study by price comparison site finder.com shows that some are postponing romance until after February 14.

In fact, almost one in five Brits (19 percent) are planning to celebrate Valentine’s Day after the 14th February to get better value. The younger you are, the more likely you celebrate a belated Valentine’s Day to save some money, with over a quarter of millennials (25.6 percent) admitting to this, followed by 22 percent of Gen X and just 11.5 percent of baby boomers. Higher income couples are most likely to delay and save

Interestingly, the more you earn, the more likely you’ll celebrate Valentine’s Day late to save money. 17.2 percent of those earning between £0-£35,000 celebrate late, compared to 22.2 percent of those earning over £35,001, on average. Londoners are the thriftiest on the most romantic day of the year, with 23.1 percent admitting to celebrating late, followed by the East Midlands (22.5 percent) and those in the South West (20 percent). In contrast, those residing in Wales are more likely to stick to tradition, as only 13 percent claim to profess their love late in order to stretch their pound further, followed by those in Northern Ireland (14.3 percent) and in the North West (16.5 percent). Puppy love

Valentine’s Day isn’t only for couples as over one in twenty Brits will be treating their pets this year (7.5 percent). Dogs are favoured over cats for a Valentine’s gift as 4.5 percent of dog lovers will be spoiling their pooches while 3 percent will dote on their cat. Other interesting stats include:

• Almost half (46.8 percent) of those who celebrate Valentine’s Day admit to receiving a gift they didn’t like – that’s an estimated 9.7 million Brits
• Of those who receive gifts on Valentine’s, men are more likely to not like them (52.6 percent) than women (41.4 percent)
• Of those who receive gifts, millennials are most likely to not like their Valentine’s Day present (52.5 percent) compared with a close 52.3 percent of Gen Xers and 34.4 percent of baby boomers
• 53 percent of Brits plan to spend money on their loved ones for February 14 – an estimated 22 million Brits
• Those in Yorkshire and the Hunter are the loneliest, with 37.3 percent planning on not celebrating Valentine’s Day this year. This is followed by the West Midlands (35.5 percent) and East Midlands (33.3 percent). On the other hand, Londoner’s are the most likely to be celebrating Valentine’s Day this year (73.5 percent), followed by Northern Ireland (73.2 percent)
• Most people are planning to treat their wife or husband this Valentine’s Day (59.6 percent), followed by their boyfriend or girlfriend (28.2 percent) and interestingly their children (4.7 percent).
• 3.78 percent will be buying a gift for their secret admirer, while 2.1 percent will be buying themselves a Valentine’s Day gift.

Spring has sprung early at Twycross Zoo with the arrival of three new babies, meaning there has never been a better time to visit Leicestershire’s award-winning conservation charity.

The Zoo’s internationally renowned Endangered Species Breeding Programme is off to a great start for 2018, with three different species born during January and February. Babies such as Pogo Junior, the baby Dik Dik, and two adorable little monkeys are the new arrivals set to delight visitors of all ages.

Home to over 500 animals of 150 different species from all around the world, it’s the only place in the UK where you can see all four great apes – chimpanzees, orang utans, gorillas and bonobos.

From 10^th to 25^th February, the Zoo will host its popular Keeper Talks, where visitors are invited to meet the Twycross conservation experts and learn all about the animals in their care. The jam-packed calendar of daily talks will cover all sorts of species, great and small, and include everything from elephants, to lemars and Spider monkeys.

Open from 10am to 5pm, 364 days a year, whatever the weather, there is something for everyone at Twycross Zoo. Visitors to the impressive 80-acre site can get up close and learn all about the animals in their indoor and outdoor enclosures including the state of the art Gibbon Forest, Giraffe Savanna, and Elephant Creek. There is so much to see on a family day out, walk the Wetlands area, marvel at the winged wonders of the Butterfly Farm, meet the meerkats, pop and see the penguins, say hi to the cheetahs and let your little ones go wild on the outdoor adventure play areas.

Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity is inviting its big hearted supporters to join them on their second annual London to Paris bike ride. Taking place on 5-9 September, this epic challenge will see supporters of all abilities cycle 300 miles over four consecutive days, to help raise vital funds for the sick kids and their families cared for at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.

James Lunney, Events Fundraiser at Birmingham Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “I took part in last year’s London to Paris bike ride and it was an incredible experience which I will never forget. We had team members who hadn’t cycled for over 20 years and all abilities of fitness. We were all cycling for kids and their families at this amazing hospital and that’s what keeps you going through the tough periods. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the team when we reached the Eiffel Tower.

“Not only is it amazing experience for all involved, but it also raises vital funds to help provide the best possible facilities and environment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital, for our exceptional patients and young people.”

The Fundraising Team is inviting you to join them at one of their Presentation Evenings to find out more about this life-changing challenge; meeting at the Fundraising Hub based in the main entrance to Birmingham Children’s Hospital on Wednesday 14 February at 6pm. Come along and hear from past cyclists, meet some of your potential team and get a detailed look into the training, fundraising and magic of the London to Paris bike ride.

The month of love is upon us and with Valentine’s Day looming it’s time to celebrate our one true love. But this year Lintbells, manufacturer of premium natural pet supplements, are calling for dog owners to appreciate the love and companionship man’s best friend gives them every day.

Here are five reasons why a dog is all you need this Valentine’s Day.

They will always be happy to see you

There’s nothing better than getting home after a long day and being greeted by your dog who couldn’t be happier to see you, with their wet nose and wagging tail. When you walk through the door your dog won’t be waiting for you with a list of jobs, or to moan about their day. Your canine companions will always be happy to see you, whether they bound over to you, jump up, bark or even give you a kiss, it can sometimes be just the lift you need after a bad day.

They are always loyal

Dogs aren’t known as ‘man’s best friend’ for no reason; it is in their nature to be truly loyal to their owners. There is no worry about your pet pooch leaving your side! And due to their empathic communication skills they have an understanding like no other animal. They can sense your emotions and can tell when you are feeling sad or worried and will be right by your side to comfort you.

Dogs will always make you laugh

For many of us a GSOH (good sense of humour) is incredibly important when it comes to potential romantic partners, but our four legged friends can also provide us with lots of laughs. Whether they’re chasing their tail, barking at dogs on the TV, or finding amusement from an old tennis ball, you can always rely on your dog to make you laugh. Their unpredictable, sometimes goofy antics and even human like behaviour and expressions will always guarantee to put a smile on your face.

They’re the perfect travel buddy

We know they are loyal and can always make us smile when we need it, so why not turn your furry best friend into your travel partner as well. With the right preparation and research a getaway with your pooch can be easier than ever – and you know they will always be free! No more waiting to getaway while your partner struggles to book time off work. With your dog you can enjoy long walks on the beach, explore beautiful outdoor landscapes or even pay a visit to the nearest dog friendly pub. They can make the perfect travel companion, plus they won’t argue with you when you need to ask for directions.

They are good for your health and wellbeing

Last, but by no means least, our canine companions can be hugely beneficial to our health and wellbeing. Owning a dog is linked to lowering blood pressure, they can also help to reduce stress levels and spending time with a furry friend can help to lower anxiety, not always the case with your human mates. A survey carried about by Lintbells, of 1000 dog owners; found that 86 per cent of people believed having a dog can help to bring down stress levels. As well as this, with all the regular exercise dogs need, they can help to keep you fit and active and even help with weight loss.

This year marks 100 years since Parliament passed a law allowing the first women and all men in the UK to vote.

To celebrate this milestone the City of Wolverhampton Archives and Wolverhampton Art Gallery are hosting two exhibitions and a talk to explore how the change in legislation transformed the lives of women and how the women of Wolverhampton played a significant part in the fight for women’s right to vote.

Running until Saturday, March 24, Votes for Women, is on at the City Archives, Molineux Hotel Building, Whitmore Hill, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SF.

It looks at the contribution of women from Wolverhampton in the fight to gain the vote.

The exhibition is free and showcases historical documentation, and imagery of the women involved in this triumph.

Visitors can see Votes for Women during the City Archives’ opening times on Wednesdays (1pm - 7pm), Thursdays and Fridays (10am - 4pm) and Saturdays (10am - 1pm).

At Wolverhampton Art Gallery, on Thursday, March 8, emerging academic and art historian Hannah Squire will give an illustrated International Women’s Day Talk about the forthcoming exhibition Women of Wolverhampton and The Fight for Women’s Equality, celebrating the city’s Suffrage campaigners, factory workers, women artists and activists, and their part in the national movement for gender equality.

The talk will take place from 11am to noon, and costs £2 per person.

Women of Wolverhampton and The Fight for Women’s Equality opens at the Lichfield Street gallery on Saturday, May 26, and admission to the exhibition is free.

Councillor John Reynolds, Cabinet Member for City Economy, said: “I am delighted the city archives and gallery are highlighting the huge part the people of Wolverhampton played in securing the right to vote for women.

“I would urge everyone to go along to these fabulous exhibitions. Not only is it a chance to learn more about this critical moment in history, it is an opportunity to pay tribute to the determination and strength of those involved in the fight.”

Birmingham St Mary’s ‘Let’s Danceathon’ is back – and it’s asking people to bust their best moves in support of their local Hospice.

Taking place on Saturday 3 March in Kings Heath, the event will allow dance enthusiasts to strut their stuff for six continuous hours to help raise vital funds for the charity.

From BollyTone to Clubbercise, SwingTrain to Freestyle, participants will have the chance to groove their way through six different styles of dance, with experts on hand to lead the way.

Lucy Watkins, events manager at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Let’s Danceathon is a really lively and energetic event in which participants of all abilities are welcome – whether you’re a complete beginner or a dancing queen. We’ve got a great mix of different dances to suit everyone, so it’s a fun way to get active, experiment with new styles and find a dance you love.”

This is the second Let’s Danceathon that Birmingham St Mary’s has hosted, with last year’s event quickly selling out to 200 participants. It raised over £23,000 for the Hospice, which provides vital care and support to local families living with terminal illness.

Lucy added: “It costs £8million to run our crucial services every year, so we truly rely on the generous support of local people to ensure we can continue to provide the best hospice care to individuals, their families, loved ones and carers, wherever and whenever they need it.”

Every day, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice supports 350 individuals across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Let’s Danceathon takes place from 3.30pm to 11pm at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Boys. Early bird tickets start from £10 and can be booked at www.birminghamhospice.org.uk/lets-danceathon

Macao will soon be filled with the colourful sights and sounds of Chinese New Year as it welcomes the 'Year of the Dog'. From 16 February, Macao's bustling city streets will be transformed with sparkling lanterns and decorations, ready for the week-long festive period, the most important and colourful festival in Macao's events calendar. Excited crowds will be wowed with show-stopping parades, cultural performances and breathtaking firework displays.

The festive programme begins with the Golden Dragon and Lion Parade on 16 February, when a 238-metre golden dragon and 18 lions will lead a parade from the iconic Ruins of St Paul's past some of Macao's most famous sites, finishing at Sai Van Lake Square. On 16 and 17 February lucky red 'lai see' packets will be given out to residents and visitors by tourism mascots and ambassadors, while artistic groups from across Europe and Asia will perform around the city, enhancing the seasonal atmosphere.

The highlight events of the festivities are the two Parades for Celebration of the Year of the Dog, which take place on the third and ninth days of Chinese New Year (18 and 24 February) when illuminated floats and over 1000 performers from around the world make their way through the city's atmospheric streets and plazas. The first parade begins with an opening ceremony at Sai Van Lake Square and culminates in a firework display in front of the Macau Tower. The second parade runs from Rua Norte do Patane to Iao Hon Market Garden, where there will be cultural performances from local singers.

Throughout the festive period, crowds will visit the city's many temples to ask for blessings for the Lunar New Year, while fresh flowers, potted plants and bouquets are given as gifts for good luck. Temporary flower markets spring up across the city selling “auspicious” plants such as mandarin trees and bamboo stems, as well as pussy willow, cherry and plum blossoms, and orchids.

Another indispensable feature of the Chinese New Year celebrations are fireworks and firecrackers, whose loud cracking noises are used to scare away evil spirits; two designated areas are set up for people to buy and set them off in safety.

Chinese New Year is just one highlight in an exciting calendar of events in Macao, from traditional Portuguese and Chinese festivals reflecting the destination's unique heritage, to more contemporary sporting and arts events.